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Removing asbestos during a remodel

We bought our house knowing it needed a fair bit of work, but we could never have guessed how complicated the job would get in the end. It turns out not only do we have asbestos in the walls, but also, at some point, the previous owners had some asbestos insulation put in the roof. There are a lot more precautions that we need to make as result but, I'll feel a lot better knowing we aren't cooking and eating our meals near asbestos. Our remodeling contractor has been great and has stepped us through the whole process. Join us on our remodeling journey!

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Removing asbestos during a remodel

Should You Choose Breakfast Bar or Kitchen Island Seating for Your Kitchen?

by Joanne Sullivan

Two ways to add seating to a kitchen during a renovation are to install a breakfast bar or use an island bench. Here's an overview of these two possibilities to help you decide if either is right for you.

Breakfast Bar

A breakfast bar is a bench that is usually attached to a wall. They're entirely customisable and you can fit the bar into your space. It could be built to accommodate one or two chairs, or you could construct a long breakfast bar to include extra seating. You may be able to set the bench underneath a window, so you can enjoy a drink while gazing at the view. Or you can put interesting artwork on the wall above the bar to give the area a cafe feel.

A breakfast bar is conveniently close to the cooking area while providing some separation. This proximity allows you to drink your morning coffee and keep an eye on toasting bread at the same time. But as the bar is away from the cooking area, others can sit at it while dinner is being prepared and not get in the way. A breakfast bar can be used for studying, streaming a show from a laptop or working from home. A slim bar against the wall is also ideal for small kitchens lacking enough space for a dining table.

Kitchen Island

Another possibility for extra seating is a kitchen island bench. You could build the island with an overhang and place stools around it. Like a breakfast bar, island seating is conveniently close to the cooking action, making it easy to prepare and eat quick meals such as breakfast.

However, if you sit on an island bench, you'll often be more centrally located in the room rather than to the side against a wall, for instance. This arrangement is sociable, as friends and family can gather around and chat with the cook as they're preparing a meal. An island can be walked around, and people can stand up or sit on stools.

But it may not provide the same separation as a breakfast bar (which may be cosier to sit at). So if one household member is cooking, it may be harder for another person to enjoy enough space for studying on the island at the same time. Whether this is the case depends on the specific kitchen layout. You could combine the two options and extend the kitchen island with a bench dedicated to seating that functions as a dining table. This bench could be at a lower height than the island countertop, thus accommodating chairs rather than stools. 

For more information about custom kitchens, contact a local company. 

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