Get Contemporary Design Flair, Innovation & Beauty With Unique Contemporary Kitchen Designs

When considering contemporary kitchen designs, you should be mindful of several design factors:

* Cabinets – Contemporary kitchen designs will typically feature light wood cabinets, such as alder, ash or birch; or metal, such as stainless steel
* Door & Drawer Pulls – The contemporary kitchen will feature no drawer or door pulls, or something simple and metallic
* Countertops – Granite or some other solid stone surface is commonly featured in contemporary kitchens, as opposed to colored laminates
* Flooring – Wood flooring is most often attributed to contemporary kitchen designs, but you might also try simple ceramic, marble or slate
* Appliances – Most commonly attributed to contemporary kitchen designs is stainless steel
* Lighting – Stained glass, chandeliers and fluorescent banks for lights are conspicuously missing in a truly contemporary kitchen; try recessed lighting, or simple hanging lights, focusing on specific objects below

Whatever kitchen renovation plans you’re considering, you can turn your kitchen into a modern chic cooking center. Be sure you consider all of these design points. Quality designers and well thought out kitchen renovation plans will encompass all aspects of a room, from top to bottom.

Let the experts at Kitchen Designers Ideas help in finding your dream contemporary kitchen designs. We’ve got the know-how to make your kitchen renovation plans come true! Contact one of our knowledgeable resources today!

Plan3D.com
http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-1903760-10359261

e-DesignBooks.com
http://www.e-designbooks.com/?hop=jimmah2

Cabinet-Hardware-Online.com
http://www.cabinet-hardware-online.com/kitchen-cabinets.php/?aff=jmahoney

ReliableRemodeler.com
http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-1903760-10362932

Are You Trying To Plan Your Ideal Kitchen Cabinet And Counter Layout? Kitchen Design Software Can Make The Process Simpler

With the amount of money it takes to complete a kitchen remodeling project, you cannot afford to make many large blunders.

Nevertheless, a kitchen remodeling project is truly exciting! The thought of creating a more streamlined kitchen cabinet and counter design is a dream come true for any kitchen aficionado. As any chef knows, the better the layout of the kitchen cabinet and counter space, the easier the kitchen is to use.

When planning your new kitchen cabinet and counter design, it is helpful to use kitchen design software. This software can make the design process far simpler, more accurate, and will allow you to more effectively make sure you have considered all your design options before you begin construction.

With the help of kitchen planning software, you can…

* Determine the optimum positioning of your cabinets and countertops
* Select where your appliances are best located
* Make changes and modifications to the size of your cabinets and counter areas before making any purchases to ensure you get the most out of your kitchen space

Many home improvement stores will use kitchen design software to help determine what you should do with your kitchen space. Using kitchen planning software in a store is not always as convenient as having your own kitchen design software at home.

In a store, you are limited to just those products the store sells. Plus, with your own kitchen design software at home, you can make design changes whenever inspiration hits – beginning anew whenever you like!

Make your next kitchen design project easier with your own kitchen design software at home.

This article brought to you by Kitchen Designers Ideas
Your online resource for using kitchen design software to help inspire innovative kitchen cabinet and counter layouts
Visit us online at www.kitchendesignersideas.com
Contact us via e-mail at jmah@cox.net

Please share the content of these articles with your friends, family and colleagues. Reprint rights granted. All reprints must include an active link to www.kitchendesignersideas.com. Content may not be altered, and articles must be used as distributed by Kitchen Designers Ideas.

Kitchen Craft

A kitchen is a women’s domain. Your kitchen is not only dear to you but also it is the heart of your home. If your kitchen is properly furnished and decorated you get the maximum pleasure while cooking. As you spend an important part of your time in cooking healthy nutritious meals, it is necessary to keep your kitchen clean and hygienic.
The kitchen should be designed such that it always offers fresh perspective. It greatly depends on intelligent and efficient kitchen design and construction. A kitchen craft cabinetry is very famous and sophisticated product it is basically sold by kitchen craft stores in Canada. Every kitchen craft designs are specifically designed for selected group of customers.


Kitchen Craft Cookware: The kitchen craft cookware company was established nearly 35 years ago by a distributor. Since 35 years the company has expanded massively though there is a huge leap of time in between. still the company has not lost its traditional value. Kitchen craft cooking products are purchased both individually and in set. The kitchen craft utensils are designed in such a way that they can be easily used in oven up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

The kitchen craft construction is one of the best luxurious and quality constructions. It is one of North America’s increasingly growing companies. The kitchen craft company offers following values to its customers.
N ice Melamine and Thermo Foil Finishes
Solid Hard Wood Doors
Full Styling and
Superior Kitchen Products.

The kitchen craft should make you feel fresh and it must reflect your lifestyle.

India Crafts offers detail information on Kitchen Craft other necessary details.

The Rustic Charm of Farmhouse Kitchen Sinks

The traditional farmhouse or apron sink as it is sometimes called is a very popular trend in kitchen sinks now. They generally include such features as a high back, and a low front that often juts past the front of the cabinetry that surrounds it. They are often made from materials as cast iron, or natural stones such as granite, limestone, and soapstone. Although they may be used in kitchens that are decorated in a rustic or a country-style, many other homeowners are looking to ad some style and unique elegance to their kitchens by putting in a more contemporary style of farmhouse sink.
FREE Information on all Aspects of Kitchen Designs
Farmhouse Kitchen Sinks

Both the modern and retro style farmhouse kitchen sinks are helping to spark a new trend in kitchen design.

The farmhouse kitchen sinks date back to the late Nineteenth Century. They were often made with fireclay, one of the oldest materials to be used in the making of sinks, and a material that never rusts. Fireclay is similar in composition to vitreous china. While these fireclay sinks are not as durable as metal sinks, they have been known to retain their quality and beauty for years.

The design of the apron front style makes it much more comfortable for anyone working at the sink to prepare or clean in the sink. They are usually about 17 inches deep and about 30 to 33 inches wide. They can be as large as a double sink without the divider in the middle.

These apron-front sinks can be used with tiled countertops, usually with a undercounter installation, although they can be available in top mount or undermount. They are highly practical and look quite attractive, even in a high tech looking kitchen.

Farmhouse kitchen sinks are constructed with a variety of materials, enabling them to be able to fit in with most kitchen styles. Many homeowners choose stone sinks to be able to install them with stone kitchen countertops. They have deep basins that are large and spacious enough for bigger stock pots, and kettles.

When deciding on whether to go with a farmhouse kitchen sink you will need to first decide on whether it is worth it in trying to find a restored sink or to buy a newer version.

Many homeowners like the challenge of looking for restored farmhouse kitchen sinks that were created back in early years of the Twentieth Century. While it may be possible to save money by obtaining a restored farmhouse sink, a big problem with using an older restored sink is that it can be rather expensive to have the sink retrofitted to be compatible with modern plumbing. It may be better to go with contemporary versions of the apron front farmhouse kitchen sinks with accessories.

These modern versions of farmhouse sinks are available in many new materials and composites. They are made in such materials as stainless steel, vitreous china, bronze, copper, and fireclay. Nevertheless these kinds of farmhouse sinks can be quite expensive with prices ranging anywhere from $800 to $3500.

Kitchen Color Basics

Color is very important design element for kitchens and bathrooms since it plays an important role in affecting our moods.

A good combination of kitchen colors in the scheme of your decoration can make your kitchen look livelier and more appealing. However mismatched color schemes can ruin your décor.

Color can influence the mood of a room. For example, studies have shown that red can quicken the pulse and breathing rate, as well as increase appetite. Yellow, especially soft yellows can make people feel happier. When used as a accent bright yellow can attract attention and brighten up a kitchen. You can also use color to influence how large or small a kitchen can feel.

With kitchen color taking on more importance, many manufacturers of cabinets, appliances, flooring and countertops are offering the consumer more choices in colors. The best kitchen colors should include shades of brown, peach, yellow, pink or blue.

Kitchen color schemes have come and gone over the years. Some kitchen color schemes have remained popular over time.

White as a kitchen color remains a popular choice because of it has a clean look. One disadvantage of an all-white kitchen is that it can have a sterile and cold look and feel. That is why white is usually accented with one other color such as blue. Also design elements such as a light colored oak floor, or soft accents provided by curtains can make a kitchen seem warmer. It is considered a good idea to select one color as the overall or base color and select one or two accent colors.

You can feel safe selecting just about any color for your kitchen by following some important guidelines for using different kitchen color schemes:

It is considered a good idea in using color in a room to have a 60-30-10 split between three colors, 60% representing the main or dominant color, probably on the walls or cabinets. 30% of a secondary color used in the flooring or rugs, as well as window treatments. 10% for accents such as, dishes, artwork, pillows and other soft items.

Monochromatic color scheme is noted for only the use of one color. To create more variety you would used various tints, tones and shades of that color.

Complementary color scheme uses two colors placed opposite to each other on the color wheel. This scheme is quite intense and brings a more dramatic touch and energy to home décor.

Analogous color scheme includes three hues placed adjacent to each other on the color wheel with either warm colors or cool colors in combination, such as yellow and green, blue and violet, or red and orange. Kitchens generally wouldn't be the type of room where the type of color scheme would be used. This color scheme would be better for more informal areas of the home, such as family rooms, dens and bedrooms or where one would be looking for rest and recovery from the activities of the day.

Neutral colors include taupe, tan, black, white, cream, and shades of gray. Neutral colors can be paired with almost any color as an accent. Because your cabinets make up most of the expense of kitchen decorating it would be best to choose a style in a more neutral finish. This also applies for countertops and flooring.

A good decorating scheme is to emulate the color schemes found in nature, such as sky blue or the various shades of green or earth brown or light or pale yellow. Light can also be an important element in emphasizing the colors and can bring about different shades and views of the color based on varying intensity.

Find Local Remodelers Free Estimates - Kitchen, Bath, Additions, more.

Contact Us!

Kitchen Island Design Ideas! Kitchen island plans, kitchen remodeling kitchen island. Information on kitchen design ideas, where to find suppliers of materials,kitchen designers and kitchen plans

7 Kitchen Design Ideas

Kitchens have evolved a lot over the years. Once found only in the rear of the house, today's kitchen design takes the kitchen out the background. The challenge for kitchen design is in creating a more open-faced kitchen, that is part of a dining area, a family room or a great room.

In deciding on how to design your kitchen, you must take into consideration such things as: will your kitchen have an island? Will it be of a modern or traditional design? What kinds of appliances will you need for your new kitchen design? What kind of lighting design?

1. Kitchen as 'Great Room'

Whether you are redesigning an existing kitchen or planning a new kitchen in a new home there are some design considerations to keep in mind, such as including in an island or peninsula as part of the kitchen design. These can be used to connect the kitchen to a nearby dining area or family room thereby creating a 'great room'. A kitchen island or peninsula will allow the cook to keep in visual and conversational contact with family members or guests in the adjoining family or dining room.

2. Create a Kitchen Canopy

To give the kitchen some visible borders without blocking views create a kitchen canopy. Also a high ceiling in the kitchen can create the perception of spaciousness.

3. Using Kitchen Cabinet Color to Set Tone of Kitchen Design

Kitchen cabinets will help set the tone for the whole room. The choice of wood will influence the overall look of your cabinets. To create a light look, use a light wood such as ash, beech, birch, oak, maple, or chestnut. For medium range, select cherry. To darker kitchens, choose wood that has some color to it.

4. Plan Out Use of Cabinets and Drawers in The New Kitchen Design

Plan out in the kitchen design blueprint just how your cabinets and drawers will be used and how much space and storage you will need before you start your new kitchen design. The first thing to examine is the counter surface area. Look at where you put everything in your existing kitchen and where in your new kitchen design will these things will go in the new space. Will there be more than one person cooking at a time. If so, will there be enough room for two cooks in the kitchen to work together?

5. Use The Galley-Type Kitchen Design

As for counter arrangements, many kitchen designers agree the galley-type design to be the best in terms of efficiency with it's single aisle and counters to either side, making it easy to turn around to go from sink to cooking range.

6. Under-Cabinet Kitchen Lighting

kitchen lighting can be an overlooked area of kitchen design. Even if the kitchen has generally good lighting, the counter areas can be somewhat dark. For these areas under-cabinet lighting can help provide more light to work in. By using simple spots or fluorescent lights a smaller kitchen can be made to look larger.

7. Looking at Countertops

Granite, marble, and limestone are all popular natural materials for use in countertops are available in many colors. Ceramic tile kitchen countertops are versatile, practical, and also available in many colors, as well as many shapes, patterns, and finishes. Solid surface countertops provide seamless acrylic faces. Solid surfaces also come in almost limitless colors, patterns, and styles, and are stain and heat resistant. Laminate countertops are more affordable but not built to last. Concrete countertops are known for versatility, as well as strength. Wood countertops are long lasting and easy to clean and repair but the wood will not withstand exposure to water and household chemicals. Stainless steel countertops lack the elegance of granite or tile. These countertops do not absorb stains, but tends to scratch easily.

To create kitchen plans that are easy and fun requires a good software program that can let you simply snap in cabinets, dishwashers, countertops, cook tops and refrigerators. One that can provide you with hundreds of wood finishes, tiles, Formicas, linoleums, paints, wallpapers, and trims a to get a look that is just right. Click to learn more about "plan3D". Get 2 months FREE when you sign up for a year!

Find Local Remodelers Free Estimates - Kitchen, Bath, Additions, more.

Contact Us!

Kitchen Island Design Ideas! Kitchen island plans, kitchen remodeling kitchen island. Information on kitchen design ideas, where to find suppliers of materials,kitchen designers and kitchen plans

Tips in Selecting Kitchen Flooring

As for making the choice of flooring, this will depend on the type of environment you happen to live in. Things you will need to think about are if you have children in the home you should look for a kitchen floor that can easily resist spills. If you will be spending a lot of time on your feet in the kitchen then you will want to look for a kitchen floor style that would be more comfortable to your feet. You will also have to make sure that the kitchen floor you eventually select can handle not just thousands of footsteps and kitchen mishaps but that it will be durable through all of the redecorating you will do to your home over the years.

Many homeowners tend to make the mistake of not giving enough thought to flooring options. The right flooring can make a big difference in a kitchen. For instance flooring with light or neutral tones creates an impression of light and space. Stronger colors might work in a small kitchen, but not in a larger one.

The kitchen flooring is the foundation which your kitchen literally rests. By failing to give more consideration to your flooring options and selecting the wrong flooring will insure that an otherwise outstanding kitchen will look only average, and become dated sooner.

When selecting kitchen flooring, it is a good idea to select something that has elements of beauty and durability. Kitchen flooring can accent the counters, cabinets, and appliances. It must also be able to stand up to everyday wear, such as spills and heavy foot traffic.

When it comes to choosing materials for your kitchen flooring be sure to take into consideration both your budget and lifestyle. The choice of kitchen flooring material can be quite broad. Among the choices are vinyl in sheet or tiles, ceramic tile, wood floors and new laminate materials. How to you decide the best one for your kitchen flooring?

You need to do your own research and get the best advice you can from professional contractors and kitchen designers.

Popular Flooring Options:

- For durable and more cost-effective flooring materials then look into vinyl or ceramic tiles.

- Vinyl is durable, inexpensive and available in sheets or tiles, in smooth or knobby. It is the most popular choice when it comes to kitchen flooring, and is available in a large selection of styles, colors and patterns. Vinyl kitchen flooring is generally popular all over the country.

- Laminate kitchen flooring is also popular across the country as well. This is a new product that has grown out of the countertop business. It is created by laminating a photograph of wood grain, stone, or other surfaces, directly to the flooring material. It has the advantage of a quick installation time and is very durable.

- Bamboo kitchen flooring is made from the fastest growing plant on earth. It grows faster that hardwood. Bamboo flooring is rapidly becoming the hottest trend in kitchen design today. Because of the rising cost of hardwood and the problems of deforestation bamboo is being seen as a good alternative to hardwood. Besides being quite beautiful it is a more renewable resource. Although bamboo, like wood, is firm and strong, it is actually a grass, which grows much faster than most trees. The stalks of bamboo reach maturity in only a few years, as opposed to the decades it takes for trees to develop and mature. Certain wood species can take as long as 50 years to mature. The bamboo tree will usually mature in about five or six years.

- Ceramic Tile is beautiful and sturdy, and is the ideal material to clean up spills. Another thing to consider is that some of these choices are probably more common in one part of the country than others. For instance ceramic tile is used for kitchen flooring in the West and South. Wood floors are more prevalent in the Northeast and Midwest.

- Stone type is a good choice if you are looking to create a unique, beautiful kitchen floor. However because stone tile is cut out of boulders, they generally come in odd and inconsistent sizes and shapes, and they are expensive.

- hardwood kitchen flooring lasts much longer than many options, however it does need to undergo refinishing from time to time. It is available in a wide variety of colors and grains and it can be installed in strips, planks, or parquet squares.

When selecting materials for kitchen flooring, you must consider materials that are both beautiful and durable. Kitchen flooring can be used to accent the counters, cabinets, and appliances. However kitchen flooring must be able to take everyday wear and tear such as spills and heavy traffic. It's important to select the right material when it comes to Kitchen Flooring. Are you looking for the beauty and durability of travertine or the warmth of hardwoods? By making the correct decision now you can guarantee that a quality kitchen floor will keep its beauty and last a lifetime.

When designing your ideal kitchen remember that light or neutral tones emphasize the impression of light and space, just as darker shades can create feelings of warmth and intimacy. A floor's finish can even effect perceptions of size and space. A high gloss finish can contribute to the perception of spaciousness. A more subdued or a matte finish can make a space look smaller.

Ultimately the best way to make the decision on kitchen flooring material to look though free samples from warehouse wholesale industries and showrooms in your area. Feel the materials they have and see the quality they offer.

Kitchen Floor Plans to Really Fit Your Space

Kitchen floor plans are the most important part of any good kitchen design. The floor plan not only determines the kitchen's layout, but the effectiveness of a kitchen depends on the choice of floor plan.

If you feel it is too much trouble to draw up kitchen floor plans, there are many types of kitchen design software to help you.

Having a good kitchen floor plan means being able to plan for function and this includes taking into account the cooking styles and the special requirements of the cooks in your home.

More and more designers are creating more open kitchen floor pans that join the living and family rooms with the kitchen. This kind of kitchen floor plan is family-friendly and perfect for entertaining

Since today's kitchen has gone from being in the back of the home to becoming the exciting focal point in the house it is more important design a good kitchen floor plan. You need a kitchen floor plan that will provide a way for the kitchen to be part of a dining area and the family room, therefore becoming a 'great room'.

To prevent the feeling of too much uniformity and sameness it is important to select the right materials and colors and using cabinets to create a lively interior. The kitchen must fit into the spaces around it while still being set apart from other areas of the house.

A good kitchen floor plan must provide a good work triangle that will provide a working relationship between the cooktop, the sink, and the refrigerator. You should have a good flow between these three areas. The best work triangle will have a total of 26 or less, with no single leg shorter than 4 feet or longer than 9 feet. However if you are remodeling an existing kitchen it may not be possible to live up to this standard.

Whether you are designing a new kitchen floor plan in a new home or redesigning an existing kitchen you might want to consider including an island or peninsula. These can help connect the kitchen to an nearby dining room, living room or family room and can create a bridge connecting all these rooms.

You can create a kitchen canopy to provide visible but subtle borders that do not obstruct views of the other rooms. What islands and peninsulas do below, a kitchen canopy can do above. Having a canopy can create the feeling of openness.

Kitchen cabinets can be a problem with the type of open kitchen floor plan since you will have just one or two walls. Therefore having enough space for storage can be a challenge. You might think about putting the china in a china cabinet in the dining area. Consider staggering the height, length and the depth of wall cabinets, and do the same with the base cabinets and the counters. This will make the kitchen look less rigid, as will having the cabinet door styles be of varied styles instead of all identical. For example use solid doors on some cabinets and glass doors on others. You can have one style of cabinet doors for the perimeter of the kitchen and another style for the island. You can also use different colors, wood stain or finish for perimeter areas and the island.

The style of the cabinetry must however be in accordance with the existing design elements of the home.

Try to plan on having ample countertop work areas as possible near the sink, the cooking areas, and also near the refrigerator.

Plan for adequate storage needs. What about cabinet accessories, such as roll-out shelves, a spice drawer etc.

You may feel that drawing up kitchen floor plans might be a job better left to a professional interior designer. However there are several types of kitchen design software available to draw up kitchen floor plans so you can create your own dream kitchen. Or you could just use it to look up some designs, ideas, and kitchen floor plans before you go to a professional. Kitchen design software programs help with designing floor plans and enable you to create a "virtual kitchen" showing countertops, cabinetry, appliances, and sinks.

You can also find kitchen floor plan ideas by looking at stock house plans at Houseplans.com

In planning your kitchen you might want to thick about the use of your kitchen and choose a kitchen floor plan that will meet your requirements for work space.

Besides having a kitchen as part of a 'great room' there are other kitchen floor plans to consider.

U-shape - This kitchen floor plan consists of having cabinet storage on three wall along with work stations on each wall.

L-shape - This kitchen floor plan is more space efficient, but of course it works best in a large kitchen.

Island kitchens - This type of kitchen floor plan also works best in large kitchens, and features a free standing island in the middle of the kitchen.

Galleys - The galley kitchen floor plan can be used in small kitchens. It features parallel walls with the workspaces on each wall.

Before you begin a major kitchen-remodeling job, you need to know what you want in your new kitchen floor plan. You also need to know how much to budget, and find the right kitchen design professionals.

Find Local Remodelers Free Estimates - Kitchen, Bath, Additions, more.

Contact Us!

Kitchen Island Design Ideas! Kitchen island plans, kitchen remodeling kitchen island. Information on kitchen design ideas, where to find suppliers of materials,kitchen designers and kitchen plans

The Tuscan Style of Kitchen Design

The Tuscan kitchen design style is probably the most romantic with the earth's natural tones of brown, ochre, concentrated gold, blistering sunny yellow, prominent amounts of terra cotta, rusty red, coal black, and deep blue. Also the use of motifs like lemons, olives, sunflower, grapevines, and cypress trees can help creating a unique time worn look.

Tuscan kitchen design immediately conjures images of Italy and sunlight and warmth. In fact these kinds of images are just what you need to think of when coming up with the perfect Tuscan kitchen design.

Tuscany a region in north central Italy is known as a warm place almost year round an Tuscan kitchen design should reflect this. Tuscan kitchen designs are defined by colors such as siena, terra, and sepia. Tuscan Kitchen design uses a lot of soft warm colors and textures. Windows in the kitchen should provide as much natural sunlight as possible.

The Tuscan style has evolved through the centuries, influenced by Etruscan metal craft and pottery as well as the Italian Renaissance. The Tuscan style can be seen in mosiac tiles, wrought iron gates, bridges and architecture.

Tuscan kitchen design and décor can enhance the look and feel of any kitchen. You can add a big wooden table, open cupboards, along with ceramics, pots, pans and Tuscan-inspired dinnerware. These items can also make great decorations when you are not using them.

Kitchen island design in the Tuscan kitchen design style has its origins from ancient Roman times. This is the origins of the nice ornaments you will find with all tuscan kitchen design. The Tuscan kitchen island is usually of a dark color painted on oak. Sometimes the islands are given one coat of white paint. Scratches are added to give the wood a more antique look.

In Tuscany families tend to eat and cook together. A good Tuscan kitchen design should provide for adequate room for you and your family to move around the kitchen freely.

The Tuscan kitchen design style is very popular now. One reason is that this design style be quite affordable while be stylish and providing more comfortable kitchen. The Tuscan kitchen design style accessories include pottery, jars, and hand crafted tiles depicting grapevines and vineyards as well as grapes, tomatos, and olives. Having these design elements just naturally goes with Tuscan meals.

Walls - Wall should be painted in a rich Tuscan color such as rich reds, intense yellows, or strong yellows. Consider a wall treatment such as molding, or murals to create a more Tuscan feel to the walls.

Floors - Use Terra cotta or clay tiles, glazed ceramic and marble inlay in intricate patterns. Wooden floors can be left plain with natural color and finish with a Persian rug.

Furniture - For a Tuscan kitchen design use sturdy pieces of furniture that is also strong and functional. Kitchen tables and chairs should also be well-built and strong.

Cabinetry - Cabinetry should feature open shelves for displaying your ceramics, as well as baskets, and cooking utensils.

Sink - Kitchen sink should be white ceramic to be more compatible with your Tuscan kitchen design. You might also consider a large rectangular marble sink.

As for other Tuscan kitchen design ideas you can add racks to display copper pans. Also wrought iron pull for drawers, and wrought iron light fixtures. You might even want to add a brick-fired oven just like the type found in large Italian farmhouse kitchens.

By designing your kitchen with the Tuscan design style and bring in the look of old Tuscany your kitchen and home will never be quite the same.

Find a Marble & Granite Contractor

Contact Us!

Kitchen Island Design Ideas! Kitchen island plans, kitchen remodeling kitchen island. Information on kitchen design ideas, where to find suppliers of materials,kitchen designers and kitchen plans

Tips on Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen

It used to be that outdoor entertaining conjured up the familiar image of the picnic lunch at the park. You only needed a picnic basket, thermos, paper plates and plastic utensils.

Or if you wanted to be able to host an outdoor luncheon or dinner you would toss some items on a barbecue pit out in the backyard and flip burgers and hotdogs.

Cooking on a grill is a great way to entertain outdoors. However it is a nuisance to have to go back and forth from the kitchen to the patio. That is why outdoor kitchens have become more and more popular.

The outdoor kitchen can include stovetop-style burners, griddles, roasting spits, sinks, refrigerators, storage space for dishes and cooking gear, low counters for prep work, bar-height counters for guests, stereo systems and more.

Preparing and enjoying meals outdoors along with casual entertaining has in recent years really taken off as homeowners have come to see just how appealing these alfresco preparation areas can be. Having originated in the southwest, outdoor kitchens are now to be found all over the country.

So just what kinds of foods can be cooked outdoors? Actually any type of food that can be prepared in an indoor kitchen can be prepared in an outdoor kitchen.

Today's outdoor kitchen designs can include such items as: sinks, cabinets, and cutting boards. They can be fully featured areas, which offering a covered bar and buffet area.

In planning your outdoor kitchen you will need to consider how much you will use your outdoor kitchen and whether it will be just a small part of your deck or patio or a fully functional outdoor kitchen.

Today, however outdoor kitchens have made entertaining more convenient as well as luxurious. Now you can have all the accoutrements of any indoor kitchen all year around no matter what part of the country you live in. Besides the outside grill, outdoor kitchens frequently include many features - the number depending on your budget Outdoor kitchens range in cost from about $3,000 to more than $30,000.The latest products on the market include luxury grills equipped with all the capabilities of stovetop cooking. Outdoor kitchen setups include kitchen islands, sinks, refrigerators, wet bars and dishwashers.
FREE Information on all Aspects of Kitchen Designs

Outdoor Kitchen Design Factors

An outdoor kitchen design can include different components and styles and there are many factors in deciding on the right outdoor kitchen design. One of the factors is just how much space you have to work with. Will it just include a small grill island or will your outdoor kitchen be as big as your indoor kitchen? Will it be the place where you and your family will spend a considerable amount of time? It is important that for an outdoor kitchen to work you must be able to provide adequate seating and dining areas. If you want to be able to enjoy your outdoor kitchen when the weather turns cooler it is a good idea to also have an outdoor fireplace to keep everyone warm and toasty.

Custom or Prefab Grilling Islands

Next, you will need to determine whether you will want your grill to be freestanding or built into an outdoor grilling island. Custom grilling islands can help provide your outdoor kitchen with a more upscale look. Just like an indoor kitchen island, the outdoor grilling island includes masonry with cabinets. Many experts agree that custom masonry grilling islands can add tremendous value to your home. You can also go with a prefab grilling island. These prefab islands come in a variety of configurations and exterior finishes. They cost less than more custom islands.

Building Materials For Your Outdoor Kitchen

You should select sturdy and durable materials that can stand up to climate changes. Many building experts agree that Polymer is the perfect material for the construction of outdoor kitchens. It can withstand outside elements and unlike wood, concrete or stucco it does not absorb moisture. Polymer is a solid material not a laminate or layered material and it will not warp, crack, or split. Countertops can be made from ceramic tile, granite, marble, slate and other natural stones.

Outdoor Lighting

Another area just as important is designing your outdoor kitchen is outdoor lighting. This can change and improve the overall feel of your outdoor kitchen. There are many types of lighting to choose from including: ambiance lighting that can include soft white lights or colored bulbs. Solar lights can be charged during the day and turn on automatically as it gets dark.

Save up to 40% on BBQ Grilling Accessories at ShoppersChoice.com.

Contact Us!

Kitchen Island Design Ideas! Kitchen island plans, kitchen remodeling kitchen island. Information on kitchen design ideas, where to find suppliers of materials,kitchen designers and kitchen plans

kitchen

kitchen separate room or other space set aside for the cooking or preparation of meals. When cooking first moved indoors, it was performed, with other domestic labors, in the common room, where the fire burned on the hearth, or—even earlier, before chimneys were known—on the floor in the center of the room. With the building of larger houses, the kitchen became a separate room. Little is known of the culinary arrangements of antiquity. Excavations at Pompeii show separate rooms fitted with the simple equipment still used in some Asian cooking. A large brazier, or metal basket on legs, held burning charcoal over which a single basin could be simmered. In homes of wealthy Romans a bench of brick or masonry contained several holes, so that a number of dishes could be cooked at once. Water was kept in jars and heated in large caldrons. Although the peoples of N Europe used stoves from ancient times for heating, they cooked over open fires and baked in outdoor ovens. In the Middle Ages, many of the finest kitchens were in the monasteries; the kitchens were in separate buildings and were equipped for cooking, brewing, and baking on a large scale. In North American colonial and pioneer days the kitchen was large enough to accommodate the operations of spinning, weaving, sewing, knitting, and harness mending as well as cooking. Early American manor houses, especially in the South, usually had separate kitchens, often connected with the house by a covered way or porch. Many farmhouses, before the use of gas or electricity, had a separate summer kitchen, where canning or preserving and the preparation of meals for harvest workers could be carried on without heating the house. Kitchens remain places for cooking as well as hubs of family life. In addition to a sink, cabinets, stove, and refrigerator, many have a dishwasher, trash compactor, garbage disposal, and smaller appliances, such as food processors and microwave ovens. Microwave ovens, usually smaller than conventional ovens and used as adjuncts, heat foods quickly without drying them out, but also without browning, and can be used to quickly defrost frozen food.

Bibliography: See M. Harrison, The Kitchen in History (1973); J. Driemens, Kitchens (1987).

The Best Kitchen Island Designs

The kitchen island as a stand-alone platform in the middle of the kitchen provides convenience and efficiency by creating more workspace.

When the island is located in the center of the kitchen more space is created. In most homes a kitchen island is the ideal way to separate the kitchen from the living room. If the kitchen island has cook top, sinks or pull-out drawer refrigerators then this accommodates greater convenience and socializing since one can do dishes and preparation while conversing with guests in the living room. There are endless uses for kitchen islands.

According to the National Association of HomeBuilders (NAHB), kitchen islands are one of the most popular kitchen design features among today's consumers. The NAHB

also reports that buyers of new homes have also indicated a desire for kitchen islands as well. Actually some 80% of homebuyers consider a kitchen island to be an absolute must.

Some newer kitchen island ideas include the following features: rolling islands that can be used where a large island won't fit, granite-topped islands, and islands with furniture like features as pilasters.

New homebuyers aren't the only ones that should consider a kitchen island design for their kitchen. Some older homes with an awkward kitchen floor plan with limited space can also benefit from a kitchen island design idea. Closed off kitchens have been transformed into more open looking kitchens by lowering existing walls half way to forms islands between the kitchen and nearby living space.
FREE Information on all Aspects of Kitchen Designs

Many Kitchen Island Styles

Kitchen Islands have become so popular that this has even led to the creation of unique design styles of their own. A kitchen island can have the same design as the main counter and cabinets or it can have its own unique design.

Before deciding on any type of kitchen design you need to be certain of the shape. In addition traditional rectangle or square a rounded or oval island can bring a whole new look to your kitchen. Whether in a single row kitchen or as part of an L-shape design the kitchen island will be the heart of the whole kitchen. Some basic kitchen design ideas need to be considered.

Kitchen Islands can have some additional design options like breakfast bars and installed appliances which can achieve the 'triangle' design of sink-stove-refrigerator that is considered one of the top kitchen design ideas.

Kitchen Islands are also available in many styles and designs such as: Contemporary, Traditional, American Folk and French Country.

Many kitchen islands can be created with natural woods such as, Northern Maple, Red Oak, Poplar, Birch, and plantation-grown exotic woods. Other kinds of kitchen islands are constructed of stainless steel, or wood combined with stainless steel.

Island tops are usually hard wood, granite or marble, stainless steel, or butcher block, which is usually Hardrock Maple fastened end or edge grain to prevent cracking and warping.

Looking for a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor to Build Your Kitchen Island?

You can go online to find kitchen remodelers, painters, roofers, general contractors, and more from a company that offers a simple, quick, and free way to find, the right kitchen remodeling contractor.

What to Include in a Kitchen Island

Some features to consider in adding a kitchen island can include the oven as the main componet of your kitchen island, electric switches and outlets (a kitchen island can be an ideal area for additional outlets for kitchen appliances), storage and shelves. Finally as for the material of the island counter while you could use the same material for the island counter as you have for the kitchen counter it is possible to consider different materials to create an more interesting look. You might want to consider a kitchen exhaust hood over your kitchen island.

The right kind of kitchen lighting is important for kitchen islands. The island should be well lit. Your kitchen island plan should provide locations for lighting in the ceiling as well as around the kitchen exhaust hood.

Help in Drawing Up Your Kitchen Floor Plans

You may feel that drawing up kitchen floor plans might be a job better left to a professional interior designer. However there are several types of kitchen design software available to draw up kitchen floor plans so you can create your own dream kitchen or to communicate your design ideas to a kitchen design professional.

Find Local Remodelers Free Estimates - Kitchen, Bath, Additions, more.

Contact Us!

Kitchen Island Design Ideas! Kitchen island plans, kitchen remodeling kitchen island. Information on kitchen design ideas, where to find suppliers of materials,kitchen designers and kitchen plans

Gaggia Illy capsules espresso machine

Gaggia launched two compact espresso machnes for Illy capsules in red and black colours, the Illy and Illy Plus. The Illy Plus adds steam function for cappuccino and hot water function. Gaggia

Justime Faucet

In break with tradition of typical drinking faucet, JUSTIME would like to utilize precise technique and add fashionable elements into household appliances to design water drinking faucet for you. This modern faucet is another plus, meaning there are no chemicals to worry about as you fill your glass. Justime

Poliform Varenna Kitchen

Cool and contemporary meets naturally beautiful in this stunning kitchen. The modern style comes sans handles, resulting in a very chic, sleek and streamlined look, which is a nice feature in what is usually a chaotic, cluttered space. Poliform Varenna

KraftMaid

Cabinets

Surfaces

Flooring

Appliances

Product type: Doors
Serial Number: PT1
Overlay: Full
Construction: Laminate
Panel Type: Slab
Series Name: Venicia
Wood Species: Lustra-Thermofoil

Go Green Kitchen Cabinets

There's no other way to put it, the majority of homes could stand to undergo a major re-haul in terms of being eco-friendly. From floor to ceiling, inside and outside, most homes have not been built to sustain the environment. Perhaps you have wondered how your own home measures up. Perhaps you have felt that there isn't anything you can do that will really make a difference.

If you would like to make your home a more environmentally friendly place, the good news is that it is quite possible. While you may not be able to rebuild a home from scratch, you can renovate from the inside out and make significant changes to your own environment; and it doesn't have to include installing costly solar panels over your entire roof! Multiple small changes can still be impactful. From changing light bulbs to choosing different kitchen cabinets, you can make the switch to green all along the way.

Let's start with energy efficiency. Maybe you can't start out by purchasing all new, energy efficient appliances. But you can swap out the light bulbs you are currently using for bulbs that will consume less energy. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are far better in terms of efficiency than are traditional incandescent light bulbs, and this is an easy change you can make.

Into the kitchen, you can make home improvements using greener products. Many people do not like their kitchen cabinets, or the time has come when they just need to be replaced. The cool thing is that now even kitchen cabinets can go green. That's right. One of the most popular materials used in kitchen cabinets today is Bamboo. This material is considered to be a sustainable product - and therefore environmentally friendly - because of how fast the plant grows as well as the versatility of places it can be grown.

Changing kitchen cabinets does not have to be a huge undertaking. If it is time to replace your cabinets, you could consider RTA kitchen cabinets instead of costly custom cabinets. RTA cabinets are ready-to-assemble. That makes them easy to choose, easy to purchase and easy to install. With some investigating, you can likely find RTA kitchen cabinets in Bamboo.

Outside the home, you can also make changes that will impact the environment in a good way. Obviously plants and trees are great for the environment. They are also an inexpensive addition you can make to the home; both inside and out. Here's one you may not know of: children's play sets made of pressure treated lumber could contain a form of cyanide. This is meant to keep pests away, but at the same time, it is not good for the environment. Instead of pressure treated wood for play sets or outdoor furnishings, stick with something like cedar for a beautiful green alternative!

You can make a difference in how much of an imprint you leave on the earth. By initiating small changes within your own home, you can slowly but surely treat the environment around you with more care, and thus be a part of the solution leading to a better world.

Katherine Nolen is an expert on kitchen improvements. Through her articles, she gives practical ideas on choosing the right kitchen accessories and furniture to your home. For more information on kitchen cabinets, please check out rta kitchen cabinets.

Learn the Latest Designs - Kitchen Counter Design

When you are designing your kitchen one of the most important elements is what type of counter top you are going to use. There are many choices when it comes to a counter top and if you are looking for the latest designs then you need to check in several magazines to find them. You will be surprised that a counter top in your kitchen can improve the overall look so much. Using marble or granite makes the kitchen look rich and like you spent a lot of money on it compared with using tiles which in some cases can look cheap and are harder to clean. You want to find a counter top that works well with your cabinets as well.

Think about when someone first walks into your kitchen and the first thing they will see is your counter. Using the right color and design is important to have a kitchen that you can feel good about. You want to make sure that your counter tops style and color both fit with the cabinets and flooring. You do not want a strange design that is art deco and the rest of your kitchen is traditional because it will not look right. It is a good idea that you visit your local kitchen store so that you can get a better idea of what options are available to you.

Remember that choosing the right counter top can make a big difference in the way your kitchen looks and feels. There are many colors and materials to choose from so make sure you find a counter that matches your cabinets and overall look of your kitchen.