Carpets N More

Stainless steel sinks are very popular among commercial and residential applications. However, every type of sink comes with its own sets of pros and cons. Stainless steel sinks are very versatile and low-maintenance. So if you are considering a stainless-steel sink for your own home, you are making an excellent selection. However, there are some things that you may want to know before going and investing in one of these sinks. Here is a break down of some of the most common terminology and benefits of having a stainless-steel sink:

Versatility

There are many reasons why homeowners and businesses alike love stainless-steel sinks. They are incredibly versatile and can be very low-maintenance. Plus, stainless steel is heat- and stain-resistant, which can allow you to place hot pans or sharp objects directly into your sink. These durable sinks have an extremely long-life expectancy as well, with little maintenance. However, if not cleaned properly, they can collect water spots. These eco-friendly sinks are typically made from recycled materials, which can make them more affordable than other sink options like granite or marble. Stainless steel is also very easy to disinfect, which can prevent the spread of bacteria and mold in your sink. While extremely durable, there are different qualities to stainless steel sinks. A low-quality sink may be more prone to denting or having an echoing sound when doing dishes. While aesthetically pleasing and complementary to any other stainless-steel appliances in your kitchen, these sinks have a very limited color palette of options.

What to Know

There are several terms you will start to notice when browsing the market for a stainless-steel sink, including grade, gauge, and production.

Grade

The grade of the sink is referring to how much chromium and nickel are used in the steel. If you see a grade of 18/8, this is referring to that 18% of the stainless steel contains chromium, while 8% is nickel. Marine-grade and surgical-grade are usually 18/10 grade stainless steel.

Gauge

The gauge of the stainless steel is referring to the density. The lower the gauge, the thicker the stainless steel will be. If you buy a high gauge sink like 24 or 22, the stainless steel is less thick. This factor can make it more susceptible to denting.

Stamped or Folded

There are two ways in which the stainless-steel sinks can be formed. When they are stamped, the metal is heated up and pressed into the shape of the sink. This process can make for more vulnerable edges because the metal has been stretched. You can also have a stainless-steel sink manufactured by being folded. This process is when the steel is cut into sheets, folded, and molded together.

Stainless-steel sinks are very versatile. They can be used in many applications while helping you get the best bang for your buck. Research and explore the different options and layouts of sinks available to see which style is best tailored to your needs.

The kitchen is the heart of the home. So, in many kitchen remodels, this can also be one of the most stunning rooms. Kitchens offer a wide variety of appliances, cabinets, countertops, and other investments that enhance the overall feel and look. When designing a kitchen, flooring is an option that will quickly come to mind. While many homeowners love the look of traditional hardwood flooring, it is typically not practical for kitchen application. Instead, you should look for a floor that can withstand spills or accidental drops onto the ground. This criterion makes hardwood very unpractical for the kitchen. However, have no fear because we put together some other excellent options to consider in your home.

Tile

Tile is excellent for most kitchens. Tile offers a versatile flooring option that is not only waterproof but extremely visually appealing as well. Choosing tile is one way to complement your countertops or backsplashes in your kitchen. Plus, tile is a luxurious flooring option that looks great in many kitchens and is extremely equipped for the job at hand.

Sheet Vinyl

Sheet vinyl has come a long way in the industry. We are seeing more diverse patterns than ever before with tile-like or hardwood-like selections. Plus, sheet vinyl can be cut to the size of your kitchen. However, you should be aware that it may have seams. Yet, some sheet vinyl offers a cushioned padding which can make your flooring soft and hold warmth in your kitchen. This factor is great for homeowners who may expect to drop dishes on the ground or have children.

Luxury Vinyl Planking

One of the most versatile flooring options on the market today is LVP. LVP is a vinyl planking system that is 100% waterproof. They come in many styles that can highly replicate that desired hardwood look. In fact, LVP is becoming one of the most common flooring options being used in modern design. Scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and durable, this floor is perfect for daily kitchen tasks.

Every flooring can come with its own sets of pros and cons. Any of these floorings can be great in your kitchen. Ask your sales representative for more information about the products that interest you, and for more great tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe.

From dewy yellow to creamy avocado, we have seen fad color schemes come and go in the kitchen area. However, the white kitchen design is a scheme that never seems to go out of style. Whether it is white on white or white warmed with wood tones, you cannot go wrong. In this article, you will discover why white has an enduring value.

If you are gearing up to remodel your kitchen, there is no doubt that you are about to spend a considerable amount of money. To get the most out of your investment, it is important to select a design that will still look great years from now. Here are a few reasons why an all-white kitchen is the best way to go:

Clean and Fresh

Featuring an all-white color palette all over your kitchen gives it that clean and fresh feeling. In fact, white will give your kitchen that healthy glow that is hard to achieve with any other color. Did you know that in the 1920s white was often associated with health and sanitation? To achieve this super fresh look, you will need to select a pure white look that is void of grey undertones.

Versatile

Whether your goal is to design your kitchen to reflect a contemporary or traditional kitchen, white is a color that can seamlessly blend into any style. In addition, since this is a standard color offered by all manufacturers, you will be able to easily find accessories, tiles, appliances, and furnishings that are within your budget.

Super Chic

An all-white kitchen does not have to be boring. Everything does not have to be white. In fact, black or stainless steel appliances can help you create the perfect balance. You can also mix in other neutral finishes such as wood, glass, and steel. For instance, glass cabinetry and stainless steel range hood is a great way to mix things up in your design.

Visually Expands

Because white reflects color, it can visually expand a space. If you have a small kitchen, a predominately white design will make it appear bigger than what it actually is.

Increases Resale Value

White is very marketable. In the future, should you decide to put your home on the market, your all-white kitchen will add some brownie points. It is simple to work from for potential buyers, and they will notice that when they come to see your home.

What are your thoughts on the all-white kitchen look? Yay or nay? Let us know in the comment section!

Stainless steel is a beautiful finish that looks even better when it is gleaming and shining. In fact, many homeowners feel that stainless steel can make any space feel modern and sleek. That being said, anyone with stainless steel appliances and surfaces in their kitchen will tell you that keeping this finish spotless can be a challenge, especially if you have little ones or a big family. How can you keep your stainless steel surfaces free from watermarks and fingerprints? Check out our tips and tricks:

Cleaning a Steel Range

When cleaning a stainless steel stove or range, you will really have to “dig in deep.” It is not enough to simply clean the top surface. You will need to remove the control knobs because dirt and grime often get stuck under them. When you do not remove the knobs to clean them, remnants of the food you have been cooking as well as other types of grime will build up in that area which is unsanitary and eventually become hard to remove. Also, make sure you clean the hood so that grease does not accumulate.

Stainless Steel Appliances Handles

The handles on your stainless steel appliances will require regular cleaning since we tend to touch these areas often. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe them down a couple of days out of the week. It is best to use fine-woven microfiber cloths that are used to clean eyeglasses. This material is great at effectively removing dust and dirt without leaving behind smears or streaks.

Prevent Oxidation

Have you ever noticed a white film developing over a stainless steel surface? This is called oxidation. When steel begins to oxidize, a white film starts to grow over the surface creating a cloudy effect. You can fight against oxidation by applying a pumice powder and water mixture on your appliances. Pumice powder can be purchased at a local hardware store.

Cleaning the Countertops

If you have stainless steel countertops, a weekly cleaning of your countertops will keep the kitchen looking fresh. Plus, you do not have to use expensive cleaners, and you should avoid abrasive cleaning agents. In fact, a simple dish detergent and water mixture can be effective. Use a light dish towel during the cleaning process so that you do not scratch the surface.

Do you have any tips or tricks of your own for cleaning stainless steel appliances? We would love to hear your recommendations below in the comment section. Thanks for reading!

Are you trying to determine which style you want to use for updating your home’s kitchen? If you are leaning towards a specific trend, you will want to make sure that what you choose will be in style for quite some time. We have compiled a few kitchen style trends to help jump-start making that final decision. Let’s take a look!

Farmhouse

Farmhouse style is rustic but also has clean lines. This style has been around for several years, and design experts think it will be around for several more. The farmhouse style takes new and old features and blends them together beautifully. You will see lots of wood in the kitchen from the cabinets, the island, the ceiling, the flooring, exposed beams to the furniture. Often, the color palette is neutral to white with pops of color used in the accessories. If you have a beautiful, darker wood floor, consider choosing a white cabinet color, so the contrast between the two is undeniable! Regarding the texture of choosing your wood floors, we recommend using distressed, reclaimed, wire brushed or hand-scraped floors for that extra rustic charm.

Contemporary

Contemporary style is everywhere in today’s homes and commercial/business interior design. This style is clean and crisp with many ideas focused on today’s open floor plans. We recommend choosing a natural palette with white walls, cabinets, or floors. Bring a pop of color in the kitchen with the use of brightly colored artwork or accessories. Think of bright cobalt blue kitchen canisters with matching dinnerware and drinkware for that extra pop of color.

Coastal

Many of us love the beach and want to bring that look into our homes even if we do not live close to the ocean. Coastal colors are whites, tans, grays, and blues can create this beachy oasis. In today’s market, we also want to bring some green-blue into the color mix. Think about your flooring being a gray distressed or blonde hardwood to replicate the beach’s sand. With the coastal colors and timeless hardwood floors, you can create a vacation-inspired kitchen.

Which kitchen style is your favorite? We would love to hear your thoughts below in the comment section.

Whether you are moving, remodeling, renovating, or installing new light fixtures, it is important to understand all of the different lighting options available to consumers. Today, we are going to focus on kitchen lighting. The lighting inside of kitchens is imperative for a successful meal. You need to be able to see what you are doing whilst in the kitchen. To help you find this perfect balance, we have created a guide of the most popular types of kitchen lighting. Let’s take a look!

Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting is an easy way to add glamour and luxury into a home. If you are not familiar with the term, recessed lighting is hidden in the ceiling in little tins to create a more spacious feeling. Most homeowners install recessed lighting for their beauty as well as their easy to clean nature. The only issue with recessed lighting is that you will need enough space above your ceiling for installation. They help to create a beautiful atmosphere but they are not solely used to light a kitchen. 

Pendant Lights

For a more stylish approach, homeowners have shifted gears towards pendant lights. Not only are they stylish, but they are extremely functional. They help provide a closer light to areas which in essence, provides better visibility while cooking. The only issue homeowners find with pendant lights is that they hang low from the ceiling which could potential get in your way while cooking. 

Surface Lights

Surface lights are referred to as the “mushroom” or “bubble” light fixtures in homes. They are placed directly on the ceiling and provide an ample amount of light. They are in fact, easier to clean than the two previous lights mentioned. The only issue homeowners have with surface lights is that they are very visible. If you do not like the look of them, we would not recommend choosing them. With recessed lighting, you have a hidden light source and with pendant lights, you are provided a stylish approach to lighting. Whereas with surface lights, they are kind of just there.

If you are remodeling your home, be sure to keep us in mind for new flooring. We would love to help you complete your home with beautiful floors, cabinets, windows coverings, and countertops. For more information on our vast selection, please visit our website here.

You have decided, committed, and guess what, you are doing it! You are remodeling your kitchen after much anticipation and talk about doing it for some time now. Before you jump right into the construction, there are a couple things you will want to consider. We know, you are super excited, but we encourage you to take five minutes to read these five questions. You may find that they really helped you in your decision process.

Who are you doing this for?

You may be like “what type of question is that?” But what we mean by that is, are you remodeling for yourself or are you selling the home after you renovate it? Kitchen remodels can be extremely expensive and time consuming, not to mention you will not have a place to cook or eat for the next couple of weeks. If you are listing your property after the remodel, do not go overboard! A lot of homeowners get caught up in the remodel and end up spending more money than they will make from selling it. If you plan on selling, always keep in mind your return-on-investment and only update where needed.

What are you doing yourself?

There are definitely some factors in the kitchen that you can do yourself.  Little things that guests will never realize may be a lifesaver on your budget. Look around your kitchen and take note of the areas that you can do yourself. 

Do you need it?

Sure, if we could spend whatever we wanted on a kitchen, we could easily blow through three times our budget, but we are trying to stick to a reasonable amount of money. Instead of going all out on top-of-the-line appliances, ask yourself “do I need it?” You can find greatly discounted appliances at an appliance outlet store. They may have a couple of scratches or dings, but you will pay a fraction of the price for nice looking appliances.

Does it flow?

You are remodeling your kitchen, now is the time to make changes to things that do not work. Think about the functionality of your kitchen and if you are happy with it, move on, but if you are not, talk to your contractor.

Will it be in style in 10 years?

Trends come and go quite fast. Do not be left behind with a too trendy kitchen. Try to incorporate some safe designs. If you must have a bold kitchen, be aware that you may have an outdated kitchen in a couple of years. Remember that a design can have a happy balance of trends and timeless pieces. You can meet in the middle to guarantee a longer lifespan. 

The main thing to focus on during a kitchen remodel is, you guessed it, the flooring. Flooring can make such an impact on a homeowner’s life without them realizing it. Stop in today and browse through our wide flooring selection. From backsplashes to floors, we have it all, and we look forward to working with you on your next project!

Contrast is a principle in the arts that has become an increasingly popular design style in modern kitchens. When used effectively, contrast can be the key to adding interest and drama to a space. This principle involves using elements that are different in design to add personality and make a striking statement. 

While there are many different ways you can create contrast in the kitchen area, homeowners often mix a variety of styles such as contemporary and country styles to achieve a contrasting look. Also, you can mix up your color scheme, cabinetry, and countertops to create a dynamic look. If you are new to the contrast look, we have listed a few different design ideas you can try implementing: 

Mixing Up Colors

Perhaps the easiest way to create contrast in the kitchen is by mixing up colors, and do not shy away from bold colors. Pairing two bold colors that are different from each other will have a “wowing” effect.  For instance, imagine a bold green color paired with glossy white. These colors will definitely make a striking statement. 

Contrasting Textures

You can further add contrast by using various textures within one space.  You can mix wood colors and throw in colorful fixtures to add an extra pop. The texture-on-texture contrast has also become trendy in the last few years. Instead of mixing and matching textures, you can utilize the same texture in variations around the kitchen. For example, the same natural stone tiles can be used on your flooring and backsplashes. While the final look is subtle, such details will draw attention.

Two Toned Cabinetry

Homeowners can create visual diversity in their cabinetry selection. Here are some ideas:

• Paint the top and bottom cabinet different colors. Using such colors as red or navy blue go well
• You can also try contrasting finishes. If your kitchen has traditional dark brown wood cabinets, you can switch one set out for a stainless steel finish. You can also break up wood finishes with monochromatic materials.

Kitchen Island

If you are looking to make one big statement, you should let your kitchen stand out from the rest of the kitchen. Try painting the bottom of the island a loud color or replace the top surface with a finish that has not been used yet. Do not forget to further add emphasis by adding funky bar stool to add to the overall look.

What do you think of the contrasting look? Would you try it in your own home? Let us know below in the comment section.

Tile is a beautiful statement that provides a clean, fresh look to any room. Maybe you have realized that in recent years, tile has become a trend for walls. Homeowners can incorporate this classic style in their kitchens, bathrooms, and even bedrooms.

Let your imagination go beyond the traditional tile work and envision yourself in a bold, trendy home. Tile can bring a room to life with its decorative patterns and beauty. Let us show you how you can turn your room from blah to ta-dah:

1. Patterns Please.

Bold patterns are all the rage right now. Think about the designs that wallpaper provides but in tile form. You can create a statement wall or complete an entire room with decorative tiles. If you are nervous, try using pattern tiles in smaller rooms like the laundry room or bathroom. 

2. Mix it up.

Mixing and matching tile styles has become a recent trend for bathrooms. You want to make sure that the styles complement one another, but that being said, there are endless options available to customers. 

3. Make a Splash.

Adding backsplash to your kitchen can help complete the overall look. Backsplash helps prevent water and grease damage from getting on your drywall, as well as being easy to clean. Backsplash can transform your space by adding depth and decor to the space. 

4. Color Me Intrigued.

Colorful tile can make a bold statement in any home. A lot of southern homes incorporate colorful tiles to reflect the natural landscapes that you can find outdoors. For example, Floridians love to incorporate bold and light shades of blues to embody the presence of the ocean.

5. Create with Culture.

Tile is a popular form of artwork in many countries. If you are traveling abroad, consider bringing home some pieces of tile artwork to be surrounded by field tile. This way your home always carries a part of your trip and allows you to share stories and memories with guests.

If you are looking to purchase tile for your home, we are eager to help you. We have experts ready to help guide you through your home renovation. Please call us or visit us with any questions.