Oct 9, 2009
lkncabadmin
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Kitchen Backsplash Tiles and Design

 

When you enter the kitchen it is not the appliances or kitchen equipment that usually gets the first attention. Most of the time it is the kitchen backsplash that gets the first attention. The kitchen backsplash is the upright portion built against the wall at the back of the sink and stove. It is built to protect the wall from effects of water splashes and heat.

The design of the kitchen backsplash can actually make the kitchen look good or bad. A beautifully designed backsplash can give an otherwise boring room life, while a poorly designed backsplash can make even a perfectly designed kitchen look bad. Thus it is important to carefully plan the kitchen backsplash design to give the kitchen a great look.

There are many materials that can be used in creating a backsplash. You can use tiles, steel, stone and glass. But perhaps the most appealing of all these is tiles.

Before you even decide on what kitchen backsplash tile design to use you have to look first at your fixtures. You have to consider them more that the kitchen appliances that you have because they are likely to stay with you longer.

The most commonly used tile design is the checkerboard design. It is simple to create because you only need to choose two colors which you alternately place in straight lines. You do not need much artistic talents or skills in creating this but you can still come out with an attractive backsplash. Probably the most ‘difficult’ part of using this kitchen backsplash tile design is deciding on the two colors but you can always consult the color wheel.

If your kitchen is painted with one color only the kitchen backsplash tile design that you can use is the color contrast style. If you have for example a white kitchen, you can choose to have black or gray tiles in your backsplash. It will give a very good contrast to your walls. The opposite is also good. If you have an elegant dark colored kitchen you can use white or cream as backsplash.

Many people also use patterned and painted tiles. These tiles are great if you have a theme in your kitchen. There are tiles with designs to create a Tuscan feel. There are also designs that give a French villa look.

When you are choosing kitchen backsplash tile design, choose really well because you cannot change it as frequently as you want. You probably have to live with it for along time to choose wisely.

For more great information on Kitchen Backsplash Designs
visit our new website http://www.dreamhomeimprovementguide.com.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elija_James

www.LKNcabinets.com

Oct 8, 2009
lkncabadmin
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Tomorrow’s Kitchen

 

Perhaps it is because the kitchen is the room in the home with the most high-tech appliances that people often dream of a futuristic kitchen. From preparing meals to cleaning up to making sure that we eat right, the kitchen of the future will make our lives a lot easier. Though we aren’t there just yet, the next step in the ever-evolving kitchen is right around the corner.

New Technologies

Large consumer appliance companies like GE and KitchenAid have been working on more environmentally friendly kitchens for years now. These new kitchens will not only increase efficiency, but also lower operating costs. They will dispense pure water using ultraviolet light, which will ensure that water is completely free of bacteria and chemicals. To save money, consumers will load dishwasher detergent in large quantities, which will then be dispensed during washings at predetermined levels, which will save money on cleaning agents and wash water. Wash water can then be diverted to other home appliances like the washing machine. And food storage devices will be fully interactive. While they won’t cook for you, they will let you know if you have the necessary ingredients to make beef stroganoff for the family.

Refrigeration

Though many of us can not conceive of a kitchen without a traditional refrigerator, the days when a massive metal box dominated one side of the kitchen may be coming to an end. In fact, companies have already begun to market refrigeration devices called cool drawers. These cool drawers allow for unparalleled versatility and temperature control. They will give you the ability to cool, preserve, store and freshens foods at up to five different temperatures. No longer will you have to throw out the fruits and vegetables because they were kept at inadequate temperatures. The cool drawer will help you keep all of your food fresher for longer, which will preserve the vitamins, nutrients and taste.

But the best part about cool drawers is their versatility. Any number of cool drawers can be installed at different locations in the kitchen and set at different temperatures. You can install a fruit drawer in one area, a vegetable drawer in another and a meat drawer in yet another. It is always a good idea to put fresh food close to your food preparation area. You can also install drawers with drinks and fruits nearest to the entertainment area. Food drawers are not only better than refrigerators at storing and keeping food, but they are also more convenient and they save space.

If, however, you are a person who loves your refrigerator and refuses to part with it, there are a number of exciting advances right around the corner. For example, smart refrigerators will keep track of everything you are eating and will let you know when it’s time to go to the store and pick us some more broccoli.

Dishes

In the future plates will be made from carbon nano tubes, which are extremely thin and sturdy. These materials will take up less space, be easier to clean and will even sanitize themselves after use. They will also be inexpensive and environmentally friendly.

Communication

Although this is a possibility right now, most people love the idea of having internet access in the kitchen. Whether it is to check their email, the news, or to find a great recipe for beef stew, in the future most kitchens will undoubtedly have some form of internet access.

The kitchen of the future will also be equipped with more computer touch screens, which may be used to operate individual appliances or possibly even run the entire kitchen. They will be easy to uses and highly interactive. They may even provide internet access.

The author, Susan Pitters, co-ordinates a team of designers who have created a website to pass on many tried and tested ideas and techniques for the home enthusiast. Many years combined experience and many remodelings later, the team had amassed invaluable knowledge which they pass on for those wanting to either design a new, or renovate an out-dated kitchen.

See http://www.clever-kitchen-designs.com

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

www.LKNcabinets.com

Oct 8, 2009
lkncabadmin
Comments Off on Narrow your focus to the must haves

Narrow your focus to the must haves

This is a repost we did from about 4 years ago but its still worth reading again, say LKN Cabinets.

Remodeling a current home instead of buying a new one is a popular decision among homeowners in today’s economy and housing market. It’s also a wise choice, for when the time comes to sell, the return on investment for many remodeling projects is significant, especially in the kitchen.

According to the 2008-2009 Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling Magazine, the national average cost recouped from a major, mid-range kitchen remodel is 76 percent. And until you’re ready to resell, you’ll have a beautiful kitchen designed for your lifestyle.

Before you take that first step and begin demolition, here is a few vital tips to help create your dream kitchen, save precious time and increase your home’s value.

Plan, Plan, Plan — Good design begins with a great plan. It takes thoughtful preparation and while a bit complex, it’s also exciting. A kitchen remodel is a big investment, so know how much you are willing to spend and plan ahead on the layout and design features. If you do, it will be easier to manage your budget and completion date. Keep in mind that hardware, paint and wall coverings can easily be updated to reflect the latest trends, but make sure your big purchases like cabinetry, countertops and appliances are something you can live with for years.

Think About the Way You Live — Your new kitchen design should be based on the way your family lives. How many people will be in the kitchen at one time? In addition to cooking, will you use your kitchen for dining, entertaining or homework? Does anyone in your family have special needs? Do you need a lot of storage? Prepare an inspiration folder of ideas you’ve seen in magazines or digital pictures you’ve taken of elements you like. The more you share with your kitchen design specialist, the easier it will be for them to get that sense of your family’s lifestyle.

Your Personal Style — When selecting your kitchen cabinets, are you traditional, contemporary or somewhere in between?

Before you head to your local Lowe’s, it’s important to know your style so your designer can help create a unique, customized look. Think about what appeals to you — styles, finishes, colors, etc. From a practical standpoint, review your priorities — your “must haves” — against your target budget.

SOURCE: At Home Magazine.

www.LKNcabinets.com