What’s Your Tile Type?

Tile has been used in homes for centuries, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s durable, easy to maintain and repair, and comes in a wide array of color and materials. You can install tile just about anywhere — from a kitchen backsplash to an outdoor walkway. If you’re planning to add tile to your home, consider these options:

Ceramic is one of the most common and versatile types of tile. It’s easy to clean and install and resists mold, bacteria, and heat, making it a great choice for the kitchen.
Porcelain tile can emulate stone, wood, or brick, but it costs less. It won’t freeze, crack, or fade, and is less porous than ceramic. It can also handle radiant in-floor heating, so it’s great for bathroom floors. Just keep in mind that it requires a diamond blade wet saw to cut it.
Glass tile is perfect for accentuating an area. Try it as a “frame” around a mirror or install it in a walk-in shower. It is super stain resistant and will repel even red wine and lemon juice, so it’s also a nice choice for the kitchen.
Cement tile is very versatile and won’t get slippery when wet — use it outdoors around a pool or on a garden path, or on your bathroom floor. You’ll pay a bit more for it than you would ceramic or porcelain, but you’ll be able to customize it to your specs, since each piece is made by hand.
Marble is another higher cost tile, but adds a lot of luxury to a space. Install it as flooring, a countertop, or a backsplash for an instant upgrade. It’s incredibly resistant to pressure and can stand up under heavy traffic.
Travertine, a natural stone, has a very elegant look, so it’s a good choice for any space you’d like to make “pop,” such as accent walls or a grand foyer. It’s nonslip and is easily cut and shaped, so you’ll have plenty of options to play with when it comes to the look you want.
Metal is a fantastic tile for decorating. It’s durable, plays well with other types of tiles, has a modern look, and develops a lovely patina over time. You’ll be able to choose from a variety of color and design options. It’s also inexpensive. Try it on ceilings, as a backsplash, or in a walk-in shower.

No matter what type of tile you prefer, Mountain West Construction can install it. We can help you choose the right tile options for your space, from material to color to design. Call us today for a free, no obligation quote!

Five Top Kitchen Trends in 2020

Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling, your kitchen is one of the most important rooms to consider when it comes to design and functionality. The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and if you decide to put your house on the market, realtors advise that the kitchen is one of the main factors in selling it. Take a look at five kitchen trends of the year, and get inspired!

A simple, clean look. Forget fussy wallpaper, ornate crown molding, and busy backsplash patterns. Think minimal detailing that lets your cabinets take center stage, and open, light-filled layouts.

Eye-catching color. While white is still a popular choice for kitchens, color is making a comeback. This slideshow from Better Homes & Gardens has lots of great ideas for fresh, modern color pairings.

Quartz countertops. We’re seeing more people choosing quartz over granite — it’s easier to clean, is more durable, and is friendlier to the environment.

Clever storage solutions. You can organize everything down to your K-cups with all the amazing storage solutions out there! Here are just some ideas, from parking your toaster and coffee pot in an appliance garage, to installing a charging drawer for all your devices.

Pet-friendly amenities. Your fur baby is part of your family, so make sure you’re giving him or her (or them!) the royal treatment. Consider adding feeding stations, shelving and storage for their leashes and toys, and even places to play for your four-legged friend.

No matter what kitchen trend you want to try, we can help you get it done. We stay on top of the latest innovations happening in the home building and remodeling industries — and we’ve got the expertise to get the job done right. Call us today to get started!

Western North Carolina Kitchen Trends: Shaker Cabinets

If you’re considering upgrading your Western North Carolina kitchen and love the look of clean, simple lines, value high-quality craftsmanship, and prize functionality, then Shaker cabinets might be the way to go. Shaker style is trending in kitchens these days, and it’s not hard to see why. The Shakers, who were a religious sect that settled in New England in the 19th century, were craftsmen who believed in simplicity, utility, and honesty. Those values were reflected in the furniture they made, and 150 years later, their work has stood the test of time.

Many WNC homeowners choose Shaker style kitchen cabinets because they’re cost effective, are easy to clean, play well with other styles, and provide lots of options for hardware, accessories, and color.

Few things are as frustrating as kitchen cabinets that can’t stand up to your busy lifestyle. But Shaker cabinets are made with strong hardwoods such as maple, pine, cherry, walnut, and hickory, which will hold up for decades. And the Shaker five-piece construction method — one piece for the door panel and four boards that frame the face of the door — prevents your cabinets from warping and gives them extraordinary strength.

Shaker style kitchen cabinets work well with nearly any type of kitchen décor. Traditional Shaker cabinets are made with flat paneled doors and rail frames. You can stay with that design and add contemporary hardware for a more modern look, or add a beveled edge on the door and attach hardware like Hepplewhite or distressed nickel knobs for a more traditional appearance.

The Shakers favored simple, subdued colors, like red and yellow ochres, Persimmon blue, Venetian red, and chrome green. We’re seeing these colors coming back in favor in many WNC kitchens, but of course you can paint your cabinets to fit your color scheme, or leave them as finished wood. Many homeowners also love the clean minimalism of all-white Shaker cabinetry.

The Shaker style brings feelings of calm and serenity, which more people want to invite into their homes during these chaotic times. Once you get the look in your kitchen, you may even be inspired to use it in other rooms of your house!

For Shaker kitchen inspiration, check out this article from The Spruce.

To see Shaker home design ideas, take a look at this article from Fresh Home.

Mountain West Construction has over 25 years’ experience in the construction industry, and we’ve worked with many homeowners to completely remodel their kitchens. Call us today! We’ll be happy to consult with you to get the look you want.