Kitchen Remodeling Articles
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Home Design Sense - Kitchen Design
Author: H John Johnsen
Universal Design means planning the spaces that everyone finds easy to use. Kitchen design is a sea of opportunity filled with potential. There are certain areas that require consideration when a homeowner is remodeling or renovating the kitchen. It is important to ensure the basic principles of kitchen design are kept in mind, while incorporating innovative ideas. Once found only in the rear of the house, today's kitchen design takes the kitchen out the background. The challenge for kitchen design is in creating a more open-faced kitchen that is part of a dining area, a family room or a great room.
Kitchens need a personality and a look and feel that can liven up the senses in addition to being a functional place for the preparation of food. The French Country Kitchen design is one of many classic kitchen design themes that you could consider. Tuscany a region in north central Italy is known as a warm place almost year round and Tuscan kitchen design should reflect this. In Tuscany families tend to eat and cook together. A good kitchen design should have sensible work triangles and the right appliance arrangements so it will be easy to move around.
Family
The design of a kitchen, the settings and the appliances vary from one person or family to another. The design will depend on how large the family is, the size of the kitchen, the lifestyle of the family and how much time is spent in the kitchen. There is no place in the house that is used more often than the kitchen. The kitchen is the nerve center of any family's operations; meals are created there, snacks prepared, often it is the area where the family will get together.
Color
When choosing the color for the curtains; make sure that the color is bright and matches to your kitchen textures. Painting is the easiest and most affordable kitchen remodeling jobs and can easily alter an existing kitchens environment. Fresh, clean walls in a neutral color are best. You will want to consider a neutral color, and two accent colors. Color is an important place to start the design process. Color is very important design element for kitchens and bathrooms since it plays an important role in affecting our moods.
Space
The design will depend on how large the family is, the size of the kitchen, the lifestyle of the family and how much time is spent in the kitchen. Another important thing to consider when designing your kitchen is how much walking or moving space is needed. One key solution to maximizing kitchen space is to think beyond borders and don't be limited by the designated dimensions of your kitchen. Appliance placement, kitchen traffic and your necessary workspace are all practical concerns. For example, do you really need an extra table for dining. If so, then design around that idea that the space will be for dining.
Flooring
Vinyl kitchen flooring is a very popular choice by homeowners with it's multitude of colors and patterns as well as it's ease of installation and cost. These floors are very durables, scratch and dent resistant. When selecting kitchen flooring, it is a good idea to select something that has elements of beauty and durability. Kitchen flooring can accent the counters, cabinets, and appliances. However kitchen flooring must be able to take everyday wear and tear such as spills and heavy traffic.
Cabinetry
The type of kitchen cabinets you have are an important consideration in regards to the overall kitchen design style. The cabinetry can have a powerful effect on the design of your kitchen. Custom cabinetry is available in both traditional and contemporary styles as well as many wood types and colors. Cabinetry should feature open shelves for displaying your ceramics, as well as baskets, and cooking utensils.
Cook
A properly designed and organized kitchen is not only lovely to look at, but is also a wonder of efficiency, convenience, and function. Any accomplished cook will tell you that one of the secrets to achieving culinary success is to have a properly designed and equipped kitchen.
Kitchens need a personality and a look and feel that can liven up the senses in addition to being a functional place for the preparation of food. The key to a successful kitchen design is the complete understanding of the true needs of the intended user.
About the Author:
H. John Johnsen is a Designer and Writer for Home Design Sense.com and other web sites. You can find more information on Kitchen Design at the Home Design Sense website.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/home-design-sense-kitchen-design-2-747986.html
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Kitchen Cabinet Trends For 2009
By Carmen Fontana
The U.S. Kitchen Cabinets & Countertops Manufacturing industry recently released its 2009 Trendology report, which conducts a trend analysis in kitchen cabinets and kitchen countertops. So what are some of the trends home owners can expect to see in the kitchen cabinets and countertops manufacturing sphere this upcoming year? The answer depends on who you ask.
With spending down and Americans worrying so much about the state of the economy, frivolous is out and functionality seems to be in. It is, however, possible to get the best of both worlds. Home and Garden television (HGTV) predicts that kitchen cabinet trends will marry style with function. The producer of the show "The Best in Kitchens and Baths," HGTV says, "Furniture-grade materials and custom add-ons create cabinets that perform beautifully without sacrificing style. "
Because kitchen cabinets are often the most prized component of the room, "their design and aesthetics can make or break the entire room's overall appearance." Therefore, it's important not to sacrifice quality for the sake of price. At the same time, kitchen cabinets don't have to break the bank. Indeed, quality, built-to-order cabinetry can be had for every budget.
Look for a kitchen cabinet manufacturer that offers a wide selection of door styles, optional storage solutions and decorative enhancements. That way you can customize the kitchen cabinets that fit within the needs of both your family and your budget. Wood species, finish, storage solutions and moldings will all factor into the overall cost of your kitchen cabinets, so selecting a kitchen cabinet manufacturer with a wide array of options is your best bet.
Another kitchen cabinet trend HGTV sees taking a firm hold in the marketplace is an overall one "toward furniture-grade cabinets." This one is a direct offshoot of the function over style one. "Now consumers are turning their attention toward more particular aspects, such as pull-out waste cans, slide-out towel bars and pull-down shelves. This ... points to an overall customization movement that puts as much emphasis on function as it does on form."
A leading kitchen cabinet manufacturer will afford homeowners a unique and eclectic array of storage solutions. Sink base door storage units, Contempo floor mount wastebasket cabinets, stainless utensil trays, sliding towel bars, sink base door storage units, base wastebasket top mounts, paper towel holders, base wastebasket cabinets, sink base door storage units and top mount wastebaskets are just some of the kitchen cabinet add-on features that are appealing to today's homeowners.
According to a 2002 survey conducted by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, "Wood-finished cabinets are still the style of choice," representing about 80 percent of all cabinets purchased. But as a final trend, HGTV points out that homeowners "are opting for a more casual appearance overall. Many of these have multi-step finishes and glazes to make them look like antiques that have weathered generations of use." If this trend describes you, look for a leading kitchen cabinet manufacturer that offers a wide range of kitchen cabinet wood species, kitchen cabinet door shapes and kitchen cabinet wood finishes. Standard and premium finishes and glazes complement any design style.
About the Author:
Carmen Fontana is a Web Services Manager for Western Reserve Internet Services. You can request a free kitchen planning Idea Book from Kraftmaid.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/kitchen-cabinet-trends-for-2009-706860.html
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Kitchens Have Become the Focal Point of Many Modern Households
Author: Shell Harris
Kitchens have been the focal point of many households for centuries. Kitchens are no longer just a place where food is prepared. They have become a place for friends and families to hang out and discuss the day, or to get-together for a cook-off or wine-tasting.
If you are a family that enjoys spending time in the kitchen, you probably want it to have a visual appeal that represents your family. Whether you are going for a cozy ambiance or a strictly functional kitchen, one thing to keep in mind is cabinet space.
Kitchen cabinets serve many purposes. They will free-up counter and working space, they add visual appeal and the look of your kitchen cabinets will set the mood for great entertaining. This is especially true in open floor plans where the kitchen essentially leads right into the living room & dining room.
If you are in the market for a relatively easy way to enhance your kitchen, the following are a few tips and pointers for those of you who want or need to make your kitchen more accessible, user-friendly, and functional.
Make a list of the current problems in your kitchen-inadequate counter or work space, appliances installed too far apart, inadequate cabinet and storage space, insufficient or awkwardly placed lighting, a sink that is too small, or improper ventilation.
Shop around at annual Home Shows for the latest kitchen layouts and designs. There are generally a plethora of magazines and books at any home improvement center that will help you decide exactly what you want.
Consider convenience. If you are going to perform a major overhaul you will need to consider adding storage, more cabinets, and placing appliances close to each other.
Make your visual choices carefully. You have a variety of cabinets to choose from- Maple, birch, oak, cherry, or synthetic cabinets. You may want to enhance your kitchen with window cabinets to display beautiful dishes or attractively contained food, oils, or spices.
After choosing the material of your new cabinets, you will need to consider color or finish choices. You want something that will visually blend with what you have or something that will match new appliances.
Lastly, remember that this is really a family project. You should consult everyone when making your choices. Remember that your kitchen will not be functional as long as you will be renovating. If you do not think that you have the time or know-how, you might want to consider hiring a professional.
The days of woman toiling alone in the kitchen are long gone. Now couples share cooking responsibilities or the male might be the primary cook of the household. Groups of guys have even been known to get together to share their cooking expertise.
A kitchen is a great place, no matter what the occasion, to gather for family meals, quiet mornings, entertaining, or for the holidays. It is the place where family traditions and childhood memories are formed so take your time and consider your choices wisely.
About the Author:
Article provided by direct distributors of kitchen cabinetry and oak cabinets by Accent Building Products. Your one stop shop for all home improvement products. Check them out online at accentbuildingproducts.com
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/kitchens-have-become-the-focal-point-of-many-modern-households-714512.html
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Setting the Tone With Kitchen Cabinets
By Carmen Fontana
Take a look around your kitchen. If you had to pick, what's the one feature that defines the room? Chances are you answered: the kitchen cabinets, and you're definitely not alone in that response. In fact, King Features Syndicate recently ran a question and answer session by the title of "Cabinets will set the tone for kitchen." So if you're in the market for new kitchen cabinets, make sure you're making an informed purchase before you set down any cash.
Let's take a look at a couple of the kitchen cabinet dilemmas readers posed of the King Features Syndicate. The advice they received just might ensure your new cabinetry sets the desired tone in your own kitchen.
Homeowner #1 wanted to know what color cabinets she should consider to "take the clinical edge off the shiny steel" of her stainless steel appliances. She prefaced the question with the admission that she had "a small, rectangular kitchen that is open to the eating area."
The expert's advice? "Considering the expense of the cabinetry, counters and appliances, the kitchen décor most likely will outlast the color choices [throughout the rest of the room and home]. Think about the overall mood you would like to convey in your home, and then look to a palette of colors that enhances that feeling. You can go all wood for a country or formal style; dark green, blue or red if you want to create some drama; or acid greens and yellows for edgy appeal."
Fortunately for homeowners, leading manufacturers of kitchen cabinets proudly present cabinetry finishes that heighten the beauty of wood's organic characteristics and showcase its natural beauty. Each finish technique creates a unique, furniture look, while hands-on craftsmanship gives each piece of kitchen cabinetry its own distinctive style, thereby expressing your individuality. Select a kitchen cabinet door style by wood species, door finish and/or wood finish to set precisely the tone you're seeking.
Homeowner #2 wanted to know what "kitchen cabinets ... would go with the" oak dining room set she inherited from her grandmother and loved. She feared that more oak on the kitchen cabinets would "be too much."
The expert advised, "There are no rules-simply choose what makes you happy. Select a traditional door style that will complement your dining-room set, and a heritage color-berry-blue or blood-red paint or stain. Another option is to go with wood, left natural or painted white, but mix the cabinet doors so that some uppers have glass inserts."
With more than 100 door styles, six wood species and 34 furniture finishes, a leading kitchen cabinet manufacturer can help you set exactly the tone you're seeking in your kitchen. Its decorative glass door insert options further enable you to showcase your best china or let the morning light reflect off your fabulous stemware or other treasured collection. With a variety of mullion doors and glass inserts, including stained glass, camed glass and textured glass, to choose from, you can put the spotlight on what's really important to you-including your heirloom dining set.
About the Author:
Carmen Fontana is a Web Services Manager for Western Reserve Internet Services. You can request a free kitchen planning Idea Book from Kraftmaid.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/setting-the-tone-with-kitchen-cabinets-746553.html
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Custom or Prefab?-That is the Kitchen Cabinet Question
By Carmen Fontana
So you've decided that new kitchen cabinets are in order. Now the question remains: Do you go the slow and more expensive route with custom cabinets or opt for the quicker and less costly alternative with prefabricated cabinets? Both choices present various pros and cons, so you'll want to do your homework before making a final decision. If quality and craftsmanship are your top priority, a kitchen design expert may be steering you toward custom kitchen cabinets. But those on a limited budget will be happy to learn that prefabricated cabinets from a reputable cabinetry manufacturer can almost match their more expensive counterparts on both counts.
If you're still wavering, it's no wonder. So here are some important considerations that can help make the custom versus prefabricated kitchen cabinets decision an easier one.
1. In terms of cost, a comparison is necessary. That's because just like custom cabinetry, prefabricated cabinets run the gamut from modular to high end. And on that high end, in a perfect example of 'you get what you pay for,' you may run into prefabricated kitchen cabinets that are as expensive as some custom cabinets. Quality and cost should be a tag team when conducting kitchen cabinet price comparisons.
2. If you're in a rush, no doubt about it, prefabricated kitchen cabinets will save you time. In fact, if you want custom kitchen cabinets, expect to wait one to two months for delivery.
3. If you want a style that's custom designed or your kitchen cabinet setup requires odd or unique sizes, then custom cabinetry may be necessary. However, you might be surprised by the wide array of prefabricated kitchen cabinet styles out there. A broad and varied selection of kitchen cabinets can be found at you nearest home design center.
4. When it comes to kitchen cabinet finishes, your options are nearly as wide as those for custom kitchen cabinets. Whether it's a clean white, a natural wood, a glossy rich brown or a homey burgundy finish you're seeking, a leading prefabricated cabinetry manufacturer can likely fill the bill.
5. Because they can vary so widely between and even among custom and prefabricated kitchen cabinets, the material, joinery, hinges and pulls of the doors should be carefully examined and compared for quality and craftsmanship.
6. With custom cabinetry, especially if your kitchen has odd sizes and unique angles, you're probably going to have to pay for professional installation. If you're somewhat handy in the carpentry department, however, you may be able to bypass this added expense with prefabricated kitchen cabinets and install them yourself.
7. Last but certainly not least, the reputation of the cabinetmaker is critical. For custom cabinetry, consult your local chamber of commerce and ask for referrals. Your best bet is word of mouth. If you've decided to go with prefabricated kitchen cabinets, look for a leading manufacturer that prides itself on quality, value and service. A few ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinet manufacturers recognize that high quality can-and should-go with affordable pricing. To that end, look for a kitchen cabinet line that offers lifetime warranties, is retailed at popular prices and can be assembled quickly.
About the Author:
Carmen Fontana is a Web Services Manager for Western Reserve Internet Services. The Distinctions Cabinetry website provides additional information on ready to assemble cabinetry.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/custom-or-prefabthat-is-the-kitchen-cabinet-question-706857.html
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Maximizing a Small Kitchen With a Kitchen Remodel
By Carmen Fontana
Does a lack of space in your kitchen have you feeling under-whelmed? Maybe it's not the size that's the real problem. To adapt an old phrase, it's not the size of the kitchen in the space. It's the size of the space in the kitchen. In other words, perhaps you're just not maximizing the kitchen space you already have. You might be surprised by the apparent size transformation a kitchen remodel will give to the room.
"GateHouse News Service" recently covered this very concept in an article titled "Home Help: Big ideas for small kitchens." Topping the list of kitchen remodeling recommendations for giving a small kitchen greater brawn was: "Maximize your cabinet space." The article pointed out that you can achieve both a place to put you many things as well as "an open, uncluttered look" if "you combine sound organization principles with today's innovative cabinetry."
Some of the specific kitchen remodeling suggestions the article made included:
1."A lazy Susan corner cabinet can help bring order out of chaos. Tucking [a wayward] cabinet into a corner of your kitchen into an underused area will squeeze out space where none existed before." An online kitchen remodeling expert can help you design a kitchen that works for you and your family and that makes your life easier.
2."Make the kitchen look bigger by choosing lighter colors and finishes." By browsing an online kitchen remodeling showcase, you can compare and select the perfect paint color from the comfort of your own home. That way, you're not overwhelmed when you step foot inside your nearest home remodeling super center.
Kitchen paint requires selections that are hard working and focus on stain and grease resistance as well as wash-ability. Practical choices include durable paints that feature low sheen, semi-gloss or gloss sheens.
Depending upon your individual color preferences, kitchens offer an ideal opportunity to let your color imagination soar. The kitchen represents a venue for an unlimited number of ways to incorporate unique color within the space!
3.Don't automatically rule out large furnishings. Strategically selected, they can serve multi-functional purposes. For example, "A solid wood file drawer can make a big difference in organizing essentials for taking care of life's business. When the drawers are closed, the top can double as a bookshelf or display space for framed photos or a lamp."
4.When remodeling your kitchen, don't forget to accommodate all that stuff in your junk drawer. "Every kitchen needs a landing spot for keys, cell phones, notes and mail." Consider "hiding them in a secret compartment at the end of a cabinet run."
When choosing the cabinetry for your new kitchen, consider your personal style as well as what will function best for your family's everyday needs. Whether your goal is to transform your kitchen from traditional to modern or simply add more accessible storage space, your cabinetry selection is a great place to begin.
An online kitchen remodeling showcase can provide you with ideas and links to reputable kitchen cabinet manufacturers to accomplish all these small kitchen maximizing techniques.
About the Author:
Carmen Fontana is a Web Services Manger for Western Reserve Internet Services. Additional kitchen remodel planning advice can be found at www.superkitchens.com.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/maximizing-a-small-kitchen-with-a-kitchen-remodel-746677.html
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