5 Bathroom Floor Ideas for 2022

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If you have been thinking about remodeling your bathroom, and are looking for flooring ideas, patterns, or trends, continue reading to gain some inspiration!

As we know, the floor of a bathroom is very important, as it sets the mood for the rest of the room. Taking some time to choose the correct flooring patterns is important, as they can’t be easily changed again. Here are some 2022 flooring trends that you will love:

Wood Look Tile

We know how wonderful a wooden floor can look. Of course, real wood in a bathroom is a no go as the steam and water will absolutely ruin it. That’s why choosing a wood-like floor would look quite nice, usually, it’s hard to tell if it’s even real or not.

There is a good range of colors you can choose from, from softer blond colors to dark browns.

Mosaic Tile

This is a classic trend that never really goes out of style. It has been out there for a long time, and if you want your bathroom to have a timeless look to it, this is the way to go.

You can get very creative with Mosaic tiles, as it comes in many different colors, shapes, sizes, and materials. Usually, they are placed in a specific pattern, but it’s unnecessary and can be randomly placed if you’d like. Mosaic tiles can be made from ceramic to natural stone, porcelain, or glass.

Sheet Vinyl Bathroom Flooring

Another wonderful flooring for bathrooms would be Sheet Vinyl Flooring. They come in many different patterns, but the ones that look more classy would be the ones that are in mosaic or geometric patterns.

Sheet Vinyl is great as it is completely waterproof and low maintenance, it also comes in one peace so putting it into your bathroom is much easier than installing other types of flooring.

Water Proof Vinyl Flooring

These types of Vinyl floors are perfect for your bathroom! There are different options you can choose from, such as Luxury Vinyl Plank and Luxury Vinyl Tile.

The great thing about Water Proof Vinyl Flooring is how inexpensive they are. They are also quite easy to install into your bathroom and are actually quite long-lasting. There are several beautiful selections to pick.

Geometric Tile

If you want to get really creative with your bathroom flooring, you really can by using geometric tiles. This is because there is so much variation, you can choose which shape you like, what size, what color, and what texture you’d like.

Usually, the most popular colors chosen are white and black, but it doesn’t have to be your pick. There are several other colors you can choose from.

If you are deciding on a bathroom renovation, choose Golden I Construction. Our professionally trained team will work together with you to create a wonderful bathroom. To contact us call 212.837.8117.

Kitchen Island Trends For 2022

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The up and coming kitchen island trend is to have double islands instead of one long island. One of the biggest advantages of double islands is that it can provide personalized multipurpose space, which include space for dining, storage, wine racks, sinks, cooktops, warming drawers, and other appliances.

Double islands designs include: 

       1. T- shaped islands: One double island option for a smaller kitchen is T- shaped island. It is a perpendicular layout for two small islands. For example, the top part of the island is the working stations, while the stem serves as a seating area. Those two parts can connect together or a few feet away from each other depending on the specific situations.

       2. Parallel islands: If you have a large, square kitchen, two coordinating parallel islands would be a great choice for you. For example, one of the islands is a preparation station, and the other one can be a sitting island. It allows for uninterrupted conversation between people working and sitting. The parallel islands can also be the focal point of your kitchen, with countertops flowing over the edge just like a waterfall.

       3. Adjacent islands: Two side-by-side islands can be a great choice if your kitchen has a long, rectangular shape. Instead of having one long island, you break it into two smaller ones. The design helps to increase the space in the kitchen.

       4. Wrap-around islands: The wrap-around islands can be L-shaped or a circle. It has a smaller working island in the middle for food preparation. It provides the optimal seating arrangement, which can accommodate a large number of people. In addition, it can also work as a separation between living space and kitchen.

       5. Mismatched islands: If you are a fan of a more modern style, you may want to consider double islands that don’t match. For example, the difference between islands can be colors, materials, or shapes.

Color and Technology: 

In fact, besides having two islands instead of one, people also care about the color of the island and the technological improvements that can be brought into kitchen renovations and remodeling: 

       1. Prioritizing colors: colorful kitchen islands can stand out and add some fun to the kitchen design. In addition, adding in bold dashes of color can make your space come alive. For example, some bold decorating colors are fresh greens, cool blues, energetic yellows, or punchy oranges.

       2. Hand-free technological innovations: smart dishwashers, ovens and refrigerators that respond to voice commands are something that would make life a lot easier. In addition, smart kitchen technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assist, Apple’s Watch and Siri are great assistants for individuals working in the kitchen, which can help to improve efficiency and convenience.

Melamine Cabinets? What you need to know

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What is Melamine? It is a synthetic material used to produce cabinets in your kitchen and the rest of your home. Melamine has a compressed wood particle core, which is then covered with a resin and paper finish that can be manufactured to embody a variety of styles and colors. To better understand this material we will go through the pros and cons in the following list.

Pros

  • Durability – Because of the tough outer coating, Melamine is resistant to the usual issues presented in the kitchen, like excessive moisture, heat or stains. It is also really easy to clean.
  • Offer a large variety – As mentioned earlier, the synthetic material offers a huge range of finishes. It can come in any shade or color so it is easy to match your kitchen’s style.
  • A uniform finish – Unlike solid wood that can vary in grain patterns and color since melamine is manufactured in a controlled setting it offers a consistent finish.
  • Low Cost – Compared to solid wood cabinets, melamine is offered at a much lower price.

Cons

  • Cabinets can be heavy – This may not be your first concern but because of the weight, you may have to purchase heavy-duty brackets to install your cabinets. Without these, the cabinets may fall off the way which will cause expensive damages.
  • Melamine can chip – Even though the outside surface is durable it can be prone to chipping. This leaves the inner wood core exposed which is not attractive. It can also be expensive to have the cabinets refinished.
  • Can be harder to install – Because of how the material is constructed, the cabinets might splinter when using nails or screws. You should use a professional installation team, like GoldenIConstruction, to install your cabinets.
  • Melamine is prone to water damage – Any wooden material is likely to water damage, but if the wood particle core of the cabinets gets saturated with water, it can compromise their structural integrity. Water can be absorbed, in general, more easily in this material than solid wood.

Mistakes that can Derail Your Kitchen Remodel

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Are you thinking of remodeling your kitchen? No matter what you are trying to do, whether it’s adding an island or knocking down a wall, most people’s goal is to get the most out of your remodel without overspending. So what sort of mistakes would cost you more money? Here is a list to help you avoid those mistakes.

1. Not Buying Appliances First

Always choose your appliances first before you choose things like countertops or cabinets. It is much easier to match your cabinets to your appliances than the other way around.

2. Overspending on cabinets and appliances

Cabinets and appliances are incredibly important for your kitchen both aesthetically and functionally. However, there is no need to go broke trying to buy the “best” the store has to offer. Do some research before buying cabinets and appliances. There are many options that give the same look and feel as the high-end cabinets and appliances while staying on budget.

3. Failing to measure

This is one of the most common mistakes among people doing renovations. Make sure you measure twice before buying fixtures, hardware, or appliances.  Then once you do that, you should thoroughly review the product details before purchasing an item to ensure that it fits.

4. Going light on the lighting

Improper lighting can be incredibly problematic, especially in the kitchen. You want to make sure you have enough lighting for every task whether that’s cutting, cooking, or using appliances. It is suggested to include a dimmer switch and under cabinet lighting.

5. Botching the Backlash

Misplacing a backlash is a common decorative mistake that many people do. The backsplash should have a clear termination point horizontally, usually aligning with the bottom of the cabinets or where the walls meet. It should never overhang the upper cabinet or turn a corner.

6. Failing to level the floor

Make sure that you check if the floor is leveled before laying the flooring. If you need to level the floor you don’t want to have the floor half-laid before realizing. That is a huge extra cost.

Interior Renovations Step by Step

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For a whole home renovation, there are some main steps that every renovation follows. Sometimes these some of these steps may not apply to your project if you are just updating the paint or the flooring.

The order of these steps may also vary based on the contractor. However, here at Golden I Construction, you will be guaranteed that these steps will be handled with the highest importance and expertise.  We will sit down with you and discuss any of your concerns as well as use the best quality materials for completion.

  1. Demolition – Before anything new can be added, you need to get rid of the old. This may mean pulling up carpeting, tearing down wallpaper or tearing down walls. Demolition projects can range in time and some can be done in a day or two while others may take much longer. You will want to have a plan in place before the demolition begins for staying somewhere else during the process or you can move the location of the demolished room to somewhere else in the house.
  2. Rebuilding – Next step is to start rebuilding. If this involves walls then this is the step where wood framing is reassembled,  windows are added, and doors are added to the framework. For room add-ons, the roof will be added and enclosed along with the gutters and exterior siding.
  3. Utilities – Now its time to add and reposition all the utilities. If you are installing new appliances or find you will be utilizing numerous electronic devices, the electrical panel may need updating as well. Gas and water utilities need to be considered especially if you are remodeling a bathroom and/or a kitchen. Water lines are not as easy to move so your remodeling project may have to be carefully planned around existing pipes. However, this is also a good opportunity to update water supply lines to new copper pipes which are not only more sturdy but allow water to run more quietly. For a remodel that is going to add gas appliances, running new pipes is a must but a larger meter may need to be installed too. During this step, the ductwork for central heating and air conditioning units will also be moved or extended to accommodate your new space.
  4. Walls – Now that all the interior stuff is properly in the walls it is time to start enclosing them. Insulation will be inserted or blown-in first. Then, drywall will be hung along with taping, mudding, and sanding. Once the walls are smooth they are ready for paint, wallpaper, or whatever finish you chose during your planning stages.
  5. Flooring – Depending on the contractor the flooring will either be installed after the walls have been painted and finished to avoid damage to floors or they could be installed before. This will depend on what you decided with your contractor during the planning stage.
  6. Cabinets – Cabinets are a great way for your own personal design choices to start showing through. This step is when any new cabinets for the kitchen or bathroom will be installed. Everything from upper storage cabinets to vanities along with countertops that have been pre-cut with spaces to accommodate sinks and appliances.
  7. Appliances – Now it is time to make the new space functional. Any new appliances will be fitted and installed. Everything from the refrigerator to the stove, sinks, and tubs with their stylish faucets and fixtures, as well as the washer and dryer. Also if you chose to keep your previous appliances they will be introduced to their new locations during this step.
  8. Final Touches – Now it’s time for the last few touches before the clean up can begin. These touch-ups include any fixes to the paint or any wallpaper. This also includes customizable touches like backsplashes, and light fixtures, as well as, door and window trim, hooks, shelving, and hardware.

10 Ways to Add a Splash of Color to Your Kitchen

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Do you want to brighten up your kitchen? Adding some color is a great way to do this. Here are some great suggestions that you can implement in your own kitchen. 
  1. Accent doors– Having two different colors for your cabinets allows you to add a pop of color. You can make a few of your cabinets, like a row of uppers, have a colorful door and then it adds an intriguing pop of color to your kitchen.
  2. Wallpaper– Instead of using tile or paint for wall finishes in your kitchen, wallpaper is a great alternative. Using wallpaper(make sure its wet-space-safe) allows for a fun wall pattern or color in your kitchen. It can either be an accent or an all-over treatment.
  3. Wall Paint– You can also add an accent wall really easily with wall paint. This is great for a wall without cabinets or if you want a small bold color you can add it on a wall with cabinets and the cabinets will break the color up.
  4. Counter and bar stools– Feel free to use these as a way to get creative with adding colors. the stools around the counter are a great place to put a pop of color right in the center of your space. 
  5. Pendant lightening– Small glass pendant lights are now great sources of light because of the power of LED lights. They also are a great way to add a splash of color without being right in your face. 
  6. Open Shelving– Open shelves allow your kitchen to be part of your decor since it makes your kitchen supplies and tools viewable at all times. Also just having a few opens up your space to pops of colors because of the different hues from pots and supplies. 
  7. Color changing LEDs – These lights allow for you to add a variety of color accents to your kitchen without the permanence of paint. You get to change the colors whenever you want for different events and more. 
  8. Glass accents –  Translucent or frosted glass objects are really nice for kitchens because of the way that light reflects off the surface of them. These can be any different types of objects that you place around your kitchen.
  9. Warm Metallics – Warm metallics like Brass and Gold work really well in spaces that don’t have much color but they still add a sense of warmth and color to your space. They also work really well with stainless steel and other cooler metals. 
  10. Window Treatments – Window Treatments are pretty normal for more traditional spaces however they are great for modern spaces as well. Having an in window shade allows an opportunity to add a color or pattern to your kitchen. 

The Best Kitchen Countertop Materials

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Shopping for countertops can feel very overwhelming since there are hundreds of colors, patterns, and textures. However, there are really only a few basic categories of materials for countertops that you should know. Let’s break down the pros and cons as well as the important information to know for each type of countertop.

First off, when choosing a counter material you need to think about your needs and habits in the kitchen.  For example, if you cook a lot and do prep on the countertop, you don’t want to use a soft porous material. You also have to consider your overall kitchen design. You want to make sure the counters fit with the appliances, the backsplash as well as the cabinets in your kitchen.

Natural Stone

Granite: This is a very common and popular material for a countertop since it comes in a variety of colors. The colors offered range from vibrant reds and blues, midnight black, as wells as white.

Pros – no (or low) visible seams, durable surface, heat-resistant

Cons – must be sealed to resist heat as well as can be expensive

Marble: This is a softer stone and more high end then granite. It is also comes in much fewer colors. However it is great surface for baking but since it is softer might show knife scars or be discolored by citric acid.   

Pros – durable, striking natural patterns

Cons – high-maintenance, needs repeated sealing, expensive

Soapstone

pros – won’t need sealing

cons – soft and may show knife marks

Slate

pros – won’t need sealing

cons – brittle especially at corners

 

Engineered Stone

Quartz : This is stone is what most engineered stone is made out of. It comes it lots of different colors and is a hard material so it doesn’t need any sealing

pros – no sealing, durable, low maitenance

cons – expensive 

Concrete

 

Precast: These concrete slabs are extremely smooth and flat. These countertops can also have a variety of colors as well as have glass or other materials embedded in to give it an artistic feel. 

pros – won’t scratch, durable, heat resistant

cons – must be professionally installed, expensive, needs sealing

Solid surfaces

Acrylic or Polyester: These counters show no seems since the pieces get fused together. This is great for long stretches of countertop. You can also get sinks to match

pros – low maitenance, lots of colors, repairable, non-porous

cons – not heat resistant, shows knife marks and scratches

Plastic Laminates

pros – very affordable, durable and hardwearing, ready-to-install,

cons – not heat resistant,  can chip or scratch

Tile

Ceramic or Stone:  Lots of color options and many different styles. Has to be applied over laminate or fresh plywood topped with cement backerboard. 

pros – lots of colors,  affordable, lots of choices,  ceramic is non porous

cons – regular grout cleaning is necessary

Wood

Edge-Grain: These counters have long, thick strips of wood that are glued together with the edge grain facing up

End-Grain (aka Butcher Block): These counters have relatively short, square sticks of wood that are joined together with the tough end grain facing up

Wide-Plank: These counters are made by edge-gluing wide boards together. These counters are the most susceptible to warping and cracking.

pros to wood – warm, ideal work surface, heat resistant

cons to wood– medium maintenance, will show knife marks

Create Space For Your Next Renovation

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According to The New York Times article, “Making the Most of a Tiny Kitchen On A Tiny Budget,” Laura and Ian Greig found new ways to create more space during a home renovation. They did this by remodeling their small kitchen. 

Before the kitchen renovation, Laura and Ian did not have space to store a dishwasher. Many of their belongings would block the only window they had in their kitchen. Their kitchen was deprived of natural light. They were also burdened by the lack of space caused by their bulky cabinets and large air-conditioning soffits. They always thought that a kitchen renovation would not help their situation until they were made aware of a few renovation tips that would help any living space look bigger. 

Open The Window 

The first tip is letting in some light. The key to renovating Laura and Ian’s kitchen was to create space in front of their window. Along with rearranging their kitchen appliances, they painted other areas of the kitchen white so that the natural light looks like it’s bouncing off the surface. White and other light colors create space by creating a reflective quality that allows for light to bounce around and make a kitchen look bigger. 

Get Creative 

Laura and Ian were then advised to play with the layout. Playing with the layout of your kitchen is a key tool in creating space. By moving their sink flush against the wall with the window and new refrigerator, they were finally able to fit that dishwasher they’ve always dreamed of doing! For tips on playing around with your kitchen layout, contact us by clicking here. 

Think Bigger

Laura and Ian then took the final step of looking for other areas where space was being wasted. During the renovation, they realized that soffit around the refrigerator was much bigger than it had to be. Getting a smaller soffit, allowed for them to gain about six inches of overhead space. Laure and Ian made their hove not only look more spacious, also feel more comforting. For advice on your next hove renovation visit:
For more information on the article, click here.

Do I Need an Interior Designer?

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If you’re planning to remodel a larger area, it might be a good idea to hire an interior designer. It might seem like a waste of money at first, but it is important to keep in mind that an interior designer will assume many of the roles traditionally assigned to subcontractors. Interior designers can also improve your home in ways that a subcontractor would not catch.

Researching and shopping for fixtures can be very time consuming, and having someone come to you that knows how to select these products can save a lot of time. Hiring an interior designer can design your workspace in a shorter amount of time, and it can also save on extra costs. Good interior designers know how to maximize the qualities of a space, emphasizing positive attributes and downplaying less desirable qualities.

Hiring an interior designer is a good idea no matter what, even if you have a full plan for your room or you have no idea. Hiring an interior designer will allow you to gain the advantage of their expertise and technical knowledge in terms of design, which will help you avoid potential issues and costly design mistakes in the future.

 

5 Pros and Cons on Open Floor Plans in Your NYC Apartment

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Here we will talk about the pros and cons of open floor plans. First of all, what is an open floor plan? An open floor plan is when you knock down walls, creating one “BIG” room instead of having 3 small rooms (kitchen, dinning room and living room). 

PROs:

Increase natural lights. Why do you want to pay more for electricity when you have natural sunlight?  Having large windows can maximizing this effect.

 Increase sociability among family members and guests. Think about the time when you are alone in the living room of a friend’s house while your friend is cooking. Aren’t you bored? Isn’t it awkward being alone? What if you want to catch up with your long time no see friend? Open kitchen allows people to converse more easily without having to shout through walls.

 

Increase visibility in the house.  

Keeping an eye on your children and pets. It is time to make lunch/ dinner but you can’t bring your kid to the kitchen. Wouldn’t you want to keep an eye on your kid? What if he/she is just learning how to talk, wouldn’t you want to here their first words? What if your toddler just learn to walk, would you want to respond to any falls. Well, you definitely will not hear them through walls.

Dinner is ready but your soup is not. You are so hungry but you need to keep an eye on the soup. Should I wait for the soup to be done or should I eat first? Why do you have to choose? Having an open kitchen allows you to see what goes on in other rooms

Flexibility in customizing your apartment. When the walls are down, there are more space to work with.

If you are a indecisive person, like me, you are going to have trouble styling each room. Why not have one design that represent you?

Creating an illusion. The populations in NYC exceeds 8 millions and there are limited space in housing. Having an open floor plan creates an illusion that a small apartment is looks bigger. 

 

CONs:

Keeping the pets away. When there is food, you pet is always going to want it. Having an open kitchen may be difficult to keep your pets away. In addition, it also makes it easier for your pet to get to the kitchen.

It can get noisy. What did you say? I cannot hear you! Without the walls to keep the noise out, you hear everything in that one big room. Your toddler is crying, your dog is howling and your spouse is watching television, can you concentrate on making make dinner?

Less Privacy. Because it is one big room, you see everything. 

Less Creativity  With the less walls you have, there can only be a limited pictures and artworks you can present.

Bad Reflection If your open room is messy, it makes the whole apartment looks messy.