With newer kitchens trending more and more toward professional grade cooking appliances – especially large gas ranges – it’s more important than ever to have proper ventilation. Ducted range hoods improve indoor air quality, keep kitchens cleaner, and even help lower heating and cooling costs. Of course, not all models are created equal, and there are a few features to look for s

Usually when you talk about upgrading your kitchen, you’re talking about big ticket items: a new refrigerator, range, cabinets, or floors. But sometimes it’s the little changes that add up to a big difference in the way you use your kitchen. Especially in a smaller kitchen, simple functionality-adding features are the best upgrades you can make. Better still, many of the most useful ki

It’s starting to get warm out, even in parts of the country where spring comes fashionably late.  It’s not quite springy enough for grilling here in the frozen north, but the orange construction cones are in bloom and I’ve got outdoor design on my mind. If you’re planning a big back yard project, now is the time to get started: the weather is decent to work in, and if you

More than ever, the kitchen has become the heart of the home, not just for preparing food, but for eating and entertaining as well. Kitchens are larger and more open than ever before, with everything from more storage to more seating. But while many dream kitchens focus on features like sprawling kitchen islands, professional grade cooking appliances, and custom cabinetry, one of my favorite new k

Think all kitchen cabinets are created equal? If so, it’s definitely time for you to think again. In recent years, homeowners have begun demanding smarter storage options. It’s no longer enough for a kitchen cabinet to just look good or even merely suffice – on-trend kitchens should be efficient, effective, and innovative. One of the most popular features are pull out cabinets or

Yesterday I spoke broadly about kitchen cabinet trends – about the way design is headed, and elements you might want to consider incorporating into your own kitchen. But there’s one big trend that I think merits further discussion, and that’s the increasing tendency towards non-traditional storage.  When you think of “kitchen cabinets” what comes to mind is probably&

Installing new kitchen cabinetry is one of the most important home improvement decisions you’ll make. As I’m sure you know, getting all new kitchen cabinets can be incredibly expensive, and it’s a choice that’s going to determine the way your kitchen looks for years to come. That’s why it’s so, so important to make an informed decision about your design before w

In recent years, kitchen islands have become more and more popular, especially in large kitchens with open floorplans. But upping the size of your kitchen – and especially introducing a secondary workspace like a kitchen island – means you’ll need more and better lighting. Some kitchen islands are used for prep, some for seating, and some are even designed with built in sinks or

Buying a new kitchen range – whether you’re replacing one that’s old or broken, or upgrading as part of a larger remodel – is one of the more important decisions you’ll have to make in terms of your kitchen design. They’re big, relatively expensive, and at least theoretically will last you quite a while. That means you’re making a commitment for the start-

Tile backsplashes have been steadily gaining popularity in recent years, both in the bathroom and in the kitchen. But while having a backsplash in the first place is trendy all on its own, the size, shape, color, and even type of tile used is constantly evolving. In fact, many of the most popular tiles are going out of vogue, while some classic designs are making a comeback, along with a few new s