kitchen remodel

New Products that Wowed at KBIS

February 19, 2021 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) is the largest and considered one of the most important annual events for the kitchen and bath industry in North America. At KBIS, manufacturers introduce new products, and kitchen and bath showrooms rely upon the show to spot trends and find new innovations for homeowners in Indianapolis.

The 2021 KBIS was held virtually. Nonetheless, more than a few manufacturers stepped up and introduced new products that will help homeowners, remodelers and builders in Indianapolis create new kitchens that will be the envy of their neighborhoods. Here are a few of the products that wowed at 2021 KBIS.

Engineered Countertops & Backsplashes

Engineered countertops and backsplashes trended toward lighter colors responding to consumer demand for uplifting tones that provide a sense of optimism and cleanliness. New quartz and engineered countertops offer homeowners a range of warm, whites, and marble looks.

Concrete-looking engineered countertops were another KBIS trend that responds to the industrial motif that is extremely popular.

Touchless Faucets

Touchless faucets will turn more than a few heads of customers in Indianapolis. And not a moment too soon as many homeowners recognize that handling raw meat, chicken, and fish in a kitchen can easily transmit bacteria and germs from surface to surface. Several of the new touchless faucets integrate with personal digital assistants and can be activated through apps with voice commands.

Two-Tone Finishes + Two Texture Faucets

Two tone finishes and two texture faucets also trended at the 2021 KBIS. A number of new introductions featured a balance of rough and smooth textures, matte and polished finishes and warm and cool tones integrated into the same products. We saw faucets with matte black finishes and brass lever handles.

More Storage

Manufacturers are upping the ante on storage and organization systems. Rarely could you open a drawer or cabinet door and not find inserts, rollouts, pullouts, dedicated dividers, and in-cabinet lighting that enables homeowners in Indianapolis to effectively organize all of their kitchen items effectively.

If you want to know how the new product introductions featured at KBIS can help you create the kitchen of your dreams, please call us or make an appointment to visit our showroom in person or virtually.

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.

Withstanding the Test of Time

October 30, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Fads and trends come and go. Many homeowners in Indianapolis can remember when avocado-colored kitchens were all the rage or when pastel paint dominated design thinking. While it is tempting to look at what’s trending when renovating your kitchen or bath, our showroom advises selecting products, styles, and color schemes that can withstand the test of time.

White Cabinetry

There’s a good reason why more than 50% of kitchen renovations feature white cabinets. White cabinets offer a blank canvas for the remainder of the kitchen. They provide a classic, clean look and match any design motif from European modern to traditional and everything in between. White kitchens are timeless; their reflective qualities can make a smaller space appear larger, and, due to their popular appeal, they help increase the value of your home at sale time.

Contemporary Design

Clean lines are another feature that can withstand the test of time. A contemporary kitchen offers a clean, stylish, and uncluttered look and feel. Contemporary motifs pay homage to practicality because they focus on maximizing the use of available space and light, and that also can make a smaller space appear larger. When we design a contemporary kitchen, almost all appliances, even smaller ones such as coffee makers, are built into cabinetry. Countertops are left uncluttered, and many homeowners in Indianapolis appreciate the fact that contemporary kitchens are easy to clean.

Storage

A well-designed kitchen is an organized kitchen. Lack of customized storage solutions is one of the most common regrets of homeowners in Indianapolis after renovating their kitchen. We cannot emphasize enough the need to develop a storage plan for your new kitchen that addresses how often you cook, entertain, hold gatherings, and use the space. A great kitchen must not only look out of this world, but it also must incorporate the best functionality that meets your needs.

An almost endless array of options is available to store cookware, food, utensils, countertop appliances, recycling containers and so on. A professional kitchen designer can custom design trays to exacting specifications that account for your kitchen equipment’s actual dimensions. Specifying trays for drawers to hold cutlery and kitchen gadgets to match the drawer helps avoid movement and keeps what you want in its place.

Customized storage solutions are not confined to a kitchen to make a home look, feel and function superbly. Bathrooms, laundry rooms, mudrooms and entryways all can make a home much more enjoyable if they are outfitted with storage solutions that meet your family’s needs and lifestyle.

Colors

Homeowners in Indianapolis often ask us about colors. While splashes of purple, turquoise, yellow, or green can become a focal point in kitchens and baths, we tend to favor palettes that can withstand the test of time. In addition to white, these include blue, grey, and cream tones.

If you are interested in creating a dream kitchen that will continue to be dreamy years after the renovation is complete, give us a call or make an appointment to visit one of our showrooms.

Making the Most out of Your Kitchen Island

August 14, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

We all know that kitchen islands make a kitchen look complete, add more countertop space, and are essentially needed in a big kitchen. However, we can make our kitchen island more efficient and really work for us. All that’s required is a little extra planning in the design process.

In this photo, the island is the home for the cooktop, as well as, added storage for dishes. The storage is actually built into the unit to provide safe shelving for dishware. The look that is created, from essentially having cut-outs, is a pleasing architectural effect. The island has the appearance of a cantilevered structure and depth is added when the dishes are placed on the actual island. This is done by creating positive and negative space. The positive space is the white island itself. Negative space is the cut-out shelves within the island.

Having a cooktop, sink, or combination of both in the kitchen island frees up countertop space. Free space in other areas of the kitchen can be used for more prep space, organizing groceries, or even placing food out as a serving station. This requires a little extra work from an electrician or plumber but it is well worth it. It makes it easier to use your kitchen by being able to go back and forth, from your island and the rest of your kitchen equipment. It makes it easy to work when you have added countertop space to work on.

We mentioned earlier that an island is needed in a large kitchen. This is because large kitchens have a lot of open floor space. An island breaks this vast space up and makes it more useable. Also, small kitchens can benefit from having an island. This is especially true if the sink or range is placed on the island.

It’s important to really think about your lifestyle and how you will use your kitchen. This kind of information will help us design the best kitchen for your lifestyle. For instance, do you like to entertain? Are you right or left-handed? Do you do most of the cooking or are there two cooks in your household? What type of food do you like to cook?

No judgment here! If you tell us you eat 2 out of 3 meals out of the microwave, we will make sure the microwave gets the best spot in the kitchen. If you tell us that you have small children, we can focus on details like making sure that the sippy cups are placed low enough for the littles to reach. If you tell us that you have dinner parties often we can make sure that your island is designed for appetizer presentation and conversation.

Tell us your story and we’ll help design the perfect kitchen for you! Ready to get started? Connect with us here!

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.

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.