5 Renovation Mistakes You Cannot Afford To Make

Anyone who has watched HGTV has seen plenty of renovation mistakes. Any renovation is an undertaking–ask every contractor and every homeowner that has been part of a remodel. From the accidents that can occur to the ever-growing budget, taking on a reno project requires time, dedication, sweat, and patience. From our experts to you, we have come up with the list of five renovation mistakes you cannot afford to make!

Low-Balling the Budget

Surprises are going to happen. Sometimes they are good: like finding original hardwood floors underneath the carpet in pristine condition. Sometimes they are horrifying: like finding asbestos in your home’s walls. While installing backsplash, you might damage the wall and have to replace some of the drywall. Peeking inside the drywall, you could find electrical issues. Then, the next thing you know, you’re dealing with more than just installing backsplash. We suggest setting aside 15% of the total project cost (potentially more for older homes) for unexpected expenses. This is your safety net in the event that unforeseen issues occur. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you won’t break the bank at the first sign of the unexpected.

Floor Drains: the Laundry Room Essential

This is one of the renovation mistakes that you may not consider. A laundry room drain is required by code in most areas, but some people still omit it. If there is ever a break in your washing machine hose, you’ll flood your house. A floor drain directs the water into your home’s main drain system. And please, do not try a DIY installation. This can turn into another one of our renovation mistakes. You will absolutely need a professional plumber, but again, you’ll have peace of mind, as flood insurance is not covered by most basic homeowner’s insurance plans.

Granite, Granite, Granite

Of course, it is popular, but granite isn’t the only option for the kitchen. Renovators could choose a different material for the countertops that can save tons of money in the kitchen! Our non-granite picks: butcher block, plate steel, or a nice laminate for those who don’t necessarily have the budget for premium marble or granite. Explore the options that will work best for your family to avoid regret down the road. Don’t break your budget trying to keep up with the Joneses.

Hidden Gems

Just because you don’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t useful. A bathroom membrane system (which goes under tile) prevents popping and cracking, and keeps water from getting into the substructure. Think about it: If you’re spending $15,000 on a bathroom, spend an extra $1,000 to ensure you’ll never have a mold problem. This is one of those renovation mistakes that could end up costing big bucks down the line.

Floored: Ultimate Renovation Mistakes

Most contractors typically buy 20% extra flooring since it is prone to cuts and breakage during installation. There’s no guarantee you’ll be able to find an exact match if you need to order more during a long remodeling project. Most retailers often let you return unopened boxes for a refund, so you shouldn’t get stuck with too much material. It’s also nice to have extra in case of damage down the road. If you suffer and water damage (especially in the kitchen) or a pet scratches deeply or has an accident that stains, you’ll be glad you did.

For more tips on avoiding costly remodeling mistakes, download our FREE Home Reno 101 Checklist and sign-up for our newsletter, which has the latest tips and tricks, design trends, special offers, and expert knowledge on renovations!

Builders Surplus is a full-service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written By: KH

October 18, 2019

What Are The Most Efficient Kitchen Designs?

Here we cover the 5 most popular Kitchen design layouts.

With lot’s of entertaining and cooking on the near horizon, this puts even the most efficient kitchen designs to the test! That means that everyone is going to be in their kitchens cooking up some wonderful meals.

Efficient kitchen designs, or lack of, can make or break a kitchen and one of the best feast days of the year. The best kitchen layouts will have enough space to prep, entertain, and generally do everything that you need to do without anything getting in the way, including yourself.

The easiest way to spot a kitchen that’s easy to work in is to use it. Ask yourself, am I able to get where I need to go quickly? Is anything in the way or placed awkwardly? Is there enough space for storage and prepping? An efficient kitchen should be able to accommodate however you use it, which means that each kitchen will be more or less efficient depending on who is using it.

Working Paths

There are really only two ways to travel in a kitchen. You can travel in a straight line, or in a triangle. These are mainly in reference to where your main appliances – refrigerator, oven, sink – are in relation to one another. These paths help to make your kitchen floor plan more efficient as you move about different steps during the cooking process.

The Line

This is a straight line that you travel in your kitchen, and it’s often found only in single wall or I-shaped kitchens. All of your appliances and working space are along a single wall and you work along with that line from the fridge to the open preparation counter space to the stove to the sink, going back and forth as you need to.

The Triangle

The triangle is found as the working path in just about every kitchen layout. It’s efficient in that it can allow your sink, stove, or refrigerator to be placed in a way where you’re covering less distance when moving around while still having a comfortable working area.

Work Zones

The triangle is a great option – it works just about anywhere and it’s great in small or large spaces. But as kitchens have gotten larger and more spacious. Sometimes the triangle gets to be too big and it’s just as cumbersome to get from one spot to another because they’re just too far apart. An efficient plan that’s becoming more popular in larger kitchens is work zones where appliances and prep space are grouped based off of what they’ll be used for. An example work zone would be a ‘Cleanup Zone’ – this would be dirty dishes and the like; in this part of the workspace you’d have a sink, dishwasher, and a waste can. This kind of organization and mind-set will allow this idea to work with both of the working paths mentioned above. Awkward placement of appliances can mess up these paths and can leave you cramming for more time as the spaghetti is boiling over so instead of having a path to travel in which it’s easy to get from one appliance to another you’re working path looks more like a child’s drawing.

Efficient Kitchen Designs

Different kitchen layouts fit different spaces and personalities. Some people desperately want an island in a small space which can interfere with traffic, and some want a single wall kitchen – leaving empty space that has no value. Here are the 5 most efficient kitchen designs and why and how they work!

Single Wall Kitchen

Also called an I-shaped kitchen this space fits along a single wall in smaller spaces. It uses a less efficient working path instead of the triangle, but it’s ideal for smaller spaces that want that open feel. Keeping work zones in mind will help to keep this floor plan more efficient. Stylistically you can treat this space as an accent wall that contrasts beautifully with the rest of the space!

Galley Kitchen

This is also called a corridor kitchen, and unless all of your appliances are one side it uses the triangle work path. Tt’s name comes from the small kitchen quarters in ships. This layout offers more counter space than the I-shaped kitchen and can also be well suited for small spaces. However, this is one of the few kitchen layouts where you won’t be able to use an island efficiently.

L-Shaped Kitchen

These kitchens take a Single Wall layout and add more counter space along a connecting wall- this particular layout includes an Island. Likely, you’d move one of your major appliances along this other wall in order to work with that triangle path. They’re great for small-medium kitchen spaces. An Island can be incorporated nicely as long as it doesn’t obstruct the triangle!

U-Shaped Kitchen

The other name for this design is a Horseshoe Layout. This layout ideally has one appliance on each of its 3 walls in order to maximize counter space and the working area around each appliance. This space can house an island if the area is large enough, however it can get in the way between adjacent prep areas.

Peninsula Kitchen

A Peninsula Kitchen is what happens when taking an L- or U-shaped kitchen and take away one of the walls, kind of creating an attached island. Sinks, seating areas, or a combination of the two are popular in this design. This layout allows spaces to feel and appear larger and more open without compromising on counter space.

Island Kitchen

An Island in the kitchen can be used in just about any layout so long as it has space, however, they can be cumbersome in smaller areas. So having an island for the sake of having an island is never the best way to go. Fixed islands can be used for seating, an extra prep zone, you can add a sink, or a range – an Island allows for so many different possibilities. As an alternative in smaller spaces try a smaller movable island, which is less for appliance and seating space and more for extra prep space so you don’t have to keep running from work zone to work zone. Island layouts are best used in larger areas that can spare the extra space and they pair best in L-Shaped or Single Wall kitchens, but absolutely have no place in the Galley. There is a lot of information that can go into creating the perfect kitchen for you and your home, efficient kitchen designs can sometimes make that a difficult challenge when what you want competes with what you’ve got to work with. Keeping space, paths, and usage of the area in mind will often help compromise and find the perfect kitchen!

Builders Surplus is a full-service remodeling company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, which comes as a free service to our clients. We sell building supplies ranging from unused surplus to first quality in stock, to high-end custom order and everything in between. We also provide measurement and full installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. Happy Remodeling!

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September 11, 2019

Which Moulding Should I Use In My Kitchen Remodel?

Hello, home renovators! When planning a kitchen redesign or a new build, it’s the large elements like cabinetry, appliances, and countertops that typically garner the most attention. However, it’s often the subtle design details that can make the most significant impact in your kitchen. One such element is moulding.

Moulding is a small detail with a substantial influence on the overall aesthetic and functionality of your kitchen. Essentially, moulding is a strip of material with various profiles used to cover transitions between surfaces or for decoration. It is traditionally used to soften the transition between walls and ceilings, cabinets and walls, or even between different levels of cabinetry.

Despite its practical use, moulding also serves a vital aesthetic purpose, providing a seamless finish and a touch of style to the kitchen decor. Whether you opt for intricate designs or minimalist sleek lines, the moulding you choose can tie all kitchen elements together, completing the look of the room and highlighting its architectural features.

Types of Moulding and Their Applications in Kitchen

In a kitchen, there are several types of moulding that one might use, each with its own function and aesthetic value:

Crown Moulding: This form of moulding adds an elegant touch to your kitchen cabinets, creating a seamless transition between the cabinets and the ceiling. They’re the final touch that can add a sophisticated and polished look to your kitchen.

Light Rail Moulding: Mounted underneath upper cabinets, light rail moulding adds a decorative touch while also helping to conceal under-cabinet lighting fixtures. This gives your kitchen a clean, streamlined look and keeps the focus on your beautiful cabinetry and backsplash.

Scribe Moulding: This type of moulding is used to cover gaps between cabinets and walls or ceilings that aren’t perfectly straight. Scribe moulding is a lifesaver for giving a seamless look to the kitchen even if the surfaces aren’t perfectly aligned.

Base Moulding: Also known as baseboard moulding, this trim is installed along the bottom of the wall where it meets the floor. It provides a neat finishing touch while also protecting the wall from scuffs and dents that could occur, especially in high-traffic kitchen areas.

Shoe Moulding: Shoe moulding, or quarter-round, is a smaller, curved moulding that is often used along with base moulding to provide a finished look and cover any gaps between the baseboard and the floor.

The key to a harmonious kitchen design is in choosing the right types of moulding that work together to provide a seamless and beautiful look.

Crown Moulding

Crown molding is not a must for every kitchen but is most popular on cabinets which are made to flare out on the top edge. Crown is generally used for capping ceilings, walls, and cabinetry.

Scribe Moulding

Scribe molding is used to cover gaps between cabinets, ceilings, and walls. It allows that area to have a clean, finished look. Scribe is a simple strip of wood, about 1/4” thick that can be painted or stained to match up to a specific color.

Toe Kick Moulding

Toe kick or toe space is the recessed area that is between the bottom of your cabinets and the floor. Toe kick on your kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities allow you to be closer to the area needed without constantly kicking and ruining the base. Toe kick height is normally 3 1/2 – 4 inches.

Current Trends in Kitchen Moulding

When it comes to kitchen design, moulding trends tend to evolve over time. In recent years, we’ve seen a few notable trends in kitchen moulding styles that add a distinct charm to the overall kitchen décor.

Minimalist Moulding: The modern, minimalist aesthetic is all the rage in today’s kitchen design. As part of this trend, many homeowners are opting for simpler, sleeker moulding styles that complement the clean lines and understated elegance of modern cabinetry.

Two-tone Moulding: Another growing trend is two-tone moulding, where the crown or base moulding is painted a different color than the cabinets or walls. This contrast can create a striking visual effect and help highlight architectural details in the kitchen.

Ornate Crown Moulding: For traditional or classic kitchen designs, ornate crown moulding is making a comeback. Intricately detailed crown moulding can add a touch of opulence and grandeur, particularly in larger kitchens.

As always, the best moulding for your kitchen will depend on your personal style, your kitchen’s existing design, and the overall vibe you want to create. Keep an eye on these trends, but don’t be afraid to choose a style that truly speaks to you and makes your kitchen feel like home.

Trust the Experts for Perfect Kitchen Moulding

Navigating the world of moulding can seem daunting. With so many types, styles, and placements to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where kitchen designers come in, offering their extensive expertise to make your kitchen truly shine.

Kitchen designers have a wealth of experience in crafting moulding stacks and enhancing the aesthetics of kitchens. They’re trained to consider every detail, from your kitchen’s style and size to your cabinetry and budget, ensuring that the moulding you choose will complement your space beautifully.

Here at Builders Surplus, we’re proud to have a team of highly qualified, experienced designers ready to guide you through this process. Our experts can help you choose the best moulding for your kitchen, taking the stress out of the decision and guaranteeing a look you’ll love.

Moreover, while it may be tempting to try to install your own moulding, it’s important to remember that achieving a polished, professional look often requires a skilled hand. Crown moulding, in particular, can be challenging to install. Our skilled installers at Builders Surplus are proficient in moulding installation and can ensure the best possible look for your kitchen.

Why risk disappointment when you can trust the professionals to do an amazing job? Reach out to our team at Builders Surplus to start planning your perfect kitchen moulding today! 🏠✨👌

Short and sweet but there you have the three most popular types of crown moulding used in most kitchens. Shop our selection of home remodeling products right here.

Builders Surplus is a full-service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. Hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

August 23, 2019

5 Brilliant Storage Ideas for Your Kitchen!

Storage ideas are necessary for home chefs because they are always busy; they lack time to search for cooking items everywhere in the kitchen. Besides that, a kitchen is supposed to look clean and neat. If the kitchen is dirty food might get contaminated.

Introduction

If you lack the best storage ideas, you will have a hard time in the kitchen. When you are able to easily and quickly access any item you need at the kitchen, you will save time. Check out the storage ideas described here to help you organize your kitchen well.

Storage ideas for the kitchen

1. Ingredients

One of the best kitchen storage ideas is to have all your ingredients at a place where they are visible, for instance at the top of a shelf. You should also arrange them according to family. For instance, you can place spices together, soy and kinds of vinegar together, cooking oils together and so forth.

2. See clearly

This second one among the best storage ideas recommends getting transparent with pantry staples. In restaurants, for instance, they do not use Tupperware. They use plastic deli containers that can be recycled. They do not cost much and they are easy to stack and you can use them more than five times until they start absorbing food smells. If that happens, then you will need to recycle them and start over. This is a great storage idea that minimizes clutter in the kitchen.

3. Labeling

This is also one of the main storage ideas. It is recommended to have bulk containers for important ingredients such as rice, grains, flour, and beans. Ensure you label everything just like in a professional kitchen where all items are labeled nicely and they are even dated.

4. Have pasta

This storage idea recommends using mason jars. You can keep your spices in labeled mason jars. This is a great storage idea which helps in keeping the cupboard neat and easy to move when preparing meals.

You should also ensure that you always have pasta in your pantry since it is a great quick meal to take when in a hurry. One quick recipe is to prepare pasta with virgin olive oil and finish it using red chili flakes and fresh parmesan. We also recommend checking home expert reviews to see other recipes or storage ideas you can try.

5. Arrange spices according to flavor

This is also a great storage idea. Organizing the kitchen mostly begins with spices. If you have like thirty spices, consider organizing them in clusters which would be used at the same time. For example, sugary spices for baking can be in one place, those that have an Italian flavor should also be put together on another side and so forth.

Another great storage idea is having similar ingredients in one cabinet. For example, you can keep baked goods on one cabinet and canned goods on a different cabinet and grains and kinds of pasta can be put together on a different cabinet.

Conclusion:

We think these are a few of the best kitchen storage ideas. Do you have more storage ideas that you would like to share with others? Write to us and if you have any question, feel free to ask us.

At Builders Surplus, we have a great selection of convenient cabinet storage options. Click here to see more!

Are you ready for a full kitchen remodel? Take advantage of our free (no hassle) kitchen or bath design consultations. Click here to schedule today!

Author’s bio: Tommy Rosenfield is an interior designer very much keen on his job. He is also a freelance writer who writes about home and landscape design, travel, technology, cooking, and children care. He likes spending time with his friends and shares his experience in different aspects of life with other people. Tommy has a wife, two children, and a dog, so he appreciates all questions connected with family life.

July 16, 2019

Can You Keep Your Kitchen Remodeling Cost In Budget? ( and still get the kitchen you love)

Where Do You Start?

Lets face it, starting a kitchen or bath remodel can seem like an overwhelming mountain to climb. You know it will mean "down-time" for your normal daily family routine but if you are like most homeowners, the real fear begins with thoughts of the "unknown" kitchen remodeling cost. You've been told you should always get estimates but where do you start?

A kitchen or bath remodel is a BIG undertaking so you need to make absolutely sure you have a solid (and firm) remodeling plan in place BEFORE you start! Changes cost money! Deciding to move or add an outlet "here or there" is actually a pretty big deal for your contractor & perhaps your kitchen design layout & cost. If you have a remodeling plan then you minimize any surprises.

We will always recommend you sit down with a trained designer first to begin the process. Designers are not just interior designers... they are well trained professionals who will help you with the bigger picture; design, plumbing, electrical, etc. and above all cost!

They want to learn about you & your personal design taste. Dont try to hide your budget from your designer. They are your advocates, not your enemy! The ultimate goal is to get the BEST kitchen at the best possible price.

Kitchen Packages For Every Taste & Budget!

In an effort to help make the kitchen process easier for homeowners, we created our new "10 Kitchens Under 10K" packages. Each kitchen is based on the standard 8' x 12' kitchen size and includes your cabinets, countertops, crown moulding & toe kick. Each package can even be customized to find your perfect design. Prices shown are with laminate, granite or quartz countertops depending on the package but you can choose to customize each package within similar cabinet lines & countertop options.

Here are a few of our 10 Under 10K kitchen packages but we encourage you to visit our 10 Under 10K kitchen packages page to see them all here!

Alder Shaker (In Stock) with Laminate Countertops

Ginger Creek White Shaker Cabinets with Laminate Countertops

Ginger Creek Value White Shaker With Laminate

Ginger Creek Grey Shaker Cabinets with Laminate Countertops

Ginger Creek Shaker Grey with Laminate Countertops

Ginger Creek Dove Grey Shaker Cabinets with Granite Countertops

Ginger Creek Dove Grey Shaker with Laminate Countertops

Waypoint Maple Truffle Cabinets with Quartz Countertops

Waypoint Maple Truffle with Quartz Countertops

Waypoint 660D Cherry Slate Cabinets with Granite Countertops

Waypoint Cherry Slate with Granite Countertops

We hope our new kitchen packages (with prices) can help you make the big step to a beautiful kitchen remodel this year!

Schedule your FREE kitchen design consultation today & let us help you create your very own kitchen remodeling plan!

Happy Remodeling!

Builders Surplus

March 4, 2019

How to Declutter Your Kitchen for the New Year

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Today, we’re going to give you our best tips on how to declutter your kitchen. As the new year comes in, it’s important to clear up your space, organize, and get yourself together. The kitchen can become a catch-all for an endless supply of dishware utensils, cooking tools and decor. It’s no wonder that it can become hard to find what’s necessary when you need it!

Declutter your Kitchen

First – Keep, Store, Toss

When trying to declutter your kitchen, the more stuff you have, the harder it becomes. That’s why we recommend taking this time to sort. You can make this process much faster by simply asking yourself “When is the last time I used this?” If the answer is never, you put in the toss (or donate or sell) pile. If it’s been a year, you should probably store. This could be things like seasonal cooking supplies and appliances. If you’ve used it in the last year, you can most likely add it to the keep pile.

Second – Organize

The second step in clearing up your kitchen space is putting “like” things together. We all do this to some degree, but the more specific you can get, the better. Putting all of your large spoons together, your tongs together, and your specialty utensils grouped will make finding them so much easier. Instead of putting all of your pots and pans together, group them by size and type. large pots here, small pots there. Large skillets here, Cake pans there. Give them their own designated space. Declutter your kitchen - drawer organizers Utilize Vertical Space. Vertical space is often wasted, so make it work to your advantage. You can do this with so many add on products for your kitchen. It can be as simple as using hooks on the inside of your cabinets to hang things like measuring tools and pot holders. Use risers in your cabinets to give you additional levels of space, apart from your shelves. This allows you to stack much more easily and not worry about breaking your dishes. Declutter your kitchen - pull out pot racks Maximize Corners. Your corner cabinets are often hard to reach into or truly dead space. You can add lazy susans or pull out shelves to make the most of your space, organize better, and gain better access to these items. There are many ways that you can declutter your kitchen, organize and maximize space to keep it that way. Some of these can be added when remodeling your kitchen, while others are after market upgrades that are affordable and easy to install, like our Hardware Resources collection of “11 minutes of less” products. While we have a lot of these products in-store, ready to take home, you can also order anything and have it shipped to your home in days. Check out all the options here! We hope you have a wonderful start to the new year!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Bathroom Remodeling, Bathroom Cabinets, Vanity tops and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation! Written By: Allie Bloyd

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December 19, 2018

13 OURTRAGEOUS SILESTONE KITCHEN ISLANDS (3)

13 Outrageous Silestone Quartz Kitchen Islands

Want to see 13 gorgeous and outrageous Silestone quartz kitchen islands? An incredible island is not only a visual focal point for your kitchen, it's a gathering place for your family. It's form and function at it's finest. But who says kitchen islands have to be boring? Not these homeowners! Lets see these fun and funky designs, all made with Silestone Quartz.

What is Silestone, you might ask? In short, it's a combination of natural quartz and other raw materials that are extraordinarily hard and resilient. These characteristics combine to create an ideal surface for kitchen countertops, bathrooms, flooring and wall siding. It's scratch, stain and heat resistant and antibacterial. They have some of the most gorgeous colors on the market today!

Quartz is becoming the #1 countertop material and these islands showcase it in a BIG way!

13 Silestone Quartz Kitchen Islands - Fun Shapes & Bold Colors!

1. Amazon River and 2. Orange Fuego

1. Silestone Amazon River Quartz Island

2. Silestone Orange Fuego Quartz Island

In order to get an amazing kitchen island, you can either choose a unique shape, or a unique color, like the two choices above!

3 . Silestone Mesa Dreis Kitchen Island

3. Silestone Mesa-Dreis - Click to shop Silestone Countertops!

This unique island can easily sit 6 for your next casual dinner, but the look is anything but laid back! The black and red combination paired with the interesting edge shape make this island unforgettable!

Schedule Your FREE COUNTERTOP CONSULTATION!

4. Silestone Black and White Geometric Island

This incredible black and white waterfall kitchen island is beyond stunning. The shape is so out of the ordinary that guests can only stare at the beautiful form and countertop! A waterfall edge island alone is enough to turn heads, but add it with an upside down triangle attached to it and you've got a showstopper!

Would you ever have something like this in your home?

5. Silestone Polar Cap And Iron Ore

5. Silestone Polar Cap And Iron Ore - Click to shop silestone!

While this may be one of the more tame islands we showcase, it's gorgeous in it's own right! The levels make it ideal for eating and cooking at the same time, perfect to chat with the family after a long day.

6. Silestone Brunette Fraccaroli and Acqua Fraccaroli Two Toned Modern Island

Silestone Brunette-Fraccaroli-1-•-Acqua-Fraccaroli Tuca-Reines

Silestone Brunette Fraccaroli and Acqua Fraccaroli Countertops - Click here to shop Silestone Counertops!

This island is truly one of a kind! The double layers give it depth, the unique colors give it interest, and the interesting shape holds your eye! You can guarantee that no one would forget an island like this!

7. Crisp White Silestone Quartz Mega Island

This crisp white, double level island is the perfect place to food prep or sit. It's neutral color pairs nicely with the bold backsplash, wall and stove color, as well as the dark cabinets on the island itself!

8. Silestone Orange Fuego Cook Top Island

This modern quartz island is a chefs dream! The cooktop faces an open layout so that you can cook and entertain guests at the same time! The orange fuego color is BOLD, but life is about taking chances, right?

9. Silestone Fully Loaded Centerpiece Island

This LARGE island has got everything you need! Storage, cook top, sink and seating areas. Who could ask for more?

10. Silestone Cemento Spa Gathering Island

All I can say is WOW! This crips, clean kitchen has a super large curved island that fits the shape of the kitchen perfectly and allows you to interact with guests in a natural way, or eat with your family at every meal!

11. Silestone Black Waterfall Island

Silestone Marquina Waterfall Island - Click to shop Silestone!

This stunning island is one of my favorites on the list! It's such a huge contrast from the rest of the kitchen that it pops in the best way! The deep veining make a bold statement and the dark black is elegant and classic. The waterfall edge is always a luxurious feature!

12. Silestone Cemento Sana Vieira Cooler Island

SILESTONE CEMENTO-SANA-M-VIEIRA-SANTOS CARLOS-PIRATININGA

Can you say man cave? This is the perfect island to store all of your beer or cold wines! It has a much classier look that a basic white mini-fridge! Elevate the look of your party room with a fun island like this!

13. Silestone Haruo Mikami Kitchen Wide Island Set

This cool kitchen island almost looks like it belongs in an industrial kitchen! The size and setup are ideal for a professional chef, and because Silestone is antibacterial, you'll never even need a cutting board!

Which island is your favorite? Would you ever choose such a bold design? Let us know below or schedule your FREE Kitchen or Countertop design consultation below!

Schedule Your FREE COUNTERTOP CONSULTATION!

Builders Surplus is a discount remodeling retailer and service provider. We carry everything you could need for your kitchen, bathroom, windows, doors and floors! If you need installation, design or measuring services, we can handle that, too. We're the one stop shop for your remodel, and we make it as pain free as possible so that you get the most gorgeous remodel for the lowest price, with the least amount of stress! Call or visit us today to see how we can help on your next project!

November 20, 2018

Greige Anatomy: The Hottest Color in Home Design

Today I'd like to dive into a trend that has swept across the home design in rapid fashion: The Wave of Greige.

Yes, that wondrous combination of gray & beige has captivated the eyes of our fellow homeowners and renovators for, quite honestly, the past few years. Its gentle, neutral tones make it a perfect option for any space or room. It's an enhancement to any look and appealing to the eye. Let's check out a few of our Greige products.

Greige in Flooring

If you haven't heard of Luxury Vinyl Tile, otherwise known as waterproof flooring, then I encourage you to check it out. I won't go into incredible detail about -- that' s a separate blog post, previously written, but it's essentially cutting-edge technology that provides a great many benefits. And it also comes in a couple of colors & variations that have ridden this greige wave, so to speak.

CoreTEC Blackstone Oak LVT - Click to shop LVT Flooring

Featherweight Stone Oak- Click to shop

CoreTEC Blackstone Oak - Click to shop

One can definitely understand the appeal of this trend. Gray has by-and-large been a go-to color in the industry. The color, with its neutral tones, sits beautifully within the confines of any space. Combine it along with beige, another neutral tone, and you're left with a brilliant combination.

Picture Blackstone Oak in a White Shaker kitchen with a pewter countertop, and you've got a masterpiece. Stone Oak would look absolutely riveting in a large space, say, a living room equipped with dark furniture, with natural light pouring in from the windows. Again, the versatility of this color is an ideal benefit.

Greige in Tile

Tile colors have also taken a liking to this stunning trend. I really wasn't kidding when I said it's taken the industry by storm, and not just flooring options as you'll soon see. The material, as well as the actual color, point out the finer details of greige. With gentle swirls and premium patterns, greige is not lost on this counterpart.

Carolina Timber Saddle - Click to shop tile

Imperial Rome - Click to Shop Tile

Carolina Timber Saddle - Click to Shop Tile

8x8 Kenzzi La Fleur Patterned Tile at Builders Surplus in Louisville Kentucky

Kenzzi La Fleur - Click to Shop Tile

See what I mean about these colors exhibiting everything that's so fantastic about greige. We'll start with the first, and first of all, isn't that tile piece so appropriately named, Imperial Rome. Legitimately reminds me of a cathedral in Rome circa 5 B.C.

The second is a wood-look tile, another trendy material that's well worth the hype. Timber Saddle is a top-pick for those who want to create that highly sought after rustic vibe. The last but certainly not least is Kenzzi La Fleur Patterned Tile. I've seen these pieces on backsplashes, which I personally think is the best place for them, but also on floors.

Greige in Cabinets

I stressed it in the beginning of this post, Greige's claim to fame resides heavily in its neutrality. Flooring and tile are one thing, but when it comes to a design element that's eye level, the stakes are considerably higher aesthetically. I think we can agree that kitchen cabinets are a monstrous component to the overall kitchen design, yeah?

Wellborn Pebble Cabinets - Click to shop Cabinets

Drift

Pebble

Now, I put Wellborn's Drift next to Pebble, so I could show you the variants of Greige. Obviously, Drift is darker than Pebble, it still has those gray and beige tones. Two gorgeous cabinets, nevertheless.

I hope you learned a bit about this hot new trend! For any greige home products, visit Builders Surplus today! We carry everything show in this blog, and so much more, for incredible prices! Our design services are always free, so schedule your design appointment below!

Schedule Your FREE Kitchen & Bath Design Appointment!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Bathroom Remodeling, Bathroom Cabinets, Vanity tops and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

August 21, 2018

How to Remodel a Small Kitchen To Maximize Space

Remodeling a Small Kitchen: What You Need To Know

Having a small kitchen has it’s pros and cons, just as it does when you remodel a small kitchen. The pros include decreased cost. Less space means you spend less money than you would if it were larger. Small kitchens also typically are more functional as everything you need has to be in arms reach for quick cooking and food prep. Cons are obvious. It’s never going to be that “hangout space” that you’ve always wanted. If you have a large family, it could feel a little cramped at times. No matter how you feel about your kitchen, we can show you how to remodel a small kitchen to maximize space, function and style! Click here to see 20 small kitchen makeovers by HGTV Hosts!

Everyone has a different definition of what a small kitchen is, so these tips can work for any kitchen that you wish was bigger! Ready to remodel your kitchen? Click here to work with one of our designers for FREE!

Schedule Your FREE Kitchen & Bath Design Appointment!

Top Ways To Increase Space & Style When You Remodel a Small Kitchen

1. Light and Bright!

The first thing you want to realize is that smaller kitchens need lighter colors to increase the visual appearance of space. It is proven that white makes things look bigger and black makes things look smaller (hence the reason we love wearing black!).

So white cabinets are a must. However, you don’t HAVE to go white if that’s not your think. Think dove grey, antique white, light taupe. But nothing will make it feel as large as white will. If you want to add another punch of color, do your lower cabinets in a different color and the uppers in white. That will still open up your space!

Lighter countertops will also help the space feel larger as well, but don’t feel that it’s a must to go white on white on white. Stick with lighter colors, but definitely mix it up!

2. Wide Tile

Backsplash is not only the best way to make your kitchen POP!, it’s also another great way to make it feel larger. Using a horizontal tile like subway tile or wood look tile, will pull the eye from left to right and make the space feel wider.

Click here to shop subway tile starting at .22/piece!

John’s Journey’s Small Kitchen Remodel – Before Photo

John Journey’s Small Kitchen Remodel – After Photo. See the difference!

3. Open Up The Space!

One big step you could take when you choose to remodel a small kitchen is to actually give yourself more space. If that’s what you want, then why not try? If you’re already going through a remodel, taking down a wall won’t be too much more intrusive. The result can be incredible, like Cara Tolle’s small kitchen remodel below.

4. Illumination is Key

Your going to want lots of light when you remodel a small kitchen. From pendant lights, to can lights, to under cabinet lighting, the more lights you have, the brighter and more open your space will look, as we discussed in #1.

Don’t just use lighting, though. Choosing a reflective backsplash can create the feeling of more space. Think mirrors, glass and metal!

One other way to use glass? In your cabinet doors! Having glass cabinet doors around your kitchen really makes it seem large! The downside is always having to have your cabinets organized!

Cara Tolle’s Small Kitchen Remodel – Before Photo

Cara Tolle’s Small Kitchen Remodel – After Photo – Opened Up Space!

5. Space Expanding Storage

There are a lot of fun ways to increase storage space. Floating shelves are a great way to add additional storage space on a wall that may not typically have cabinetry. You could also build hanging shelves! Nik-nacs are not always possible when you don’t have much space to work with, so try putting them on top of your cabinets if you have 30″ cabinets.

Another idea is to use a hanging pot holder! Pots and pans take up a lot of space in your cabinets, so getting them out in the open can free up a lot of room for other things. Just make sure you love the way they look!

One other option is to put small cabinets on top of your regular cabinets way up high! They look great, but they can be hard to reach, so you’ll need to add a rolling ladder (if space permits). They can actually add a really cool style element to your kitchen as well!

6. Function is First

If your kitchen is small, you have to make sure that it is functional above all else. And I don’t just mean functional in terms of cooking, I mean you need to be able to store everything that you need without feeling like every cabinet is crammed shut. There are several ways that you can add additional functional features to your kitchen that maximize storage, keep your organized and help you reach everything with ease! Check out some options below!

Pull Out Pantry Cabinets and Spice Racks

Appliance Hider

Bench Storage

Easy Reach Cabinet

As you can see, when you remodel a small kitchen, there are several ways that you can maximize space, maximize style, and maximize function. When you’re ready to remodel a small kitchen, come work with one of our kitchen designers free of charge to make it the kitchen of your dreams!

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Bathroom Remodeling, Bathroom Cabinets, Vanity tops and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

Schedule Your FREE Kitchen & Bath Design Appointment!

August 14, 2018

Top Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid

If you’re here, odds are you’re thinking of remodeling a kitchen, and you’re looking for the top kitchen remodeling mistakes to avoid. There are plenty of mistakes that can be avoided when it comes to kitchen remodeling in stages. Why use a kitchen designer, when you can find all the information here, so let’s get into it straight.

Don’t Dismiss the Details

When you’re planning your remodel, try to think ahead. How can you make your kitchen look great, but function just as well? Upon entrance, you’ll see a fabulous layout, a brilliant design, but does it comply with your daily routine?

A good place to start in terms of details is storage space. Don’t glance over this opportunity to start anew with your remodel. Include pantry pullouts if you can, contemplate that Lazy Susan in the corner.

Taking the time to go over how best to increase your kitchen storage efficiency will help you out in the long run. It may seem like an expensive addition, but if you put this off and then regret it later, you’re in for a much grander cost than you would initially.

Looking Over the Layout

There’s a common phrase spoken throughout the remodeling industry called, “the work triangle.” It’s the shape of your kitchen’s busiest zones: the sink, the stove, and the fridge. It’s commonly referred to as such because usual, efficient designs have these aspects placed in triangular form.

Why? It’s just easier that way. If you have to walk around an island to get something out of the fridge, it can get annoying really quick. Remember, appearance is a huge part of design honestly, but you want to be able to move & work in there, too.

Go It Alone

Listen, I know all too well how pricey a remodel can be. So much so that doing this remodel by yourself seems awfully appealing. You may already have it in your head that this is what you’re going to do. That’s fine. I get it and all, but before you make this decision I beg you to consult with a professional kitchen or bath designer.

Schedule Your FREE Kitchen & Bath Design Appointment!

In fact, I’ll make it easy for you. Here in store, at Builders Surplus, we offer FREE kitchen/bath design consultations. Fact is, this is no small feat. A full remodel encompasses an abundance of tasks, all broken down into steps and processes. Go it alone, it’ll seem overwhelming, and fast. The purpose of these consultations is to get everything in order, to extend a hand and lead the way during the entire project.

You and the designer will discuss budget, installation, designs, styles, and pretty much every component within your remodel. They’ll give estimates, and you’ll even be able to see your design onscreen using the latest design programs. It’s pretty legit. Interested? Sign up for a free consultation right here.

Bailing on Budget

When planning your remodel, there’s a variety to choose from. Type, style, color, design, all of the components of a specific product. With that said, it’s easy to get carried away on certain things. This is why it’s important to keep your budget in mind. Yes, a cabinet line might be a more high-end, but so is the price.

During the beginning stages, when you’ve set the budget, try to work around it. Meaning, prioritize your kitchen’s features and allocate your finances accordingly. You want more countertop space? Allocate more money into the countertop expense. Want waterproof flooring? Raise the budget up a notch. But it’s easy to want the best of everything and blow the budget out of the water.

savings, finances, economy and home concept - close up of man wi

You want a new remodel, yes, but you’d probably rather not break the bank for it. May not seem like it at first, but it’s kind of life-changing, a new kitchen remodel. It also increases your home value. These are good things to be sure, but if you’re overspending on things you don’t need, then it’s not cost-effective. Just a little, ya know, food for thought.

Alright, everyone, there you have it. Just a few things to think about before you tackle this thing on. Remember to plan, plan, plan. The more you prepare, the less you’ll stress or worry about things during.

Now, let’s go ahead and get you set up for your FREE Kitchen Design Appointment so you can avoid ALL of these!

Schedule Your FREE Kitchen & Bath Design Appointment!

April 10, 2018

Fun, Functional Kitchen Upgrades

What’s up, everyone? I know I’m not the only one entirely too ready for spring, yeah? This winter has been one for the books, hasn’t it? While you’re contemplating spring activities, allow me to throw some ideas your way and inspire you with a few kitchen upgrades.
If you’re like me, setting your eyes on the same look day-in-and-day-out is disheartening. You’re eager to switch things up a bit, no matter how small the detail, just to get a fresh, new look. Well, I’d like to help you about. Here are a few fun, functional kitchen upgrades to get rid of the old and bring in the new. It is almost spring after all!

Cabinet Hardware

Changing the look of the cabinet hardware in your kitchen is a nice, gentle touch to switch up the overall appearance. It may seem like a small adjustment, but I promise you, once you’ve changed the knobs on each cabinet to a different style or design then step back a couple paces, you’ll see a major difference.

Also, you’re in luck! We carry some of the best lines in cabinet hardware including Top Knobs, Jeffrey Alexander, and Amerock. These lines provide the coolest, sleekest designs to accessorize your cabinets, and are adaptable to any kitchen remodel design! Whichever style you’re trying to accomplish – traditional, rustic, contemporary, or modern – these brands have beautiful pieces of each, making it suitable for all.

Pull-Down Faucet

When you’re in your kitchen, you want to be comfortable, right? Just like any other room in your household, you’d like the functionality to be bar-none, and everything should be super simple. Well, installing a pull-down faucet covers that entire scope. Not only does it look good, but it feels good knowing that the dreaded chore of doing dishes can simplified by a fixture.

Technology, by definition of usage, is a means of making life easier. Installing a pull-down faucet in your kitchen can ease your daily life, upgrading your kitchen not only be appearance, but in function, as well.

Kitchen Chalkboard

One of my favorite remodeling ideas, and this one is actually becoming quite popular as a kitchen trend. A bit quirky, yes.

But think of all the possibilities – no more forgetting stuff at the grocery store and then there’s always the sweet message or two. Pretty neat!

Shelf Upgrades

You also have some options when it comes to your shelving units. I’ll tell you, my most favorite that I’ve installed is definitely the Pullout w/ Cushion close. It’s soft, gentle, and you don’t have to worry about damaging your cabinets if you accidentally close it, too quickly. Perfect for families and such.

Drawer Box

These kitchen upgrades have to deal with the material you use for your drawers. You may seem puzzled, asking yourself why this would matter, but think about it for a second: Your drawers contain and hold a multitude of things in your kitchen — cooking utensils, silverware, measuring items, etc.

So, the stronger the material, the higher the price. You’re paying for the stability. Any time you’re getting something made from solid wood, you can expect to pay a pretty penny.

Drawer Glides

These are the mechanisms that allow your drawer to open or close. I’m laughing as I type this because I can understand why some would think this is a tedious improvement, but if it makes life easier, it’s an upgrade. A life hack, if you will. As far as price, the two options are actually around the same.

There ya have it, friends. A few fun, yet functional kitchen upgrades for you to tackle this spring! These are all inexpensive additions that you can install to not only improve your cooking space, but leaves a fresh, new feeling every time you walk into your kitchen. It’s your home after all, people. Make it your own!

Written by: Chris Chamberlain

March 13, 2018

Kitchen Faucet Options

Hello, homeowners! Hope everyone is enjoying their year thus far, despite this crazily chaotic weather we're having. Even right now, as I type this, it's a brilliant 71 degrees, yet overcast, with the threat of heavy rainfall and a twenty degree drop by the morrow. Nevertheless, the show must go on!

Today, I'd like to discuss an often overlooked aspect of your cooking space -- the kitchen faucet. What you may not know, friends, are the several different options you have to choose from when deciding on your faucet. We're going to discuss this by diving into three aspects of a faucet: The handle, the arcs, and finally, the sprayer. Let's dig in.

Kitchen Faucet Handles

When it comes to kitchen faucet handles, there are a couple you can choose from. As stressed later in this section, it really all comes down to preference and which functionality best suits you and your cooking habits. Here, let me explain:

Single Handle

The single-handle kitchen faucet provides a fresh, cutting-edge appearance. With the ability to control the hot and cold temperatures with one lever, its efficiency is bar-none.

Two Handled

If the single handle gives off a fresh look, the extra handle exudes a classic one. When it comes to a comparison of the single or dual, it's majorly defined by preference.

The two-handled approach is designed for those of us who don't want to fuss with controlling temperature and water pressure/flow together. To each his own.

Kitchen Faucet Arcs

It's a pretty simple question to ask yourself: Do you want a High Arc or a Low Arc? When it comes to this particular option, your eventual choice will be decided on visibility, but also, how functional you are in your kitchen. I'll explain.

High Arc Kitchen Faucet

In my opinion, this is the most appealing option. At least aesthetically. There's something about the high arch of your kitchen faucet that makes the area look exuberant, exciting. But there's a drawback, as well. If the faucet is too high, it may be blocking an otherwise stunning view of a gorgeously elaborate backsplash or a window that wishes to bring in natural lighting.

The last thing you want is for an aspect of your kitchen design to be taking away from another, especially when it comes to appearance.

Low Arc Kitchen Faucet

If you do just so happen to have a window above your kitchen faucet or a beautiful backsplash, you can always elect to have a Low Arc Faucet. This way, there are no obstacles in sight and you can visibly show off these attributes without delay or distraction.

BUT...like the aforementioned option, there's a drawback. If you consider yourself a foodie, a word which here means "a person with a particular interest in food; a gourmet," then this may not be your best option. When you're constantly cleaning pots & pans, room is a requirement. Scrubbing and cooking dishes is a cumbersome task as is without your wrists banging into your way-too-low faucet. So, how-low-can-you-go, is a question you should raise while shopping. You've been warned 😉

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Kitchen Faucet Sprayers

I think it's safe to say that no one likes cleaning dishes. It's just one of those constants in life, much like laundry or taxes, that's quite simply a pain in the butt. But, thankfully, there are some kitchen accessories that make the task a bit easier. One of these helpful gadgets is your kitchen faucet sprayer.

Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet

This type of kitchen faucet gets its name from its design. Whether it's fastened to a High Arc or Low Arc faucet, the detachment "pulls down," allowing for maximum reach and flexibility. May not seem like much of an improvement, but I can assure you it is.

Once you've washed dishes with any of these sprayers in this category, you'll grimace at a fixed faucet. Literally, you'll throw in the dish towel and call it quits, cursing yourself for not getting one.

beautiful kitchen with glass backsplash and granite counter

Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet

Personally, this is my favorite. Very similar to its cousin "the pull down," this type extends towards you instead of downward. I prefer this version only because I believe it provides more range. As one who is constantly cleaning pots & pans (but not necessarily a foodie), this kitchen faucet is extremely handy.

Plus, it seems there's a longer hose on this type, which is convenient when you need to fill larger pots, and you can do this away from the sink.

Side Sprayer Kitchen Faucet

Although this option requires an extra sink hole, it's reach along with still being able to use the main faucet is well worth it.

It's the perfect asset to your modern sink. Excellent for cleaning and keeping these tidy around your sink basin. Which, if your anything like my father, having a dirty is pet peeve #39.

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February 16, 2018

Bold Kitchen Design: Make a Statement!

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A bold kitchen design isn’t for everyone. But, even if you like to play it safe in interior design, there is something to behold about a kitchen that takes a risk. You can create a bold kitchen design using many different techniques, which we’ll explain below by showcasing some truly remarkable kitchens!

8 AMAZING BOLD KITCHEN DESIGNS

1. Black and White Beauty

This kitchen is bold and contemporary, while also giving off a slightly traditional feel. The Black and white cabinets contrast beautifully. An island is always a great place to add contrasting cabinets. The waterfall Torquay quartz countertop from Cambria edge give it a dramatic look and the brass hardware and light fixtures really set off this design!

2. Monochromatic Craftsman

This kitchen is striking! The monochromatic look works so well, especially when contrasted with the dark kitchen island. It evokes the feeling of the woods with the green handcrafted Wellborn Cabinets and natural looking wood floors. The quartz, glass subway tile and chrome hardware give it a modern feel without feeling too cold.

3. Middle Eastern Elegance

This neutral kitchen makes a bold statement with a pink arabesque accent tile and fun pink lantern pendants. The 42″ cabinets give a dramatic look and the gold hardware brightens up the space. The Ocean Jasper Silestone Countertops tie it all together. This is a great look for those who want different, but not too crazy.

ocean-jasper quartz in bold kitchen design

4. Coastal Cool

This crisp white kitchen makes a bold statement with bright blue subway tile and brass hardware next to stunning Wellborn Cabinets. The reflective countertops and bead board ceiling draw your eye across the space with ease. This is a fun, airy design that would work great in a coastal home or anywhere in the country!

5. Detailed Dome

This bold kitchen is incredible! While most of us don’t have this incredible ceiling to tile, they made the most of this space with the stunning herringbone brick pattern. The grey and navy coordinate so well, and the Cambria Seagrove Quartz Countertops feature both colors, streamlining the design. The cream hearth above the stove adds the perfect bit of contrast. The details such as corbels and a stunning farm sink take this design to another level.

Seagrove_Cambria Bold Kitchen Design

6. Red Victorian

This quirky red victorian kitchen brings the best of the old world into this century. The contrasted island and classic Victoria Quartz Countertops make it sight to behold. The carved detailed accents and copper hardware pulls it all together and make this bold kitchen a space to remember.

7. Funky Contemporary

This fun contemporary kitchen features things a little bit outside of the norm. The fun green glass subway tile is in a vertical pattern, making is more unique. The Slab style Waypoint Cabinets are paired with open shelving made of glass, so it really opens the space up. The bar is almost restaurant style and the addition of the fun thimble shaped barstools really sets the design off. It goes to show you the most unexpected elements can make up a stunning and bold kitchen!

Bold kitchen design

8. Cool Urban Eatery

This contemporary style bold kitchen features slab cabinet doors in a rich espresso. The bar pulls keep the lines clean, as seen in the rest of the space. The open shelving is modern and trendy, while the red mosaic backsplash is unexpected. A crisp Coswell Cream Silestone quartz countertop is the light neutral this space needed to come together.

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

Written By: Allie Bloyd

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November 24, 2017

Remodeling Advice From Real Kitchen & Bath Designers

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In need of some remodeling advice before getting started on your project? Look no further! We sat down with 5 professional kitchen and bath designers and got some great tips on things that you should do or understand before or during your remodeling process. Their remodeling advice shouldn’t be taken lightly, as they’ve helped hundreds of people with remodels, just like you!

THEIR BEST REMODELING ADVICE:

1. Make sure you understand your style

When asking Andrea for her best remodeling advice, this was at the top of her list. She often works with clients who have a few issues when it comes to this. The first being that they have no idea what their style is, which can make the design and product selection process much more difficult, for client and designer. She also sees people who like aspects of multiple design styles and will try and combine the two. While this CAN work for some styles, it doesn’t work with them all. When they see all the products together, they hate it.

Her remodeling advice? Look on Houzz or Pinterest. Save your favorite kitchens or bathrooms. Go back when you’re done and see what you’ve chosen. Is there a central theme or color scheme? If you’re not sure what style you’re seeing, read the descriptions and see the category they’re in on Houzz. It will be listed under one of around 9 styles. That will help you and your designer know where to go next!

2. Have realistic expectations regarding budget

Andrea’s next remodeling advice is about budget. May people feel like they can get the dream kitchen or bathroom for what they have set aside. Some may be able to, but for most of us, price is a concern. Know going in that you may have to make compromises in terms of features, materials or extras. Being flexible will go a long way. Your designer is not trying to max out your budget, but trying to help you get your dream space within your budget. They’ll help you prioritize your needs and wants to make it happen for the dollar amount you can afford.

3. Know if you’re staying or moving

Chris gave some great remodeling advice when he suggested that clients need to evaluate how long they’ll be in their home. Staying for an extended period of time? Go with what YOU want. You’re designing for your long term happiness. Moving? You’re ultimately designing for someone else, so don’t go overboard on your personal quirky choices. Choose something more neutral and on trend (but still timeless).
He suggested that if you’re staying, put more money into your cabinets. You’ll be using these every day, and it’s an important component for many people. Go with a less expensive top if you have to, because you can always upgrade that fairly easily in the years to come. Moving? Go with a cheaper cabinet but a more expensive countertop that will really wow buyers. You can find a great shaker style unfinished cabinet at our store that you can paint, that is well made and looks phenomenal, but is very inexpensive compared to other cabinet lines. That would be a great choice.

4. Understand that this is a process, not an event

All of the designers that I spoke with listed this as one of their top pieces of advice. With HGTV, fast food and social media, we are in the habit of believing that instant gratification can be achieved with almost anything. No matter how many times you see a complete home remodeled in one 30 minute episode, that’s not real life. Even the most well planned and executed remodel will take weeks, but possibly months, to complete. You need to be prepared for this. The more realistic expectations you have of this process, the less likely you’ll be to freak out when you’ve been without a functioning shower or countertops for a month. This leads me to my next piece of designer remodeling advice…
remodeling advice -process

5. Something WILL go wrong.

Tadd’s remodeling advice? Something will go wrong, plain and simple. Don’t think you’re the exception. You won’t be. Maybe it won’t be an end of the word type issue, but something WILL go off track. You need to know this going in. If you do, you’re going to be ok when that issue does come up. You’ll have been expecting it. There are so many people, companies and moving pieces involved in a full kitchen or bathroom remodel that it’s easy to see how something could happen. Then, add in issues that are unforeseen to the eye in your home and you’ve got a problem waiting to happen. But knowing that every job has it’s issues but still gets completed in the end should be a comfort. You’ll get through it.

6. It can test your relationships

Even the strongest relationships can be frazzled by a remodel. Wether it’s tiff’s over the budget, irritation of not having a functioning space, disagreements over styles or materials, your relationships will be tested. Our designers remodeling advice for this? Communicate. Unless you’re the sole person responsible for decision making, you’re going to have to compromise, communicate and be open to plan a’s, b’s and maybe even c’s before this thing is over with. Get everyone in your family on board, and you’ll be fine!

7. Use a designer!

Not to toot their own horns, but…beep beep! At Builders Surplus, our design services are free, so there’s no extra cost to you, so this is a no brainer! The designer will help you find your style, stay on budget, go over all the product lines with you to find the best fit long term, suggest compromises, help point out potential issues before they happen, and set your expectations accurately. The process still won’t be perfect, but it will be MUCH smoother.
We hope this remodeling advice and tips are helpful in beginning your remodel process! If you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to comment or shoot us an email!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

Written By: Allie Bloyd

Want to learn more about kitchen remodeling? Subscribe here!

November 3, 2017

Remodeling Advice From Real Kitchen & Bath Designers

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In need of some remodeling advice before getting started on your project? Look no further! We sat down with 5 professional kitchen and bath designers and got some great tips on things that you should do or understand before or during your remodeling process. Their remodeling advice shouldn’t be taken lightly, as they’ve helped hundreds of people with remodels, just like you!

THEIR BEST REMODELING ADVICE:

1. Make sure you understand your style

When asking Andrea for her best remodeling advice, this was at the top of her list. She often works with clients who have a few issues when it comes to this. The first being that they have no idea what their style is, which can make the design and product selection process much more difficult, for client and designer. She also sees people who like aspects of multiple design styles and will try and combine the two. While this CAN work for some styles, it doesn’t work with them all. When they see all the products together, they hate it.

Her remodeling advice? Look on Houzz or Pinterest. Save your favorite kitchens or bathrooms. Go back when you’re done and see what you’ve chosen. Is there a central theme or color scheme? If you’re not sure what style you’re seeing, read the descriptions and see the category they’re in on Houzz. It will be listed under one of around 9 styles. That will help you and your designer know where to go next!

2. Have realistic expectations regarding budget

Andrea’s next remodeling advice is about budget. May people feel like they can get the dream kitchen or bathroom for what they have set aside. Some may be able to, but for most of us, price is a concern. Know going in that you may have to make compromises in terms of features, materials or extras. Being flexible will go a long way. Your designer is not trying to max out your budget, but trying to help you get your dream space within your budget. They’ll help you prioritize your needs and wants to make it happen for the dollar amount you can afford.

3. Know if you’re staying or moving

Chris gave some great remodeling advice when he suggested that clients need to evaluate how long they’ll be in their home. Staying for an extended period of time? Go with what YOU want. You’re designing for your long term happiness. Moving? You’re ultimately designing for someone else, so don’t go overboard on your personal quirky choices. Choose something more neutral and on trend (but still timeless).
He suggested that if you’re staying, put more money into your cabinets. You’ll be using these every day, and it’s an important component for many people. Go with a less expensive top if you have to, because you can always upgrade that fairly easily in the years to come. Moving? Go with a cheaper cabinet but a more expensive countertop that will really wow buyers. You can find a great shaker style unfinished cabinet at our store that you can paint, that is well made and looks phenomenal, but is very inexpensive compared to other cabinet lines. That would be a great choice.

4. Understand that this is a process, not an event

All of the designers that I spoke with listed this as one of their top pieces of advice. With HGTV, fast food and social media, we are in the habit of believing that instant gratification can be achieved with almost anything. No matter how many times you see a complete home remodeled in one 30 minute episode, that’s not real life. Even the most well planned and executed remodel will take weeks, but possibly months, to complete. You need to be prepared for this. The more realistic expectations you have of this process, the less likely you’ll be to freak out when you’ve been without a functioning shower or countertops for a month. This leads me to my next piece of designer remodeling advice…
remodeling advice -process

5. Something WILL go wrong.

Tadd’s remodeling advice? Something will go wrong, plain and simple. Don’t think you’re the exception. You won’t be. Maybe it won’t be an end of the word type issue, but something WILL go off track. You need to know this going in. If you do, you’re going to be ok when that issue does come up. You’ll have been expecting it. There are so many people, companies and moving pieces involved in a full kitchen or bathroom remodel that it’s easy to see how something could happen. Then, add in issues that are unforeseen to the eye in your home and you’ve got a problem waiting to happen. But knowing that every job has it’s issues but still gets completed in the end should be a comfort. You’ll get through it.

6. It can test your relationships

Even the strongest relationships can be frazzled by a remodel. Wether it’s tiff’s over the budget, irritation of not having a functioning space, disagreements over styles or materials, your relationships will be tested. Our designers remodeling advice for this? Communicate. Unless you’re the sole person responsible for decision making, you’re going to have to compromise, communicate and be open to plan a’s, b’s and maybe even c’s before this thing is over with. Get everyone in your family on board, and you’ll be fine!

7. Use a designer!

Not to toot their own horns, but…beep beep! At Builders Surplus, our design services are free, so there’s no extra cost to you, so this is a no brainer! The designer will help you find your style, stay on budget, go over all the product lines with you to find the best fit long term, suggest compromises, help point out potential issues before they happen, and set your expectations accurately. The process still won’t be perfect, but it will be MUCH smoother.
We hope this remodeling advice and tips are helpful in beginning your remodel process! If you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to comment or shoot us an email!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

Written By: Allie Bloyd

Want to learn more about kitchen remodeling? Subscribe here!

November 3, 2017

Remodeling an Old Kitchen & Keeping Original Character

Is your old kitchen in need of a kitchen remodel? Moving into an old house can be exciting and scary at the same time. Old homes have some unforeseen issues, yes, but they come with so much more that you can’t get in new construction. Things were built differently. They are very sturdy and have so much craftsmanship and detail. Doing a remodel in an old home can pose it’s own set of challenges, and some of those include how to get a “new” space without loosing that old feel that made you decide to move in. Here’s how you can keep your kitchen remodel in line with the era of your home, and still be up to date!

Give your New Kitchen Remodel The Old Kitchen Feel

Research the Era

This is one of the most important things you can do if you’re trying to keep the original charm of the old kitchen in your new kitchen remodel. Find what the styles were at the time your home was built, and let that guide you!

Subway Tile

Subway tile is a classic look that has been around for decades upon decades. You typically can’t go wrong with this type of tile if you’re looking for a historic look.

Wood Cabinets

While some cabinets in old kitchens were painted, the majority of them would be stained wood. If you’re looking for that historic character, go back to the roots with a beautiful solid wood cabinet like the one seen above. You can still add more modern elements, like the marble countertop, without losing the history. If you don’t want stained cabinets, the next best option would be a paint with a glaze. this definitly gives the vintage look.

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood flooring was the standard in historic old kitchens. You can obvioulsy go with a laminate or LVT that imitate the look, but for the real historic feel, nothing beats the smell and feel of natural hardwood.

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Brick Tile

Brick tile is another one of my favorite design elements that look great when updating an old kitchen. The exposed brick look always makes me think of the industrial revolution and most older homes had brick behind their walls, so it would be common for some to become exposed over years of wear and tear.

Farm Sinks

Farm sinks are one of my pieces for a farmhouse, antique, vintage or historic kitchen. They were the standard in earlier days for their functionality, and have luckily made a comeback in recent years. I love the size and look of them. They definitly make an impact!

BeadBoard

Bead board on the walls is a great alternative for wall tile. It’s fairly inexpensive, easy to install and looks great. It also gives your new kitchen the old kitchen feel.

Butcherblock

Many old kitchens had wood or butcherblock countertops. Granite did not become popular until the 80’s, so it’s not exactly era appropriate. That is not to say that you can’t use it. If you feature enough elements to give your new kitchen the old kitchen vibe, it wont matter. However, I love butcherblock and think that it’s a great addition to any kitchen.

It’s in the details

old kitchen containers
To get the look of a vintage, old kitchen, it’s all about the details. Finding antique spice racks, vintage containers or old world islands will be great additions and give your kitchen the historic character you’re looking for.
What do you plan on putting in your new kitchen to keep it looking like the old kitchen?

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Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Bathroom Remodeling, Bathroom Cabinets, Vanity tops and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written By: Allie Bloyd

Want to learn more about kitchen remodeling? Subscribe here!

October 20, 2017

Remodeling an Old Kitchen & Keeping Original Character

Is your old kitchen in need of a kitchen remodel? Moving into an old house can be exciting and scary at the same time. Old homes have some unforeseen issues, yes, but they come with so much more that you can’t get in new construction. Things were built differently. They are very sturdy and have so much craftsmanship and detail. Doing a remodel in an old home can pose it’s own set of challenges, and some of those include how to get a “new” space without loosing that old feel that made you decide to move in. Here’s how you can keep your kitchen remodel in line with the era of your home, and still be up to date!

Give your New Kitchen Remodel The Old Kitchen Feel

Research the Era

This is one of the most important things you can do if you’re trying to keep the original charm of the old kitchen in your new kitchen remodel. Find what the styles were at the time your home was built, and let that guide you!

Subway Tile

Subway tile is a classic look that has been around for decades upon decades. You typically can’t go wrong with this type of tile if you’re looking for a historic look.

Wood Cabinets

While some cabinets in old kitchens were painted, the majority of them would be stained wood. If you’re looking for that historic character, go back to the roots with a beautiful solid wood cabinet like the one seen above. You can still add more modern elements, like the marble countertop, without losing the history. If you don’t want stained cabinets, the next best option would be a paint with a glaze. this definitly gives the vintage look.

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood flooring was the standard in historic old kitchens. You can obvioulsy go with a laminate or LVT that imitate the look, but for the real historic feel, nothing beats the smell and feel of natural hardwood.

– Related Posts –

[bscolumns class=”one_fourth”][/bscolumns][bscolumns class=”one_fourth”][/bscolumns][bscolumns class=”one_fourth”][/bscolumns][bscolumns class=”one_fourth_last”][/bscolumns][bscolumns class=”clear”][/bscolumns]

Brick Tile

Brick tile is another one of my favorite design elements that look great when updating an old kitchen. The exposed brick look always makes me think of the industrial revolution and most older homes had brick behind their walls, so it would be common for some to become exposed over years of wear and tear.

Farm Sinks

Farm sinks are one of my pieces for a farmhouse, antique, vintage or historic kitchen. They were the standard in earlier days for their functionality, and have luckily made a comeback in recent years. I love the size and look of them. They definitly make an impact!

BeadBoard

Bead board on the walls is a great alternative for wall tile. It’s fairly inexpensive, easy to install and looks great. It also gives your new kitchen the old kitchen feel.

Butcherblock

Many old kitchens had wood or butcherblock countertops. Granite did not become popular until the 80’s, so it’s not exactly era appropriate. That is not to say that you can’t use it. If you feature enough elements to give your new kitchen the old kitchen vibe, it wont matter. However, I love butcherblock and think that it’s a great addition to any kitchen.

It’s in the details

old kitchen containers
To get the look of a vintage, old kitchen, it’s all about the details. Finding antique spice racks, vintage containers or old world islands will be great additions and give your kitchen the historic character you’re looking for.
What do you plan on putting in your new kitchen to keep it looking like the old kitchen?

– Related Posts –

[bscolumns class=”one_fourth”][/bscolumns][bscolumns class=”one_fourth”][/bscolumns][bscolumns class=”one_fourth”][/bscolumns][bscolumns class=”one_fourth_last”][/bscolumns][bscolumns class=”clear”][/bscolumns]

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Bathroom Remodeling, Bathroom Cabinets, Vanity tops and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written By: Allie Bloyd

Want to learn more about kitchen remodeling? Subscribe here!

October 20, 2017

Homearama Kitchens: Trends in 2017

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Today we’ll be covering the best of the best Homearama Kitchens! Homearama this year at Poplar Woods in Goshen, Kentucky was incredible. The homes were perfectly decorated, impeccably built, and showcased the hottest trends in home design for the year. This post will focus on the kitchen design trends that we noticed to give you some ideas for your new construction home or your next kitchen remodel! Some trends have been consistant for the last few years, and others seem to be new. What they all have in common? They’re simply gorgeous.

Featuring Our Favorite Homearama Kitchens

Open Concept Kitchens

Every one of the homearama kitchens that I saw was open concept. Open concept living spaces are definitly what’s in, and has been for several years. This is for good reason. It gives you sight lines into your living room and dining room, allowing whoever is working in the kitchen to keep an eye on or interact with family or guests. It’s the perfect setup for get togethers and allows for a great dinner party.

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Extra Large Kitchen Islands

This is a stunning trend that we saw in so many of the homearama kitchens. These are not your typical islands with seating for 2. These took up so much space and were the perfect gathering space for friends and family, as well as a dream come true for the home chef. Without the open concept, these ginormous kitchen islands wouldn’t have been possible. Islands have been in style for a while, but islands of this magnitude was definitly new on the scene in my opinion.

large-island-kitchen-homearama 2017

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is top of the line in terms of countertop materials. While it can be pricey, it is often comparable to granite, but has many more benefits. It never needs to be sealed, it’s antibacterial and approved for safe food preparation. It’s the most heat, scratch and stain resistant of any countertop material. Quartz was taking over the homearama kitchens! We did still see granite in a few of the homes, but quartz, white in specific, was the most popular kid in class this year. But remember, because quartz is manmade, you don’t have to stick to neutrals! Quartz colors range from firey red to deep blue and everything in between!

White-quartz-subway-tile kitchen homearama 2017
subway-and-herringone-tile

Subway Tile

Subway tile was everywhere in homearama kitchens this year! White subway tile is still the predominant color of subway tile that you’re going to find, but definitely not the only one. As you can see above, one trend is the large format (4×16 subway tile) and grey is another popular color. Below you’ll find a variation on the classic white subway tile by using marble. The brick tile is still considered a subway tile, which is a style that I really love! Subway tile has been popular the last few years but they’re always finding new ways to mix it up.

brick-subway-tile granite countertops White-quartz-subway-tile kitchen homearama 2017

Pot Fillers

Pot fillers were present in almost half of the homearama kitchens. They are faucets that are installed right behind your stove to help you fill pots easier, as the name suggests. They are very useful, but not necessary! Most of the time I find they are as much for the aesthetic than for the function.

pot-filler-glass cabinet doors kitchen homearama 2017
pot-filler, subway tile, white cabinets kitchen homearama 2017

Painted Cabinets

As you can see, just about every image in this post features white or cream colored cabinets. This was definitly the main trend in homearama kitchens. You just don’t see wood toned cabinets anymore. Grey painted cabinets are also a big trend but we just didn’t see them much at homearama this year. White cabinets were also popular at the last two homearama’s that I’ve attended.
Painted Cabinets, White Cabinets, Arabesque

Glass Cabinet Doors

Glass cabinet doors are coming back, people! I love glass doors on cabinetry. It gives it a much more upscale look, and for not a huge price tag. There are many different styles of glass doors that you can choose from, and several types of glass. You can add in cabinet lighting, which most of our homearama kitchens had, to add an extra focal point and pop to the space!
Glass-cabinet-doors homearama kitchens 2017

Farmhouse Sinks

Farmhouse sinks were the sink of choice in this year’s homearama kitchens. They are functional, they are HUGE and they are so beautiful. They usually come with a higher price tag, but I’ve never met anyone with a farmhouse sink that’s regretted the choice. They give such a cute cottage feel to the kitchen and make washing dishes so much easier (as if that’s possible.)
Farm-Sink white cabinets brick-subway-tile granite countertops White-quartz-subway-tile kitchen homearama 2017

There you have it! Our favorite trends from Homearama kitchens in 2017. What do you think? Is there anything that you love, hate or wish you saw more of? Let us know in the comments below!

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Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

Written By: Allie Bloyd

Want to learn more about kitchen & bath remodeling?

September 8, 2017

What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Kitchen Remodel

If you’re reading this, you’re most likely considering a kitchen remodel, or you’re about to begin one. Either way, being prepared is always the best way to go. Some people have an idea of what they expect to encounter in a kitchen remodel, but it’s not always accurate. So, we’re going to go over exactly what you can expect when working with a designer and getting a kitchen installation.

Using a Designer for a Kitchen Remodel

You may think it’s expensive to use a professional kitchen designer for your kitchen remodel. That’s not the case, at least when you work with Builders Surplus! Our design services are FREE! So, unless you’re an expert, there is no reason not to use these amazing services. They will help you find the product lines that fit your wants and needs, help you stay within budget, and alert you to any issues that may arise with any desired layout changes and help you find solutions. Here’s how the process works.

1. Initial Consultation

This meeting occurs in Builders Surplus location. In this meeting, budget is determined, as well as cabinet door style and what kind of design aesthetic you’re looking for, if you have not already decided. Product lines will be discussed and you will learn the differences in them. What is most durable, eco-friendly, budget friendly, etc.

2. Measurements

If you have your own measurements, we can get started on your design, but measurements will need to be done by us for us to guarantee the fit. If you are using your own installers, they will need to guarantee the fit for you. Measurements are VERY important in making sure your design comes out perfectly.

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3. Design is Generated

Depending on kitchen size, complexity and number of people ahead of you waiting for designs, your time frame for receiving this can vary between 1-3 weeks. Initial layout is generated based on the info given in step 1 and 2. This is done in a computer system that allows you to see a 3D image of your desired kitchen with the products you choose for your kitchen remodel. HOW COOL!

4. Reviews and Changes

You could have 1 to 2 additional rounds of changes and revisions. The more up front information you can give your designer about your preferences and budget, the more accurate your initial design will be, meaning there are fewer changes to make, and you can start your kitchen remodel sooner.

5. Products are Ordered & Delivered

Take home your in stock products or arrange for quick pickup. The rest will be delivered to your home or to our store (Depending on your cabinet line) in around 4 weeks. About 1 week before your delivery, your designer will be in touch with you to make sure your installation or pick up/delivery are on schedule. During delivery, it is possible that damage can occur to your products. Please be aware of this. This could delay your kitchen remodel a bit as the manufacturer will need to send replacements. Manufacturer backorders do happen occasionally as well.

- TIP: While you are waiting for your cabinets to arrive, start preparing your temporary kitchen or easy to prepare meals (if you are also ordering custom countertops).
- TIP: Please have cabinet hardware in your possession before your cabinet installation date, otherwise we will not be able to install.

Kitchen Remodel Installation

Many people aren’t really sure exactly what takes place during an installation. The most important thing I can tell you is that this is a PROCESS, not an EVENT. Keeping that in mind will put your expectations in the right place and allow for a more enjoyable remodeling experience.

6. Installation is Scheduled

It is not necessary that you be home during the entire installation process, but you will be required to be there to let the team in and at the end of the process for the final walk through so that you can verify the job is completed to your standards and sign the final paperwork. Please note that because unforeseen issues can arise, it could change the install date, so keep this in mind when deciding to use vacation days or take off work for the entire process.

7. Cabinet Installation

Installations are typically completed within 2 days, depending on size of kitchen. Please note that we do not connect or disconnect plumbing for appliances. Our installers are not certified plumbers, so take care of this beforehand.

NOTE: Door and drawer fronts will typically be crooked and not lined up during installation. They will fix this at the end of the process.
NOTE: There will be dust, debris, and trash. Your installer will do their best to limit this, but is a part of the process. A good installer will clean up at the end of each day.

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8.Countertop Template

When your cabinet installation is completed, your countertops can be templated. The installer will let your designer know what date the cabinet installation is being done so that templating can be set up. It could take up to 2 weeks to get your template done depending on which countertops you’re getting. Your sinks and faucets will need to be in your possession and all cabinets must be attached to the walls in order for this step to take place.

NOTE: Because templating cannot be done until every cabinet is installed in it’s final position, if any of your cabinets were damaged in transit, this can delay this step.

9. Countertop Installation

Time frames can vary depending on the countertop you’ve chosen for your kitchen remodel. In Stock granite can be installed within 1 week. In Stock laminate is installed by kitchen installer during cabinet installation. Custom countertops are installed anywhere from 10 days to 4 weeks. This depends on the season and the schedule of the installers. Be prepared to live without countertops for a month. See our blog on setting up a temporary kitchen. Preparing in advance can make this time much easier and eliminate stress for your family. Sinks and faucets will still need to be connected by a plumber after this step.

10. Backsplash Installation

This typically takes another 2 days.
After Backsplash is installed, you should be complete, unless your installers would be installing your cabinet hardware. If you are getting flooring installation done, that would be your first step before any of this occurs.
That’s about it folks! I hope we’ve covered this process to your liking and that it makes your kitchen remodel go smoother knowing what to expect!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

Written By: Allie Bloyd

July 20, 2017

What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Kitchen Remodel

If you’re reading this, you’re most likely considering a kitchen remodel, or you’re about to begin one. Either way, being prepared is always the best way to go. Some people have an idea of what they expect to encounter in a kitchen remodel, but it’s not always accurate. So, we’re going to go over exactly what you can expect when working with a designer and getting a kitchen installation.

Using a Designer for a Kitchen Remodel

You may think it’s expensive to use a professional kitchen designer for your kitchen remodel. That’s not the case, at least when you work with Builders Surplus! Our design services are FREE! So, unless you’re an expert, there is no reason not to use these amazing services. They will help you find the product lines that fit your wants and needs, help you stay within budget, and alert you to any issues that may arise with any desired layout changes and help you find solutions. Here’s how the process works.

1. Initial Consultation

This meeting occurs in Builders Surplus location. In this meeting, budget is determined, as well as cabinet door style and what kind of design aesthetic you’re looking for, if you have not already decided. Product lines will be discussed and you will learn the differences in them. What is most durable, eco-friendly, budget friendly, etc.

2. Measurements

If you have your own measurements, we can get started on your design, but measurements will need to be done by us for us to guarantee the fit. If you are using your own installers, they will need to guarantee the fit for you. Measurements are VERY important in making sure your design comes out perfectly.

3. Design is Generated

Depending on kitchen size, complexity and number of people ahead of you waiting for designs, your time frame for receiving this can vary between 1-3 weeks. Initial layout is generated based on the info given in step 1 and 2. This is done in a computer system that allows you to see a 3D image of your desired kitchen with the products you choose for your kitchen remodel. HOW COOL!

4. Reviews and Changes

You could have 1 to 2 additional rounds of changes and revisions. The more up front information you can give your designer about your preferences and budget, the more accurate your initial design will be, meaning there are fewer changes to make, and you can start your kitchen remodel sooner.

5. Products are Ordered & Delivered

Take home your in stock products or arrange for quick pickup. The rest will be delivered to your home or to our store (Depending on your cabinet line) in around 4 weeks. About 1 week before your delivery, your designer will be in touch with you to make sure your installation or pick up/delivery are on schedule. During delivery, it is possible that damage can occur to your products. Please be aware of this. This could delay your kitchen remodel a bit as the manufacturer will need to send replacements. Manufacturer backorders do happen occasionally as well.

- TIP: While you are waiting for your cabinets to arrive, start preparing your temporary kitchen or easy to prepare meals (if you are also ordering custom countertops).
- TIP: Please have cabinet hardware in your possession before your cabinet installation date, otherwise we will not be able to install.

Kitchen Remodel Installation

Many people aren’t really sure exactly what takes place during an installation. The most important thing I can tell you is that this is a PROCESS, not an EVENT. Keeping that in mind will put your expectations in the right place and allow for a more enjoyable remodeling experience.

6. Installation is Scheduled

It is not necessary that you be home during the entire installation process, but you will be required to be there to let the team in and at the end of the process for the final walk through so that you can verify the job is completed to your standards and sign the final paperwork. Please note that because unforeseen issues can arise, it could change the install date, so keep this in mind when deciding to use vacation days or take off work for the entire process.

7. Cabinet Installation

Installations are typically completed within 2 days, depending on size of kitchen. Please note that we do not connect or disconnect plumbing for appliances. Our installers are not certified plumbers, so take care of this beforehand.

NOTE: Door and drawer fronts will typically be crooked and not lined up during installation. They will fix this at the end of the process.
NOTE: There will be dust, debris, and trash. Your installer will do their best to limit this, but is a part of the process. A good installer will clean up at the end of each day.

8.Countertop Template

When your cabinet installation is completed, your countertops can be templated. The installer will let your designer know what date the cabinet installation is being done so that templating can be set up. It could take up to 2 weeks to get your template done depending on which countertops you’re getting. Your sinks and faucets will need to be in your possession and all cabinets must be attached to the walls in order for this step to take place.

NOTE: Because templating cannot be done until every cabinet is installed in it’s final position, if any of your cabinets were damaged in transit, this can delay this step.

9. Countertop Installation

Time frames can vary depending on the countertop you’ve chosen for your kitchen remodel. In Stock granite can be installed within 1 week. In Stock laminate is installed by kitchen installer during cabinet installation. Custom countertops are installed anywhere from 10 days to 4 weeks. This depends on the season and the schedule of the installers. Be prepared to live without countertops for a month. See our blog on setting up a temporary kitchen. Preparing in advance can make this time much easier and eliminate stress for your family. Sinks and faucets will still need to be connected by a plumber after this step.

10. Backsplash Installation

This typically takes another 2 days.
After Backsplash is installed, you should be complete, unless your installers would be installing your cabinet hardware. If you are getting flooring installation done, that would be your first step before any of this occurs.
That’s about it folks! I hope we’ve covered this process to your liking and that it makes your kitchen remodel go smoother knowing what to expect!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

Written By: Allie Bloyd

July 20, 2017

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