Color plays an important role in your kitchen design! Our team of designers can help you identify the color scheme that’s best suited for you and your space. White cabinets continue to dominate remodeling, accounting for more than 40% of all kitchen remodeling projects. Blue and green tones are trending in new-kitchen design and mixing these into your new kitchen either as base or upper cabinets, as appliance colors or as accents provides a monochromatic effect that can be electric. 

If you are drawn to white, you can offset its potential to feel cold and clinical by mixing in different colors and materials. You can accomplish this with wood floors, countertops or a butcher block either as standalone or incorporating a wood cutting board into a countertop. Another option to consider is white upper cabinets with black or darker lower cabinets. Imagine a white onyx countertop contrasting against black lower cabinets. Classic and gorgeous.

If you want to incorporate different colors beyond a black and white palate into your new kitchen, look to mother nature for inspiration. We often are drawn to colors found in food, ranging from olives and champagne to blood oranges and eggplants to make a dramatic statement and focal point when used as a backsplash or wall color.

Mixing off white with white is another option if you want to break up the stark feel of an all-white kitchen. The end result is a calm feel to the room.

Red, white and blue as a color combination can be perfect for a kitchen to generate a vibe that combines cleanliness, softness and vibrancy. This color combination typically works best when red and blue are used as accent colors that can really pop when used next to one another.

What colors would work best, and where they should be incorporated into your new kitchen? Find out by giving us a call at (407)629-9366, or plan a day to come out to our showroom at 935 N Orange Ave Ste 102 in Winter Park. One of our designers would be delighted to show you around. For additional inspiration at home, visit our website at www.centralkitchen.com.

Kitchen and bath renovations are booming. Many homeowners realize that working from home is not a passing fad. Many will be working from home for the near-term future and most likely longer than that. That’s one reason why homeowners are wanting to increase their home’s functionality and appeal. If we are spending most of our time at home, then the home should be where you want to be.

The kitchen remains the heart of the home; it’s where meals are prepared, families and friends gather and children do homework. The average American spends more than one week out of every year in the kitchen. And that number is expected to climb as work from home remains a force.

A recent study of more than 500,000 Instagram posts identified the top kitchen trends. Modern design exemplified by clean, simple lines was the number one design style followed by:

• farmhouse kitchens
• country motifs
• traditional design
• rustic
• cottage
• shaker
• industrial
• minimalist
• transitional

Top trends among kitchen features:

• granite countertops
• pantry cabinets
• quartz countertops
• kitchen islands
• eco-friendly
• brass faucets
• copper hardware
• mosaic backsplash tile
• induction cooktops
• farmhouse sinks

Color trends:

• White
• Black
• Green
• Blue
• Cream
• Pink
• Gray
• Yellow
• Peach
• Floral

Are you looking to create a dream, trend-setting kitchen in your home? Give us a call at (407) 629-9366 or come out and visit us at 935 Orange Ave in Winter Park.

Islands are among the most requested features in the dream kitchens we design. Islands serve multiple purposes: providing a palate for meal preparation, dining, working, a place to do homework and a storage facility. When homeowners request an island, we determine if there is sufficient space, and if not, we recommend alternatives that can provide similar functionality.

In smaller spaces, we can custom design an island to fit the space. Common features may include shallower depths, custom cabinetry and custom height. There is no standard specification that is required to custom design an island. Islands in a kitchen must provide enough space for families to maneuver effortlessly and safely throughout the space. The size, shape and location of the island depend first and foremost on the size of the room and who will use the kitchen and for what purposes. The space between the island and cabinetry is called the clearance zone. The National Kitchen & Bath Association suggests a clearance zone of 42 to 48 inches. If that is not possible, we have designed kitchens with clearance zones of 39 inches. The key is to ensure that base cabinets and appliance doors can open unencumbered. There should be a least three feet between an open door and the island to provide safe travel throughout the kitchen.

The clearance zone and size of the island are also affected by the number of users. If there are only two family members who live in the home, smaller islands and clearances are possible. The rule of thumb in sizing and configuring islands is to factor the homeowners’ functionality and aesthetic dreams into the space’s potential clearance. The bottom line is that islands need to be proportionate to the space.  

Island Alternatives

Some kitchens may not be able to accommodate an island. That does not mean you need to compromise the functionality that an island can offer. Reconfiguring a kitchen space to allow for an open floor plan or physically extending the kitchen space are viable options. Rolling islands are another alternative. We partner with wonderful manufacturers who can custom create a butcher block on wheels.

Peninsulas are another popular alternative to islands. The difference between an island and a peninsula is an island has four sides, and a peninsula is fixed to a wall and only offers three sides. Peninsulas offer an extra yard of space.

Can an island or peninsula work in your dream kitchen? We have templates that you can use to measure your space. Give us a call at (407)629-9366 or make an appointment to visit us at 935 Orange Ave in Winter Park, and help make your dream kitchen a reality.

Split finishes are in vogue in everything from plumbing fixtures and appliances to door and cabinet hardware. We’ve seen ear-to-ear smiles when we present combination black and gold finishes to our clients. Specifying gold refrigerator pulls on a matte black refrigerator creates a dramatic and refined focal point in any kitchen. We also have had an extremely positive reception pairing black and silver tones in all design motifs – traditional, transitional and contemporary.

Mixed materials is another trend in new kitchens and baths. Combining metal, stone, wood and glass are on point for many homeowners and builders. Imagine an island that features an engineered stone top contrasted with two-tone wood paneling and a matte black sink with gold-finished faucet. Simply gorgeous.

Similar to mixing materials is specifying contrasting colors. Different colored upper and lower cabinets continue to gain in popularity.

Functional furniture is also making a new home in kitchens and baths. Homeowners warmly respond to suggestions for desk space, separate storage cabinetry and pantries, open shelving and other solutions that are more reminiscent of furniture found in other places in the home than traditional kitchen cabinetry.

White kitchen cabinetry continues to rank as the number one preference. However, we see white trending in other materials and fixtures beyond cabinetry. White finished appliances, split chrome and white faucetry and split white toned lighting make for a dramatic statement in any kitchen. Other trending colors for finishes in kitchens and baths include champagne, bronze, gray, gold and black.

Smart appliances and fixtures also continue to gain in popularity. Many homeowners like having the ability to preheat their ovens from a smartphone app. Smart technology for the kitchen helps make homeowners’ lives easier and more enjoyable. Smart technology also enables homeowners to react to potential maintenance and malfunction issues immediately. For example, a smartphone alert can notify a homeowner that a refrigerator door may have been left open or that the dishwasher is leaking.

The kitchen plays a critical role in connecting it as the most important room in the home with other spaces. That helps to explain the popularity of open floor plan kitchens. Your new kitchen has to look out-of-this-world and serve multiple purposes and functions, spanning from the space where meals are prepared to a central gathering place for family and friends. A well-designed kitchen combines stylish aesthetics with durable and functional finishes and materials.

How can you capitalize on new trends and technology to create the kitchen or bath of your dreams? Give us a call at (407)629-9366 or stop in to our showroom at 935 Orange Ave in Winter Park.

Ceilings are often an afterthought of the renovation process and don’t get the attention or recognition that they deserve. In a well-designed kitchen or bath, nothing should be overlooked, including the ceiling. Ceiling height, shape, style, accessories and color helps determine how a space looks and how it feels.

The ceiling should be considered the fifth wall in your new kitchen or bath and should be used to enhance the space’s character. Paint, wallpaper, different textures, heights, finishes and materials can be employed to create a ceiling that serves as a focal point and enhances the overall design and functionality of the space.

The standard height of a kitchen or bath ceiling is eight to nine feet. In some remodels, increasing that height is not practical or even feasible, depending on what is above your bath or kitchen. Typically, we have more flexibility in the bath to incorporate a skylight over a tub, add window space, or create a dropped area of the room to define a portion of the space.

Here are some common ceiling options to enhance your bath or kitchen:

• Cove ceilings have curved edges between the ceiling and the wall to create a dome-like design that can create a focal point at the top of the walls. One advantage of cove ceilings is that they help make a space appear taller than it is.
• Vaulted ceilings create a sense of volume and spaciousness to a room and also serve to make a space appear larger than it is. Most homes with a sloped roof can support a vaulted ceiling. Vaulted ceilings can have curved or straight sides and symmetrical or asymmetrical lines.
• Cathedral ceilings employ straight sides that slope upward at the same angle as the exterior roofline. The most famous cathedral ceiling is at Notre-Dame in Paris. You can’t build anything on top of a cathedral ceiling, but you can create one from unused attic space.
• Ceiling trays are recessed ceilings at the highest point with an inverted center. Ceiling trays can add more depth to a room and make it appear more spacious.
• Any new kitchen or bath ceiling can be enhanced by decorative moldings, especially Victorian homes.
• Beamed ceilings are another tool in a designer’s arsenal to create unique looks. Beams add warmth and character to a room. You need a taller space for beams so the space doesn’t feel small and cramped.
• Even basic ceilings can be enhanced with statement-making lighting, paint or patterned wallpaper.

Are you ready to do your own amazing kitchen or bath renovation? Give us a call at (407) 629-9366 or make an appointment to visit our showroom at 935 Orange Ave in Winter Park.

Why should you rely on a designer to create your dream kitchen or bath? Renovating an existing space or building a brand new kitchen, bath, closet or laundry room is a major investment of time and resources. The internet is both our friend and foe. While the internet provides access to every product and service that you could ever need for a renovation project, the amount of information available online can be overwhelming and is likely to cause analysis paralysis. You might find inaccurate information online, which can contribute to unrealistic expectations and elevates stress levels. A professional designer can help you avoid those pitfalls. Showroom professionals can be your greatest asset because they know how to make order out of chaos.

Trust is a key component of project success. Whenever we design a project, we take the time to interview our clients to gain an understanding of their priorities and wish lists. We pick their brains to better understand and deliver on their dreams. Every project begins with a blank canvas. There are no rules, and there should never be a cookie-cutter approach. Our goal when designing a space is to create something new. There are no standard recipes. That’s what makes design fun, exciting and so rewarding for our clients and our team. It’s the creative process, and we love converting homeowners’ dreams into a reality.

When looking for a designer to create a dream space in your home, make sure that you understand the designer’s style and approach to the design and building process. This understanding almost always creates a comfort level. It does not matter the size of the budget or scope of the project, if you and your designer are not on the same page, problems are likely to follow. With any project, there are lots of decisions to be made, and there is always a need to compromise. A good designer knows the right questions to ask to not only determine your style, but also to direct you to product and design choices that complement your existing home décor (as applicable) and personal style and to ensure a consistent flow and look throughout your home.

We often advise our clients to trust in the process. Regardless of how much time you invest in research before coming to a showroom or visiting virtually, professional designers have a vast amount of experience and knowledge that is critical to project success. We often find that clients will hesitate at a new or an out-of-the-box approach. One of the primary reasons to hire a designer is to provide the freedom to use their talents and experience to design and direct the project and to create something that is uniquely yours. Every one of our clients has opinions and goals for their project. Designers translate those ideas and goals to create something exceedingly special.

For additional guidance on working effectively with designers and showrooms even remotely, give us a call at (407) 629-9366 or come into our showroom at 935 Orange Ave Ste 102 in Winter Park.

Review and refresh how you use your kitchen. Do you need to take a deep dive into your refrigerator? Has your cutlery drawer become a tangled web of utensils that you rarely, if ever, use? Make a plan of attack to refresh your kitchen to help it function more effectively and simply make it more enjoyable to use and be in the space.

Clean out your fridge. Take everything out of your refrigerator and freezer, shelf by shelf. Throw out anything expired as well as anything that you haven’t used for more than three months. You know what we are talking about – that jar of pickles, jellies, salad dressing, etc.

Clean other appliances. Run your dishwasher with nothing in it. Rinse your waste disposer with white vinegar. Ten minutes later, pour boiling water down the drain. Then run your waste disposer with ice cubes and lemon rinds. Degrease your cooktop. Use the self-cleaning function on your oven. Empty the crumb tray on your toaster. Clean your microwave. Replace the filters on your coffee maker and refrigerator. Run only water through your coffee maker. Clean other countertop appliances used regularly.

Declutter drawers and cabinets. Tackle one drawer and cabinet at a time. Remove everything, and wipe down the drawer and/or shelves. Determine the contents that are used regularly, used rarely or not used at all. For the later, either dispose of those items or donate them to a charity. For rarely used items, e.g., the turkey roaster used only on Thanksgiving or Christmas, consider another location in your home to free up counter or cabinet space. Donate or toss duplicate items – how many peelers and melon ballers do you need? Inventory your knives. Sharpen those that you use frequently, and consider a new home for those that you rarely use.

Tackle the pantry. Pull out each item and ask, “how does this item make me feel?” If the response is not positive, either toss the item in the trash bin or donate it to a food bank. When you restock the pantry, replace items in a logical order. Put all canned goods together. Designate a separate area for baking ingredients, spices, grains, nuts, etc. Reorganizing your pantry by category not only will help you to eat healthier, but it will also save time for meal preparation and cooking. When you empty your pantry, it’s a perfect time to clean shelves and containers.

Take care of your sinks and faucets. Wash your sink and pay attention to joints and seals where grime can accumulate.

Clean countertops and open shelves. Take everything off your open shelves and countertops. Do a thorough curation. For each item, ask if this is something that you want to look at every day. If not, donate or relocate.

Don’t ignore windows, walls and floors. Vacuum your ceiling, walls and the floor. Wipe down walls and cabinet exteriors with dish soap and warm water. Send your window covers to a launderer or dry cleaner, or if they are washable, throw them in your washing machine.

If you would like additional tips and tricks for making your kitchen look, function and feel the best it can be, please give us a call at (407) 629-9366 or go to our website for a virtual tour of our showroom. https://www.centralkitchen.com/central-kitchen-bath-design-studio-virtual-tour/

Almost all of the new kitchens and baths renovations that we undertake are managed by either a project manager, designer or general contractor. We ask our clients how often they would like to receive updates on progress and scheduling. Some of our clients want updates daily, others are happy with weekly summaries, and there are those who are content to be informed on a need to know basis. We not only ask how frequently the client want progress reports, but also in what format (phone call, email, other) and from whom.

Renovating your home requires you to make several decisions. We encourage clients to make as many decisions as possible before the renovation project begins. The goal is to have a plan in place and an understanding that we will stick to the plan unless something unforeseen occurs. Developing a solid plan allows for the timely ordering of the various components and more precise scheduling of each phase of the project. It also helps to keep the project on budget and on schedule, because there is less of a possibility of changes occurring or being requested once work begins.

Advanced planning is key to minimizing the unexpected with any renovation project. The design phase is the time to be actively involved with your project, explaining to your showroom consultant how you want your new kitchen or bath to look, feel and function. What makes for a good renovation plan? Please give us a call at (407)369-9366 or visit our showroom at 935 N. Orange Ave. Ste 102 in Winter Park and let us show you how to turn your dreams into realities!

Kitchen design often begins with cabinet selection. The options are nearly unlimited. From wood species, to paints and stains, your kitchen designer can help you sort through it all. Some of the terminology can be confusing. Here’s a guide to some of most popular cabinet terminology.

Cabinet Construction:
Framed Cabinets

Framed cabinets have what are called rails and stiles that form the frame at the front of the cabinet box. Commonly referred to as the “face” frame, it is built as part of the cabinet box and the door is attached to the frame giving the cabinet extra strength and dimension. Common door types found on framed cabinets include standard, full overlay, partial overlay and inset. (See below for more on this)

Frameless Cabinets

Frameless cabinet construction, while popular among those seeking simple, more contemporary cabinet designs, it can be used to create designs from contemporary to traditional. This construction eliminates the cabinet face frame, and a stronger box is used to achieve necessary stability. With frameless cabinets, only full overlay doors can be used with hinges attached directly to the sides of the cabinet box. This is often referred to as “European Style” due to the fact that that is where it originated. Some also call this style “Full Access” because it eliminates the wasted space that you have with framed cabinets. When space is a premium, we recommend frameless cabinets, because they provide the maximum amount of storage space and easy access.

Cabinet Door Types

Overlay Cabinet Doors

Overlay refers to how much of the cabinet door covers the (face) frame. Cabinet doors come in full or partial overlay versions.

Full overlay doors cover the entire cabinet box and create a nearly seamless and streamlined look, similar to a frameless style. Double doors when used with full overlay style can provide even more flexibility because they do not require a vertical face frame stile between the two doors. We often recommend this approach when our clients need to store larger items such as serving platters and cookware.

Partial overlay doors cover part of the cabinet frame, with a small portion of the face frame still showing, providing a more traditional cabinet look. The doors and drawers of a partial overlay cabinet often overlap the cabinet box evenly around the opening of each cabinet but will very based on the Partial Overlay chosen. This type of cabinetry door style is one of the most traditional and common, and it is also typically a cost-effective style. (Think less door/less cost)

Inset Cabinet Doors

Inset cabinet doors fit inside the cabinet face frame openings, making the door flush with the front of the cabinet instead of on the top of the cabinet box. Decorative hinges can used to fit the door precisely into the frame opening. We sometimes recommend inset cabinet design for larger kitchens as inset cabinets offer less usable interior space with the door sitting inside the frame. The clean lines and elegant look of inset cabinets more than compensate for the loss of a little interior space.

Panel Types
Recessed Panel Cabinet Doors

Recessed panel cabinet doors have a center panel that is lower than the rest of the door and a higher outer edge. Sometimes referred to as a Flat Panel. We often specify recessed panel doors for more modern designs. The outer part of the door is can be the same style that is used with a raised panel.

Note: Some doors will only work with a recessed panel.

Raised Panel Cabinet Doors.

Raised panel cabinet doors are mainly used for more traditional styles. They have a center panel that is raised from the rest of the door and often feature a edge treatment that gives it a specific style.

Cabinet Styles
Transitional design is characterized by clean lines that add depth and interest without being visually overpowering. The most basic design is the Shaker style a five-piece door with a recessed (flat) center panel and no additional edge detailing.

Contemporary design is known for having slab doors that do not have panels, molding or detailing to produce a clean minimalist look. These doors can be any finish from stain wood to high gloss acrylic.

Traditional design often have raised panel doors and can include arched doors on the wall cabinets that have a curve at the top that is either recessed or raised within the door panel.

Cathedral arch doors a more pronounced arch at the top.  Beaded cabinets feature decorative wood paneling with vertical grooves on the interior panel. Glass inset cabinets refers to the center panel of the door and often feature a clear or frosted piece of glass that allows you to see the contents of the cabinet. Of course, most any kind of glass can be used.

This is not meant to be an inclusive list but a starting point on some of the terms used in the cabinet industry. If you would like to learn more, contact us at info@centralkitchen.com

Paul Greenspan is a 30+ year Veteran of the Kitchen and Bath industry and has been published in a number of local and national magazines. He has taken leadership roles with the National Kitchen & Bath Association, Bath & Kitchen Buying Group, and others. He is currently the General Manager for Central Kitchen and Bath in Winter Park Florida. If you would like more information on Kitchen or Bath remodeling check out his website: www.centralkitchen.com or call 407-629-9366

Outdoor kitchens once thought to be a fancy place to barbecue, have evolved to a place of it’s own where one can entertain and interact with friends and family. Thanks to technological advances and increased product options made specifically for outdoor use, the possibilities are endless, you to create a space as unique as you are. One that reflects your taste and includes the feature you want. Within the last five years, we’ve seen so many more choices for outdoor cabinetry and counters as well as the addition of outdoor appliances, smokers, and refrigeration that enhance your experience.

Many of our clients believe that an outdoor living spacesare a must-have. We’ve designed outdoor spaces that include stylish cabinetry and counters, space-saving refrigerators, and beer taps. Engineered stone manufacturers have developed lines specifically for use in outdoor spaces.

Product advancements allow for an outdoor space that is comparable in quality, design and efficiency to indoor kitchens. In fact, it seems that outdoor kitchens are becoming an extension of indoor spaces. Seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor space can be enhanced by new door and window options. To complement the interior, we often specify porcelain floor coverings that look like stone or wood but have the texture to reduce slip-and-fall hazards caused by rain or snow.

Outdoor furniture is no longer confined to wicker or metal. There are new outdoor-rated fabrics that offer the look, feel and comfort of indoor pieces. Similarly, lighting has improved for outdoor kitchens, and sound systems and televisions enhance the space.

Outdoor kitchens create new and exciting entertaining spaces for families and friends. It does not matter if you like to grill, but do you know anyone who would not enjoy a pizza baked in your outdoor wood-burning oven?

If you would like to know more about outdoor kitchens, give us a call at 407-629-9366 or visit our showroom located at 935 Orange Ave in Winter Park, Florida

 Paul Greenspan is a 30+ year Veteran of the Kitchen and Bath industry and has been published in a number of local and national magazines. He has taken leadership roles with the National Kitchen & Bath Association, Bath & Kitchen Buying Group, and others. He is currently the General Manager for Central Kitchen and Bath in Winter Park Florida. If you would like more information on Kitchen or Bath remodeling check out his website: www.centralkitchen.com or call 407-629-9366