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Jul

30

7 Kitchen Design Ideas

By KBC Kitchen & Bathroom

Authors Note: When either redesigning an existing kitchen or you are creating a new kitchen for a new home, some design ideas need to be examined. These kitchen design ideas can include whether it is a good ideas to include an island, a kitchen canopy, color of cabinets to set the tone of the kitchen, selecting the right lighting design, and the type or material used for the countertops.

Kitchens have evolved a lot over the years. 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.

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In deciding on how to design your kitchen, you must take into consideration such things as: will your kitchen have an island? Will it be of a modern or traditional design? What kinds of appliances will you need for your new kitchen design? What kind of lighting design?

1. Kitchen as ‘Great Room’

Whether you are redesigning an existing kitchen or planning a new kitchen in a new home there are some design considerations to keep in mind, such as including in an island or peninsula as part of the kitchen design. These can be used to connect the kitchen to a nearby dining area or family room thereby creating a ‘great room’. A kitchen island or peninsula will allow the cook to keep in visual and conversational contact with family members or guests in the adjoining family or dining room.

2. Create a Kitchen Canopy

To give the kitchen some visible borders without blocking views create a kitchen canopy. Also a high ceiling in the kitchen can create the perception of spaciousness.

3. Using Kitchen Cabinet Color to Set Tone of Kitchen Design

Kitchen cabinets will help set the tone for the whole room. The choice of wood will influence the overall look of your cabinets. To create a light look, use a light wood such as ash, beech, birch, oak, maple, or chestnut. For medium range, select cherry. To darker kitchens, choose wood that has some color to it.

4. Plan Out Use of Cabinets and Drawers in The New Kitchen Design

Plan out in the kitchen design blueprint just how your cabinets and drawers will be used and how much space and storage you will need before you start your new kitchen design. The first thing to examine is the counter surface area. Look at where you put everything in your existing kitchen and where in your new kitchen design will these things will go in the new space. Will there be more than one person cooking at a time. If so, will there be enough room for two cooks in the kitchen to work together?

5. Use The Galley-Type Kitchen Design

As for counter arrangements, many kitchen designers agree the galley-type design to be the best in terms of efficiency with it’s single aisle and counters to either side, making it easy to turn around to go from sink to cooking range.

6. Under-Cabinet Kitchen Lighting

kitchen lighting can be an overlooked area of kitchen design. Even if the kitchen has generally good lighting, the counter areas can be somewhat dark. For these areas under-cabinet lighting can help provide more light to work in. By using simple spots or fluorescent lights a smaller kitchen can be made to look larger.

7. Looking at Countertops

Granite, marble, and limestone are all popular natural materials for use in countertops are available in many colors. Ceramic tile kitchen countertops are versatile, practical, and also available in many colors, as well as many shapes, patterns, and finishes. Solid surface countertops provide seamless acrylic faces. Solid surfaces also come in almost limitless colors, patterns, and styles, and are stain and heat resistant. Laminate countertops are more affordable but not built to last. Concrete countertops are known for versatility, as well as strength. Wood countertops are long lasting and easy to clean and repair but the wood will not withstand exposure to water and household chemicals. Stainless steel countertops lack the elegance of granite or tile. These countertops do not absorb stains, but tends to scratch easily.

Jul

5

Worktops & Countertops for Kitchens

By KBC Kitchen & Bathroom

Worktops & Countertops for Kitchens

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Countertops and Worktops for kitchens are available in a variety of materials. The most popular options include: Laminate, Granite, Stainless Steel, Wood, Quartz Surfaces and Corian.

The countertop is not only necessary for a kitchen it is also an integral part of its design. Food preparation can deliver a large amount of wear and tear to the surfaces in the kitchen. Within this article we look at the various materials used for countertops and discuss the reasons for choosing them for your kitchen. Whether its durability, hygiene or cost, you can find both the advantages and disadvantages of each material below.

Jul

5

Kitchen Design - Kitchen Cabinets

By KBC Kitchen & Bathroom

Kitchen Design - Kitchen Cabinets

Because cabinet doors are the face of the kitchen, it will be very important that you choose a finish you want to look at for quite a number of years. Keep in mind that, whichever material you choose to use for your cabinets, durability and low maintenance have to be the key to your choice.

kitchen-design-kitchen-cabinets.gifAs most of the cabinet carcasses nowadays are made of chipboard, the only thing you have to worry about is the finish of the cabinet doors. First of all it is important to choose which material you want to use for the cabinet doors. In this section, the different finishes and their possibilities will be explained. Read more »

May

26

Preparing to Install New Kitchen Cabinets

By KBC Kitchen & Bathroom

When installing new cabinets, plan to do the job after completion of rough wiring and plumbing but before the finish flooring has been installed. By installing the flooring after cabinet installation, you won’t use more flooring than needed and the new floors are less prone to construction damage.

Unpack your cabinets and make sure all components are on hand. If your cabinets arrive disassembled, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly. Wait until after cabinet installation to add drawers, doors, and shelves. If you remove any parts, be sure to label them so you can return them to their proper places.
Solid Cherry Kitchen Cabinets 
The wall that backs cabinets should be level, smooth, and clean. To check it for flatness, place a long straightedge against it. Mark any bumps or voids so that, during installation, you can adjust for them.

When moving them around, you will discover that upper cabinets are heavy–just imagine their weight when they’re loaded with dinnerware and food. For this reason, it is imperative that they be fastened very securely to the wall stud framing behind the wall’s surface material. And the screws you use must go through a strong part of the cabinet such as a support rail that runs along the cabinet back. Every cabinet should be secured by at least three screws which penetrate the wall framing by at least 1 1/2 inches. For cabinet installation techniques, see How to Install Kitchen Cabinets.

May

19

Kitchen Redesign: Advantages and Disadvantages

By KBC Kitchen & Bathroom

There are a number of advantages to having a kitchen redesign. The greatest benefit is that the value of your home is increased. The increased value depends on the quality of the workmanship in the project. If your kitchen redesign is done properly, the value goes up. If you do not decide to sell and you are enhancing its aappearance based on your needs or the needs of your family, you will find that a kitchen redesign project will make the room your family spends a lot of time in more warm and inviting.

A disadvantage of a kitchen redesign project is the cost. If you decide to make small improvements such as replacing appliances the cost will be less than if you decide to do a major kitchen redesign which may include moving walls, changing the surface of the floor, changing the kitchen cabinets, adding marble countertops, and so on.

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A kitchen redesign project can be a do-it-yourself project or it can be professionally designed and the work can be done by a professional contractor. If you are handy with plumbing and electricity, you may want to make small changes yourself. However, it is always better to have a professional install an appliance such as gas stoves. Leaks can prove fatal to you and your family. Another disadvantage to do-it-yourself is familiarity with all the tools you will need to work with. You may injure yourself and this could cause you to lose time from work. You also need to consider the time it will take for you to make the changes.

An interior designer can assist you in the proper placement of fixtures and accessories as well as help you with the overall look and feel of the room. The interior designer draws up the plans and the contractor completes the work. Interior designers may also be able to get you a discount on the fixtures you need for your kitchen redesign.

You should research your ideas as to how you want your kitchen to look. Looking through magazines, books, and rooms on the Internet will give you ideas. You should clip pictures or print them out so you can discuss them with the designer if you decide to work with a professional.

When you decide on a kitchen redesign project, you will essentially get a new kitchen. It does not matter if it is just a change in cabinets, putting in a new sink or a new floor. When the project is completed, you will feel good about your new kitchen.

Mar

13

Elegant Kitchen Countertops

By KBC Kitchen & Bathroom

Elegant Kitchen Countertops

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Three considerations to remember:

  • When you choose your countertop, select a color and texture that compliments your cabinetry, floor or paint selection.
  • Don’t be afraid to combine two or more countertop materials in one kitchen. Complimentary colors or textures on adjacent surfaces can create visual interest.
  • Remember also that it pays to select a material that will withstand years of use without extraordinary maintenance requirements and is easily repairable should an accident occur.

Your options:

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Granite Countertops

Granite is…well…hard as a rock. Though costly, when buffed to a shine it creates a smashing look for kitchen counters. It is also riding a crest of popular style that began over 10 years ago. With granite tops, the experience and expertise of the fabricator is vitally important.

Marbel Countertops

Granite, marble, and limestone, all popular for countertops, are beautiful natural materials. In most areas, you’ll find a great selection of colors and figures.

Wood Countertops

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The quality of the countertop edge treatment is important. As an example, a solid surface counter is easy to clean and repair and will take years of use. It might look terrific with a wood edge to match the cabinets, but the wood will not withstand constant exposure to water and household chemicals like the solid surface material. Restrict the wood edge to an area such as a freestanding hutch and use matching or contrasting solid surface material for the front edge.

Consider combining quality decorative materials such as tile, granite or marble with solid surface. Many fabricators can create custom designs for a spectacular visual effect without compromising durability and easy maintenance.

When there are budget constraints, it makes sense to use the highest quality material for the counter areas that will sustain the greatest amount of use, specifying other materials to less often used areas.

Stainless Steel Countertops

Stainless steel countertops are not very elegant and look “cold”. They do not absorb stains oils or odors, but it will scratch easily and scratches cannot be repaired. You can view stainless steel countertops on this page

Other Resources

Kitchen ebook from TapDirect. A time and money-saving reference guide for KITCHEN REMODELING to add value to your home.

Subscribe to Mr. Skinner’s Remodeling & Home Improvement Newsletter with hundreds of money saving tips and tricks (scroll down the page for the subscription form).

Mar

13

SEN Kitchen Design Gallery

By KBC Kitchen & Bathroom

SEN is a professional Kitchen Design association. We partnered with them to bring you some of the best kitchens that their designers worked on. From old-style to contempary, you should be able to find the style that fits your need. Simply click on the thumbnails below to start our Flash Gallery system. You can also view another selection of 15 beautiful kitchen designs here.

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Sep

10

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas to Contempory Design

By KBC Kitchen & Bathroom

Another kitchen remodeling idea is to incorporate more than one work center so that more than one person can work efficiently in the kitchen at one time. A self-standing chopping block, service island, or other similar kitchen feature will increase convenient work space. Contemporary kitchen designs will typically feature light wood cabinets, such as alder, ash or birch; or metal, such as stainless steel

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Kitchen cabinets will help set the tone for the whole room. The choice of wood will influence the overall look of your cabinets. To create a light look, use a light wood such as ash, beech, birch, oak, maple, or chestnut. For medium range, select cherry. To darker kitchens, choose wood that has some color to it.

Ceramic tile kitchen countertops are versatile, practical, and also available in many colors, as well as many shapes, patterns, and finishes. Solid surface countertops provide seamless acrylic faces. Solid surfaces also come in almost limitless colors, patterns, and styles, and are stain and heat resistant.

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Aug

23

How to Choose the Best Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets

By KBC Kitchen & Bathroom

How to Choose the Best Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets,Outdoor Kitchen,Best Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets,How to Choose,Low cost cabinets,plywood,laminates,outdoor kitchen design style,outdoor kitchen design,door material,Teak,Cyprus,Stainless Steel,Polymer,Natural Stone,Cabinet construction,hardware,outdoor kitchen cabinet manufacturers,Hinge,Drawer Glides,Cabinet Door,Drawer Handles,Pool Toys,layout,Brooms and Mops,Lockable Cabinet

Outdoor kitchen cabinets are unique in that they need to withstand outdoor elements like sun, water and the changing weather conditions. Low cost cabinets constructed from plywood and laminates just won’t do. You need to find outdoor kitchen cabinets that are manufactured or custom built so that they will not rot, warp, discolor or peel and match your outdoor kitchen design style. With these tips you can assure yourself that the outdoor kitchen cabinets you choose are the very best for you and your outdoor kitchen.

Step 1

Choose the right cabinet and door material for your outdoor kitchen cabinets: It’s not only about look when choosing outdoor kitchen cabinets but each of these materials has a unique look and I’m sure one would be perfect for your outdoor kitchen design.

Teak: Teak with a rich dark wood finish has been used by the best boat builders for years.

Cyprus: Cyprus finished to a warm honey color with the right countertop combination can appear formal or family casual.

Stainless Steel: Stainless steel works marvelously with a huge gas grill and may even get the men in your life interested in your outdoor kitchen.

Polymer: Polymer has the unique characteristic of being available in a number of colors, actually, so many colors and panel designs that it may be the hardest material choice to make.

Natural Stone: Cabinet construction utilizing natural stone and a lighter weight but weather resistant choice for doors and drawers works great for an outdoor kitchen that will include a wood-fired oven.

  • Step 2

    Choose the best hardware for your outdoor kitchen cabinets: Hardware may not seem like an important choice when designing your outdoor kitchen but if your contractor sends you to the hardware store to make a selection you need to consider the elements again. You may even need to ask your contractor to be certain to use weather resistant screws for the installation. Some outdoor kitchen cabinet manufacturers require proof of proper installation before honoring their warranties.

    Hinges: An outdoor kitchen will be enjoyed by your entire family so choosing hinges that are self closing and weather resistant is important.

    Drawer Glides: Drawer glides that offer full extension and are weather resistant will last the longest in your outdoor kitchen.

    Cabinet Door and Drawer Handles: Handles are available in so many unique designs and they can add a look of class and unique style to your outdoor kitchen cabinets but you also want to keep safety and quality in mind when selecting the best ones. Stainless steel can be fashioned into a unique pull that’s perfect for the weather and design.

  • Step 3

    Choose the quantity and layout of your outdoor kitchen cabinets: I know you and your contractor may have already worked out a layout for your cabinets but make sure that you consider the unlimited storage opportunities that these cabinets provide before placing your order.

    Pool Toys: The construction of outdoor cabinets is perfect for your children’s outdoor toys. You may want to consider a storage bench that could add seating and storage for these possibly wet toys.

    Brooms and Mops: After your outdoor kitchen is installed you will not want to have to look for the push broom or mop in the shed or use your indoor cleaning supplies for the outdoor kitchen so a tall cabinet is something to consider.

    Lockable Cabinet: As your outdoor kitchen changes from family gatherings to adult gatherings you will want to be able to store some items in your cabinets that will need to be locked, so keep this in mind also.

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  • Aug

    15

    Kitchen countertops

    By KBC Kitchen & Bathroom

    Kitchen countertops are a necessity in every kitchen. They take the second most wear of any part of the kitchen. They need to be sturdy as well as durable not to forget reliable for the purposes they are needed in the room. There are different types of material used for the countertops including lament, granite, Corian, wood, and tile.

    Lament countertops are the most popular countertop material used. They are cost efficient, easy to install, and easy to clean. They come in different patterns accommodating the different décor for the kitchen. They are easily scratched and scarred. They do not last as long as the other styles of countertops. This is one reason people have started using other countertop materials in the kitchen.

    Granite countertops are a stone material. It is formed into the shapes and sizes of the countertop design for the kitchen.They have different colors of the granite yet they are also unique in the designs, which make replacing to match the current countertop extremely difficult. They are easy to clean but require special care to remove food particles and common kitchen bacteria. They can be cleaned with soapy water lightly rubbed on the surface. They have a long life if taken care of properly. They can also be expensive so it is recommended to select a design of the granite that will provide years of enjoyment.

    Corian countertops are a man-make stone material that is durable and long lasting. It is easy to clean and stain resistant. It is not porous like the granite countertop so it does not collect bacteria and food residue like the granite countertops. It is available in different colors and patterns making it very appealing to many people. It is heat resistant but it is not recommended to place hot objects directly on the surface. It is also not recommended to cut directly on the surface, use a cutting board instead. To remove scratches or nicks on the surface, softly rub sandpaper over the surface. Remember to consider the type of finish the countertop has as the use of sandpaper can damage the surface finish.

    Wood counters are made out of hardwoods like oak, maple, cherry, beech, walnut, and mahogany. They are more resistant to bacteria since the natural wood has the natural ability to avoid bacteria. They are easy to clean and maintain yet they so require regular maintenance consisting of mineral oil treatments to keep the conditions of the wood in top condition. It is not recommended to place hot objects directly on the surfaces of the wood as it will burn and scar the surface. It is also not recommended to cut directly on the surface.

    Tile countertops are made out of ceramic tile. They add the ability of creating custom designs by using different tiles in different shapes and designs. They are long lasting as long as they have proper care. They require having the grout in between each time to be sealed and special care is needed to combat build up of food debris and bacteria.

    The decision for the type of countertop material in the kitchen depends on the budget of the homeowner, needs of amount of maintenance, and desired life span of the countertop. Yet with the many options for the countertops, the homeowner has a large variety to select from that will provide the right option for any one