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Regarding Covid-19

To our valued family of customers,

Pro Remodeling has chosen to remain open during our normal business hours during the current COVID-19 pandemic in order to meet the needs of our customers.  Pro Remodeling is following the Executive Order issued by Governor Doug Ducey on March 23, 2020 (EO-2020-12), listing essential services that should remain open: Critical trades, including contractors, plumbers, electricians, etc.

Rest assured all of our employees are observing the protocols of safety recommended by medical experts: wash hands frequently, avoid crowds, limit close contact with others, etc.  We will be diligent in following the measures set forth to ensure your safety as well as our own.

Month: March 2021

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen“Form Follows Function” is the principle associated with mid-century modern kitchen designs.

The kitchen is an integral part of a house. Not to mention, it is one room where the entire family can get together for dinner or a family discussion. Therefore, the room should reflect warmth and personality.

While not all trends have the staying power or the ability to work in coalition with others, the mid-century modern kitchen designs work best with other styles.

This article takes you through the mid-century modern kitchen designs, trends, and ideas on adding this whimsical style to your kitchen.

Mid-Century Modern Kitchens

Clean lines, sleek curves, a splash of color, graphic patterns, and the clever use of wood define the mid-century modern. Moreover, kitchens with this design will have an open plan living space and large windows that connect the inside with the outside.

Kitchens utilizing this design are also known for their purity, simple decor, and functional look. They are pretty flexible and work best with other designs: traditional, modern, and contemporary.

Time Frame

Mid-century modern defines the time frame in the middle of the 20’th century, namely 1933 to 1965, with roots in the industrial revolution. The simple and efficient design of the mid-century kitchen made it easy to be manufactured on a large scale, making it popular in the years 1945 – 1969.

What Colors Make a Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Design?

Apart from the clean and simple lines, the mid-century modern is also about color. Below are a few ideas for the color palette that makes the style.

  • Orange and brown
  • Chartreuse and gray
  • Teal, brown and white
  • Pink and brown
  • Wood and white

Characteristics of a Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Design

Mid-century modern is the brainchild of those who believed in synthesis with nature. As such, here are the essential characteristics of a mid-century modern design:

  • Simplicity – The post-war era mid-century modern kitchen was defined by its sleek lines, simple designs devoid of any ornamentation. Additionally, functionality is the priority rather than adornments.
  • Geometric Prints – The simplicity of the design resulted in playful prints such as geometric, boomerang, starbursts, and atomic structures to liven up the room.
  • Brilliant Craftsmanship – The artistry of the pieces created in this time period stood the test of time and are relevant even today.
  • Large Windows & Doors – The rooms of a mid-century modern home featured large sliding doors that encourage people to get outside into nature.
  • Floating Furniture – Furniture had tapered and short legs giving it a floating look.
  • Bold Colors – Deep and bold hues are essential in this era. Olive green, burnt amber, mustard yellow, turquoise, red, etc., are common in the mid-century modern kitchen designs.
  • Flat Panes – Homes featured flat roofs with attention paid to the undisturbed geometric lines.
  • Changes in Elevation – Rooms had elevation changes (either going up or down), taking inspiration from nature’s different depths.
  • Materials – The designers used a mixture of natural and man-made materials, thanks to the new technologies.

Current Trends

Rather than being a trend, the mid-century kitchen design transcends over the years, creating a beautiful and warm place for cooking. Here are some of the current trends in mid-century modern kitchen designs:

  • Quartz, granite, and marble countertops
  • Rustic materials
  • Kitchen island
  • Sink: Undermount or Apron
  • Title: Brick, circular mosaic, or hexagon mosaic
  • Cabinets: Retro, woodgrain, and stainless steel

What Makes a Mid-Century Modern Kitchen?

Mid-century kitchen design perfectly complements the modern and contemporary interior design of today. So, if you are looking to adopt the style, better start from the kitchen.

Her area few essential elements of the mid-century modern kitchen:

  • Galley-Style Kitchen – Irrelevant of the space available, the galley kitchen is the most efficient design with counters running on both sides. The era also gave birth to the open floor kitchen, the forerunner for all the modern kitchen designs.
  • Laminate Countertops – Laminate has come far since Formica and now imitates the more expensive countertops such as granite, quartz, etc.
  • Natural Stone Floors – The natural stone floors such as slate, travertine, etc. work well in a mid-century kitchen and are an important feature that sets the tone for the room. Since they are pretty expensive, you can go for tiles that imitate a similar look.
  • Flat-Front Cabinets – These cabinets came into being since they were cheaper to produce. However, as time went on, flat front cabinets are not just an element of the mid-century modern kitchen but also of the more modern kitchen designs we have now.
  • Metal Cabinets – Steel was the most sought out material for cabinetry until wood came into the picture in the 1950s
  • Open Shelving – Open shelving always lightens up space and gives an airy look to the kitchen.
  • Breakfast Nook – This is a common feature in all mid-century modern kitchens and is still in trend today.
  • Pastel and Bold Colors – Pastel came into trend in the 1950s during the peak of the mid-century modern era and continued until bold and bright hues.
  • Retro Tiles – Tiles were ever-present in a mid-century modern home in different shapes like hexagon, circle, etc., with graphic designs.
  • Lighting – Lighting in mid-century modern kitchen designs was inspired by space technology. Interior designers played with brass, steel, wood, and an early form of plastic.
  • Graphic Prints – Prints were ever-present in the mid-century modern kitchen designs, especially in the kitchen towels, upholstery, curtain, etc.
  • Wood – Wood renders its warmth and appeal to a mid-century modern kitchen. Moreover, it is present everywhere, from the cabinet, ceiling, and even the walls.

Is Mid-Century Modern Going Out of Style?

Mid-century modern styles are here to stay and haven’t shown signs of going anywhere. It is one of those timeless designs that evolve and develop into a more sophisticated look rather than fading away, notably the California casual, Palm Springs vibe, Scandinavian design, and Paris chic.

Things You Need to Know About Mid-Century Modern Styles

Mid-century modern enjoys enduring popularity due to its simplistic and sleek designs. However, the style is based on a few factors as below:

  • Functionality with minimal ornamentation is the key to this design.
  • Sleek design with geometric and organic prints
  • The combination of contrasting materials, sometimes together in the same design
  • The liberal mix of traditional materials such as wood and nontraditional materials such as glass, metal, vinyl, lucite, plywood, and plexiglass
  • A vast shade range from neutrals to bold, and the graphic use of black vs. white

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Design Ideas

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Design IdeasThese designs are not just about the countertops, cabinets, floor, backsplash, and the use of materials such as wood.

Here are a few brilliant mid-century kitchen ideas for your kitchen:

  • A Scandinavian-style kitchen with a granite counter, open shelving, a big window on one side, and liberal use of wood in the cabinets, wall, and flooring.
  • A classic white kitchen with open shelves, gleaming white marble counter, and patterned rug; the light color of the wood contrasts with the white yet upholds the theme and timeless aesthetic. Similarly, the marble also extends to the backsplash.
  • Instead of a complete bold-hued mid-century modern kitchen, try white with a touch of bold in the form of red dining chairs and countertops. You can also add other elements such as a patterned backsplash and flat front cabinets.
  • A contemporary kitchen with furniture starting from the ceiling to the flooring. The mid-century modern era element here is the wooden floor and the appliances.
  • An open design mid-century modern kitchen in a galley style combines nature from the outside through the large window. The oakwood wall adds a touch of a rustic feel to the kitchen.
  • A large open design kitchen in mid-century colors; The turquoise island and backsplash is the most appealing part of this kitchen. Moreover, the dark brown oak wood cabinets and floor add a rustic feel to the otherwise modern kitchen.

Design Essentials for Mid-Century Modern Kitchens

Mid-century kitchens have never gone out of trend; instead, they’ve picked up elements over the years and evolved into something sleek and smooth.

If you are to update your kitchen to a mid-century modern design, keep these design essentials in mind:

  • Geometric tiles
  • Bold colors
  • Patterns in wallpaper, dish towels, etc.
  • Pastels
  • A central feature like open shelves or kitchen island
  • Statement lighting
  • Woodgrain
  • Personality through vintage
  • Metal cabinets

Accessories for a Mid-Century Modern Kitchen

What is a kitchen without its accessories? Here are some ideas for colorful accessories to make your mid-century modern kitchen designs:

  • Patterned rugs
  • Vintage kitchen towels
  • Kitchen appliances in retro color
  • 1950s sink faucet
  • Retro wall clock
  • Colorful funky mugs

Add a Mid-Century Touch to the Modern-Style Kitchen

This style of kitchen takes its inspiration from patterns and colors, be it the appliances or cabinetry and retro accessories to an extent.

Here are some of the kitchen decor that’s synonymous with the mid-century modern kitchen designs:

  • Bold color combinations with a checkerboard patterned floor.
  • Pastel cabinetry
  • Polished chrome hardware
  • Patterned retro backsplash
  • Ceramic tiles
  • Laminate countertops
  • Colorful Appliances
  • Vintage accessories
  • Flat front cabinetry

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Designs on a Budget

The open plan and the midcentury modern kitchen’s galley design require a complete renovation that is not possible for someone on a budget. However, you can bring out the same vibe by adding in some subtle touches to the decor:

Modern Kitchen Designs on a Budget

  • Geometric rug
  • Wallpaper with geometric patterns
  • Retro dishtowel
  • Vintage wall art
  • Splashes of color (pastels or bold)
  • Backsplash with patterns
  • Clean and simple dining room table
  • Vintage overhead lighting

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Backsplash Trends

The backsplash is not just a trendy part of your kitchen but also protects your wall above your work area. A mid-century modern kitchen backsplash is always popular due to its patterns and graphics.

Here are some ideas for backsplash based on current trends:

  • Marble-like white and grey tile that extends to the ceiling
  • Subway tiles but larger
  • Oversized patterned tiles
  • Bold hues
  • Alternate materials such as ceramic tile or wood
  • Accent tile with a pattern(Black and gold)
  • Printed accent tile
  • A pop of color
  • Textured tiles
  • Geometric pattern
  • Wooden tile

Does Subway Tile Belong in Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Designs?

Subway tile is most definitely mid-century modern. However, a more popular way of laying it in mid-century modern kitchen designs is installing them in a straight stack with even grout lines.

Hexagonal tile with beveled edges also fits the bill with mid-century modern kitchen designs.

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen CabinetsMid-Century Modern Kitchen Cabinets

The sleek and minimalistic look of mid-century modern kitchen designs extends to the kitchen cabinets too. You can expect them to have:

  • A sleek and polished look with minimal ornamentation
  • Flat-panel cabinets with fewer knobs and pulls
  • Bright and bold hues such as black, deep red, etc.
  • Pastels

Kitchen cabinets implementing this design are more functional and aim to provide more space while adding to the kitchen’s aesthetic feel. They are both practical and pleasing to the eye.

DIY Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Cabinets

It is easy to achieve the look of mid-century modern kitchen cabinets with a few simple changes to your existing design. First and foremost, they should embody minimalism and clean lines.

  • Replace the cabinet doors with an unpanelled door sporting simple hardware like pull bars.
  • Get back to the original wood grain of cabinets.
  • For colors, go for either the 1950s’ pastel look or bold color.

Conclusion

Everyone wants a great-looking kitchen that they can love in the next 10-15 years or so. But that doesn’t mean you have to compromise or stick to a tried and tested design.

The mid-century modern kitchen draws its inspiration from the previous generation and allows you to play around with colors and patterns. And since they complement other designs, you can add or remove pieces over the years without affecting the look of the kitchen.

Pro Remodeling is a local, family-owned business established in Tucson in 1971 and is regarded as one of the most trusted, best run, and customer-friendly contractors that provide the best home remodeling Tucson has experienced. If you are interested in giving your kitchen a new makeover, contact the experts at Pro Remodeling today.

Kitchen Countertop Remodeling

Kitchen Countertop IslandKitchen Countertop Remodeling

“Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love, brought together under one roof.” – Nate Berkus, Interior Designer

One of the most important decisions you make during a kitchen remodel is the countertops. They dictate the look and feel of the kitchen. Moreover, the right countertop can make the kitchen look beautiful, luxe, and sophisticated.

The kitchen countertop, otherwise called a counter, is the work surface found in kitchens, bathrooms, etc. In a kitchen, countertops are primarily used for food preparation.

This article takes you through the entire process of countertop remodeling, various countertop options, benefits, downsides, and many more.

Tips for Remodeling Kitchen Countertops

Kitchen countertops are the visual draw of any kitchen; The rest of the kitchen is built around it. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you choose the right counter:

  • Start with the material; Instead of falling back on granite, you may want to look at other countertop options from quartz to marble, wood, and even concrete.
  • Not just the color but also your choice of also shade matters when you choose a countertop material. Are you going for a subtle shade or a dramatic look? If dramatic, how loud do you want your countertop color to be?
  • The fixtures and cabinets should complement the counter.
  • Make sure you utilize every available counter space and add more counters if necessary in the form of a kitchen island.

Reach out to a local interior designer if you are unsure about the style and combination.

Countertop: Replace or Refinish

Replacing the countertop is not the only way to update your kitchen. You can also refinish it and give it a new feel while extending the lifetime by 10-15 years. And you can get it done at 60% lesser expense than replacing. With good DIY skills, you can take it up to 70%.

Refinishing wins again when it comes to the time. It takes just 1-3 days when replacing your countertop can take weeks. While you cannot DIY the latter, you can easily refinish the counters by yourself.

Update a Countertop Without Replacing

Your budget, or rather a lack of it, should not stop you from updating your countertop. Here are a few inexpensive ideas to give it a new look.

  • Create a marble look to your counters by layering concrete and feather finish products—sand in between the layers.
  • Use tiles to design a marble look.
  • Make penny counters by sticking pennies to the surface and covering it with epoxy.
  • Contact paper is the cheapest way to freshen your counter.
  • Textured spray paint can help you design a stone look-alike countertop.

DIY Kitchen Countertop Options

While you have inexpensive options in the case of raw materials, you cannot do anything about the labor. The labor costs are pretty much similar, and that doesn’t mean you have to stick with your existing counter.

Here are a few DIY ideas to refresh your counters without spending a fortune.

  • Add cement layers over your laminate countertop sanding in between. Finally, add a sealant to create a concrete overlay.
  • Refresh your old counter with heavy-duty contact paper to give it an appearance similar to granite or marble.
  • Use paint to create a marble or granite look. Layering different colors of paint is the key to creating the look. Add veining and feathering to create an authentic look.
  • Convert old solid wood doors and flooring into wood countertops.
  • Use chalkboard paint to give your counter the feel of soapstone.

Cost to Change the Kitchen Countertop

The cost to change your countertop primarily depends on the material and, finally, the labor cost.

Cost to Change the Kitchen CountertopThe material cost can be anywhere between $15 to $70 per sq ft, and labor can be $10 to $30 per sq ft.

  • Granite – $15 – $140/sq. ft
  • Soapstone – $20 – $70/sq. ft
  • Marble – $15 – $190/sq. ft
  • Slate – $20 – $60/sq. ft
  • Travertine – $11 – $35/sq. ft
  • Quartz – $15 – $70/sq. ft
  • Solid surface/Corian – $20 – $75/sq. ft
  • Butcher Block – $10-$35/sq. ft
  • Stainless Steel – $60 – $100/sq. ft

Cheap Update Ideas for Inexpensive Countertops

Left with a little budget to replace your countertop? Here are a few inexpensive counters

  • Ceramic, porcelain, or stone tiles. They are by far the cheapest option.
  • Laminate counters. While they would not win any design awards, they can get the job done and freshen up your kitchen.
  • Granite and quartz slabs; While they can be expensive, you can easily get yourself some cheap options at a wholesale store. Look for overstocked or design flaws like chips.
  • Recycled counters; are inexpensive, green, and environment-friendly.

Kitchen Countertop Options to Consider for a Remodel

Choosing your countertop material is probably the most crucial decision. It shows your sense of style, taste, and the lifestyle you lead. It is an investment that lasts for ages and dictates the decor of your kitchen.

Here are a few different countertop options, both traditional and modern:

  • Marble
  • Quartz
  • Granite
  • Concrete
  • Butcher Block
  • Soapstone
  • Stainless Steel
  • Laminate
  • Recycled Glass Slab
  • Tile
  • Solid Surface

Top Trends for Kitchen Countertop Design in 2021

2021 looks to be a year for experimentation with colors inspired by nature, a dramatic look, and more metal. Here are the most popular ideas and trends of 2021, according to an interior designer for Sebring:

  • Quartz, a luxury alternative to granite, is said to be the reigning material for countertops. The natural stone look has been the most popular finish, but in 2021, matte seems to be the finish in trend.
  • Though a classic polished finish seems to be always in-trend, you may also want to consider a honed finish with little to no shine like a matte and leathered finish with a soft sheen.
  • Add character to your countertop by combining patterns and veins for a more realistic look.
  • Oversized matter black sink with gold and brass fixtures are hot in 2021. The farmhouse sink is also back in trend.
  • Bold and dramatic looks with black countertop(matte or glossy) and white cabinets.
  • Sustainable materials that reduce carbon footprint is gaining traction among the environmentally conscious.
  • Go for an industrial design with a quartz countertop to mimic concrete countertops.

Stone Countertops

Among all the countertops, the stone is the yardstick by which other materials are measured. From vivid colors to stunning vein patterns, natural stone counters are a unique work of art.

They are unaffected by hot pans and can last a lifetime; all it needs is routine care to ward off spills and stains. They are easy to clean; Being a natural stone, they do not take well to acids in general, even acidic foods.

Quartzite, granite, marble, soapstone, and slate are examples. Then, there is the engineered stone like quartz.

Which is Better: Quartz or Granite?

Granite and quartz are both in the upper quadrant when it comes to cost. And as such, they also have aesthetic value, durability, and longevity compared to other materials. But that’s where the similarity stops. Here are a few key differences between both materials.

  • Granite is a 100% natural stone, while quartz is engineered with 95% ground stone material combined with 5% polymer resin.
  • It comes in two finishes: Honed and Polished.
  • Every slab of granite is unique since it is a natural stone. Moreover, the colors and patterns are due to the formation and region it is mined from. Even though its counterpart is man-made, it can mimic slabs of granite or marble.
  • Both the materials are both hard and tough, but the former is porous and is susceptible to staining if spills are not cleaned quickly. In the case of the latter, it cannot tolerate hot pans.
  • Both are easy to clean and nearly maintenance-free. They need soap and water or a mild all-purpose cleaner. But granite benefits from resealing to extend its life.

When given a choice, quartz is the better option since they are durable.

Benefits of Granite Kitchen Countertops

Benefits of Granite Kitchen Countertops - Granite SamplesGranite offers a sleek and sophisticated appearance to your kitchen like no other material. It is also the most sought-after countertop in any kitchen and not in terms of luxury.

It offers quite a few benefits, of which few are described below:

  • Granite is slabs of stone cuts from the earth and one of the hardest materials; hence durable and resistant to scratches.
  • They are maintenance-free and easy to clean.
  • It is available in all price ranges from $40/per sq ft to $200/per sq ft.
  • With the appropriate sealant, it is heat, moisture, and stain-resistant.
  • Being a natural stone, each piece is different and can easily freshen the look of any kitchen.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are not natural but engineered with 90%-95% raw material and the remaining, a polymeric binder called plastic resin. Nevertheless, the beauty of it all is breathtaking.

Here are a few points you may want to know about quartz:

  • 90% of the natural material is not all quartz but ground-up granite, marble, glass, silica, ceramic, etc.
  • Since they are man-made, they are not burdened by the implications of mining, making it more green and sustainable even the resin-based product is derived from non-food vegetable oils.
  • It is also used as flooring in malls and retail showrooms.
  • The wide availability of the material had brought about a reduction in granite prices.

Quartz Countertops: Pros and Cons

Quartz counters have gained quite a big following due to their unique and beautiful looks. Moreover, since they are engineered, they do not have the same flaws as natural materials. But they do have their strengths and weaknesses:

Quartz Countertops Pros and ConsPros

  • Strong and hard as granite, still resistant to chips and cracks.
  • Non-porous and maintenance-free.
  • Wide range of color, finish, and pattern than natural stones.
  • Green with less carbon footprint than its counterpart, granite, in terms of sustainability.

Cons

  • With lighter colors, the seams are much noticeable.
  • Expensive for a man-made product.
  • Not resistant to heat.

Stainless Steel Countertops

Looking for a durable counter that is stain-resistant and also tolerable to heat? Stainless Steel which was once seen in professional kitchens, has come out of its nook and into the residential kitchen.

Instead of looking too harsh, it fits perfectly in any kitchen, be it modern, traditional, contemporary, retro, etc.

Stainless Steel Countertops: Pros and Cons

Stainless steel counters are famous for being a workhorse; They can take any amount of harsh treatment and still come out looking indestructible.

However, they have certain drawbacks too;

Stainless Steel Countertops Pros and ConsPros

  • Being a combination of chromium and nickel, they neither rust nor burn and are durable. Hence you can place hot pots without the fear of damage.
  • Impervious to stains (oils, acids, drinks, etc.)
  • Recyclable and sustainable with minimal carbon print
  • Installation is easy. With enough experience, you can DIY the installation and save cost.

Cons

  • Lower-grade steel can dent and scratches quickly depending on the grade.
  • They tend to age easily.
  • Things can get noisy when the kitchen is busy.

Tile Countertops

Tile countertop, another man-made option, was quite famous in the ’70s up till the ’90s and is an inexpensive way of giving your counter a new look. They come in a variety of materials such as glass, ceramic—porcelain, granite, etc.

Custom countertops are designed with smaller tiles to resemble a mosaic style, and that’s just one example of what you can do with it.

Downsides of Tile Countertops

As with every material, tile has a few downsides:

  • It can chip easily when something heavy falls on the surfaces.
  • It is not exactly as durable as stone countertops.
  • The grouts are challenging to clean and stains easily even if slabs replace the small tiles.
  • Tiled surfaces are uneven due to the small size of the tiles.

Instead of using the tile countertops on the entire counter space, install them in a smaller area like your island to make it a focal point.

Butcher Block or Wood Countertops

Butcher block counters are made from strips of wood bonded to one another and glued to form a slab. They are pretty different from stone countertops in the sense that they add warmth to your kitchen and bringing about a farmhouse vibe. The addition of the wood even takes the sharp and austere edge often associated with a modern kitchen.

The key point in a butcher block counter is determining where it would go, the entire counter space, or just as an accent piece for the kitchen. Most homeowners prefer it for their island to add a classic rustic charm to your kitchen.

Best Wood for Kitchen Countertops

Every wood has an individual pattern, and as such, they render a unique style to your countertop. They can be flat grain, edge grain, or end grain.

There are various woods that work as a countertop; however, the best are:

  • Bamboo
  • Maple
  • Teak
  • Brazilian cherry
  • Walnut
  • Oak
  • Wenge

Color Best Suited for Kitchen Countertops

No matter what material you choose, specific colors work better in a kitchen and are preferred by homeowners.

  • Softly Veined White
  • Softly flecked or grainy white
  • Pure white
  • Wood
  • Dark or black
  • Soft gray
  • Midtone shades such as beiges or rich creams

Conclusion

Kitchen CountertopCountertops have always been an essential part of any kitchen decor. Through the years, they have adopted various styles as homeowners seek perfection for their cooking space.

Now more than ever, they have multiple different countertops, including marble, granite, solid surface, soapstone, concrete.

However, you may want to remember that along with the countertop, the cabinets, hardware, backsplash all have the power to transform your kitchen.

Pro Remodeling is a local, family-owned business established in Tucson in 1971 and is regarded as one of the most trusted, best run, and customer-friendly contractors that provide the best home remodeling Tucson has experienced. If you are interested in giving your kitchen a new makeover with customized kitchen countertops, contact the experts at Pro Remodeling today.