Countertops

A Trip to the Islands

January 22, 2021 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Almost two out of every three kitchens renovated in the U.S. include an island, and that percentage holds true in Indianapolis. And for good reasons. Islands are multifunctional. Islands provide extra storage areas, serve as classrooms for children who are schooling remotely and provide additional seating for dining and entertaining. Islands improve the kitchens’ functionality by often including prep sinks, cooking spaces, refrigerated drawers, indoor grills, microwave or steam ovens, dishwashers, and cooktops. Islands increase countertop space that can be used for preparing meals and many other purposes. Plus, islands often serve as a focal point for a kitchen enabling homeowners in Indianapolis to make distinct and personal design statements.

Storage

Storage is the number one consideration for homeowners in Indianapolis opting for an island in their new kitchens. Most homeowners include cabinets and/or drawers for storage; however, we also have seen an increase in open shelving as a storage option for islands.

Shapes

The most common island shape in Indianapolis is square or rectangular, usually between six or seven feet long. Depending on the kitchen’s size and shape, islands can be L-shaped or U-shaped. For smaller kitchens, we often recommend a peninsula. Peninsulas are three-sided. The fourth side is attached to a wall.

Colors

Approximately 40% of homeowners in Indianapolis choose a color scheme to complement main cabinets. According to a recent Houzz.com survey, the most popular colors are blue, gray, and white. Another technique to create a stunning visual is the choice of countertop materials and colors. Houzz found that the most popular colors for island countertops are white, medium wood tone, gray, or light or dark wood. Some homeowners in Indianapolis select different materials for their island countertop than tops placed on cabinets. Popular choices include butcher block, granite, quartz, and marble.

Lighting

Lighting can make or break the look, feel, and functionality of a countertop. Pendants, recessed lights, chandeliers, and natural light can provide general illumination, task lighting for meal preparation and cooking, or highlight a particular focal point on the island.

What island size, shape, color, and functionality is perfect for your new kitchen? Give us a call or visit one of our showrooms either in person or virtually, and let us show you how your kitchen and island dreams can become a reality.

Can Your New Kitchen Accommodate an Island?

August 21, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Islands are among the most requested features in the dream kitchens we design for homeowners in Indianapolis. Islands serve multiple purposes: providing a palate for meal preparation, dining, working, a place to do homework, and a storage facility. When homeowners in Indianapolis 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 can help you find out if either can. Simply, give us a call or make an appointment to visit one of our showrooms, and help make your dream kitchen a reality.

Kitchen Remodel Ideas

June 23, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

To help you take on your next remodeling project, we have created ten tips for a kitchen remodel. Let’s get started!

Kitchen Remodel Ideas:

Wide Walkways.
Narrow walkways can cause a newly remodeled space to feel tight or out of date. Before finalizing your remodeling plans, be sure to discuss adding wide walkways into their kitchen. The wide walkways will give you more room to move around and work throughout the kitchen.
The Right Height.
A lot of times, homeowners will place their appliances wherever it looks best rather than taking function and proper layout into consideration. For example, to ensure you have the best kitchen for YOUR family and YOUR lifestyle, you want to place your microwave and double ovens at the right height for you. If you are shorter or taller, this will adjust depending on your preferences.
Do Not Cut Corners.
Corner cabinets can be a tricky topic, because they tend to have difficulties opening when another cabinet is open. Before ruling them out, let’s talk corners and find you a solution!
A Purpose-Filled Island.
Islands are terrific place to add a must-needed feature in your home without wasting space. If you are in need of an extra sink or even storage, your island can come in handy. Be sure to incorporate these essential features into your island for maximum functionality.
Count on Counters.
During a remodel, you want to make sure that you buy a solid countertop. You want to choose one that is easy to maintain and fits your cooking needs. Be sure to discuss the different options before you settle on one.
One Less Trip.
If you have extra money in your budget or you consider yourself a home chef, you may want to consider adding a pot filler near your stovetop. It doesn’t seem like much, but saving an extra trip to the sink with a heavy pot can be a real luxury!
Chalk It Up To A Fantastic Idea.
Chalkboard accents are a stylish and functional option. They are the perfect solution for busy homeowners who need a place to write their grocery list. They also make for a great kid distraction while you are cooking dinner. Some would argue that chalkboards are no longer in style, but we say function first!
Get Plugged In.
Take a look at the amount of outlets you currently have in your kitchen. If you feel like you could use more, now is the time to get some more added. Extra outlets will come in handy more often than you think! If you can’t add more outlets, switch out your existing outlets for newer ones that include USB ports alongside the plugs.
Small Spaces = Soft Shades.
If you have a small kitchen, expert designers recommend sticking with soft shades. Darker shades tend to make the room feel smaller.
The Main Event.
Just like in any room, you want to create a focal point. Whatever your point of interest may be, try to make a statement that reflects your family and your style!

Whether you are starting from the beginning and need step-by-step guidance or know exactly what you need, ICC Home’s new showroom will give you a quick, efficient, and joyful shopping experience. Our new showroom will help ensure a smooth transition between design projects. You will not have to worry about miscommunication and delays with different contractors because it will all be serviced by our team. From cabinet vignettes to countertops to flooring, all of our products work together in order to show you different styles and design trends in the industry.

Spring Projects: Embracing the Blooming Season

April 30, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

With the soon-arrival of the blooming season, homeowners may find themselves busier than ever. In fact, homeowners may even be participating in springtime’s associated activity “spring cleaning.” The activity derives from the fact that our homes will need a little more TLC since we are transitioning from colder, drearier months. During winter, we put these necessary home projects on the backburner until the weather begins to warm. Therefore, the opportunity to tackle these must-needed home projects is almost here. And to help you prepare for the day, we have created a list of five spring projects that you may want to start this season. Let’s take a look!

An Effortless Landscape

When you take a step inside, does your house feel underwhelming? If so, you may be in need of some new floors. In fact, flooring can set the stage for your design. So this spring, take some tips from the light and airy season by renovating your floors with this year’s hottest trends, including light-colored floors. From hand-scraped to wire-brushed trends to marble looks, the design possibilities are endless in 2020. Plus, with innovations in the industry, you do not have to settle for only one type of flooring in your home.

A Fresh Look

Every year, the global color authorities, Pantone Color, determine a “Color of the Year.” This year, Pantone Color chose “Classic Blue,” and its definition is not far from its name. This color is described as “calm, confident, and connective.” It provides a peaceful slate for our designs while captivating us through its thought-provoking properties. In fact, Classic Blue is the perfect paint color choice for any room that needs a relaxing yet timeless tone. You can incorporate this effortless color into your room’s landscape this spring for a refreshing twist on your interior design.

A Delightful Addition

Since spring embraces new plant life, we think that there is no better way to highlight your countertops than through the use of plants and flowers. In fact, plants can help provide greenery and life to a space while adding to the overall aesthetic. However, if you notice that your countertops are not as pristine as they once were, you have two options. One option is that you can have your countertops replaced. The renewing season of spring is the perfect time to refresh your design, especially when it comes to countertops. If you are looking to refresh your countertop design this spring, currently homeowners love the natural, one-of-a-kind beauty of marble and quartz countertops. Marble countertops feature an authentic, beautiful veining that is unmatched by any other countertop. However, if you are looking for a more durable & low maintenance countertop, quartz is a great option, you can opt for beautiful quartz countertops. Quartz is composed of natural crystals, which makes it an insanely gorgeous countertop option. Plus, quartz countertops are perfect for homeowners who love to cook because they are scratch-, stain-, and heat-resistant.

A Sweet Escape

With the weather warming, there is no time like the present to upgrade your backyard. In fact, we like to capitalize on this sweet oasis during warm nights by utilizing our space. If you have not created an outdoor oasis yet, you can simply add items that make you happy. For instance, you can incorporate some comfortable seating for entertaining, build your own firepit for warmth, hang decorative stringed lighting for creativity, or make a beautiful paver pathway to and from your house. The options for your outdoor retreat are truly endless – just remember to add items that will have you coming back for more.

A Warm Welcome

Nothing says “welcome home” quite like awesome curb appeal. Plus, spring is the perfect time of year to spruce up your front yard. For instance, you can replace your house numbers, repaint your front door and shutters, add potted plants to your porch, incorporate a new welcome mat, and swap out your mailbox. Much like our backyard projects, our front yard projects are all about your personal preferences. Start with whatever you currently dislike about your curb appeal and work from there.

With these simple spring projects, you can create an inspiring, noteworthy design that is ready to take on the new year. We hope you enjoyed, and thanks for reading!

How to Choose the Best Backsplash to Complement Your Counters

February 21, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Backsplashes are very useful and decorative ways to cover and protect your walls. In the kitchen, they are used to prevent food from staining or splashing against your walls. And while being functional, backsplashes are made from various stylish tile options that can easily become the focal point in any kitchen. Therefore, when searching for the perfect backsplash, there are several avenues to explore. To help, here are just three simple ways to decide which backsplash is best for your kitchen:

Matchy, Matchy

First, determine what your room’s overall design theme is. Would a matching backsplash and countertop help complement the design? For instance, some homeowners love to pair marble backsplashes with marble countertops. You can also try to stick to the same color countertop to match the same color backsplash for a uniform look. This simple but effective way will help blend your design and create an effortless look.

All About the Accent

You can also use your backsplash as an accent opportunity. Are you looking to add some color or character to the room? If so, using mosaic tiles are a great decorative way to add some color to your kitchen design. In fact, mosaic tiles can help add repetitive patterns and artistic flair to the room. If you choose not to make your room feel monochromatic, consider using your backsplash as an accent opportunity. Find a color that you want to introduce into the room. You can continue to pay tribute to this color throughout other accents in the room; however, note that the backsplash will be the defining moment.

A Safe Bet

Your last option could be selecting a neutral color backsplash. If you love your cabinets and countertops, do not take from the statement that they make. However, if everything feels too powerful in a design, it can begin to feel chaotic and busy. A safe option is to simply get a neutral colored backsplash.

Finishing Touch

Another way to allow your countertops to complement your backsplash is by matching the finishes. For instance, does your countertop have a high sheen or matte finish? If so, allow your design to work with each other by complementing both finishes. This concept is an excellent way to add texture to your room’s design while complementing the overall design.

These are just some simple ways to help match your backsplash with your countertops. However, do not be overwhelmed in the decision. Explore different tile options and bring them home to see next to your countertops. You may be pleasantly surprised by an unsuspecting tile choice.

Best Countertops for Homeowners Who Love to Cook

December 6, 2019 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

While most homeowners realize that buying countertops is an investment, they can often base their decision on looks rather than their lifestyle. However, it is important to understand the characteristics of each countertop and choose a product that aligns with your needs. Where quartz may be superior in one aspect, granite may fall short in another area. Grasping the countertops as a whole and basing your decision off of your lifestyle is crucial.

That being said, we are talking about countertops. Countertops, typically, go in two areas of the home: the kitchen and bathroom. When determining the right countertop option for your kitchen, you will want to take into consideration how often you cook, what you cook, and if you are entertaining. These factors can help you make the right choice. But at ICC Home, we are all about making your decisions easy. That is why we have chosen two countertop choices for homeowners who love to cook. Enjoy!

Granite

Granite countertops are loved for their distinct, unmatched beauty and superior durability. Although they come with some needed maintenance, overall, you will find that granite countertops can help you channel your inner chef and prepare a delectable meal. For instance, they are not easily scratched, which can be helpful when cooking large meals with heavy pots and pans. Additionally, granite is heat-resistant, letting you set hot items out on your countertops. Lastly, when granite is sealed, it will create a less porous landscape for food particles and liquids to penetrate, helping you to remove messes easily.

When it comes to maintenance, granite countertops are quite easy to clean. You will want to take a damp, soft cloth and clean your countertops regularly. Additionally, you will want to avoid letting wet items sit on your countertops for extended periods of time. And although granite countertops can be scratch-resistant, it is always best to use a cutting board.

Quartz

Quartz is another well-loved countertop choice. Quartz is composed of natural quartz crystals, making one of the most beautiful and durable countertop selections for your home. Plus, its beauty is matched by its durability, making it a great choice for homeowners who love to cook. In fact, quartz countertops are scratch-, stain-, and heat-resistant, which provides the chef with ease will cooking. While it is heat-resistant, extremely high temperatures can burn the material, so be sure to use caution.

When it comes to maintenance, quartz countertops are one of the easiest countertop products to maintain. Unlike its counterparts, quartz does not need any sealers. In fact, you do not need to seal your countertops each year since they are non-porous. Instead, you will merely need clear dish soap and a damp, soft rag to clean it.

Are you between quartz and granite countertops? If so, one of our expert sales associates would love to help you make the final decision. Please do not hesitate to call or visit us with any questions.