Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling

by: Lee Dobbins
Choosing a kitchen counter material can be an overwhelming task in the midst of a huge kitchen makeover. Before you select a material, try to decide what look you are going for. Scour magazines and take a trip to your local home improvement center to get an idea how each type of material will effect the overall style of the kitchen.

Some materials for kitchen counter tops include:

Laminate - The least expensive and comes in a huge range of colors. You have to be careful not to cut or put anything hot on the surface, but it is easy to clean. It is not as durable as stone or Corian and doesn’t look as nice either!

Tiles - Tiles can range in price from very inexpensive to very expensive depending on your choice. In my opinion they make terrible counter tops because food and such tends to get caught in the grout lines. Even worse, if you use light colored grout it gets dirty very quickly and must be scrubbed all the time. Tiles can crack and chip easily.

Corian - A very durable counter that is seamless and has the look of granite. It comes in a myriad of colors and can scratch, but these can be sanded and repaired. Unlike stone, it will melt so no hot pots on the counter top. More expensive than laminate but a bit less than stone.

Granite - This material is a long time favorite and one of the most expensive. It is extremely durable and virtually scratch free and heat proof. It is porous, though so you will have to wipe up any spills quickly and be careful about what chemicals you put on it. These days, granite comes in a range shades in the gray - black - green and even dark blue colors. Granite must be sealed every year, but otherwise is quite easy to clean and care for.

Marble - Beautiful but very porous and is not really practical for a counter top. It will stain easily with normal food prep.

Slate - Slate has a nice warm earthy look without the shininess of granite. It is durable and easy to clean and unlike granite is nonporous. Scratches can be easily repaired.

Butcher Block - Wood kitchen counter top materials can give hour kitchen a warm look. Butcher block is good for cutting as the marks can be sanded out but it is not very resistant to bacteria or stains. Would need periodic conditioning.

Concrete - Fast becoming a favorite in modern kitchens that want an industrial look, concrete is a mid priced material that can be mixed to form any color and even can be mixed with little pieces of anything you want it it! It is durable and easy to clean but is very porous and should be sealed to avoid staining.

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About the author:

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.home-improvement-solution.com
in addition to other sites. Visit the article database at http://www.home-improvement-solution.com/articles.htmlfor more on remodeling and home improvement.

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The kitchen as we all know is becoming the most used room in most homes. It is not only used for cooking and eating; it is also used for social gatherings. Because of this, kitchen planning regarding such aspects as ergonomics and optimized work flows (distance, time) need to be taken into consideration when coming up with any kitchen design.

The ergonomic kitchen is a kitchen design that should be planned to suit you. What is important to the practical use of your new kitchen are specific heights, depths, widths & clearances that need to be observed. The right kitchen design should be one that creates a working environment that takes into account the exact movements of the person using the kitchen. This can include giving careful consideration to working heights for preparation, cooking and cleaning.

The kitchen as we all know is becoming the most used room in most homes. It is not only used for cooking and eating; it is also used for social gatherings. Because of this, kitchen planning regarding such aspects as ergonomics and optimized work flows (distance, time) need to be taken into consideration when coming up with any kitchen design.

The ergonomic kitchen is a kitchen design that should be planned to suit you. What is important to the practical use of your new kitchen are specific heights, depths, widths & clearances that need to be observed. The right kitchen design should be one that creates a working environment that takes into account the exact movements of the person using the kitchen. This can include giving careful consideration to working heights for preparation, cooking and cleaning.

by: Lee Dobbins
Small changes can have a big effect on how your kitchen looks. Below are 11 decorating ideas that you can do yourself in a day or less. Not only are these simple changes are easy to do, but they are inexpensive too!

1. Afraid of changing your drab white kitchen walls? Instead of choosing rich, deep colors for your first project, you will likely feel more comfortable with a neutral such as beige or gray which will not date the room or create a jarring palate that you will easily tire of.

2. Brighten up the kitchen. Use mirrors to capture the sunlight and bounce it around. Try putting a mirror across from a window or on a wall that corners against the window wall for the most light distribution.

3. Make seasonal changes. Moving the kitchen furniture into a ’summer arrangement’ can optimize your space and give it a more airy feel. Make it light and breezy - think about removing some of the furniture and decorations for a lighter feel. Open those curtains and let the sun shine in!

4. Use slipcovers. Slipcovers over your chairs can soften the room and add to your decor. For the holidays, try using special covers in holdiay patters or colors. For a nice summer change use white cotton or canvas slipcovers on the chairs.

5. Get ideas from the pros. Look in magazines, books, television or the internet to get a flavor of the accessories and designs you would like to see in your kitchen. IF you see a kitchen decorated in a way that you like, think about how you can duplicate the same decor in your home.

6. Decorate with cookbooks. You can make a nice display with your cookbooks. Try grouping them in interesting configurations with some laying down and some standing. Don’t put small books next to tall books but align them in graduating sizes.

7. Warm it up with rugs. Area rugs can add a splash of color or cover up an old or unmatching floor. When buying rugs, measure the space so you can be sure to get the right size. Rugs used under a table should be large enough to also accommodate the chairs when fully pulled out.

8. Bring the outdoors inside. Don’t be afraid to hang plants from any bare ceiling corner to give a lived in feeling to a plain kitchen. Plants provide interest and soften up the room. For above the cabinets or hard to reach places, silk plants work just as well as real ones, however, if you do buy silk, go with a good quality arrangement that looks realistic.

9. Change your look with accessories. A few strategically places accessories can change your kitchen from dull to dramatic! Maybe you want to go with a certain theme and you might be able to give your kitchen a whole new look just by replacing some key accessories like toaster covers, dish towels, cannister sets, salt and pepper shakers and pot holders.

10. Change your cabinet pulls. Theres so many different styles of cabinet pulls these days - figural, wooden, ceramic, glass - you should be able to find a design that matches your new decor easily. They are easy to install yourself and your friends will think you got new cabinets!

11. Add a border. wallpaper borders are easy to put up and can add color and interest. You can use them at the top of the wall or go with a less traditional use underneath the cabinets. Use them at chair rail height to break up long walls. An even less expensive (but more labor intensive) alternative is to use stencils and paint.

About the author:
Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.a-kitchen-decorating-idea.comwhere you can find tips to decorate your kitchen no matter what your budget. Find out more about decorating your kitchen for less at http://www.a-kitchen-decorating-idea.com/decoratingkitchenonabudget.html

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As more and more homes have to be built, more and more people are using kitchen island design ideas to maximize their kitchen space. Here are a few kitchen island design ideas that you might want to use as you plan that storage and extra work space for your kitchen.

1. Incorporate electronics and plumbing into the island.

A kitchen island is not only a work area or extra cabinet space. It should allow you to have everything you need within your reach. If you plan to chop vegetables and fruits on it, you will need a sink nearby. If you plan to toast bread the minute you slice it, or if you plan to bake cakes and pop them into the oven immediately, you will also need a built in stove.

2. Have both open and closed shelves in the island for more style.

Have open shelves for plates or saucers, and closed cabinets for knives and pots and pans. You might also want to have a dishwasher installed in the island, so that you can store your utensils easily.

3. Be creative.

Your kitchen island can have a wine rack, shelves to store your cook books, a bin for deep frying, or higher surfaces on which you can carry out slicing work separate from batter or mixing work. The possibilities are endless if you have a wide kitchen and a large island to boot.

Just be sure that you do not go overboard on the kitchen island amenities: a kitchen island is meant to keep everything within your reach, but don’t store the wines next to the hot oven, or the dried spices next to the moisture-rich plumbing.

You can find more kitchen island design ideas at your friends’ homes, so don’t be afraid to consult with as many people as possible on the best kitchen island design ideas for your own space. With the best design meant for your needs, your kitchen island can make your kitchen look richer and dreamier.

By: Tim Lee

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

To learn more kitchen design ideas, visit www.kitchendesignideas101.com

Feng shui in the kitchen is considered to be extremely important as this is one of the most important gathering places for family and friends.

Here are a few Feng Shui tips to ensure your kitchen will promote health and happiness:

* Kitchen cabinets must be spring-cleaned regularly and should be well organized, uncluttered and easily accessible.

* Get rid of all unnecessary clutter as it attracts stagnant chi. You should only have items in the kitchen that are used regularly and do not get in the way.

* Fit kitchen cupboards and shelves with rounded corners to avoid cutting chi into your body while preparing and cooking your food.

* Cork and wood are ideal for kitchen floors and surfaces. Stainless steel appliances and ceramic tiles can create fast-moving chi. This may not be ideal if you want to spend a lot of time in your kitchen as it may leave you feeling drained or tired.

Here’s what they don’t tell you: there will be men in your kitchen for a few weeks, sometimes more. This is the dirty little secret of kitchen remodels. Many people who have had their kitchens remodeled, don’t like to remember this aspect of the remodeling process when they are giving a tour of their new kitchen. This is a necessary evil with remodels, and kitchen contractors are sensitive to how they are upsetting the daily flow, so they are not going to leave you without water or access to your kitchen. If this article isn’t what you’re looking for, click this link to see all of our kitchen articles.

There are a few things you should expect with a kitchen remodel that might help you to better prepare for the experience.

Kitchen Renovation
If you are having your kitchen gutted, you might be without a kitchen for a week or so. Electricians, plumbers, cabinetmakers, countertop contractors will need to be brought in. First things first:

Talk with Your Kitchen Contractors
Your kitchen remodeling professional is the last word in advice. He will know exactly what you need to do with your project. These are general guidelines for a typical kitchen remodeling project; the contractor can give you the specifics.

Your kitchen remodeler will let you know when your kitchen will be completely out of commission, when it can be used partially, and when it is fully operational even though they are still working on the cosmetics.

If you haven’t hired a kitchen contractor yet we can help. Click this link, and at no cost to you, get matched to one of our prescreened kitchen contractors who can complete your kitchen remodel.

What to Do When Your Kitchen is Inoperable
The simplest idea is to go to a hotel or stay with a friend. Kitchen remodels are a big investment, so for some this might not be the best time to spend more money, but it can help keep you sane. If you happen to have some excellent friends or relatives who can put you up, this is most likely the best option, but these fine folks are hard to come by.

Another option is planning to eat out during that time. You could also move the microwave and just have microwaveable meals for a few days.

Another option is to just go on vacation. This can be difficult since the contractors may need to get in touch with you, but maybe going away for a few days to a nearby location with cell phone access can span the gap pretty well.

Kitchen Contractors
Sometimes the work will bring contractors to a point where they don’t get enough done in a day because doing more means leaving you without a functional kitchen. If they go too far, they end up working too late, make mistakes they have to redo because they were tired, or they get burnt out too quickly. If you won’t be around, they can quit after a full day without worry of the insult to your home life, they can work at a solid pace without going too fast, and they can optimize their work hours to get your kitchen done as soon as possible without leaving it dysfunctional for too long.

Kitchen Remodeling Final Thoughts
If you are not currently occupying the house you are remodeling, then this is no problem. But for many, you have to make great changes to get what you want. Just know that the process is not forever, and the changes you must undergo are sacrifices for a better home, great return on investment, and a better place to cook and entertain. Be patient. The contractors are not trying to make your life miserable. They are there to make it better.

One of the most common home improvement projects in the U.S. is kitchen remodeling. When asked which room in their house they would most like to remodel, Americans overwhelmingly chose the kitchen. And that’s a good choice, because kitchen remodeling has the highest average return on investment when selling your house.

A wise investment

According to a report by MSN House & Home, kitchen remodeling projects generally pay back at least 90% of the investment and almost always help sell a house faster. The report estimates that minor kitchen remodeling projects ($2,000-$8,500) return 94% to 102% of the cost, while major kitchen remodels ($9,000-$25,000) yield around 90%. A similar study by Remodeling Magazine found comparable results; the national average for cost recouped for a minor kitchen remodel was 88%. This means that you’ll enjoy a new kitchen and it won’t cost you much in the long run.

So where do you start? First you have to decide on the scope of the remodel. You can spend a few thousand dollars to spruce up your kitchen by simply revitalizing the cabinets, replacing countertops and installing new faucets. Or you can go for a complete makeover by redesigning the floor plan and starting from scratch - or somewhere in between.

When asked which room in their house they would most like to remodel, Americans overwhelmingly chose the kitchen.

The possibilities are endless

How you choose to remodel your kitchen depends on your personal taste and budget. You can replace countertops, sinks and faucets, refinish or replace cabinets, change the flooring, install new lighting, and replace appliances. You can also paint, wallpaper or tile the walls, install a new ceiling, replace the doors - there really is no limit.

Start by examining your wants and needs. Clip ideas from magazines. Visit some home improvement stores to get a better idea of what’s out there and the costs, so you can discuss your options with your kitchen remodeling contractor.

New efficiency for the modern age

When designing your new kitchen, think of the three basic functions that are usually targeted for improvement: storage, preparation and clean-up. How can you make your space more efficient?

Traditionally, kitchen layouts have put the three major kitchen components (refrigerator, stove and sink) in a triangular pattern. But things have changed from the 1950’s. Food is no longer mostly made from scratch so we need double the storage space. And meals are more likely to be prepared by several people. Therefore, modern kitchen remodels focus on work stations that allow more than one person to work efficiently without getting in each other’s way. A popular choice to create multiple work stations and increased storage space is to add an island.

Follow NKBA guidelines

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) has created a set of guidelines for planning your kitchen with the highest level of safety and functionality. The guidelines provide minimum standards for kitchen efficiency, convenience, traffic spaces, distances between items, and countertop and cabinet space. Ask your kitchen remodeling contractor if they’re familiar with these guidelines.

You may want to hire a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) to help you with the project. CKD’s have several years of experience in kitchen design and have completed a rigorous set of tests administered by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Although this is a national accreditation program, the CKD designation is not required to work in the field.

Trust the value of experience and a good reputation

Non-CKD contractors and interior designers may have the experience and ideas you’re looking for, as well as other licenses or accreditation. Whatever certification a contractor possesses, it is a good idea to check references and have a look at the contractor’s previous work.

Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen remodeling is so much more than choosing a paint color and cabinet style. Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home. It’s the room where you prepare meals and snacks for your family and more often than not, where the entire family gathers together to catch up on the day’s events, do homework, and simply spend time with one another. Such an important room should have a design that is comfortable and facilitates ease of movement for all those important tasks and activities. Kitchen remodeling is inarguably one of the best ways you can accomplish all of that as well as dramatically increase the value of your home.

Even if you aren?t thinking of putting your home on the market soon, looking toward the future marketability of your home is always a wise decision. Kitchen remodeling is a sound investment because it allows you to enjoy the benefits today while being assured of your home’s marketability tomorrow.

When considering kitchen remodeling there are few areas of the room that you might want to concentrate on first. One of the most important aspects to kitchen remodeling is the actual kitchen design itself. From small kitchen remodeling designs to French country designs and even contemporary and European kitchen remodeling designs, there are a lot of options available. Deciding between all the different kitchen designs can be half the fun of kitchen remodeling.

It can also be a difficult choice to make. Start by becoming familiar with each of the features offered by various kitchen remodeling designs. If your kitchen is small, and adding additional space is not an option, a small kitchen remodeling design can help you take advantage of and maximize the space that already exists. This usually occurs through innovative use of lines, patterns and accessibility for frequently used items that helps you to keep the clutter to a minimum.

French country kitchen remodeling designs incorporate soft and subtle color tones to create an environment in your kitchen that speaks to the soul as well as your appetite. Nature takes a prominent role in this kitchen remodeling design; bringing the outdoors inside. Some of the most easily recognized features in a French country kitchen remodeling project are the artistic use of open shelving and the infusion of rustic warmth through exposed woodwork.

If functionality is more your style; your best bet in kitchen remodeling designs may lie in a contemporary kitchen design. These kitchen remodeling designs are typically sleek and simple with a wide use of stainless steel appliances and fixtures. Contemporary kitchen remodeling designs usually have an open feel that takes its cue from both natural lighting as well as bright overhead lighting.

About the Author

About the author: Connie Lyn is a freelance writer. For more information
about Kitchen Remodeling go to
http://www.1-kitchen-remodeling.com

Kitchen Remodeling

If you’re thinking of kitchen remodeling with an eye toward the future marketability of your home, you are making a wise move. Even if you don’t spend a lot of time preparing meals from scratch in your kitchen, chances are the room still sees a lot of use. The activities that occur in the kitchen today are different than fifty years ago; however. Today, homebuyers are looking for different features in kitchens and paying attention to those matters when you tackle a kitchen remodeling project can really pay off later with an increased value in your home.

First, it’s important to realize that with most women working out of the home, there has been a huge impact on kitchen remodeling designs. Now, there’s usually more than one person pitching in to help get a meal on the table and this means a lot when it comes to kitchen remodeling designs? Re-assessing traffic zones and food preparation centers will be an important component of your kitchen remodeling design. It means that you will need to re-assess the traffic zones of your kitchen as well as the food preparation centers. Consider adding a second prep sink as well as a second area for dicing and chopping when kitchen remodeling.

Storage is also another area that you should look at when you begin to work on kitchen remodeling. Older kitchens simply do not have enough storage. Think about older kitchens you’ve seen. You’ll probably notice that there has been no recent kitchen remodeling and as a result there is a significant shortage of space to store food items as well as pots, pans, dishes and small appliances. Adding additional storage areas in your kitchen remodeling plan can be one of the best ways to instantly raise the value of your home.

Finally, updating your appliances as part of your kitchen remodeling plan is also a good way to increase your home’s value. Homebuyers are often concerned with the reliability of appliances when they purchase a home because this can be such a big expense. After sinking a hefty portion of their savings into a mortgage, most homebuyers don’t want to turn around and take on an expensive kitchen remodeling project to replace outdated appliances. Consequently, updated appliances can be an attraction a homebuyer just can’t resist. If you’re taking the time to think about kitchen remodeling, be sure to cover this important area.

Kitchen remodeling can be a great way to give your kitchen new life and vibrancy. When you look at the right kitchen remodeling elements, it can also be a great way to increase the value of your home.

About the Author

About the author: Connie Lyn is a freelance writer. For more information
about Kitchen Remodeling go to
http://www.1-kitchen-remodeling.com

If you’re thinking of kitchen remodeling with an eye toward the future marketability of your home, you are making a wise move. Even if you don’t spend a lot of time preparing meals from scratch in your kitchen, chances are the room still sees a lot of use. The activities that occur in the kitchen today are different than fifty years ago, however. Today, homebuyers are looking for different features in kitchens and paying attention to those matters when you tackle a kitchen remodeling project can really pay off later with an increased value in your home.

First, it’s important to realize that with most women working out of the home, there has been a huge impact on kitchen remodeling designs. Now, there’s usually more than one person pitching in to help get a meal on the table and this means a lot when it comes to kitchen remodeling designs? Re-assessing traffic zones and food preparation centers will be an important component of your kitchen remodeling design. It means that you will need to re-assess the traffic zones of your kitchen as well as the food preparation centers. Consider adding a second prep sink as well as a second area for dicing and chopping when kitchen remodeling.

Storage is also another area that you should look at when you begin to work on kitchen remodeling. Older kitchens simply do not have enough storage. Think about older kitchens you’ve seen. You’ll probably notice that there has been no recent kitchen remodeling and as a result there is a significant shortage of space to store food items as well as pots, pans, dishes and small appliances. Adding additional storage areas in your kitchen remodeling plan can be one of the best ways to instantly raise the value of your home.

Finally, updating your appliances as part of your kitchen remodeling plan is also a good way to increase your home’s value. Homebuyers are often concerned with the reliability of appliances when they purchase a home because this can be such a big expense. After sinking a hefty portion of their savings into a mortgage, most homebuyers don’t want to turn around and take on an expensive kitchen remodeling project to replace outdated appliances. Consequently, updated appliances can be an attraction a homebuyer just can’t resist. If you’re taking the time to think about kitchen remodeling, be sure to cover this important area.

Kitchen remodeling can be a great way to give your kitchen new life and vibrancy. When you look at the right kitchen remodeling elements, it can also be a great way to increase the value of your home.

About the Author

About the author: Connie Lyn is a freelance writer. For more information
about Kitchen Remodeling go to
http://www.1-kitchen-remodeling.com