09.1.2010 | 4:10 pm | Kitchen
There are actually 2 ways where you can get the kitchen cabinet designs you have always wanted. One: you are basically starting from scratch. This means that your dream kitchen is still pretty much on the drawing board. And two: you are planning to renovate your existing kitchen set up and that your cabinets are the first to go.
Number one is pretty easy. All you really have to consider is your kitchen space and your budget. You can either subscribe to some kitchen cabinet designs that you can see in architectural digests or interior designing magazines. Or, if you are particularly picky, you can always hire an interior designer to give you a blueprint of the kitchen cabinet design that will meet your specifications. This way, you are basically asking for a personalized service for custom-made goods. As such, you can ask for basically any type of cabinet set-up, from small overhead cupboards, to hidden cabinets installed on walls and dividers, to cabinets on kitchen islands.
The main thing about this enterprise is the careful planning that goes behind the design. Make sure your interior designer has a clear idea of how much kitchen space you have so that you can still pretty much move about in the said space even when there are one or more cabinets open.
Aside from functionality, make sure that the design is also easy on the eye. It is quite common to stuff every available space with kitchen cabinets. However, sometimes, it is more pleasing to the eye that storage areas are properly spaced, intricately positioned and wonderfully matched (or contrasted) with the surrounding surfaces.
Number 2 would need a bit more dedication on your part, since you already have an existing kitchen set up. You basically need to work around the space you are given or totally have the entire area redone.
One of the least expensive ways of getting your preferred kitchen cabinet designs is by simply resurfacing (or re-facing) the cabinet doors. You can do this by removing the cabinet boxes (or doors); and then remove the door knobs and handles. Once those are accomplished, you can paint over the old design, or “wallpaper” over it, or stencil a new design on a whitewashed surface. Add a coat of veneer or polish to really make it brand new looking. Make sure that the paint is already dry, or the “wallpaper” is adhering properly before you return the knobs and handles.
If you want a really unique touch, you can replace your knobs and handles with unique pieces, like antique cabinet handles in burnished copper. Make sure though that you replace handles and knobs that have similar looking designs to give your kitchen that cabinet that themed “face-lift.”
Again, the key here is to make a careful plan on what you wish to accomplish. Try out several wood pieces first (preferably, none of them from your kitchen) to see if the paint or wallpaper or stencil really does work for your kitchen theme. Make sure that cabinet handles do fit within the vacated slots. If not, it would be best to actually fill in the holes drilled from the earlier handles before drilling new ones.
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08.2.2010 | 12:39 am | Kitchen
When experts cost a fortune just for an advice, designing your kitchen becomes your job. Kitchen interior design comes into the picture after your architect has done his job of erecting a building for you.
The kitchen interior design is very dependant on the right decor to make this design work. Unfortunately, many people mess up this very important component when remodeling their kitchen, and end up with the wrong look or feel. Here are some guidelines to help you avoid this scenario and achieve your dream kitchen.
The kitchen decor is probably the most important aspect of your kitchen interior design, because it is the measuring stick you use to decide if all your other appliances match accordingly. The décor all about choosing the theme that you want. For different people this will be different. The most important component is that it matches your personality and tastes.
• If you have a big kitchen then chances are you have probably wished for a smaller one from time to time and chances are that with a smaller kitchen you have asked for a bigger one. When you are changing the interior design of the kitchen you may be able to make your kitchen look bigger or smaller all based on the type of paint you use.
• If your kitchen is small (or any room for that matter) use light colors: off white, beige etc. but you can accent the room with bright colors if you like to brighten up your kitchen. Dark colors will make a room look smaller than it’s actual size.
• The kitchen sink, cooking stove and the refrigerator should form a work triangle where the total distance of the three stations is no more than 26 feet. The three stations should be close enough for convenience when preparing food.
• Other small things which you can do to improve the overall appearance of your kitchen includes getting kitchen accessories such as a shiny new kettle, maybe a soap dish, and don’t forget the all-important tea cloths.
• These all come in kitchen sets of course – other than the kettle – so you’re fine on cash as well, since getting things in sets does tend to be less expensive than buying things individually. Another good idea for kitchen sets is an assortment of salt and pepper shakers. The soap dish idea with a hand pump dispenser also works well if you’re leaning in the way of updating the oddments in your kitchen.
• You also have the choice of getting things like coasters and place mats, trivets, dishes, bowls and the all important cutlery. These all work well in the whole scheme of things and need not be expensive either. As long as you go about it in an orderly fashion you won’t even need to cut down on quality or quantity.
• You can also place a mirror in the kitchen. A good place is opposite the window, it will not only make the room larger but it will reflect the light and brighten the room.
• Put small indoor plants on small pots in your kitchen. Plants gives a fresh feeling to the interior design of the kitchen.
• Always make sure that there is adequate lighting on kitchen. Inadequate lighting makes the kitchen feel cramped and gloomy. Aside from the general lighting fixture at the center of the room. Put task lights under the kitchen hanging cabinets.
Follow these simple tips to finding the right kitchen interior design decor for your kitchen, and you will achieve your dream kitchen affordably and even quickly. Many people make the mistake of limiting their options in this process, such as only shopping at the local improvement store without taking in the other outlets available.
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07.5.2010 | 12:01 am | Kitchen
Everybody knows that children love to emulate adults, and welcome the chance to copy anything they see their parents doing. Therefore, if you are looking for a gift that will blow your child away and help spark their imagination; you may consider purchasing them play kitchens sets so that they can feel just like you. The ideas of play kitchens will jumpstart their imagination as they strain to remember how to prepare their toy food just like their parents.
Children can not only play with different varieties of toy foods you have purchased for them. They can also play with an assortment of pots and pans. Some kitchen sets have some of the same appliances that you have in your kitchen. Play kitchens used to have only a stove, oven, sink, and maybe a play refrigerator. Now, you can find special play kitchens that also have play microwave ovens, toasters, and several other small appliances. It all creates the feeling that your children’s job in the play kitchen is just as interesting as your job in the real one.
Imagine the luxury of not being distracted by a well meaning, but annoying child who wants to help in the kitchen while you are in a rush. Instead, your children will be occupied with their play kitchens as they play house just like you preparing toy food for their dolls or stuffed animals instead. In fact, you could encourage them to play along with their play kitchens by explaining that after their dolls eat than they will get to sit down to dinner as well. What child would not want to work hard in their play kitchens copying mom and dad who just gave new worth to their own imaginary world?
Even when you are busy, there may be times when you can spend time like this, just talking to your child across the room, sharing the moments of working in your own separate kitchens. As long as the groundwork is laid for your child to stay at the play kitchen while you are in the real kitchen, there should be no problem talking back and forth. It breaks up what is sometimes a rushed or lonely chore.
After all, not every meal can be an exciting culinary adventure. Sometimes you are just focused on feeding the family, and a little company is welcomed. Then, when you are not able to give your child attention for awhile, it is easier for the child to understand.
Plus, you can rest assured that unlike the dangers that present your children as they toddle around on your side in the kitchen, play kitchens are one hundred percent safe with their rounded edges and safety guards. Thus you can leave your child to their play kitchens with your concerns pacified that your child is safe and sound in an environment created just for them. Think of it this way, not only will your children get a treat with play kitchen gifts, but you will as well since you now can devote yourself fully when you need to do your tasks preparing dinner.
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