All About Kitchen Renovation

DIY (Do It Yourself)

Marie — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:00:47 +0000

If you have a growing toddler at home, I bet you see cluttered toys around the house everyday. And you might be thinking of installing a built-in cabinets where you can keeps the toys when they are not in use, but you just can’t because you are on a tight budget. That’s where D-I-Y (Do It Yourself) comes in. I’m sure you buy bulks of diapers for your child. Don’t throw the carton. Make it useful for the second time. Improvise a toy box. If you want it long lasting, tape the openings inside then cover the outer part with linen, old ones will do. That way you helped the environment recycled a useful item, plus you have saved something for your family.

Thanks to HomePlanigndigest for the Heads up on D-I-Y

Kitchen Renovation Design Tips

Marie — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:00:35 +0000

When spearheading the design of your own kitchen, start by thinking and incorporating your personality in the design of your soon-to-be renovated kitchen. Do your own measurements the space of the kitchen, measurements of cabinets, height of cabinets appliances, kitchen fixtures even existing floor layout and doors and window fixtures so you have a better idea on the design layout. Then concoct the plans, if possible get help by consulting contractors to shop for fittings and appliances with ease.
If you want to hire an interior designer or kitchen renovator, it’s best to schedule an initial inspection and consultation. To able for the to measure and assess to be able to plan a good design with respect to the existing kitchen layout.

The Corridor/Galley Kitchen

editor — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:30:06 +0000

This is a step up from the simple single wall kitchen. The corridor kitchen design is very functional because the classic kitchen triangle can be used in this setting. This kitchen design layout offers more cabinet space and counters.

The advantage of this kitchen layout is that it brings the most out of a small space. It has an added convenience because the kitchen appliances are close to one another, making it easier for the cook to do things faster.

The corridor kitchen is a combination of simplicity and functionality.
It can be converted to a U-Shape Kitchen by simply closing off one end.

Renovating Your Kitchen

Marie — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:36:47 +0000

Common Situations

Kitchen renovations are high on the list of the most common home renovations. A renovation can be as simple as installing new flooring or be a major undertaking that includes enlarging the space and replacing all fixtures and finishes.

Homeowners consider kitchen renovations for many reasons including:

Size and design â€” the existing kitchen may be too small or poorly laid out.
Fixtures and appliances â€” the fixtures and appliances may be worn out, inefficient or outdated.
Cabinets and countertops â€” cabinet finishes, hardware or countertops may be outdated, need repair or replacement.
Structural problems â€” there may be problems that require structural changes or repairs.
Moisture â€” the floor, walls or finishes may be unsightly or damaged due to moisture problems.
Plumbing and electrical â€” many older kitchens donâ€™t have enough electrical outlets and circuits. Older plumbing and plumbing fixtures may include lead or galvanized steel piping.
Heating and ventilation â€” older kitchens often have inadequate ventilation or heating systems. The area may be poorly insulated and have a high degree of air leakage, two factors that lead to high energy consumption.
Finishes â€” older finishes may be unattractive or not durable enough to withstand the daily wear and tear.

Source

Kitchen sinks.

editor — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:24:00 +0000

With regards to kitchen sinks, one has the option of whether to install a one-bowl sink or a two-bowl sink depending on the workload of the person. You wouldnâ€™t have a two-bowl sink if youâ€™re only 3 in the family, wouldnâ€™t you? It takes up unnecessary space when in fact you could have placed a nice coffee brewer in that very same spot.

If you have granite table tops, better make use of an under mount kitchen sink to achieve that optimum look on your table top. Faucet styles should also be considered. High arched brass faucets add elegance and can create a dramatic look to your food hub.

Photo taken from http://www.construction-zone.com

Kitchen Cabinets

Marie — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 10:42:13 +0000

Do not tear down your old and scratched cabinets yet. These may cost thousands of dollars. Before you do, think about it for a while. Maybe all it needs is a deep clean to look brand new. Check out Old English – it has a solution that restores the smooth finish of the wood. Or better yet, just paint your cabinets with a new one.

Black’s the culprit.

editor — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 03:37:05 +0000

Having dark colors inside the house, aside from the fact that it can impose a very gloomy ambiance, can make your home look smaller. The scientific explanation for this is that dark colors absorb all the light and so, light tends to be trapped (it doesnâ€™t reflect back much light to the eyes compared to lighter colors). Now, if you have black granite tabletops, change it. Although black granite looks adorable and stylish, it wonâ€™t do you any good since the first thing that your visitor will notice is not beautiful your granite tabletops are, but how small your kitchen is.

Photo taken from http://www.appliancist.com

Under the Sink Storage

Marie — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:49:35 +0000

Many people use the underside of their sinks for storing cleaners and just about any kitchen cleaning chemicals so they are easily within reach. Having a lot of stuff down there can be confusing at times and can lead to accidents to consider having some low profile LED light strips installed so you can see what you are doing and read all the labels clearly.
Most are small enough and require little technical skills ot install such as with the case of battery operated ones to more complex wired ones that can be linked to a switch on the counter top so it is also within reach, ready to light your stuff at the press of a button.

First Aid Kits

Marie — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:39:48 +0000

A small and general kit is a nice thing to have added to your kitchen which is where most injuries related to staying in a home usually occur. Though it can also be located in the bathroom where most are, having a smaller kit in the kitchen for burns, cuts and scrapes saves time in dealing with injuries in the kitchen.
A box of baking soda also acts as a good measure to deal with kitchen stove fires. Check the battery of your smoke alarms and follow the changing schedules for they have parts that wear out in time, rendering them useless and ineffective when needed.

Lighting in Your Kitchen

Marie — Wed, 06 May 2009 03:00:23 +0000

There are several ways to improve the lighting situation in a kitchen, with most resorting to the style called glare lighting with one central light kitchen designers often call “glare lighting” for it casts an ugly glare on everything and everyone in the kitchen. Three basic lighting style in your kitchen that can be cheaply achieved if they are made during a retrofit or re-make of the said space, ambient, task and accent lighting. Task lighting being the most important for it gives you the necessary light for your kitchen work allowing safe and ample light. This may seem over but it gives you light where you need it thus eliminating the need for one very large fixture for the whole space often casting shadows making it difficult to work.
Ambient lighting is the purpose of that central light but it can be divided into several small ones that would be enough to light the whole space making it warm and enticing to work in. Accent lighting, brings your kitchen’s hidden yet wonderful features to light which more often than not can be achieved with track lights giving you the flexibility to change their focus thus keeping the kitchen in different lights.