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by: Lee Dobbins
Getting a kitchen remake can be tough on your bank account, but there are some ways that you can give your kitchen a whole new look even if you are on a tight budget. These 5 decorating tips won’t break the bank but will have a lot of impact on the way your kitchen looks.
1.Spruce it up with paint.
Paint has the biggest bang for the buck when redecorating any room and especially for the kitchen. It’s fairly inexpensive and easy to use and can change the whole look of the room in a day! You can use paint to update worn out cabinets as well as adding a new look to your walls. If you are adventurous, you can even try some faux painting to give your walls the look of old world plaster or marble. Your local home improvement store probably gives lessons in this for free.
2.New hardware and knobs.
While this may cost you a bit more than paint, replacing your cabinet hardware and knobs can make a huge difference in the look of your kitchen. There’s tons of different styles and colors to choose from – everything from a 1930’s glass drawer pull to knobs styled like modern aluminum kitchen utensils. If you are planning on redecorating your kitchen, you might want to look at knobs first – you might find a style or color that gives you the inspiration for the whole room!
3. Put Up A Border
A wallpaper border is easy work and can make a drastic change without putting much or a dent in your kitchen decorating budget. Sometimes you can even find a pleasing pattern in the discontinued bin for little money. Just make sure there is enough to paper the area you want before you bring it home! If you don’t like any of the paper borders, find a stencil that you like and use that – the cost of paint for this will be minimal. A traditional place for a border is a the top of the wall next to the ceiling, but it can also look nice at chair rail height and also as a backsplash above your kitchen countertops.
4.Go For A Molding
Want a new cabinet look but new cabinets aren’t in your budget? You can buy moldings for the sides, top and doors of your cabinet that will enhance and change the look of any kitchen. You can even buy little bun feet to put on the edges to give your kitchen a country look. While these might cost a bit more than some of these other ideas it is well worth it for the dramatic change it has on your cabinets. Fancy rope trim, and fluted moldings can be glued on to your cabinets to give them a little pizzaz. Decorative crown moldings can be added to the top. If your doors are too plain, you can even buy moldings to add interest to the door panels.
5. Vinyl Tiles
If your floor is outdated, dirty and grungy then getting a new floor will make a huge difference in the look of your kitchen. You may not even notice how dingy the floor looks and may be reluctant to budget in any money for a floor but try to take a fresh look at it and really notice what it looks like. When I sold my house I thought my kitchen floor was a little old but just fine – my realtor took one look and convinced me that a new floor would help me get more for the house. I put a new floor in and couldn’t believe the difference! You can install vinyl tiles yourself for as little as 50 cents a square foot, of course the more you pay the better quality floor you will get and the longer it will last so a mid range price of $3.00 a square foot is probably more realistic.
About the author:
Lee Dobbins is the owner and editor of A Kitchen Decorating Idea Guide where you can get ideas for dozens of kitchen decorating themes for every budget.
by: Lee Dobbins
Small changes can have a big effect on how your kitchen looks. Below are 11 decorating ideas that you can do yourself in a day or less. Not only are these simple changes are easy to do, but they are inexpensive too!
1. Afraid of changing your drab white kitchen walls? Instead of choosing rich, deep colors for your first project, you will likely feel more comfortable with a neutral such as beige or gray which will not date the room or create a jarring palate that you will easily tire of.
2. Brighten up the kitchen. Use mirrors to capture the sunlight and bounce it around. Try putting a mirror across from a window or on a wall that corners against the window wall for the most light distribution.
3. Make seasonal changes. Moving the kitchen furniture into a 'summer arrangement' can optimize your space and give it a more airy feel. Make it light and breezy - think about removing some of the furniture and decorations for a lighter feel. Open those curtains and let the sun shine in!
4. Use slipcovers. Slipcovers over your chairs can soften the room and add to your decor. For the holidays, try using special covers in holdiay patters or colors. For a nice summer change use white cotton or canvas slipcovers on the chairs.
5. Get ideas from the pros. Look in magazines, books, television or the internet to get a flavor of the accessories and designs you would like to see in your kitchen. IF you see a kitchen decorated in a way that you like, think about how you can duplicate the same decor in your home.
6. Decorate with cookbooks. You can make a nice display with your cookbooks. Try grouping them in interesting configurations with some laying down and some standing. Don't put small books next to tall books but align them in graduating sizes.
7. Warm it up with rugs. Area rugs can add a splash of color or cover up an old or unmatching floor. When buying rugs, measure the space so you can be sure to get the right size. Rugs used under a table should be large enough to also accommodate the chairs when fully pulled out.
8. Bring the outdoors inside. Don't be afraid to hang plants from any bare ceiling corner to give a lived in feeling to a plain kitchen. Plants provide interest and soften up the room. For above the cabinets or hard to reach places, silk plants work just as well as real ones, however, if you do buy silk, go with a good quality arrangement that looks realistic.
9. Change your look with accessories. A few strategically places accessories can change your kitchen from dull to dramatic! Maybe you want to go with a certain theme and you might be able to give your kitchen a whole new look just by replacing some key accessories like toaster covers, dish towels, cannister sets, salt and pepper shakers and pot holders.
10. Change your cabinet pulls. Theres so many different styles of cabinet pulls these days - figural, wooden, ceramic, glass - you should be able to find a design that matches your new decor easily. They are easy to install yourself and your friends will think you got new cabinets!
11. Add a border. wallpaper borders are easy to put up and can add color and interest. You can use them at the top of the wall or go with a less traditional use underneath the cabinets. Use them at chair rail height to break up long walls. An even less expensive (but more labor intensive) alternative is to use stencils and paint.
About the author:
Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.a-kitchen-decorating-idea.comwhere you can find tips to decorate your kitchen no matter what your budget. Find out more about decorating your kitchen for less at http://www.a-kitchen-decorating-idea.com/decoratingkitchenonabudget.html
by: Guy Morris
Kitchen islands are among the most popular items in kitchen remodelling projects. They offer versatility in style and function. People often add them as part of an overall refacing project. You can choose to blend the island with your countertops and cabinetry or choose a granite island with wood or laminate surfaces.
Kitchen islands are available in a variety of colors, sizes and materials to suit any home décor. Choose contemporary, country homestyle or summer kitchen styles. Look through catalogs and home decorating magazines to see the options and unique designs available. Make notes of what you like and features you need in your island.
Adding Kitchen Islands
You can add an island easily, if you have enough room. Look at several islands and get the exact dimensions of the ones you like best. Measure your kitchen; you will need to leave between forty two and forty eight inches of space around the entire island. You want to make sure you can open your refrigerator, oven and dishwasher easily.
To get the feel for how much space an island will take up, try a little experiment. Find a piece of furniture in your home that is about the size and dimensions of your island. Move this furniture into the kitchen and place it where want the island to be located. Keep it there for about a week or so to help you decide if you can live with it. If it's too large, look for a model with smaller dimensions. Experiment with a few different sizes to find the one that feels right.
There are no rules governing the height. It's a matter of preference and function. You need to decide what the area will be used for to determine how high to make the counter. If you will be cooking, preparing food or using a built in sink, make the height even with your other kitchen cabinets. Choose a lower height for seating with tables, or a higher counter for stool type seating.
Utilizing kitchen islands the clever way
Consider how you will use the island. Do you need more storage space? Think about your lifestyle and what you will You have several choices for cooking, preparing food, clean up and storage.
+ For storage space, islands can be made to match existing kitchen cabinets and counter tops. Cabinets, drawers or a combination of both can be used to maximize storage space.
+ Adding bookshelves to the end creates a great place to display your cookbook collection. Add a few collectibles to the shelves for a more personalized look.
+ Wine lovers sometimes choose to add a wine rack in place of shelves.
+ Cooking space can be built into the top of an island, saving space above the oven. This is a great option for kitchens with a double oven.
+ Consider how you will use the top when choosing counters. A built in butcher block or cutting surface is great if you spend a lot of time preparing food. This helps you avoid cuts and nicks on the surface of your counter.
+ If you like to bake, consider marble. You can prepare and roll out your dough right on the surface without sticking.
+ An island can be used for seating area. Adjust the height lower for table type seating or raise it higher for barstools. Allow about two feet of space per person for comfort.
+ Sinks and appliances, such as dishwashers and trash compactors can be added to an island in place of cabinets.
+ Have an electrical outlet added to one side. This is great for cooking with small appliances like electric mixers or blenders.
Portable Islands
A portable island gives you additional countertop area when you need it. These are a great alternative for smaller kitchens. You can purchase one unassembled and put it together yourself easily. Portables usually are on wheels, allowing you to move it out of the way when you need extra space.
You can purchase a moving island with a cabinet for storage space, or get one that looks like a taller table. A built in cutting board surface gives you additional space for cutting vegetables and preparing food. The most common materials used for the top are steel, tile and wood.
About the author:
Guy Morris is author and designer of the http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.cominternetsite. Guy is helping people finding the best solutions on kitchen islands ( http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com/kitchen-islands.html) and designs.
by: Jason Gluckman
If you are looking for durability and easy-to-maintain features in your kitchen sink, then granite is the choice for you. Granite composite sinks resist the rigors of everyday life such as denting, cutting, chipping and staining.
Granite kitchen sinks are made of ultra durable granite composite material and virtually fade proof and solid color throughout. The longwearing, non-porous, non-absorbent granite surface resists scratching, chipping and staining and is heat resistant up to 535 degrees Fahrenheit.
Extremely high price tags are attached to these types of sinks, which are the most scratch resilient sinks that can be purchased today. This durability can be attributed to the compactness of rock particles that coat the surface. As is always the case with quartz composite, this material is not available in a shiny finish.
Granite kitchen sinks, with practical large bowls, come in various colors, including metallic colors.
There are single and double bowl versions of these kitchen sinks.
Bowls are available in different depths. Extra-deep bowls are great for soaking larger pots and roasters, but reduce the amount of space under your counter. Bowl depths range from 5” to 12”.
The placement of the drain in bowls varies. The most common is a center-drain. Some bowls are available with a rear-positioned drain, which offers more usable bowl space. Since the plumbing underneath is set further back, it also adds the benefit of additional under-counter cabinet storage.
Granite kitchen sinks are generally installed from underneath the counter and do not have a rim, so food and debris can be wiped directly into the sink. Any solid surface countertop of manmade material, natural stone or concrete will allow for an under-mounted sink installation. These recessed sinks are the most popular for their glamorous appeal and superior functionality.
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.
by: Mike Yeager
Granite countertops are among the most beautiful things you can add to your kitchen. Kitchen countertops gain a beautiful glow from these pieces of art. They are made in nature and, once harvested by people, are refined into beautiful kitchen countertops that will add value to any kitchen. They come in many colors, colors that are made in nature and of true iridescent quality.
Of course there are other options beyond granite countertops. Other choices include anything from concrete countertops to corian countertops to laminate counter tops. Whatever choice you make for your solid surface countertops, take some time to research your options. Many of these choices are expensive investments in your kitchen. Learning some about your options will benefit you in the long run.
Some information about each of your choices is here. Corian countertops, also known as DuPont, are a blend of natural materials and acrylic polymers that together create a smooth, clean, seamless work space. It is available in 90 colors and will need to be specially ordered. They also boost of their nonporous surface that is easy to clean and stays new looking for years. Or, if you want something more art like, look into concrete countertops. Basically in any shape or style you can imagine, they are what their name suggests, made out of concrete. It is a completely different look then the granite or corian. Here you are only limited by your imagination.
Yet another choice is laminate countertops. This is the most common kitchen countertop available. It is synthetic, made up of colored plastics. It is available in many colors and even patterns and finishes. It is easy to upkeep and tends to be less expensive then the others mentioned.
Lastly, while considering your choices, choose whatever fits your budget and tastes. With so many choices and options available, it is definitely worth the investment of time in choosing kitchen countertops that you will love for a lifetime.
About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-kitchen-cabinets-4u.com/
by: Lee Dobbins
Just like a nice outfit, your kitchen can benefit from accessories! If you are thinking about redecorating but don’t have a lot of dough to put into your kitchen, try simply adding some accessories in a matching theme or color and see how it transforms the room!
Now before you rush out to the store, you should probably decide what sort of theme you are going for. Do you want the look of old Italy? How about a cottage theme? Why not try a country style kitchen? You will want to buy different accessories depending on the theme you choose.
If you can’t quite put your finger on exactly what you want, look in magazines and decorating books or surf the internet to get a flavor of the accessories you would like to see in your kitchen. Once you have found a style you like, you can purchase accessories close to those you see in the magazine or book. Color choices, of course, should compliment the main color in the room.
Sometimes, you can just rearrange the accessories you already have to create a whole different look. It is recommended to group your accessories in odd numbers rather than even numbers. Different heights and textures are also attractive.
Hanging artwork or decorative plates, trays or other wall art in your kitchen can really add to the ambiance, but did you know that most people do not know how to hang wall décor properly? The rule of thumb is that a picture of piece of wall decor should be hung so that the middle of the piece is at eye level. Art work should be placed no more than seven to ten inches above a table. Grouping wall decor in geometric shapes such as rectangles, triangles or circles adds interest.
Bakers racks or open cupboards are too cluttered in most kitchens. If you are using it to store cookbooks, vary the heights of books with the tallest in the middle and avoid putting small books next to tall books. Removing the dust covers can often make the books look more appealing. You can also decorate the shelves with candles, family pictures, fancy bowls, baskets or pantry boxies in odd number groupings of 1, 3 or 5 pieces. Place a plant on the top shelf for balance.
Certain accessories can give your kitchen a gourmet feel. Hanging copper pots and pans from a wire rack attached to the ceiling can add warmth and color. Don't be afraid to hang plants from any bare ceiling corner to give a lived in feeling to a plain kitchen. Growing herbs in a decorative container on the windowsill can be a great way to add interest and improve your cooking. Accessorize your counter tops with canisters or cooking utensils. A large bowl of fruit on the kitchen table can be fresh or artificial.
Once you have decided on the look you want, don’t feel like you have to run out and buy everything that day. Take your time and shop around for those perfect pieces. Try antique stores, consignment shops or flea markets for ideas. Accessories can make or break the look of your kitchen so be creative and trust your instincts!
About the author:
Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.a-kitchen-decorating-idea.comwhere you can find out more about decorating your kitchen. Learn more about how accents can enhance your kitchen at http://www.a-kitchen-decorating-idea.com/kitchen-design-idea.html
by: Jason Gluckman
If you want a touch of class and art in your kitchen, you might consider choosing a copper sink. Copper sinks are crafted from first quality, super-thick copper, hand-hammered and formed into a charming early American style.
Each sink is individually made. Hence, it is possible to have a custom-made sink for your kitchen. The hammered kitchen copper sink is a beautiful piece of art.
Because each piece is made from a copper sheet by an artisan his hammer footprint is very visible. The reddish/oxidated texture is characteristic of natural copper when it is cooled down from red-hot temperature using cold water.
Copper sinks are made of heavy, solid copper and come in natural copper patinas of ‘Weathered Copper’ or in ‘Dark Bronze’ copper. Copper sinks may have a hand hammered surface and some of them come with polished and satin nickel finish. The dark farm sinks have a warm, dark brown finish.
Extra thick casting will easily weather a lifetime of use while absorbing noise and deflecting scratches and dings. Copper sinks are extremely resistant to stains and discoloration. They are called ‘live’ sinks, because their patina ages and improves with time. Moreover, copper is known to keep bacteria at bay, providing a healthier environment.
Kitchen sinks may be available as a single or a double sink, in round, rectangular, oval and other shapes. Copper kitchen sinks should be under mounted for easiest installation.
They are easy to maintain. Copper kitchen sinks can be re-polished for a bright appearance. One can re-sand the sink to remove scratches and signs of wear. The patina on the copper sink will not allow the metal to rust because it protects from humidity and oxidation.
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.
by: ARA
(ARA) – Veering away from its utilitarian roots, the function of today’s kitchen has broadened to become a social gathering space for friends and a homework space for kids. Fall is a good time to spice up your kitchen’s comfort level and transform it into the nucleus of your home.
“Most people are nesting at home, surrounding themselves with things that bring convenience and comfort to their living space,” says Billy Beson of William Beson Interior Design, Ltd. in Minneapolis, “including the kitchen, where the sky is the limit with today’s design options.”
According to the National Association of Remodeling Industry, kitchens rank third as a home remodeling project. In fact, the return for homeowners at resale, on minor home-improvements projects, is 88 percent of their renovation dollar, according to “Remodeling.”
“Repeatedly, homeowners comment that our natural quartz countertops are the crown jewel of their kitchen, and that they love the look and color,” says Lisa Bien-Sinz director of marketing of CAMBRIA, the only quartz countertops producer in the United States. “We’re seeing customers remodel their kitchens and incorporate one of today’s hottest trends -- quartz.”
In order to spice up your kitchen and create a comfortable yet attractive space, consider these trends:
* Color: Bold to natural hues – Adding color changes the look and feel of a room. Selecting a colorful countertop is a practical and decorative option for sprucing up a kitchen. When deciding on a color palette for your kitchen, Beson suggests choosing five adjectives that describe how you want the space to feel. “These five adjectives can be your barometer in finalizing your color choice,” said Beson. “For example if you want your kitchen to be cool, light, airy and open, then stay natural and avoid dark woods, black countertops and lots of pattern.”
* Countertops: Natural and no maintenance – Quartz is leading the trend in natural countertops. This natural stone is available in a dazzling array of color. As you expand functional space in the kitchen, a quartz countertop is a smart choice, especially for an island, because it is non-porous, it is especially suitable for food preparation, durable enough to withstand active kids, yet so attractive it makes for a gorgeous centerpiece.
* Backsplash: Colorful tiles add a unique statement – Spark your creativity and accent your kitchen walls with a customized backsplash. Mix-and-match colorful tiles into a one-of-a-kind design. This accent will add character to the wall behind your sink, and life to your kitchen.
* Food Safety in the Kitchen: A safe surface for the entire family – While sweet aromas can lure anyone into the kitchen, bacteria, mold and mildew invisibly lurk in the food preparation space no matter what’s cooking. Gourmet chefs and food-safety conscious parents often have to scrub the countertops before and after serving a delicious fare, but no more.
Today, ideal surfaces for kitchens are non-porous countertops, such as CAMBRIA. Unlike granite, CAMBRIA is non-porous resulting in extremely low moisture absorption, reducing the potential for bacterial growth. In fact, The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF, International) has certified CAMBRIA Quality Quartz Surfaces for both Splash Zone and Food Zone preparation.
CAMBRIA has more advice to offer homeowners seeking answers to questions about color selections and mixing and matching with existing cabinetry to enhance their kitchen living space. For additional information about CAMBRIA, call 1-866-CAMBRIA or visit their Web site at www.CAMBRIAUSA.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
by: Jason Gluckman
In any household, a kitchen sink is one of the central fixtures and always sees plenty of action. It is used both for preparing food and for cleaning up after every meal. It can add to or take away from the overall effect of your kitchen’s design. Durability and attractiveness are both important qualities in kitchen sinks.
More than simply functional necessities, sinks now offer more design appeal, softer lines, and a variety of finishes. Every homemaker faces the challenge of choosing the right sink for the kitchen, and the kitchen sink provides the finishing touch to any new kitchen project.
Modern sinks are not just made of a simple faucet and bowl. They come in multiple bowls of various sizes and shapes and are designed with integral drainers, cutting boards, soap dispensers, instant hot water dispensers, purified water taps, sprayers and more.
Sinks are also made of stainless steel, enameled metal, solid surfacing materials and quartz composites, and of course the traditional porcelain.
There is a great amount to consider when choosing a kitchen sink. Size, in width and depth, is of course the biggest choice you will make when choosing a sink to fit your kitchen. You also have a choice of materials used in making the sink - stainless steel, granite or copper.
Stainless steel sinks are made in many sizes and several thicknesses. Enamel on cast iron or steel sinks are made in an assortment of colors. Quartz composite sinks also come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Many people prefer stainless steel sinks because they are believed to be easier to care for. Some solid-surface countertop materials may be formed to include rimless, seamless sinks that are a perfect match.
Your sink choice is restricted by the size of your cabinet and counter top. All kitchen sinks require a minimum cabinet size. You can find out the size of your cabinet by measuring under the existing sink or where the new sink will go.
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.
by: Jason Gluckman
Want to relive the excitement of California’s gold rush of the mid 19th century? Or the grandeur of the Victorian age? If your answer is a ‘Yes’, try installing an antique sink in your kitchen and mull over the glorious past of your ancestors while eating your meal.
Obtaining a real antique or vintage kitchen sink is not going to be easy. The kitchen sink from the pages of the history book is likely to have developed cracks or chinks and the one you are lucky to chance upon may not have the necessary accessories like faucets to make it workable in today’s kitchen.
The kitchen sinks of the mid 19th or early 20th century were made of marble, porcelain, fireclay or copper. They mostly came from Continental Europe – France and Italy.
Kitchen sinks from the early 20th century are quite difficult to find in useable original condition. This helps drive the price up.
To take one example, a classic 1900 model of marble sink, manufactured in Chicago by the Wolff Mfg. Co, which the Los Angeles-based Vintage Plumbing has put up for sale, has a 4' tall heavy French plate beveled mirror back splash. It has full original mixer hardware and complete supply and drain hardware below sink. It has nickel plated brass cabriole legs and carved soap dish in the slab drains into the basin. The store has priced it at $8,900.
According to the Vintage Plumbing, kitchen sinks from the teens, 20's and 30's are very popular among the customers and so they have a fairly good stock of them. The store stocks antique farm house kitchen sinks manufactured by the Kohler’s, Standard Sanitary Mfg Co, besides the Wolff Mfg. Co. However, the store admits it is difficult to find sinks in good condition.
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.
by: Ken Marlborough
Any remodeling idea for a small kitchen must address the following issues: counter space, storage, built-ins, and pantry.
In order to make better use of your kitchen floor space, you need to put up the maximum amount of counters. Plan your design with deeper counters to cover as much of the area not occupied with appliances with counter space if the difference in floor space is a matter of a few square feet.
Squeeze as many cabinets into your design as possible. Deep cabinets that can hold plates should be located near the dishwasher, and large cabinets with slide-out drawers should be placed near the oven.
Another space-saving device is to include built-in facilities. You can have built-in ovens, microwaves and storage for small appliances. This will make your kitchen appear less cluttered. Built-in storage for foods like potatoes and onions and bread storage cabinets will also give the kitchen a cleaner look. You can also opt for waist-high, sliding shelves that hold mixers and toasters. Your small appliances can remain hidden in these shelves and still be easily accessible.
If there is no room for a pantry in your kitchen, consider converting a closet outside the kitchen area to store your cutlery, pots and infrequently used items. You can also include rollout pantries that can be pulled out to view the items you have, but rolled back into a space.
Choose a large sink. It will be easier for you to clean bigger pots and pans. Moreover, a large sink is a great place to stash your dirty pots. A large sink can also serve as a utility sink, too.
You can increase the efficiency of your small kitchen by putting a wire basket on the inside the cabinet or under the sink to hold trash bags and other frequently used items. You can mount an instant hot water heater on the sink to replace the sprayer or soap.
A tile back splash on all the walls above the counters, stove and sink make the kitchen easier to clean.
About the author:
Kitchen Remodeling Info provides detailed information about kitchen remodeling ideas and costs, including small kitchen remodeling ideas, kitchen cabinet remodeling, and more. Kitchen Remodeling Info is the sister site of Bathroom Remodeling Web.
by: Mike Yeager
Kitchen cabinets reflect the heart and soul of the homeowner. The cabinets you have in your kitchen have the greatest impact on a kitchen's look. They come in many shapes and sizes as well as in a rainbow of colors. Only your imagination and your bank account limit the color and design of your cabinets. You can buy cabinets pre-made at your local home supply store or have them custom built.
You can also give your kitchen a fresh, new look with a makeover for your older kitchen cabinets. If you're happy with your existing cabinet layout, and the cabinets are still in good condition, then cabinet re-facing is an alternative to replacing them. Cabinet re-facing can be accomplished in a number of ways.
Kitchen cabinet doors can be sanded and re-painted using any color and texture you choose or stripped using a variety of chemical products available at any home supply store. It is always important to read the label and precautions on any chemical stripper prior to using them. Many of these products can cause serious health problems if the instructions are not followed.
When choosing new kitchen cabinets it is important to pay attention to type of wood used and the quality of the construction. The look of your kitchen cabinets will also be reflected in the hardware you choose from the hinges to the knobs. Once you finish all the choices and have them in place you will enjoy them for years to come.
About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-kitchen-cabinets-4u.com/
by: Ken Marlborough
It is important to prepare a budget for your kitchen remodeling plan before you start implementing it. Without a complete and detailed budget prepared before the kitchen renovation begins, you may get swept into a spending spiral of unbudgeted extras.
Limit spending on the kitchen remodeling to about 15-percent of your home's value.
Be well informed about the cost of each component in your remodeling plan. Surf the Internet, gather product literature, bug friends who've remodeled, read, ask questions and make phone calls. Do everything you can to be informed. The more you know, the better you'll be able to make wise choices.
The cost of appliances, countertops, cabinets, flooring, and so on, will add up to one-half to two-thirds of the total cost of remodeling. Find out the prices for these items and plug those figures into the budget. Similarly, make provisions for the cost of labor, design, contracting services, and permit fees.
The best way to list the items required for remodeling is to write down everything that's installed in your existing kitchen. Visit appliance stores and ask questions to the sales staff. Meet local kitchen design centers, and ask them for samples of work they've done and inquire about the cost. A professional will be able to give out details that you might forget.
For a kitchen measuring about 10x12 feet, a cosmetic kitchen upgrade can cost around $2,750 in products, which include new cabinet doors, laminate countertops, vinyl flooring, a stainless-steel sink and a chrome faucet.
If you want to go for higher-grade hardwood cabinets, ceramic tile countertops and flooring, a coated-steel sink, a faucet with pullout head, new appliances and track lighting, the cost might be in the range of $7,000 to $7,500.
A kitchen with semi-custom cabinets, laminate or ceramic tile flooring, a cast-iron sink, a designer faucet, better appliances, canister lighting and granite or solid-surfacing countertops could cost up to $16,500.
About the author:
Kitchen Remodeling Info provides detailed information about kitchen remodeling ideas and costs, including small kitchen remodeling ideas, kitchen cabinet remodeling, and more. Kitchen Remodeling Info is the sister site of Bathroom Remodeling Web.
