At Amanzi Granite, we want to help you make your kitchen a functional space as well as an aesthetically pleasing one. One important part of this is safety. There are a lot of potential hazards in the kitchen, for yourself as well as if you have small children or pets in your house. So, let’s look at some basic tips to help keep you, your family, and guests safe in your kitchen.

Know the different kinds of fire

There are lots of appliances that produce heat in your kitchen and that could potentially start a fire. If you need to attempt to extinguish a fire yourself, then it’s important to know how to deal with different kinds of fire. Your first instinct may be to pour water on it, but this is extremely dangerous in the case of grease fires. If food in a pan has caught fire, turn off the heat, put on oven mitts to protect your hands, then cover the pan with the lid so that oxygen can’t get to it.

Invest in a good set of knives

It may sound counterintuitive, but ensuring you have sharp kitchen knives can make food preparation much safer. When chopping veg with poor-quality or blunt knives, you have to put a lot of force behind it. So, if something gets in the way – like your finger – things can go very badly.

With good-quality, sharp knives, on the other hand, so can apply much less pressure to chop things easily and smoothly. So, if you accidentally make contact with your skin, you can easily pull back from it before doing too much damage. And you’re likely to handle a sharp knife more carefully because you know it’s sharp.

Think about what you’re wearing

What you wear while preparing or cutting food could put you at risk. Think about long, loose clothing while you’re working over a gas stove, for example. Make sure that any loose sleeves or long hair are kept safely away from open flames. Tie your hair back and roll your sleeves up to be safe. Wearing footwear in the kitchen can also be wise in case you drop a sharp knife on the floor.

Avoid putting hot things on your countertop

As well as damaging your countertops over time, if you place a glass dish or bowl on a cold surface (like your countertop) while it is still hot, then it could cause the glass to shatter. You could place it down more safely on a wooden cutting board or mat, for example.

Consider your own safety and teach your kids the essentials about kitchen safety, and make sure you have a working fire or smoke detector fitted. You can check out our blog for more kitchen tips, and get in touch if you’re interested in high-quality, natural stone countertops around High Point, Greensboro, Winston Salem, and Kernersville.

If you’re planning home improvements, big or small, it’s important to understand how much they’re likely to cost so you can properly plan and set a budget. So, how much could you expect your home improvements to cost and how do you figure this out? Let’s look at some tips and things to consider.

How much can you afford?

The first step should be determining how much you are willing and able to spend on your home renovations. Think about how much money you have to spare and also consider how much is reasonable to spend on your renovations. Renovations can help to increase the sale value of your home, but only to a certain extent, so don’t go too overboard. One rule of thumb is to spend no more than 10-15% of the home’s value on remodeling a single room.

It’s advisable to set your budget as 10-20% less than what you can comfortably afford. Things might go wrong that cause your project to run over time and over budget, so it’s a good idea to plan for this and have a cushion ready.

What improvements are you planning?

Once you know how much you’re planning on spending, it’s time to think about what improvements you want to make. With your budget in mind, you can then determine how much you can spend on each aspect, especially if you’re remodeling multiple rooms. This is a good time to decide your priorities. Where are you willing to compromise in order to stay under budget?

Start researching costs

You can do some research online to help inform your budget. Websites like HomeAdvisor give you average costs for different projects and installations. And you can easily check for prices of things like furniture and kitchen appliances online. This kind of research will help you start to get an idea of the overall costs. When you’re ready, call local providers and laborers to get an estimate for your project, including the cost of materials and labor.

Get help from online tools

You can find websites and online tools that will help you estimate your project costs based on different factors. For example, our Project Estimate Tool helps you create a realistic budget for your kitchen remodel based on dimensions, materials, countertop edges, appliances, and more factors.

If you need countertops or other natural stone features and accents for your remodel, then contact Amanzi Granite to find out more about our stone and our expert installation services around Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point, and Kernersville.

There are a lot of things to consider when remodeling your kitchen, from design to installation to those finishing touches. If you’re planning a big kitchen remodel, then here are some important dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

Do…make a budget

When you start planning your kitchen remodel, make sure you have a good idea of how much you can spend on it, and then try to stick to this as you work through. It’s easy to go a little over here and there, but this can soon add up to be a lot over budget. If you’re working with a designer or contractor, then make sure they’re aware of your budget.

Don’t…overcrowd the space

Don’t try to do too much in your kitchen, or else it could become overcrowded either functionally or visually. You might end up with narrow pathways that are difficult or uncomfortable to navigate, or the space might look cluttered in terms of the design if you try to add too many colors or design elements. Remember that less can often be more when it comes to design.

Do…consider clearance space

You’ve designed and installed a kitchen that looks amazing, but then you go to open the kitchen door or a cabinet door and realize that it gets in the way of something else. Maybe your kitchen door clashes with the kitchen island or a certain drawer can’t open when the oven is closed because the handle is in the way. Make sure you consider the clearance space of all doors and appliances when designing your kitchen.

Don’t…underestimate countertop space

If you have to sacrifice something to create more space in your kitchen, then we’d recommend that it not be countertop space. It’s easy to underestimate how much space you need in your kitchen, but you’ll soon notice if you don’t have enough. Think about the different things you’ll need counter space for, including storing dirty dishes before they’re washed, preparing food, and space for any countertop appliances.

Do…let light in

If you’re working with a small space, then letting plenty of natural light in can have a big impact. More natural light will help to give the impression of more space. Add a large window or a couple of windows and consider which side of your house the sun shines on at different times of the day. Painting the walls a light color can also help.

And do come to Amanzi Granite if you need support designing or installing your new kitchen around Winston Salem, Kernersville, High Point, and Greensboro, then get in touch to find out how we can help with kitchen countertops and more.

Your kitchen countertops are bound to experience some wear and tear over the years. But some proper care and precaution as well as investing in high-quality materials can help to prevent issues like chips and cracks. In this blog, we’ll look at some tips to help you keep your countertops in good condition and stop them from getting chipped.

The toughest kitchen countertop materials

It can be tempting to save money on your kitchen countertops by choosing a cheaper, lower-quality material. However, investing more money in your countertops can help you save on the costs of repair and replacement over time, giving you great-looking countertops for longer.

Natural stone countertops, for example, are much tougher and more durable than cheaper options like laminate, meaning they will take a lot of force to chip them. Granite and quartz are good examples of tough countertops that will be relatively resistant to chips and other damage. Wood countertops, such as butcher block, can be softer in comparison, making something like a dropped plate more likely to cause damage.

Taking care around your countertops

Granite and other stone countertops aren’t completely resistant to damage, but there are some ways you can keep them protected. Chips around the edge of your counters are the most common issue when it comes to damaged worktops. Be especially careful with heavy objects like pots and pans around your kitchen countertops. Place them down carefully and avoiding placing hot objects on the surface, as this can weaken the stone over time.

Avoid sliding heavy objects off the surface of your countertops as these might catch the edges. You also shouldn’t chop food directly on your countertops. While your granite countertops are likely tougher than your knives, this is still likely to cause scratches and damage over time.

Should you seal your kitchen countertops?

Sealing your granite countertops can help to keep them protected against chips and scratches. You should also have your countertops resealed on a regular basis, such as once a year, to keep them in good shape. Whether you’re sealing your countertops or simply cleaning them, make sure that you always use products that are suited to the type of stone, otherwise they could damage or weaken the surface.

If you’re looking for new kitchen countertops for your home or are in need of repair or sealing for your granite countertops, then contact Amanzi Granite for all of our expert support and services around Kernersville, Winston Salem, Greensboro, and High Point, NC.

In every kitchen, no matter the size or the style, there is something that designers and other professionals call ‘the kitchen work triangle’. Many believe that this triangle is the key to designing an efficient and functional kitchen. Read on to find out more about the kitchen triangle and how to consider it in your kitchen remodel.

What is the kitchen triangle?

The kitchen triangle is an imagined space that is connected by three key points: the stovetop, the sink, and the refrigerator. These are thought to be the most important points of the room when it comes to functionality. You need to be able to easily move from one point to the next when cooking, cleaning, or preparing food, for example.

How does this impact kitchen design?

The general idea is that the 3 points in this work triangle shouldn’t be too far from each other or too close to each other. Here are the figures that should be applied when considering this theory:

• No side of the triangle should be less than 4 feet
• No side of the triangle should be more than 9 feet
• The distance of the 3 sides combined should be between 13 and 26 feet

As well as this, your kitchen should be designed and laid out in a way that doesn’t impede the flow of this work triangle. So, cabinets, kitchen islands, and any appliances should not cut too far into the triangle in a way that disrupts the flow. And the room shouldn’t be designed in a way that means there is a lot of foot traffic going through the kitchen triangle.

This may sound like a lot to take in, but you still have freedom in terms of the positioning of these points and other areas of your kitchen, as well as a little freedom when it comes to the distances. Of course, they are not hard and fast rules you have to follow, but these guidelines can help you improve the flow and efficiency of the space.

You may even choose to break these rules depending on what you use the space for. Maybe other parts of the kitchen are more important to your flow, such as a seating area that is frequently used for meals or entertaining, particularly if you don’t cook much in your kitchen.

If you need help designing your kitchen or installing new countertops for your kitchen remodel, then contact Amanzi Granite for our design and installation services around Kernersville, Winston Salem, Greensboro, and High Point

If you’re looking for a key feature for your kitchen remodel, kitchen islands and breakfast bars are both popular choices that add a great deal to the room. They can be both stylish and functional, adding a seating area and/or countertop space for food prep and other activities. But most kitchens won’t be able to have both of these interesting features, so which one should you choose for your home?

Choosing a kitchen island

A kitchen island is usually a central feature and focal point in a kitchen. It typically has cabinets and/or drawers beneath the countertop for storing a variety of kitchen and pantry essentials. Kitchen islands can be very versatile, with lots of design options depending on what you will use the island for.

The surface of the island can be used for multiple things. You could have an empty countertop for eating and entertaining, or preparing food. You could install a stovetop in your island for cooking or a sink for washing dishes. If your island will be used as a seating area, you could have a portion of the island without cabinetry so there is a convenient area to store stools and to sit comfortably.

Depending on your preferences and the size of the room, you can choose a kitchen island in various shapes and sizes, and with lots of choices when it comes to your countertop material and edge profile.

Choosing a breakfast bar

A breakfast bar is typically a longer and thinner unit that is used primarily as a seating area. Breakfast bars may also have a unit underneath the countertop for storage or just for decoration, but the counter will hang over the unit slightly for more comfortable seating. Alternatively, a breakfast bar may just be a countertop supported by legs or affixed to a wall, leaving all the space open beneath it.

Breakfast bars can work as either a central feature of a kitchen or a side feature along a wall, for example. This can be more convenient for smaller kitchens that don’t have much space for a whole island in the center of the room. Breakfast bars are also ideal for open-plan kitchen/diners or kitchen/living rooms. The bar can serve as a dividing point between the kitchen and the rest of the space while you still enjoy the openness of the room.

Whatever you decide on for your kitchen remodel, contact Amanzi Granite for our design and installation services for your kitchen countertops. Or visit our showroom in Kernersville, NC to view our stone and select your countertops.

Countertop edge profiles range from simple to sophisticated, with lots of options in between. Trends come and go where certain edges are more popular than others, depending greatly on whether you’re looking for a modern design or a more traditional style for your kitchen remodel.

One popular edge profile of recent years has been the waterfall edge. Let’s find out more about this and whether it is right for your kitchen.

What is a waterfall edge?

A waterfall edge is one that runs continuously from the countertop surface down to the ground, like water flowing down from a waterfall. This is typically designed as a right angle, so the vertical edge is perpendicular to the countertop, although the edge can be rounded for a slightly different aesthetic. This edge style can be used on various pieces of furniture, such as tables, but in the kitchen is generally seen on breakfast bars and kitchen islands.

A classic style for modern kitchens

The waterfall edge is not a new style. In fact, it was popular in Art Deco design in the 1930s and ’40s. However, the relatively simplistic design and clean lines of this edge profile ensure that it fits right at home in a modern-style kitchen. So, it may not fit in as well if you’re looking for a more traditional kitchen with a rustic feel.

The best materials for waterfall edge countertops

Both wood and natural stone countertops are suited to a waterfall edge, as well as manmade countertops like quartz. A kitchen island with a waterfall edge is likely to be the focal point of the room, so a high-quality and aesthetically striking material is recommended.

One consideration when choosing the material for your waterfall countertop is how seamlessly the counter will blend with the vertical edge. The dream aesthetic is for the entire unit to look like one continuous piece of material, so the veining in natural stone, for example, should match up reasonably well. The great degree of variation between one slab of natural stone and the next can make this difficult, but it can be easier to achieve with a manmade stone like quartz.

The cost of waterfall edge countertops

Because more material is involved in a waterfall edge than other edge profiles, this does tend to be a more expensive option. The side of the counter may also need reinforcing for extra strength and support, which also adds to the cost. Of course, the overall costs will depend on what material you choose, but the fabrication and installation costs are also likely to be higher than those of a regular countertop.

If a waterfall edge is right for your kitchen, contact Amanzi Granite for design and installation services to complete your kitchen remodel. We serve areas across North Carolina, including Kernersville, Winston Salem, Greensboro, and High Point.

Remodeling a kitchen is a serious undertaking that can be extremely challenging, especially if you don’t have much experience with renovations. At Amanzi Granite, we want to make sure this process goes as smoothly as possible to help you save time and money on your kitchen remodel. A successful kitchen remodel can be as much about what not to do as it is about what to do, so here are some common mistakes and things to avoid doing during your renovations.

Changing your mind

Making changes to the scope and design of your kitchen remodel once the work has already begun can be costly, both in terms of time and money. Make sure you take plenty of time to plan and think through every detail before you give the project the green light. This will make it easier to stick to your budget and makes it more likely that you’ll be happy with the finished result.

Cutting too many corners

Sure, you want to save time and money on your kitchen remodel, but you shouldn’t do this to the detriment of the kitchen design. Cutting too many corners and always choosing the cheapest materials and contractors, or trying to do everything yourself, could cost you more in the long-run. For example, a granite countertop may be pricey, but its higher quality and longer lifespan could make it a better option than a cheaper material like laminate. Try to find a compromise between price and quality for the best results.

Skimping on storage

It’s easy to underestimate just how much storage you need in your kitchen. You don’t want to end up with insufficient storage because you were going for a minimalist design or wanted more open space. Carefully consider how much storage space your kitchen needs as well as varying between different types of storage.

Overlooking counter space

Another commodity people often find lacking in their kitchens is counter space. Again, you may find yourself cutting back on countertop space in favor of bigger appliances, more storage, or more open space. But it’s important to make sure you have enough countertop space for preparing and cooking food, placing dirty dishes, and storing appliances and food or drink items.

Neglecting workflow

Your kitchen needs to be a functional space as well as an attractive one. So, it’s important to consider your workflow and movement around the room. Make sure you have enough space around key areas like the kitchen sink and stove, and that these areas are logically placed so that you can easily move around the kitchen when cooking and cleaning.

If you need any more support with your kitchen remodel, from design services to granite countertop installation, contact Amanzi Granite for all of our services around Kernersville, High Point, Greensboro, and Winston Salem, NC.

There are so many design options when it comes to renovating or designing a house, especially downstairs. While you’ll want all the bedrooms and bathroom upstairs to be fully defined and separated, you have a bit more flexibility with the rooms downstairs. Your living room and dining room could open up into one large room, or your kitchen and dining room, your kitchen and your living room, or even all three!

Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of having an open plan kitchen merging with your living room and/or dining room.

The pros of open plan kitchens

An open plan kitchen/diner or kitchen/living room can make your home a lot more social. Friends or family members could be relaxing on the sofa watching TV while you cook, allowing you all to socialize and continue spending time together in a comfortable environment. Eaven if you live alone, you can have the TV on in the background while you cook or do the dishes, which makes these tasks more enjoyable if they usually feel like chores to you.

If you live in a small house or apartment, an open plan kitchen can make it feel more spacious and help you make the most of the space. Removing the barriers that are usually put in place by walls opens up the space, making it feel bigger and perhaps giving you more space for furniture and appliances. Having this open space is also likely to make it lighter, and this can also give your room a roomier and airier look and feel. At the same time, this can help you reduce your electricity bills.

The cons of open plan kitchens

There are also downsides of opening up the kitchen into a space where you socialize and relax, too. If someone’s cooking strong-smelling food in the kitchen, such as fish or curries, then there are no barriers to contain these smells to the kitchen, which could be unpleasant for those in the rest of the house.

The same goes for noise carrying from one room to the next. One person might want to listen to music while they cook and the other might be watching TV in the living room, which can be disruptive without a wall dividing the two rooms.

An open plan kitchen/living room/dining room will also give you less wall space due to their literally being fewer walls. This could limit you slightly in terms of decorating as you’ll have less wall space to hang photos and paintings, for example. It could also reduce storage space if you would usually hang shelves or have a storage unit against a wall.

If you’re planning and designing an open plan kitchen, try our kitchen visualizer tool to help you make the important decisions. And contact Amanzi Granite if natural stone countertops, floors, or backsplashes have a place in your open plan kitchen design.

Farmhouse sinks are a timeless classic, offering great aesthetic appeal as well as lots of space for washing up large pots and pans. While the traditional farmhouse sink is made from porcelain, they are now available in a wide variety of materials, including natural stone.

We’ve put together some design ideas to help you choose the perfect farmhouse sink for your kitchen.

Custom design

Natural stone is much more customizable than materials like porcelain and stainless steel, so your stone farmhouse sink can be made with any design and to fit whatever space you have available. You can even have an ornately decorated sink like this marble example. You really have the freedom to choose how your farmhouse sink will look.

Rustic stone sink

Most kitchens display a nice polished aesthetic, with smooth porcelain or polished stone displayed prominently. To make your farmhouse sink stand out, you could choose a more rustic style instead. Sinks can be carved from natural stone and left unpolished to produce that natural, rustic finish. Soapstone is a great option for that rustic look.

Mix and match with your countertops

You can have fun when choosing the material for your countertops and farmhouse sink. Use the same material and design for both to create a seamless finish, or contrast two different materials to make your farmhouse sink really stand out. A dark granite sink could offset white marble countertops, for example, or vice versa. Choose a combination that lets your sink and countertops complement each other perfectly.

Outdoor farmhouse sinks

Natural stone is great for outdoor use, as well, because it is durable and weather-resistant. A farmhouse sink can look great in an outdoor kitchen. Or maybe you just want an outdoor sink in your backyard or front porch for a convenient water supply while you’re gardening. Soapstone is an especially good option for outdoor use.

Curved corners

Because farmhouse sinks typically stick out slightly from the countertops and cabinets, they can pose a bit of a safety risk in a house with children. Designing your sink with a smooth front surface and curved corners helps to make those bumps a little softer. It also produces a sleek finish, adding a bit of modern style to a more traditional piece.

Double farmhouse sinks

If you’ve got space for it, then a double farmhouse sink is a great design option for your kitchen. This provides even more space with two basins side-by-side. If you cook a lot, you could have one side for dishes and the other for food preparation. The size of each basin is up to you, depending on the space you have available.

Designing your farmhouse sink and your countertop should go hand in hand to make sure that they suit each other stylistically. If you need countertop installation or design ideas around Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point, and Kernersville, then get in touch today.