Keep up-to-date with the latest kitchen renovation tips and trends straight from the experts. Browse our archive and stay tuned for more updates!

Kitchen Review: Popular Countertops in Kitchens Across Sydney

Posted by Badel Kitchens & Joinery on June 8, 2016

Countertops are arguably one of the most important parts of any kitchen. At times, homeowners and designers choose a countertop and designing the entire kitchen around it. If you’re still torn about which material would best suit your needs and your budget, read more to find out about the most popular countertops in kitchens across Sydney.

Granite

photo credits: graniteselection.com

Granite has been the leading kitchen countertop material for years, and for good reason. It is one of the sturdiest materials in the market and comes in a wide variety of colours, finishes, and thicknesses. Its price ranges depending on the quality of granite you choose and the thickness. It is quite porous so ritual sealing is necessary.

Quartz

photo credits: www.caesarstone.com.au

Much like granite, quartz is quite sturdy and can withstand heat, pressure, nicks, and scratches. It’s non-porous so it doesn’t require sealing of any sort. Caesarstone is one type of quartz that is quickly becoming a favourite of homeowners everywhere and provides the look of granite at a lower cost. Quartz, however, can be quite heavy (significantly heavier than granite) and lacks the natural variegation granite can offer.

Laminate

photo credits: www.bobvila.com

Laminates are plastic-coated and come in a range of colours – some even resembling marble and granite. It’s one of the most affordable materials in the market but is prone to scratches, burns, and stains.

Stainless Steel

photo credits: www.decoist.com

Often associated with commercial and industrial kitchens, stainless steel is quickly making its way into family kitchens. It’s easy to clean up and is resistant to heat and bacteria. Fingerprints show up easily on stainless steel so you may end up constantly wiping it down. It is also prone to dents and scratches, so cutting boards are an absolute must.

Concrete

photo credits: www.forbes.com

These days, concrete is no longer restricted to just floors and walls. It is easily customisable – made to fit any kitchen and tinted to any shade you desire. Although quite sturdy, it doesn’t absorb heat quite as well as other materials. It is porous so it has a tendency to stain if not sealed frequently.

Your countertops can set the tone for your entire kitchen or can serve as a great accent to whatever kitchen design you choose. When choosing countertops, make sure to choose one that suits not only your look but your lifestyle as well. Consult with an expert to find out which type best suits your needs. Badel Kitchens and Joineries employs a team of seasoned professionals who can assist you with any questions you may have. Contact Badel today and begin work on your new kitchen.

Kitchen Design: Building a Cosy Family Kitchen

Posted by Badel Kitchens & Joinery on June 8, 2016

Kitchens are more than just a place for cooking. Oftentimes, it’s serves as the heart of the home where family members hang out to talk about their day. Design your kitchen to make it a welcoming space for you and your family.

Make It Bright

photo credits: www.houzz.com.au

Nothing’s more inviting than a bright room. Incorporate as much light as you can into the room. Natural light is always best so look to add large windows or even a sunroof. Strategically positioned lights work just as well if natural light isn’t available.

Add Comfortable Seating

photo credits: www.houzz.com

Adding comfortable chairs or even a couch to your kitchen/dining area is sure to attract family and friends and make them want to stay there longer. Create a middle kitchen island where family and friends can gather and socialise while preparing a meal.

A couch can section of different living areas in an open space without making it seem too cluttered.

Create a Breakfast Nook

photo credits: www.blogdecorandoonline.com

A breakfast nook is more than just for eating breakfast. It can be a comfortable place for family members to spend the weekend lounging or a great place to just read a book. Have a custom built booth added to your kitchen and be sure to fill it with comfy pillows and upholstery.

Build a Snack Bar

photo credits: www.houzz.com.au

Create a place where your kids can study and do their homework while you’re preparing dinner. Add a snack bar where you can easily store snacks for them to eat throughout the day.

Incorporating the Outdoors

photo credits: www.founterior.com
A great kitchen can be made even better with an amazing view. While planning your kitchen’s layout, think about what view you will have. Also think about how you can bring the outdoors in.Bring life into the kitchen by opening it up to the garden or patio. This not only allows light to flow in, but makes it more welcoming and appealing.

A kitchen should serve as the heart of every home. With these tips, you and your family will surely want to spend a lot more time in the kitchen. Badel Kitchen & Joinery is the leading expert in creating unique kitchen designs and layouts. Contact Badel today and ask about our new kitchen installations, remodelling, kitchen design and kitchen renovation services.

Kitchen Renovations: Where to Save and Where to Splurge

Posted by Badel Kitchens & Joinery on December 15, 2015

New kitchens don’t have to be costly. It’s all about knowing where you can save money, and what you should invest on.

Save: Sink

Although the sink is often used, you don’t need to spend a huge part of your budget on it, especially if it’s an undermount. There are a lot of durable stainless steel sinks that are available, and best of all; it won’t ruin your budget.

Splurge: Faucet

A stylish and sleek faucet can complete your kitchen’s look. You’ll be using your faucet often so invest in a sturdy, good-quality faucet. Look into purchasing a pull-down faucet which makes dishwashing a breeze.

Save: Cabinet Pulls and Knobs

There are a ton of cabinet pulls and knobs available today. It may not seem like much but they can add the last details to finish and tie in your new kitchen together. There are several kinds, like chrome, wood, and brass, so find the one that complements your new kitchen best. Your kitchen supplier is sure to house multiple options at various prices.

Splurge: Cabinets

Cabinets are an integral part of any new kitchen. Cabinets made with quality materials offer a huge return on investment as they can last years with minimal upkeep. Maximise the efficiency and functionality of your cabinets by consulting with a professional contractor. Good cabinets can make working in the kitchen so much easier.

Save: Backsplash

There are a ton of backsplash options you can get from a reliable kitchen supplier. The good news is, they aren’t that expensive! You can get stylish options at an affordable price. Or think outside the box and use plexiglass or clear glass with a brightly coloured fabric beneath it for a look that’s unique and inexpensive.

Splurge: Countertops

The countertop is the first thing you see in a kitchen, and it can set the tone for the entire kitchen. Kitchen islands particularly are a great investment. They’re one of the most utilised parts of the kitchen, so spending a good part of the budget would yield a great return on investment. You won’t have to worry about any nicks or scratches if you use quality material.

Save: Lighting

Good lighting is necessary for safety and efficiency. The great part is it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Quality light fixtures in stylish options are available at low prices. Consider going to vintage stores to get them at an even lower cost, without having to sacrifice on the design.

Splurge: Appliances

A huge chunk of your budget should be allotted for your appliances. They’re the ones that will be used on a daily basis so it’s wise to invest on things that will work well and will last long. Large kitchen appliances, such as refrigerators, stoves, and ovens, are appliances you will have for a long time so it’s better to spend on good quality and energy efficient ones from the very beginning. It could save you a lot of money down the line.

Kitchen renovations can seem like a daunting task but it shouldn’t overwhelm you. Knowing when to save and when to splurge can help you allocate your budget and prevent you from overspending.

Need help finding options for your kitchen renovation? If you need a kitchen supplier, look no further. Contact us and we’ll assist you with finding whatever it is you need while staying within your budget.

Remodeling Your Kitchen? 7 Rules to Follow

Posted by Badel Kitchens & Joinery on August 31, 2015

1. Function is king of design.

No matter how classy or elegant your new kitchen design looks, renovation would be a total waste if it doesn’t improve the ease of movement in the area and if space is not maximised.

No matter what type of layout, your sink, fridge, and cooktop need to form a triangle, with no more than 6 feet between each for ease of movement.

2. Make sure you’ve got LOTS of storage.

The most common mistake committed when planning for custom kitchens is not allowing enough storage. Make sure cabinets go all the way to the ceiling, instead of leaving space for dust to accumulate. Invest in custom drawers that allow easy access to stored pots and pans as well as in creating space for appliances so your kitchen wouldn’t look cluttered.

You can never go wrong with custom joinery and cabinetry.

3. Don’t skimp on walls and flooring.

Your walls and flooring need to complement each other for custom kitchens to look great. This also includes other surfaces in the kitchen including countertops and benches.

As for the flooring, more than aesthetics, the key criteria for choosing should be durability and slip-resistance.

Don’t skimp on the quality of your walls and flooring; it’s better to pay a little extra for a low maintenance flooring that will last for years.

4. Plan for adequate lighting.

Often, overhead lighting is insufficient for kitchens. When remodelling, consider using wider windows for more natural light and installing lights so they are in front of you, not at the back casting shadows on the workspace. You would want a well-lit kitchen that makes it easier to cook even at night.

Create different levels of light: under-cabinet, inside cabinets, perhaps rope lighting on top of the cabinets.

5. Plan the placement of power outlets and lines.

Make sure you have ample electric and gas lines, as well as a sufficient number of power outlets that are strategically placed close to the appliances that will utilise them.

Use plug mold under your upper cabinets instead of having multiple outlets on the backsplash.

6. Opt for lots of counter space and surface when designing custom kitchens.

You can never have too much counter space, especially for families who often have busy kitchens when entertaining guests or simply preparing food for the day.

If you have an island or counters facing each other, make sure there is at least 4 feet of space between them.

7. Ensure proper ventilation within the kitchen.

Always go for a range hood that’s quiet, efficient, and vented outside. It’s ok to pay a little extra for a quiet exhaust that will allow you to cook in peace.

Some homeowners swear by restaurant-grade stovetops as they can last for a very long time for residential/personal use.

Contact Badel Kitchens for custom kitchens that provide the best value for your money. Enquire today and we’ll assist you with finding whatever it is you need while staying within your budget.

Category: Kitchen Renovation Tips