Entries Tagged 'remodeling' ↓

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.

Want to install new flooring in your kitchen (or any room, for that matter)? So did I. Here are a few lessons I’ve learnt - probably the hard way.

Measure twice, cut once

Once my engineering teacher and numerous craftsmen told me this and its oh-so-true. Not just measure what you need, also what you already have.

Here’s my story: my open kitchen - living room had some stone-tile flooring and radiant heating below it. So far so good. Turned out, the stone needed breaking up as it was installed very-very badly - about seven years ago. I had a choice: either I break it up or it will come up all by itself soon. Not liking surprise-self-destructing floors, I’ve chosen the chisel. Worked like a charm. Continue reading →

Besides the cabinets and countertop, your kitchen floor is the visually most prominent part of the kitchen. Appereances are important, however don’t choose the material just based on looks. Think through what you will most likely need, then drive to a flooring store to see for yourself. There are a host of options, let’s see what’s available….

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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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Consider these when choosing your kitchen color scheme:

• Yellow is a cheerful, uplifting color that is also known to help with digestion — making it a perfect choice for your kitchen!
• Blue is a calm, soothing color that not only lowers blood pressure, it is also known to decrease hunger. The perfect choice for a diet!
• Red is a stimulating, upbeat color that adds visual punch and a high-energy feeling. Beware! It can also raise your blood pressure and induce hunger!
• If you are a very orderly person, white is an ideal for your kitchen color scheme, as it creates a sense of cleanliness and order.
• If white is too white, a soft gray might be a better choice for your kitchen. Gray has calming properties and also decreases hunger — but avoid using it heavily, it can also be depressing!
• Black is the new black! Black is a classic, elegant color choice for your kitchen, creating a feelng of depth and richness. In a large room, black will make the space feel warm and more intimate. However, in a small room, black is overwhelming, making the space feel too small and closed. Use it moderately unless you have a large kitchen.
• Green is a pleasing, tranquil color. It’s your ideal choice if you want to create a feeling of nature. Even better, it can reduce allergic reactions to certain foods and lower blood pressure.
• For a sense of casual warmth, brown is your color. Various shades of brown can be used together to enhance the sense of natural comfort.

You may choose to remodel your kitchen on your own, if you’re a DIY-type, however most of us will end up hiring a contractor for a kitchen remodel. Hiring the best contractor(s) you can find is key to a successful kitchen remodel.

Finding the right contractor for a kitchen remodel might loom over your head from the beginning, but it is not that bad as it seems to be. With these few simple steps I’ll show you how you can hire the kitchen contractor you can trust later. (I’ll also save you a few sleepless nights in the process) Continue reading →

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.

Woody Allen said once: “Money talks. All mine says: goodbye!” Funny it is for sure, but believe me, you don’t want to tell things like this.
After you’ve spent hours paging through design magazines, imagining every aspect of your dream kitchen, it’s time for a reality check: the budget. Sure, it’s not as fun as contemplating countertop choices, but giving careful consideration to budgeting can keep a project from turning into a nightmare.

SET A BUDGET

While the national average cost for an upscale kitchen remodel is roughly $107,000, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2006 Cost vs. Value report, you may spend more or less depending on a number of factors. First, conduct a thorough and honest examination of your finances to reveal how much you can afford to spend. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) offers a worksheet that makes this easy to do. With that number in hand ask yourelf, “How long do I plan to stay in my home?”

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Summary: Most remodeling projects require some planning, and the best ones are typically planned far enough ahead so that the details can sink in: how you use and live in a space should dictate the design, scope and cost of your project.

Are you itching to breathe new life into an outdated or poorly-functioning kitchen? Hold on. Put down the phone. Before contacting a remodeling professional, you’ll need to do a little soul-searching and research first.

Measure twice, cut once - any sensivle carpenter will tell you this. “Planning is the first phase of any project, and most of the time it’sthe phase that’s ignored,” says Everett Collier, president of theNational Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). “The more pre-planning that one can do, the better off they are.”

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