Monthly Archives: January 2016

Your kitchen will reflect on your lifestyle at the end of the day. Since there are no hard and fast rules on where you must splurge and what you must save on, it will eventually depend on what is most important to you.

If you are an entertainer, then you might see a warming drawer and wine coolers as necessary. If you are a gourmet cook, then you might splurge on a new professional induction cooking range. If you are a busy family, then you might want many a cabinet for storing stuff in and kitchen countertops to place things on.

Are you planning a kitchen remodeling session with an interior designer to enable you to cook inside the home that you plan on living in forever? Then, how about you consider remodeling only your kitchen? Besides, the kitchen is the space for family get-togethers every night. Consider placeholders, if you cannot afford certain things, though you want to remodel your kitchen fully. So, for instance, instead of having a granite countertop, get a cheap alternative for the same. Here is some general advice on where to splurge and where to save.

Where to splurge and where to save

Appliances

Look for appliances that are energy-efficient and that come with warranties, since you would be using the appliances more than anything else in the kitchen. Make sure that you are maintaining a balance between what you are spending on cabinets and appliances. If you are considering spending more on appliances, then you will be left with little money to spend on kitchen countertops, cabinets, and the other items for your kitchen. However, be careful what appliances you spend money on. For instance, you may need to replace a refrigerator in 10 to 15 years’ time. However, a cooktop will last longer. Spend on that. If you have kids, who leave dirty dishes behind, then consider investing in a quality dishwasher.

Cabinetry

Some costs that drive up the costs of cabinetry include tax, delivery, and installation. Roll-out trays, drawers, and the like also add to the extra costs of the cabinetry. Also invest in a waste-recycling center for your kitchen. Make sure you select cabinets that have soft-close drawers, which will work out to be extremely convenient for you when you re-sell the house. Use a veneer cabinet instead of a hardwood cabinet, if you want to save on your kitchen remodeling project. Today, you can get finishes with the good looks, but without the hefty price tags. However, those cabinets that come for a hefty price can last you longer than those that do not cost much.

Hardware

Pulls, knobs, and handles can make the kitchen look fresh. You could select anything from simple hardware that does not cost you much to bespoke hardware that could come at a heavy price. If you want to save money, consider going for the same hardware brand that you have already gone for before. And do not worry if your faucet is of one metal and your drawer pulls are of another metal. What matters is that the kitchen will look better with some variety.

The kitchen is the heart of every home. It is usually the place where everyone gathers to share their special moments of the day or cook up their favorite meal or special treat. These times are not just about food, but also the bonding that can occur over something that is so basic to our survival. If you want to give a fresh lease of life to your home, what better place to start than the kitchen? You don’t have to empty your bank account or tear down your kitchen in order to make it fresh and new! Here are three kitchen remodeling trends that will make your home fabulous!

1. White is the new black!

Yes, having white as the predominant color palette for your kitchen is the latest trend that can be seen in all the decor magazines and websites across the world. Combine this with minimalistic and open kitchen cabinets and you will have a kitchen that is like a breath of fresh air into your home. Having open cabinets and white on the walls, cabinets and countertops opens up your kitchen space unlike any other color. It feels brighter and sunnier instantly. This does not mean it has to be pristine white. Shades of off white also offset the appliances and furniture in your kitchen very well. White floor-to-ceiling cabinetry in a white kitchen further opens up the space, reducing storage from other areas and giving more space to store the essentials.

2. Warm metallic colors

Gone are the days when stainless steel ruled the kitchen! Now is the time of warm metallic shades for your hardware. Having these in individual colors or combining them is up to you. Brass, chrome, and copper as well as shades of graphite or iron impart a very beautiful tone to your kitchen. Bronze is also a trend that is picking up very fast, with the oil-rubbed tone being seen in the trendiest kitchens across the world. These could be for the faucets, the hoods, knobs, towel rings, handles, and even light fixtures. They highlight the whites of the cabinets or the marble countertops beautifully. They also give a warm burnished glow under any kind of lighting.

3. Natural, raw materials

Wood, brick, concrete, exposed beans and wood planks-expect to see all these in kitchens this year. For renovations, there are stunning veneers that evoke the sense of the real deal. You can also recycle wood from other projects or buy reclaimed wood. Use it to make the open cabinets. Wood in different colors, stains, and grains give a warm and lived-in look to your kitchen. Mixing wood of different colors also gives a multidimensional appeal to your kitchen. These could be in shades of honey to darker tones. Maple and oak remain hot favorites. For a spectacular combination with the other hot trend of the season, warm metallic shades, cherry wood is the color to go for.

With these kitchen remodeling trends, you can also be sure of a timeless appeal that can withstand the onslaught of any new trends to come!

If you want to have a great time working in the kitchen, then everything around must be just as you want –lots of light, air, working space and yes, a good countertop ! There are so many to choose from and with so many options one is left a little bewildered as to what the right one is. It will make it easier when you know what’s actually available.

There’s no doubt that stone in its most popular forms such as granite and marble are hot favorites. Not only are they durable and long lasting but they are classic materials that will always remain in vogue. They are a little expensive but well worth it. Granite, especially, comes in various shades and with a little bit of maintenance looks good as new every day. Its luster, sheen and elegance makes it incomparable.  If you can afford it, go in for granite.

Marble, limestone and soapstone can also be used and white marble looks really good. It will adorn any countertop but these three are a little softer than granite. While marble is beautiful to look at, waterproof and heatproof, it’s not immune to stains. It’s expensive and generally not used over the entire countertop. Soapstone is smooth, darkish gray in color but can crack over time.

If you’re looking for something that’s really affordable and easy to maintain, ceramic tiles is your best bet. It’s a great choice for those who like texture, color and design when they work. The only problem however is that they may chip or crack rather easily.

For those who like light countertops, wood is a good, warm choice and comes in a lot of finishes, but although it’s easy to clean and maintain, water can damage it and over time stains get accumulated. It also warps easily and is extremely susceptible to moisture, heat and other elements.

Laminate is affordable and is available in an array of designs and colors. Although it is very attractive to look at, it scratches easily and doesn’t tolerate heat. If you’re one of those that keep redecorating your kitchen often, laminates may be a welcome change as they can mimic stone, metal or even wood.

You want to add a modern touch? Go in for Stainless steel countertops as they can complement so many appliances and items found in the kitchen. It’s nice and shiny to look at, easy to clean but if it does get dented, then it’s hard to repair.

Eco-friendly? Choose a bamboo or a recycled glass countertop. While glass is durable and easy to clean, it can chip and break on impact. Bamboo is rather versatile and unique, offers good functionality, but remember it’s very much like wood and needs to be protected from water.

So what’s your choice? Hope this has made it a little easier for you. Get a great countertop and enjoy working in the kitchen.

There are many ways in which a person can create the perfect kitchen. There are people who opt for only two colors in order to create a stylish effect, there are people who want to achieve a vintage style, and there are others who only care about their personal tastes. If you are going through a process of kitchen remodeling you probably have many ideas regarding the way you want to make your kitchen. However, you should keep in mind that regardless of the kitchen countertops you are going to choose and regardless of where you will place the cabinet, the most important detail is represented by the backsplash. There are many people who ignore this detail, saying that there are more important things related to a kitchen. However, if you are willing to read the following lines you will find out more information about the importance of the backsplash.

• Choose white for the illusion of space

Small kitchens may be really cute, but if there isn’t enough space, people will feel trapped. This is the reason why you have to pay special attention to the way you are going to redecorate if your kitchen is actually small. Luckily, even if your kitchen is small, you can easily create the illusion of space if you add as much white as possible. One reminder would be not to make all your kitchen white. You can easily focus on the backsplashes.

• Chalkboard backsplash

If you want to be innovative and to have a unique kitchen, you can definitely opt for chalkboard backsplash. In this way you can add your 100% personal style. It’s time to reveal your creativity and let other people admire your work.

• Illusion of stones

Go back to the origins with the help of a backsplash that replicates stones. In this way you can create anything you wish, from a rustic style to a ultra-modern style.

• Go for shapes

Regardless of the color you are going to choose, you should keep in mind that a simple backsplash might be a little boring. However, if you decide to choose something that contains different shapes (geometrical figures, hearts, stars, or anything else) you will be able to reveal a small piece of your personality.

• Match it with the kitchen countertops

One way in which you can have the assurance that you have the perfect kitchen is to decide to match the backsplash with your kitchen countertops. In this way they will look great, allowing you to have a great kitchen.

• Use contrasts

If you want to create a unique effect that will stand out from the first time someone enters the kitchen, you should use the backsplashes in order to create powerful contrasts. In this way you will be able to create something unique and stylish.

• Illuminate your backsplash

If you want to have a stylish kitchen, you can also think about illuminating the backsplash. It will confer your kitchen an elegant look.

Kitchen remodeling can be a challenging job, especially if you want to have the perfect kitchen that is able to stand out from anything you have seen before. Unlike bathroom remodeling, which is an easy task, kitchen remodeling requires time and dedication. It might appear to be a simple job, but it needs a lot of creativity. Perfection lies in details, and you should pay attention to all the details that can be mixed throughout your kitchen.

If you are interested about this subject you can read the following lines. In this way you will be able to learn more about kitchen remodeling, about how to bring together different details, and about how to impose your personal style, which will make it unique from all points of view.

• Stainless steel and wood

Mix and match is all about combining different materials that can stand out, and which look great together. This means that you can also combine different styles in order to create something unique. There is no need to settle for a modern or for a traditional kitchen, at least not if you know how to combine them in order to reflect your own personality. For instance, you can have a wood floor that is combined with a stainless steel cabinet.

• Play with colors

Nowadays most of the people like to have their kitchen in two colors. However, if you want to stand out and to create your own style, you can definitely choose many more colors that can go well together. Think about yellow kitchen countertops, blue floor, white refrigerator, and green plants that are sitting on the cabinet. It’s time to think about all the colors you like.

• Divide in areas

One interesting thing about this process of mix and match is the fact that you can dive the area from your kitchen in different parts. In this way you can have a corner especially created for cooking, a corner for eating, and a corner for relaxing. You can even find a place for a TV. It’s all up to you.

• Familiar corner

Regardless of the way you want to redecorate your kitchen, you should make sure that you create a familiar corner that says something about your personality. There are many people who create impersonalized kitchens because they want to replicate a kitchen from a fashion magazine, and thus, they forget to bring their own personal tastes. You should not make this mistake. Let people know that you’ve let your mark there.

• DIY

This might sound strange, but if you want to have a unique kitchen, you do not have to buy the most expensive items from the market. All you need to do is to create things that you love. After all, you should keep in mind that DIY has an increasing popularity, being the latest trick of fashion in many homes. If you don’t know how to handle DIY projects, you have the possibility to watch tutorials.