Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Kitchen Remodeling - What To Look For When Hiring A Pro
By
Donald Thrower
A kitchen remodeling can be one of the more rewarding projects in the home. Not only will it add comfort and pleasure, it also enhances the home's value. The kitchen is the focal point in many homes, which makes the upgrades that much more important. There are however things to consider before starting the project. The most important aspect is hiring a contractor.
Many individuals know of other homeowners who may have had work done. This is a good source of information. It makes it possible to see firsthand how the project turned out. Questions can be asked about the contractor. For anyone considering a remodel project, this information is crucial.
Hint Number One
Ask specific questions of others who may have used the contractor that is being considered. Was the kitchen remodeling project completed on time? Were there any last minute surprises that increased the price? Owners can judge the quality by viewing completed jobs. Keep in mind if the professional cannot, or will not provide references, then there may be a problem. Many as a rule will photograph their jobs expressly for advertisement. When they cannot produce the pictures or job sites, it is best to keep looking. Quality contractors are not afraid of displaying their work.
Hint Number Two
Failure to produce or giving excuses why they do not have a contractor's license when asked is a red flag. The reason may be due to the testing to obtain one. Most states ask potential contractors to prove they have the skills to be a contractor. Another reason is many so-called professionals travel from state to state, following hail damage or some other natural disaster. Many of these are simply opportunists that promise a quick turnaround and will ask for payment upfront for materials. However, larger companies that do kitchen remodeling operate in several states, but they have the proper credentials. Insurance is important, as well. Most carry their own, along with being bonded. For example, what happens if a worker breaks an expensive window? Without insurance, the options for damage recovery are limited.
Hint Number Three
A kitchen remodeling professional must be experienced in plumbing, electrical, carpentry and several other skills. When the professional starts explaining how they must sub-contract some of the work, this indicates they are just there to collect the check. The contractor is the one that performs the work or supervises his crew. Many will attempt to sell the job to another contractor for a fee. The other contractor may lack the proper license or is inexperienced.
Always ask for references, an estimation of costs and a start and completion date. There should be a written contract, as well. This protects both the owner and the professional.
A kitchen remodeling can be one of the more rewarding projects in the home. Not only will it add comfort and pleasure, it also enhances the home's value. The kitchen is the focal point in many homes, which makes the upgrades that much more important. There are however things to consider before starting the project. The most important aspect is hiring a contractor.
Many individuals know of other homeowners who may have had work done. This is a good source of information. It makes it possible to see firsthand how the project turned out. Questions can be asked about the contractor. For anyone considering a remodel project, this information is crucial.
Hint Number One
Ask specific questions of others who may have used the contractor that is being considered. Was the kitchen remodeling project completed on time? Were there any last minute surprises that increased the price? Owners can judge the quality by viewing completed jobs. Keep in mind if the professional cannot, or will not provide references, then there may be a problem. Many as a rule will photograph their jobs expressly for advertisement. When they cannot produce the pictures or job sites, it is best to keep looking. Quality contractors are not afraid of displaying their work.
Hint Number Two
Failure to produce or giving excuses why they do not have a contractor's license when asked is a red flag. The reason may be due to the testing to obtain one. Most states ask potential contractors to prove they have the skills to be a contractor. Another reason is many so-called professionals travel from state to state, following hail damage or some other natural disaster. Many of these are simply opportunists that promise a quick turnaround and will ask for payment upfront for materials. However, larger companies that do kitchen remodeling operate in several states, but they have the proper credentials. Insurance is important, as well. Most carry their own, along with being bonded. For example, what happens if a worker breaks an expensive window? Without insurance, the options for damage recovery are limited.
Hint Number Three
A kitchen remodeling professional must be experienced in plumbing, electrical, carpentry and several other skills. When the professional starts explaining how they must sub-contract some of the work, this indicates they are just there to collect the check. The contractor is the one that performs the work or supervises his crew. Many will attempt to sell the job to another contractor for a fee. The other contractor may lack the proper license or is inexperienced.
Always ask for references, an estimation of costs and a start and completion date. There should be a written contract, as well. This protects both the owner and the professional.
This tip was brought to you by Three Week Kitchens. If you'd like to learn more about Kitchen Remodeling Denver options click the following link to find our more information right now: http://www.ThreeWeekKitchens.com/
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donald_Thrower
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
How To Plan A Kitchen Design By Peter James Brown
Whenever you are considering a kitchen refurbishment, you should remember that overall success will be gauged according to the amount of planning that you do in advance. It's easy to get overenthusiastic and many of us simply want to roll up our sleeves and pitch in. However, we may not be experts in kitchen design and if we aren't careful we can run into many problems along the way. Not only can these problems cause setbacks and delay, but they can lead to significant additional expenditure that we were simply not budgeting for.
Planning is not everyone's forte. Many people suggest that you consult with experts if you're not predisposed to think things through carefully. If you are the creative type who doesn't take well to the technicalities, you should ask for help. Remember that a partnership between people that have a tendency to be "left brain" as well as "right brain," will usually work out best in the end.
It's best to start with a maximum budget, in other words a line that you really don't want to cross. Now, you shouldn't aim to spend the budget at the beginning of your planning sequence, but should set the bar here a lot lower, to take into account the fact that there will invariably be additional costs as you plot your way through this planning sequence. Again, this is why it's good to talk to experts in the field, who have been through this process before and will be able to give you some pointers at the beginning. It's amazing how enthusiasm can give way to exasperation, if the planning phase simply reveals a path toward a budget that's beyond your reach.
To many people budgeting is a necessary evil, but if you are careful to plan this strategically you will be surprised at how much you can accomplish. Remember that many new additions, accents and improvements can be achieved using an alternative approach, once you have all the fundamentals covered.
Don't make the mistake of planning a room that is purely functional. Almost invariably you and other members of the family will spend much more time in the kitchen than you might have initially envisaged. Don't forget that this can be a social gathering place, as well as an area for simply cooking meals. Estimate how important this social gathering place is within the bigger scheme of things and ensure that you include this functionality accordingly.
Once again, don't allow frustration and exasperation to derail your plans for that fantastic kitchen refurbishment of your dreams. By setting realistic goals in the beginning and ensuring that you're not overreaching as you plan, it's remarkable how enjoyable this sequence of events can be. The kitchen can be a focal point of your home and many people consider it to be the most important room in the entire house. It does mean different things to different people though and you should consult with each and every member of the family to ensure that their description of the ideal kitchen is "in line" with the plans you ultimately choose.
Increation offer fitted kitchens and kitchen design.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_James_Brown
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6795567
Monday, February 1, 2010
Ideas For Creating a Tuscan Kitchen Design
By James Mahoney
Tuscan kitchen design immediately conjures images of Italy and sunlight and warmth. In fact these kinds of images are just what you need to think of when coming up with the perfect Tuscan kitchen design.
Tuscany a region in north central Italy is known as a warm place almost year round an Tuscan kitchen design should reflect this. Tuscan kitchen designs are defined by colors such as siena, terra, and sepia. Tuscan Kitchen design uses a lot of soft warm colors and textures. Windows in the kitchen should provide as much natural sunlight as possible.
The Tuscan style has evolved through the centuries, influenced by Etruscan metal craft and pottery as well as the Italian Renaissance. The Tuscan style can be seen in mosiac tiles, wrought iron gates, bridges and architecture.
Tuscan kitchen design and décor can enhance the look and feel of any kitchen. You can add a big wooden table, open cupboards, along with ceramics, pots, pans and Tuscan-inspired dinnerware.
These items can also make great decorations when you are not using them.
Kitchen island design in the Tuscan kitchen design style has its origins from ancient Roman times. This is the origins of the nice ornaments you will find with all tuscan kitchen design. The Tuscan kitchen island is usually of a dark color painted on oak. Sometimes the islands are given one coat of white paint. Scratches are added to give the wood a more antique look.
In Tuscany families tend to eat and cook together. A good Tuscan kitchen design should provide for adequate room for you and your family to more around the kitchen freely.
The Tuscan kitchen design style is very popular now. One reason is that this design style be quite affordable while be stylish and providing more comfortable kitchen. The Tuscan kitchen design style accessories include pottery, jars, and hand crafted tiles depicting grapevines and vineyards as well as grapes, tomatos, and olives. Having these design elements just naturally goes with Tuscan meals.
Walls - Wall should be painted in a rich Tuscan color such as rich reds, intense yellows, or strong yellows. Consider a wall treatment such as molding, or murals to create a more Tuscan feel to the walls.
Floors - Use Terra cotta or clay tiles, glazed ceramic and marble inlay in intricate patterns. Wooden floors can be left plain with natural color and finish with a Persian rug.
Furniture - For a Tuscan kitchen design use sturdy pieces of furniture that is also strong and functional. Kitchen tables and chairs should also be well-built and strong.
Cabinetry - Cabinetry should feature open shelves for displaying your ceramics, as well as baskets, and cooking utensils
Sink - Kitchen sink should be white ceramic to be more compatible with your Tuscan kitchen design. You might also consider a large rectangular marble sink.
As for other Tuscan kitchen design ideas you can add racks to display copper pans. Also wrought iron pull for drawers, and wrought iron light fixtures. You might even want to add a brick-fired oven just like the type found in large Italian farmhouse kitchens.
By designing your kitchen with the Tuscan design style and bring in the look of old Tuscany your kitchen and home will never be quite the same.
James Mahoney is the author of many kitchen design articles and has a site about kitchen design ideas at Kitchen Designers Ideas.com. He also publishes a newsletter on kitchen design.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Mahoney
Tuscan kitchen design immediately conjures images of Italy and sunlight and warmth. In fact these kinds of images are just what you need to think of when coming up with the perfect Tuscan kitchen design.
Tuscany a region in north central Italy is known as a warm place almost year round an Tuscan kitchen design should reflect this. Tuscan kitchen designs are defined by colors such as siena, terra, and sepia. Tuscan Kitchen design uses a lot of soft warm colors and textures. Windows in the kitchen should provide as much natural sunlight as possible.
The Tuscan style has evolved through the centuries, influenced by Etruscan metal craft and pottery as well as the Italian Renaissance. The Tuscan style can be seen in mosiac tiles, wrought iron gates, bridges and architecture.
Tuscan kitchen design and décor can enhance the look and feel of any kitchen. You can add a big wooden table, open cupboards, along with ceramics, pots, pans and Tuscan-inspired dinnerware.
These items can also make great decorations when you are not using them.
Kitchen island design in the Tuscan kitchen design style has its origins from ancient Roman times. This is the origins of the nice ornaments you will find with all tuscan kitchen design. The Tuscan kitchen island is usually of a dark color painted on oak. Sometimes the islands are given one coat of white paint. Scratches are added to give the wood a more antique look.
In Tuscany families tend to eat and cook together. A good Tuscan kitchen design should provide for adequate room for you and your family to more around the kitchen freely.
The Tuscan kitchen design style is very popular now. One reason is that this design style be quite affordable while be stylish and providing more comfortable kitchen. The Tuscan kitchen design style accessories include pottery, jars, and hand crafted tiles depicting grapevines and vineyards as well as grapes, tomatos, and olives. Having these design elements just naturally goes with Tuscan meals.
Walls - Wall should be painted in a rich Tuscan color such as rich reds, intense yellows, or strong yellows. Consider a wall treatment such as molding, or murals to create a more Tuscan feel to the walls.
Floors - Use Terra cotta or clay tiles, glazed ceramic and marble inlay in intricate patterns. Wooden floors can be left plain with natural color and finish with a Persian rug.
Furniture - For a Tuscan kitchen design use sturdy pieces of furniture that is also strong and functional. Kitchen tables and chairs should also be well-built and strong.
Cabinetry - Cabinetry should feature open shelves for displaying your ceramics, as well as baskets, and cooking utensils
Sink - Kitchen sink should be white ceramic to be more compatible with your Tuscan kitchen design. You might also consider a large rectangular marble sink.
As for other Tuscan kitchen design ideas you can add racks to display copper pans. Also wrought iron pull for drawers, and wrought iron light fixtures. You might even want to add a brick-fired oven just like the type found in large Italian farmhouse kitchens.
By designing your kitchen with the Tuscan design style and bring in the look of old Tuscany your kitchen and home will never be quite the same.
James Mahoney is the author of many kitchen design articles and has a site about kitchen design ideas at Kitchen Designers Ideas.com. He also publishes a newsletter on kitchen design.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Mahoney
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Examining 5 Kitchen Design Styles
By James Mahoney
As you are planning your new kitchen design, the look and style you select is very important in determining the overall feel your kitchen will portray.
From the country charm of wood cabinets to modern-looking stainless steel appliances, kitchen design styles come in many choices and styles.
So just what determines your kitchen's design style?
Well many of the more successful kitchen design styles are made up of many components go together the right way. The color you select, and the styles of fabrics, furniture, flooring, windows, cabinetry, appliances, and lighting can help to determine a kitchen design style. You will discover that various design elements of the kitchen provide each style with its own unique flavor.
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.
The style of kitchen cabinet you choose will give personality and a specific atmosphere to your kitchen.
Some of the popular styles of kitchen cabinets today are:
English Country - Consists of open china display racks, unique paints and finishes.
Shaker - This style is characterized by purity, simplicity, and utility. Uses flat panel doors that are inset and flush with the cabinet frame. Other features include wood counter tops, wooden knobs, and brass hardware pieces. It combines simple furniture design with clear crisp lines, and strength.
Country - This style creates an old farm kitchen look with glazes and layered finishes. Includes open shelves, pot racks for cast iron cookware, butcher block, and multi-colored cabinet pieces that look like they are separate pieces of furniture.
French Country - There are so many elements that go into the French country kitchen including the use of large pieces of furniture that are made mainly of light colored woods and can be decorated with ornate carving. Natural materials are an important element in walls, cabinetry and furniture that is used in the design of French country kitchens.
Arts and Crafts - This kitchen design style is becoming a popular style for kitchens. In this type of style glass doors and natural wood tones with a matte sheen are used. The style can be eclectic and artistic.
Contemporary - Kitchens that are done in the contemporary kitchen design style often use plastic laminates, special wood veneers, enamels, lacquers, or metal foil laminate for the kitchen cabinet facings. Cabinet doors in this kitchen design style usually use frameless construction with overlay door and no toe kick panel.
Homes can come in many different styles, and built using a variety of materials. So the same goes for kitchen design styles. However, in most cases, people will want their kitchen to match the overall design and style of their home.
It may not be absolutely necessary to select a kitchen design style that is the same as your home's exterior architectural style. Although it is considered a good idea that you should really try to select the kitchen design style that will best complement your home's style.
James Mahoney is the author of many kitchen design articles and has a site about kitchen design ideas at Kitchen Designers Ideas.com. He also publishes a newsletter on kitchen design.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Mahoney
As you are planning your new kitchen design, the look and style you select is very important in determining the overall feel your kitchen will portray.
From the country charm of wood cabinets to modern-looking stainless steel appliances, kitchen design styles come in many choices and styles.
So just what determines your kitchen's design style?
Well many of the more successful kitchen design styles are made up of many components go together the right way. The color you select, and the styles of fabrics, furniture, flooring, windows, cabinetry, appliances, and lighting can help to determine a kitchen design style. You will discover that various design elements of the kitchen provide each style with its own unique flavor.
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.
The style of kitchen cabinet you choose will give personality and a specific atmosphere to your kitchen.
Some of the popular styles of kitchen cabinets today are:
English Country - Consists of open china display racks, unique paints and finishes.
Shaker - This style is characterized by purity, simplicity, and utility. Uses flat panel doors that are inset and flush with the cabinet frame. Other features include wood counter tops, wooden knobs, and brass hardware pieces. It combines simple furniture design with clear crisp lines, and strength.
Country - This style creates an old farm kitchen look with glazes and layered finishes. Includes open shelves, pot racks for cast iron cookware, butcher block, and multi-colored cabinet pieces that look like they are separate pieces of furniture.
French Country - There are so many elements that go into the French country kitchen including the use of large pieces of furniture that are made mainly of light colored woods and can be decorated with ornate carving. Natural materials are an important element in walls, cabinetry and furniture that is used in the design of French country kitchens.
Arts and Crafts - This kitchen design style is becoming a popular style for kitchens. In this type of style glass doors and natural wood tones with a matte sheen are used. The style can be eclectic and artistic.
Contemporary - Kitchens that are done in the contemporary kitchen design style often use plastic laminates, special wood veneers, enamels, lacquers, or metal foil laminate for the kitchen cabinet facings. Cabinet doors in this kitchen design style usually use frameless construction with overlay door and no toe kick panel.
Homes can come in many different styles, and built using a variety of materials. So the same goes for kitchen design styles. However, in most cases, people will want their kitchen to match the overall design and style of their home.
It may not be absolutely necessary to select a kitchen design style that is the same as your home's exterior architectural style. Although it is considered a good idea that you should really try to select the kitchen design style that will best complement your home's style.
James Mahoney is the author of many kitchen design articles and has a site about kitchen design ideas at Kitchen Designers Ideas.com. He also publishes a newsletter on kitchen design.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Mahoney
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Kitchen Design Online - Understanding the Work Triangle and Kitchen Layouts
By David Buster
Good kitchen design online means having a layout for your kitchen that provides an efficient and pleasant area in which to prepare meals and do related tasks. Understanding the kitchen work triangle concept and basic kitchen layout types is a valuable starting point to design a kitchen online that you like.
The kitchen work triangle consists of the distance between the sink, refrigerator and range or cooktop. Each one of these areas becomes a focal point in the kitchen and forms the three points of a triangle with different distances between them. Done correctly, proper kitchen design online will give you the most efficient food preparation area layout in your kitchen.
Whether you’re remodeling an existing kitchen or building a new one, an efficient kitchen design online means that your work triangle minimizes the number of steps the cook must take between the three areas during meal preparation and cleanup. The total distance from the sink to the stove to the refrigerator and back to the sink should be not less than 12 feet total nor more than 27 feet. Each triangle leg should measure between 4 and 9 feet in length. The kitchen isles should be at least 42 to 48 inches wide to allow people to move around easily and for appliances to be opened with ease.
When selecting the floor plan for your kitchen design online, here are basic kitchen layouts to consider:
* L-Shaped Kitchen - this is the most popular kitchen design. It consists of a long leg and a shorter one and this type of design can be used in small and large kitchens. The L-shaped kitchen gives you the possibility of having a center island depending on the space available. In general, this design will have 2 or 3 appliances on one wall. The usual arrangement is to have the refrigerator at one end, the range or cooktop at the other end with the sink located in the middle. This shape of kitchen generally provides good traffic flow.
* Double L-Shaped Kitchen - this kitchen design has a lot of cabinet space and plenty of counter space. This design is used in large kitchens with two cooks, and it has two or more entering areas, which can cause traffic flow problems. To avoid some of these problems, create two separate working areas on each L of the kitchen so that work flow does not get interrupted by human traffic.
* U-Shaped Kitchen - this kitchen design online shape has three walls instead of two, and the sink usually is located in the middle wall section. The refrigerator and range or cooktop are usually on the side walls opposite each other. The U-shaped kitchen design gives room for ample countertop space, and you have three walls for cabinets and appliances. This kitchen layout tends to create a working triangle that is very efficient.
The working triangle for the U-shaped kitchen should be around 26 feet or less. The only problem with this type of kitchen design online is that sometimes the two U corners are not used appropriately. Make sure you buy the appropriate storage items for the corner cabinets created by the U shape design. The U shape design can also create dark kitchens because of the shape and the quantity of cabinets. Using skylights, large windows, lots of under-cabinet task lighting and light colors will help keep the kitchen bright with sufficient light to see what you’re doing.
* G-Shaped Kitchen - this type of kitchen shape is becoming very popular, and it gives you a fourth wall to use. The G-shape can be used if you have more than one cook in the house. This fourth wall section can be used for a counter, island and storage space. With this kitchen layout you can have two sinks, perhaps two cooktops or two ranges. You could have two working triangles -- one for sink, cook top or range and refrigerator and a second working triangle with another sink, built-in grill and cooktop. It allows two cooks to do different things at the same time and entertain large groups of people.
* Single-Wall Kitchen - if you do not have much space, you may only be able to have an I-shaped kitchen. No problem. Just be sure the sink is placed between the refrigerator and the stove. Locate the refrigerator so that the refrigerator door opens away from the kitchen sink. This is a very common arrangement for small kitchen design online where narrow spaces exists.
* Galley-Shaped Kitchen - this type of kitchen design is more common in apartments or in homes where space is limited. It is often called the corridor style. The kitchen cabinets and the appliances can be located on opposite walls for better work flow. Place the range or cooktop on one side of the kitchen along one wall and the refrigerator and sink on the opposite wall.
To eliminate traffic issues in this type of kitchen design online, one entry is often closed off. This type of layout should only be used by one cook. If you want to maintain both exits, place the refrigerator near the end of the galley kitchen for easy access. This way, your family and friends can reach the refrigerator without interfering with the person who is cooking.
If you need extra storage in the galley kitchen, install tall kitchen cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling. Wall storage is crucial. Buy a stepladder to use when you need to reach the upper shelf of the cabinets, and place the items you use less frequently on the upper shelves.
By understanding the kitchen work triangle concept and how you want your kitchen to function, you’ll be more likely to create the kind of kitchen design online you’ve always wanted. Today, kitchens are often viewed as the hub of the home as well as a social center for family and friends. Planning your kitchen and doing kitchen design online can be a challenge, but the rewards you’ll receive are very much worth the time and effort.
Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing
Read more about how to design a kitchen online that's right for you at kitchen design online. David Buster is webmaster of http://www.yourdreamloghome.com and VP of InfoSearch Publishing - visit the website and learn more about home decorating and remodeling, bathroom design and décor tips, home plans, storage, fireplaces, log cabin rentals and more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Buster
Good kitchen design online means having a layout for your kitchen that provides an efficient and pleasant area in which to prepare meals and do related tasks. Understanding the kitchen work triangle concept and basic kitchen layout types is a valuable starting point to design a kitchen online that you like.
The kitchen work triangle consists of the distance between the sink, refrigerator and range or cooktop. Each one of these areas becomes a focal point in the kitchen and forms the three points of a triangle with different distances between them. Done correctly, proper kitchen design online will give you the most efficient food preparation area layout in your kitchen.
Whether you’re remodeling an existing kitchen or building a new one, an efficient kitchen design online means that your work triangle minimizes the number of steps the cook must take between the three areas during meal preparation and cleanup. The total distance from the sink to the stove to the refrigerator and back to the sink should be not less than 12 feet total nor more than 27 feet. Each triangle leg should measure between 4 and 9 feet in length. The kitchen isles should be at least 42 to 48 inches wide to allow people to move around easily and for appliances to be opened with ease.
When selecting the floor plan for your kitchen design online, here are basic kitchen layouts to consider:
* L-Shaped Kitchen - this is the most popular kitchen design. It consists of a long leg and a shorter one and this type of design can be used in small and large kitchens. The L-shaped kitchen gives you the possibility of having a center island depending on the space available. In general, this design will have 2 or 3 appliances on one wall. The usual arrangement is to have the refrigerator at one end, the range or cooktop at the other end with the sink located in the middle. This shape of kitchen generally provides good traffic flow.
* Double L-Shaped Kitchen - this kitchen design has a lot of cabinet space and plenty of counter space. This design is used in large kitchens with two cooks, and it has two or more entering areas, which can cause traffic flow problems. To avoid some of these problems, create two separate working areas on each L of the kitchen so that work flow does not get interrupted by human traffic.
* U-Shaped Kitchen - this kitchen design online shape has three walls instead of two, and the sink usually is located in the middle wall section. The refrigerator and range or cooktop are usually on the side walls opposite each other. The U-shaped kitchen design gives room for ample countertop space, and you have three walls for cabinets and appliances. This kitchen layout tends to create a working triangle that is very efficient.
The working triangle for the U-shaped kitchen should be around 26 feet or less. The only problem with this type of kitchen design online is that sometimes the two U corners are not used appropriately. Make sure you buy the appropriate storage items for the corner cabinets created by the U shape design. The U shape design can also create dark kitchens because of the shape and the quantity of cabinets. Using skylights, large windows, lots of under-cabinet task lighting and light colors will help keep the kitchen bright with sufficient light to see what you’re doing.
* G-Shaped Kitchen - this type of kitchen shape is becoming very popular, and it gives you a fourth wall to use. The G-shape can be used if you have more than one cook in the house. This fourth wall section can be used for a counter, island and storage space. With this kitchen layout you can have two sinks, perhaps two cooktops or two ranges. You could have two working triangles -- one for sink, cook top or range and refrigerator and a second working triangle with another sink, built-in grill and cooktop. It allows two cooks to do different things at the same time and entertain large groups of people.
* Single-Wall Kitchen - if you do not have much space, you may only be able to have an I-shaped kitchen. No problem. Just be sure the sink is placed between the refrigerator and the stove. Locate the refrigerator so that the refrigerator door opens away from the kitchen sink. This is a very common arrangement for small kitchen design online where narrow spaces exists.
* Galley-Shaped Kitchen - this type of kitchen design is more common in apartments or in homes where space is limited. It is often called the corridor style. The kitchen cabinets and the appliances can be located on opposite walls for better work flow. Place the range or cooktop on one side of the kitchen along one wall and the refrigerator and sink on the opposite wall.
To eliminate traffic issues in this type of kitchen design online, one entry is often closed off. This type of layout should only be used by one cook. If you want to maintain both exits, place the refrigerator near the end of the galley kitchen for easy access. This way, your family and friends can reach the refrigerator without interfering with the person who is cooking.
If you need extra storage in the galley kitchen, install tall kitchen cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling. Wall storage is crucial. Buy a stepladder to use when you need to reach the upper shelf of the cabinets, and place the items you use less frequently on the upper shelves.
By understanding the kitchen work triangle concept and how you want your kitchen to function, you’ll be more likely to create the kind of kitchen design online you’ve always wanted. Today, kitchens are often viewed as the hub of the home as well as a social center for family and friends. Planning your kitchen and doing kitchen design online can be a challenge, but the rewards you’ll receive are very much worth the time and effort.
Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing
Read more about how to design a kitchen online that's right for you at kitchen design online. David Buster is webmaster of http://www.yourdreamloghome.com and VP of InfoSearch Publishing - visit the website and learn more about home decorating and remodeling, bathroom design and décor tips, home plans, storage, fireplaces, log cabin rentals and more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Buster
Kitchen Design Ideas and Layout
By Jamie Ho Snodgrass
Kitchen design ideas –
Are You Designing Your Kitchen?
A kitchen is the central headquarters for the family. Kitchen is often the showplace of the home, and yet it is required to function well for a wide variety of tasks. A well-equipped, beautifully dressed kitchen will provide both a sense of well-being and a favorite place in the home. As you plan your new kitchen, you must consider both the utility and the look factor.
Kitchen design ideas – choose the one that suits you best!
When thinking of ideas for designing your kitchen, you could either consider one- one part of the kitchen at a time or pick up a complete theme. A complete theme could be something like a design based on Feng Shui which incorporates all its principles. Feng shui concerns the art of placement and you could help you to arrange your kitchen in a way that enhances its good energy. For instance, according to Feng shui, the cook’s back should never face the kitchen entrance so you must design accordingly
Now according to the other way, you could choose a particular look for the kitchen floor, the walls, the storing place etc. this can be done in various ways depending upon the amount of money you are willing to spend, the lay out of the kitchen and your taste. Here are some specific design ideas for your kitchen –
* Kitchen floor- Your flooring choice is important as it will set the tone for the whole kitchen. The textural quality of the floor always appeals to eye and has a radical effect on how one perceives the room as a whole. For kitchens, the two most elegant floors are tiles / stones and laminated or hardwood floors. Ceramic tiles are a premium product for a kitchen and represent an impressive upgrade over any other floor. The only disadvantage is the cold feel. However if you want you can also opt for a floor heating system.
* Kitchen countertops – While choosing your countertop, select a color and texture that will compliment your cabinetry, floor or paint selection. Don't be afraid in combining two or more countertop materials. Complimentary colors and textures on adjacent surfaces create visual interest. Also remember, it pays to select a material, which will withstand years of use without extraordinary maintenance requirements and is easily repairable should an accident occur. Granite and marble are strong options.
* Kitchen lighting – you might have a large ceiling fixture, equipped with energy-efficient fluorescent tubes that supply plenty of well-diffused general lighting. However it may leave you working in your own shadow at the sink, range, and countertops. These areas in your kitchen need supplemental task lighting. Also placing your windows is a tricky question.
Kitchen design layout –
The perfect arrangement
Kitchen designing is very subjective, so a layout that might be perfect for one can be disastrous for another. This is primarily because the tastes, and the ways of people in terms of working habits, styles are vastly different. Thus kitchen layouts should be done according to the necessities and specifications of the prime user of the space, who has definite ideas about how he/she would like their working space to be. But apart from this subjective outlook, there are certain steps that you should follow while designing your kitchen plan or layout. Following are the stages –
Stages in kitchen design layout
Follow these simple steps in order to get your kitchen space rightly utilized with a desirable look-
1. Measure your kitchen in a detailed manner, the position of the doors, windows, electric points, drains and sinks etc.
2. Demarcate the kitchen areas into three – Storage, cooking and cleaning. Go about planning the space, keeping these three aspects in mind.
3. Make a list of the appliances that you are likely to use in the kitchen, and provide space for them according to their dimensions.
Keep these three points in mind and then design your kitchen in a style that fits in accordance to your tastes. Following are some of the stereotypical kitchen design layouts that are used –
Kitchen design layouts – Types
These are the 4 basic kitchen layouts that are generally followed while designing a kitchen –
1. Corridor layout – This is meant for a narrow kitchen, where there are two facing rows. One for storage and the other for cleaning and cooking. Make sure there is a minimum 1200mm space between the two rows.
2. L shaped layout – This is a layout, where the rows are diagonal to one another, thus forming an L shape. This gets the kitchen working space into the corner, thus giving a lot of free space to move about.
3. U shaped layout – this is the best choice for small kitchens and very convenient too.
4. Island layout - This one on the other hand is meant for large kitchens. Here the cooking hob is altogether a different box unit, while the L shaped row is meant for the sink and storage purposes.
These are the different ways in which you could plan your kitchen layout, and also make changes and alterations according to your preferences.
Jamie is the author of other Kitchen Design [http://www.homeimprovementtips.net/kitchens/] Tips located at Home Improvement Tips
Also check out our Home Improvement Tips Blog [http://www.homeimprovementtips.net/blog/] for other Tips.
Please stop by and sign up for our free home imporvement tips news letter.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Ho_Snodgrass
Kitchen design ideas –
Are You Designing Your Kitchen?
A kitchen is the central headquarters for the family. Kitchen is often the showplace of the home, and yet it is required to function well for a wide variety of tasks. A well-equipped, beautifully dressed kitchen will provide both a sense of well-being and a favorite place in the home. As you plan your new kitchen, you must consider both the utility and the look factor.
Kitchen design ideas – choose the one that suits you best!
When thinking of ideas for designing your kitchen, you could either consider one- one part of the kitchen at a time or pick up a complete theme. A complete theme could be something like a design based on Feng Shui which incorporates all its principles. Feng shui concerns the art of placement and you could help you to arrange your kitchen in a way that enhances its good energy. For instance, according to Feng shui, the cook’s back should never face the kitchen entrance so you must design accordingly
Now according to the other way, you could choose a particular look for the kitchen floor, the walls, the storing place etc. this can be done in various ways depending upon the amount of money you are willing to spend, the lay out of the kitchen and your taste. Here are some specific design ideas for your kitchen –
* Kitchen floor- Your flooring choice is important as it will set the tone for the whole kitchen. The textural quality of the floor always appeals to eye and has a radical effect on how one perceives the room as a whole. For kitchens, the two most elegant floors are tiles / stones and laminated or hardwood floors. Ceramic tiles are a premium product for a kitchen and represent an impressive upgrade over any other floor. The only disadvantage is the cold feel. However if you want you can also opt for a floor heating system.
* Kitchen countertops – While choosing your countertop, select a color and texture that will compliment your cabinetry, floor or paint selection. Don't be afraid in combining two or more countertop materials. Complimentary colors and textures on adjacent surfaces create visual interest. Also remember, it pays to select a material, which will withstand years of use without extraordinary maintenance requirements and is easily repairable should an accident occur. Granite and marble are strong options.
* Kitchen lighting – you might have a large ceiling fixture, equipped with energy-efficient fluorescent tubes that supply plenty of well-diffused general lighting. However it may leave you working in your own shadow at the sink, range, and countertops. These areas in your kitchen need supplemental task lighting. Also placing your windows is a tricky question.
Kitchen design layout –
The perfect arrangement
Kitchen designing is very subjective, so a layout that might be perfect for one can be disastrous for another. This is primarily because the tastes, and the ways of people in terms of working habits, styles are vastly different. Thus kitchen layouts should be done according to the necessities and specifications of the prime user of the space, who has definite ideas about how he/she would like their working space to be. But apart from this subjective outlook, there are certain steps that you should follow while designing your kitchen plan or layout. Following are the stages –
Stages in kitchen design layout
Follow these simple steps in order to get your kitchen space rightly utilized with a desirable look-
1. Measure your kitchen in a detailed manner, the position of the doors, windows, electric points, drains and sinks etc.
2. Demarcate the kitchen areas into three – Storage, cooking and cleaning. Go about planning the space, keeping these three aspects in mind.
3. Make a list of the appliances that you are likely to use in the kitchen, and provide space for them according to their dimensions.
Keep these three points in mind and then design your kitchen in a style that fits in accordance to your tastes. Following are some of the stereotypical kitchen design layouts that are used –
Kitchen design layouts – Types
These are the 4 basic kitchen layouts that are generally followed while designing a kitchen –
1. Corridor layout – This is meant for a narrow kitchen, where there are two facing rows. One for storage and the other for cleaning and cooking. Make sure there is a minimum 1200mm space between the two rows.
2. L shaped layout – This is a layout, where the rows are diagonal to one another, thus forming an L shape. This gets the kitchen working space into the corner, thus giving a lot of free space to move about.
3. U shaped layout – this is the best choice for small kitchens and very convenient too.
4. Island layout - This one on the other hand is meant for large kitchens. Here the cooking hob is altogether a different box unit, while the L shaped row is meant for the sink and storage purposes.
These are the different ways in which you could plan your kitchen layout, and also make changes and alterations according to your preferences.
Jamie is the author of other Kitchen Design [http://www.homeimprovementtips.net/kitchens/] Tips located at Home Improvement Tips
Also check out our Home Improvement Tips Blog [http://www.homeimprovementtips.net/blog/] for other Tips.
Please stop by and sign up for our free home imporvement tips news letter.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Ho_Snodgrass
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