Monday, January 31, 2011

2011 Kitchen Remodeling Trends

Are you sick and tired of looking at your old and outdated kitchen? Do you want to turn your kitchen to a modern work of art? Are you envious of the beautiful kitchens that you see on TV? If you think that your kitchen is long overdue for a complete remodelling, then this short article may just be the thing you need to get started. Here are just some of the 2011 kitchen remodeling trends that you might want to bear in mind when conceptualizing your new kitchen design.

One of the top kitchen remodeling trends for 2011 has to be efficient closet spaces. Say goodbye to your bulky kitchen cabinets by replacing them with their space saving alternatives. What’s great about today’s cabinets is that you can get double the space without having to sacrifice practicality or style. Make sure to spread out your cabinets around your kitchen carefully so that you won’t end up with any unused space. Hide your kitchen appliances behind cabinet doors for more space on your countertops.

Another trend making the scene this 2011 involves the use of clean subdued colours. Do away with garish colour templates and tacky wallpapers and opt for a solid wall colour. For a cleaner and modern touch, make sure to do away with wall clutter. Instead of hanging up big paintings on all your available wall space, you might want to consider hanging some of your pots and pans in an artsy way. It won’t just save you a lot of space in your cabinets, but you’ll also get kudos for creativity.

And since 2011 is all about technological advances, don’t forget to update your kitchen appliances with their modern counterparts. If you can afford it, consider replacing your old refrigerator, stove, oven, dishwasher and microwave with more up to date items that will not only look good with your new kitchen, but save you loads of money on energy costs as well. Look for the eco friendly label when buying new kitchen appliances.

If you’re looking for ideas on how you can spruce up your kitchen, you don't have to go far just to find the inspiration you need. Simply turn on your TV, or better yet, go online for easy tips on remodelling your kitchen. Look up expert advice on keeping your kitchen neat and free of clutter so that it will be much easier for you to keep everything organized. Don’t forget to look up practical tips on how you can save space in your kitchen and achieve that clean and modern look.

What are you waiting for? Are you ready to turn your shabby kitchen into a wonderful work of art? If you’re determined to give your kitchen the modern makeover that it deserves, start looking up kitchen contractors today. But if you’re a little bit pressed for cash, you can take the DIY approach to get your kitchen transformation started. You’ll be amazed by what you can achieve just by looking up 2011 kitchen remodeling trends on the internet.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Creating Your Dream Kitchen

If you’re the type who lives for the rush of creating culinary masterpieces, then you probably already have a few good ideas for the perfect kitchen. Whether you like the homey feel of a rustic cottage, or you prefer the clean lines of a modern cooking space, you need to know the basic steps on how you can put together the ideal kitchen design. The truth is, you don’t need to spend a fortune just to get the kitchen that you’ve been dreaming of. If you’re determined to turn that dream kitchen into a reality, then here are a few tips to help you out.

The first step to creating your dream kitchen design is planning. Before you get carried away by the idea of putting together the ideal kitchen and start ordering new fixtures and appliances, you should first look at the space that you’ll be working with. Do a rough sketch on the things you want to add to the already existing design, as well as any changes that you may want to do with the layout. Make sure to keep your scale as precise as possible when drafting out your plan so that you won’t suddenly have to make last minute adjustments.

Once you’ve finalized your plan, the next thing that you need to do is canvass the costs of this project. Let’s face it, remodelling your kitchen isn’t actually a cheap endeavour to take on. You need to factor in materials cost, labour cost, as well as the cost of any new appliances that you may want in your new kitchen. If you’re working with a tight budget, you can cut costs by retaining the sturdy fixtures such as cabinets and countertops and giving them a new coat of paint or finish instead. Bring your old kitchen appliances back to life by having them serviced by a licensed technician.

Lastly, make sure that you look up contractors in your area who have the expertise to take on the project. Since kitchens can be a bit trickier to put together compared to bedrooms and living rooms, you need to look for a contractor who can specialize in plumbing and ventilation as well. Although hiring a contractor can eat a huge chunk of your budget, it’s always better to hire specialized help in a field you’re unfamiliar with rather than end up with a botched job because you’ve decided to do it yourself. It goes without saying that it's going to save you time, money and effort in the long run.

The key to creating your dream kitchen is inspiration so before you call the contractor or start ordering materials to create your ideal space, make sure that you know exactly how you want your kitchen to look. Don’t just rely on one design magazine or kitchen design expert to dictate what kind of aesthetics your kitchen should adhere to. Don’t hesitate to explore your different options and follow what your heart really wants. After all, you’ll need an inspired space to whip up your amazing culinary delights for your family.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Kitchen Remodeling Buyers Guide

Are you thinking of remodelling your kitchen but don't know where to start? Since a kitchen makeover can prove to be a challenging task, it would probably help you a lot if you had an organized list of all the things that you're considering changing. To help you get started, here’s a short kitchen remodeling buyer’s guide that you shouldn't miss out on.

Cabinets

All kitchens need cupboards for storage so if you want to give your cooking space an updated makeover, look for cupboards that will not only provide you with the space you need, but give your kitchen a new look as well. If you're looking to save money, you might want to consider using unfinished kitchen cabinets.

Counter tops

Next on the list is the perfect counter top. Since there is a wide variety of kitchen counter tops available on the market today, make sure to choose materials that would best suit your personal needs. Don’t forget to consider your kitchen’s overall colour scheme when choosing your counter tops for a coherent finish.

Floor tiles

If you have the extra money to spend, you might want to replace your old kitchen tiles with newer and much more stylish ones. Choose kitchen tiles that won’t stain easily and are easy to clean so that you won’t have a hard time wiping off any spillage.

Sinks

Although most kitchen sinks are proven to be quite sturdy, you might want to consider replacing your old one with a much newer model. Look for a sink that is made from materials that you know will last you for a very long time since it can also set you back a small fortune.

Refrigerator

Would you want to keep your food cool and fresh without becoming a burden to the environment? Then start looking for an eco-friendly refrigerator today. Older refrigerator models don't just consume more electricity, they also produce much more CFC gases. And we all know just how bad that is for our environment.

Stove and oven

If you’re looking for a stove and oven that will help you cook all your culinary delights, then make sure to choose a model that is packed with all the features you need to enjoy efficient cooking. Take advantage of today’s kitchen technology by getting a stove and oven that can cut back your cooking time in half.

Dishwasher

Are you tired of your old beat up dishwasher that just can’t clean as well as it used to? If you want your dishes to sparkle without you having to lay your hand on it, then it’s time that you look for a better model to do the dirty work for you. Don’t hesitate to invest a bit more than what you would normally pay for as it’s bound to be worth it in the end.

Now that you have your basic kitchen remodeling buyer’s guide on hand, we hope that you’ll be able to put together your dream kitchen with ease. So long as you take the systematic and practical approach, it’s only a matter of time before you turn your dream kitchen into a reality.