Kitchen Tips - Function

Kitchen Tip #1 - Realtors say Location, Location, Location

Kitchen Remodel Newburyport MA 

   Kitchens are all about Function, Function, Function.  Maximizing storage space is essential to having a great kitchen.  I have seen many kitchens that have no place to put frying pans, no real pantry storage, and no counter space of either side of the cook-top.  These are NOT functional kitchens.I look at such designs in magazines and think, WOW, that looks beautiful, but where do I store my pats and pans?

   I contend that all cabinets 12inches wide or less are basically useless.  What can you store in these cabinets?  Not much.  Most kitchens have three such worthless cabinets.  Similarly, I believe that lazy susans are painful - everything falls down while trying to access it.  There should be no worthless cabinets in you kitchen, when storage is scarce, maximize functionality.  Go to your kitchen and see how many cabinets are truly functional.  Most kitchens only have one or two cabinets  that are really useful.

   If you are going to spend the money to remodel your kitchen, let a designer move things around to maximize storage.  This will provide you with the most effective use of space in your kitchen.  Stop going to the basement to get that crock pot, or other bulky pantry item.  At Dream Kitchens we guarantee that we will give you at least 30% more storage space in your kitchen.

Kitchen Remodel Lexington MAKitchen Remodel Lexington MA

Kitchen Remodel Lexington MAKitchen Remodel Lexington MA 

The Dream Team

The Dream Team  

Here at Dream Kitchens we offer a service that goes beyond a new kitchen.  Our Designers often receive letters from ecstatic clients enjoying their beautiful new kitchen, but the "heroes" behind the scenes rarely get accolades for their hard work.  Kim Hagerstrom, was recently recognized by a previous client who needed a little assistance.  Please read on...

  "I want you to know that Kim has done a great job of locating the contact person for ordering replacement parts for our kitchen faucet. I was having significant difficulty locating a parts source. Once I explained my situation she immediately rolled out her Dream Kitchens' customer care red carpet, made all the right contacts, had me send the part numbers that I had on file along with some photos. She got right back to me with the exact information I needed to place the order with her. She assured me that she would send a copy of the sales order and sales receipt. Like clockwork, I found them in my mailbox this morning. I told Kim that I will contact her when I receive the shipment.

My personal rating of Kim's customer treatment, enthusiasm, professionalism and warmth on a scale of 1 ( Poor ) to 10 ( Excellent ) is a 15 !!!!!!!"

Cordially,

Bill 

In 2011, Kim celebrated her 10th year here at Dream Kitchens as a Project Manager.  Thank You Kim for your bubbly enthusiasm, professionalism, and heart felt warmth.

Master Bathroom Hudson NH

Master Bathroom Hudson NH

Master Bathroom Hudson NH

The client wanted a functional space that provided for two sink dwellers simultaneously. They also wanted a lot of light to help prepare for the daily adventure that awaited them outside the comforts of their home. Of course, style and taste could not be compromised.  

A White Birch cabinet with a Burgundy stain was selected. As with the downstairs, traditional style doors were preferred. Wheat colored granite along with a neutral ceramic tile was chosen to keep things light. Framed mirrors with wall-mounted lighting are more than adequate for the task. Crown molding finishes off things at the ceiling. The clients preferred a large walk in shower instead of a tub. In this area several items make life more bearable. A 10” Solatube that imports natural sunlight into the shower and also provides moisture exhaust was installed. Additionally, a dual-head shower system with multiple body sprays is confined behind a ½” custom glass enclosure. Add in the built in speaker system and you have a great space to ramp up for the busy day ahead.   

Master Bath Hudson NHMaster Bathroom Hudson NHMaster Bathroom Hudson NH 

Kitchen Remodel Hudson NH

Kitchen Remodel Hudson NH

Kitchen Remodel Hudson NH

As is typical with new construction, the design work for this project was an evolving plan. As changes were made to the structures layout, so too was the design for the kitchen. The finished product is a combination of decisions driven by lifestyle, visual attraction, appliance specifications, and budget constraints. 

The goal here was a design that was transitional and worked well in a hip-roof colonial. The clients wanted a kitchen that was timeless in its appeal and was conducive to easy meal preparation and delivery. Easy access to storage and appliances were equally important. The final design incorporates a center cook island with a stainless hood above. The front of the island is a raised display cabinet with wine storage and is one of the first things seen when you enter the space. A 4’ wide 12” deep pantry allows for more than enough storage with easy access. Double ovens and a 36” induction cook top provide the cooking power for this well adorned facility. A built in coffee center provides the perfect start to a hectic daily routine. Integrated seating at the angled peninsula is easy to clean up near the sink and dishwasher. The full height granite backsplash, ceramic floor done with large tiles, and granite counter tops provide a nice clean feel to the space. A large crown molding at the ceiling really dresses the whole package up. 

Stainless steel appliances combined with Cherry cabinets in a Burgundy stain are a perfect contrast to each other. The contemporary layout with state of the art appliances combines nicely with the traditional raised panel door style in this kitchen. Mixtures of recessed cans with under cabinet low voltage strips provide great task lighting. The single pendent over the seating area delivers shadow free illumination for the homeowner and guests.

New construction with style!

Kitchen Remodel Hudson NHKitchen Remodel Hudson NHKitchen Remodel Hudson NH

Kitchen Remodel Nashua NH

Kitchen Remodel Nashua NH

Kitchen Remodel Nashua NH

These clients were looking to maximize storage and open up a crowded kitchen. The design had several iterations before finalized. It was decided to remove several portions of wall. One wall that divided the kitchen from a small dinette area and the other that created a hallway through the center of the house. The dinette area had a vaulted ceiling which added a feeling of spaciousness when opened to the new kitchen. Wood beams were added for structural integrity. By removing the hallway wall, the space was opened up to the family room also.

 Natural Cherry with Giallo granite counter tops was selected as a color scheme. The colors of gray and black in the granite were a perfect match to the stainless steel refrigerator and the other high gloss black appliances. The large pantry used to build in the refrigerator was a welcomed addition to handle storage needs. The integrated seating area on the end of the peninsula is perfect for family suppers and having friends over. The new lighting was just what was needed to add a touch of ambiance to this newly defined space.

Kitchen Remodel Nashua NH Kitchen Remodel Nashua NH Kitchen Remodel Nashua NH