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NoteWorthy Technology Trends in Kitchen & Bath

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With technology ever-changing and continually improving, we find an incredible amount of technological advancements in the average American household. In fact, we see an increase in smart homes that feature unreal technological developments to make everyday tasks a little simpler. In particular, we see these developments in the kitchen and bath world. Today, we are going to take a close look at those kitchen and bath technology trends.

Veil Lighting

Veil lighting adds instant elegance to your bathroom landscape. It simply lines an object (i.e., a bathtub or bathroom mirror) with gorgeous, soft lighting, giving a space warmth and dimension. Additionally, it provides the added benefits of voice activation, motion control, and color that mimics the temperature to help promote sleep and wellness.

Wi-Fi Enabled Kitchen Appliances

With Wi-Fi enabled kitchen appliances, you now have the ability to multi-task during meal prep. From speedy oven cleaning in under ten minutes to cooking meals at different temperatures, you can make cooking easier than ever. Plus, there are a wide variety of products that feature Wi-Fi capabilities, meaning you can start dinner right from your tablet.

Pop-up Power Outlets

You can finally have a smooth, uninterrupted backsplash design with a pop-up power outlet. These discrete outlets are able to be utilized at a moment’s notice and put away for later use. They are incredibly sleek and stylish, giving kitchens a clean look.

Heated Floors

Nothing says luxury quite like heated floors in your bathroom. Where tile floors can typically be cold to the touch, heated floors provide an alternative elegant and warm feel for homeowners.

Steam Showers

Steam showers have become all the rage in luxurious bathrooms and for a good reason. They give homeowners a chance to unwind and relax with warm steam in the comfort of their own home. In fact, they bring the tranquil feel of a spa right to your bathroom design.

Digital Showers

Did you ever imagine a day where an electronic screen would be in your shower? With digital shower controls, you can use a variety of different functions from the comfort of your shower. From the ability to change the water pressure to adjusting the water’s temperature, digital shower controls offer homeowners a sleek and luxurious shower.

Which trend was your favorite? Do you foresee any new trends coming to the market in 2020? Let us know your thoughts below in the comment section.

Five Elements to Consider When Choosing Countertops

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Remodeling your kitchen is one of the most intricate, yet rewarding, renovations you can do for your home’s value. While many decisions need to be made and considered along the way like cabinets, sinks, appliances, and countertops, you will find that all of these elements will play a significant role in the overall design. Not to mention, each one of these choices has a wide variety of stylish options you will need to consider.

At ICC Home, we understand that your countertops need to be a functional part of your layout. Since you will be preparing family dinners, hosting holiday traditions, and entertaining guests, your kitchen countertops need to be able to withstand your household’s daily activities, and we are here to help! When considering countertop options, it is important that you make sure you ask yourself these five essential questions:

Maintenance

When considering countertops, the first thing you should consider is the amount of maintenance and upkeep. Different countertop materials have different levels of required maintenance. While you may be in love with granite, you may not have the time or desire to keep up on the maintenance. If you are looking for an easy to maintain countertop solution, we recommend going with some beautiful yet simple like ceramic tile. If ceramic tile is not quite your speed, no need to fret; one of our expert sales staff would love to help guide you to the perfect material for your family’s lifestyle.

Type

There are many types of countertop options with different benefits. Granite, quartz, butcher block, ceramic tile, and more, all have added beneficial reasons that homeowners choose them. The first thing you should consider is the type that looks the most aesthetically pleasing with your home design. While this is important, functionality will also play a significant role. For example, what are the types of activities your kitchen countertops will see on a day to day basis? If your countertops will be used consistently and need to be cleaned regularly, you may want to opt for an easier to maintain countertop like quartz.

Heat Resistance

Some countertops are excellent heat resistors. For example, you can take a hot pot from the oven and set it directly onto a granite countertop. Unfortunately, you cannot do the same with wood or quartz countertops. That is why you will need to consider if heat resistance is an added benefit you are looking for in your countertops. Many people love this additional benefit, while others it does not matter.

Stain Resistance

Some more porous countertops will allow liquids to penetrate deep into the material and this can lead to unwanted stains. Make sure if you have a porous countertop that you keep up on maintenance and apply a stain barrier when needed. And if you are unsure whether or not the countertop you like is porous, one of our expert sales associates would love to help differentiate the products for you!

Budget

Unfortunately, a significant determining factor for most people is the budget. Creating your kitchen can be a costly investment, and we understand that. Make sure you weigh out the options of different countertops that fit your budget and determine whether or not you want to put more of your investment into other areas of the kitchen.

Luckily with financing options available, your dream kitchen may be closer than you think! Let us help tailor every design element to your needs and make this an enjoyable experience at ICC Home. With our new showroom, you can explore our many countertop options and talk to one of our expert sales representatives about all of your design needs. While in our new showroom, be sure to check out everything you need to complete your design.

ICC Home: Countertop Selection

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At ICC Home, we strive to be your one-stop-shop for everything home improvement. From finding the perfect paint color to discovering gorgeous new countertops, we want to help you create your dream oasis. We understand that with every project comes a list of wants and needs, and we hope to help you discover your home’s potential in each design. 

With a recent transition from ICC Floors to ICC Home, we wanted to capitalize on the fact that we are the perfect one-stop-shop. To help homeowners learn about all of our various products, we wanted to dive deeper into the different products we offer. Today, we will discuss our various countertop products. Let’s take a look!

Our Countertops Products:

Ceramic Tile:

Ceramic tile is a versatile product that can be used in various areas throughout your home. From the floors to the countertops, ceramic tile can help add character and charm to any space. Not to mention, it comes in a variety of styles, finishes, colors, textures, and sizes to meet your design needs. Plus, ceramic tile countertops are easy to maintain. To learn more about that ceramic tile’s maintenance process, please click here. 

Laminate:

Laminate comes in a variety of thicknesses, depending on your needs. It can go all way up to a high-impact, heavy-duty use thickness for countertops. Laminate can be an excellent option for homeowners wanting an affordable countertop option. Not to mention, it is available in nearly every color or pattern imaginable, but maintenance can be essential. To view laminate’s maintenance process, please click here. 

Slab Stone: 

From granite to marble to limestone, slab stones are an excellent choice for your countertop design. Granite is a chic, popular choice for homeowners and is often loved for its extreme durability and density. Whereas, marble is more porous, and may be the perfect addition for less heavily used areas like the bathroom. Lastly, limestone is typically a matte finish and can be considered more porous than marble. With limestone, you will want to incorporate some preventative maintenance features to help prolong its life. To learn more about the maintenance process, please click here. 

Stone Tile:

Natural stone is a product of Mother Nature, and it is essential to keep in mind that no two pieces will be identical. Their natural characteristics give them beauty rather than imperfections. Plus, each natural stone comes as a different level of hardness and porosity. To make sure you select the perfect one for your lifestyle, we recommend talking with one of our expert sales staff. To contact us, please click here. 

Solid Surface:

Solid surface countertops are created for the busy household. They provide clean lines and durability with a vast selection of colors and finishes. Plus, they are resistant to bacteria and mold which helps create a clean environment for meal prep. To learn more about solid surface countertops, please click here. 

Quartz: 

With a variety of different applications, Quartz can be a perfect addition to your home’s countertops. Quartz is available in a variety of colors not commonly found in nature since the crushed stone is mixed with pigment. This gives homeowners a different look for their kitchen countertops and lets them expand design possibilities. To learn more about Quartz, please click here. 

With several options to choose from, we are sure you are filled with questions. Please do not hesitate to stop by one of our showrooms or call us for more information. One of our expert sales staff members is eagerly waiting to assist you. Thank you for choosing ICC Home for your home improvement needs. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you. 

Three Things You Need to Consider When Remodeling Your Kitchen

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Of course, it would be amazing to be able to spend as much as you want on your kitchen renovation project; however, the reality is that you are probably working within a set budget. When you are working with a budget, you will have to make some compromises along the way; therefore, it is important to renovate smartly. When making such tough decisions, be aware of what matters most to you. Here are some key tradeoffs you should consider making when it comes down to the “nitty-gritty:”

1. How You Will Be Using the Kitchen.

First off, before the renovation of your kitchen begins, you should be clear on how you will want to use your new kitchen. For example, some people remodel their kitchen so that they can have more space to cook and entertain their guests. Others redesign their kitchens to be more efficient. Whatever your needs, be sure to set aside goals that will help you make the right decisions as your budget starts to decrease.

2. Realistic Needs.

When remodeling your kitchen, you should think about how many people your kitchen will serve on a daily basis. If you have a small kitchen, but entertain on occasions, a kitchen with double range ovens and a 48-inch wide refrigerator may not be suitable. Many experts recommend designing with your maximum capacity needs. Try to balance your wants with the space’s size. Be reasonable with your decisions to help maximize the space’s overall potential without overwhelming it or weighing it down. 

3. Invest When Needed. 

During a remodel, it can be important to understand when to invest in a certain kitchen material. Design experts recommend spending more money on higher quality items to ensure a lifelong use. When homeowners pick the most inexpensive item on the market, it can often end up hurting them in the future. You want to invest in your home’s future with high-quality materials. Maybe that means saving for a longer period of time or progressively building up your kitchen’s design. Whatever your final decision may be, we recommend considering the product and the overall value that it brings to the table.

We hope you enjoyed these tips for remodeling your kitchen. If you are in the market for new cabinets, floors, or paint, ICC Floors is your one-stop destination for all things remodeling. Stop by one of our three beautiful showrooms or call us for more information. We look forward to working with you.


Easy Ways to Add Interest in Your Kitchen

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The kitchen is so much more than just an area where you cook and eat. All too often, the kitchen becomes a small, forgotten, and isolated space, especially in older homes. In fact, many design experts would describe the kitchen as the soul of a home. It is the space where you congregate with your family, and in modern households, it is also a hub for a lot of activity. The kitchen can serve many different functions. Sometimes it is a late night workspace while other times, it is a casual hangout space.
 
It is time to give this area of your home some attention. If you are interested in making a statement with your kitchen’s design, it is time that you add some emphasis by creating a focal point.
 
When designing your kitchen you may be tempted to purchase all of the eye-catching fixtures, furniture, and materials that you see in the store. Not only is the quickest way to max out your allotted budget but you will also be committing a big design mistake. Using too many glitzy items will result in a busy design that design. It is best to select a couple of noteworthy pieces and use other elements to support the piece.
 
Here are some easy ways you can create a focal point in your kitchen without breaking the bank: 
 
Be Bold.  
While the backsplash protects your walls from stains, it can also be a big decorative element in the kitchen area. You can select backsplash tiles made from glass, wood, stone and a variety of other materials to match your design preferences. Just be sure to select tiles that feature a bold color or a striking design. This will help to create more interest and appeal in this area. 
 
Count on Countertops.
Who said that you had to stick to traditional countertop materials? To create a focal point, opt for a nontraditional kitchen island. Such as one that is made from reclaimed wood or other recycled materials. Accent countertops and islands are super trendy and tend to draw a lot of attention. 
 
Get The Fix. 
If you are on a tight budget, you can easily add accent fixtures to make your kitchen pop. Try switching out your boring cabinet knobs for rose gold or chrome ones. Stainless steel appliances were in the past, but Instead, you can opt for colorful appliances. You will be surprised at how such a simple move can make your kitchen pop.
 
Always Add Artwork.
Artwork is not just reserved for the living room and bedroom areas. You can incorporate these pieces into your kitchen design for the perfect finishing touch. Just be sure to find pieces that inspire you and speak to your design. 
 
We hope you enjoyed these four easy ways to add interest to your kitchen! Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. 

Colors Schemes Suited for Small Kitchens

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Owning a small home can be an exciting adventure. While having less space to work with, you may be struggling to find the perfect color scheme that compliments your home’s dimensions. Today, we are going to focus specifically on five color schemes that are perfect for small kitchens.

 

Colors Schemes Suited for Small Kitchens:

To preface this post, we want to discuss what each term will represent in your kitchen. Primary colors will be the areas like your walls. Secondary colors will be an area like your cabinetry. Lastly, tertiary colors will represent an area of your decor. Each color will play an essential role in the overall design of your kitchen. Together, the colors work well to open up a small space and bring it to life. Let’s take a look!

Primary Color: White; Secondary Color: Light Gray; Tertiary Color: Baby Blue.
For our first recommendation, the color scheme is white, light gray, and baby blue. These colors are perfect for a homeowner who wants a little bit of color without overcommitting. The neutrals of the white and gray compliment the brightness of baby blue to create an enduring color scheme.

 

Primary Color: Pure White; Secondary Color: Off-White; Tertiary Color: Beige.
For our second recommendation, the color scheme is pure white, off-white, and beige. This color scheme is for homeowners who want to play it safe. These neutrals are always a classic and will not go out of style. You can create a clean, modern look with this simple color scheme.


Primary Color: Mint Green; Secondary Color: White; Tertiary Color: Cyan.
For our third recommendation, the color scheme is mint green, white and cyan. This color scheme is a little more adventurous than the first two. It helps pull the beautiful hues found in nature right into your very own kitchen. You will love this color scheme if you are looking for a stylish kitchen.

 

Primary Color: White; Secondary Color: Black; Tertiary Color: Optional.
For our fourth recommendation, the color scheme is black, white, and an optional color. Whether the third color is red or blue, you will see that any color pairs perfectly with black and white. This color scheme can create a modern, clean look in any kitchen design.

Primary Color: Light Gray; Secondary Color: Charcoal Gray; Tertiary Color: White.
For our fifth recommendation, the color scheme is light gray, charcoal gray, and white. Now, this color scheme is definitely for gray lovers. It embodies elegance and warmth all in one room. We genuinely love the way charcoal looks on cabinetry, and we encourage you to try it out in your kitchen!

 

We hope you enjoyed these five color scheme ideas! Which one was your favorite? We would love to hear your feedback in the comment section below.