Natwerk Designs

Remolding Kitchen and bathroom... HELP?

We are doing a complete reno for my kitchen and my son's basement bathroom. My questions are... SINK: I have read that the higher grade of stainless steels sinks (18) much better than a lower grade (20 to 22), and is worth the price. Anyone have experience with the different grades in regards to denting and sound? GARBAGE DISPOSAL: I think I am going for the 1 horse power, because we use the current one 8 to 12 times a day. I have looked into Kenmore, Kindred, In-Sink-Arator... my mind is swimming. has anyone bought a garbage disposal they love, or know any other info that would help me? COUNTER TOPS: I think I am going with quartz, Zodiac or LG. My contractor is kinda pushing granite... I am very hard on counters and need something durable and low maintenance. Anyone have any helpful info for me? THE LOOK: This si the hard one.. I love the look of the white cabinets, with the black counter (think "Somethings Got To Give with Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton or Ina Garten's, the BArefoot Contessa, kitchen).. but I have heard that painted wood cabinets can looked dented and beat up after awhile. So we are thinking of dark cabinets, with a light (beige or gray) counter.. like the Kraft Maid pix I've put below.. Any and all ideas and info are appreciated! KRaft Maid picture: http://www.kraftmaid.com/IdeasandInspiration/InspirationbyRoom/Kitchen/cabinets/InspirationByRoom043.aspx?sort=DarkToLight&filter=All&entry=68b4cd4a-e456-4915-92fe-0444b943a5be&iskitchen=False&shape= Just the cabinets. THX

Public Comments

1. Make sure you have GFI outlets in your bathroom and kitchen near the sink. You need 2 separate 20-amp circuits for kitchen outlets, one for the bathroom outlet, and one each for refrigerator, microwave, disposal, and dishwasher. If you have an electric range, you need a 50-amp 240V circuit.
2. I can answer a few of these. Yes, the lower the number on the stainless, the more durable it is. For most people, 18-20 is fine. Obviously the price will go up as you get into the lower numbers. I would plan to spend about $200 to $350 if you really want a nice one. With countertops, quartz is more durable than granite, although everyone raves about the look of granite. In terms of white cabinets, why not go with some that are intentionally distressed so that any nicks or dings you get over time will not show? Here's one picture I found of a great kitchen. Even if yours isn't that big, it will give you ideas. This is more traditional, but you'll see how the distressed looks; http://www.oldhouseweb.com/stories/Detailed/12446.shtml
3. I think i can some of your questions, hope my ideas work ;) SINK: stainless steel are good sinks, if you know they don't make the sound of plates in them, but mostly i would go with kohler winged sink its deep and in a curvy shape. GD: I have a really good GD, which I bought from home depot, its the most expensive one, but it works great if you are going to use it that much then you should buy the expensive one, if you don't use it much then get the second best one. CT: I have a granite ct, and those are life long, i would recommend nothing better than a granite, they are durable and look great, plus are always in, you can never go wrong in contrast to LG or Zodiac which might not be sold in a few years. The Look: white cabinets and black CT are a great combo, but remember white cabinets aren't always necessarily in, try new colors, like maroon or cherry or red they are many colors offered at Home Depot, I got my kitchen remodled and used dark orange and maroon colored cabinets which looks great with my black and red granite CT, remember white cabients, if they get dirty, you have to paint them every year or every six months, so it would be good if you kept that in mind.