Browsing articles in "LKN Cabinets and Remodeling"
Oct 15, 2009
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Comments Off on Kitchen Design Planning – Start Here

Kitchen Design Planning – Start Here

 

Why is it so important to get things right when engaging in kitchen design planning for a new home, or a remodeling project for an existing kitchen? It is true now, more than ever, that our kitchens have become the hub of the home. Keep reading for some useful tips to help you make good decisions as you start to plan a new design for this all-important room.

In times past, kitchens were more likely to be considered a place for cooking and food storage, but not much else. Today many of us expect our kitchens to serve multiple purposes, from food preparation and storage, homework station to family meeting place, and a central gathering room to share great food and fun together. In fact, when guests enter a home, one of their first destinations is often the kitchen!

Triangle Design Principle
From a purely functional view point, the main role of the kitchen is for meal preparation. Most kitchen design planning experts recommend stationing the sink, stove, and refrigerator in a triangular shape, not too far apart from each other, in order to facilitate ease of movement between the three most frequently accessed areas. Having to go around a corner, or through a corridor, to get to the fridge while cooking is not going to make life easy for cook or family. It would just create unnecessary stress!

Sufficient Work top Space?
Another important aspect of design planning for meal preparation is providing sufficient available workspace. Most cooks want at least one relatively large, completely clear, area from which to prepare their meals. Some prefer to have two smaller areas. It’s also a good idea to include generous counter space next to the sink in order to make room for all those dishes that are sure to pile up. Although, having a dishwasher nearby should reduce the need for this counter top space.

More Than Just a Floor Plan…
In addition to food preparation, be sure to take into account food serving areas as well. Islands and “peninsulas” are popular choices for this purpose. Most islands or peninsula counter tops have a space for stools underneath one side, making for a convenient eat-in area. Some kids also like to do their homework in the kitchen after school, and these stools are also the perfect areas for this. Traditionally, some people would use a “butler’s pantry” to stage meals, or as a serving area. However, in contemporary homes most people prefer to bring this activity front and center in the kitchen.

Lifestyle Matters…
Outside of the basic functional requirements, during kitchen design planning you also need to take into consideration the size and lifestyle of the family the kitchen is being designed for. Obviously, a larger family, or a couple who likes to entertain frequently, are going to require more storage space than a couple or single person would.

We haven’t even started on style and decor considerations which of course are also essential elements to be included in your kitchen design planning phase.

Ken Johnstone invites you to visit http://kitchencabinetsdesign.wordpress.com/ to discover more about designing your dream kitchen. You’ll find resources providing practical, down to earth advice on all aspects of kitchen remodeling including cabinets, countertops, wall decoration, through to knobs and pulls. Also, you’ll find more Kitchen Design & Remodeling Tips at: http://anekitchencabinets.com/

(c) Copyright – Ken Johnstone. All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_Johnstone

 

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Oct 15, 2009
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Comments Off on Design Your Kitchen Remodeling on a Budget

Design Your Kitchen Remodeling on a Budget

 

Planning a remodeling always starts with good intentions: “Let’s update the cracked and peeling linoleum floor in the kitchen,” you say. But then, you think, while you’re at it, maybe the walls could use a new coat of paint.

Then you realize the cabinets don’t match the paint color…and the backsplash needs to be changed, too, to match the new cabinets…Suddenly, everything in your kitchen needs an update and you’re scouring for more kitchen remodeling design tips online and in magazines.

But wait, these kitchen remodeling design plans all come with a cost. And oh, how quickly they add up. Next thing you realize, your kitchen remodeling project has a budget of tens of thousands of dollars, and growing. How can you handle skyrocketing costs? Here are some budget-friendly kitchen remodeling tips and ideas:

Part of the fun of remodeling a kitchen is in searching for the kitchen remodeling design that will inspire you. There are lots of fun tips regarding kitchen remodeling online. Build a portfolio full of the designs you like the most. Then try to pinpoint what it is you like in each photo. Do you like the color scheme? Brilliant, you can solve that easily! Paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to remodel your kitchen. Paint the walls, and if possible, paint your old cabinets, too. Or if you need new cabinets, decide if you need to replace the entire cabinet or just the doors. If it is only the doors, try purchasing lower cost cabinet doors. The trade-off is you probably have to install them yourselves but the bonus is you can refinish or repaint them as you like.

If your kitchen is lacking some color, a simple and cost-effective kitchen remodeling design is to repaint the kitchen. You can also install a tile backsplash. Both projects are relatively simple to complete on your own. You can introduce a bold or subtle change to your kitchen by introducing new colors and patterns.

Most modern kitchens have an island. If your kitchen does not have one, consider building one into your kitchen remodeling design. Pre-fabricated models can be purchased for you to build and assemble using simple tools. Or invest some time and custom create an island. An island can be a butcher block top for food preparation, a small sink for clean up, or even a mini dining table for extra seating and storage. A relatively small investment of building an island can yield large resell value returns.

A low cost remodeling design can involve switching up the decor. Install curtains or blinds on kitchen windows, or swap out old curtains for bright colored linen ones. Hang a clock or framed photos or pictures on the kitchen walls. They will also reflect light to some extent. Add some houseplants for fresh air and color. Even some colorful plates or platters leaning against the wall of a shelf can be an effective, but low-cost way to remodel your kitchen.

Look for salvaged parts to use in your kitchen remodeling design. Wood planks or plywood may be obtained for less by asking a lumberyard if they can sell to you (or giveaway) odds and ends. These can be repainted into new shelves. Cracked pottery or tiles can be reshaped into a mosaic backsplash, or even embedded artistically to give cabinet fronts some pizazz.

Sometimes, a way to give your kitchen a new look is simply a matter of using what you already have. A kitchen remodeling design does not have to involve knocking down cabinets or walls. Change up the arrangement of items on the countertop and shelves. Old can be made to look new again with some paint. Color really helps make an old kitchen look new and fresh. Look for more budget friendly tips for kitchen remodeling online and have fun!

Pieter West travels the world on a regular basis and have written about numerous subjects. He has an extensive knowledge about, finances, DIY, parenting advice and many more subjects.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pieter_West

 

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Oct 15, 2009
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Comments Off on Kitchen Design’s Influence on Our Memories

Kitchen Design’s Influence on Our Memories

 

In most homes, the kitchen is the heart and hearth of the household. It is where meals are lovingly prepared and memories, both sweet and savory and usually the first we attain, are developed. Wouldn’t it make sense for the kitchen design to be as useful and conducive for our needs?

Of course we want the kitchen design to lend itself to those happy memories in our children and grandchildren. Whether you are trying to compete with your peers by creating the most modern kitchen possible or if you are interested only in the warmth and function a rustic country kitchen with fresh biscuits in the oven can provide, it is a powerful impression and one not easily forgotten.

Though the look of the kitchen is indeed very important, it is not as important as the functionality it imparts to the user. After all, the kitchen is a work room, so it should be designed with the need to work in mind. Think of your kitchen as a factory. If the work does not flow smoothly from beginning to end, progress is going to be impeded and those sweet memories will be tainted by the anger and frustration of not being able to accomplish your goals.

When people look back at their early kitchen memories, it is almost never the wallpaper or the color of the tiles they remember. It is the smells and sounds and tastes of the kitchen, the feel of working bread dough in their hands or dropping cookie dough onto a pan that they remember.

The author write all about kitchen design at Our Cucina Kitchen Guide, everything from kitchen cupboards to entire fitted kitchens.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_R_Goodman

 

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