Many times when we write about a new custom kitchen remodel we don’t always differentiate between new construction and remodeling an existing kitchen, and how the experience might be different depending on which one you are doing.

The following are key differences between new construction and remodeling, and what you should know about both.

As with any home remodeling project most homeowners want to know that it will not only increase the value of their home, but also give them a return on their investment. Your reason for remodeling your kitchen may be because it is time to sell your house or you finally have the money to remodel your Chicagoland kitchen.

A kitchen layout that we don’t see as often anymore is the G-shaped kitchen layout. Even though it is not as common in kitchens today it is still worth looking at and considering for your Illinois kitchen. It has extra storage and countertop space. It also can give you additional seating.

Many kitchen designers describe the G-shaped kitchen layout as and extension of the U-shaped kitchen. This layout is just the U-shaped kitchen with a peninsula or partial fourth wall of additional kitchen cabinets. It is ideal for the homeowner who is looking for more countertop space and storage but lacks enough room to have an island. Keep in mind a G-shaped kitchen does not have to be a square.

This past month thousands of people flocked to Las Vegas, including us, to attend the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. It is the “Super Bowl” for the kitchen and bath industry. New and innovative products were introduced and a new and exciting year for kitchen and bath design was kicked off. This year did not disappoint. We were excited to learn that here at Brakur Custom Cabinetry our vision is in line and in some instances ahead of the game for what changes are coming to kitchen and bathrooms. We wanted to share our top highlights that we took away from the show.

When deciding to remodel your bathroom there are some things that are easily changed and other things in your bathroom layout that are less flexible and more challenging to change. You may not love where your toilet is, but you have to decide if it is worth the extra money to move it’s location or would you rather spend that money on tiling your shower instead of having an fiberglass insert. It might be better to forgo the tub that you never use and get that oversized shower with universal design that will be used daily.

Convections steam ovens seem to be the latest greatest appliance that many homeowners are talking about. If you haven’t heard or are just now catching up on this new trend, now is a great time especially if you are getting ready to start your new custom kitchen. But before we go too far let’s make sure you understand and know what one is.

Each year there seems to be a shift in popular kitchen colors. While some colors remain constant there are always those few colors that have lost their appeal. The beginning of the year is an exciting time when we look forward to see what new kitchen colors will emerge in kitchen design.

We hear over and over that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where friends and families gather, celebrations take place, everyday tasks such as homework and paying bills are done, and also a place where we enjoy favorite meal times.

Looking to 2016, people have finally turned the corner on the fears that kept them from spending money on remodeling their kitchen. Many people have stopped the thinking of “what if things get worse” which held them bound to “wait and see” before taking on a remodel.

In the past we have heard a lot about the kitchen triangle, where the range, fridge, and sink are located in close range and form a triangle. Now the new buzz words in kitchen layouts is “work zones.” With larger kitchens and multiple tasks happening in the kitchen, designers have started splitting up the kitchen by different work sites according to tasks and activities.