Luxury Kitchens: How to Hide Seams in Natural Stone Kitchen Islands

Natural stone islands in any luxury kitchens are popular points of interest providing both form and function. However, with the available cut sizes of natural stones, your kitchen island’s size can be somewhat limited. Large islands are hard to achieve without having visible seams running right down the middle of the stone.

Although concealable to a certain degree, seams are ugly and can ruin an expensive piece of stone if not done properly. Aside from being unsightly, seams can be felt on any surface, and they are cumbersome to clean. So if you decide to use natural stone for that huge kitchen island of your dreams, then careful planning is a must.

 

Bear in mind that on average, natural stone slabs are less than 10 feet long and smaller than 6 feet wide. So if your design calls for a bigger size, then you will have to accept that seams will be present. Stone slabs larger than 79 inches long are extremely rare and come at a premium should one become available. Of course, you can place a special order for custom sizes, but again, cost becomes a big factor.

Sometimes also, the design has nothing to do with it.  Logistics and the occasional awkward location will dictate in what form, shape or size your stone slab be before it can be used.  This will eventually contribute to the final look of your natural stone slab. Consider using natural stone slabs that conceal seams better than others like quartz, for example. Quartz surfaces conceal seams like no other stone surface, as long as you don’t mind the slight colour difference coming from using two different slabs, then you should be ok.

 

Breaking up the surface on purpose can also be a good solution to this problem. Inserting a different material to break up the surface can be a very attractive way to conceal necessary seams.

Wood is one suitable material that can be incorporated to your slab to provide a different look to your surface while providing additional functionality.  Incorporating a totally different stone to the overall length or width of the surface can also conceal seams or make seams part of the overall look of the stone’s surface.

 

Whatever method you choose, early planning and strategizing on how your stone surface will finally look goes a long way to come up with a luxury kitchen island that you can be proud of.

Luxurious Designs For Your Kitchen

Looking to bring a fresh, new appearance to your culinary space? Don’t worry because we’ve got you covered! Here are some kitchen design ideas that perfected the harmony of rich textures and sleek finishes that made them look stunningly luxurious.

Browse through these luxury kitchens and be inspired to create your very own:

 

Modern twist on the classics
Structural beauty, uniqueness, geometric diversity and a hint of vintage vibe are now the sought-after qualities in an invitingly beautiful kitchen. Unlike many other modern kitchen designs that goes toward the ultra-glossy finish, this kitchen is meticulously crafted down to the every last detail. One can instantly notice the high-quality craftsmanship by taking a look at the worktop, the kitchen island, as well as the tall cabinets that enhances the storage options of the room.

 

Custom-made to fit your needs
The kitchen is certainly the heart and soul of our homes, and it also doubles as a cosy gathering place for the entire family. The ideal kitchen should have the perfect blend of style, function and storage solutions. Designed with an immaculate style and various textures, this luxury kitchen will instantly appeal those homeowners who love minimalist interiors.

 

Mastering the art of open-plan design
The idea of dimming the lines between individual spaces to create one seamless living environment is a favourite theme among homeowners who live the contemporary lifestyle. With this idea, open-plan homes are born with the kitchen as its social zone. This kitchen embraces this trend of a living room and kitchen that become one in terms of aesthetics and function.

 

Bring in the sleek steel
Stainless steel worktops and counters are becoming more and more popular these past years, but if you want a stunning kitchen that is completely clad in stainless steel, then consider the smooth style and practicality of this sleek kitchen. This gorgeous space smoothly combines classic design with modern style trends, and it is all about expressing your culinary brilliance with a hint of steel.

 

The modular living
The trend of extending the living area into the kitchen itself and turning two spaces into a welcoming and relaxing social hub is catching on quite rapidly. The popularity of open floor plans and the need to utilise all available space are becoming a favourite thing. Creating a fluid space between the living and the kitchen area allows a luxurious look that can be custom-made and modified to the specific needs of your property and its unique floor plan.

So what are you waiting for? Let your creativity shine through and create a kitchen that will last a lifetime.

Stylish Layouts For Small Kitchens

Every kitchen needs a space where people can eat and enjoy the meal. But what if your home doesn’t have enough room for a standard-sized dining set? Relax, grab a drink, and take some time to re-evaluate how much space you’ve got in your kitchen area. No matter how compact it may be, it can still look modern and stylish; you just have to start thinking creatively.

Be inspired with some of these bright ideas on how to create your very own version of a dining area, even with a small kitchen:

 

Sacrifice some space
Do you desperately want to have somewhere to comfortably sit, but can’t squeeze in any table in the room? There’s a simple solution for that: sacrifice some of your cupboard space so you can slip in a couple of modern bar stools like these. You can actually save so much space by doing this simple hack. The only problem is, this particular idea will be effortless enough to execute when dealing with a new kitchen layout, but renovating an existing kitchen could take some time and money, thus, making it a bit difficult for some.

 

The table for two
Dining in a room that’s only wide enough to squeeze in a few slim cabinets on one side and a tiny space on the other can be a bit tight for some home owners. Nevertheless, with careful planning, a streamlined eating area could be set in the room.

Just like buying any other furniture, you need to estimate the table size that would perfectly fit the space without blocking any cabinet doors and even the alleyway. Likewise, it would be wise to pick a couple of lightweight seats which are suitable enough to move so that you can rearrange them whenever you need to. This provides you with the adequate area for dining, without having to occupy too much space.

 

Opt for an overhang worktop
Another simple yet truly impressive method of incorporating a dining space in your kitchen is by extending the worktop. This allows enough overhang to fit in two stools underneath. Bear in mind that this is not about creating lots of dining space, but instead, transforming your functional kitchen into a cosy and stylish area as well.

 

Go with lean units
A narrow, rectangular-shaped worktop could also function as your dining space, just like how the home owners of this modern kitchen opted to. Aside from that, you could also make it as a work surface when preparing meals and ingredients. Opting for slimmer units guarantees that there will still be plenty of room to walk around the area. This technique leaves you with a stylish and functional kitchen.

 

The cosy nook
To avoid having a small kitchen that makes you feel stuffy, stick to neutral tones with lots of earthy elements. Keep the design as seamless as possible by placing a simple table near a tall window that enables plenty of natural light to flood the entire room. Lastly, don’t forget to incorporate some fresh plants to your kitchen to provide a relaxing vibe.

With a little bit of creative thinking, designing, and proper planning, you can definitely achieve a stylish layout for your small, yet modern kitchen!

Small Kitchens With Modern Designs

Whether you’re still letting a property or just acquired your first home; creating a kitchen that not only looks great but is also fully functional is truly vital, especially if you’re working with a compact space.

Be inspired with these design ideas on how to modernize the look of your kitchen space:

 

Utilize a mirror
Is your kitchen area too narrow, or maybe it has no source of any natural light? There’s an ultimate solution for that: Installing a mirrored wall. This makes an illusion that the room is bigger than it actually looks, which makes it feel more luxurious. It also allows light to bounce around the area, which compensates for the lack of natural lighting. Just be sure to order one that perfectly fits the size of your wall.

 

Install an island
Kitchen islands can easily transform and upgrade any kitchen space, regardless how small it might be. It can function as both additional prep space and your very own dining area if you want to. Some home owners purchase a home with built-in islands, but if yours don’t have any, don’t worry for you can always purchase a separate island or even DIY it. You can find a lot of instructions online on how you can build your very own kitchen island from scratch.

 

Homey industrial scheme
How can you achieve the always trendy industrial design? Simple; by combining different elements and textures, such as metallics and wood. If you want to go for a softer take on the industrial trend though, go for light-toned metals, mismatched wooden chairs, smooth brick-shaped tiles, and ultimately fill the area with lots of greens and other plants for a homey feel. Not all industrial scheme should look dark and gloomy, after all.

 

Small but modern space
Truth is, not all of us can afford to buy a huge property with an equally huge kitchen. Most people settle down in the comfort of a small home, but of course, it comes with a small kitchen area too.

But remember, your kitchen may be tiny but it can still look stylish and contemporary. Simply spice up the room by re-painting and upgrading the knobs and handles on all your cabinets (they don’t necessary have to match). Any kitchen, may it be big or small, can instantly transform by using this technique.

 

Plant some fresh herbs
For the green thumbs and aspiring cooks: this design tip is for you. Try integrating an area solely meant for growing your favourite fresh herbs. You can DIY this project by hanging some mason jars on a wall-mounted board with adjustable metal pipe straps and hooks, or go all-out by creating a herb wall, designed to hold vertical gardens.

Remember, modernizing the look of your small kitchen isn’t as pricey as you may think. With the help of research and your creative skills, you can definitely achieve this task!

Mix and Match The Design Of Your Modern Kitchen

Somehow, most home owners assume that in order to achieve a modern kitchen, everything should always look uniformed. Wherein the cupboards and other kitchen units should look identical so as to keep everything neat, minimal, and organized. That may be true for some, but the modern trend is constantly evolving, that’s why mix-and-matching diverse textures and colours n your kitchen are getting very popular.

Attaining this design feature can sometimes be complex for some people as they have always been accustomed to the norms of uniformity. Not to worry though, proper planning and lots of creative thinking is all you need to pull off this new look that will surely transform your kitchen space.

Below are some of the most stunning design inspirations that you could re-create:

 

The multi-purpose area
Combining sleek appliances with wood accents and matte materials is the key to achieving this elegant yet cosy look in your kitchen area. Integrating different elements such as books, fluffy throw pillows, and other kitchen accessories to make your working station a space where your whole family (and even your friends) can sit back and chat while you prepare the meal of the day.

It’s also ideal for families with school-age children as parents can help their kids with homework and/or projects while cooking dinner!

 

Always go for contrasting tones
If you plan on creating an entire wall full of storage space, think about all the possible designs you could do before purchasing for costly storage units. Opt for something that will stand out from the background. Go for contrasting textures, patterns, and tones that would look seamlessly modern in almost any kitchen setting, but always remember to keep everything balanced and not too cluttered.

 

Embrace the diversities
Why would you settle for plain and dull tones when you can go for diverse colours that would surely pop! The owner of this modern kitchen is superbly practical and definitely has impeccable taste for design. Different hues and textures harmoniously combined together in one room, creating a space that’s full of character and interest. It also features handle-less cabinets so as to keep that contemporary vibe.

 

Let the island stand out
Another fail-safe way of mix and matching colours is by opting for a kitchen island that would perfectly stand out from the crowd. Settle for a bold colour for the island while keeping the background as neutral and muted as possible in order for the colour to easily pop out. Don’ forget to add in some oversized branches for that overall effect.

 

The focal point
Make the most out of your space by utilizing the length of your walls as a stunning storage area that would also serve as the focal point of your kitchen. Incorporate some sleek white units with wooden textures and some other earthly elements to achieve the look of this simple yet utterly chic, modern kitchen.

Let your imagination and creativity flow! Be inspired with these cleverly styled contemporary spaces.

Transform Your Kitchen With Chalkboard Paint

The kitchen is usually referred to as the heart of the home, so it’s only wise to make it as cosy and creative as you possibly can. There are a lot of ways on how you can stylishly upgrade your space without having to spend a lot of money, however, the easiest one would have to be chalkboard paint.

It’s also very convenient as you can use it to take note of the weekly shopping list, remind yourself of some important chores to do, and even list your kids’ school activities for the whole month so you wouldn’t miss any. Here are some smart ideas on how you can use chalkboard paint in your kitchen:

 

Fill up the entire space
A spread of wide chalkboard is the perfect complement to a sleek, contemporary kitchen with a combination of stainless steel appliances and dark-coloured units. It also presents an element of creativity and fun into your modern space.

 

Back to school season
Choose a specific area in your kitchen and make it a learning nook for you and your kids. By using a convenient chalkboard paint, you can use this space to teach your child a new word every week or so. You can even use this to help them with their homework or projects while you’re preparing a meal. It’s practical, creative, and a perfect way to bond with your family. Don’t forget to store up plenty of chalk and board wiper so everybody could add their own entries too!

 

The creative wall
Revamp an entire wall with a few containers of chalkboard paint, and the result would be an attention-grabbing wall of indoor graffiti that everyone can draw and write with on a daily basis. This is particularly ideal for when you have a toddler in the family, as they can freely express their creativity without you having to worry about anything. If you want a clean slate, simply wipe it all off with a cloth or a board wiper.

 

Use it for different things
Chalkboard paint is an effortless way to customise a lot of features in your kitchen— not just the walls. Anything from old jars, to plant pots, to fridges and even spice containers can be given a chalkboard treatment to create a unique set of display. Be inspired with this magnetic spice containers that uses chalkboard paint for labelling. Easy and convenient, don’t you think?

 

The industrial chic
If your space has a lot of bare walls and a mixture of industrial-schemed elements, then why not incorporate a floor-length chalkboard wall to create an ambiance of warmth and cosiness to the area. Have plenty of coloured chalk to enhance the vibrant atmosphere as well.

 

Some side notes
A standard-sized chalkboard installed in one area of your kitchen can be simultaneously filled with shopping lists and scribbles. Just be sure to position the board at a child-friendly height for them to be able to add their own contribution.

 

The kitchen backdrop
A full-length chalkboard is also a stylish backdrop for bachelor pads and urban lofts. This easy decorating tool helps to generate a relaxed and laid-back environment into your space without looking too bold and overwhelming.

Experiment these ideas and give your space a touch of style and creativity without having to spend a lot of money!

Family-Friendly Kitchen Designs

These family-friendly kitchen layouts make it completely manageable for you to prepare dinner whilst spending time with the whole family, and even with some friends around. Creating a modern and functional space also allows you to help your children with their day-to-day school works without having to go to their individual rooms.

Discover some design inspirations that you and your family will truly enjoy. Simply browse through these modern kitchen layouts:

 

Opt For An Open Space
A continuous space like this enables you to talk with your family members all while preparing and cooking your daily meals. Aside from its gorgeous aesthetics, opting for an open space layout allows you to have a spacious zone where friends could come over and enjoy your company.

 

Practicality and Functionality
Change up your kitchen space into something like this. Incorporate a multi-functional unit in the middle of the room which will serve as a dining area, as well as a study nook for your kids. By doing so, you could supervise your children’s works while preparing for a meal. Remember to choose a worktop surface that could be easily cleaned as multi-functional zones tend to be messy at times.

 

Dine and Play Zone
Want to go all-out? Why not integrate a built-in mini slide and play area within the dining space. This offers a great zone for you and your children to have fun before or after meal times. Plus, the floor-to-ceiling bookcase lets you store your child’s favourite toys and books which you could easily access. It also adds a stunning statement design, don’t you think?

 

Comfy Dining and Living Space
This home layout was made to achieve absolute comfort with friends and family. With its light and pastel colour scheme, wooden details, perfect lightning, and overall cosy vibe; it is the perfect relaxation spot for everyone to enjoy.

 

Connect With The Outdoors
An open planned home setting is one thing– having a connected kitchen and outdoor area is another. The owners of this chic and modern kitchen stylishly designed the space to accommodate big crowd. It’s the perfect venue for family gatherings! The huge glass windows also allows natural light to flood the entire space.

 

The Child-friendly Unit
Let your children hang around and assist you with the kitchen work, so they would feel involved with the chore. This also offers a great space for learning and bonding since an uninterrupted unit such as this allows more space for more people.

Exhibit your creativity and imagination as you design the perfect kitchen space that your whole family would love to spend time on.

How To Improve The Look Of Your Kitchen Galley

Galley kitchens were named after the small kitchens found on most ships. Basically, it’s a hallway lined with appliances, cabinets, and all essential utensils needed for cooking. Most kitchen galleys can come off as dark, tiny places on which people may feel confined and claustrophobic.

However, the design ideas for kitchen galleys have come a long way. There are now numerous ways on how you can bring personality and life into such a small kitchen. Check out these ways on how to improve and modernize the look and feel of your kitchen galley:

 

The Tiny Booth
One unfortunate challenge when you have a kitchen galley is the high chance of bumping into someone, especially when you have more than one cook in the kitchen. The solution to that problem is replacing some cabinets with a convenient booth, so other people can easily keep you company without getting in your way while you prepare the food. It’s a win-win solution, right?

 

Utilize The Open-shelves
Yes, open shelves are still trendy and will never go out of style. In a modern kitchen galley setting, opting for open shelves instead of the usual set of cabinets ensures that you have enough storage space in the room without overcrowding the area. Also, it will make the room seem bigger and well-ventilated without that thick wall of boxes, and you’ll then have all that space for styling and decorating.

 

The Pretty Lights
While big windows in modern kitchen areas are always a desired feature, sometimes you have to settle with artificial yet efficient lighting. After all, you should never make do with a dark galley kitchen. Mount some pretty pendant lights or chandeliers that will help brighten up the whole space. It’s good for task lighting and design statement!

 

Eclectic Design Combination
All modern kitchens should have a stove and a fridge– even the kitchen galleys. Plus, you’ll probably want to add in a microwave and a toaster to amp up its function. Instead of going for the usual design, purchase the ones that has a unique style and colour scheme. This can definitely boost the décor of the whole area without taking up any more space than necessary.

 

Combine Different Textures
In this posh kitchen galley, diverse textures and materials were used, yet all of them seem to complement each other very well. Matt cabinets paired with raw wood and high-tech appliances never looked so good!

Be inspired with these modern kitchen galley ideas for your next kitchen revamp!

DIY Ideas For Your Next Kitchen Upgrade

Truth be told, kitchen upgrades can really be expensive, which is why a lot of design lovers opt for DIY projects when it comes to home décors and improvement.

If hiring a contractor for an all-out kitchen revamp is not in your budget, don’t worry because we got lots of DIY ideas for you to play with. From backsplash projects to simple makeover of your kitchen cabinets, the possibilities are endless. Browse through for a collection of DIY kitchen upgrades that proves function and style can definitely go hand in hand.

 

Makeover for your counter
Your kitchen worktops can set the bar for your entire culinary area. However, if your budget doesn’t allow a total makeover, then do a partial one. Concrete creates a modern, neutral finish and it can also be directly applied to your current worktop to give it a fresh new look without breaking the bank.

 

The backsplash solution
Sometimes a little bit of paint is all it takes to completely transform your space. This stunning teal colour not only adds a unique, classic style to your kitchen, it’s affordable too! Top it off with a metallic faucet for that chic and contrasting look.

 

Fake it ’til you make it
Here’s a thought: would you ever want to paint your own kitchen counters? Sounds terrifying right? Even so, this faux marble painted worktop is the perfect example of a seamless DIY project that could save you lots and lots of money instead of actually buying a marble slab. It only takes patience and practice to do the job right.

 

Upgrade those cabinets
When you’re on a tight budget and your kitchen cabinets are just looking drab and less than desirable, the best way to carry on a stylish upgrade is to simply paint them with a fresh coat of light-toned colour. Also, be sure to protect your worktops before painting your cabinets.

 

Change out the knobs
Opting to upgrade even one element in your kitchen can make a huge difference, especially when you know how to prioritize. Why not try to boost the style of your knobs and drawer handles for a subtle yet creative look? You can never go wrong with this technique.

 

Attention to details
Even a simple upgrade such as a hanging pot rack or a wall grid can certainly add style and function to your kitchen by freeing up cabinet and counter space.

Research, creativity, and practice is essential when doing a DIY project. Be inspired with these ideas for your next kitchen revamp!