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    Month: February 2018

    The Timeless Appeal of a White Kitchen

    Posted on by normandy

    u-shaped white traditional kitchen with dark stained eat-in islandAre you wondering if white kitchens are just a passing trend? Well, we have news. They aren’t going anywhere. In fact, white kitchens have been in style for decades. Just ask our Designers, they’ve seen it all. Here is their reasoning on why white will continue to have a timeless appeal.

    White has been popular for many years, but now, with Pinterest and Houzz, you are actually seeing just how versatile it is. White works well with any architectural style home and can be executed in so many different ways… traditional, modern and everything in-between.

    White can be customized and comes in a variety of shades… fifty shades of white, anyone? People want a light, bright kitchen – but not stark white. It has no interest or warmth. You’d be surprised, there are so many different shades of white to choose from… ivory, snow white, egg shell, winter white and on and on…

    With white, you can opt for monochromatic or high contrast. You can also do tone on tone for a simple, clean look. Adding dark surfaces or flooring can also add some contrast.

    White can vary by a single element such as a hood, accent piece, or island. It can also be mixed with stained cabinets, different color paints or, if you wanted to, you could even do all three together. Whatever your heart desires…

    Looking for more examples of timeless white kitchens? Check out the Normandy photo gallery or follow our Facebook and Instagram pages. You can set up an appointment to meet with one of our Designers to discuss all of your options for incorporating white into your new kitchen.

    Kitchen Remodel Trends: Engineered Stone Explained

    Posted on by normandy

    modern stained kitchen with wood tones and large island with seatingWhile granite is by no means outdated, more home renovations are starting to incorporate engineered stone countertops. Quartz is a durable and beautiful option that has won the hearts of many homeowners. Here are insights on how this countertop material came to be so beloved.

    X design at the end of island cabinetry

    Quartz, also used interchangeably with the term engineered stone, is comprised of quartz stones, pigments, and resins. It has been offered for some time, but it has really taken off in the past few years.

    When Quartz was first released it was limited with little variation. Now, manufacturers do a great job of providing different styles and keeping up with current design trends.

    One example of this is the movement towards marble.  Marble is delicate and can stain very easily, so it isn’t ideal in a kitchen. But now, there are engineered stone options that mimic marble veining really well.

    Tin ceiling detail in white kitchen with gray island

    In its own right, engineered stone is different from granite. It not only has its own movement and style, but you also know what to expect. From slab to slab and finish to finish, each style will always look the same.

    In a way, you can say quartz is predictable. What you see is what you get – unlike granite, which can vary based on what is coming out of the mountain at that moment in time.

    As mentioned earlier, a lot of people opt for Quartz because it is durable and less likely to stain. It should be noted that it is easy to maintain too. Unlike granite, it does not need to be sealed. It can just be wiped down with a mild cleaning detergent as needed.

    However, there is one myth that needs to be dispelled.

    There is a misconception that hot pots and pans can be placed on engineered stone countertops. The truth is, no matter what the material, you should never move something from the range to the countertop. You need to be kind and avoid temperature swings. Your counters can still crack.

    To talk about your kitchen remodel, including the countertop options available to you, set up a time to meet with a Normandy Designer.  For more design ideas and inspiration you can check out the Normandy Remodeling photo galleries or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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