Showing posts with label Kitchen design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kitchen design. Show all posts

Saturday, 22 October 2011

Kitchen Rugs

Kitchen Rugs Give Your Kitchen Warmth & Character
L Dobbins


Everyone wants a kitchen that has character and one way to give your kitchen character is with unique and interesting accessories. While canister sets, potted plants and potholders can add interest to your kitchen, it's the kitchen rugs that can really give it some zing.

No matter what kind of kitchen floors you have, you can use small area rugs to unify your theme or color scheme. For a country kitchen braided rugs or rugs with a theme like sunflowers or strawberries can help add interest. A modern kitchen could use a sisal rug. And even in Oriental rug could be used to add color and splash to Victorian kitchen. No matter what style your kitchen is, there's sure to be rug for you.



Kitchen rugs can be a great solution for a kitchen that has a worn or damaged floor. But these rugs are not only for decoration or to hide imperfections, they can also help to keep people from slipping on the floors when they are wet and also add comfort when you are standing at the counter for long periods of time cooking or preparing foods. Rugs are most often placed at the door when you come in, in front of the sink, in front of the refrigerator, and in front of the oven.

Choosing a kitchen rug can be a challenge as there are many styles shapes and colors to choose from. Before you go shopping for your rug, it's a good idea to bring a color swatch from your kitchen so that you can be sure to get something that matches exactly. Be sure to also buy a rug pad that will prevent the rug from slipping and will also make your rug last longer.

Taking good care of your kitchen rug can make it last a long time. Most rugs can be machine washed and in fact this is something you should look for when purchasing a rug. Care must be taken when washing rugs with colors as the colors could fade and might also run and stain other parts of the rug or other things that you have in the wash. Most rugs should not be machine dried as they are fragile and can be damaged so hanging them outside is the best bet.

A kitchen rug can help add a warmth to your kitchen and it can also be a fun way to change or your decor. Tired of the braided rug? Then toss it and get one that's a little more modern. Luckily these little rugs are not expensive allowing you to change out your rugs for different seasons, holidays or when you get sick of them.

So the next time you're looking for a way to add some zip to your kitchen, think about adding a few kitchen rugs! It's quick, easy and inexpensive.

Friday, 11 February 2011

Design Your Own Kitchen - Create Your Dream Kitchen All by Yourself

Design Your Own Kitchen - Create Your Dream Kitchen All by Yourself




Designing your own kitchen is now as easy as 1-2-3! By using computer-based design software, you can create an accurate, graphic illustration of how your kitchen will look using your own design ideas. The software allows you to make changes with just a click of the mouse.

As the kitchen is the heart of many homes, a perfectly thought out and built kitchen can add more value to your home at sale time. One of the many remarkable features offered by the kitchen software program is that it gives you or your client the ability to view the finished kitchen from virtually any angle. This allows both planner and the homeowner to gain a whole new perspective on their new kitchen.
By using the design software you'll be able to create that perfect kitchen you've been dreaming of!

With the easy to use range of features, you're sure to be able to create a design that suits you. The design software allows you the freedom of altering and re-positioning your layout, design or products, as well as changing worktops and all other fittings and fixtures, until you are truly happy with you design.
With the use of the kitchen design software you will be able to freely decide on the look and feel of your new kitchen, and be assured that the design will meet your or your family's own specifications.

By using this software you are not constrained by the suggestions made by some kitchen planners or manufacturers who don't have a proper understanding of your needs or vision.
 
Common Kitchen Forms:
  • A single file kitchen has all the units along one wall. This is usually the solution for small spaces.
  • The galley or corridor type of kitchen has two rows of cabinets at opposite walls, one containing the stove and the sink, the other the fridge and other appliances. This is considered to be the classical work kitchen.
  • In an L-kitchen, the cabinets occupy two adjacent walls, the work triangle is preserved, and there may even be space for an additional table.
  • A U-kitchen has cabinets along three walls, typically with the sink at the base of the "U". This is a typical work kitchen for most designers and homeowners.
  • The block kitchen is a recent development, typically found in open-plan kitchens. It has a freestanding island and allows more space for movement, especially when there's more than one person cooking at the same time.

You can design your own kitchen with the use of Do-It-Yourself design software, which you can download for free from some websites. Take a tour and be inspired to try and do it your way!
Some Useful Tips for Kitchen Design
  • Plan the main working areas such as the sink, food preparation counter or table so that they are close together.
  • If you decide on a two-way galley kitchen, make sure you measure the size of the kitchen and the exact shape of the walls, so as to leave enough walking space between the two galleys.
  • If choosing a U-shaped kitchen, consider the floor space you will have left and consider using one of the legs of the 'U' as a breakfast bar or a working table.
  • Create more head space by making the wall-cupboards taller, rather than having them protruding outwards as this will also make the kitchen look wider. Storage for heavy items in the cupboards should be underneath the worktop.
  • To create more order, use special drawer organizers. Store your utensils near to where you are most likely to use them as this way they will be within easy reach.
  • Keep your worktop clutter-free for a tidy look. This will make your kitchen more efficient.

Ultimately it's you who is going to be spending all the time in the kitchen so why not design your own kitchen - that kitchen you've been dreaming of for all your life.
John Cunningham

Design your own Kitchen and build the kitchen of your dreams that will still look amazing in 10 years time. Visit http://www.ekitchendesignsoftware.com/ to start making your virtual kitchen a reality.

Tuesday, 2 November 2010

Kitchen Island Shapes

Kitchen Island Shapes
Kitchen Islands can be as varied and inventive as cabinets. They can come in a variety of shapes from the common square and retangular shapes to the more creative curved or pentagonal shapes.














Wednesday, 13 October 2010

Kitchen Design Ideas - Kitchen Photos Part 2

Kitchen Design Ideas - Kitchen Pictures Gallery Part 2 is the second part of a four part video series covering Kitchen design. It offers you kitchen remodelling ideas covering various types of kitchens from modern/contemporary kitchens to country, classic kitchens. There are kitchen design ideas to suit everyone's taste. If you seeking kitchen design ideas for you r new kitchen whether it be new kitchen cabinets, kitchen layouts, kitchen accessories, kitchen lighting, kitchen themes and colours then the Kitchen Design Ideas Videos are worth watching.


Kitchen Design Ideas - Kitchen Pictures Part2

Thursday, 7 October 2010

Small Kitchen Design Ideas - Kitchen Remodelling

Small Kitchen Design ideas 


A small kitchen design can be very difficult for anyone to use and if it is designed badly and inefficiently then it will be even worse. What many people do not realize is that both small and drastic changes can easily enhance the comfortability and the evaluation of your kitchen, saving you time and incorporating a welcoming look.

First thing you need to consider when designing the small kitchen is the placing of the kitchen furniture. Microwaves don't always need to be in the kitchen, instead can have extension chords and place it a few steps out of the kitchen. Separate freezers also do not need to be in the kitchen, as food needs to thaw anyway. Addition of cupboards and shelves can be simple but very effective, however in very compact kitchens you should consider whether or not the cupboard will be in the way of anyone walking within the kitchen (mind your head).

One other main factor is appearance, since a small kitchen can give a cramped feeling, what you can do is just make the walls have brighter color. However, while white may be effective and bold, it can also ruin the whole feeling of the home because the kitchen should not be completely out of place in the home. Instead give the walls of the kitchen some patterns according to the rest of the home and it will be much more welcoming.

Another problem that can easily arise when designing your small kitchen is the comfortability. Sometimes you need to be flexible and you need to sacrifice the comfortability of your kitchen for more effect. If you are going to live in the home for quite some time then you should choose comfortability over appeal. Just keep this in mind when designing and the decisions will be much faster.
Last of all, when you are designing your kitchen, the fastest method is to know all the information before you actually start this is because you do not want to make a few hasty last minute decisions. Since the kitchen is vital to the home, a good method is to talk it all over with someone else, because many times I have thought of perfect placements which actually made no sense when I tried to talk it over.

By Kale

Small Kitchen Design

Small Kitchen Design is Perfect for Your Country Kitchen  

Some country kitchens are large and spacious, part of a rambling farmhouse that has grown with one addition after another over the years. But you can also find more modern country kitchens in townhouse apartments or small houses where space is at a premium.
Careful Designs for a Country Kitchen
Small kitchen design should take into account the whimsical and practical details of a country kitchen while not sacrificing precious space. Here are a few tips to help fit your country kitchen remodeling dreams into a small kitchen design reality:
  • Look for elements that do double duty. An island that doubles as a wine cabinet or a countertop all-in-one unit that slices, dices, and mixes everything are both good ideas for making the most out of a tiny space.
  • Make the space appear larger. Careful placement of windows, a skylight over the center of the room, and appliance garages that carefully hide away the odds and ends are perfect for making the room look bigger than it really is.
  • Forget the traditional. Do you really need a massive refrigerator? Opt for a vintage one that doesn't take up much space but bursts with character. Use a wall oven that is built into your cabinets and put the range on your island. Opt for flat burners to provide even more usable space when the range is not in use.
  • When it comes to decorating, less is more. Fewer distractions for the eye means the space feels more open and airy. Choose your country kitchen decorations with an eye toward those big on charm.
  • Finally, choose colors that are soothing, such as french white or sky blue. Easy, simple lines and harmonious colors are key points that can make your small kitchen design a success.
Whether you are planning to make this a do-it-yourself project, or planning to use professional kitchen remodelers, these are a number of practical ways you can make your small kitchen space big on country design.
by Ryan Stinson

Wednesday, 6 October 2010

Country Kitchen Design - Kitchen Photos 1

Country Kitchens - Kitchen Photos 1

The secret behind the attraction of country kitchens is the softness in design, cosiness and warm country feel. There is a timeless feel and traditional charm that will always inspire many of us to seek to remodel our kitchens with the country kitchen theme.

















White Kitchens - White Kitchen Photos 1

White Kitchens - Kitchen Photos 1

White Kitchens make beautiful kitchens. They make a kitchen bright, clean and radiant. They are great for small areas with a lack of light as they enhance the lower level of light to make a room look much brighter than a darker coloured kitchen could.












Kitchen Design - 10 Top Tips


Kitchen Design - 10 Top Tips



After 25 years in the fitted kitchen / bedroom business I have overseen the design, sale, and installation of thousands of fitted kitchens and bedrooms. ...


Kitchen Design Tip 1. Before you start designing your new fitted kitchen it makes sense to formulate your idea's and note them down on to a wish list. It is worth remembering that your new kitchen plan should incorporate the things you do like about your existing kitchen, as well as the things you don't.

Kitchen Design Tip 2. Again, before starting your new kitchen plan you will find choosing your kitchen appliances (or type of appliances) is worthwhile. Your new fitted kitchen will require designing differently depending on your choice of appliances. ("Built In" Appliances are planned differently to "Built Under").

Kitchen Design Tip 3. Keeping the new position of the sink relatively close to it's existing position will simplify your kitchen installation. It is not so much a problem getting hot and cold feeds to your sink - it is the running of the waste from it that can cause problems. (As a rule of thumb "Right Handed" people prefer "Left Handed" draining boards - The "Lefty's" that lurk amongst us generally don't care.)

Kitchen Design Tip 4. Work your design out from any corners. Good access into corner cabinets is crucial for utalising storage space. If your measurements allow, try and plan corner cabinets in this order of preference... "L shape" Bi-Fold, "Le-Mans" Cantilever Tray, "Magic Corner", "Syncromotion Corner Drawers", Diagonal Cross Corner, and lastly the Blind Corner.

Kitchen Design Tip 5. Using "Hi-Line" base cabinets in place of "Drawer Line", will generally provide a more ergonomic kitchen. Instead of drawers everywhere (some working, some false) it is more practical, and often less expensive, to position an optimal size nest of drawers (500, or 600mm) where they are required.

Kitchen Design Tip 6. Try to design your kitchen economically. A 300mm wide cabinet may be half the size of a 600mm cabinet - but it is 3/4 of the cost. Try to plan your kitchen layout using large cabinets instead of loads of small ones, this will reduce the kitchen furniture cost dramatically (And, as part of your fitting cost is calculated by the number of cabinets to be installed you will achieve a saving here as well)

Kitchen Design Tip 7. Position your new kitchen hob (or Range Cooker) reasonably adjacent to the new sink position. This will avoid the need to walk any distance to drain pans full of boiling water. (If you are Right Handed consider positioning the sink to the right of the Hob)

Kitchen Design Tip 8. Allow for an uncluttered area of worktop space
immediately next to your oven. This will provide a safe area to remove hot trays from the oven and place on too.

Kitchen Design Tip 9. Avoid the classic error of designing an American Fridge Freezer into a corner as they need a minimum clearance of 300mm each side for the doors to open fully... (check yours before buying)

Kitchen Design Tip 10. When designing in a Kitchen Island make sure there is plenty of walk-around space (preferably 1100mm, but minimum 900mm) to all sides. Avoid the temptation of including an island with less clearance space than this - it will dominate the room, making it look cluttered.

We hope you found these tips useful and provided you with a brief introduction to the world of kitchen planning.

By Peter Earthy



Monday, 4 October 2010

German Kitchens - Kitchen Photos 2

German Kitchens - Kitchen Photos 2 - Poggenpohl Kitchens

Germany is known for its production of quality products and kitchens are no exception. If you are looking for high quality, beautifully designed, made to last kitchens then German kitchens are certainly an option. There are number of German kitchens each producing amazing kitchens that will make your kitchen a place worthy of praise and envy. We are big fans of the Uber cool German kitchen manufacturer Poggenpohl Kitchens.