Apr 21, 2012
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What about tile sizes—does small work better in a small kitchen, big better in a big kitchen?

With plenty of room for a backsplash, this kitchen uses large, rectangular tiles to fill up the space behind the cooking area and accentuate the room’s length.

David Portales, Spanish Tile Association: Small spaces can seem bigger when left clear of lots of “stuff,” and [can appear bigger with] large format tiles. When [large format tiles] are used on the horizontal line, they can make a space appear longer. On the other hand, a cavernous space can be made more intimate by introducing colors and smaller scale tiles. Be sure to work with experts who can help you truly visualize the end result.

Lori Kirk-Rolley, Tile Industry Professional: Not necessarily. Mosaic tiles have been used successfully in both small and large kitchens. The style of the kitchen, design objectives and the homeowners’ personal tastes should drive selection.

Verdict: There is no set rule when it comes to matching tile size with the size of your kitchen. With the right design

Apr 20, 2012
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2012 New Home Kitchen Oven Styles

Types of Ovens to Choose from for your  New Home – How to Make the Decision

With endless kitchen oven options – single wall, double wall, gas range, electric range, double range, convection – you probably need some help choosing the right one.

Here are answers to some of the most important questions you should ask before choosing an oven for your custom home kitchen in 2012 – learn what oven best suits your needs, while adding aesthetic appeal to your favorite kitchen layout.

Wall Ovens – Double or Single

2012 New Home Kitchen Oven Styles | Don't Choose the Wrong Oven!

What is a wall oven?

A wall oven is separated from the cooktop and installed within kitchen cabinets.

This separation provides two distinct work stations – making it easier for multiple cooks to move around the kitchen.

Should I choose a single or a double wall oven?

A single wall oven can certainly meet daily cooking needs, and can add even more convenience by ensuring both the microwave and oven are located together.

Double wall ovens are very popular in 2012 kitchen designs, however, as homebuyers are looking for space maximization in the kitchen and twice the baking, roasting, and prep space for large family gatherings and special occasion cooking.

Read more about choosing between a wall oven and kitchen range.

Apr 20, 2012
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“What does granite cost for kitchen counters? Can I afford the cost of granite?”

By , About.com Guide

Granite CountertopsGranite Countertops

Question: “What does granite cost for kitchen counters? Can I afford the cost of granite?”
How much does granite cost for kitchen counters? I know that you’re looking for the quick answer, not a long, qualified answer. But please bear with me here…
Answer: Granite is the big thing. Drive by any Home Depot and they have a huge slab of granite countertop propped up on the sidewalk to entice customers.Let’s not go into the pros and cons of granite over other types of countertop materials. Let’s just assume that you have already made the decision to “go granite.”

Is This a Granite Tile Countertop?

To save money, many homeowners install granite tiles on their countertops. Rather than using mortar and grout, these tiles are butted up edge-to-edge and affixed with epoxy. Essentially, these are floor tiles used for counter purposes. While inexpensive, this is an imperfect, not-so-high-end install because you typically want to limit the number of seams you have on kitchen counters. But again: cheap.About $4.00 per square foot, for black granite 3/8″ thick, materials only.

Is This Modular Granite?

A big step up from the DIY granite tile method described above, modular granite is made especially for motivated DIY’ers. Modular granite “thinks ahead” to what you will need in installing granite: bullnoses, backsplashes, etc. Seams are narrower, less apparent. Slabs address things like corners.About $25 per square foot and up.

Is This Slab Granite?

Slab granite is the highest of the high end. As the name implies, this countertop material comes in giant slabs that are fabricated off-site (away from your home) and brought in. Slab granite installation is never a DIY job, so you must always figure in the high cost of professional installation. Transportation is costly, too, because of the dimensions of the material.You will find companies claiming to install slab granite for $30 per square foot, but a more realistic figure doubles that to:

About $60 per square foot or more installed.