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Kitchen Countertop Trends

Countertops set the tone and serve as the focal point in a kitchen, especially kitchen islands. The perfect countertop can help you achieve the desired aesthetic for your kitchen, but you also want to choose one that suits your lifestyle. Here are a few finish, material, and design trends that you may want to consider when choosing your kitchen countertops.

 

Material: Quartz

First introduced as a high-end alternative to granite, quartz has been dominating the countertop scene for years. As a non-porous option, liquids like water, wine, and oils cannot seep into the surface to cause staining and bacteria cannot penetrate the surface to create unsanitary conditions. Quartz, also praised for its durability, is as strong as concrete and granite, but less likely to chip or crack. As a manufactured product, quartz countertops are available in a variety of colors, patterns, and finishes that mimic the look of granite, natural stone, and marble—all at a more affordable price point.

 

Finishes: Polished,  Honed, and Leathered

Textures and tactile surfaces are trending in all aspects of home design, including countertops. Honed, leathered, and polished surfaces can be applied to most countertop materials, including granite, marble, and quartz. A low-sheen, matte, honed finish has little to no shine, better concealing flaws and scratches. In recent years, this trend has been gaining ground over the previously popular polished surface. Leathered finishes are a newer style of treatment that retain a stone’s natural color giving it a more sophisticated look than honed. This type of finish offers a soft sheen that is less glossy than a polished slab, allowing it to better hide fingerprints and water spots.

 

Character: Veining and Patterns

Homeowners are looking for more character than round particulate patterned countertops. Realistic veining is a hot trend in kitchen countertops and modern engineering has made it easier for manufacturers to produce striking and uniquely veined and patterned materials.

 

Style: Waterfall Islands

Countertops consisting of four sides of neat ends are being replaced by the waterfall edge where the countertop flows from the top of the island to the floor. This stunning design feature can be achieved with almost any material, and is sure to be one of the first things guest will notice when entering your kitchen.

 

Shop Green for All Your Kitchen Countertop Needs

At Green Basements & Remodeling we are your one-stop-shop for residential renovation projects. Come explore our 25,000 square foot showroom to see all the latest materials, finishes and trends for yourself. We partner with top manufacturers and fabricators to provide our clients with the absolute best materials for their homes. Plus, our curated team of professionals is ready to walk you through our all-inclusive process. We love sharing our knowledge of countertop materials, finishes and more and we ensure your project runs smoothly and efficiently by assigning you a dedicated Project Manager and Designer. That’s right—your kitchen renovation will have a dedicated team solely focused on your job and ready to create the kitchen of your dreams! We invite you to check out our kitchen portfolio and then give us a call at (678) 736-6335 (Marietta), (678) 445-5533 (Woodstock), or contact us through our online form today.

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Design Tips for Planning a Family Kitchen

In family homes, the kitchen is usually the gathering space for doing homework and spending time together as a family as well as for cooking and eating. When designing this space you will want to focus on the functional needs as well as creating an adaptable space that can grow and change with the needs of everyone in your family. The renovation team at Green Basements and Remodeling has a few design tips to help you design the perfect family kitchen.   Choose the Right Layout Getting the right layout is essential for any kitchen, but family kitchens tend to be where everyone gathers, creating traffic issues and possibly dangerous situations. A peninsula can create a child-free zone by closing off access to one area whereas an island creates a more open-plan layout. Consider how to make everyone comfortable, have plenty of designated seating, and give the person cooking plenty of space to move freely when designing your kitchen’s layout.   Multiple Height Work Surfaces In addition to work surface heights suited to the person who does most of the cooking, lower work surfaces allow children to assist in food preparation. These lowered countertops can then be used as baking stations, breakfast bars, homework spots, or specialty seating areas after small children grow.   Let Appliances Make Life Easier Family life requires choosing appliances designed for maximum convenience. Sanitizing dishwashers, hot water dispensers, fast-cook ovens, convection microwaves, and refrigerator drawers make life easier for busy families.   Family-Friendly Materials Sticky handprints and spills are constant occurrences in family kitchens. Choose stain-resistant, anti-bacterial materials (quartz, steel) and finishes (matte rather than gloss) that are less likely to show smudges. Easy-maintenance flooring (ceramic, concrete, porcelain) can stand up to heavy wear and tear and are great choices if you have pets.   Partner with the Experts at Green Basements and Remodeling Your kitchen is more than just a place to cook, it is a place for your family to gather and grow. At Green Basements and Remodeling we know that each kitchen is as unique as the family that will use it. Your dedicated Project Manager and Designer will ask questions such as “What does a day in the life of your kitchen look like? What works? What doesn’t?” to help determine the best use of your space. By partnering with us you can rest easy knowing your project will run smoothly and efficiently because 100% customer satisfaction is our number one goal. Call us at (678) 736-6335 (Marietta) or (678) 445-5533 (Woodstock) or contact us through our online form to get started designing your family-friendly kitchen today!
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Preparing for Your Kitchen Remodel

When you envision the end result of your beautiful kitchen remodel you probably gloss over the part where you’ll be living in your home throughout the construction process. All remodels take patience and perseverance, but preparing for your project in advance can reduce the amount of inconvenience you will experience in the weeks or months you will be living without a fully functioning kitchen. Here are a few tips from Green Basements & Remodeling to make your kitchen remodel a bit less stressful.   Establish Storage Areas Before your project even begins you must move everything out of the kitchen. This is a great time to purge any old, broken, or unused items. Establish a dedicated storage for all remaining items while your project is in process. Basements, garages, and spare bedrooms can be utilized but if those aren’t options and you just don’t have room onsite, you will need to consider offsite options such as friends’ and family members’ homes or storage units.   Create a Temporary Kitchen Dining out, delivery, and carryout are great meal solutions while you don’t have a working kitchen, but these options can get tiresome and put a strain on your budget. By setting up a temporary kitchen you will have a spot where you can brew your morning coffee and put together a few basic meals. Choose a dust-free space somewhere that’s out of the way of construction to serve as your temporary kitchen. Add a table, chairs, and shelves or storage crates for your pantry items and necessary equipment, such as a microwave, coffeemaker, electric kettle, toaster oven, electric griddle and slow cooker. The refrigerator and freezer in your temporary kitchen can be stocked with individually portioned microwaveable meals before moving everything out of your kitchen. Paper plates, cups, napkins, and plastic utensils will cut down on dishes to be washed. You may also want to keep a knife, cutting board, and few of your favorite spices on hand. Don’t forget that your grill can do more than just roast meat and vegetables. Get adventurous and bake pizzas, biscuits, rolls, and skillet pies. Keep a stash of nonperishable and “grab and go” snacks available like peanut butter, crackers, sliced bread, dried fruit, canned goods, trail mix, cereal, soup, and fruit.   Plan a Few Getaways Giving yourself a few breaks throughout your project can give you the renewed energy you need to complete a renovation. Taking a mini vacation can be difficult in the time of COVID-19, but renting a hotel room for a night, spending a few days at one of your family or friends’ homes, or renting a recreational vehicle can provide a much needed respite from your project.   Stay Calm and Focus on the Big Picture When you find yourself in the middle of your project, beginning to panic and feeling overwhelmed, focus on the beautiful end result. Your kitchen remodel is only temporary. Remember, you will be enjoying your new kitchen shortly and for many years to come.   Partner with Green Basements & Remodeling Ready to remodel your kitchen? Our curated team of professionals is ready to walk you through our all-inclusive process. Your kitchen renovation will have a dedicated team solely focused on your job and ready to create the kitchen of your dreams!
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Splashy Kitchen Backsplashes

Kitchen backsplashes perform the functional duties of protecting your work spaces but they are also an important design element. They can seamlessly blend into an overall aesthetic or stand out as unique works of art. Beginning as small ceramic tile borders featuring fruits and vegetables and progressing through the prevalence of subway tile, the evolution of backsplashes is far from over.

Material: Classics & New Alternatives

Ceramic and porcelain tiles remain top material choices but metal, natural stone, glass, mirror, brick, and wood backslashes are being added to kitchens by homeowners looking to create a unique look. Homeowners interested in a more organic look are choosing handmade backsplash tiles to create depth and add variation.

Colors, Patterns, and Layouts

Neutrals (white, gray or beige) are top color choices but backsplash tiles are available in every possible color. Some upcoming trends include graphic prints and large patterned tiles. Tile layouts such as chevron, herringbone, Moroccan fish scale can also deliver big results. It is important to remember that the tiles will repeat (similar to wallpaper) meaning layout prior to installation is crucial to maintain a balanced look.

Finishes

Shiny finishes on porcelain and ceramic offer a classic look but when it comes to finishes, options are endless. The reflective quality of mirrored tile finishes can brighten your kitchen in the day (reflecting natural sunlight) and night (reflecting electric lighting). Metallic tiles can bring a glossy industrial feel to your space. Weathered and acid wash tile offer an aged, authentic look and tumbled tiles can be designed to resemble natural stone.

Heights: Take It to the Limit

A majority of homeowners are currently taking the backsplash up to the bottom of their kitchen cabinets or range hood, but full feature walls where the backsplash material is applied all the way up to the ceiling are rising in popularity. As more homeowners opt for open shelves or windows rather than upper wall cabinetry, these ceiling-height backsplashes become dynamic focal points.

Super Hot New Trend: Slabs

If you’re ready to break the mold and step out of the tile backsplash box, one of the hottest new trends is a slab backsplash. Slabs offer the appeal of a stunning, continuous surface, rather than smaller individual tiles divided by grout lines.

Partner with the Design Team at Green

Whether you are looking to incorporate traditional or contemporary backsplash designs into your kitchen, the team at Green Basements & Remodeling is ready to help you create the kitchen of your dreams. Call our office today to schedule your in home consultation and showroom meeting!

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Create Your (Kitchen) Island Oasis

When the time comes to consider remodeling or renovation projects around the house, the kitchen is always a perennial favorite, not only with homeowners looking to get a big bang for their buck when (or if) they choose to resell, but for homebuyers looking for a relatively new and modern kitchen. One aspect of newer kitchens that continues to rise in popularity with homeowners and prospective homebuyers alike is the kitchen island. For homeowners looking to spruce up their kitchens, an island is a great addition. Whether it’s part of a larger kitchen renovation project or merely the installation of the island itself, a kitchen island offers great benefits in form and function to the room that has quickly become the average home’s bustling hub of activity. At Green Remodeling, we know that one of the most common complaints the average homeowner makes about their current kitchen is the lack of usable space. A kitchen island helps to solve that problem on many fronts. Counter/Prep Space Have you ever tried to cook or bake in your kitchen, only to realize that you usually end spending more time moving stuff around the counter in order to make room for your cooking or baking items than you do actually cooking and baking? A kitchen island gives you the convenient luxury of extra counter space. Prep Sink Speaking of extra prep space, a kitchen island is the perfect spot for a second sink, also known as a prep sink. Prep sinks are a wonderful addition, especially if you’re active in the kitchen. In addition to being a dedicated sink where you can wash vegetables or thaw meat, a prep sink can also be used to wash hands and make drinks. Storage Space Another great idea to incorporate into a kitchen island is extra storage space. Since kitchens always seem to be short on storage space, a kitchen island is a convenient location that’s not only central to the room, but in close proximity to the prep and cook areas, but to the dishwasher and sink, as well. Seating Space Since seating space always seems to be at a premium, a kitchen island offers a unique and convenient spot for seating. Closer to the action, kitchen island seating allows those seated to interact with the cook, which is great when entertaining during dinner parties. In addition, because of its proximity to the sink and dishwasher, it helps to make cleanup quick and efficient. Go Green! While there are pre-fab “islands” that you can buy from a store, they are small, often times resembling a cart, and offer none of the benefits described here. To get the most for your money, hire the professionals at Green Remodeling for a custom designed and built kitchen island that commands attention. Specializing in remodeling and renovating many different spaces in and around your home, Green Remodeling is the one to call for any and all of your upcoming projects. Whether it’s a mere kitchen island or an entire kitchen redo, Green Remodeling can get the job done on-time and on-budget!
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2018: The Right Time to Remodel

With a brand new year on the calendar, it just so happens to be the best time to look ahead to the hottest home design and renovation trends for the upcoming year in anticipation of a possible remodel or renovation. With a healthy and growing economy, now might be the best time to consider investing in a home improvement project. No Time Like the Present With the growth in economy and consumer confidence, 2018 is shaping up to be a great year to remodel or renovate – but you need to hurry. Because the longer you wait to green light a project while others are choosing to take the plunge, the greater the potential adverse effect will be on the very factors you’re hoping aren’t affected. In other words, while a low material cost is a good thing when considering a remodel, if you continue to wait while others have begun their remodeling jobs, their activity will, in turn, eventually raise the cost of materials on your potential remodeling job, once you decide to green light it. Bottom line? Act swiftly. Kitchens: The Hub of the House Studies have shown that the return on investment on a kitchen remodel outperforms renovations made to any other room of the house. Great things to consider on a kitchen remodel include, but are not limited to, increasing available storage space, refacing or replacing cabinets, installing upgraded countertops, installing a walk-in pantry, and adding upgraded appliances. In addition, another great design trend for the kitchen is a large island that features either an additional prep area, complete with a sink and/or another seating area for less formal meals and gatherings, where the diners can sit closer to the person who’s doing the cooking. Bath Another design-trendy area of the home that it pays to renovate is the master bath area. Like kitchens, master baths evoke emotion in the heart of the homeowner. Where kitchens evoke a sense of comfort and fellowship, master baths often times evoke a sense of peace and relaxation. It’s those emotional ties that potential homebuyers respond to, seeking out upgraded amenities and features. For a master bath, such amenities might include a walk-in shower (perhaps with a built-in seat for comfort or convenience), steam shower, solid countertops, and additional storage, to name a few. With a little help from the renovation experts at Green Remodeling, you can make the most of your opportunity this year to take on the remodeling project you’ve been considering. Whether it’s a kitchen or bath upgrade, finishing off a basement to enlarge your living space, or adding on a completely new space to extend your square footage, the home improvement pros at Green Remodeling will take a consultative approach to helping you create the space you’ve always wanted. Be sure to contact Green Remodeling for more information about how they can help you with all your home improvement needs in 2018 and beyond!    
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Stop the Mud (and the Madness) with an Organized Mudroom

With all the torrential rain and afternoon thunderstorms we’ve been getting lately, it’s a pretty safe bet that there’s some mud and dirt being tracked unnecessarily into your home. Sure, you’ve equipped yourself with an arsenal of brooms, dustpans, vacuums, and mops to battle the mess, but it’s an endless fight that you’ll never truly win. Mud Stopper One option that goes a long way in helping to gain an advantage in fighting the mud and dirt from getting into the recesses of your home is a mudroom. A mudroom is basically a room or designated space between your primary point of entry and the rest of the home – usually just inside the garage and preferably adjacent to the laundry room/area  – that usually incorporates seating, storage, and a mud-friendly floor. Seating & Storage Since you’ll be stopping in your mudroom to remove your shoes, rain/snow boots, and the like, you’ll be best served by putting some bench seating in the area. Bench seats can incorporate storage space underneath that can be used for shoe and boot storage. Consider using overhead storage shelves to keep frequently used items within convenient distance of the door and within easy reach. For added convenience, use hooks along the walls to catch jackets, bags, backpacks, and other necessities. Extra Amenities In addition to the basic features, you can also maximize the available space by adding some custom amenities that add form as well as function. Some mudrooms go the extra mile when it comes to organization by incorporating individual “lockers” or cubbyholes that can be assigned to each member of the family for personalization and convenience. Basically, you’re limited only by your imagination when it comes to renovating or adding on a new space. Whether it’s a space for an umbrella stand to hold your wet umbrellas until it’s time to head out again, a floor length mirror to catch one last look before leaving the house or, for the ultimate in convenience, a tiled, mini-shower with drain that can double as a pet-bathing station and kid-rinsing room to get the extra mud off after a dirty day playing outside. And last but not least, make sure to go with a tile or laminate floor that can withstand the elements and is easy to sweep and mop. Adding a mudroom to your existing space doesn’t just make your life easier, it also adds value to your home, which is always a great thing when it comes to home renovations and upgrades, which makes it a win/win. Trust Green Remodeling to make the most of your budget and your available space, whether it’s a mudroom or any other space inside (or outside) your home. Contact the home remodeling and renovation experts at Green Remodeling for your free estimate today!
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3 Summer Home Renovations That Cut Energy Costs

With the official arrival of summer, it’s also that time of year to welcome the sweltering Southern heat and the increased cost of keeping your house cool. It seems as if the constant heat is rivaled only by the constant need to run your air conditioning 24/7. Here are few investments and home renovations you can make to help keep energy costs down when the temps go up. Energy Efficient Windows If you live in an older home or find that you are spending way too much on energy costs, perhaps it’s time to look into replacing your existing windows with energy efficient windows that will save you money all year-round. While it’s not exactly a cheap fix, installing energy efficient windows is an investment that not only cuts energy costs, but adds to your home’s resale value. Energy efficient windows have a wide price range and feature everything from double panes, reflective coating, and weather stripping, all the up to having argon gas between the panes. Replacing your windows also allows you the opportunity to seal up drafty spots around the windows, preventing cool air from escaping when it’s hot outside and keeping warm air from escaping when it’s cold outside. Make sure to look into available tax credits when replacing windows, too. Insulation To further “seal up” the house, it may also be time to add new insulation. When it comes to energy costs, the attic and basement (foundation) are – pardon the pun – hot spots for increased energy costs. If you have an unfinished basement, make sure to have a professional add sealant to any exposed concrete. If your basement is finished, make certain that your walls are properly insulated. If they’re not, you can have a professional add loose-fill insulation without having to open the wall up. As for insulating the attic, there are many different forms of insulation that you can use to get the job done. Whether spray foam, fiberglass or cellulose, proper insulation will add comfort and cost savings year-round. Look for special tax credits, as well. Storm Doors Summer is also a great time to upgrade your front (and/or back) door with the addition of a storm door. Installed in front of your existing exterior door, a storm door features glass and screen panels that allow you to keep your exterior door open to allow natural light and air in while keeping the entryway closed and secure from bugs and other things you wish to keep out. In addition to the extra curb appeal, the increased ventilation can help to keep air moving throughout the house, bringing your cooling costs down. Trust a Professional For over a decade, Green Remodeling has worked hard to turn their clients’ dream home visions into reality. With an experienced staff of licensed designers and project managers, they will consult with you during every facet of your project – from start to finish – to ensure that your home remodel/renovation project exceeds expectations without exceeding your budget or timetable. Whether it’s something as simple as helping to improve your energy savings or a full renovation that transforms your kitchen or bathroom into an amazing blend of form and function, they offer a full assortment of services guaranteed to improve on the very personal and precious investment known as your home. Contact Green Remodeling for all your home improvement needs.
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Warm, Welcoming Showers…Even on the Coldest Days

As if mornings weren’t tough enough, cold weather can make your shower floor icy cold and unwelcoming. You might run your shower for several minutes to warm the floor, seat, or walls before you even step inside, but they still might not be warm enough to stand on, sit on, or lean against. One of the most luxurious things you can do to make your shower more welcoming in cold weather is to add heated flooring. Heated shower floors will warm your feet and in turn relax the rest of your body. But why stop there? Did you know you could have a heated tile system inside your shower to warm your shower benches and up the tile walls? Heating systems can also be installed under tiles, benches, and various shower components. No more leaning back and touching freezing cold tiles with your back or sitting on a cold seat to try to relax or shave your legs! There are two basic types of heating systems for your shower, hydronic and electric. Hydronic heating distributes water heated by gas, wood or oil boilers, solar water heaters, or a combination of sources, through a tubing system beneath the shower floor or beneath the shower tiles. Electric radiant heat consists of electrical tubes that are positioned under the shower floor or beneath the shower tiles. Hydronic systems are a great solution if you are renovating the entire house, but electrical heating systems are more cost efficient and easier to install in a smaller space, like your shower. Heated shower systems need a dedicated 20-amp GFCI protected circuit that will prevent overheating and cut the power in the event of a short or other problem. Each manufacturer offers various system features, such as programmable timers, which can turn the system on while you’re still asleep. Your shower floor, tiles, and bench will warmly welcome you in the morning and can be turned off for the rest of the day. You can even put the floor and the tiles on two different thermostats. The systems are relatively inexpensive to operate and by limiting the heat to a single area in your bathroom, you’ll save on utility costs. When temperatures outside drop, you’ll be thankful for a heated shower system and once you’ve leaned back on your shower’s heated tiles, you’ll never go back. When adding heated shower floors, tiles, and benches to a bathroom be sure to always work with licensed professionals, like Green. Call us today and find out why Green Remodeling is smart remodeling.
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The Top 3 Trends in Kitchen Sinks

Kitchen cabinetry, countertop, and appliance trends are ever evolving and kitchen sink trends are no exception. Probably the most used appliance in the kitchen, the kitchen sink needs to conform to the style of its surrounding and the needs of its users. Although kitchen sinks are available in a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes, a few trends stand out. Single Basin / Farmhouse Sinks Homeowners are opting for bigger, single-basin farmhouse sinks rather than double bowl sinks for a perfect blend of beauty and function. These sinks work with almost any kitchen design and are large enough to accommodate big pots and pans that can’t go in the dishwasher. A deep farmhouse sink also means less splashing onto your countertops. If you don’t care for the traditional white porcelain style, consider adding a punch of bold color or hammered copper to create a focal point in your kitchen. Undermount and Integrated Sinks Undermount sinks are installed from below the counter, eliminating the top lip and providing a streamlined look. This style is preferred for it’s easy clean up since crumbs and other waste can be simply wiped into the sink without getting caught on the lip. Undermount sinks come in stainless steel, porcelain, and enameled cast iron and can only be used on solid surfaces like granite, marble, quartz, and quartzite. Their polished styles and clean lines work with all design styles. Integrated sinks take the look of undermounted sinks one step further by being made from the same material as the countertop, lending a seamless look to quartz, granite, and marble countertops. Secondary / Prep Sinks Another trend in kitchen sinks is the addition of smaller secondary sinks, which are available in a variety of shapes and styles. From bar sinks to hand washing sinks to food prep sinks, the smaller second sink often helps alleviate kitchen congestion. The size and layout of the kitchen generally dictates the necessity of a prep sink, but after installing a second sink, homeowners often wonder how they ever went without one. As with any design choice, your decision should not be based on trends alone. Ask yourself questions about each of your sink choices. Is it easy to use? Is it visually appealing? Does it make my life easier? At Greens Remodeling we are familiar with and have installed every type of sink. We can share our expertise and work with you to find the perfect solution for your kitchen. Contact us today to set up a free estimate and design consultation!