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The Island of Your Dreams

Islands remain one of the most popular and requested feature of new kitchens for homeowners. And for good reason. Islands provide storage, countertop space for meal preparation; a place to dine, entertain, do homework and offer options to include refrigerator drawers, steam and microwave ovens, sinks and additional cooking capabilities.

There is no one-size or shape fits all solution for islands. The shape and style depends on the amount of space for an island in a kitchen, look and feel that homeowners prefer and functional uses that meet homeowners’ needs, wants and dreams.

Below are popular options and the pros and cons of each:

Many homeowners who are avid home chefs are particularly attracted to U-shaped islands because they provide three walls for cabinetry, appliances and seating. The main factor in selecting a U-shaped island is space. They tend to be extremely large and even if there is space for a U-shaped island, some homeowners become less enamored when they realize that, because of their size, U-shaped islands are not always the most efficient to use, navigate and clean.

Rectangular islands, also known as galley islands, provide countertop space, cabinetry for storage and in some instances, depending on size, additional space for cooking and seating. Galley islands are typically specified for smaller spaces and open-concept kitchens. The downside can be that character can be compromised for functionality.

L-shaped islands, as the name implies, resemble the letter L. L-shaped islands require a lot of space and can be a great asset making use of dead space in a kitchen and separating cooking and eating areas. L-shaped islands provide an abundance of cooking space, especially if there is more than one avid cook in the family. There is sufficient room for two to operate independently and plenty of space for seating. L-shaped islands typically are not appropriate for open-concept kitchens and don’t necessarily maximize storage opportunities.

Circular-rounded islands are elegant and can serve as focal points for a dream kitchen for homeowners. Circular-rounded islands require a lot of space and provide abundant room for meal preparation, eating, seating and multiple functions kitchens now serve. The downside is that the shape is not the most efficient use of space. Accessing cabinets under a circular or rounded countertops is not as easy as other types of islands.

Double islands can provide one area for meal preparation and cooking and a second area for seating, entertaining, homework, Zoom calls, et. al. Space permitting, double island kitchen are particularly appealing to homeowners who like to cook and entertain.

Kitchen island tables, also known as furniture style, are typically open and smaller than other types of islands. The downside is functionality. Islands that resemble furniture pieces are generally not conducive for meal preparation, cooking or providing storage.

Which island shape or design is the perfect option for your new dream kitchen? Give us a call at 866-437-5330 to discuss the options or make an appointment to see different shapes and sizes at our showroom at 950 FM 1960 Rd. E, Suite B., Houston, TX 77073

COVID-19 has shown a bright light on the health and wellbeing of families. With many being confined to their homes for more than a year, designing for wellness has become top of mind. The role of the home has been transformed, serving multiple purposes such as office, warehouse, gym, assisted-living facility, school room and refuge. Many homeowners want and need their home to function more effectively and promote healthier lifestyles.

Two main rooms in the home where there are multiple opportunities to improve your and your families’ health and wellbeing are the bathroom and kitchen. Many homeowners have taken advantage of the opportunity to convert their primary bathroom into a personal spa by adding steam showers, saunas, wet rooms, multisensory showerheads, and thermostatic temperature control values where you set the water temperature for individual users and that temperature is achieve within 10 to 15 seconds of turning the water on.

There’s nothing more satisfying than stepping out of a shower, especially on cooler days, to a warm and toasty towel. We’ve seen a significant increase in demand for towel warmers and heated flooring systems. Not only do these amenities provide a luxurious experience, they also contribute to health and wellbeing by improving the thermal comfort of the bathroom, but also reduce moisture in a wet environment that helps deter the germs and mildew.

Being confined at home has spotlighted the need for personal spaces where homeowners can have a few minutes all to themselves and wash away the stresses of the day. In addition to multifunctional shower systems, homeowners are opting for soaking tubs that incorporate whirlpool and air systems in addition to light therapy (chromatherapy), aroma therapy and Bluetooth-enabled integrated speakers and sound systems to relax tired muscles and deliver a true spa experience not only in the bathroom but outdoors as well.

Key to effective wellness design is the ability to make homeowners lives easier, simpler and less stressful. We are designing dream kitchens for homeowners with voice activated, app and Bluetooth-enabled appliances that make meal preparation, cooking and clean up easier and less stressful. Touch-free faucets and garbage cans reduce the potential for spreading germs. Water and air filtration, advanced ventilation systems and lighting all contribute to make a new kitchen healthier and easier to use.

How can you make your kitchen, bath and other rooms and spaces in your home healthier, easier to use and less stressful? Give us a call at 866-437-5330 or make an appointment to visit our showroom at 950 FM 1960 Rd. E, Suite B, Houston, TX 77073.