by Darina | Aug 9, 2016 | Countertop Buying Guide, Design Trends & Ideas
When choosing outdoor kitchen countertops your priority should always be durability first, and looks second. Select a material that will suit the style of your house and your cooking style. Your best choices are natural stone or tile.
by Darina | Jul 22, 2016 | Design Trends & Ideas, Tile & Mosaic
Homeowners and interior designers are embracing the mixed finish trend and creating dynamite tile looks. You too can give your space unexpected flavor by mixing and matching tile sizes, finishes and colors. See examples and professional advice on How to Create Your Own Tile Mixology.
by Maria Sederquist | Apr 20, 2015 | Design Trends & Ideas
Even though white kitchens are still the mainstream because they are clean-lined and safe for anyone who is afraid of using color, bold and colorful cooking spaces seem to have made a major comeback. Most of us are used to decorating our favorite social space with a neutral color palette, but adding a splash of color can make the heart of the home feel bright and cheery. The kitchen sets the stage for the quality of life enjoyed in the home, as not only a place to gather together for a meal but for before and after. It should harmoniously connect with the entire home, reflecting the style and personality of the inhabitants. It is in the details that create that personal statement of style, with the basic ingredients being the appliances and cabinets, which should specifically be selected to fit the design style of the home. Hues such as red, bright green and yellow may not be what you would expect to see in the food-prep areas, but that’s exactly why they can elevate a kitchen beyond the ordinary. Whether they are applied to the entire room, or limited to a vibrant backsplash, they can also help personalize your cooking space. If you are wishing to infuse your kitchen with color but don’t know where to start, take a look at this inspiring collection of colorful kitchens that we have gathered for you with their neon countertops, brightly colored cabinetry, and incredible backsplashes and you might just get the motivation you need to start experimenting with color in your own home. Please view our gallery of colorful kitchens....
by Maria Sederquist | Apr 2, 2015 | Design Trends & Ideas
You want to transform your small and compact kitchen into a dream kitchen but you’re unsure of where to start? The reality is, most of us are tight on space and although large and spacious kitchens are every chef’s dream, sometimes space constraints will not work with us to create these types of kitchens. Even though you may have a smaller space, that doesn’t mean that you cannot still create a beautiful kitchen. This stunning urban kitchen in is a cool Ikea design that transforms a kitchen into aesthetically pleasing yet functional design. Ideally the kitchen work triangle would be a great guide in your kitchen, which is meant to create efficiency, yet if you have a single wall kitchen, it is impossible to achieve. Just be sure to pay close attention to each and every measurement when setting up your kitchen workspace— a few inches can make a big difference, especially in small kitchens. In a small kitchen, the reality is skimpy counter space, a cramped work triangle and precious little space for appliances. If you are not ready, or willing to knock down walls to create more space for your kitchen, you can do the next best thing: create the impression of a larger space with a few strategic decorating tricks. The problem of creating a fabulous kitchen simply comes down to what you can fit and where. In order to create efficient kitchen design in a small kitchen, you need to work on three major areas: storage, lighting and appliances. Small kitchens may appear to be a design challenge, but they can also be functional, stunning...
by Maria Sederquist | Oct 28, 2014 | Design Trends & Ideas
Budgeting for a new kitchen or bath, even a modest-size one, is no small feat. It pays to approach the task armed with dollars and sense. Updating your kitchen has long-term financial benefits. Experts say you can recoup 80 percent or more of the project’s cost when you sell your home. Yet, even if you’re not planning on moving a kitchen improvement can do much to improve your lifestyle. If you’d like to make your space look and live better without spending more than you can afford, some cost-control basics are a good starting point as you plan your kitchen (or bath) project. Define the Scope of Your Project How big is the project? Cosmetic changes will not fix old appliances, outdated cabinets, out-of-style surfaces, and design flaws. Yet, often a home’s structure and site make adding on, bumping out, or knocking down walls impractical or cost-prohibitive. If you don’t really need more square footage, it is usually possible to gut the room and work within its dimensions. Also, by limiting structural costs, you may choose to put more money into the items that will make your kitchen stand out. Budget Just as sticker shock afflicts new-car buyers, new-kitchen outfitters are at risk of appliance apoplexy and cabinetry coronaries. If the actual products are not very expensive enough, wait until you figure in labor, installation, and design costs. For some items, such as cabinetry, flooring, tile, and plumbing fixtures, labor costs can equal or exceed the costs of the products or materials. It is also wise to allow a 10-20 percent cushion in the budget for unforeseen expenses. So,...
