Monthly Archives: January 2016

Corner Cabinet Storage in Your New Kitchen  

14.01.2016 usaexpo Kitchen

 

The kitchen is the hub of the house. It is the most used room of the household. Hence, it becomes utmost important to keep it organized.  The kitchen should have enough working space along with the proper storage space. The modern kitchen is not only used for cooking food but it also serves the purpose of storage room as a dining area in many households. Hence, become very essential to keep it attractive and beautiful.

There are side corners of the kitchen which are generally known as blind corner as mostly all the things; irrespective of how big they are can go inside it from the mixer-grinder to large vessels and it would be difficult to locate anything without having a flashlight.

While designing or remodeling the kitchen it is essential to take the optimum utility of the side corner; which can be turned into an excellent cabinet by using pull out shelves or slide out shelves or may be Lazy Susan. Lazy Susan is ideal for the blind corner as it can help in finding or recovering the lost storage space in the corner. It can fit into any cabinet space and can even be loaded with lots of canned goods.

It can help to store the goodies which are frequently used in the kitchen. By opting for Lazy Susan with two tiers’ one shelf can be used for storing canned stuff and the other one can be used for storage of small appliances. It helps in keeping everything within reach.  The best part of it is that cabinet doors for the corner can be installed as pull out and everything can be easily accessed without any danger involved in getting the finger pinched.

Lazy Susan comes in different designs, sizes and shapes which can suit a variety of cabinets. Shapes can be such as kidney, half-moon or pie design. Some of them are even available along with baskets as well.

For the purpose of kitchen remodeling the corner cabinets can be shelved as well. It can be shelved with either wire mesh shelves with pull out. It can have multiple tiers; for keeping pans and small appliances. Hence; it can help in making easy to find out the things. One can even get the shelves with either two large or two small baskets which can be easily adjustable vertically. They can be installed in both right or left handed- cabinet spaces.

One more option is a wooden shelf to be used as pull out. It is quite similar to a shallow drawer and can be accessed from either side. These shelves and cabinets can help keep the kitchen well organized. Such cabinets can be installed with the help of people dealing with kitchen remodeling solutions or designers of the kitchen; who can guide well about what would be the most suitable for the kitchen to make most of the available space. Their valuable suggestion would definitely help in creating more utility space in the kitchen making it appear beautiful, striking and organized in every manner.

 

Custom Stove Hoods Offer A Unique Kitchen Accent

14.01.2016 usaexpo Kitchen

Are you planning to buy a customized stove hood for your kitchen? If yes, it means you are making sure that there will be a proper ventilation system that will be in accordance with the cooking equipment demands. Also, you will be able to own a seamless and sleek piece of art that helps in bringing an eclectic blend of feel, design and look of your kitchen.

These customized designs can be created in a seamless manner without any screws, rivets, connections or break-lines. The lower canopy is connected with the hood’s chimney using the process of fusion-welding and this happens without any ridge. They are not only modelled on the lines of traditional elements with infusion of some modern elements, but also look quite attractive. This way, you can enjoy the best of the both worlds, like the aesthetics of classic original hood and the convenience of modern hoods.

There are certain factors in the entire ensemble that makes it more effective. Utilizing every inch of the space filled, it is a highly effective and proficient ventilation system. These range hoods are designed and created with traditional craftsmanship which makes it one of the most desirable and intriguing aspects of the range hood. The old world charm, aesthetics and varied styles offer a unique style of range hood for every kitchen. These hoods are manufactured in a highly professional manner and this has helped this product to get rave reviews and acclaim. The seamless design seen in the products speaks volumes about the kitchen engineering and the skills that help in creating these products.

Originally, the purpose of the range hood was just to vent steam and provide light on the stove. The effective ventilation system helped in keeping cooking odors at bay. Now, with times and advancements in the technology, these range hoods offer much more to the customers. If you are planning to remodel your kitchen, the new element proves to be quite advantageous.

The custom range hoods available these days are created as per your specifications. Moreover, unique designs are incorporated, adding artistic details to the cooking area of the kitchen. This functional and artistic piece is going to change the very look of the kitchen. People who respect individuality and quality in stove hoods can seek professional help from us to design a unique, simply one of its kind range hoods. You will see that this range hood becomes the focal point of your kitchen.

Myriad materials are used by us to create unique products. Any metal can be custom fabricated as per your needs and this includes metals like pewter, copper, bronze, stainless steel or zinc. Wood species like pine, maple, mahogany or cherry are also used by us.

We can customize range hoods in any design or shape wished by you. We will work in close tandem with you to ensure a perfect design. With our services and a wide range of products, you can enjoy a custom stove hood for your dream kitchen and enjoy an outstanding space and working area.

Dream Kitchen: Do Your Research; Hire the Perfect Kitchen Remodeler

14.01.2016 usaexpo Kitchen

Looking for the right kitchen remodeler can seem like a challenge, but you can make it easier. When you take some simple steps, it could imply that you would have found the contractor, who would do the work for you quite well.

Ask for word of mouth references

Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a good professional in order to handle the job. Find out from neighbors, friends, and relatives by asking them who they had positive experiences with. Find out what made them find the experience with the contractor positive. Also, ask how they solved any problems with the remodeler and whether your relative or friend would use the same remodeler again.

Take a look at their credentials

Take a look at the variegated recommendations. Do some basic research whether by visiting the remodeler’s website or by calling him up. Do research on whether the contractor has the license from the state and local governments as well as designations from any associations for professionals. Any good professional remodeler would have passed tests and also invested in coursework that are rigorous in order to be able to earn a particular certification.

Interview candidates

Set up meetings by narrowing down the list of contenders. How a remodeler answers your questions is very important. However, communication has to go both ways.

Check the variegated references

Once you have established a rapport with the remodeler, ask to see some of his projects. If a green signal is given by him or her, then you should request references from him or her so that you can make a call to the people, who have been referred to.

Get in writing

Scrutinize all those documents that have been prepared for you by the remodeler, after you have zeroed in on one contractor. Do they look professional to you? Go through the contract you would be signing with them thoroughly. Make sure that the agreement is in written and that it includes a bid payment schedule and a bid price. The contract should also have details including a site plan, a list in case of a procedural close out, a clause about dispute resolution, and so on so that this would prevent contractors as well as subcontractors from putting a lien on your house should the dues go unpaid for by the contractor.

Get answers to questions

Make a list of questions you would like answers from the subcontractor to. Based on the phone interviews, see which contractor is most suitable for your project. Make sure you get along well with your contractor because they would be spending hours at a time in your house. On the other hand, do not let their personality fool you. Check in with your local Better Business Bureau and your state’s consumer protection agency. Make sure they do not have a history of disputes and problems with their subcontractors or clients.

Now that you have shortlisted a list of contractors, put your research to good use. Call up the former clients of these contractors and find out about the quality of the services they offer.

Fixtures For The Kitchen Of Your Dreams

14.01.2016 usaexpo Kitchen

“The success lies in details”, this is a popular saying and it is highly relevant, especially in the modern times, when little details can make something truly remarkable. The same applies to your kitchen. Elements like hardware and fixtures can make the kitchen look truly unique.

One of the aspects that must be focused on when remodelling a kitchen space is the fixtures that are used in a kitchen. There are many fixtures that will be used by you daily when working in the kitchen, like garbage disposal or a kitchen faucet. You will use a well finished countertop where you will cook delicious food for your family and take care of their health. You will use a water filter for serving clean, pure water to your family ensuring their proper health.

When you embark on a kitchen remodelling project, you will need to look for various fixtures that you may require in your dream kitchen. You can start looking for a suitable kitchen faucet. You need to look for an option that goes well with the overall décor and style of your kitchen. You can also seek kitchen designer’s help in this regard. You can discuss various available options and identify which option would prove to be most suited as per your kitchen’s needs.

If you are fond of cooking and planning to style your kitchen that suits your cooking sensibilities, you can plan to have a pot filler spout. Using it, there will be no spillage and sloshing of water, you just need to swivel the spout and fill it without splashing water here and there. You can get this fixture installed close to the cooking area as it will be more convenient and simple for you when using it.

In faucet, which is again an important fixture in any kitchen, there is no dearth of options. Take a decision on the basis of ease of use and this will help you in selecting a perfect option. Whatever works best for you must be chosen!

You also need to make a decision regarding the placing of faucet controls. For instance, earlier deck mount faucets were quite in vogue and they came with an added facility and element of separate or integrated spray option, while today wall mounted kitchen faucets have gained a lot of popularity as it help in easy cleaning the surface of the sink.

These days, with growing pollution, more and more people are looking forward to install high end water filtration systems that provide them with clean and pure water. For this purpose, there can be a provision of a separate faucet that can help you to get a continuous supply of filtered drinking water. You can also go for just one faucet that handles filtered as well as unfiltered drinking water from a single source. Besides faucet options, you also need to look into sink accessories like soap dispensers, touch activated beverage faucets and more. This way the entire area close to the sink will improve from the functionality point of view.

All these elements will help in remodelling a kitchen as per your expectations.

Glass Cabinet Doors Add A Finishing Touch To Kitchen & Bathroom Design

14.01.2016 usaexpo Bathroom Kitchen

These days, many homeowners are incorporating glass doors in the cabinets being installed in kitchens and bathrooms. It not only imparts beauty to the cabinet and the overall space, but also helps people to look for whatever they are looking for without wasting time opening cabinet doors again and again.

If as a homeowner, you are looking for a perfect blend of aesthetics with practicality, you must choose glass doors in the kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Glass inserts can be easily incorporated within customized wood doors. A modern and sleeker feel can be enjoyed with fluted glass on the doors. This way, the items placed in the cabinets will be partly obscured while the onlookers can still enjoy the sense of guessing what may be behind the doors.

Many homeowners prefer frosted glass panels that are used on customized wood doors and offer a nice look to them. If the kitchen space is less and the layout is such that the length of the kitchen is more than its breadth, using glass doors on the cabinets impart it an open feel and make it look wider and spacious than it is. The contents in the cabinet look more blurred when compared with the fluted glass and this way you can easily hide the clutter that is usually seen in the kitchens.

The reason behind the immense popularity of glass front doors of cabinets is the aesthetics and look of sophistication. Also, using glass breaks the monotony of wood, metal, tiles, etc., that are predominantly used in a kitchen or a bathroom. You can go for patterned glass or frosted glass panel as cabinet doors. It will also depend on the overall décor of the area. If you want to show off your expensive china and other attractive glassware, you can select clear glass panels.

These days, restoration glass and seeded glass options are also being used popularly for cabinets. Depending on the look you expect in the kitchen and the clarity of items stored in the cabinets, you can make a suitable choice.

When embarking on a kitchen remodelling project, you can choose a plan that works well with the entire house. This way, the décor of the entire house will seem integrated and seamless. The room space will be divided but the flow will not be interrupted. Using frosted glass on the cabinets also allow light to reflect making the kitchen well lit. The glass also allows seeing what is behind the glass doors and you can showcase your mixers and serving dishes and many more things that need to be put away but at the same time needs to be displayed.

In bathrooms, you can go for frosted glass cabinets and ensure that bathroom clutter remains hidden while at the same time making the space well lit. If your kitchen is too small, you can use mirrored front doors on the cabinets as it will make the space look spacious and lighter.

Using glass doors on cabinets can help you in many ways, aesthetically as well as functionally!

Updating the Family Bathroom

14.01.2016 usaexpo Bathroom

Updating or remodeling the family bathroom can create additional space for the members of the family to use.

Adding a new bathroom

You would require consulting a professional in case you want to add a new bathroom to your house. A designer can help you decide where it would be the best fit and what the best layout for your new bathroom would be, depending on your current floor plan. Most conveniently, a family bathroom or a guest bathroom should be located as near the front door as possible. You would be better off installing it near the secondary bedrooms or the front door.

Storage solutions

Functional and adequate storage space is important for any bathroom. The clutter, which is the result of improper storage, can be frustrating and this can result in the bathroom seeming smaller and messy at the same time. When you get the old cabinets replaced with eye catching, new ones, you would find that you not only get enough storage space, but also something with beauty. When you provide plenty of space for storing your clothes or clothes hampers in your bathroom, you would make it a place to conveniently store your things without cluttering up the entire house.

Style selection

The design and the style of the bathroom should be such that it is convenient to use and easy to maintain. You can create a design that is pleasing to the eyes and appeals to your personal sense of style. Choose the décor items that can be easily cared for and maintained. The fixtures, countertops, and flooring that have been selected for the family bathroom will get much more use than the other bathrooms so that purchasing with durability as a factor is necessary. This can be done easily without compromising the integrity or the style of your home.

Lighting matters

Whether you are adding a new bathroom or simply remodeling the existing family bathroom, you would need to use specific lighting solutions. Adjustable lighting options will accommodate ambiance lighting as well as task lighting. Bright lighting in the shower will give enough light for shaving as well as for showering. A softer light is required near the toilet for reading. Finally, it would be necessary to add a large mirror that will make the space look more open and it is necessary for proper primping and grooming.

Final touches

When you keep a well maintained bathroom that is fully stocked, it will make life much easier in many ways. There can be nothing as frustrating as stepping into the shower, only to realize that you have forgotten something. When you provide delicate supplies for each bathroom, it will help you avoid time wasting, annoying incidents. If you have some guests coming over to stay with you, they would appreciate not having to ask for many things. Extra toothbrushes, shampoos, towels, and the like will make your guests feel right at home.

A simple bathroom remodel can help add beauty and functionality to your home. It would create a space that the family would enjoy.

6 Modern Bathroom and Kitchen Upgrades

14.01.2016 usaexpo Bathroom Kitchen

Kitchen and bathroom remodeling is an excellent way to beautify the look of your home and to increase its overall value without investing much money. The following is a list of modern ideas that can help you with kitchen and bathroom remodeling.

  1. Adding an artsy touch

Kitchens are the best place to experiment with functionality and aesthetics. There are numerous options for upgrading and renovating this space. In the recent period many people use range hoods to beautify their kitchens. This is not a surprise for those who have checked the range hoods options that appear on the market. It is very easy to customize hoods because you only have to change the panels. These panels come in different forms and materials. Accent doors are a perfect replacement for cupboard doors. You can also add new backplash. It won’t take more than few minutes to finish this task and transform the space.

  1. Using environmental-friendly elements

Eco-friendly elements and products are getting more and more popular and this is a trend that won’t stop in the near future. There are many different green solutions for your bathrooms and kitchens on the market. You can choose eco-friendly devices like energy-efficient fridges, dishwashers and stoves, but you can also experiment with the flooring and use environmentally friendly flooring made of recycled wood.

  1. Using drawers for kitchen appliances

We are all aware of the fact that dishwasher and fridge drawers are very practical. However, only a small number of people are using a microwave drawer. This is actually a quite handy solution because it improves the practicality and appearance of the kitchen. Use as many drawers as you can in order to create a compact kitchen.

  1. Use the latest technology solutions

Thanks to the advance of technology we are witnessing some really amazing devices and designs these days. TVs are installed in the kitchens and bathrooms and many appliances are becoming “smart”. These devices use different sensors and they can be easily synched with your smartphone, desktop or laptop computer and tablet. With just a few clicks you can adjust the temperature in the fridge, prepare the oven or you can install sensors that will start or finish some tasks by using a voice command.

  1. Change the shapes

Who says that bathtubs need to be rectangular? More and more people are making experiments with different shapes for different elements found in bathrooms and kitchens. Use curves instead of sharp angles, add some shapes that are not typical for this part of the home. All these things will make this space look more attractive and it may help you finish some tasks faster.

  1. Asian style

It seems that interior designers these days are especially fond of using Asian elements in the kitchens and bathrooms. Elements made of bamboo, traditional Japanese doors, wall-mounted hardware in the bathroom are some of the elements that you can find in trendy bathrooms and kitchens. The good news is that they look great even if the entire space is not decorated exclusively in this style.

A Few Things You Need To Do before Hiring a Kitchen Contractor

14.01.2016 usaexpo Kitchen

If you are considering using the help of a kitchen contractor you should be prepared to do some research. In the recent period, the number of kitchen contractors is rapidly growing which is probably quite logical because the interest in kitchen remodeling is growing too. However, what we all need to know is that not all of these contractors provide the same quality. What you probably want is to hire a professional and reliable contractor that can finish this task fast and at a fair price. In order to find a kitchen contractor like that you need to take few things into consideration.

  1. Use the help of your friends or colleagues

It is a good idea to start your search by asking your friends or colleagues who have recently used a service like this. If you had the chance to check their new kitchens and you are satisfied with the work, chances are that you will like the work of the contractor in your home too. Try to learn more about the way their contractor finished the job and did they have good experience.

  1. Use the internet

You can also use the help of the Internet. Every modern kitchen contractor has a website. You can use the major search engines to find kitchen contractors that operate in your area. You can also use the Internet to find reviews and testimonials about their work. The more positive reviews they have the better.

  1. Check their background

Once you have several names, it is time to check their credentials and background. Check whether they have all the necessary licenses issued by local and federal organizations. A serious professional kitchen contractor will have these licenses and they will also be glad to show you the courses and tests they have finished.

  1. Doing an interview

It would be perfect if you select 3-4 serious candidates and continue your research by making interviews. Call them and arrange a meeting. In this way you will have the chance to learn more about them and their personality, but you will also have the opportunity to ask some questions that will help you get a clearer picture about the candidates. Make sure to create a list of relevant questions that will help you out with this task. Of course, some of the things you must ask include – what is their experience in this field, how many projects they have finished and can they show you samples of their work, the cost of the entire project and the duration. Evaluate the answers that you receive from all the candidates in order to find the right one.

  1. Check their previous work

As previously mentioned, it is a good idea to check the contractor’s previous work. Ask them to give the names of some of their former clients and contact them.

  1. Make a contract

Before you sign the contract, make sure to read it carefully and see if everything is covered.

How to find new and interesting bathroom cabinet ideas?

14.01.2016 usaexpo Bathroom

We are aware of the standard bathroom cabinets that come with square look, but it seems that in the recent period there is a completely new trend in this field. More and more people look for bathroom storage space that is based on standalone furniture in different shapes.

People have realized the importance of the bathroom and the fact that modern people spend more time in this area. That’s why they are looking for different ways to make this place more unique and more pleasant. If you want to start with bathroom remodeling and you are interested in changing the storage space you should definitely forget the standard pieces of furniture used in the bathroom. The cabinets there must have a stylish look.

Some people use antique pieces of furniture and place marble on top of them. However, many experts agree that almost all standard pieces of furniture can be easily converted into cabinetry. Don’t be disappointed if you find a piece of furniture that doesn’t have appropriate dimensions for your bathroom because most manufacturers can provide different sizes of the same product. So, don’t hesitate to ask the manufacturers about the possibility to get the same product in a different size.

Another great idea is to use cabinets right on the top of the vanity countertop. You will get a nice example of furniture right in front of your face. If you still don’t have an idea about how to do that, consider placing wood or glass cabinets right on top the vanity. Use plugs inside the cabinets. Instead of plugging and unplugging your bathroom appliances you can use them right away.

In the recent period the designers pay equal attention to the vanities and the bathroom cabinets. Bathrooms are now used for presenting things too. They can be made from the same material used in vanities or from some other compatible material. The best part is that they stand alone and they are practically independent.

One of the first things that you will notice in a modern bathroom that follows these rules is the separated piece of furniture that seems to be adding a unique touch to the overall appearance of the bathroom. They improve the visual appearance by adding color. In addition, you can use more colorful towels, add some pictures and essential oil bottles. All these things can improve the look of your bathroom. Don’t forget to use glass to protect the pictures. In this way you and the visitors of your bathroom will get a feeling that they are inside a spa.

In case your bathroom is not very big and there is no space for extra piece of furniture use the walls. Use the walls to place cabinets and shelves on them. This is a nice way to store your shower gels, deodorants, shampoos and similar products that are frequently used in the bathroom.

As you can see it doesn’t take much to refresh the look of your bathroom and make this area more practical and functional.

Should you Care about Grout for your Bathroom Design?

12.01.2016 usaexpo Bathroom

Remodeling a bathroom can be a fun project to take on. The process may or can include things such as choosing new tiling, fixtures, and so forth. Through all the planning the one thing you probably over looked or didn’t think to even consider discussing is the options of grout. Grout isn’t just one of those things that come in one standard types as there are different types and they all work differently. For those of you who may not be familiar with grout or the differences, were hoping to use this article and educate you on what type you might want to consider and why you should care.

  • What is it?
  • Grout is a special substance that seals tiles down and keeps them protected from water damage. It aids in finishing a project like laying tiles as well as adding decoration. It helps things like tiles to stand up against the usual wear and tear.
  • What types of grout are there?
    – unsanded grout
  • Sanded
  • Epoxy
  • Urethane
  • Glass bead.
  • Why should I care about grout?

Grout is going to be what makes a lot of your bathroom project possible and choosing the right grout is going to determine what your bathroom looks like when it finishes it. Without grout laying tiles down wouldn’t be possible, nor would they maintain their strength and durability. More so, it would also make sealing bathtubs, sinks and other features in the bathroom that we commonly use impossible. As there are so many different types of grout and they all serve different purpose as well as are meant to do different things, it’s important that you pick the right one for your project.

Think about this for a moment, you decide to remodel your bathroom and wake up in the middle of the night, half asleep and stumble in to the bathroom and upon entering cut your foot on that pretty new tiling that you just had placed only the day before. This could have been avoided had grout been laid down to create an even and smooth surface that would have filled the gaps and given you a smooth surface to walk upon. Now let’s assume that even if you didn’t cut your foot, but you decided to take a shower. Now a few weeks to maybe a month down the road you notice that the very same tile you just paid for is chipping, growing mold, and other unsightly issues. Had you chosen to not only use grout, but the correct one your tiles would have lasted and not broke down as easily.

Grout is enabling your bathroom to keep its beautiful finish and protecting it against the elements of people getting in and out of the shower and tracking water in an unprotected area. Grout is a key element in completing and protecting any bathroom that you want to withstand normal use and wear and tear for years.