A Kitchen Island Or Corner Cabinets Add Storage Space in a Kitchen

There are many ways to add storage in a small kitchen. A kitchen island for instance is a terrific option if you have the space at the center of your kitchen. Islands can also be installed in other positions like against a wall or as an extension of your existing cabinetry. Corner cabinets are another great creation because they are specifically designed to fit in a corner seamlessly and out of the way.

A home is filled with corners, how you utilize that space is entirely up to you but if you need a little extra storage in a room, a corner cabinet is highly functional for that purpose. In a kitchen space tends to sometimes be limited and your choice in storage unit will highly depend on the layout of the space. If you have an empty corner by all means, add a beautiful corner cabinet that can bring both a decorative design and the added storage you need in the space. On the other hand, if you have tons of room in the center of your kitchen then an island is the best way to utilize that space for more storage or the extra work space.

When choosing a piece of furniture to fit in with an existing color scheme or finish, you should definitely try to match when possible but if an exact match is not possible then a solid black or white colored piece of furniture is best. Most kitchens have existing white or black accents even if a majority of the woodwork is in another color or stain finish. Installing a solid colored piece of furniture will not take away from the rest of the design. Instead, it will likely appear as if that piece has been there all along. Many times we get caught up in trying to match things perfectly and end up passing up a great piece of furniture. There is also the option of changing the finish of a kitchen island or corner cabinet but it is only recommended for those who already have some experience in the process. Otherwise, do your best to find a piece of furniture that works for you and forget about matching.

The important thing to remember is that you are trying to add storage and more function into what most people consider is dead space in a kitchen. Whether you choose to fill a corner with a cabinet or the middle with an island, you should definitely focus on what a piece of furniture will bring to that space. There are many more ways to go right than there are to go wrong with your choice of color or finish.

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Are You Interested in Exploring Kitchen Island Design Ideas?

Keep These Key Elements In Mind When Making Plans For A Kitchen Island

If you are planning a kitchen remodeling project, you are probably interested in exploring plans for building a kitchen island. After all, kitchen islands make your kitchen look more attractive, while also making it easier to use.

FREE Information on all Aspects of Kitchen Designs

It is also important to take a look at several different kitchen island design ideas in order to make certain the design you develop is the right one for you.

The first step in creating plans for building a kitchen island is to consider the shape of your kitchen. If you have a U or L shaped kitchen that is spacious enough to accommodate an island, you should have no problem with adding an island to your design plans.

If you have a galley or peninsula kitchen, on the other hand, it may not be very conducive to adding an island to your room. With limited floor space, adding an island may only create a cramped space.

Once you have determined that your kitchen layout can accommodate an island, it is time to start exploring the various kitchen island design ideas that are available. For example, you may want to add one or more of these elements to your kitchen island…

* Breakfast Bar
Requires a countertop that is tall enough for bar stools to be seated underneath.

* Overhead Storage Space
Features space for pots and pans to be hung or for cabinetry to be added for additional storage.

* Range
Includes adding a range to the island so additional counter space can be created, or enough space is left for a double oven.

* Sink
May include a small sink that can be used for washing vegetables or completing other small tasks.

When creating plans for building a kitchen island, you should keep these elements in mind so you can create the kitchen design that is best suited to your unique lifestyle, needs and budget.

In the end, adding to your design plans is an excellent use of space, as long as your budget allows for it. Not only will it make it easier for you to work in your kitchen, it will also provide you with an extra area for friends and family to gather, while also increasing the resale value of your home.

So, if possible, include plans for building a island in your remodeling project and you will be certain to be thrilled with the final results of your kitchen remodeling.

James Mahoney is the owner of Kitchen Designers Ideas.com. He has written many articles on kitchen design and puts out an information packed newletter. Learn about kitchen design ideas and trends by visiting his site at http://www.KitchenDesignersIdeas.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_J._Mahoney

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Navigating Through the Sea of Options for Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are always the largest expense in a kitchen remodel. Because they are a major investment (and one that’s not likely to be made again anytime soon), you’ll need to sort through the hundreds of options and make choices with confidence. Not all kitchen remodels will require new cabinets, so step back and look at your kitchen with an open mind before deciding to just rip everything out.

FRESHEN UP
If existing cabinets are of good quality, are in excellent working condition and the layout functions well, the most affordable option is to freshen them up by restaining or painting. Another alternative, refacing, involves installing a new veneer on the exterior of the cabinet box and replacing the doors and drawer fronts, and should be handled by a professional. The process is much faster than installing new cabinets because the cabinets remain intact and the work is done onsite. It is important to note that when it comes to cabinets, doors and drawer fronts account for the greatest expense.

In reality, the doors and drawer fronts can account for as much as 70% of the cost of the cabinet. This is because most cabinets utilize plywood or particleboard for the cabinet box, which is significantly cheaper than the real wood used for the doors and drawer faces.

NEW AND IMPROVED
The decision has been made to install new cabinets, but there are other choices ahead. Are custom cabinets required, or will stock cabinets fit the bill? Custom cabinets are built to exact specifications and offer endless options with regard to materials, designs, finishes and accessories. Custom cabinets will require much longer lead times, and can be 2 to 5 times as expensive depending on the style of cabinet that you are looking at.

Semi-custom cabinets are just that: semi-custom. While the cabinets are made to the homeowner’s size requirements, the manufacturer produces them in predetermined increments. Often a spacer may be needed to conceal unused wall space, and that sacrifices storage. The range of materials, designs, finishes and accessories will not be as broad with semi-custom cabinets, but they cost less than fully custom cabinets.

Stock cabinets, which are the most affordable of new cabinet options, are pre-made and come in standard sizes. In the past, stock cabinets had a stigma to them because of the quality of materials that were used. Today, manufacturers are using solid wood for the face frame and doors, and better cabinets will feature solid plywood cabinet boxes.

If you ask any industry expert, they will tell you that 8 out of 10 kitchens cabinet be built using stock cabinets. A 1/2″ here or a 1/4″ there can be easily made up by using filler strips which will not take away from the overall beauty of the finished product.

No matter what type of cabinet is selected, it’s important to evaluate the quality of hinges, doors, drawer systems and finish. Don’t be afraid to pursue companies that sell cabinets strictly on-line. They will have lower overhead and therefore can offer better prices. Even RTA (Ready-To-Assemble) cabinets are featuring the same quality materials as the big name manufacturers, but at a lower price.

CONSTRUCTION AND STYLE
Next, consider the construction type and door style. Framed cabinets, which are popular in traditional kitchens, have a front frame around the cabinet opening. The door attaches to the frame. Frameless, or European-style cabinets, have no front frame. The door attaches directly to the side of the cabinet. Frameless cabinets, which are often used in contemporary kitchens, offer an advantage over framed cabinets. Because there is no front frame, there is open access to the cabinet interior.

When it comes to door styles, there are several choices. Traditional-overlay doors cover some of the frame, full-overlay doors cover the entire cabinet frame and inset doors sit inside the cabinet frame.

SOURCE: Gary Nealon, www.articlebase.com

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