Introduction
After Beryl inundated 23% of kitchens in Meyerland, Houstonians are calling for smarter, stronger responses for their homes. And as climate change leaves its mark on the Gulf Coast, homeowners are seeking ways to future-proof their kitchens, without sacrificing style. With Mendiola’s forward-thinking redesigns slated for completion in 2025, the South Houston-inspired luxury and lifestyle living is fit to weather the tough conditions of climate change. From flood-proof strategies to space-maximizing solutions, here are 34 of them that’ll take your kitchen up a notch in every way.
Section 1: Climate-Adaptive Innovations
Residents of Houston have their own set of challenges, not the least of which is the risk of flooding and extreme weather events like hurricanes. Creating a weatherproof kitchen is no longer a wish list item but is now an absolute necessity.
Some of the most inventive remedies for flood-prone areas like Meyerland include using flood-drain toe kicks. Recessed below cabinetry, the drain can pump out 15 gallons per minute taking away the threat of water damage that could occur with heavy rainstorms and you'll never have stagnant standing water beneath your cabinets. That this solution will keep your kitchen dry when the floods come.
And another must-have for Houston homes is the hurricane-proof pantry. By using impact-rated glass doors and battery-powered climate control systems, these pantries keep food safe for up to 72 hours in the event of power loss. In the sometimes erratic weather of the Gulf Coast, a hurricane-proof pantry is a small reassurance for homeowners: the promise that no matter what the weather, their food supply will remain intact.
Salt-air corrosion is not just a concern for coastal homes including Galveston and other waterfront communities. Mendiola's upcycled terrazzo countertops made of recycled glass are custom made to withstand the corrosion of salty sea air, and do so with style. They are not only durable, but they lend a certain luxurious appeal to any kitchen.
Section 2: Space Hacks for Houston Dwellings
In Houston, homes come in every type and size, and space can sometimes be difficult to come by. But with design solutions, even the tiniest kitchens can become beautiful and practical.
For homes constructed on pier-and-beam foundations, Mendiola has created floating kitchen islands on adjustable legs. These islands are easily adjustable to accommodate changes in the foundation and your kitchen will also stay level and sturdy no matter how much the foundation may move in the coming years.
Ceiling space is prime real estate in Houston’s older homes — especially in the Heights. Mendiola’s attic appliance garages are a smart solution for storing bulky kitchen gadgets — mixers and blenders. By mounting them up and out of the way, they free up tons of space for pantry items and dry goods making the best of your kitchen space.
Wet/dedicated wet zones are perfect for those homes in a crawfish boil and outdoor cooking community. Both have linear drains and washable surfaces, meaning post-party clean up is simple. Whether you’re washing down seafood shells or picking up after a barbecue, these zones are designed to keep your main kitchen space free of the dirt of al fresco dining.
Section 3: Entertainer Essentials
Houston is characterized as a friendly city, and if you love to welcome guests in your home, you should have a kitchen that is not only functional, but entertaining-friendly.
Outdoor cooking is a favorite pastime in Houston because of the city’s sunny and warm weather. Mendiola’s induction stations in the open air of your backyard, around the pool or in an outdoor cabana. These cooktops are built to last, offering efficient, easy-to-clean cooking that won’t pill giving them - or you- additional agitation.
Power is easily lost during hurricane season and a beverage center that performs is essential. Mendiola’s LG InstaView fridges include battery backups that keep your drinks just the right 34°F during blackouts. Whether you’re grilling out on the patio on a summer afternoon, or just relaxing with a drink in your living room on a hot day, you can trust these beverage coolers to make sure your drinks are ice cold no matter where you are or what the weather’s like.
Why Choose Mendiola?
Mendiola is dedicated to creating kitchens characterized by a mix of strength and beauty. The team prototypes everything in their Houston Climate Lab, testing each design for 90% humidity and Category 3 simulated storms. This means all of their solutions are not only useful, but will also last, holding up against the weather. With Mendiola, it’s not just a kitchen, it’s a space made to flourish in the singular climate of Houston.
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Conclusion
That ready to whoop your kitchen into shape with these H-Town–tough ideas? Take a tour of Mendiola’s Disaster-Proof Showroom to see these solutions in action. No matter if you’re recovering from a flood or just wanting to update, Mendiola offers the answers you’re looking for to transform your kitchen into a durable and trendy area you’ll love for a long time.
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