Monday, March 16, 2009

Thinking of Remodeling your kitchen?


by: Mike Yeager
If you like to cook, or even if you just do it from necessity, having a homely, organized, and modern kitchen is probably important to you. Although, the traditionally kitchens are still out there, there are so many new, modern elements that can add luxury and class and convenience to any home. Kitchens have changed with the way humans have changed in the last few years. We have become more demanding of our time and having less of it to spend cooking. Many of us are on the move, always busy, looking for time saving methods. Then, there are those of us who are more interested in having a stylish kitchen, rather then workable. Others, prefer the look and feel of a country kitchen. With so many options out there and so much to consider, it is easy to become frustrated.

Consider your options and your needs when remodeling or even building a kitchen. Your options for kitchen equipment will be the first priority. What do you need and want in your kitchen? Do you want state of the art appliances or will ordinary models do? Do you want two ovens as opposed to the standard one? Dishwasher? What type of refrigerator will you want? Side by side, drawers under the counter? Maybe a larger freezer section? Also to consider is the amount of work surface you will need. Maybe a center island would provide extra room for preparations? Would you like a breakfast nook? Do you want all of your dining area to be in the kitchen or do you have a dining room? How many people will you plan to serve on a regular day? If you have children, you will want to ensure their safety in regards to appliances and counters.

Yet another thing to consider is space. How much space you have will depict what you have room for. Cabinets and pantry style storage is important as well. Perhaps you like modern style kitchens. An option for space here is to use more of a mobile kitchen. From the entire work surfaces and cooking surfaces to just appliances, many things within the kitchen can be mobile. Manufactures make products that can literally pick up and go at a moments notice.

Once you have your kitchen needs and appliances set, consider the style you are going to decorate it in. Maybe a country kitchen is the look you like. If so, adding some rustic items to your collection would add charm and a relaxed feel. A big farmers table and chairs would be an added touch. Is the space you are working in outdoors? Outdoor kitchens are also a big hit these days. Just about any type of appliance and cookware can be made to work outdoors. Grilling is the most thought of outdoor cooking style, but it is far from the only.

There are many stores that specialize in kitchens as well. Kitchens Etc and KITCHENS are two. These places offer an immense amount of options for whatever style you are looking for. Some carry large appliances as well. Small utensils, cookware, even decorations can be found in just about every make and model. You can shop these store online if you cannot find one near you. They make a great way of adding to or helping to remodel any kitchen. Definitely a place to start when looking for ideas of what you want your new kitchen to look like.


About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-kitchen-cabinets-4u.com/

The Best Kept Secrets In Kitchen Designs


by: Guy Morris
It has often been said that the heart of the home is the kitchen. If that is really true, then why is it that some kitchen designs just don’t seem to support more than one cook or guest at a time? You can turn your kitchen into a functional and beautiful workspace and gathering place for the entire family. Even if you have limited square footage, there just may be more room for expansion, storage, and oh yeah, cooking in your kitchen than you think.

Counters & Cabinets

Storage is definitely a consideration in designing a functional kitchen. If you are limited by floor space, just look up. There is often a great deal of space between the counter tops and ceiling that just isn’t being used in a kitchen. Look at the space above the refrigerator. Is yours just collecting dust or take out menus? If so, add a cabinet and you’ve got a great place to store seldom used platters or treats you want to keep hidden from the children.

Kitchen cabinets also don’t have to be limited to one side of the countertop. If your kitchen design has a peninsula or island, you can use the ends and back side for more cabinet storage space.
Kitchen cabinets come in more styles and finishes that you can imagine. However, if your budget is limited then you don’t need to replace them for an entirely new look. Cabinet refacing lets you select cabinet patterns that are up to date and beautiful.

New countertops don’t always need to be included in this home improvement project either. Laminate countertops come with repair strips that will give new life to a worn surface.

Laying Out Completely New Kitchen Designs

If your budget calls for a complete renovation, then now is the time to really think about layouts and maybe calling in some specialist. The basic theory is that there should be no more than 2 steps between work stations. That means you should be able to go from the sink to stove in 2 steps; from the range to the refrigerator in 2 steps and so on. However, with today’s extra large sized kitchens that’s not the case any more. You still should choose layouts that consider how much time it takes to accomplish the normal tasks of putting dishes away from the dishwasher or getting foods from the refrigerator to the stove.

The newest gadgets in these mega kitchens make timesaving and energy efficiency into an art form. There are refrigerator drawers right next to the range and microwaves that brew your coffee while making your toast!

Fixtures and Furniture

The finishing touches are what make kitchen designs more inviting than ever. The furnishings, light fixtures and even the cabinet hardware can make kitchens into real living rooms. Look for task lighting that can highlight work spaces and then radiant lighting for atmosphere. You can even turn the legs of old furniture or newel posts into bases for centre islands to make you kitchen furnishings blend with the rest of the house. Get creative and enjoy doing much more than cooking in your new kitchen.

About the author:
Guy Morris is author and designer of the website http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com. He is featuring kitchen cabinets and articles on kitchen designs http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com/kitchen-designs.html.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Which Kitchen Aid products are right for your Kitchen?


by: Mike Yeager
KitchenAid is a popular brand of appliances. They are known for their kitchenaid mixers, but also for their quality. Any appliance you are interested in, you should consider replacing with a kitchenaide. From washers and dryers to built in warming draws, kitchenaid has it all.

If you are planning to design a kitchen and want to use state of the art appliances, consider KitchenAid. You may want to consider a built in refrigerator with high tech temperature control and energy savings. The kitchenaid dishwashers offer top of the line cleaning and sanitizing as well as sleek, stainless steel design. Very professional.. Then there is cooking. The cooktop, or range, is also top of the line with commercial like style. It has cast iron burners and large dials. Or you could choose the cooktop that is made of ceramic glass-what a look that would be! Then there are the built in ovens. 30 inches wide and very accurate temperatures. Maybe two ovens would benefit your kitchen! And don't forget the ice maker or compactor either! Both amazingly new and improved appliances! The warming drawer, too, is a mark of genius in itself. It is an appliance that will keep food at the right temperature until your ready to serve it. And it comes with a set of the perfect sized pans!

As you can see, Kitchen Aid products are innovative and high quality and range in style and convenience. This has yet to touch on the counter top appliances. Kitchenaid appliances include coffee makers, espresso machines, waffle bakers, coffee mills, frozen dessert makers, and toasters. And the Kitchen Mixers speak for themselves. Lasting years and years and delivering superb service, they will not disappoint the beginner or the advanced chef. With so much at your finger tips, you will find what you are looking for and more. It may inspire you to build a kitchen just for your new appliances!


About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-kitchen-cabinets-4u.com/

Everything...plus the Kitchen sink!


by: Mike Yeager
Looking to do some remodeling in your kitchen sink area or maybe the whole kitchen? There are many options out there for any idea you may have. Kitchen appliances on down to kitchen tables, and kitchen sinks are available at your finger tips online. So, whether you are repairing or remodeling, take a minute to notice all of your options.

Kitchen sinks and kitchen faucets are among the many things you can find online. Sinks ranging from stainless steal to tiled in every size and shape can be found. Faucets with many features like spraying hoses and tilting heads are available. Check out the designs and shapes! Another item every kitchen needs are Kitchen Exhaust Hoods. These, sucking up steam as well as smoke from cooking can help to prevent a fire. If your kitchen stove is small or oddly shaped, you may have a rough time finding the right size or style hood if you look in retail stores. But, online your options are numerous.

For larger items like Kitchen appliances and kitchen tables, the shipping charges of a product online to your home may not be worth it. But, browsing online at the many different online retailers and taking your time to choose what you like, will tell you where to go once you able to. For instance, if I am looking to replace my Kitchen Island, I can take my time, in my pajamas if I choose, and browse the dealers online until I find one or even a few that I like. Then, having this in mind, I can go to my local store and know what I am looking for. Or, perhaps, with something like kitchen islands, I will need to order it and have it delivered due to specific size requirements. Having an understanding of what I need and want, I can do this easier.

So, even our kitchen needs can be satisfied by searching online. You will benefit by taking the time to do the research or even, just browsing until you know what you want. Let's face it, the average salesmen isn't concerned about our needs, but making the sale. So, he may rush or push us along without us even realizing we have other options. Knowing the approximate cost of items will also help with these salesmen. Whatever the kitchen item is, even the kitchen sink, information is available to you online to help. A simple search can save you time and energy and even money.


About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-kitchen-cabinets-4u.com/

Monday, March 2, 2009

The Advantages of Corner Kitchen Sinks



by: Jason Gluckman

If your kitchen is U-shaped or L-shaped, a corner kitchen sink is likely to increase your efficiency as it would be equidistant from your working platforms. A corner kitchen sink may be in the form of a round bowl, a rectangle, a square or even in a triangular form. You can opt for a custom-made sink made out of granite, stainless steel or copper to be a perfect fit for the kitchen corner of your choice.

A center-fit kitchen sink is preferred when your kitchen is galley-shaped. The central idea behind choosing the position of a sink is to make it most convenient for you to work. Remember, the sink plays a central role in all your kitchen activities, from the preparation of food to cleaning up after the meal.

A corner kitchen sink does not hinder movement within the floor area and allows you to work on the platform of the kitchen with easy access to the sink from either side. With manufacturers offering custom-made sinks, you have the freedom to decide on the number and shape of bowls, holes for faucets and placement of faucets (mounted on the sink or on the wall).

It is easier to find corner kitchen sinks made of stainless steel, copper, or granite than porcelain, as these are now also being custom made.

One needs to keep in mind the drainage system in the house to decide the position of the sink. The sink should be placed near the water inlet and outlet so that one need not add extra long pipes.

About the author:
Kitchen Sinks Info provides detailed information on stainless steel, copper, vintage, granite, corner, and acrylic kitchen sinks, faucets, and more. Kitchen Sinks Info is the sister site of Granite Counter Tops Web.