Transform Your NYC Kitchen with Trending Styles and Renovation Tips

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In this blog post, we’ll explore the latest kitchen trends in NYC and provide you with valuable renovation tips to help you achieve the kitchen of your dreams.

Embrace the Charm of NYC Kitchen Designs:

Discover the unique charm and character that sets apart NYC kitchen designs from the rest. We’ll delve into the distinct architectural styles and features that make these kitchens so captivating, such as exposed brick walls, industrial-inspired elements, and creative use of space.

Incorporating Modern Elements:

Explore the fusion of modern and traditional elements to bring your NYC kitchen into the 21st century. We’ll discuss the integration of sleek stainless steel appliances, smart home technology, and innovative storage solutions to maximize functionality without sacrificing style.

Choosing the Perfect Color Palette:

Discover the power of colors in transforming your kitchen’s atmosphere. We’ll provide insights into popular color schemes for NYC kitchens, including bold and vibrant options as well as sophisticated and minimalistic palettes. Find the perfect balance between personal preference, current trends, and the overall ambiance you want to create.

Maximizing Space in Small NYC Kitchens:

Living in a compact NYC apartment doesn’t mean compromising on a functional and visually appealing kitchen. We’ll share expert tips on optimizing space by utilizing clever storage solutions, strategic layout planning, and innovative design ideas specifically tailored to small kitchens.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Kitchen Designs:

Learn about ways to create an environmentally friendly kitchen that aligns with your values. From energy-efficient appliances and recycled materials to eco-conscious design choices, we’ll highlight sustainable options that can make a positive impact on both your space and the planet.

Hiring a Professional Kitchen Renovation Company:

Understand the importance of partnering with a reputable and experienced kitchen renovation company in NYC. We’ll guide you through the selection process, emphasizing the need to assess credentials, view past projects, and ensure a clear communication channel to guarantee a successful renovation experience.

Renovating your kitchen in NYC is an exciting and transformative process. By staying informed about the latest trends, incorporating functional and stylish elements into your design, and enlisting the help of professionals, you can create a kitchen space that reflects your unique style while maximizing efficiency. Let Golden I Construction be your trusted partner in bringing your dream kitchen to life in the vibrant and dynamic city of New York.

Remember, your kitchen is more than just a space for cooking—it’s the heart of your home. Embark on this renovation journey with us and elevate your NYC kitchen to new heights. Contact Golden I Construction today to schedule a consultation and turn your kitchen dreams into reality.

Top 5 Kitchen Trends of 2022

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As we all know, the kitchen is the heart of the home. From having the most important meal of the day here, to intimate family dinners or even gathering guests in the kitchen for a cup of coffee, it is no doubt that having a lovely kitchen is much preferred by any home owner. Below is a list of the top 5  kitchen trends of 2022.

  1. Custom Organization. A very popular and highly valued trend amongst designers lately is the means of custom organization. People want to have enough space and functionality as they can in the kitchen that are both creative and utilitarian. Recent studies have shown that there has been a significant increase in the need for custom, built-in organizers in one’s kitchen. From spices, to pots and pans, to even paper towel dispensary, people take their organization very seriously and having storage and organization built right into the kitchen is just what we need in 2022.
  2. Statement-Making Slabs. Amongst the many ways designers and homeowners can incorporate their personality into their kitchen, countertops or slabs is one of the most important ways to do so. More and more people are getting out with the old and in with the new. The new, being a modernized stone countertop. Whether it be marble, quartzite, or granite, nothing brings more glass to a kitchen than a stone slabbed counter.
  3. Vintage. As crazy as it may seem, vintage is actually becoming the new modern! A very huge trend that’s cooking in the kitchen lately is the need to have a worn-in look. From muddy paint to brassy finishes to handmade tiles, people crave an older look for their kitchen even if it was built just yesterday!
  4. Detailing. Instead of large pieces like the countertop or the cabinets, think small. Much smaller, like an apron. Minor details to your kitchen can really help portray a better feel or scheme. Are your table mats opposite to your chairs on the color wheel? Do your plates and counter top have the same finish? All of these little details can help your kitchen feel more like yours, and even better… its trendy!
  5. Playful Colors. Don’t panic! White kitchens will never go out of style so if that’s your thing, hold on to it! But, if this is the year that you want to try something bold and colorful you might as well because colorful kitchens are one of 2022’s newest trends. If white kitchens are too flat and boring for you, then this is the perfect year to experiment with colors. Dramatic stones do great with deep reds and navy blue hues.

Kitchen Island Trends For 2022

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The up and coming kitchen island trend is to have double islands instead of one long island. One of the biggest advantages of double islands is that it can provide personalized multipurpose space, which include space for dining, storage, wine racks, sinks, cooktops, warming drawers, and other appliances.

Double islands designs include: 

       1. T- shaped islands: One double island option for a smaller kitchen is T- shaped island. It is a perpendicular layout for two small islands. For example, the top part of the island is the working stations, while the stem serves as a seating area. Those two parts can connect together or a few feet away from each other depending on the specific situations.

       2. Parallel islands: If you have a large, square kitchen, two coordinating parallel islands would be a great choice for you. For example, one of the islands is a preparation station, and the other one can be a sitting island. It allows for uninterrupted conversation between people working and sitting. The parallel islands can also be the focal point of your kitchen, with countertops flowing over the edge just like a waterfall.

       3. Adjacent islands: Two side-by-side islands can be a great choice if your kitchen has a long, rectangular shape. Instead of having one long island, you break it into two smaller ones. The design helps to increase the space in the kitchen.

       4. Wrap-around islands: The wrap-around islands can be L-shaped or a circle. It has a smaller working island in the middle for food preparation. It provides the optimal seating arrangement, which can accommodate a large number of people. In addition, it can also work as a separation between living space and kitchen.

       5. Mismatched islands: If you are a fan of a more modern style, you may want to consider double islands that don’t match. For example, the difference between islands can be colors, materials, or shapes.

Color and Technology: 

In fact, besides having two islands instead of one, people also care about the color of the island and the technological improvements that can be brought into kitchen renovations and remodeling: 

       1. Prioritizing colors: colorful kitchen islands can stand out and add some fun to the kitchen design. In addition, adding in bold dashes of color can make your space come alive. For example, some bold decorating colors are fresh greens, cool blues, energetic yellows, or punchy oranges.

       2. Hand-free technological innovations: smart dishwashers, ovens and refrigerators that respond to voice commands are something that would make life a lot easier. In addition, smart kitchen technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assist, Apple’s Watch and Siri are great assistants for individuals working in the kitchen, which can help to improve efficiency and convenience.

Decorating a Small NYC Apartment Kitchen

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New York City apartment living: big on its style, small on its space. Whether you are living in a loft in SOHO or in an apartment in the East Village, cramped living spaces are the norm in NYC. Especially the kitchen.

We want to help you make the most out of every fabulous square inch you got. Even if you don’t have many! Here are a couple of tips to help jazz up your small NYC apartment kitchen.

Tip #1 Eye-Catching Backsplash

 

Want to give your NYC apartment some style? Add an eye-catching backsplash in your kitchen. In a small space, even a small portion of an eye-catching backsplash tile can add some drama and personality to your home. Personally, I like anything with a little bit of texture and sparkle.

Tip #2 Built-in Cabinets / Storage

 

This is a huge space saver and can be quite decorative. In a small kitchen, it is a really good idea to have a place for everything. Having a place for every item can cut down on the clutter. I recommend to get pull out shelves and appliance garages installed. These two things will keep the smallest NYC apartment organized and functional. Pull out drawers can house spices and can organize knives and silverware. Another thing that I love about pull out shelves is that you can hide items! When there is too much stuff displayed on your counter, it can either look messy or just simply be taking up way too much room.

You can also create storage by doing open shelving around your kitchen doorway. Put items like cutting boards, coffee cups, mixing bowls in the open slots. Something else you can with this space is,  add little decorations. Add some greenery,   like a small cactus or flowers. Or even some cooking books. This space is totally up to you. Use it for storing practical kitchen items or add some decorations to make it homier.

Tip #3 Glass Door Fronts

Some people don’t know that you can replace your cabinet doors with glass. Though this might be a little more of a pricer decision, it can really create the illusion of a more spacious kitchen. Also a trick with glass doors, it will keep you more organized since people can see through your cupboards.

Tip #4 Add Wall Stickers

Okay yes, this could be tacky but it could also be super artistic and fun. What a simple way to add your own personal touch. Wall stickers can be swapped out at any time. So say you want a marble background one month then you want roses another month. Just simply peel off one and stick on the other.

Tip #5 Rolling Cart

 

Bringing back the college days with a rolling cart? Well, these are perfect for small NYC apartment kitchens. Rolling storage carts are the perfect addition. You can add color and keep clutter out of sight by hanging a curtain from it.

 

How to Prepare for your NYC Apartment Renovation

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1. Be a confident decision-maker

Everyone involved in the remodel, including you, want the remodel to move forward in a timely manner and on schedule. To make sure that this is the case it is imperative that all decisions are made quickly and efficiently. Your contractor will discuss with you possible situations that may come up on your project. These decisions on what the solution will be are not what usually causes delays. The smaller decisions like faucet selection,  paint, or trim choice are what people usually get stuck on. If these aren’t made in a timely manner, your faucet could be two weeks late because of shipping, and then your plumber will have to be rescheduled leading to a delay.

2. Compare prices and Set a Budget

This is hopefully an obvious one. It is important no matter what project you are doing to set a budget. When you are dividing up your budget per room, you will get the most return value on rooms like a master bathroom and or a kitchen if you decide to sell your place in the future. Also if you spend less money on lighting, vanities and closet systems, you will see more return on your investment.

You will want to get a rough idea of cost on all the different styles and looks you are considering implementing in your space. You don’t need an exact estimate yet, but having a rough estimate will allow you to better plan your budget. For an exact estimate, the remodeling agency will have to come in and assess the condition of your space before providing an exact estimate.

3. Create a Contingency fund

No matter how much you plan or prep for your remodel something always happens. Because of this, it is important to set aside 5% of your original budget just in case. Rarely does anyone ever set a realistic budget for a project. However, you should not consume your contingency fund to stretch your budget.

4. Visit a Kitchen and Bath Showroom

If you are remodeling your kitchen and bathroom it is really helpful to go see a local showroom. This will allow you to see materials in person, ask questions and get an idea on pricing. This will allow you to make some informed decisions before and during the remodel.

Melamine Cabinets? What you need to know

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What is Melamine? It is a synthetic material used to produce cabinets in your kitchen and the rest of your home. Melamine has a compressed wood particle core, which is then covered with a resin and paper finish that can be manufactured to embody a variety of styles and colors. To better understand this material we will go through the pros and cons in the following list.

Pros

  • Durability – Because of the tough outer coating, Melamine is resistant to the usual issues presented in the kitchen, like excessive moisture, heat or stains. It is also really easy to clean.
  • Offer a large variety – As mentioned earlier, the synthetic material offers a huge range of finishes. It can come in any shade or color so it is easy to match your kitchen’s style.
  • A uniform finish – Unlike solid wood that can vary in grain patterns and color since melamine is manufactured in a controlled setting it offers a consistent finish.
  • Low Cost – Compared to solid wood cabinets, melamine is offered at a much lower price.

Cons

  • Cabinets can be heavy – This may not be your first concern but because of the weight, you may have to purchase heavy-duty brackets to install your cabinets. Without these, the cabinets may fall off the way which will cause expensive damages.
  • Melamine can chip – Even though the outside surface is durable it can be prone to chipping. This leaves the inner wood core exposed which is not attractive. It can also be expensive to have the cabinets refinished.
  • Can be harder to install – Because of how the material is constructed, the cabinets might splinter when using nails or screws. You should use a professional installation team, like GoldenIConstruction, to install your cabinets.
  • Melamine is prone to water damage – Any wooden material is likely to water damage, but if the wood particle core of the cabinets gets saturated with water, it can compromise their structural integrity. Water can be absorbed, in general, more easily in this material than solid wood.

Mistakes that can Derail Your Kitchen Remodel

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Are you thinking of remodeling your kitchen? No matter what you are trying to do, whether it’s adding an island or knocking down a wall, most people’s goal is to get the most out of your remodel without overspending. So what sort of mistakes would cost you more money? Here is a list to help you avoid those mistakes.

1. Not Buying Appliances First

Always choose your appliances first before you choose things like countertops or cabinets. It is much easier to match your cabinets to your appliances than the other way around.

2. Overspending on cabinets and appliances

Cabinets and appliances are incredibly important for your kitchen both aesthetically and functionally. However, there is no need to go broke trying to buy the “best” the store has to offer. Do some research before buying cabinets and appliances. There are many options that give the same look and feel as the high-end cabinets and appliances while staying on budget.

3. Failing to measure

This is one of the most common mistakes among people doing renovations. Make sure you measure twice before buying fixtures, hardware, or appliances.  Then once you do that, you should thoroughly review the product details before purchasing an item to ensure that it fits.

4. Going light on the lighting

Improper lighting can be incredibly problematic, especially in the kitchen. You want to make sure you have enough lighting for every task whether that’s cutting, cooking, or using appliances. It is suggested to include a dimmer switch and under cabinet lighting.

5. Botching the Backlash

Misplacing a backlash is a common decorative mistake that many people do. The backsplash should have a clear termination point horizontally, usually aligning with the bottom of the cabinets or where the walls meet. It should never overhang the upper cabinet or turn a corner.

6. Failing to level the floor

Make sure that you check if the floor is leveled before laying the flooring. If you need to level the floor you don’t want to have the floor half-laid before realizing. That is a huge extra cost.

Bathroom and Kitchen Renovations for the Fall

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Now that we are starting to get into the fall season, many homeowners start to think about how they can improve their home. Fall is a great time to make updates and upgrades to your home. While it may be too late to expect to complete a major home addition or renovation project, there is definitely time before the end of the year to spruce up your home and make some key changes.

Kitchen

The time for barbequing and having dinner in the warm summer air is coming to an end. Fall is the time for many families to bring cooking back indoors. Here are a few ideas on what you can do if may not want to do a full kitchen remodel.

  • You can resurface, paint, or stain your cabinets instead of completely replacing them
  • You can also replace the hardware on your cabinets and drawers which can have a surprisingly transformative effect
  • Resurface or replace your worn or dated countertops add a fresh new feel to your kitchen
  • Put a fresh coat of paint on your walls and ceiling
  • Make your kitchen energy efficient by upgrading your appliances to energy-efficient ones
  •  Get your kitchen ready for all the cooking you’ll be doing this fall and winter by installing a new range hood and fan
  • Install a kitchen island you have always wanted so it’s easy to entertain guests

All these changes allow you to upgrade your kitchen little by little without having to do a complete remodel.

Bathroom

If you like having guests over, it might be time to take a look at your bathroom to see how you can make it a little nicer. Here are a few ideas to make the room a bit more presentable.

  • Repaint the walls and ceiling
  • Give your bathroom a deep clean by cleaning or scrubbing the tiles. You can do this by yourself or hire professionals.
  • Replace your vanity and mirror
  • Add a textured wall covering for a more inviting feel

Interior Renovations Step by Step

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For a whole home renovation, there are some main steps that every renovation follows. Sometimes these some of these steps may not apply to your project if you are just updating the paint or the flooring.

The order of these steps may also vary based on the contractor. However, here at Golden I Construction, you will be guaranteed that these steps will be handled with the highest importance and expertise.  We will sit down with you and discuss any of your concerns as well as use the best quality materials for completion.

  1. Demolition – Before anything new can be added, you need to get rid of the old. This may mean pulling up carpeting, tearing down wallpaper or tearing down walls. Demolition projects can range in time and some can be done in a day or two while others may take much longer. You will want to have a plan in place before the demolition begins for staying somewhere else during the process or you can move the location of the demolished room to somewhere else in the house.
  2. Rebuilding – Next step is to start rebuilding. If this involves walls then this is the step where wood framing is reassembled,  windows are added, and doors are added to the framework. For room add-ons, the roof will be added and enclosed along with the gutters and exterior siding.
  3. Utilities – Now its time to add and reposition all the utilities. If you are installing new appliances or find you will be utilizing numerous electronic devices, the electrical panel may need updating as well. Gas and water utilities need to be considered especially if you are remodeling a bathroom and/or a kitchen. Water lines are not as easy to move so your remodeling project may have to be carefully planned around existing pipes. However, this is also a good opportunity to update water supply lines to new copper pipes which are not only more sturdy but allow water to run more quietly. For a remodel that is going to add gas appliances, running new pipes is a must but a larger meter may need to be installed too. During this step, the ductwork for central heating and air conditioning units will also be moved or extended to accommodate your new space.
  4. Walls – Now that all the interior stuff is properly in the walls it is time to start enclosing them. Insulation will be inserted or blown-in first. Then, drywall will be hung along with taping, mudding, and sanding. Once the walls are smooth they are ready for paint, wallpaper, or whatever finish you chose during your planning stages.
  5. Flooring – Depending on the contractor the flooring will either be installed after the walls have been painted and finished to avoid damage to floors or they could be installed before. This will depend on what you decided with your contractor during the planning stage.
  6. Cabinets – Cabinets are a great way for your own personal design choices to start showing through. This step is when any new cabinets for the kitchen or bathroom will be installed. Everything from upper storage cabinets to vanities along with countertops that have been pre-cut with spaces to accommodate sinks and appliances.
  7. Appliances – Now it is time to make the new space functional. Any new appliances will be fitted and installed. Everything from the refrigerator to the stove, sinks, and tubs with their stylish faucets and fixtures, as well as the washer and dryer. Also if you chose to keep your previous appliances they will be introduced to their new locations during this step.
  8. Final Touches – Now it’s time for the last few touches before the clean up can begin. These touch-ups include any fixes to the paint or any wallpaper. This also includes customizable touches like backsplashes, and light fixtures, as well as, door and window trim, hooks, shelving, and hardware.

How to make a plan for Home Remodel

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There are many reasons to remodel your home. Does your home feel small or outdated? Maybe you want a new house but you can’t find anything you love? Or maybe you are trying to sell your house but want to update it first? It doesn’t matter the reason because there are many ways to update your house to fit the needs and lifestyle that you want.

A whole-home remodeling project can be a large and overwhelming feat. There are numerous decisions to make from how much of the home to remodel to what actual appliances are going in. Despite all of these decisions, the improvements you do make are an investment. Any home improvements you make should elevate the functionality of your house as well as increase your home value. The first step is making a plan.

Start with a Plan

Home renovation is in essence just a really really large project. Like with any large project the first step is always to make a plan since there are usually too many choices to make during the actual project. For a home renovation, it is important to make sure everything you want to improve is well-thought-out, researched, and discussed. Here are some factors that should be included in your overall plan.

Have a vision – It is a good idea for you to begin by looking through magazines or visiting home improvement stores for ideas and inspiration. However, no matter your dream or wish for your home you will need to make sure it’ll work in the layout of the house, add to its function or even fit into the budget. It’s a good idea to prioritize the top 5 -10 must-haves before making a definite plan.

Size – How much of your home are you remodeling? Are you adding on a new room or adding a whole new floor? If adding on is part of the plan, you’ll need to check if permits are needed or if there are neighborhood covenants to consider. Of course, all of these questions will depend on your budget.

Style and Design – Everyone has a personal style or design that they want in your home. However, you should make sure you pick a design that fits the test of time. Don’t pick a style that is so trendy that you will need to update again in 3 years or get so customized with your lighting or built-in cabinets that it’s impossible to resell later. There are many different styles to choose from like rustic, industrial, or modern and many more.

Budget –  The biggest decision to consider when making your plan is how much are you willing to spend? Once you set a budget you might discover your dreams are bigger than your pocketbook, but you can always scale back or put off part of the project until another time. Also when making your budget, many experts will tell you that you should plan for a contingency of 10 to 20 percent of your budget to cover any unforeseen discoveries that are made during the renovations.

Contractor – Hiring a contractor might be one of the best ideas you can make when doing a whole-house renovation. since they will be able to guide you through all aspects of the project. Contractors like Golden I Construction can help make the whole process simple and stress-free. Not only will we be able to tell you what will work or not work with your current home, but we’ll also provide suggestions for design, style, and the most current technologies in home improvement that you may not have considered.

Look into the Future  – It is important to consider how your remodels will fit your life and your family’s life in the future. As your family grows or kids move out it is important to consider how the customizable spaces you have will still be relevant and usable in the future. A tip is to make sure the spaces will last 20-30 years in the future.