Recreate Kitchen Counter Tops With Natural Stones

Kitchen counter tops are one of the most aesthetic elements of the kitchen surroundings. The counter tops serve many uses while preparing a fresh morning tea for your family or while cooking your favorite dish for the dinner. Hence, your kitchen counter top should be neat, clean and attractive. Hence, natural stone is one of the most popular building materials that is used for the designing of counter tops.

The natural stone is a plethora of colors, shapes and designs. Each stone differs from the other and renders added beauty to the stone. Hence, you can utilize their versatility and create a unique look for your homes. You can use granite tiles to design a beautiful kitchen counter top. This tiling material is widely popular due to its extraordinary texture and durability. Moreover, its heat and stain resistant property makes it an ideal material for kitchen counter top.

However, you can follow certain tips for the maintenance of natural stone tiles. You should clean all the spills as soon as possible; else they can penetrate into the natural tile. Moreover, you should clean the tiles with help of a neutral cleaner and a mild cloth. You should avoid any harsh chemicals because they can spoil the shine and shimmer of your kitchen tiles. Moreover, don't forget to wipe off the chemicals with warm water after cleaning the tiles.

You can create a great style statement by installing natural stone tiles on your kitchen counter tops. However, you should carryout a thorough survey about various types of natural stones, their advantages and disadvantages. You can also carryout a market survey to compare the prices of various tiles and purchase the most inexpensive, versatile and attractive tile for your kitchen counter top.

So, make a wise decision now and install the most durable natural stone tiles in your kitchen.

About the Author:-
Jason Colling is a renowned writer, who has written articles on various interior designing techniques related to floor decor. His articles focus on various uses of porcelain tiles, natural stone kitchen tiles and adhesives.

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Unique & Functional Kitchen Island Ideas

If you are looking to do a complete kitchen remodeling for yourself, or for maximum resale value, don't neglect the kitchen island. Once just a place to pull up some stools so the kids could eat before running to the bus, the island and it's function in the kitchen has changed quite a bit in the last 10 years.

In addition to seating 4 (or more), islands today are used to house "luxury" appliances that do not fit in the cabinet structure like a second microwave, second oven, wine refrigerator or even another cooktop. Islands many times are fully wired for electricity and have plumbing for a second sink. The base of an island can be used as a wine rack. The possibilities are almost endless.

We are often asked if the countertop of the island needs to match the existing kitchen countertop in style, or what will be installed as the main kitchen countertop. In most homes I would say it does match, but it really does not have to at all, nor does the material need to be the same. In fact, if you are not going to match them up exactly it's better if it looks like you are not even trying to match them, so using a completely different color and surface is perfectly acceptable. For example, we have seen islands of concrete when the rest of the kitchen countertop is made of granite or another material. We have seen a black island used as a nice "dividing wall" to keep the kids away from a white kitchen.

What can we expect to pay for an island during a remodel? This one is too hard to answer because there are simply too many choices. A "ready to install" stock island you can purchase in a home store with connections for drainage and power can run about $800. A custom concrete countertop island with sink, cooktop, and wine refrigerator can easily eclipse $10,000.

If you are not looking just for resale value, and we assume many of you will actually want to use your island, just think if the main uses for the island before construction. Will it be a place for the kids to eat breakfast or a baking center for your wife who like to make pies and cakes? The design should really follow the function when it comes to an island. For example, if you are tired of not being able to put hot pots directly on your countertop, install granite on your island, where placing a red hot pan should be no problem.

Plan the height of your cabinet appropriately. Since most islands will have at least two stools or chairs pulled up to the surface, you may want to think about the seating or stools first. There are two kinds of bar stools with one being much higher than the other. Unless the island will be used primarily for family eating, there really are no hard and fast rules on height. It does not have to match the height of the kitchen cabinet, but often does. If it is not going to match it should be taller in most cases.

Islands can "float" as well. Smaller islands used primarily as an aid in cooking or baking can be fitted with wheels and moved around the kitchen as needed to aid in cooking. Whether you consider a floating island will probably depend on what you have installed on the floor now, or plan to install (a soft wood will be nicked and scratched).

For those remodeling and looking for an "open" feel where perhaps the wall or half wall separating the kitchen and the dining room is taken down, a strategically placed island acts as a subtle room divider mentally separating the kitchen from the dining room but with a much more open feel.

Element Kitchen and Bath Design is a full service Drexel Hill kitchen remodeler specializing in kitchen remodeling and renovations, bathroom remodeling, design, layouts, and more. We design and install custom kitchens throughout the Pennsylvania area and specialize in Drexel Hill kitchen design concepts and providing custom kitchen cabinets to Philadelphia homeowners. Contact us today for a free estimate at 610-960-7159.

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Kitchen Backsplash Trends - Improve Your Kitchen

If you're looking to improve your kitchen it is important for you to find the right backsplash. There are many options when it comes to kitchen improvements in finding the right colors and materials is very important. The backsplash in your kitchen is something that many people overlook and they just simply pain it a certain color. But if you really want to make it stand out you should try to find either stone or glass to make a backsplash that people will remember. In so many cases people spend a lot of money on countertops and they never stop to think that to finish up the kitchen with a great look they should consider having a great backsplash area.

The first thing you need to do is go visit a home improvement store and see what backsplash cautions are available to you. Next you want to find something that will complement the countertop's and appliances that you already have in your kitchen. If you're starting from scratch and rebuilding your kitchen this makes it very easy because you can choose a countertop and backsplash that work well together. Another great idea is to pick up some kitchen design looks so that you can see what the latest files or in what other people have done that looks nice.

Remember that when you are reviewing your kitchen you need to put some time and effort into having a nice backsplash that makes your kitchen stand out. You want to find materials that will highlight this area and will also look nice with your countertops and flooring. Once you have found materials that you want to use it can be easy to make the backsplash area add a lot of character to your new kitchen.

Get: Kitchen Backsplash Advice

How to: Find Kitchen Tips

Bryan Burbank is an expert in the field of Kitchens and Design

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9 Points to Kitchen Renovation

Everyone goes through a phase in their life when they sit back look at their kitchen and think to themselves, should I renovate my Kitchen? Most people consider this every few years, some every few months. You are not alone when you think of renovating or updating your kitchen.

When you think of renovating most people only consider the main features, like counter tops, floors, and walls. There are many aspects to think of when it comes down to your renovating your kitchen. Your kitchen has many, MANY aspects to think about. We're going to run through that list to remind you that, there are lots of ways to improve your kitchen, not just three.

The Kitchen Renovation Run Down From The Ground Up:

Floors - One of the most basic renovations, but still very visually stunning if done properly.

Bottom Cabinets - Your bottom cabinets are often left plain, because most people consider them "unseen" however, bottom cabinets can still carry as much visual weight as the kitchen floor and the upper cabinets.

Table and Chairs - though technically in the dining room, in many homes these rooms are the same, or are right beside each other separated by a pony wall. With such a large amount of space being used, your table and chairs control a lot of visual weight between these two rooms.

Countertops - one of the most visually commanding elements in a kitchen, it takes a lot of abuse so you need to think carefully and select a countertop for more than just appearance.

Pots and pans - It's a kitchen, your allowed to show off your cooking utensils, especially when you have fancy utensils. Hang up your pots and pans; show off your spatulas and ladles.

Walls - though less visually weighted, in the kitchen compared to other rooms, your walls color and texture, and in some special cases, shape can accent a kitchens visual experience.

Upper cabinets, or cupboards - One of the most thought about renovations. Your cabinets can set the initial style for the whole kitchen due to just the first-seen factor in your kitchen.

Cabinet Doors - though usually considered at the same time as the cabinets, the doors alone can be changed and upgraded and remodeled with new hardware, or cabinet glass inserts.

Ceiling - your ceiling, on of the least contemplated renovation points, can also have a large visual impact of your kitchen, through color, texture, borders, contrast, the list can go on for a long time of what you can do with your ceiling to enhance or contrast your kitchen.

So remember, the next time you think about renovating your kitchen, think about what you are able to do to enhance your entire kitchen experience.

Remember that Ez-Inserts.com's goal is to bring you your kitchen cabinet glass inserts with the beauty you want, the safety you need, at the affordable price you love.

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5 Ways to Ruin Your Kitchen

The kitchen is an important place; it's where the food comes from. That's why it's important that this space be functional, as well as inspiring, in order to ensure that the chef du jour is able to make the most delicious sustenance possible.

The following is a list of 5 ways to completely mess this up, and ruin both the form, and function of your kitchen.

1. Clutter is the worst thing you can have in your kitchen. This can be due to trash, lack of organization, or just plain laziness, but it's a big problem. Not only does it make it much more difficult for a chef to work, but it can also interfere with the chefs thinking process.

2. Some colors, such as black, and many red tones, tend to radiate heat, making a space feel warmer. However the kitchen is already a pretty hot spot. Use these warm tones with caution, or you may end up making the kitchen an oven in its own right.

3. Lighting is important in a kitchen, where you have to be able to see food, instructions, and monitor several locations at once. Make certain that this space has plenty of illumination or you will regret it later on.

4. Floor space is key in a kitchen; you have to be able to move about and you have to be able to be quick about it. Don't put a lot of stumbling blocks in front of yourself like chairs, tables, or buffets. Make sure that free standing floor items are relegated to corners, or if necessary lining walls.

5. Even more important than floor space is counter space. You have to make sure that you have plenty of room to work. Often the job of cooking requires tending several things at once; you don't want to be juggling work room while juggling a variety of pots, bowls, and pans.

This article was written by Joey Pebble, on behalf of http://PebbleZ.com - makers of a line of unique stone drink coasters. This exotic line includes both marble, and absorbent sandstone coasters, and is one of the largest collections of stone coasters in the world.

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Finish Your Kitchen Remodeling With Satin Nickel Door Knobs

Have you undertaken a kitchen remodel project and are not sure if it is complete? Do you feel like despite the new pots, pans, fancy gadgets and new appliances, something is still missing? You are probably correct! One of the most overlooked aspects to most in-home renovation projects includes removing and replacing door handles. Check out the following tips to finally give your kitchen that finishing touch.

Tip 1: Choose Your Color and Finish
Once you have begun your kitchen remodel, the thought of entirely repainting the walls or tearing down the hand-hung wall paper may seem too daunting to even begin. However, with the proper door hardware accessories, you can change your style-without the added stress, hard work or additional finances. Typical door hardware materials include: nickel, chrome, brass, stainless steel, iron and copper. Depending on your kitchen's style, you need to determine what material will work best. For homes with smaller children, generally installing stainless steel hardware parts works best; these pieces are easily cleaned to reduce germs. However, if you like the look of stainless steel but are looking for a more affordable price, choose satin nickel door knobs; they compliment any style and are also easily cleaned.

Tip 2: Create a Unique Style
If you are concerned that your style seems mundane or run of the mill, try to incorporate unusual yet trendy aspects to your kitchen accessories. Door handles are available not only in just round knobs but also in drawer pulls and pull tabs. But, believe it or not, door hardware is also available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Why not try to weave your family's hobbies and extracurricular into your decoration? By choosing door knobs that match your hobbies, you'll create a truly unique kitchen design. This is a great solution to getting children involved. However, if you do have children, avoid shapes that have sharp angles or edges that can cause accidents.

In addition to fun shapes, why not consider alternating the size of your cabinet door knobs? Depending on your height, certain cabinets - either extremely high or low - can be difficult to reach; by replacing certain levels of knobs with larger handles will enable you to quickly navigate throughout the kitchen and cook meals faster!

Tip 3: Choose the Placement of the Door Knob
Similarly to the size and shape of your door hardware, installing the door handle in a different location may make life easier as well. Especially for those hard to reach areas, reaching for the corner of a cabinet close to the ceiling can be next to impossible. By reinstalling your new knob in the center of your cabinet, you and your family members will access your pots, pans and dishware much more conveniently.

Tip #4: Don't Forget the Extras
While you are installing new kitchen hardware, be sure to keep your themes consistent. Floor registers, hinges and screws should all be purchased in the same or similar material and finish, unless you are aiming to produce an eclectic theme. To accentuate your style, choose the appropriate lighting fixtures that best suite both your style and your needs. If you are a busy home, a single hanging fixture over the center of your room might not be the most practical choice. Similarly, having multiple racks of track lighting may be excessive for single or small family-sized homeowners.

Tip #5: Show it Off
There's no better way to show off your newly renovated kitchen design than by throwing a party! Gather friends, family, neighbors or just your immediate family to come to your home. Whether intentionally or not, congregate in the kitchen. You'll be instantly rewarded with the compliments you receive for your unique, complete kitchen style. You'll probably even be asked to divulge some of the home renovation tips you've employed in your design-it's a sure sign of success!

Tori works for Your Home Supply (YHS) the definitive website for home improvement tools, and gardening supplies. Your Home Supply offers a wide range of satin nickel door knobs and cabinet hardware

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Some Base Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

One of the more challenging rooms in our home to design in a striking and special manner is the kitchen. There are a number of reasons why this can be a complex challenge. Namely, we look at a kitchen through the lens of being functional. That is, we see the kitchen for its purpose and not for the totality of artistic design that can be achieved with it. Then again, those in "the know" will be able to point out that a base kitchen cabinet has the potential to truly making the room look unique and stunning. Of course, there are many different types of these cabinets. Here are three very popular methods that might provide would be decorators with some food for thought.

Cabinets are not only present in a kitchen to store things. They can also be used to create a sense of style or to add a certain unique feel to a room. When you add base kitchen cabinets made of oak with a maple interior, you are adding a sincerely stunning item to the kitchen. This type of wood commands attention because it is so elegant and appealing. When you integrate oak and maple into your kitchen, you will enhance the look of the kitchen in a regal manner. The presence of Oak cabinets is definitely an eye catcher. That is why it remains so highly recommended.

For those looking for something thoroughly unique and interesting, the concept of concrete base kitchen cabinets could deliver in that regard. Of course, some may shake their head at such a notion. After all, why would anyone want cabinets that look like an unfinished build? Well, there is far more to the use of concrete as an interior design product. Namely, the concrete can be missed with colored stones, shards of glass, and other "ingredients" that can dramatically alter its look. Also, the color of the concrete can be altered in a number of ways as well. This can allow the concrete to take on a very appealing image. So, do not discount the notion of concrete used as a base. It actually has a lot of potential in this regard.

And Oak/ Glass base kitchen cabinet set up is commonly quite popular. You could even call it s perennial that never goes out of style. While the obvious benefit of an Oak/Glass cabinet is the fact you can see what is inside the cabinet. This means whatever is in the interior of the cabinet can be organized in such a way that the contents add to the look and allure of the room. Also, there are many different designs of glass that can be employed. Squares, arches, and cathedral style are the most common. These different designs also contribute to adding a brilliant look to the kitchen.

Of course, there are many more base kitchen cabinets that can be added to your kitchen. If you take your time and look for the one that appeals to you the most, you will discover adding the cabinets to your kitchen can completely change its visual benefits. So, there is no reason to overlook your kitchen's design anymore.

For more information on Base Kitchen Cabinet Ideas visit our new website http://www.dreamhomeimprovementguide.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elija_James

Kitchen Accessories - Satin Nickel Drawer Pulls

If you have got your sights set on the kitchen for your next home remodeling project, then you are making a wise decision. Remodeling the kitchen not only makes the space much more comfortable and useful for you, but it also increases the value of your house should you decide to sell it at some point in the future.

The first step to take when you choose to remodel your kitchen is, of course, to decide what you want your new kitchen to do for you. Once you've decided on what you want that kitchen to do, though, it's then time to talk components and accessories. These are the pieces that will help you build and create the kitchen of your dreams. What these pieces will be will depend on what the goal of your new kitchen is, of course. If, for example, you really love to cook elaborate recipes for your friends and family, then you may choose to create a kitchen space that is set up like a restaurant kitchen and affords you better tools and work surfaces to craft your meals. These types of kitchens are popularly called "prosumer" kitchens, a term that is a combination of the words "professional" and "consumer."

If you are going for the prosumer kitchen, then you want to get a new refrigerator and range in one of the many very popular stainless steel designs, as well as enough cabinetry that you will have ample work surfaces and counter tops. You may even want to bring in a kitchen island with a sink or cook top to make your work areas more spacious and efficient. Having enough storage space is very important to a home chef, and you will find that the more storage space you add, the smoother you will find using your new kitchen will be.

In addition, kitchen accessories like the hardware you will need for all that new cabinetry are equally important. When it comes to cabinet hardware, you want something that is durable, easy to clean, and still looks great. For a prosumer styled kitchen, satin nickel drawer pulls and drawer handles are a great choice. You will find that they hold up well to the rigors of daily use - even when they find a home in the kitchen of a budding gourmet chef - and that their brushed finish makes clean-up a snap. Sleek and stylish, satin nickel knobs and pulls look good and work hard in your kitchen, and they are a great way to tie the different design elements in the kitchen together.

Tori works for Your Home Supply (YHS) the definitive website for home improvement tools, and gardening supplies. Your Home Supply offers a wide range of kitchen accessories and drawer handles.

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Give Your Kitchen a Cheerful Makeover

The kitchen is the heart of the home, as most families gather in the kitchen to eat and talk about the day's happenings. When you entertain guests, you will most likely spend time in the kitchen talking as you cook or do the dishes. Make sure your kitchen is warm and inviting by giving it a cheerful makeover. Follow these simple steps to make the kitchen a fun place for the entire family to enjoy.

First, make sure you are taking advantage of natural sunlight. Nothing is worse than a dark, dreary kitchen. Washing the dishes won't be a chore if you open the curtains and watch the children play outside. Make sure you choose curtains that won't block natural light from entering your kitchen. Choose a brightly colored valance or sheer panels that can be pulled open to let the light come in.

Next, add a comfortable rug. You may think a rug in the kitchen is a bad idea. After all, won't it get stained and dirty from all the spills and grease splatters? You can add an element of softness to your room if you choose the right rug. Look for a rug that is scotch guarded to protect against stains. You could also consider using an outdoor rug that is meant to get wet and dirty. Braided rugs are another great option for the kitchen. Make sure you bring a comfortable rug into the room so your feet won't ache as you spend hours cooking that thanksgiving dinner for the whole family.

You should also add some shelves in your kitchen to display trinkets and collectibles. Consider starting a collection of beautiful antique teacups or tea pots. You can find these in a variety of colors and designs and they make great conversation starters when guests come over. You could also hang beautiful plates on the wall. Look for unusual plates in bright colors or interesting shapes.

Paint your walls a bright, cheerful color such as buttercup yellow or lavender. Soft colors will make your kitchen appear bigger and reflect natural light to make the room appear bright and inviting. When you repaint the walls, you could also consider giving your cabinets a makeover. If you can't afford to replace your cabinets, a fresh coat of paint can make them look like new. White cabinets are a great choice to match any wall color or appliances.

You can also create a cheerful kitchen with the help of family photos. Whether you display large portraits on the wall or small photos on the refrigerator, nothing makes a kitchen feel more warm and inviting than the addition of treasured family photos. Find some beautiful frames that compliment you color scheme and display your cherished family photos for everyone to see. Place the frames on countertops, shelves, or in window sills to add a touch of sentiment in each corner of your kitchen. Photos make your kitchen warm and welcoming.

Finally, make sure your kitchen is clean and cleared of clutter. Clean surfaces make a kitchen appear bright and cheerful, while a dirty kitchen makes people uncomfortable. If you want to have a kitchen that your family and guests can enjoy, decorate with bright colors, soft rugs, and beautiful accessories.

Our best hint for Home Design, is to use area rugs - and the hottest rug collection are these indoor outdoor rugs.

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