Whether you eat at your dining room table, your kitchen table or a bar you need to be able to find it to eat there. Is your space having an identity crisis? Is it a collector of things? Things like the mail, receipts, school work, newspapers, magazines, telephone messages, work papers, scrapbooking supplies, groceries, keys, coats, jackets, collections, scarves, gloves, groceries and the list goes on and on. No wonder these areas have an identity crisis.
Okay so you want to reclaim your eating space, here are some solutions to finding your table again and keeping it clutter free.
Make a goal---what do you want this space to do for you?
• If you want a table that stays clear of 'stuff' like mentioned above one idea is to keep it set with a nice table cloth and place settings of dishes and silverware so it is not as likely to be dumped on.
• Do you want this area to be one where family members or even unexpected drop-in guests can gather for a chat?
• Would you like a place for all the family to be able to eat meals together without the hassle every day of clearing a space, thereby cluttering up another place in the kitchen or dining room?
• Is this space you would like to use between meals as a place to work on hobbies?
After you decide what your goal is for your table then develop a strategy.
• Have a designated basket for mail. Take a moment to sort it and file it as it comes in. If you don't have time right then it can stay in the basket until you do make the time to sort it. This basket does not go on the table or counter.
• Set up strategic baskets in the home for newspapers, magazines, books and other printed material that in the past came in contact with the table. Do not set something down where it doesn't belong thinking you will leave it there just for a second. All too often it takes root and lives there. If you don't have a place for the item, take a moment and make a place and take it to its home.
• Develop an area for children to call their own. Each child has her/his own place for backpack, lunch box, school work etc. Each child is responsible for making sure things are put there and stay neat and tidy. If you have to remove anything of their's from the table then they have to do a chore to earn it back. (Including the all important backpack and school work).
• A chalk board, magnetic board, or cork board can be used to contain memos, phone messages and invitations, displaying items everyone needs to see. For invitations I like to record the date in my planner and then file the invitation in my FreedomFiler system by date so I can refer back to it when needed and not clutter up space on a board.
• Have a pencil/paper box near the phone to write down messages and then put them on the message board or fridge (if you must) with a decorative magnet.
• If you use your table to do scrapbooking, working on collections etc., use a rolling file cabinet or cart to put projects on and 40 minutes before meal time whisk everything onto the cart or into storage bins, the ones with wheels are nice as they can be easily retrieved when necessary. This way you can still have projects out and handy but not cluttering the table. Teach children to clean up after craft time.
• Have a designated drawer as a resource drawer AKA junk drawer to hold rubber bands, bag ties, candle lighters etc. As you take off the twist ties from grocery items put them away immediately, don't place on the counter. These do not live on the table or counter.
• Every family member needs to know the expectation is to hang up coats, jackets, and to put away gloves and scarves in a basket in the coat closet. The same goes for sports assessories/equiptment. They go in their designated areas, not on the table or counter.
• Have a designated place for keys. A cup hook inside a kitchen cabinet is handy and practical.
• Designate a separate location for home-office needs. Even if you don't have an office, keep files and important papers in a separate area of the house.
Keeping the dining room, kitchen or the kitchen bar eating area free of clutter is a lifestyle. Set your goals, have containers available and assign items for different baskets, train family members and remember this is not a one time task. It is a system that is used daily or things take on a life of their own and quickly can pile up.
Published At : www.articlecity.com
Monday 29 December 2008
Kitchen Cart – One Would Make An Excellent Kitchen Island
You have always wanted to have a kitchen island in your kitchen. Yet, you just haven’t done it because you know that it would take a lot of time, effort, and money to actually put it in. The thing is, there is actually a way to have that kitchen island without putting much effort into it at all. What you need to do is invest in a kitchen cart, it is just the thing that you have been looking for.
Okay, so you might be thinking, a kitchen cart, is that not a pretty tacky furnishing? Well, that is where you are wrong because nowadays there are actually many eye-catching options to choose from, all of which would really add to the overall appearance of your kitchen space. The guise behind their stunning appearance is the materials that they are crafted from and the ways that these materials are then finished. For example, there are options that are made out of sturdy solid woods, like pine or cedar, and they feature wood grained table top and elegant grooved accents while then being painted in different colors like red, black, even white and yellow. The look of the piece if finished off with beautiful cabinet hardware, like knobs and pulls that are made from stainless steel that has a brushed finish.
Wood is not the only material that a kitchen cart can be crafted from since you can also get one that features a base made from wood and a stainless steel countertop, even a marble countertop. One can also be finished in other ways to like just having a rich stain applied to it or it can even be adorned with graceful painted accents. Basically, there is pretty much an option to suite anyone tastes.
The reason why a kitchen cart would serve as a nice kitchen island in your kitchen is how it is so practical. It provides you with a great place to work thanks to its spacious table top. Plus, you can also store things in it too with its many shelves, drawers and cabinets. And, since most of them come with wheels that lock in place, if you change your mind and want to move it or take it out, you easily can. By putting in a permanent kitchen island, you don’t have that luxury.
To get just the right kitchen cart, forget about going to your local department store or furniture store to do your shopping. A great alternative to that is to go on your computer and shop online. You can browse through the different sites and their products in just a matter of minutes. Then, when you do decide on something you like, it will be shipped right to your home. Now that is convenient because you don’t even have to step foot outside your home to get what you want.
In your kitchen, if you want a kitchen island, just purchase a lovely kitchen cart to make it happen. It’s a great cost effective solution to a huge construction project. What’s even better is if you do change your mind that you don’t want it anymore, just wheel it out of the way and your space will back the way it was in the blink of an eye.
Published At : www.articlecity.com
Okay, so you might be thinking, a kitchen cart, is that not a pretty tacky furnishing? Well, that is where you are wrong because nowadays there are actually many eye-catching options to choose from, all of which would really add to the overall appearance of your kitchen space. The guise behind their stunning appearance is the materials that they are crafted from and the ways that these materials are then finished. For example, there are options that are made out of sturdy solid woods, like pine or cedar, and they feature wood grained table top and elegant grooved accents while then being painted in different colors like red, black, even white and yellow. The look of the piece if finished off with beautiful cabinet hardware, like knobs and pulls that are made from stainless steel that has a brushed finish.
Wood is not the only material that a kitchen cart can be crafted from since you can also get one that features a base made from wood and a stainless steel countertop, even a marble countertop. One can also be finished in other ways to like just having a rich stain applied to it or it can even be adorned with graceful painted accents. Basically, there is pretty much an option to suite anyone tastes.
The reason why a kitchen cart would serve as a nice kitchen island in your kitchen is how it is so practical. It provides you with a great place to work thanks to its spacious table top. Plus, you can also store things in it too with its many shelves, drawers and cabinets. And, since most of them come with wheels that lock in place, if you change your mind and want to move it or take it out, you easily can. By putting in a permanent kitchen island, you don’t have that luxury.
To get just the right kitchen cart, forget about going to your local department store or furniture store to do your shopping. A great alternative to that is to go on your computer and shop online. You can browse through the different sites and their products in just a matter of minutes. Then, when you do decide on something you like, it will be shipped right to your home. Now that is convenient because you don’t even have to step foot outside your home to get what you want.
In your kitchen, if you want a kitchen island, just purchase a lovely kitchen cart to make it happen. It’s a great cost effective solution to a huge construction project. What’s even better is if you do change your mind that you don’t want it anymore, just wheel it out of the way and your space will back the way it was in the blink of an eye.
Published At : www.articlecity.com
Kitchen Table And Chair Sets – You Need To Purchase One That Is Durable
In every household, what is one must have piece of furniture other than your bed in your bedroom? If you guessed kitchen table and chair sets, then you were right.
The dining or kitchen area is a hot spot for most families, which is why having a durable set in place is so important. It needs to be able the handle book bags dropping on it, crazy board game battles, and meals where everyone is dashing to get your fill. If you don’t go with a strong, sturdy when then you will be disappointed when you have to replace it since it fell apart after only a few short years.
Now, the better kitchen table and chair sets are crafted out of higher quality materials, that’s basically just a simple rule that you should follow. So, if you never heard of the substance the one you are looking at is made out of, it is safe to say that what you are looking at isn’t such a great, durable choice. Some of the nicer options to go with are stronger woods like pine, cedar, and mahogany and other materials like metal and glass. There are even some that can come with stone or granite table tops. These sets can also be finished in a number of ways to from stains applied to them, to being brushed with or oil rubbed, and you can even get ones that are painted colors.
After you have determined what you are looking at is of high quality, then you can get on to finding something that matches the current style of your space. With all the materials that kitchen table and chair sets can be made from, there are actually a lot of different stylish options you can choose from. Like, you can get a set that is more on the traditional side featuring just a plain look or you can get one that is very ornamental and antique in its appearance. Some of the other choices that you can get include those that have a modern feel, others that are more contemporary, and you can even get ones that combine styles known as transitional options.
In addition to getting something that is durable and looks good, you also want to make sure that the kitchen table and chairs sets you are interested in is comfortable. This is key because you want people to be relaxed when they’re sitting down. So, make sure you get a chair that has a supportive seat and backrests, armrests don’t hurt either, but if you have smaller children it is a safer bet to go without since they might get hurt on them.
To easily check out the many kitchen table and chair sets that are available, just hit the Internet and do some online shopping. Just by the click of the mouse you can get what you want and it will even be shipped to your house, which is really convenient if you don’t have a big truck or van.
In your household, having furniture that is durable in your kitchen/dining area is important because it will get used a lot. For that reason, sturdy kitchen table and chair sets are key and what’s nice is that there are many selections to choose from, all of which will be sure to please.
Published At: www.articlecity.com
The dining or kitchen area is a hot spot for most families, which is why having a durable set in place is so important. It needs to be able the handle book bags dropping on it, crazy board game battles, and meals where everyone is dashing to get your fill. If you don’t go with a strong, sturdy when then you will be disappointed when you have to replace it since it fell apart after only a few short years.
Now, the better kitchen table and chair sets are crafted out of higher quality materials, that’s basically just a simple rule that you should follow. So, if you never heard of the substance the one you are looking at is made out of, it is safe to say that what you are looking at isn’t such a great, durable choice. Some of the nicer options to go with are stronger woods like pine, cedar, and mahogany and other materials like metal and glass. There are even some that can come with stone or granite table tops. These sets can also be finished in a number of ways to from stains applied to them, to being brushed with or oil rubbed, and you can even get ones that are painted colors.
After you have determined what you are looking at is of high quality, then you can get on to finding something that matches the current style of your space. With all the materials that kitchen table and chair sets can be made from, there are actually a lot of different stylish options you can choose from. Like, you can get a set that is more on the traditional side featuring just a plain look or you can get one that is very ornamental and antique in its appearance. Some of the other choices that you can get include those that have a modern feel, others that are more contemporary, and you can even get ones that combine styles known as transitional options.
In addition to getting something that is durable and looks good, you also want to make sure that the kitchen table and chairs sets you are interested in is comfortable. This is key because you want people to be relaxed when they’re sitting down. So, make sure you get a chair that has a supportive seat and backrests, armrests don’t hurt either, but if you have smaller children it is a safer bet to go without since they might get hurt on them.
To easily check out the many kitchen table and chair sets that are available, just hit the Internet and do some online shopping. Just by the click of the mouse you can get what you want and it will even be shipped to your house, which is really convenient if you don’t have a big truck or van.
In your household, having furniture that is durable in your kitchen/dining area is important because it will get used a lot. For that reason, sturdy kitchen table and chair sets are key and what’s nice is that there are many selections to choose from, all of which will be sure to please.
Published At: www.articlecity.com
Monday 8 December 2008
Let’s Use Kitchen Aid Mixer To Speed Up Your Cooking
Apart from kitchen furniture and kitchen overall appearances that people seem to pay a lot of attention to. However, in the following article, we are going to look at some of kitchen equipments that many of home owner usually have it in their kitchen and they seem to be common that every kitchen have to have it, especially if home owners love to bake some cookies and bread. We are talking about kitchen aid mixer. It is one of necessary equipment for baking process; some people may love to mix by hand meanwhile a lot of some other love to use automatic ones.
Kitchen aid mixer is a useful tool that helps us to mix all ingredients together for cooking. It seems that a kitchen aid mixer is expensive and unnecessary equipment because we can mix all ingredients by hand. But please thinking about this for a second, it is ok for you to manual mix all ingredients by hand if you wish to make little amount of food, but imagine what going to happen if you plan to cook for 10-20 people! Is it much better and quicker to have something that helps you to cook? Now you may change you mind a bit to interest having a kitchen aid mixer.
The example of use kitchen aid mixer is when you wish to bake small batch of chocolate cookies, make some whipped cream to go with that fruit pie. This kind of activities can be done by using kitchen aid mixer to help mixing all ingredients. Generally a kitchen aid mixer consists of beater arms which you insert into the base of the mixer, this part is the part that play important role on mixing stuff so you may have to be choose carefully when you shopping for a aid mixer.
Also it would be excellent when you shopping if you can ask sell person to do actual demonstrate how the aid mixer works so you can consider about its functions as well as the design. Basically, the main point you have to focus on is function, during the demonstration you have to see whether the beater snap easily into place with a gentle nudge and then a little click lets you know they are securely locked into place.
There should be a button to release the mixing arms to be clean easily when you finish the mixing work. The cheap model may do not have this function, so if you have some more budget, I strongly suggest to buy the model that mixing arms can be released for cleaning. But if you have limited budget, you can buy a fixed-arms one but you have to be careful when you clean it do not let water come inside the machine when cleaning.
However, for some of you who have limited budget and just want to try a hand mixer first to see if it worth to buy mixing machine, there are a lot of hand-held kitchen aid mixer. The hand-held type is very convenient for small cooking work. They usually have single mixing arm and this mixing arm powered by motor, so the arm will spin when you turn on a power switch. A hand-held type also provide mixing arm rotate in different speed, so make sure that you choose a speed adjustable one for various type of cooking.
Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=163396&ca=Cooking
Kitchen Aide Mixer: The Best Kitchen Accessory
home. However, if you are planning to redo your kitchen make sure you get a new kitchen aide mixer repaired that provides various functions of folding, whipping, mixing food items in an easy way. It is a cost efficient way of managing your kitchen works in a systematic way, as it will handle of food ingredients easy.
Kitchen aide mixers are often confused with blenders as they appear as a complimentary kitchen accessory that is used for food processing. It is a common misconception that shows lack of awareness. Blender comes with sharp blades that are used in cutting and chopping food items whereas mixer does not have blades.
If you are planning to buy a new mixer, make sure that you understand your kitchen requirements and its use. This will help you in choosing a perfect kitchen aide mixer that helps in your daily food processing needs. For domestic purpose, it is not essential to buy a heavy duty kitchen aide mixer as a portable handheld mixer will be a good bargain for your home needs.
With mixers, you can make cakes and cookies batter and whip cream along with preparing dough batter. It is usually better to go for lightweight and hand held kitchen aide mixer that are portable and easy to manage. While in an electric goods shop and searching for a quality mixer, it is important to go for a branded mixer that comes with service repair and replacement guarantee.
Apart from this, it is essential to check all the specifications of the kitchen aide mixer such as its power consumption along with its speed settings. If your kitchen mixer offers good speed settings, it will be useful in performing various food items so that the food does not splatter.
Well, if you are satisfied with power settings, make sure that you are equally comfortable with the size and style of the mixer. A handheld mixer should be lightweight and portable so that it requires less storage space. The design should be ergonometric that offers quick grip and easy handling of the device while in motion. This will ensure that you are able to control the equipment in an effective way.
Make sure that you keep your mixer clean so that it remains hygienic. These are some of the points that should always be kept in mind while going for a kitchen aide mixer. While buying a mixer, never compromise on quality, as a good food processor is an important kitchen ware. It helps in performing various tasks by cutting down the time that is used in manual processing of food. Therefore, a good mixer will make you free from unnecessary botheration.
So, keeping all these tips will help you in buying a best kitchen aide mixer of your choice that will solve all your food processing needs. If you are getting a discounted deal on a branded mixer, it will be a cheery on the pie! Or make any other your favourite cakes.
Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=247188&ca=Home+Management
Sunday 7 December 2008
Collecting Vintage Kitchen Accessories By Color - The Dimestore Years
Hunting for kitchen collectibles by color is lots of fun. It's like going on a treasure hunt with a plan of action already in place.. ..searching by color. Bingo, you spot a yellow pot holder, or a set of red canisters or a green bowl which will fit in just perfectly. Whether you plan to use what you find or collect kitchenware for show only, building a collection with color as your theme can provide lots of hours of pure enjoyment as well as some great looking kitchens .
Collectors can be very creative about how they use color and patterns in their kitchens. For example, recently I visited the home of a collector friend who has a passion for vintage kitchenwares and textiles in the color orange. "Orange" of course, is not a typical Dimestore era color. In fact, believe me, orange is not an easy color to find pre-1960s ! Yet to my amazement this gal has found 1930s-1940s odds and ends here and there in the color orange and has grouped them together with white and black accessories. Wow...does she have an adorable kitchen. There was nothing Halloween about it, it was simply warm and charming. She was able to blend these colors together in a new way creating a very pleasant and cheerful kitchen.
Artists know that colors and color combinations create different moods and invite different reactions.. There is a whole literature on color theory and color psychology and much interest among manufacturers, especially in the textile world to have a pulse on color matters. In fact in 1915, a trade organization called The Textile Color Card Association of America TCCA was established to chart American taste in color. This group consisted of industry representatives who would choose colors for the following season. They also developed a standardized chart of colors that garment manufacturers and allied industries could refer to and continue to meet.
In the context of the Dime Store Era, it is interesting to know that in the 1940s, the war influenced the availability of materials and even what colors would prevail. The U.S. Government War Production Board closely monitored the textile industry reserving certain fabrics, textiles and metals for military uniforms or equipment. In the Spring of 1948, The Textile Color Card Association issued their color chart and you begin to see a change from the drab colors of the war years to the beginning of more colorful palettes.
Other industries were also greatly influenced by the war efforts. We begin to see major changes in the household products available after the war with numerous improvements. Aluminum, plastics, glass are examples of materials which advanced greatly as a result of wartime technologies.
When the war ended, the post war years would see a calmer nation ready for a return to family living and home concerns. Magazine articles in popular women's magazines shifted from subjects about how women could be thrifty during the war to topics about home décor and entertaining. Manufacturers encouraged adding color to the home and ran advertisements encouraging women to buy products for their "gay modern home". Housewares which had been softer in tones in the 1930s would now be produced in strong reds and deep yellows.
Garments would be influenced by Christian Dior's "New Look" of 1947 with colors of pale grays and blues, Blues would also find their way into home décor and on industry packaging. There was nothing pale however about home textiles. Everyday tablecloths, dish towels, curtains and upholsteries were bold, colorful and often patterned with florals, abstracts or whimsical themes. Color was everywhere from outside packaging and advertisements to the products themselves.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=C._Dianne_Zweig
Senior Safety - Kitchen Hazards and Quick Fixes
Are your parents safe living at home? Are they mentally pretty clear, but beginning to have physical or judgment deficits which might impact their safety? Does your elderly parent have the judgment to safely handle a knife in the kitchen? Do you worry that Mom may fall down and not be able to get to the phone? According to The National Safety Council, falls are now the leading cause of injury deaths in people 65 years of age and older. Fall risk is just one of several safety issues specific to the kitchen. In this article, I will show you how to identify and reduce these hazards, keeping your elderly loved ones safer.
- Floors and floor coverings: Some floor cleaning solutions and floor wax leave the surface very slippery and should not be used. Throw rugs should be attached to the floor with double sided tape. If a cane or walker is used, throw rugs should be eliminated altogether.
- Lighting: Light switches need to be within easy reach. There should not be any areas inside the kitchen that cannot be illuminated.
- Water temperature: Set the hot water heater to no more than 120 F to lessen the risk of burns.
- Fire safety: Keep a fire extinguisher handy, especially in the kitchen, and be sure to review its use with your elder loved ones. This is also a great opportunity to discuss fire safety in general, such as: avoiding loose hanging pajamas or loungewear while cooking; exit strategies, etc.
- Clutter: This may sound like a no-brainer, but it is often overlooked. Clear away unwanted items, especially from all pathways in the home. Besides reducing tripping hazards, this will help lessen fire risks.
- Heavy Objects: Go through the kitchen and move out-of-reach and heavy objects to a more convenient place to discourage use of a footstool, which would pose a fall risk.
- Use of sharp utensils and electric appliances: Observe your older family member cutting with a sharp knife or cooking with the microwave. If judgment is adequate, but lack of strength or coordination interferes with opening a jar or using a kitchen tool, there are many adaptive or assistive devices which can help. Rocker knives, eating utensils with thicker handles, and jar-openers are just a few examples.
- Food preparation is best done sitting at a table to prevent fatigue and fall risks.
- Food safety: Refrigerator temperature should be no greater than 40 F to slow bacterial growth, per the FDA. Food leftovers should be labeled with dates and discarded according to recommended time guidelines, or if they smell or look "off". As my mom always used to say, "If in doubt, throw it out!" Since many elderly people may have a dulled sense of smell and poor vision, routinely check what's in the refrigerator when you visit.
- Emergency plan: Be sure there is a smoke detector properly functioning on each level of the home. Attach an easy-to-read list of emergency phone numbers near every phone and review emergency procedures with your elderly family members. Since a large percentage of falls occur in the kitchen, installing a phone in this room is a great idea. You may want to consider a mobile safety alarm which is worn on the wrist or as a pendant, to automatically summon help with the push of a button.
If you still are not sure whether your loved ones just need a few new devices or if they truly need more involved help to be safe, you may want to obtain a safety evaluation performed by a Physical or Occupational Therapist specializing in geriatric care. These professionals are experts in determining one's safety and judgment while performing activities of daily living and also can recommend appropriate assistive devices and alternative living environments if a change is needed.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ronna_Sather
Kitchen Exhaust Fans
It is important to keep the kitchen area clean because food is always being prepared here. Installing a kitchen exhaust fan helps maintain cleanliness in the kitchen. It can suck out heat accumulated from continued use of stoves and ovens. It also eliminates smoke and other unwanted smells brought about by cooking.
Bad odors can be harmful to our lungs. Kitchen exhaust fans prevent these odors from circulating in the kitchen. The overall indoor air quality is improved.
The impeller and blower types are the two most common kitchen exhaust fans. The impeller fans circulate air with blades, similar to an airplane propeller. The blower type is more popular and better than the impeller. It works similar to that of the hamster wheels.
Good quality exhaust fan runs quietly when turned on. The air circulates evenly. The fan does not cause back drafting of combustion appliances. Lightings are low-wattage compact fluorescent lamp types.
There are some things to consider when choosing the appropriate kitchen exhaust fan. The good qualities of a kitchen exhaust fan should be considered. The most quiet and energy efficient unit should be selected in the size range of the desired exhaust fan. The choice would be with parts replacement options and lubrication is permanent. Higher priced unit could perform better and could be a wiser choice.
Branded exhaust fans are generally more reliable and trusted. They get good reviews from consumers. However most people on a budget need not rely on brand alone to get good quality exhausts. Just be keen when canvassing. There are many low-cost units at par with branded ones. Consider the smooth flow of the exhaust ducting component. The exhaust hood should be located in an area where no exterior damage is possible. Controls should be installed properly.
The size of the kitchen matters in what exhaust fan to install. A small exhaust may not be powerful enough to service a big kitchen. Choose the appropriate models to install relative to the characteristics of your kitchen. Industrial exhaust fans are used mainly in restaurants with big kitchen areas.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Urmann
Friday 31 October 2008
Farmhouse Kitchen Table Styles- Fantastic Kitchen Table Styles For Your New Look
A bustling farmhouse kitchen can be anyone's dream kitchen. It is simply a place where both kitchen work and family activities are integrated in a single big room. The family can use this table in any way they like; they can eat, talk, play cards, and prepare food. The design and sizes of farmhouse kitchen tables vary widely. You only have to choose the one that fits your space and suits your needs best.
When you are shopping around for the ideal farmhouse kitchen table, there are several choices that you can select from. A chunky table carved out of wood with two drawers can help you to have that contemporary look for your kitchen. You can also consider purchasing one made from antique timbers for a completely different traditional or antique look.
Designing your kitchen with the stylish furniture helps you to make it an inviting place for your family and friends to dine in. Apart from buying such a graceful table, you can bring a dramatic change to the look of your kitchen with a stunning kitchen cart. Designed to provide you with the extra counter top space needed, the kitchen cart also provides you with some extra storage.
Since there is a great selection of kitchen carts available, you can ensure locating the ideal piece of furniture for your farmhouse kitchen. They are designed in a number of ways that include wood, stainless steel and granite table tops. Exclusive features of these kitchen carts ensures that you have everything at your fingertips.
The kitchen cart with a butcher block top will help you make chopping and slicing easy. All of these have utility drawers and cabinets with adjustable shelves, affording you plenty of space to store your kitchen accessories. Custom built kitchen carts are also available that are especially customized to suit to your specific requirements.
Kitchen carts are certainly the top notch and practical solution for your lovely farmhouse kitchen. You can have any of them ranging from the simplest to the most sophisticated ones, depending on your needs. If you are looking for the simplest kitchen cart, you should opt for the one with a single surface like a tabletop.
In addition with being easy to clean up, it offers extra work space to spread out your kitchen items and cookbooks in an easy manner. As you can see, you can definitely enhance your kitchen experience with functional kitchen carts and farmhouse kitchen tables.
When you are shopping around for the ideal farmhouse kitchen table, there are several choices that you can select from. A chunky table carved out of wood with two drawers can help you to have that contemporary look for your kitchen. You can also consider purchasing one made from antique timbers for a completely different traditional or antique look.
Designing your kitchen with the stylish furniture helps you to make it an inviting place for your family and friends to dine in. Apart from buying such a graceful table, you can bring a dramatic change to the look of your kitchen with a stunning kitchen cart. Designed to provide you with the extra counter top space needed, the kitchen cart also provides you with some extra storage.
Since there is a great selection of kitchen carts available, you can ensure locating the ideal piece of furniture for your farmhouse kitchen. They are designed in a number of ways that include wood, stainless steel and granite table tops. Exclusive features of these kitchen carts ensures that you have everything at your fingertips.
The kitchen cart with a butcher block top will help you make chopping and slicing easy. All of these have utility drawers and cabinets with adjustable shelves, affording you plenty of space to store your kitchen accessories. Custom built kitchen carts are also available that are especially customized to suit to your specific requirements.
Kitchen carts are certainly the top notch and practical solution for your lovely farmhouse kitchen. You can have any of them ranging from the simplest to the most sophisticated ones, depending on your needs. If you are looking for the simplest kitchen cart, you should opt for the one with a single surface like a tabletop.
In addition with being easy to clean up, it offers extra work space to spread out your kitchen items and cookbooks in an easy manner. As you can see, you can definitely enhance your kitchen experience with functional kitchen carts and farmhouse kitchen tables.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Kitchen Carts Equals Kitchen Smarts
Do you always find yourself in need of more counter space in your kitchen? After doing the five loads of dishes that seemed to take up half of the room, everyone from the college Mac & Cheese consumer to the deluxe home chef needs more kitchen countertop surface to work with.
Kitchen carts, or microwave carts, kitchen islands, butcher blocks, portable bars, serving trays - whatever you want to call them, are a heavenly solution to the perpetual problem of lack-of-space.
One of the great things about a kitchen cart is that it can swoop out to save the day, but then can be neatly tucked away the following day. As flexible as you are (when you've got your head in the fridge that's being held open with one of your feet, one hand on the pot handle of the stove, your other hand wiping up the milk you spilled on the counter, and your remaining foot attempting to keep you balanced), kitchen carts are the more inexpensive way to open up your space without having to host a sledgehammer party to knock down two walls and build a breakfast bar. Save your renovations fund for another room, and buy a kitchen cart instead.
Kitchen carts can be as simple or as elaborate as you want or need. There are simple microwave kitchen carts with a couple of bare shelves underneath a roomy counter space, or kitchen islands with a granite top, six drawers of closed storage, dishtowel racks, full extension gliding leafs for triple the counter space, glass racks, spice racks - all on convenient caster wheels, so it can go wherever you go. A kitchen that follows YOU around, instead of you needing to be everywhere at once!
Sideboards are also an option, if you're looking for something a little more dual-purpose. Most sideboards are stationary, but have ample storage and can double as a table. Hutches and glass doors are a popular feature of sideboards, making them quite decorative, but keeping them very purposeful.
The beauty of a kitchen island is that you can do so much with them. That's a huge part of how they are designed. You can use your kitchen island as a chopping block one day, a tea serving tray the next, storage for pots and pans another day, and a bar (but of course only on the weekends).
A kitchen cart can be either a centerpiece for you to show off or a little gadget to blend in with the rest of your decor. When choosing a microwave cart or butcher block, take the decor of your kitchen into account, as well as what you are looking for in the extra space that your kitchen cart will offer. What do you need most: Closed storage, or an open working space? A bar to entertain your friends, a buffet table, or a simple metal cart to match your baker's rack? All questions to consider, because face it - you need something, don't you? Aimee Taylor
Kitchen carts, or microwave carts, kitchen islands, butcher blocks, portable bars, serving trays - whatever you want to call them, are a heavenly solution to the perpetual problem of lack-of-space.
One of the great things about a kitchen cart is that it can swoop out to save the day, but then can be neatly tucked away the following day. As flexible as you are (when you've got your head in the fridge that's being held open with one of your feet, one hand on the pot handle of the stove, your other hand wiping up the milk you spilled on the counter, and your remaining foot attempting to keep you balanced), kitchen carts are the more inexpensive way to open up your space without having to host a sledgehammer party to knock down two walls and build a breakfast bar. Save your renovations fund for another room, and buy a kitchen cart instead.
Kitchen carts can be as simple or as elaborate as you want or need. There are simple microwave kitchen carts with a couple of bare shelves underneath a roomy counter space, or kitchen islands with a granite top, six drawers of closed storage, dishtowel racks, full extension gliding leafs for triple the counter space, glass racks, spice racks - all on convenient caster wheels, so it can go wherever you go. A kitchen that follows YOU around, instead of you needing to be everywhere at once!
Sideboards are also an option, if you're looking for something a little more dual-purpose. Most sideboards are stationary, but have ample storage and can double as a table. Hutches and glass doors are a popular feature of sideboards, making them quite decorative, but keeping them very purposeful.
The beauty of a kitchen island is that you can do so much with them. That's a huge part of how they are designed. You can use your kitchen island as a chopping block one day, a tea serving tray the next, storage for pots and pans another day, and a bar (but of course only on the weekends).
A kitchen cart can be either a centerpiece for you to show off or a little gadget to blend in with the rest of your decor. When choosing a microwave cart or butcher block, take the decor of your kitchen into account, as well as what you are looking for in the extra space that your kitchen cart will offer. What do you need most: Closed storage, or an open working space? A bar to entertain your friends, a buffet table, or a simple metal cart to match your baker's rack? All questions to consider, because face it - you need something, don't you? Aimee Taylor
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Creating a Modern Kitchen Design During Cabinet Refacing
If you’ve dreamed of a smooth, uncluttered look for your kitchen design, it’s time to put that dream into action. There are many ways to incorporate this kitchen style during a cabinet refacing project.
Check Overall Kitchen Design
To create a contemporary kitchen, all or most of the major elements of your kitchen design should adhere to that style. While many people create eclectic mixes of contemporary and traditional styling, that approach will not work if the goal is a true contemporary kitchen design. Instead look for contemporary styles of the following elements:
* Kitchen cabinets.
* Countertop.
* Kitchen appliances.
* Kitchen flooring.
* Wall tile.
* Cabinet hardware.
Kitchen Cabinets Set the Tone
The kitchen cabinet style you select will go a long way toward creating a contemporary kitchen design. When planning a cabinet refacing, look for cabinet doors and drawers with:
* Flat fronts and limited detailing.
* No crown molding.
* Sleek materials, such as laminate.
Spice Up Kitchen Design With Modern Appliances
Nothing says contemporary like stainless steel appliances. Look for a sleek side-by-side refrigerator and commercial range to blend with your refaced cabinets. Also look for:
* Thin stainless steel appliance door handles.
* Limited detailing on appliance doors and knobs.
* Shiny stainless steel appliances -- not more subtle matte finishes.
Contemporary Kitchen Countertop Styles
Many contemporary kitchen designs feature edgy countertop surfaces, such as:
* Stainless steel �" to blend with stainless steel appliances. Carry the metal look on the backsplash for a dramatic look.
* Concrete �" this rough, hard surface has an urban look. Look for natural, honed concrete or a painted surface for an added touch.
* Granite countertops �" a perennial favorite in many kitchen designs. Try sharp black for a contemporary look.
Kitchen Cabinet Hardware is Finishing Touch
The cabinet knobs and pulls you select should add the finishing touch to your contemporary kitchen design. Try adding styles that have minimal detailing and a sleek, edgy look. Among the options are stainless steel, thin pulls and crisp, round knobs in aluminum.
When planning a cabinet refacing project, look for ways to change your kitchen design. If you’ve always wanted a dramatic, contemporary kitchen design, look for ways to incorporate the style into your new kitchen design.
Check Overall Kitchen Design
To create a contemporary kitchen, all or most of the major elements of your kitchen design should adhere to that style. While many people create eclectic mixes of contemporary and traditional styling, that approach will not work if the goal is a true contemporary kitchen design. Instead look for contemporary styles of the following elements:
* Kitchen cabinets.
* Countertop.
* Kitchen appliances.
* Kitchen flooring.
* Wall tile.
* Cabinet hardware.
Kitchen Cabinets Set the Tone
The kitchen cabinet style you select will go a long way toward creating a contemporary kitchen design. When planning a cabinet refacing, look for cabinet doors and drawers with:
* Flat fronts and limited detailing.
* No crown molding.
* Sleek materials, such as laminate.
Spice Up Kitchen Design With Modern Appliances
Nothing says contemporary like stainless steel appliances. Look for a sleek side-by-side refrigerator and commercial range to blend with your refaced cabinets. Also look for:
* Thin stainless steel appliance door handles.
* Limited detailing on appliance doors and knobs.
* Shiny stainless steel appliances -- not more subtle matte finishes.
Contemporary Kitchen Countertop Styles
Many contemporary kitchen designs feature edgy countertop surfaces, such as:
* Stainless steel �" to blend with stainless steel appliances. Carry the metal look on the backsplash for a dramatic look.
* Concrete �" this rough, hard surface has an urban look. Look for natural, honed concrete or a painted surface for an added touch.
* Granite countertops �" a perennial favorite in many kitchen designs. Try sharp black for a contemporary look.
Kitchen Cabinet Hardware is Finishing Touch
The cabinet knobs and pulls you select should add the finishing touch to your contemporary kitchen design. Try adding styles that have minimal detailing and a sleek, edgy look. Among the options are stainless steel, thin pulls and crisp, round knobs in aluminum.
When planning a cabinet refacing project, look for ways to change your kitchen design. If you’ve always wanted a dramatic, contemporary kitchen design, look for ways to incorporate the style into your new kitchen design.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Kitchen Design on a Dime
If you ever hope to create a kitchen design for your home, there are many things you need to keep in mind. The first and foremost would be your budget. It is so very easy (trust me on this) to go into your local home improvement store and want one of everything, the best ceramic tile flooring, metallic ceiling tiles, Venetian plaster walls, granite countertops on the kitchen island, and top of the line appliances that would make Ivan Trump drool. Okay, so now I'm drooling. However, I have champagne taste and a budget that won't even buy a decent can of beer.
My kitchen design idea has to be one that calls for prudence and perceived luxury rather than the expensive kind of luxury that I some daydream of affording (perhaps when the kids graduate college they will help me build my dream kitchen design). There are however, a few things you can do in your kitchen to give it designer jeans flare while wearing poor man's pants.
One way you can save a significant amount of money in your kitchen is on the kitchen cabinet. If you choose to buy new doors for your kitchen cabinet rather than replacing the cabinet you will save yourself a great deal of money. Fixtures and door handles are also a great way to make it look as though you have a completely new kitchen design.
If you want another great design idea, try a fresh coat of paint. This is a budget design idea that works great to change the entire look of a kitchen without going to the expense that more extensive changes would create. If you have the floor space, and a little money set aside you may want to build a new kitchen island.
This will provide extra countertop space, which is oh so precious in a kitchen as well as a division of the often-limited space of a kitchen. It also divides the room so that if you have small children you can set them up on the opposite side in which you are working and let them have a project of their own. Islands allow for creative storage in addition to the extra countertop space which make them a good bet in any kitchen design.
No matter what your budget, changing your kitchen design can have a profound impact on the level of enjoyment you have in this room that you and your family spend so much time in. Even little changes to this room will have a lasting impact on your enjoyment. Good luck and have fun!
My kitchen design idea has to be one that calls for prudence and perceived luxury rather than the expensive kind of luxury that I some daydream of affording (perhaps when the kids graduate college they will help me build my dream kitchen design). There are however, a few things you can do in your kitchen to give it designer jeans flare while wearing poor man's pants.
One way you can save a significant amount of money in your kitchen is on the kitchen cabinet. If you choose to buy new doors for your kitchen cabinet rather than replacing the cabinet you will save yourself a great deal of money. Fixtures and door handles are also a great way to make it look as though you have a completely new kitchen design.
If you want another great design idea, try a fresh coat of paint. This is a budget design idea that works great to change the entire look of a kitchen without going to the expense that more extensive changes would create. If you have the floor space, and a little money set aside you may want to build a new kitchen island.
This will provide extra countertop space, which is oh so precious in a kitchen as well as a division of the often-limited space of a kitchen. It also divides the room so that if you have small children you can set them up on the opposite side in which you are working and let them have a project of their own. Islands allow for creative storage in addition to the extra countertop space which make them a good bet in any kitchen design.
No matter what your budget, changing your kitchen design can have a profound impact on the level of enjoyment you have in this room that you and your family spend so much time in. Even little changes to this room will have a lasting impact on your enjoyment. Good luck and have fun!
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Kitchen Design on a Dime
If you ever hope to create a kitchen design for your home, there are many things you need to keep in mind. The first and foremost would be your budget. It is so very easy (trust me on this) to go into your local home improvement store and want one of everything, the best ceramic tile flooring, metallic ceiling tiles, Venetian plaster walls, granite countertops on the kitchen island, and top of the line appliances that would make Ivan Trump drool. Okay, so now I'm drooling. However, I have champagne taste and a budget that won't even buy a decent can of beer.
My kitchen design idea has to be one that calls for prudence and perceived luxury rather than the expensive kind of luxury that I some daydream of affording (perhaps when the kids graduate college they will help me build my dream kitchen design). There are however, a few things you can do in your kitchen to give it designer jeans flare while wearing poor man's pants.
One way you can save a significant amount of money in your kitchen is on the kitchen cabinet. If you choose to buy new doors for your kitchen cabinet rather than replacing the cabinet you will save yourself a great deal of money. Fixtures and door handles are also a great way to make it look as though you have a completely new kitchen design.
If you want another great design idea, try a fresh coat of paint. This is a budget design idea that works great to change the entire look of a kitchen without going to the expense that more extensive changes would create. If you have the floor space, and a little money set aside you may want to build a new kitchen island.
This will provide extra countertop space, which is oh so precious in a kitchen as well as a division of the often-limited space of a kitchen. It also divides the room so that if you have small children you can set them up on the opposite side in which you are working and let them have a project of their own. Islands allow for creative storage in addition to the extra countertop space which make them a good bet in any kitchen design.
No matter what your budget, changing your kitchen design can have a profound impact on the level of enjoyment you have in this room that you and your family spend so much time in. Even little changes to this room will have a lasting impact on your enjoyment. Good luck and have fun!
My kitchen design idea has to be one that calls for prudence and perceived luxury rather than the expensive kind of luxury that I some daydream of affording (perhaps when the kids graduate college they will help me build my dream kitchen design). There are however, a few things you can do in your kitchen to give it designer jeans flare while wearing poor man's pants.
One way you can save a significant amount of money in your kitchen is on the kitchen cabinet. If you choose to buy new doors for your kitchen cabinet rather than replacing the cabinet you will save yourself a great deal of money. Fixtures and door handles are also a great way to make it look as though you have a completely new kitchen design.
If you want another great design idea, try a fresh coat of paint. This is a budget design idea that works great to change the entire look of a kitchen without going to the expense that more extensive changes would create. If you have the floor space, and a little money set aside you may want to build a new kitchen island.
This will provide extra countertop space, which is oh so precious in a kitchen as well as a division of the often-limited space of a kitchen. It also divides the room so that if you have small children you can set them up on the opposite side in which you are working and let them have a project of their own. Islands allow for creative storage in addition to the extra countertop space which make them a good bet in any kitchen design.
No matter what your budget, changing your kitchen design can have a profound impact on the level of enjoyment you have in this room that you and your family spend so much time in. Even little changes to this room will have a lasting impact on your enjoyment. Good luck and have fun!
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Saturday 25 October 2008
More Kitchen Products
It is amazing how many gadgets you can find to use in your kitchen. There are cake decorating bags that can make you feel like a pastry chef at an exclusive resort, talking bottle openers that root for your favorite team, talking pizza cutters that sound like Homer Simpson and handheld bug zappers that make sure your dining experience is not interrupted by uninvited guests.
People enjoy reaching into their cupboards and finding the latest in cooking equipment too. Many people prefer to use more than one sauté pan at a time, and find that they prefer two of the same size in many cases. It’s refreshing to know that there are online kitchen collections that will let people pick and choose which cookware items they need to use in their kitchens.
There are an abundant amount of novelty gadgets that will keep everyone amused for hours. For Nascar fan, there might be a slow cooker with their favorite driver’s logo on the side. This item would be perfect for tailgate parties and at-home parties where friends would be amazed at your cleverness and the marvelous food that each cooker holds.
When people cook dinner, they want to be able to prepare delectable meals for their family, but do not want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. They prefer to use their precious time off from work with family member. Every meal can be a festive occasion when you are equipped with cooking items such as omelet pans, non-stick griddles and 30 quart stock pots filled to the rim with lobster and crawfish.
Kitchens can be organized to save time and many cooks prefer to use pot racks to hang their marvelous assortment of steaming vessels. One night they might select a round BBQ wok and create Asian cuisine that is out of this world. Another night, they might cook a splendid pork roast that is so succulent the juices are 2 inches deep in the pan.
For any person that wants to learn how to cook better, there is always the standard cook book that stands ready to guide you through the motions. A kitchen crisis might be order however, when you have recipes that were handed down several generations and someone asks you to prepare them for a family gathering. While you can read the recipe quite clearly, you are unsure if your kitchen has the right pots and pans to get the job done in stellar fashion.
Some cooking pans are equipped with vents, and others feature pure stainless steel tops that provide a full seal around the top with a overhanging edge. Many of these types of lids have inserts that can be used for home canning projects.
The more perplexing pieces of equipment that can be found in the kitchen are double-boiler types that are rarely used but are one of the things that old recipes require from time to time. Knowing which one is the right one to use in these marvelous recipes might make the difference between success and failure in your cooking endeavors.
Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=139293&ca=Internet
Get Into The Mix In The Kitchen
Mixers are the heavy lifters of the kitchen. They are available in several shapes and sizes and come with a wide array of attachments to carry out the kitchen functions. Some of these functions are similar to those performed by blenders, and people frequently mistake blenders for mixers.
They should keep in mind that blenders have sharp blades and powerful speeds while mixers are slower with no blades and are used for mixing, folding, beating or whipping ingredients.
There are two types of mixers: hand mixers and stand mixers. The hand mixer is a hand-held appliance, while a stand mixer is mounted upon a stand. In addition to this basic difference, the two types of mixer also vary in power, features and functions.
Hand mixers can be battery-operated or corded appliances and consist of two beaters driven by a motor. These beaters are immersed into the food ingredients to perform basic tasks such as whipping cream or egg whites, mixing cake batter or perhaps mashing potatoes.
Their prices typically range from $20 to $75, and are ideal for people who like to spend as little time in the kitchen as possible, or for people with little available counter space.
Stand mixers are larger, with more efficient motors and a separate mixing bowl. They are locked into place atop the stand. These mixers can perform far more powerful tasks such as blending pastry dough, kneading bread dough, mixing cookie dough and beating flour. In addition, stand mixers make whipping cream and eggs a relatively effortless job.
The stand mixers cost much more than hand mixers because they are heavy-duty appliances. They can cost up to several hundred dollars. They are ideal for serious cooks or avid amateurs who make elaborate dishes and need a lot of cooking support. They are also sturdier, and can be used to mix a large amount of ingredients. In contrast, the hand mixers are light-weight devices and should be used for light tasks only.
Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=116311&ca=Cooking
Thursday 23 October 2008
Kitchen Design Ideas and Layout
Are You Designing Your Kitchen?
A kitchen is the central headquarters for the family. Kitchen is often the showplace of the home, and yet it is required to function well for a wide variety of tasks. A well-equipped, beautifully dressed kitchen will provide both a sense of well-being and a favorite place in the home. As you plan your new kitchen, you must consider both the utility and the look factor.
Kitchen design ideas - choose the one that suits you best!
When thinking of ideas for designing your kitchen, you could either consider one- one part of the kitchen at a time or pick up a complete theme. A complete theme could be something like a design based on Feng Shui which incorporates all its principles.
Feng shui concerns the art of placement and you could help you to arrange your kitchen in a way that enhances its good energy. For instance, according to Feng shui, the cook's back should never face the kitchen entrance so you must design accordingly
Now according to the other way, you could choose a particular look for the kitchen floor, the walls, the storing place etc. this can be done in various ways depending upon the amount of money you are willing to spend, the lay out of the kitchen and your taste. Here are some specific design ideas for your kitchen -
* Kitchen floor- Your flooring choice is important as it will set the tone for the whole kitchen. The textural quality of the floor always appeals to eye and has a radical effect on how one perceives the room as a whole. For kitchens, the two most elegant floors are tiles / stones and laminated or hardwood floors.
Ceramic tiles are a premium product for a kitchen and represent an impressive upgrade over any other floor. The only disadvantage is the cold feel. However if you want you can also opt for a floor heating system.
* Kitchen countertops - While choosing your countertop, select a color and texture that will compliment your cabinetry, floor or paint selection. Don't be afraid in combining two or more countertop materials. Complimentary colors and textures on adjacent surfaces create visual interest.
Also remember, it pays to select a material, which will withstand years of use without extraordinary maintenance requirements and is easily repairable should an accident occur. Granite and marble are strong options.
* Kitchen lighting - you might have a large ceiling fixture, equipped with energy-efficient fluorescent tubes that supply plenty of well-diffused general lighting. However it may leave you working in your own shadow at the sink, range, and countertops. These areas in your kitchen need supplemental task lighting. Also placing your windows is a tricky question.
Kitchen design layout
The perfect arrangement
Kitchen designing is very subjective, so a layout that might be perfect for one can be disastrous for another. This is primarily because the tastes, and the ways of people in terms of working habits, styles are vastly different. Thus kitchen layouts should be done according to the necessities and specifications of the prime user of the space, who has definite ideas about how he/she would like their working space to be. But apart from this subjective outlook, there are certain steps that you should follow while designing your kitchen plan or layout. Following are the stages -
Stages in kitchen design layout
Follow these simple steps in order to get your kitchen space rightly utilized with a desirable look-
1. Measure your kitchen in a detailed manner, the position of the doors, windows, electric points, drains and sinks etc.
2. Demarcate the kitchen areas into three - Storage, cooking and cleaning. Go about planning the space, keeping these three aspects in mind.
3. Make a list of the appliances that you are likely to use in the kitchen, and provide space for them according to their dimensions.
Keep these three points in mind and then design your kitchen in a style that fits in accordance to your tastes. Following are some of the stereotypical kitchen design layouts that are used -
Kitchen design layouts - Types
These are the 4 basic kitchen layouts that are generally followed while designing a kitchen -
1. Corridor layout - This is meant for a narrow kitchen, where there are two facing rows. One for storage and the other for cleaning and cooking. Make sure there is a minimum 1200mm space between the two rows.
2. L shaped layout - This is a layout, where the rows are diagonal to one another, thus forming an L shape. This gets the kitchen working space into the corner, thus giving a lot of free space to move about.
3. U shaped layout - this is the best choice for small kitchens and very convenient too.
4. Island layout - This one on the other hand is meant for large kitchens. Here the cooking hob is altogether a different box unit, while the L shaped row is meant for the sink and storage purposes.
These are the different ways in which you could plan your kitchen layout, and also make changes and alterations according to your preferences.
A kitchen is the central headquarters for the family. Kitchen is often the showplace of the home, and yet it is required to function well for a wide variety of tasks. A well-equipped, beautifully dressed kitchen will provide both a sense of well-being and a favorite place in the home. As you plan your new kitchen, you must consider both the utility and the look factor.
Kitchen design ideas - choose the one that suits you best!
When thinking of ideas for designing your kitchen, you could either consider one- one part of the kitchen at a time or pick up a complete theme. A complete theme could be something like a design based on Feng Shui which incorporates all its principles.
Feng shui concerns the art of placement and you could help you to arrange your kitchen in a way that enhances its good energy. For instance, according to Feng shui, the cook's back should never face the kitchen entrance so you must design accordingly
Now according to the other way, you could choose a particular look for the kitchen floor, the walls, the storing place etc. this can be done in various ways depending upon the amount of money you are willing to spend, the lay out of the kitchen and your taste. Here are some specific design ideas for your kitchen -
* Kitchen floor- Your flooring choice is important as it will set the tone for the whole kitchen. The textural quality of the floor always appeals to eye and has a radical effect on how one perceives the room as a whole. For kitchens, the two most elegant floors are tiles / stones and laminated or hardwood floors.
Ceramic tiles are a premium product for a kitchen and represent an impressive upgrade over any other floor. The only disadvantage is the cold feel. However if you want you can also opt for a floor heating system.
* Kitchen countertops - While choosing your countertop, select a color and texture that will compliment your cabinetry, floor or paint selection. Don't be afraid in combining two or more countertop materials. Complimentary colors and textures on adjacent surfaces create visual interest.
Also remember, it pays to select a material, which will withstand years of use without extraordinary maintenance requirements and is easily repairable should an accident occur. Granite and marble are strong options.
* Kitchen lighting - you might have a large ceiling fixture, equipped with energy-efficient fluorescent tubes that supply plenty of well-diffused general lighting. However it may leave you working in your own shadow at the sink, range, and countertops. These areas in your kitchen need supplemental task lighting. Also placing your windows is a tricky question.
Kitchen design layout
The perfect arrangement
Kitchen designing is very subjective, so a layout that might be perfect for one can be disastrous for another. This is primarily because the tastes, and the ways of people in terms of working habits, styles are vastly different. Thus kitchen layouts should be done according to the necessities and specifications of the prime user of the space, who has definite ideas about how he/she would like their working space to be. But apart from this subjective outlook, there are certain steps that you should follow while designing your kitchen plan or layout. Following are the stages -
Stages in kitchen design layout
Follow these simple steps in order to get your kitchen space rightly utilized with a desirable look-
1. Measure your kitchen in a detailed manner, the position of the doors, windows, electric points, drains and sinks etc.
2. Demarcate the kitchen areas into three - Storage, cooking and cleaning. Go about planning the space, keeping these three aspects in mind.
3. Make a list of the appliances that you are likely to use in the kitchen, and provide space for them according to their dimensions.
Keep these three points in mind and then design your kitchen in a style that fits in accordance to your tastes. Following are some of the stereotypical kitchen design layouts that are used -
Kitchen design layouts - Types
These are the 4 basic kitchen layouts that are generally followed while designing a kitchen -
1. Corridor layout - This is meant for a narrow kitchen, where there are two facing rows. One for storage and the other for cleaning and cooking. Make sure there is a minimum 1200mm space between the two rows.
2. L shaped layout - This is a layout, where the rows are diagonal to one another, thus forming an L shape. This gets the kitchen working space into the corner, thus giving a lot of free space to move about.
3. U shaped layout - this is the best choice for small kitchens and very convenient too.
4. Island layout - This one on the other hand is meant for large kitchens. Here the cooking hob is altogether a different box unit, while the L shaped row is meant for the sink and storage purposes.
These are the different ways in which you could plan your kitchen layout, and also make changes and alterations according to your preferences.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Using Kitchen Cabinet Doors to Add Architectural Detailing to the Rest of Your Kitchen
Many people are now developing ideas to increase their kitchen appeal. This is largely due to the explosion of television shows dedicated to the home improvement movement. Ideas ranging from kitchen cabinet doors as decorative wainscoting, to moldings as accent pieces; now, it’s all part of a kitchen layout.
With over 50 different home improvement or design shows on air right now, this has resulted in an explosion of homeowners who are tackling design projects on their own, rather than hiring someone to do it for them.
An idea that keeps coming up is using kitchen cabinet doors as accents or decorations in the kitchen. Some people might be asking how this is being done. Maybe the first thing to do is to define a word used in the previous paragraph and further more, clear up some other definitions. Wainscoting is a decorative wood design (almost like a paneling) that is used on walls up to a certain height. That height is usually about four feet or to a �oechair rail”.
That leads to what is a chair rail? A chair rail is the molding that divides the wainscoting and the upper part of the wall (which is usually just paint over drywall). So to sum this up: wanes-coating on the bottom, divided with a chair rail, and then finally a flat wall usually covered with wall paper or paint.
Using kitchen cabinet doors instead of traditional wainscoting panels, will help carry the look of the kitchen cabinets throughout the kitchen. If you take one or two exposed walls in your kitchen and decide to place kitchen cabinet doors on these walls you will have to provide proper spacing and suitable placement. You don’t want to over populate the walls with kitchen cabinet doors, instead even spacing will make the wall look classy and define it as a showpiece.
So a nice row of kitchen cabinet doors along one or two walls can be a great accent to any kitchen. But where else could this idea work? Maybe you only have a small kitchen with limited wall space and this idea just does not work; but you still want something different. Another option is centering a kitchen cabinet door on the back side of an island.
Instead of using a blank island panel, put one or two kitchen cabinet doors on top of the panel. Just keep the blank island panel and place the doors on top. It is a nice feature and makes for a very tasteful finish.
With these ideas you can grow your kitchen into something special. And from this maybe you will come up with your own ideas to enhance the look of your kitchen. Just remember to ask your cabinet retailer if they sell separate kitchen cabinet doors. Other than that, your kitchen is only limited to your own creativity.
With over 50 different home improvement or design shows on air right now, this has resulted in an explosion of homeowners who are tackling design projects on their own, rather than hiring someone to do it for them.
An idea that keeps coming up is using kitchen cabinet doors as accents or decorations in the kitchen. Some people might be asking how this is being done. Maybe the first thing to do is to define a word used in the previous paragraph and further more, clear up some other definitions. Wainscoting is a decorative wood design (almost like a paneling) that is used on walls up to a certain height. That height is usually about four feet or to a �oechair rail”.
That leads to what is a chair rail? A chair rail is the molding that divides the wainscoting and the upper part of the wall (which is usually just paint over drywall). So to sum this up: wanes-coating on the bottom, divided with a chair rail, and then finally a flat wall usually covered with wall paper or paint.
Using kitchen cabinet doors instead of traditional wainscoting panels, will help carry the look of the kitchen cabinets throughout the kitchen. If you take one or two exposed walls in your kitchen and decide to place kitchen cabinet doors on these walls you will have to provide proper spacing and suitable placement. You don’t want to over populate the walls with kitchen cabinet doors, instead even spacing will make the wall look classy and define it as a showpiece.
So a nice row of kitchen cabinet doors along one or two walls can be a great accent to any kitchen. But where else could this idea work? Maybe you only have a small kitchen with limited wall space and this idea just does not work; but you still want something different. Another option is centering a kitchen cabinet door on the back side of an island.
Instead of using a blank island panel, put one or two kitchen cabinet doors on top of the panel. Just keep the blank island panel and place the doors on top. It is a nice feature and makes for a very tasteful finish.
With these ideas you can grow your kitchen into something special. And from this maybe you will come up with your own ideas to enhance the look of your kitchen. Just remember to ask your cabinet retailer if they sell separate kitchen cabinet doors. Other than that, your kitchen is only limited to your own creativity.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Kitchen Drawings * Know What to Look For Before You Start Remodeling
Great plans are the key to the best kitchen remodels. Professional kitchen plans require several fundamental elements which we will review in this article.
Floor plans �"
A complex and difficult kitchen remodel should actually include two individual kitchen floor plans. One to show the space in its present condition and is sometimes called an "as built" plan. In addition, a second kitchen floor plan drawing is needed to depict the kitchen in its final form and is referred to as the "proposed kitchen floor plan".
Other important components in need of illustration on the finished kitchen floor plans would include all new cabinetry with names and labels. You will need to view the appliance selections you have made including their door swings and exact locations. Countertop material selection and their shape as well as flooring selection should be clearly noted on the proposed kitchen plans as well. Obviously, the exact position of these and all other elements along with specific notes for the kitchen plans should be indicated here.
Many kitchen designers like to show various cabinet dimensions on their kitchen floor plans. This leads to a labyrinth of extension and dimension lines. With the exception of a few depth dimensions this should be averted totally in favor of displaying these cabinet dimensions on elevation drawings. Simply put, the purpose of kitchen floor plan is to designate room specific dimensions only. The main purpose of the kitchen floor plan drawings is to show dimensions including wall length and position, window location and size and walkway clearance along with elevation markers. Look for the new cabinetry and countertops here but only as they concern to the room lay-out. The only cabinet/appliance dimensions you should see would be those showing cabinet/appliance depth.
Elevation Drawings �"
The elevations drawings offer specified cabinet and appliance dimensions from the items depicted on the proposed floor plan on a particular wall or area of the new kitchen. Individual cabinet sizes should be shown here including all cabinetry specific dimensions. Mounting positions and heights (wall cabinets) will be designated.
If your cabinetry requires special changes by the cabinet maker or carpenter they should be noted in the corresponding wall elevations. Clear illustration of the precise door and drawer design as well as custom details such as crown moldings, turnings and carving on lays should be shown in precise detail here as well.
Most kitchen designers nowadays use some form of CAD software program to produce kitchen renderings while a smaller number still illustrate by hand. Whichever method is practiced you should look for larger sheet sizes for your kitchen plans. Too many designers produce plans on 8 ½” x 11” sheets. This causes each illustration to be scaled down to fit the page size.
The ideal scale for kitchen drawings is 1/2" = 1' - 0". At this scale floor plans and elevations are easier to read. In most cases sheet sizes larger than 8 1/2" x 11" will be required to show kitchen floor plans, elevations and notations.
Kitchen drawings should always be exceedingly detailed. All sub contractors should have all necessary information for easy reference and know exactly what is and is not part of the project. Remember, a great kitchen starts with great kitchen plans. If you utilize the principles suggested here you will be well on your way to building your dream kitchen.
Floor plans �"
A complex and difficult kitchen remodel should actually include two individual kitchen floor plans. One to show the space in its present condition and is sometimes called an "as built" plan. In addition, a second kitchen floor plan drawing is needed to depict the kitchen in its final form and is referred to as the "proposed kitchen floor plan".
Other important components in need of illustration on the finished kitchen floor plans would include all new cabinetry with names and labels. You will need to view the appliance selections you have made including their door swings and exact locations. Countertop material selection and their shape as well as flooring selection should be clearly noted on the proposed kitchen plans as well. Obviously, the exact position of these and all other elements along with specific notes for the kitchen plans should be indicated here.
Many kitchen designers like to show various cabinet dimensions on their kitchen floor plans. This leads to a labyrinth of extension and dimension lines. With the exception of a few depth dimensions this should be averted totally in favor of displaying these cabinet dimensions on elevation drawings. Simply put, the purpose of kitchen floor plan is to designate room specific dimensions only. The main purpose of the kitchen floor plan drawings is to show dimensions including wall length and position, window location and size and walkway clearance along with elevation markers. Look for the new cabinetry and countertops here but only as they concern to the room lay-out. The only cabinet/appliance dimensions you should see would be those showing cabinet/appliance depth.
Elevation Drawings �"
The elevations drawings offer specified cabinet and appliance dimensions from the items depicted on the proposed floor plan on a particular wall or area of the new kitchen. Individual cabinet sizes should be shown here including all cabinetry specific dimensions. Mounting positions and heights (wall cabinets) will be designated.
If your cabinetry requires special changes by the cabinet maker or carpenter they should be noted in the corresponding wall elevations. Clear illustration of the precise door and drawer design as well as custom details such as crown moldings, turnings and carving on lays should be shown in precise detail here as well.
Most kitchen designers nowadays use some form of CAD software program to produce kitchen renderings while a smaller number still illustrate by hand. Whichever method is practiced you should look for larger sheet sizes for your kitchen plans. Too many designers produce plans on 8 ½” x 11” sheets. This causes each illustration to be scaled down to fit the page size.
The ideal scale for kitchen drawings is 1/2" = 1' - 0". At this scale floor plans and elevations are easier to read. In most cases sheet sizes larger than 8 1/2" x 11" will be required to show kitchen floor plans, elevations and notations.
Kitchen drawings should always be exceedingly detailed. All sub contractors should have all necessary information for easy reference and know exactly what is and is not part of the project. Remember, a great kitchen starts with great kitchen plans. If you utilize the principles suggested here you will be well on your way to building your dream kitchen.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Sunday 12 October 2008
Replacing Your Kitchen Cupboards
Updating Your Kitchen Cupboards doesn't have to be a huge undertaking. Yes, people still use the term cupboards to describe their kitchen cabinets. While they are no longer the stand alone or hand built cabinets that used to define kitchen cupboards of the past, use can still get a similar look from stock kitchen cabinets.
While most homeowners are willing to try their hand at doing projects around the house themselves, for some reason the kitchen is one the areas that scares the average homeowner. In reality, updating your kitchen or replacing the kitchen cupboards isn't that big of a project. With the quality of the products that are on the market today, it is not unrealistic for even an average skilled homeowner to completely remodel their kitchen. With labor being the largest part of any kitchen remodel, the savings can literally be in the tens of thousands.
As long as you are not planning on knocking down walls or building new ones, the hardest part of the kitchen remodel will be the assembly of the kitchen cupboards. I use RTA Kitchen cupboards for all of my renovation projects, and they literally go together with just a screwdriver. So not only are they less expensive to buy, but I am also saving money on the labor and installation.
Even though they are stock cabinets, laying out your kitchen is still easy. Most RTA manufacturers produce a wide range of filler pieces and accessories to compliment the kitchen cupboard lines, so even odd shaped kitchens are not hard to layout. So if you are tired of looking at old and outdated kitchen cabinets, it may be time to consider replacing them with new kitchen cupboards.
While most homeowners are willing to try their hand at doing projects around the house themselves, for some reason the kitchen is one the areas that scares the average homeowner. In reality, updating your kitchen or replacing the kitchen cupboards isn't that big of a project. With the quality of the products that are on the market today, it is not unrealistic for even an average skilled homeowner to completely remodel their kitchen. With labor being the largest part of any kitchen remodel, the savings can literally be in the tens of thousands.
As long as you are not planning on knocking down walls or building new ones, the hardest part of the kitchen remodel will be the assembly of the kitchen cupboards. I use RTA Kitchen cupboards for all of my renovation projects, and they literally go together with just a screwdriver. So not only are they less expensive to buy, but I am also saving money on the labor and installation.
Even though they are stock cabinets, laying out your kitchen is still easy. Most RTA manufacturers produce a wide range of filler pieces and accessories to compliment the kitchen cupboard lines, so even odd shaped kitchens are not hard to layout. So if you are tired of looking at old and outdated kitchen cabinets, it may be time to consider replacing them with new kitchen cupboards.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
The Finest Kitchen Layout Ideas
Kitchens are one of the most important rooms in your whole house, that’s why when people renovate their kitchen they have to get what they want. Most people seem to forget that lots of people use the kitchen, it is extremely important to ask the rest of your family what they want from your kitchen. If you are currently designing your kitchen then there are some important things that you need to avoid.
Don’t be too concerned with the Kitchen Triangle
Everyone keeps on putting lots of emphasis on the kitchen triangle, and yes in some circumstances they can be useful. However you don’t really need one in your kitchen unless you want one. If you have a large kitchen, then placing the triangle in the middle isn’t really the best use of space. Don’t focus too highly on the triangle; rather work on creating workstations next to appliances. These workstations are much more useful than the kitchen triangle.
Ask what everyone wants
Kitchens are used by more than one person even if you’re currently single you should design it so that other people will like it too. Anyway a nice kitchen will add value to your home. So unless you will never move and will always live a life of solitude then it’s worth bearing in mind what other people would like from your kitchen.
You should always be looking into the future when designing your kitchen, even if you don’t plan to get married; it’s still a good idea to cater for any eventuality! A kitchen remodeling project will also benefit you, who wouldn’t like to have more space in their kitchen? Preparing food in a spacious room can be a joy. If you can afford it then go for it!
Do Not Scrimp On Storage Spaces
Storage space is very important in a kitchen, you have to tuck lots of things away out of show. You’ve got your glasses, cups, pots and pans & all your kitchen gadgetry! Your collection of kitchen equipment will increase over time, so you should try to keep some spare space. If you have enough room for everything that you need to store it will make your kitchen much more welcoming and less cluttered.
Don’t be too concerned with the Kitchen Triangle
Everyone keeps on putting lots of emphasis on the kitchen triangle, and yes in some circumstances they can be useful. However you don’t really need one in your kitchen unless you want one. If you have a large kitchen, then placing the triangle in the middle isn’t really the best use of space. Don’t focus too highly on the triangle; rather work on creating workstations next to appliances. These workstations are much more useful than the kitchen triangle.
Ask what everyone wants
Kitchens are used by more than one person even if you’re currently single you should design it so that other people will like it too. Anyway a nice kitchen will add value to your home. So unless you will never move and will always live a life of solitude then it’s worth bearing in mind what other people would like from your kitchen.
You should always be looking into the future when designing your kitchen, even if you don’t plan to get married; it’s still a good idea to cater for any eventuality! A kitchen remodeling project will also benefit you, who wouldn’t like to have more space in their kitchen? Preparing food in a spacious room can be a joy. If you can afford it then go for it!
Do Not Scrimp On Storage Spaces
Storage space is very important in a kitchen, you have to tuck lots of things away out of show. You’ve got your glasses, cups, pots and pans & all your kitchen gadgetry! Your collection of kitchen equipment will increase over time, so you should try to keep some spare space. If you have enough room for everything that you need to store it will make your kitchen much more welcoming and less cluttered.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Choosing The Right Kitchen Spice Rack
Kitchen Spice racks come in many varieties and sizes. Not every spice rack for sale will benefit you as a cook. Before spending money on one, make sure you have considered all the options.
The most important question to ask yourself is where are you going to put your kitchen spice rack? If it is going to sit on your counter, then look for counter top spice rack models, or commonly referred to as a free standing spice rack. Many people with a lack of counter top space can choose between a wall mountable kitchen spice rack or a hanging spice rack.
A wall mountable spice rack can be hung on a wall, in the pantry, or even on the back of a cabinet door to preserve space. If you cook regularly you will want your spice rack within easy reach so having it in an easy accessible area is a must. Hanging spice racks usually attach underneath the wall cabinets and hang down below, still leaving you area underneath it to store other items.
Another thing to think about when selecting a spice rack is what type of material you want your spice rack to be made from. Spice racks are made from many different materials such as wood, plastic, different types of metal, and even composite materials. Spice rack frames are very durable, so select your fame style based on looks rather than construction. Spice rack frames require very little maintenance to keep the clean and long lasting.
Lastly, you should think about how many spices you think you will want in your spice rack. Many spice racks come packaged with the spices. If you cook frequently and know exactly what spices you will need, it is best to get a spice rack without the spices. You can go to any grocery store and buy fresh spices to add to your spice rack.
Going this route keeps you from having spices in your rack that you will never use. It also allows you to customize your rack specifically for your cooking style. If you decide to buy a spice rack with the spices included, arrange your spice rack to put the least used spices in the rear of the rack to make the heaviest used spices easy accessible.
Finding the right kitchen spice rack can take some time due to the different types available. Make sure to put in the time required to get a spice rack that is functional and pleasing to the eye for your kitchen.
The most important question to ask yourself is where are you going to put your kitchen spice rack? If it is going to sit on your counter, then look for counter top spice rack models, or commonly referred to as a free standing spice rack. Many people with a lack of counter top space can choose between a wall mountable kitchen spice rack or a hanging spice rack.
A wall mountable spice rack can be hung on a wall, in the pantry, or even on the back of a cabinet door to preserve space. If you cook regularly you will want your spice rack within easy reach so having it in an easy accessible area is a must. Hanging spice racks usually attach underneath the wall cabinets and hang down below, still leaving you area underneath it to store other items.
Another thing to think about when selecting a spice rack is what type of material you want your spice rack to be made from. Spice racks are made from many different materials such as wood, plastic, different types of metal, and even composite materials. Spice rack frames are very durable, so select your fame style based on looks rather than construction. Spice rack frames require very little maintenance to keep the clean and long lasting.
Lastly, you should think about how many spices you think you will want in your spice rack. Many spice racks come packaged with the spices. If you cook frequently and know exactly what spices you will need, it is best to get a spice rack without the spices. You can go to any grocery store and buy fresh spices to add to your spice rack.
Going this route keeps you from having spices in your rack that you will never use. It also allows you to customize your rack specifically for your cooking style. If you decide to buy a spice rack with the spices included, arrange your spice rack to put the least used spices in the rear of the rack to make the heaviest used spices easy accessible.
Finding the right kitchen spice rack can take some time due to the different types available. Make sure to put in the time required to get a spice rack that is functional and pleasing to the eye for your kitchen.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Saturday 4 October 2008
Kitchen Valances For The Stylish Kitchen
Kitchen is an important part of any house as family and friends gather for some good time. A lot of time goes in decorating the whole house but most of the time kitchen is over looked. But now with so many interior designers and firms available, designing your kitchen can be fun. One of the most important factors in designing a kitchen is the curtain and valences which adds a stroke of style to your kitchen.
They are available in various colors, prints and design motifs and can be made easily. The fabric used for kitchen curtains should be light and washable as kitchens are generally a very messy place with cooking oil and grease floating in the air. Heavy fabrics will not be a good idea because they will absorb more odor and smell as compared to lighter fabrics. Fabrics like silk, sheers, cotton, laces and polyesters are good for kitchen curtains.
Long panels and drapes can not be used in kitchen for long time as they need more care and come in the way. Instead using short style valances, café curtains and swags would be more stylish and helpful. Moreover, they are easy to clean and are always out of the way with their positioning right at the top of the window.
Valances are kind of short curtain which is positioned on top of the window to cover the hardware and at the same time making it look good. There are many types of valances and can be made in different fabrics. Balloon valances, pouf valances, scarf valances, and ascot valences are pretty popular.
Valances are a great way of adding style to your any room. In kitchen, they can be used in coordination with the curtains or with the collection in your kitchen. These are available in variety of fabric, color and patterns. Choosing a right valance for kitchen windows requires a little styling sense and brains.
Make sure to match them with the color of the curtain and kitchen, for example if green color is used in your kitchen, go for a valance having ivy and rather then putting it on the top of the window, tuck it inside the ivy. Using a balloon valance can help solve your lighting problem as it lets the light to come in from below and above the curtain.
They can be used to add a pattern to the room for instance, if the kitchen is painted yellow, use a blue colored ones to add some drama to the kitchen. If you kitchen as some collection display like tea pots and cookies jar, get a valance which highlights the collection. You can easily get them with any print and pattern matching your kitchen curtain.
Cotton valance can add a touch of style to a rustic faired kitchen and even laces are a good option for valance as they are available in many colors. Kitchen valences can be made at home as well and many websites and books can help you design and stitch one matching the color and collection theme of your kitchen.
Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=246310&ca=Home+Management
Kitchen Carts For Every Kitchen Decor Available Online
Sometimes, when people go shopping, they often purchase things that they feel that they need. More often than not, these necessities are not necessary at all. Leaving us with more belongings than we can actually store. The cabinets are overflowing with outdated Tupperware, empty butter containers, and not to mention the cool whip containers that are falling out of the cabinet every time you open it.
It can be hard for many people to toss out the extra storage containers that they have accumulated over the years. With the constant thought, you might need it someday. Although, this might actually ring true, you need to open up your cabinets in one way, shape or form. One of the best storage options that are available to those of you that just cannot get rid of the extra items that have rapidly added up over time is a kitchen cart. Many may think a kitchen cart is only for the wealthy people using them as a serving cart.
Well, that is only one kind of a kitchen cart, among the many that are available. Serving kitchen carts are ideal for large dinner parties, as you will no longer have to make multiple trips to the kitchen and dining room. You can often make one trip and then be able to completely relax and enjoy your meal and conversation. At the end of the delightful meal you will again only need to make on trip back to the kitchen.
This type of kitchen cart is available in wood and metal finishes and varies completely in sizes. You can easily find the one that you can get the most use out of. When you purchase a kitchen cart keep in mind the majority of the use you will have for it, and buy the size according to the purpose and amount of room you have available to store the kitchen cart when not in use.
For some of the other types of kitchen carts that are currently available there is the simple kitchen storage cart. This also is available with wheels for ease of moving from one location to the next. These are ideal for the clutter you may have under your kitchen cabinets. Maybe you just do not have ample storage space for your pasta, canned goods or drinks, so you can use the kitchen storage cart as a movable cabinet.
They can be purchased with a flat top that can be excellent for placing young children at with a coloring book and crayons to keep them entertained as you prepare the family meal. If your kitchen lacks counter space you can utilize the kitchen cart top as a counter top for your coffee pot, cutting board when chopping up your vegetables, or the ideal location for you to roll out the dough when you are making homemade desserts for your family or guests.
Regardless of your personal need for a kitchen cart, you can find one that will be ideal for your individual requirements. Be sure when you set out to make this type of purchase you get one that perfectly fits into the space you have available for it.
Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=150746&ca=Cooking
Put Kitchen Cabinets In Your New Kitchen Island
If you want to add a dramatic decorative element to your kitchen, consider installing a kitchen island. Besides the beauty and interest an island adds to a kitchen, it will add work space and storage space. This is usually one of the biggest complaints by homeowners, the lack of room to prepare meals, and shortage of storage space. An island solves these problems and can even add extra seating and eating space to a kitchen. You can add a grill or sink for added convenience in the kitchen.
Most islands are basically tables that are a bit taller than an eating table. Even the most basic kitchen island will add extra space for the preparation, serving and eating of meals. Adding a special touch or two will bring an interesting design into the room. You have to put cabinets under it to get additional storage space, however.
The storage space that can be built into an island can suit your owner needs. Extra drawers, cabinets, big open spaces for large appliances; whatever your storage needs can be addressed.
Many custom built islands include such luxury features as an extra sink, an extra cook surface (a grill or burners), warming ovens, small refrigerators, etc. YOU can even put a dishwasher under the kitchen island. Adding specialized surfaces such as granite or butcher block make meal preparation easier. You can combine any and all of these features for you own unique kitchen island.
There are even multi level islands to add further flexibility and customization to your choices. A higher level may contain an additional sink or cook surface, with a lower surface for serving meals. These kitchen islands are usually larger in size to accommodate the added uses.
Since there is such a variety in the size of kitchen islands, you have to choose the one that will fit best in your kitchen. Measure the area where you want to put the island and put a piece of furniture or some boxes to emulate the amount of space that will be used. This will help give you the visual impact of the island. Try leaving them for a couple of days, walking around them to make sure the space is workable.
You will need at least three feet on each side of the island for a walk around area. You want to have plenty of room to turn and use your regular counter space and appliances. When measuring, make sure you open all of the appliances, cabinets and drawers in your kitchen to make sure you have enough room.
If you don't have the proper amount of space for an installed island, you might think about a portable one. These islands come with wheels and can be moved when not in use. This way, you can gain the additional workspace you need without losing critical movement space in your kitchen. These, of course, will not allow you to add and special features such as a stove top or a sink to them, although they often have some storage space.
Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=155996&ca=Home+Management
Friday 3 October 2008
Discover What Makes An Italian Kitchen
You might ask what makes Italian kitchen design what it is. With Giorgio Armani designing designer beachside accommodation in Egypt the exclusivity of Italian fashion house design has never been more prevalent in the world of domestic interior design. The Italian kitchen has maintained trademark features for generations not only through the national characteristics of style but also catering for specific practical requirements which are embedded in Italian culture.
As in many cultures the Italian kitchen is the centre of the home. In a heavily patriarchal society it is the nucleus of the household as it is where the food comes from, usually prepared by female members of the family. The Italian kitchen is designed with this in mind, the large family unit having to accommodate large family meals with large teams of related chefs catering for the rest of the family.
This in mind the large open plan sprawl of an Italian kitchen is a trait that has survived over the centuries and been adopted into modern interior design by the manifold exclusive suppliers of the Italian kitchen. The open plan design allows for free movement within the kitchen, which is essential for health and safety with boiling pots and sharp knives flying between obscenities and it allows for food preparation in separate areas which is a tradition in Italian cooking.
It is a brave man that enters an Italian kitchen in full frenzy however another trait of Italian kitchen is that the whole family will sometimes gather there to drink wine before a meal or help with specific parts of the meal. Italian meals are served in smaller, numerous courses. An antipasto is served, followed by a pasta dish, fish dish and so on and an Italian kitchen needs to be spaced to accommodate this style of cooking.
The aesthetic style of Italian kitchen design has been adopted by many top designers. This involves a Tuscan feel with subdued lighting with rustic iron light fittings, deep greens, golds and beige colour schemes and ancient kitchen accessories that are blatantly not going to be used for cooking. Sometimes iron stoves and racks are added to further the rustic feel of the Italian kitchen.
Some Italian kitchen designs have a quasi-futuristic feel about them that makes them feel less homely and more disposed toward the Armani super home feel of recent years. The true sentiment of the Italian kitchen is the homely feel of the nucleus of a large family. Italian culture focuses around family values and the traditional routines of preparing and consuming meals as a family is an integral part of that tradition.
The American TV dinner has on occasion been attributed for the degeneration of the middle American family unit and it is easy to see the value in this theory. The Italian kitchen allows for family members to interact and communicate in close proximity to older family members so that they might learn about older generations, meaning traditions and values are passed down. This can be seen to good effect in other family orientated cultures such as Indian.
The Italian kitchen is more than a place to prepare food and the tradition of large family interactions are maintained through this domestic feature. The wide open spaces and other rustic aesthetics have survived as cultural heritage and now they have been paired with contemporary design to provide unique interior spaces.
As in many cultures the Italian kitchen is the centre of the home. In a heavily patriarchal society it is the nucleus of the household as it is where the food comes from, usually prepared by female members of the family. The Italian kitchen is designed with this in mind, the large family unit having to accommodate large family meals with large teams of related chefs catering for the rest of the family.
This in mind the large open plan sprawl of an Italian kitchen is a trait that has survived over the centuries and been adopted into modern interior design by the manifold exclusive suppliers of the Italian kitchen. The open plan design allows for free movement within the kitchen, which is essential for health and safety with boiling pots and sharp knives flying between obscenities and it allows for food preparation in separate areas which is a tradition in Italian cooking.
It is a brave man that enters an Italian kitchen in full frenzy however another trait of Italian kitchen is that the whole family will sometimes gather there to drink wine before a meal or help with specific parts of the meal. Italian meals are served in smaller, numerous courses. An antipasto is served, followed by a pasta dish, fish dish and so on and an Italian kitchen needs to be spaced to accommodate this style of cooking.
The aesthetic style of Italian kitchen design has been adopted by many top designers. This involves a Tuscan feel with subdued lighting with rustic iron light fittings, deep greens, golds and beige colour schemes and ancient kitchen accessories that are blatantly not going to be used for cooking. Sometimes iron stoves and racks are added to further the rustic feel of the Italian kitchen.
Some Italian kitchen designs have a quasi-futuristic feel about them that makes them feel less homely and more disposed toward the Armani super home feel of recent years. The true sentiment of the Italian kitchen is the homely feel of the nucleus of a large family. Italian culture focuses around family values and the traditional routines of preparing and consuming meals as a family is an integral part of that tradition.
The American TV dinner has on occasion been attributed for the degeneration of the middle American family unit and it is easy to see the value in this theory. The Italian kitchen allows for family members to interact and communicate in close proximity to older family members so that they might learn about older generations, meaning traditions and values are passed down. This can be seen to good effect in other family orientated cultures such as Indian.
The Italian kitchen is more than a place to prepare food and the tradition of large family interactions are maintained through this domestic feature. The wide open spaces and other rustic aesthetics have survived as cultural heritage and now they have been paired with contemporary design to provide unique interior spaces.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Comparing RTA Cabinets, Stock Cabinets, and Custom Cabinets
If you are shopping for kitchen cabinets, odds are the first place you turned to was Home Depot or Lowes (Menards if you are in the Midwest). It’s easy access - you can tell them what you want and they will lay everything out for you. They usually have a wide range of styles to choose from, and the cost is significantly less then your typical custom cabinet company. Custom kitchen cabinets can range anywhere from $20,000 - $100,000 for your average size kitchen. What percentage of people remodeling or building a new kitchen has this type of budget? Not many. When it comes to remodeling a home or constructing a new one, people are always looking for ways save money. You don’t want to sacrifice style for quality, but for the average person they have to find a happy medium to keep their renovation project within their budget.
Aside from custom cabinets, most companies today (even the private label brands at the big box stores) are acquiring their materials and products by having them directly imported, which reduces the cost per item, and allows them to pass some of the savings onto their customers. However, the big retail stores still have the high overhead cost associated with brick and mortar stores. Most of these cabinets fall under the category of RTA cabinets or Ready-To-Assemble cabinets. If you can turn a flat head screwdriver then you will be able to construct these cabinets in no time. The assembly is easy and the benefits are even better. But, if you could save even more money by buying direct, and skipping the store, would you? Well now you can. There is a new of distributors that are importing these cabinets and selling them direct to the consumer.
Dellivery time or lead time is another big selling point of RTA kitchen cabinets If you compare the delivery time, quality and price of most RTA cabinets to a Lowe’s or a Home Depot, the RTA kitchen cabinets sell themselves. Since Lowe’s and Home Depot do not keep the majority of their kitchen cabinets in stock, they have to make them accordingly to each order, which could take several weeks if not months. When purchasing RTA cabinets you are looking at about 8-10 business days for your order to be processed then around 2-4 days for shipping. The quality comparison is even more convincing. Your typical Lowe’s and Home Depot kitchen cabinets include multiple pieces made of particle board, which does not hold up well if you are not familiar with the material. Good RTA kitchen cabinets are made entirely of real wood. The front of the each cabinet is made of solid wood and the sides are made of ½” or ¾” finished plywood. The shelves are also made of ½” finished plywood along with the drawers as well. As mentioned earlier, these are RTA (ready to assemble) cabinets. All that is needed to construct these cabinets is a flat head screwdriver in order to tighten the cam locks, which is a locking mechanism that is engaged with a simple twist of the wrist once two parts are fitted together.
If you still need to be convinced that RTA kitchen cabinets are your best bet for well made affordable cabinets, the price comparison seals the deal. A typical 10x10 kitchen at Lowe’s and Home Depot easily goes for $6-$10k. That same estimate with RTA cabinets can be as little as $2-$4k. So by choosing RTA cabinets for your next kitchen remodel not only can you save thousands of dollars that can be well spent on other parts of the house or just simply saved, you are getting solid cabinets that look great.
Aside from custom cabinets, most companies today (even the private label brands at the big box stores) are acquiring their materials and products by having them directly imported, which reduces the cost per item, and allows them to pass some of the savings onto their customers. However, the big retail stores still have the high overhead cost associated with brick and mortar stores. Most of these cabinets fall under the category of RTA cabinets or Ready-To-Assemble cabinets. If you can turn a flat head screwdriver then you will be able to construct these cabinets in no time. The assembly is easy and the benefits are even better. But, if you could save even more money by buying direct, and skipping the store, would you? Well now you can. There is a new of distributors that are importing these cabinets and selling them direct to the consumer.
Dellivery time or lead time is another big selling point of RTA kitchen cabinets If you compare the delivery time, quality and price of most RTA cabinets to a Lowe’s or a Home Depot, the RTA kitchen cabinets sell themselves. Since Lowe’s and Home Depot do not keep the majority of their kitchen cabinets in stock, they have to make them accordingly to each order, which could take several weeks if not months. When purchasing RTA cabinets you are looking at about 8-10 business days for your order to be processed then around 2-4 days for shipping. The quality comparison is even more convincing. Your typical Lowe’s and Home Depot kitchen cabinets include multiple pieces made of particle board, which does not hold up well if you are not familiar with the material. Good RTA kitchen cabinets are made entirely of real wood. The front of the each cabinet is made of solid wood and the sides are made of ½” or ¾” finished plywood. The shelves are also made of ½” finished plywood along with the drawers as well. As mentioned earlier, these are RTA (ready to assemble) cabinets. All that is needed to construct these cabinets is a flat head screwdriver in order to tighten the cam locks, which is a locking mechanism that is engaged with a simple twist of the wrist once two parts are fitted together.
If you still need to be convinced that RTA kitchen cabinets are your best bet for well made affordable cabinets, the price comparison seals the deal. A typical 10x10 kitchen at Lowe’s and Home Depot easily goes for $6-$10k. That same estimate with RTA cabinets can be as little as $2-$4k. So by choosing RTA cabinets for your next kitchen remodel not only can you save thousands of dollars that can be well spent on other parts of the house or just simply saved, you are getting solid cabinets that look great.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Kitchen Cabinets
If you want the most organized kitchen then opting for kitchen cabinets can easily make cooking and other tasks handy. Kitchen cabinets help you to keep all the necessary items in the kitchen in proper order. They are available in the form of wooden boxes and the more advanced form of modular units that can either be purchased as stock cabinets or can be manufactured in standard sizes. The right kind of cabinets will change the overall look into trendy one. If you want your kitchen to have a perfect look you can consult a professional who will guide with the theme or color scheme befitting the home décor as well as suiting to your needs.
The cabinets are available in two types- the face frame and the frameless. The faced frame cabinets have the front edge made of hardwood whereas the frameless types are European style cabinets having panels finished on both sides and they have simple laminated banding on the edges. The face-framed cabinets are more in demand and are very much popular. Moreover you can choose from custom cabinets, stock kitchen cabinets, and semi-custom or built-to-order cabinets. It is also necessary to choose the right kind of knobs and latches and should very well match with your cabinets.
Remodeling the kitchen aim at the maximum use of the space available and easy access of the items required frequently for cooking. There are base cabinets made for floors and very well fitted with the drawers above, there can get two cabinets side by side, kitchen with low floor space, look good with long thin cabinets and wall mounted cabinets. Triangular cabinets are ideal for every kitchen that neatly fits into the corner of the kitchen and hides the irregularities of it. The cabinets made one above the other can also be used as it has a space in between to utilize it as a small shelf.
While organizing kitchen cabinets there is a necessity to analyze the three basic areas of the kitchen. The preparation area, the cook & serve area and the sink area. This will help the easy access to the various kitchen articles and will save your time of preparing meal.
But see to it that you get good quality kitchen cabinets. The cheap or substandard quality is usually made of thin laminates and photo-simulated wood resulting in poor drawer construction of the cabinets wherein the cabinets will not slide smoothly, the pieces will be of irregular sizes and will have no smooth fitting. So the best way is to choose the one made from durable wood and order the samples to check it genuinely before placing an order for complete set.
It is very easy to install kitchen cabinets. The dealer itself can send his own personnel or you can take the help of any other installers whom you thing can do it well. People well versed with woodworks are also efficient in doing this job. If you feel and have some skills of installing cabinets on your own will help you to save some money by doing it yourself.
The cabinets are available in two types- the face frame and the frameless. The faced frame cabinets have the front edge made of hardwood whereas the frameless types are European style cabinets having panels finished on both sides and they have simple laminated banding on the edges. The face-framed cabinets are more in demand and are very much popular. Moreover you can choose from custom cabinets, stock kitchen cabinets, and semi-custom or built-to-order cabinets. It is also necessary to choose the right kind of knobs and latches and should very well match with your cabinets.
Remodeling the kitchen aim at the maximum use of the space available and easy access of the items required frequently for cooking. There are base cabinets made for floors and very well fitted with the drawers above, there can get two cabinets side by side, kitchen with low floor space, look good with long thin cabinets and wall mounted cabinets. Triangular cabinets are ideal for every kitchen that neatly fits into the corner of the kitchen and hides the irregularities of it. The cabinets made one above the other can also be used as it has a space in between to utilize it as a small shelf.
While organizing kitchen cabinets there is a necessity to analyze the three basic areas of the kitchen. The preparation area, the cook & serve area and the sink area. This will help the easy access to the various kitchen articles and will save your time of preparing meal.
But see to it that you get good quality kitchen cabinets. The cheap or substandard quality is usually made of thin laminates and photo-simulated wood resulting in poor drawer construction of the cabinets wherein the cabinets will not slide smoothly, the pieces will be of irregular sizes and will have no smooth fitting. So the best way is to choose the one made from durable wood and order the samples to check it genuinely before placing an order for complete set.
It is very easy to install kitchen cabinets. The dealer itself can send his own personnel or you can take the help of any other installers whom you thing can do it well. People well versed with woodworks are also efficient in doing this job. If you feel and have some skills of installing cabinets on your own will help you to save some money by doing it yourself.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
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