A well-designed kitchen not only looks great but also boosts your home’s value. Buyers always notice the kitchen first. So, putting some work into it can make your home stand out. It’s about making smart, affordable improvements that anyone can appreciate.

If you’re thinking of making some changes, focus on upgrades that add style and function. A few simple projects can transform an outdated kitchen into a modern, welcoming space. Even if you’re not selling soon, you’ll still enjoy the improvements for years to come. Stay tuned for some great tips and ideas on how to get started.

Quick and Affordable Kitchen Fixtures to Consider

Making your kitchen look new doesn’t have to be expensive. Changing a few fixtures can make a big difference. Here are some easy and affordable upgrades:

1. Faucets: Swapping out your old faucet for a stylish new one is quick and budget-friendly. Choose a modern design that matches the rest of your kitchen.

2. Lighting: Adding under-cabinet lighting or updating pendant lights can brighten up the space. Look for energy-efficient LED options to save money on your electricity bill.

3. Cabinet Handles and Knobs: Replacing old, worn handles and knobs with new ones can instantly update the look of your cabinets. Choose from a variety of styles that fit your kitchen decor.

4. Sink Upgrade: Consider replacing an outdated sink with a sleek, modern stainless steel or farmhouse-style sink. This will give your kitchen a fresh and updated look.

These simple changes are easy to do and won’t break the bank. They can make your kitchen feel new and inviting without major renovations.

Top Trending Cabinet Upgrades

Cabinets are a key feature in any kitchen. Upgrading them can transform the entire space. Here are the top cabinet trends:

1. Two-Tone Cabinets: This trend remains popular. Using two different colors for upper and lower cabinets can create a striking look. Pair dark lower cabinets with lighter upper cabinets for a balanced and stylish appearance.

2. Open Shelving: Replacing some upper cabinets with open shelves can make your kitchen feel larger. It also gives you a chance to display decorative items and easy-to-reach everyday dishes.

3. High-Gloss Finishes: Glossy cabinet finishes are in. They reflect light, making your kitchen look brighter and more spacious. Consider a high-gloss finish for a modern and sleek style.

4. Smart Storage Solutions: Cabinets with built-in organizers can make your kitchen more functional. Look for pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, and custom dividers to keep everything in its place.

5. Bold Colors: Don’t be afraid to use bold colors like navy blue or emerald green. These colors can add personality to your kitchen and make it stand out.

Keeping up with these cabinet trends can make your kitchen look stylish and up-to-date. These upgrades are worth considering if you want to make a big impact without a complete remodel.

Smart Appliances That Transform Your Kitchen

Upgrading to smart appliances can make cooking and cleaning easier. These devices come with features that save time and energy. Here are some smart appliances to consider:

1. Smart Refrigerators: These fridges come with touch screens and can connect to your smartphone. They help you keep track of groceries, show recipes, and even play music. Some models have cameras inside so you can see what’s in your fridge when you’re at the store.

2. Smart Ovens: A smart oven can be controlled with an app on your phone. Preheat your oven on your way home or set a timer for baking. Some models have built-in cameras for monitoring food.

3. Smart Dishwashers: These dishwashers use sensors to adjust water and energy use based on the load. You can schedule runs from your phone and get alerts when the cycle is done.

4. Smart Microwaves: Using voice commands, you can start or stop your microwave, set timers, and get cooking tips. These microwaves can scan food barcodes to set cooking times automatically.

Smart appliances can bring convenience and efficiency to your kitchen. They make everyday tasks easier, helping you save time and effort.

Creative Backsplash and Countertop Ideas

Adding a new backsplash or countertop can give your kitchen a fresh look. Here are some creative ideas to inspire you:

1. Bold Backsplashes: Choose a colorful or patterned tile to make your backsplash the focal point. Geometric patterns, subway tiles in bold hues, or even mosaic designs can add character to your kitchen.

2. Natural Stone Countertops: Using materials like granite or marble can add elegance. These stones are durable and come in many colors and patterns, adding a touch of luxury to your kitchen.

3. Quartz Countertops: Quartz is a great option because it’s durable and low maintenance. It comes in many colors and can mimic the look of natural stone.

4. Recycled Materials: For an eco-friendly kitchen, consider countertops made from recycled glass or composite materials. These options are sustainable and still stylish.

5. Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix different materials. Combine wood and stone for a unique look. Use one material for your island and another for the main countertops.

These ideas can help make your kitchen stand out. Simple changes to backsplashes and countertops can create a fresh and stylish space.

Conclusion

Improving your kitchen doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. Small upgrades like new fixtures, trendy cabinets, smart appliances, and creative backsplashes can add great value to your home. These updates make your kitchen more attractive and functional.

When upgrading your kitchen, think about both style and function. Practical choices that look good will appeal to potential buyers and make your life easier. Start with quick and affordable changes and then move to bigger projects if needed.

Ready to transform your kitchen? Contact NJ Kitchens and Baths to help you create the kitchen of your dreams. Our expert team is here to turn your vision into reality. Don’t wait–call us for more information about our kitchen remodeling services and upgrade today!

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Ask Your Network

Most people have cabinets in their kitchen. So, if anyone in your network has done some cabinet renovations in their home, you should see if they have a contractor they would recommend. The great thing about using this approach is you’ll see in person the quality of the work completed by that contractor.

Check Their Reviews

Online reviews are a great way to check the reputation of a kitchen cabinet design company. After all, you want to have faith that the contractor is reliable, has done quality work, and hasn’t had any contract disputes. When you read client reviews, you can gain insight into how the cabinet design company works with customers. Many review sites will also show photos and videos that clients have posted. Our website offers testimonials, a photo gallery, and videos.

Visit the Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau is an organization that keeps track of businesses. It’s a great resource to see if the contractor is a reputable business. A great way to tell is if the business is officially registered with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB also gives a company a letter grade from A through F based on several factors, such as the list of outstanding complaints they’ve had. They also list the year the company started, so you have a good sense of how many years they’ve operated. We have an A+ rating with the BBB.

Gather Quotes

You want to ensure that your cabinet update can fit within your renovation budget. So, it’s a good idea to gather quotes from three different contractors. That way, you can ensure you’re getting a fair market price for your renovation. Compare the overall pricing to the cabinet services they provide.

As you begin the search for a cabinet design company, you can use the above tips to make your choice easier. Check how they rank with the Better Business Bureau, gather different quotes, and don’t forget to check with your inner circle. When you’re ready to get started, contact NJ Kitchens & Baths, Inc today for a consultation.

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The kitchen is often referred to as the “heart of the home,” and with current popular home layouts — it’s very true! The kitchen can make or break a home. Not just from a visual perspective, either. Families are bound to spend so much time in the kitchen, from cooking and eating meals to sitting around the table chatting. It’s a room that many people want to feel perfect, which often requires some renovations.

If you find the right contractor, then a kitchen remodel should be fairly simple. However, if the contractor isn’t top notch, your kitchen remodel can quickly turn into a huge mess. So, how do you find the right contractor?

Here are some things to take into consideration:

Figure out your needs

Before you start your search for someone to renovate your kitchen, you’re going to want to figure out exactly what you want. Sure, the contractor can help you sort out the details, but without some sort of checklist to give your candidates, it’s going to be hard for them to give you the answers you need — and for you to determine if they’re the right fit.

And when we say detailed, we mean that you should be as specific as possible. Look at kitchen designs you like, and figure out what needs to change in your kitchen to make it happen. New cabinets? Countertops? Backsplash? Flooring? List it all.

Be picky

If you were to Google search “kitchen contractors near me,” you’re likely to find thousands of hits for your area, especially if you live in or near a large city. So, picking the right one can be overwhelming and may take some time. It might even get frustrating at times. But don’t give up or settle for the first contractor who seems good. Keep going until you can confidently settle on the best contractor for the job.

More than half of homeowners who have a kitchen remodeled have said they were unhappy with their experience with the contractor. That means that it’s quite literally more likely you’ll be dissatisfied with your contractor than you might actually be happy with the outcome. It’s important to try everything you can to beat those odds. Don’t be afraid to be picky. After all, it is your home.

Get detailed estimates

If you’ve never worked with a contractor before, you may be inclined to just put each contractors’ estimates up against each other and directly compare. This doesn’t actually work, because each contractor is going to have a different method for calculating their estimate based on their needs. That means that you might be inclined to go with the lower initial estimate, but if you review the scope and materials, you might realize some key things are missing. You’ll want to ask your contractor for as many details as possible about what is included in that estimate so that you can accurately compare those details across each proposal.

Protect yourself

So, you’ve landed on the best estimate and you’re ready to book a contractor. There are a few other things you’ll want to do before you fork over the money and break ground on the project. These are some simple ways to protect yourself from hiring someone who is, in the end, going to leave you in a worse position. First, check their license with your state’s contractor state license board, if they have the information available to you. Then ask for a copy of their insurance certificate.

Once you know they’re legit, do some more online research to try to find reviews online. You can even ask them for recent references who would be willing to speak on the phone with you about the contractor’s work. It might seem tedious and even a little overbearing, but it’s worth the due diligence to make sure that your remodel is going to go as smoothly as possible.

Get everything in writing

Congratulations! You’ve found a contractor! Time to get excited about your new kitchen. But first, make sure to get everything in writing. Read over your contract thoroughly before you sign it and ask any questions you think are necessary. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. You should be as informed as possible about what’s laid out in your contract before you move forward. Make sure that it includes a bid price and payment schedule, the entire scope of the work, a site plan, a construction schedule, a change-order clause, an express limited warranty, a procedural list for close out, a dispute resolution clause, and a waiver of lien. All of those should be laid out before you sign on the dotted line.

Conclusion

We don’t say all this to intimidate you. We just want you to be as prepared as possible for a remodel, especially one as large and important as your entire kitchen. If your contractor is good at what they do, then this process should actually be fairly simple. It might take a bit of time (and a lot of phone calls) to weed out the ones that aren’t the right fit, but once you’ve done that — it should be smooth sailing from there. If at any point during the process you feel uneasy or like you’re getting unnecessary pushback on any of this (like referrals or contract changes), don’t be afraid to move on. It might seem like more trouble at the time, but in the long run you are saving yourself an even bigger headache by making sure you get this remodel done right the first time. Happy renovating!

The post How to Find a Reliable Kitchen Contractor Near Me? appeared first on NJ Kitchens and Baths.

We love this kitchen because the dark cabinets are able to stand out with the lighter countertops, backsplash, and wood flooring.

Another great idea is to have a monochromatic look like this kitchen we completed. Backsplash, countertop, and cabinets are all in the same beige/tan family. 

We love these white cabinets, white backsplash, and black & stainless steel appliances. The gray paint in the background accents the colors beautifully.

What we love about this kitchen is the green countertops, blue walls, and white cabinets. The colors compliment each other beautifully!

If you’re going to have two sets of cabinets in different colors, make sure your backsplashes and cabinets compliment one another well. In this case, the brass hardware ties everything in beautifully. With the right accents, you can have the different countertops, cabinets, and backsplashes all match nicely! We love this kitchen.

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Consider adding a multi-colored penny tile in your shower to add variety to the space.

A beautiful way to break up a big space is to have herringbone pattern floors. 

Stuck on vanity hardware choices? Opt for a floating vanity with no hardware. Elegant and simple!

Don’t rule out a butcher block countertop. Not only is it practical, but it offers a great look to the kitchen.

Consider a stone tile niche that matches the shower floor to break up the tile space in your shower. Add a stone slab for your bench and you’ve got a gorgeous look!

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This custom foyer was for Nate Berkus on HGTV. 

This laundry room not only conveniently places the washer and dryer side by side rather than stacked, but it also has a gorgeous stone countertop and sink for all laundry emergencies. The cabinets on each side of the window also add extra storage for less clutter!

This custom office includes storage for all home office needs (and then some)! Notice the corners of each end of the room feature additional cabinet space so that no space is left without a purpose!

This  tile backsplash doubles as a feature above the range and added storage space for spices and oils!

Take a look at this custom wine nook added next to stove! 

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This galley-style kitchen has a variety of cabinet sizes, double wall oven, and a sub-zero refrigerator. Galley-style doesn’t mean tight. There is plenty of room for all your kitchen needs and more. 

In the same kitchen, we went with the waterfall peninsula countertop. Not only will spills always be easy to clean, without worrying about ruining the cabinets, but it’s also a very elevated and luxurious look in a kitchen. 

Don’t be afraid to go for two-toned cabinets. Not only does the island cabinetry vary here, but so does the nook in the corner of the kitchen. Tying in the two tones with the same hardware is a great way to blend the two together. 

Can’t decide on your favorite backsplash? You don’t need to! This kitchen has a clean and simple tile for the grey cabinets, with a crackled and mirrored tile for the navy cabinets. Also notice that the blue cabinet corner has a butcher block countertop with a wet bar, leaving lots of room on the island for prep and serving. 

The island is also a great place for a range! With the hood above the island, it acts almost as a chandelier. You also get the option of going for a gorgeous window by the sink. Who doesn’t love that? 

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Your first decision should be what you want in a bathroom. This is a prime example of having it all: tub, shower, toilet, and double vanity. Stone countertops are ideal when working with water. 

Don’t forget that details matter. We love that the mirror frames match the cabinets of the vanity. Not to mention, keeping the vanity simple allows for a fun floor tile!

Floating vanities offer a fun and unique look, leaving room for push drawers and hardware free cabinets. Not to mention, the wall fixtures are an awesome touch. 

Want something to pop? The double mirrors make fantastic accents to this bold, metallic blue tiled wall. Going for a bold tile also makes the dark stone countertop look sleek and modern.

Sconce lighting always looks better with two vanity mirrors. Not only is the additional lighting practical, but it looks very elegant and adds an elevated look to a bathroom. 

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Consider a Viking or Wolf range. The red knobs are a statement piece, and the extra burners are convenient when cooking for large quantities.

Drawer microwaves and sub zero refrigerators are appliances that truly elevate a kitchen space. 

Don’t be afraid to go for the matching black hood and range. The black knobs are a lovely detail and make for a great accent color in any space.

One of our favorite appliances are the double wall ovens. Convenient and elegant in any space. 

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