Entries Tagged 'cabinets' ↓

Now that my kitchen is ready, it’s time to share a few things I’ve learned along the way… So, let’s see what I’ve heard from professionals as well as what are the things I’ve learned the hard way….

1. I can add that easily later, no problem.

Sure, but only if you leave space for that microwave, built-in coffee machine or whatever. Now there’s an issue: there will be a gaping void in your kitchen until you add the new piece of equipment. Sure, you can buy an extra cabinet door to cover it… But don’t forget, temporary solutions tend to become final ones - and as long as temporary things go, they are not the best. So look out.

Designers say it’s best to add features to your new kitchen during, not after, renovation (or building). Even if you’re not sure whether you’ll use a something, prepare for its future installation by running cable and electrical lines. For example, one day, you, your growing kids, or a future homeowner may want a flat-screen television or a home-monitoring screen in the kitchen. Or, you may someday need more outlets on your counters and island. Be sure to have the right cables for electricity - that new washing machine or electric oven needs beefier cables than a hand-mixer..

2. I won’t have any clutter in my new kitchen.

Yes, sure, you don’t need that extra storage, do you? I bet you do! I’m always short of storage and I bet you’re the same, except for that guy living in a warehouse. Sure, it’s not always good to have lots of stuff in a crowded pantry (and the things on the bottom of the heap won’t be used up ever) but always plan for more storage than you think you’ll need. You’ll be thankful to yourself at the end.

Sure, storage units are not the best-looking of the kitchen-furniture herd, but you need a balance between function and style. (or that warehouse…)

3. Bigger is always better.

So the bigger the better, you think. If you just got that greeeeeat big kitchen, prepare for one thing: first you’ll be tired, next you’ll be fit. Because of all that walking, that is.

My designer friend says this is a typical mistake and homeowners have to live with for a long time, since kitchen renovations are done only once every 10 years or so. The solution, some say, is to install two sets of kitchen appliances, essentially having two work triangles into the kitchen area. But you still have to walk…

4. Yes, it will fit. I need it, you know.

New flat, new kitchen. Finally, you can put all your dreams into it. All the things you’ve seen in magazines, that gorgeous island, that fine range and all bells and whistles.

Don’t try to do what’s popular without any thought to whether it would work or not in the space… As opposed to the issues of a great spaces, there are issues with smaller ones as well - you need good organisation and keep an eye on not overstuffing it.

Sorry, you cannot always have an island or that great L-shaped worktop. In smaller spaces it’s better to put in quality - in cabinets, appliances, design - you’ll especially appreciate a good designer helping you think through all aspects on how you best utilise the space you got.

5. I want that kitchen from the magazine

It’s tempting to follow the latest trends, but it’s better to be practical. Do you need that hi-gloss finish with your small kids? (how will it look like in a month’s time?) Will you still love antique cabinets in 10 years? Will that funny red-yellow kitchen featured in the magazine really work in your house?

Always try to keep things - colors, materials, moods - in sync throughout your home - it feels so much better when you arrive. Don’t get carried away and plan before you do anything - remember, changing anything later will definitely cost more.

Every time I want to do something with my kitchen, I leaf through some magazines, dig the internet, see showrooms, the usual stuff. You see the latest and greatest in kitchens le grande, that looks all right in a showroom, but sometimes larger than my living room and kitchen together.

Soo, what do you do when you don’t have the space - or don’t even need a large kitchen? Yes, there are those so-called “compact kitchens” - small, rather ugly white boxes with a cooktop, sink and fridge. But you don’t want one of those, do you?

So what can you do? Or rather, buy?

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Today I’ve collected five kitchens - you can buy all of them today - in which you may feel being in the future.
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Red is the hottest of all the warm colors. Red can have a physical effect, increasing the rate of respiration and raising blood pressure.

In most cultures red means power, hence the red power tie for business people and the red carpet for celebrities and VIPs. In some cultures, red denotes purity, joy, and celebration. Red is the color of happiness and prosperity in China and may be used to attract good luck.

Red gets attention: flashing red lights mean danger or emergency. Stop signs and lights are red to get drivers’ attention and alert them to the dangers of the intersection.

Use the color red to grab attention and to get people to take action. Use red when you don’t want to sink into the background. Use red to suggest speed combined with confidence and perhaps even a dash of danger. A little bit of red goes a long way. Small doses can often be more effective than large amounts of this strong color. Multiple shades of red and even pink or orange can combine for a cheerful palette.

In decorating, red is usually used as an accent. Decorators say that red furniture should be perfect since it will attract attention. Red can have a dramatic effect in a room, whether used on the walls or as small accents in an otherwise neutral palette. The bright hue also energizes the room and sets the stage for convivial gatherings.

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These kitchen island pictures present many different styles and ideas for islands that will help you create the perfect kitchen island for your layout. You’ll see a variety of materials used for cabinetry and countertop surfaces, including stainless, granite, marble and wood, that help tie the design with function. The many features of kitchen islands are also shown, including wine racks, storage cabinets, sinks, cooktops, eating areas and cooking areas.

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Kitchens that are larger, open and multi-functional are here to stay according to industry experts. A generation ago, the kitchen was the room where mom cooked meals alone. Now it’s the “centre of the home,” filled with family and friends.
Instead of pricey fads like glass countertops and large-sized microwaves, look at these few kitchen design ideas that will be worth the time and money.

A quick prep area with a small sink, cutting board and microwave or a larger sink in the island helps with gourmet cooking. Mixed and matched cabinet finishes, exotic woods, jewelry-like hardware and display areas that show off glass collections give the kitchen an eclectic look. Wrap-around desks that extend into the family room provide more space. Cabinet storage for pull-down spice racks and buffet storage for beverage centers make the kitchen run more efficiently. And that’s a goal worth investing in.

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So you want a brand new kitchen without the hassle and expense of remodeling? Why not give your kitchen a brand new look? A great way to do this is refacing your kitchen cabinets - at about third the cost of a new cabinet, refacing is a very affordable makeover for your kitchen.

Besides this is maybe the less expensive option for remodeling your kitchen, cabinet refacing does have some unique advantages. It offers long-lasting results with only a small inconvenience, but you’ll still be able to choose from a number of cabinetry styles. Though it may cost slightly more than a $2,000 to $4,000 refinishing or repainting job, kitchen cabinet refacing is usually completed in a few days and won’t leave all those chemical smells.If you are looking to fix up your kitchen within a tight budget and want to spend your home improvement dollars the most wisely, cabinet refacing could be the perfect solution for you.