kitchen tips Archives - ICC Floors Plus Blog

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.

Creating a healthy kitchen can be about making healthy meals for your family, but it can also be about creating a healthy environment. Cooking at home is great on the budget and can also be great for the waistline and overall health. Making sure your kitchen is as healthy as it can be is just as important as the healthy food that is prepared there.

New materials for countertops and floors can help keep kitchens healthier. Anti-microbial properties in natural stone and composite materials mean these materials will be less likely to harbor harmful bacteria or contagions. Stainless steel sinks, counters and appliances are good choices for their resistance to penetration by bacteria and germs.

Even more traditional materials like butcher block cutting boards can be healthy if they are cleaned and maintained properly. Using a specific cutting board for meats and poultry rather than placing these products directly on counters will limit the spread of bacteria. A mild solution of bleach or vinegar and water can be used on most counter surfaces to keep them clean. Always check before using any new chemicals on your floors or counters.

Healthy kitchens are clean kitchens. Regularly cleaning out the fridge, (that includes wiping down all of the shelves) freezer and cupboards reduces clutter and gets rid of food crumbs. Keeping pantry items in sealed containers will help prevent these crumbs which can prevent unwanted pests. Check your pantry regularly for signs of these critters.

Being healthy begins with a healthy kitchen. A clean kitchen may even inspire more cooking and healthier family meals! If you like to cook healthy meals, share some of your favorite dishes or recipes with us in the comments!

What’s Most Important in a New Kitchen?

A Healthy Kitchen