kitchen backsplash

What’s Most Important in a New Kitchen?

February 12, 2021 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

The Research Institute for Cooking & Kitchen Intelligence (RICKI) recently published a survey of kitchen trends the mirror the purchasing patterns we see among homeowners in Indianapolis who are creating their dream kitchens.

Not surprisingly, nearly 25% of homeowners are spending more time in their kitchens than they did two years ago. With many more homeowners in Indianapolis working and/or schooling from home, the kitchen has become a multifunctional room that serves numerous purposes beyond cooking, eating, and cleaning up. RICKI found that nearly 25% of homeowners spend an average of three hours a day in their kitchens. The favorite activity is to socialize with family and friends. Other top non-cooking or eating activities include feeding pets, listening to music, gathering with family, reading, watching TV/videos, and paying bills.

The design features that are most important to homeowners in their kitchen according to the RICKI survey include:

Storage space – 49%
Walk-in pantry – 41%
Central island – 38%
Table space for eating – 31%
Better lighting – 30%
Built-in water filtration – 21%
Better ventilation – 20%
Germ-resistant surfaces – 17%
Connection to outdoor area – 15%
More than one sink – 10%

The desire for storage as a top feature of a new kitchen also comes as no surprise. Another finding that also corresponds to the experiences of homeowners in Indianapolis is the regret factor. RICKI found that 51% of homeowners who remodeled their kitchens regret not having spent more. Failing to invest more in storage, higher quality cabinetry, statement-making countertops, higher-end plumbing fixtures, and lighting design and fixtures are often the primary reasons for buyer’s remorse.

Approximately 33% of homeowners store kitchen items that they use frequently in other rooms in their homes. If you are in that number, there is no better time than the present to consider creating a kitchen of your dreams. Give us a call to determine what’s possible for you and your family or visit our showroom either virtually or in-person.

What’s the Best Backsplash Material?

September 28, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Backsplashes too often, unfortunately, don’t make it to the top of the priority list of homeowners in Indianapolis when renovating their kitchens. Backsplashes serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. They enable homeowners in Indianapolis to protect walls from grease, water, and foodstuffs while providing opportunities to make a unique design statement.

No one material is superior to other backsplash options. Material selection often depends on style preferences and ease of maintenance. Here are the pros and cons of different backsplash materials:

Glass (Slabs or Tile)

Pros:

Easy to clean
Resists heat and won’t be damaged from cooking
Endless options – almost every color scheme, style and design is available in glass
Customizable sizing
Enhances illumination because of glass’ ability to reflect light
On-trend

Cons:

Can be costly
Glass mosaics may not have long-term staying or stylistic power
May not be perceived as novel or unique

Natural Stone

Pros:

Timeless look
Unique – no two pieces of stone look the same
Cost-effective

Cons:

Requires more effort to clean
Some cleaning products could cause the stone to discolor
Stones are naturally porous, which causes them to absorb water and stains. Therefore, stone needs to be resealed every two to three years or more often depending on the amount of cooking in your kitchen.
What you see may not be what you get. Because no two pieces of stone are the same, the sample you see in the showroom will vary slightly from the stone that is shipped.

What backsplash would enhance the look, feel, and functionality of your new kitchen? Give us a call to discuss or make an appointment to visit us at one of our beautiful showrooms.

Why Install a Kitchen Backsplash

July 14, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Don’t forget the backsplash! Whether you’re completely renovating or simply sprucing up your kitchen, it’s important to install a backsplash for several reasons.

Installing a backsplash has many benefits. It can be great for both utility and style. Should you install a backsplash in your kitchen? Take a look below!

Protects Your Kitchen Walls

The main function of a backsplash is to protect your kitchen walls from damage. Yes, it serves as a shield from water, cooking oil and other types of materials that can ruin your walls. Painted and wallpapered walls aren’t resistant to stains and they can be difficult to clean. After long periods, if they are not protected the walls can begin to look dingy.

Backsplashes make the space easier to clean. Splatters can be quickly cleaned by simply using a disinfectant and wiping the area with a clean cloth. Depending upon the type of backsplash you install it can be resistant to heat, stains and moisture which adds to its longevity.

Backsplashes are a great way to add your personality to your kitchen. They are also great for breathing life into a plainly designed kitchen.

Adds Great Style

Whether you choose a mosaic pattern, glass tile or traditional tile, there are an abundance of backsplash options available to meet your style and budget needs. If you’re going to protect your walls with tile, why not have it add a design element at the same time?

When planning your backsplash design, we realize it can be overwhelming. That’s what we are here for! We encourage you to get outside the box with your thinking before you finalize your selection.

Things to consider

Do you want your backsplash to blend or be a contrast to your kitchen countertops? Do you want your backsplash to stand out or fade into the background? Do you want a patterned tile or something plain and simple? Do you want your backsplash to cover the areas between the lower and upper cabinets or is there an opportunity for more coverage or design?

Get inspired

Take a look at our website and see our work to get some ideas. Browse our tile catalog on our website to look at products. Visit our Pinterest page to get some inspiration.

If you’re interested in dressing up your kitchen by adding a tasteful backsplash contact us today. Our consultants can assist you in choosing the right design for your kitchen.