Inexpensive Tips For Stylish Kitchen Decor

Is the look of your kitchen getting you down? While there are plenty of inexpensive ways to revitalize your kitchen. You don't necessarily have to replace the flooring, cabinets or countertops to improve the look of your kitchen. Decorating your kitchen can be as simple as displaying some knick knacks and novelties or slapping fresh paint on your walls and cabinets. You may be surprised to learn that you can often achieve impressive results with small changes.

A good place to start out is the walls of your kitchen - is it time for a fresh coat of paint? If so, will you use the same color or explore a new one? Before you make any quick decisions keep in mind that your existing furniture and cabinets need to blend in well with whatever new color you choose - otherwise you'll be committing further time and money to repaint them as well to match.

If you want to spruce up the look of your kitchen without repainting each wall, you can focus on smaller areas and still get impressive results. Try using wallpaper borders in complementary patterns and colors to blend in with your existing decor.

Wall stencils are another great idea that can really help make your kitchen stand out. You can choose a quote, phrase or mantra that is of significance to you and have a custom stencil that you peel out and apply directly to the wall.

Rather than replacing your cabinets entirely, you can often make what appear to be new with some selective attention to the cabinet doors. You can paint the front-facing doors and install new handles and hinges. Either one of these ideas can drastically improve the look of your kitchen with very little investment in time or money.

Then, finish off the appearance of your kitchen, or if only a slight change is wanted, you can look into getting new kitchen curtains and table linens. Altering the colors or fabrics can freshen up your kitchen just enough to update your kitchen without the hit to the wallet.

Try any of these inexpensive tips to improve your kitchen decor and enjoy the benefits of a new-look kitchen without the price tag.

Tag : kitchen,kitchen decor,kitchen cabinets,kitchen sink

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elaine_Fergison

Different Kitchen Designs - Deciding on the Right Kitchen Design For You

As much as possible, you would want your kitchen to be efficient, functional, and stylish all at the same time. Creating a bespoke kitchen design has now become popular so that one's kitchen stands out and that it caters to the owner's purpose and goal. But, there are things that you must know when building a new kitchen or remodeling your existing kitchen. Besides the furniture that you are going to put in it, the light fixtures, and color, you also have to decide on the layout that you prefer.

To help you with it, let us take a look at some of the basic types of kitchen layouts:

Single Line Kitchen

This is recommended for narrow rooms. This layout will produce an I-shaped kitchen, which results to having longer journey distances as you would have to walk from one end of the room to the other. To solve this, have the sink placed between the refrigerator and the stove. Moreover, place the refrigerator in such a way that the refrigerator door opens away from the sink.

L-Shaped Kitchen

A very popular kitchen layout, L-shaped kitchen allows for a good traffic flow. This type is recommended for a family kitchen or for entertaining guests as table and chairs can be accommodated in the same room. When having this type of layout, a preparation area must separate the sink, stove, and refrigerator.

Double L-Shaped Kitchen

This allows for plenty of cabinet space as well as counter space. It is generally used for large kitchens with two cooks. The problem that may arise with this layout is that it has two or more entering areas; hence, it may cause problems on traffic flow. This problem, however, may be addressed by having two separate working areas on each L of the kitchen.

Galley Kitchen

Because of its efficiency in the use of space, this layout is often used in apartments or houses where there is limited space. This space efficiency is also the reason why this type is preferred by many professional chefs. For smooth work flow, the cabinets and appliances can be placed on opposite walls. But, it must be made sure that the cleaning and cooking areas are on the same side to avoid accidents while hot pans are being moved between the sink and the cooktop.

G-Shaped Kitchen

Providing a fourth wall to use, a G-shaped kitchen is also recommended if you have more than one cook in the house. Moreover, the fourth wall may be utilized for a counter, island, and storage space.

U-Shaped Kitchen

This layout has three walls, allowing short distances around the kitchen and making it an ideal working kitchen. Furthermore, it allows plenty of worktop and storage space.

Island Kitchen

It is another popular layout as it allows you or the cook to entertain and socialize with guests or visitors while preparing. Thus, it is the ideal layout if you plan to entertain.

Getting the kitchen that you desire indeed requires some thinking and sound decision making. You just cannot say, hey I want this and poof there goes your desired kitchen. It is important that you equip yourself with the basic knowledge in kitchen design, just like the basic layouts. The internet, for example, is a powerful source of information. Make some research, ask questions, and set a clear picture on your mind what you really want, although it may slightly be altered as you go on with educating yourself about the basics in kitchen design. So get those hands and mind working, squeeze those creative juices, and make your dream kitchen a work in progress.

Tag : kitchen,kitchen design,kitchen cabinets,kitchen sink

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jo_Alelsto

Building Bespoke Kitchens By Yourself Will Be A Rewarding Experience

Thinking of home improvement? Not really a good idea if you're tight on cash, but don't let this dampen your spirits because it can still be done. Yes, you heard it right! A bespoke kitchen is very possible even on an ostensibly unyielding budget. If it can be done then the question is how you do it. How will you turn your rundown kitchen into the most glamorous, okay maybe not glamorous but in the least, shipshape and presentable kitchen? Contracting a professional is not exactly part of the equation, going back to the fact that you are on a tight budget. Hence, you are left with one choice but to do it yourself.

Renovating, repainting, and re-plastering the kitchen may seem like a monstrous job at first but once you have all the information you need as well as the materials, starting your very own home improvement may not be as difficult and complicated as you have first made it out to be. Maybe you're still not really into the idea of you tearing down the whole kitchen and then doing everything all by your lonesome self. It's not an easy decision but it's one which will bring you enduring satisfaction.

Doing it all alone may not be a really good idea since there are tasks which will need an extra pair of hands so you can always enlist the help of your friends or even the neighbor up front. Doing the kitchen on your own can cut back on the expenses, provided that you are quite competent at the various jobs involved as well as own the right tools for these tasks. If you are not sure of your ability with the hammer then it will be wise to work alongside with someone who is. For the plumbing and electricity, you better ask for professional help since these are sensitive tasks.

So if you have the skills to do your own renovating in the kitchen, then it's time to bring to life your dream of a Victorian kitchen. But since you are not really a professional, you have to spend some time researching for the right materials such as the paints, flooring, wallpapers, cabinets, and other details as well. Victorian architecture is inspired by the era during reign of Queen Victoria, from 1837 to 1901 and it is known for its elaborate designs and sophisticated styles. Victorian kitchens are known for their practicality but still they exude a unique charm which many find especially pleasant. To create the same look, you can furnish your new kitchen with pine or oak finishes. Floors are made from tiles, marble, or hardwood and are oftentimes covered with rugs. Drapes and curtains are usually made from lace, netting, muslin, velvet or brocade.

To have a painted kitchen with the Victorian touch, your choice of colors is wide range but there are few tips that you have to put in mind to really create the Victorian ambiance. Walls are generally painted in a lighter shade than the floors. The Victorian era was marked by the manufacture of aniline dyes which gave forth to brighter colors. And when painting your kitchen remember to highlight the best features of the kitchen.

Doing your own kitchen renovation is indeed a challenge not only physically but also a test of just how creative you are. Do you have the eye for detail? You may even have the hidden aptitude for interior design. Doing things yourself allows you to learn on your own as well as lets you discover things about your personality. In the end, you'll find greater fulfillment doing the process itself rather than seeing the result of your efforts.

Tag : kitchen,kitchen table,kitchen island,kitchen cabinets

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Kitchen Counter Stools For Sipping Saki Or Sucking Smoothies

Your kitchen counter stool with a Japanese minimalism theme can double for sucking on those succulent morning fruit smoothies or sipping some teeny cups of Saki in the evening if you choose the bar set, bar chairs or stools that make the look come together.

You can go for the wooden stool or some backless counter stools if you want a very natural Zen style or choose some white vinyl swivel counter stools or a chrome counter height bar stool if you're after clean lines with a "soft green bamboo" feeling using more contemporary counter stools.

Here are some suggestions for a furniture bar stool that will go with these themes.

Zen Backless Counter Stools:

1. Xian Bar Stool - This is a modified Chinese classic, made from elm wood and has a rush seat. Choose your color: Java or Natural with a black stain finish.

2. Wabi Sabi Bench - One of the funkiest Zen theme seating ideas.

3. Ox Stool - With thick legs and looks like an Ox as its name suggests. Not delicate but very natural.

4. Have a look for yourself at Gingko Furniture, a company that specializes in Oriental themes using imperial palaces for stool inspiration. Please keep in mind that since each of the Zen style counter bar stools are handmade and follow the natural wood grain, there are no two pieces that are identical. However, if you go with the Gingko saddle seat counter stool style, rest assured that each stool has been finished using a 9-step process, which includes hand-rubbing each piece with lacquer.

Minimalistic Contemporary Counter Stools

5. Johnston Casuals Nova Adjustable Swivel Bar stool - metal back, swivel seat, adjustable height and all hand-made.

The entire collection of Johnston Casuals is minimalist and sleek contemporary in nature. They are a great choice for an inexpensive alternative to Japanese designer bar stools.

6. Eurostyle Fabia Adjustable Leatherette Seat Swivel Bar Stool - Chrome steel base and foot rest with a swivel leatherette seat and gas lift. (Buy online at: morebarstools.com/) Eurostyle has a kitchen counter bar stool or a counter height swivel bar stool that will suit your needs when searching for any ultra modern counter stools.

Tag : kitchen,kitchen counter,kitchen table,kitchen sink,kitchen decor

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Gapper