Your Own Rustic Kitchen

Your Own Rustic Kitchen

When you hear the term rustic, your imagination may conjure up log cabin style decor with bear rugs and dark paneling on the walls. Or, you may think of a more country style rustic, with copper pans hanging from a pot rack and rooster on the countertops. The truth is, there are a few different ways you can do rustic. The most important thing is that you have a room you love to spend time in. Because most people spend a lot of time in the kitchen, this article will show you two different ways to do rustic in that room.
 
One form of rustic leans toward all things natural. To get started with rustic in your kitchen, you want to make sure your cabinets are in line with the style you want. If new cabinets are part of the plan, you can save a large chunk of change by finding some natural wood discount kitchen cabinets.
 
Discount kitchen cabinets aren't meant to be cheap. Essentially, RTA kitchen cabinets fit into the category of discount kitchen cabinets; and they are usually made quite well. RTA kitchen cabinets come ready to assemble. This is what saves you money. Because you are doing the assembly and installation, RTA kitchen cabinets can be a great way to start your rustic kitchen.
 
To bring the natural rustic design into your kitchen, you want cabinets, counters and floors to be made of natural looking materials as much as possible. Perhaps you live in a home that already features granite countertops. If this is the case, you can build off of that natural material by placing hues into the room that coordinate with the shade of granite on your counters.
 
In a nature inspired rustic kitchen, floors can be stone or wood. Stone tends to do very well in the kitchen because it can hold up to getting wet better than wood. On the counters, you want to eliminate as much clutter as possible. The naturally rustic kitchen will have a minimalist feel, because the main point of this type of decor is to bring natural substances in.
 
Another way you can feel rustic in your kitchen is through a country style rustic. The country rustic kitchen exudes warmth that calls you to come in and stay awhile. Think light and bright. Think white kitchen cabinets and wood floors. While stone can also fit into a country rustic kitchen, you want to think of a farmhouse when considering what to add; and most farmhouses won't feature slate tile floors.
 
If you have enough in your budget, you could consider changing countertops to the big butcher block style wood counters. If this is not possible but you have some room in your kitchen, you could build a small cart with butcher block top to place as a center island.
 
On the counters of the country rustic kitchen, you can place wicker baskets with fruit or faux eggs. The table in a country kitchen could be wood, wicker or white wrought iron.

A rustic kitchen should never be cluttered. The feel should be warm and inviting regardless of the style of rustic you choose. Resist the urge to go overboard with themed decorator items. Trends come and go and when you overload, you may have less tolerance for the decor than if you keep it simple.



Kitchen Floor Materials

Kitchen Floor Materials - Weighing the Options

Nick Austin

What are the main points to consider when choosing a flooring material for your lovely new kitchen? Beyond style and aesthetics one should bear in mind price, durability, maintenance and ease of installation. The main contenders in this race for the flooring prize are stone, wood, ceramic tiles and vinyl flooring.

In the first place it is easy to rank the materials according to price. Basically, stone, whether it's sandstone, slate or some form of marble will be very costly. Wood varies enormously - wide, reclaimed French farmhouse boards are very dear and thin slivers of oak on a plywood base aren't if one is prepared to shop around a bit. Ceramic tiles are comparable with the lesser end of the wood world depending on size of tile. By far the cheapest option is vinyl floor tiles, although there too there is a wide range in terms of cost and corresponding quality.

In terms of durability the same rankings will apply; it will take decades to go through a stone floor and similar for solid wood but laminates wear out comparatively quickly as do some types of vinyl flooring, although some more expensive types do wear well. Ceramic tiling is immensely durable right up to the point you drop an iron casserole on it and then it's ruined. Essentially, when it comes to ultimate longevity you get what you pay for but it is worth bearing in mind that a floor surface in a modern domestic situation probably doesn't need to last five hundred years.

When one thinks of maintaining floor surfaces one is thinking of basically two things; sealing and cleaning. Natural materials like stone and wood need regular application of a protective layer to prevent the underlying material becoming stained in the hustle and bustle of kitchen life. Ceramic and vinyl floor tiles do not (Although porcelain tiles do need a one-off treatment)

Failure to keep up with the maintenance of stone will lead to unsightly discolouration and with wood, inconvenient and immensely disruptive floor sanding.

Cleaning wood and stone in a kitchen environment takes more effort than the ceramic and vinyl alternatives simply because of the grain of wood and texture of stone which creates little hollows in which grime will accumulate and therefore require hard work to remove. Ceramic tiles and vinyl flooring are usually completely smooth in texture and can be cleaned as easily as in television commercials.

With ease of installation vinyl flooring is the easiest, a craft knife is about all you need. Wood, if one is confident with a saw, is comparatively straightforward although there is a difference in complexity between 'click-click' laminate and complete replacement of boards. Ceramic tiles and stone require water, specialist cutting equipment, cement, grout, goggles, a truss for when you've wrecked your back and probably reinforced joists to take the absurd weight of a two inch thick layer of the Jurassic era in your modest terraced house.

So what's it to be?



Kitchen Remodeling: Diy Or Professional?

By Carrol Wagner

Are you a homeowner?  More importantly, are you a homeowner who would like to have your kitchen remodeled? Whether you are looking for a change or looking to redo a poor quality kitchen, you may seriously be thinking about kitchen remodeling. Once you have officially decided that you would like to have your kitchen remodeled, you will need to decide how that remodeling will occur.  When it comes to kitchen remodeling, you can remodel your own kitchen or hire a professional to do it for you.

With kitchen remodeling, one of the most popular remodeling methods is self remodeling.  Self remodeling is when a homeowner decides to do their own remodeling themselves, without professional assistance.  If you are tying to decide whether or not you should do you own kitchen remodeling, it may be a good idea to examine the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. You will find that there are a number of advantages to doing your own kitchen remodeling, but you will also find that there are a number of disadvantages as well.

One of the most common reasons why homeowners choose to do their own kitchen remodeling is because of the cost. When it comes to hiring a professional contractor, the cost will vary, but it is sometimes quite high. That cost often does not include the cost of supplies and materials; however, if it does you will easily be able to notice because the overall cost will be high.  If you are able perform your own kitchen remodeling repairs, you may be able to save yourself a fairly large amount of money.  One of the reasons for that is the fact that you only have to pay for your supplies and materials.  If you are looking for a low-cost way to remodel your kitchen, self remodeling may be the way to go.

In addition to saving money, self remodeling is also preferred by homeowners because it enables them repair or remodel their kitchen anyway that they see fit. If you hire a professional contractor to remodel your kitchen for you, they will be using your ideas and suggestions; however, last minute changes are sometimes frowned upon and they may even cost you money.  If you are doing your own kitchen remodeling, you will not have this problem. You can change your mind about any aspect of your remodeling project at anytime, rarely with any consequences.

As previously mentioned, there are a number of advantages and disadvantages to doing your own kitchen repairs.   Although it is nice to save money and be able to have complete control over your kitchen remodeling project, you will find that it often takes a lot of time to do your own kitchen remodeling.  Professional contractors are not only good at what they do, but they are also experienced. That is one of the reasons why they are able to complete most of their jobs in no time at all.  If you do not have any home improvement or remodeling experience, the job could take you twice as long, if not longer, to complete.  If you are limited on the amount of time that you have available or if you have a deadline, you may find it difficult or impossible to do your own kitchen repairs.

In addition to the time it takes, when deciding whether or not you should do your own remodeling, it is important to consider the damage that can be done.  It is no secret that it isn\'t always easy to remodel anything, let alone a kitchen. The difficultly will all depend on which areas of your kitchen you plan on remodeling.  If you do not have home improvement or remodeling experience, you need to be careful with how you approach the situation. A quality remodeling project is likely to increase the value of your home, but a poor one may reduce the value of it. That is something many homeowners do not realize or even think about it.

As you can see, there are a number of advantages and disadvantages to doing your own kitchen remodeling.  In addition to the above mentioned factors, it is also important to take the size of your project into consideration. If you are only doing a small project, such as replacing your kitchen sink, it may be a good idea to take the time to familiarize yourself with the process instead of automatically making the decision to pay a professional.



Red Kitchen Floor Ideas

Red Kitchen Floor Ideas



Commercial Kitchen Design

Commercial Kitchen Design

Karim Rashid Kitchen

Karim Rashid Kitchen



Big Kitchen Design

Big Kitchen Design

Kitchen Pantry

Kitchen Pantry

Remodel A Kitchen

Remodel A Kitchen



Does your kitchen need a change? Are you ready to update the room where family and friends tend to spend the most time? Then go ahead and do it! A kitchen renovation is a great way to give your home an entirely new look and even increase your home's overall value. But, how do you get started on such a project?

Although a kitchen remodeling project may seem like a major task, following a few practical tips can help ensure your project is a smooth process and the final product is exactly what you want.

First, be sure there is a strong plan in place. Although it seems quite logical, it is often disregarded which turns out to be quite a big mistake. Be sure to create an all-inclusive plan for your home renovations before starting any work. An effective ways to picture your new kitchen is to use computer software to help you create a virtual kitchen so you can view the room three-dimensionally.

These software packages are marvelous ways to help you achieve the final results you want and are fairly economical when it comes to ensuring you will have all of the products and supplies you may need for a pleasing result. These programs can also help you form a realistic budget and effectively communicate to contractors exactly what your final expectations are.

Secondly, take time to consider the space you are working with. The general principle in kitchen designing is to imagine a triangle between the refrigerator, sink and stove which should be a maximum of twenty-six feet for optimal efficiency in the kitchen. Also, be you're your appliance and cabinet doors can be opened easily in the room available and that there is sufficient room to prepare food and cook. If there are two people generally cooking, be sure to take this into consideration also.

Finally, try to coordinate the various surfaces in the area, such as the cabinets, countertops and flooring. This may be easier for some than others. If you are not all that sure of your ability to picture these surfaces together, you may want to speak with an professional specializing in home designing who can help you maintain style and personality yet convenience and smooth coordination. Fortunately, you have a wide selection of colors and materials to choose from when planning your kitchen design. Another useful tip in kitchen renovations is to keep in mind the general style you want for your kitchen. This will help you in narrowing down your choices when it is time to make a decision on certain design elements.

For any homeowner, remodeling the kitchen is a major endeavor and can often be quite an overwhelming process. But, by following these tips above, you can be on your way to a smooth, successful kitchen makeover and be one stop closer to having the kitchen of your dreams. Good luck!

Leroy Calstard

How to Find a Cheap Kitchen

How to find a cheap kitchen

Saying that it is easy to find a cheap kitchen cabinet is one thing and finding once actually is another thing. While we tend to focus on the cheap rates, we often end up getting degraded quality for our kitchen. So, it is important to know what all to consider while going in for cheap kitchen cabinets.

Stock Cabinets
 
Those who want to restore their kitchen within a limited budget, can try installing stock cabinets. These cabinets are easily available in many home improvement stores that too in different styles. The best bets in such cabinets can be grabbed in seasonal sales.
 
Semi-Stock Cabinets
 
Next option that can suit those with a shoe-string budget for their kitchen renovation is to use semi-stock cabinets. Like stock cabinets, these cabinets too are available in different sizes and styles. These cabinets usually have wood fronts and high quality construction. Moreover, you can get them customized as per your requirement. Try to get semi-stock cabinets with thicker plywood for a longer life.
 
Custom Cabinets
 
Whatever color and finishing you want, you will get it in custom cabinets.

These are one of the cheapest kitchen cabinets available in the market. They are usually made of solid wood for greater durability. You can easily get discounts on these kitchen cabinets from various kitchen accessories stores and home decoration stores. The best way to get best deals on custom cabinets is to ask the cabinetmaker to make the cabinet from engineered wood that is available in lesser price.

So, now we assume you have all the ideas required to get a cheap kitchen cabinet for your kitchen renovation. However, remember that in an urge to get cheap rates, you don't end up getting cheap quality of kitchen cabinets and to avoid this try to research in the market and then settle with the best options.

Budget Kitchen

Budget Kitchen

Looking for kitchen ideas on a tight budget? Check out below...

Feng Shui Kitchen Design for Prosperity

Feng Shui Kitchen Design for Prosperity and Health

By Jacob Jelling

According to feng shui, the kitchen represents nourishment and prosperity. Good nutrition is always associated with health and wealth. By designing your kitchen in accordance with the principles of feng shui, you may assist in your own prosperity and health.

Feng shui is a rather complicated theory presented by various schools, where tips are usually given for a particular house and the individuals living in it. Despite this, there are basic principles applicable to any kitchen, which will help to make it a feng shui kitchen.

Location: This does not always depend on us. However, if you are building a house or you have the option of re-planning, you can build the kitchen in the right place - the rear of the house, or at least, behind the central axis of the house.

It's considered a negative if you see the kitchen as soon as you enter the house. This may encourage you and other residents to eat non-stop. It may also cause your guests to leave immediately after eating. Even if your kitchen is in the front, do not panic, because there are certain techniques that will help to reduce the possible negatives. You can hang beaded curtains or blinds on the kitchen door. You can also place something bright and distracting diagonally across from the kitchen, such as a painting.

Color Palette: Try to avoid red and orange hues in the kitchen, because they can provoke controversy. Try to use white, light green and light blue, to balance the elements of Fire and Water. For the same reason, try to use the utensils, appliances, and accessories made of stainless steel.

The positioning: One of the most important principles is that the one who cooks is in the dominant position. That is, standing behind the stove or table, you should be facing the door. This may be difficult to achieve in small kitchens; if you have a small kitchen, you can hang a mirror or other object with a reflective surface over the stove. The mirror can be of any size, but the larger the better. It's good if the kitchen is spacious and has a wide doorway - in this case, you do not feel isolated.

According to experts, a feng shui kitchen should be based on a triangle - the refrigerator, stove and sink should form the angles of a triangle. The distance between them should be about 6 feet - this will ensure maximum comfort with minimal repetitive movements. This arrangement will also help to separate the elements of Fire (stove, microwave oven) from the elements of Water (refrigerator, sink). They can also be separated with the Wood element, such as wooden furniture, a plant or images of plants.

The stove should not stand next to the window, because heat represents prosperity and wealth, and nobody wants their wealth to fly out the window. The feng shui kitchen has to be kept clean and tidy. If anything breaks, try to get rid of it as fast as possible.

Magnet Kitchen Photos 1

Magnet Kitchen Photos

Looking for mid range priced kitchens here are few from Magnet Kitchens.