So, can you maximize the space without a kitchen remodel?

This small kitchen is actually from Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey house.

The answer is a resounding yes, but let’s break it down a bit.  First of all, let’s look at the way that kitchen space is generally used. Its two main purposes are storage and food preparation. Obviously, small kitchen designs make things even more challenging.  You must ensure that you have adequate room for both of these, but there is also another factor that actually makes this relative: How many kitchen appliances do you need to store? And, how many people are using this kitchen? You may have a tiny kitchenette, for example, but if you are a single person living in your own and you tend to eat at other people’s homes for social events rather than hosting anyone in your house, the small size of your kitchen will not be relevant.

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If your utensils and appliances outnumber the space that you have at your disposal, there are several things that you can do about it:

• Go through everything you own and ruthlessly ditch anything that you don’t use. There is no need to hang on to broken or unnecessary items. They take up way too much space. Your emotional attachment to them does not outweigh the need to have a viable kitchen.

• Reorganize your cupboards so that you fit everything inside in the most compact way possible. Saucepans can be stacked neatly inside each other. Items should be placed on shelves neatly, rather than tossed in haphazardly, which can waste space unnecessarily as well as looking untidy.

• Learn good neatness habits, such as making sure that every single item, even including kitchen accessories, has its own home. And then you have to make sure that you put them there! Make a policy never to go to bed or leave the house with things lying around on countertops. If everything is put away neatly, you will have more space for food preparation. And of course, your kitchen will look much better.

• If you don’t have enough space still for kitchen storage, you need to add more shelves. If you have the budget and a high ceiling, you may want to build upwards and add another tier of cabinets. If not, then add more shelves to the walls.

All of these ideas are relatively simple, but they will surely make your life much easier!

Since the kitchen area is where most people will congregate, regardless of size, it is important to take every advantage of functional ways to enhance the space.  Some of these decisions will be based upon cost, others on splurges that really enhance the way you live or entertain.  If you are careful with your budget, you can save bundles on cabinetry and use that to get gorgeous granite countertops or a few high end kitchen appliances.

For these reasons, take the following points into account before making your ultimate decisions:

• How much space do you have available? Small kitchen designs, for example, have to be compact, taking into account your needs for storage space, an adequate food preparation area, and enough place for all of your kitchen appliances. In larger kitchens, you can spread yourself a lot more and also allow yourself luxuries such as a kitchen island, something that would be out of the question in a smaller area.

• How much of a budget do you have available? As alluded to, it is better to know where you can splurge and where you need to use more budget-friendly solutions to design challenges.  For example, you can get some great bang for your buck with unique kitchen tile ideas that accent or highlight a backsplash or create a ‘rug’ appearance on the floor.  Smaller spaces can actually lend themselves to highly efficient kitchens with all of your workspace within arm’s reach.

• When you hire contractors, be wary. There are many shady contractors among the highly professional ones.  Always ask for references and portfolios if you want to see the work they’ve done.  This is especially important if you have some unique design concepts that you’re looking to have built. Also, know how and what you’re paying for.  You don’t want, for example, to pay upfront for work that either doesn’t get done or isn’t completed properly. Signing an enforceable contract is paramount.

• Similarly, when purchasing expensive items, always read kitchen product reviews very thoroughly. Pay close attention to what other consumers say – this is where shopping online can be a great advantage. You really should do your best to avoid wasting your money on substandard products.  That saying, “no one ever regretted buying the best” is so true here.  Of course, this doesn’t mean most expensive.  It means purchasing the highest quality for what your budget allows.

• Think carefully about kitchen storage ideas that are compatible with the space you have, as well as the number of items that you possess. For example, in small kitchens with high ceilings, you may find that the direction is up, with tall cupboards and high shelves. In this situation, many details have to be taken into account exactly so that everything has its own specific space, such as a shelf for a microwave, a stovetop set into the counter rather than stand alone, and so forth. Of course, a larger area allows for more kitchen units and countertops to cater to your needs.

• Have you thought about kitchen accessories? These are dependent on the available space that you have, as well as the general look that you have chosen. Custom range hoods, pot hangers, dining sets and other kitchen items must be part of your design plans.  A minimalist design will have few frills or extra trimmings, while a Victorian or country style will include pictures, pretty china arrangements, decorative plates and other wall decor in the kitchen.

• What about lighting? Kitchen lighting is very important as it serves a dual purpose – of making food preparation easier on the one hand and on the other hand creating the atmosphere of the room. As these can be two different things, consider dimmer switches, or several kinds of lighting – an overhead light and then small ones over the counters.  This type of combination of flood lighting and spot or task lighting is one of the more important components of kitchen design.  There are also under cabinet lighting and a variety of chandeliers or candle lighting options.

As you can tell, there is a lot to consider. No matter if you have a large or small space, the proper planning and design inspiration can give you much more functional and usable space. As you’ve read, small kitchen designs can be both unique and quite functional, providing you with all the amenities of a larger kitchen in a tighter package.

First consider whether it is a small or a big kitchen you are going to design, this will help you with planning your kitchen appliances. If it is a small one, firstly you should

This mosaic in the kitchen created a special focal point.

know about the arrangement of the kitchen triangle, by which we mean the space between the stove, the sink and the refrigerator.  Make sure there is enough space to move about in that region.

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As for the sink, always avoid the double sink. It takes greater space and looks clumsy, too. Instead install a single sink with a sprayer attachment and a garbage disposal. Next, do not go for the bulky side-by-side fridges and settle for a long, sleek and if necessary, a double-door one.

Tiles can be used to create the look of a kitchen accent rug without the problem of it moving around on you.  You should never use dark colors for your kitchen as that can create a feeling of claustrophobia. Always go for light-colored paints, cabinets and granite counter-tops are still popular, durable and can be used in a variety of designs.  You may also wish to add some unique kitchen wall decor items that can give your space a little more personality.

As for lights, under-cabinet lights are best for the chefs to work in. They do not create any unwanted shadows that may hamper the cooking work. Similarly, do not go for a highly stylistic chiaroscuro lighting set-up. You need to design unique kitchens, but not at the expense of hampering its functionality.  Photo credit

Here's a vibrant tile backsplash in a small kitchen design.

There are other ideas concerning the use of tiles and this is with backsplash ideas.  It is more common to think about flooring when tiles are mentioned, but the backsplash is another great place to add some personality or style to your space.

Another think to take good note of is that if you are revamping a smaller kitchen, never go for small tiles. Your normal kitchen tile ideas may prompt you to do so, but ignore your intuition for once because with larger tiles, the small space will seem larger. These are just a few of the essential kitchen design ideas and hope they come to your help.

One thing that saves people a lot of money is finding coupons they can use when making their purchases. These coupons can be ones that will save the buyer a certain percentage off of their purchase or they can be ones that save the buyer a certain amount of money on the item they are buying. Some people do not want to look for coupons but still want to be able to get good deals on their island or cart, so there is another way of saving money that you should know. Using the internet is a great way to be able to find the best deals available without looking for coupons or driving all over the place to compare prices.

If you want to buy kitchen islands and carts without spending a lot of time and money then the internet will help you to find the best deals. There are a few different places that you will be able to make your purchase online, or you might just use the internet to locate a store in your area that has the best deal if you would rather pick it up locally. Make sure to take a look around and see what deals are available to you.

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Brought to you by the staff at kitchenislandsandcarts.org

Bamboo is an interesting plant.  It is a grass.  It’s very fast growing.  Up to 3 inches per day for some species.  Trees take at least 20 years to be sufficiently mature for harvesting.  Bamboo takes a mere 6 years in comparison.  Bamboo makes more oxygen than trees when compared by similar sized stands of each.  All the continents except Antarctica host some species of bamboo.

Here is an example of a folding set of stools.

Bamboo bar stools come in a variety of styles and designs.  Some of the choices in features that you can make are such things as whether or not you want a back support on your stools.  You may decide that adding arm rests would make for even more comfortable bar stools.  If you travel, there are folding bamboo bar stools that make good traveling companions.

Bamboo occurs in nature in two colors.  Most people are familiar with the white or yellow varieties, but many are surprised to learn that bamboo also comes in black.

Moso bamboo is a giant of the bamboo family.  It is one of the light colored bamboos and grows as tall as 70 to 80 feet tall, with a diameter of up to 7 inches.  Its strength and flexibility make it ideal for making sturdy bamboo bar stools.

Unlike the giant Moso bamboo, black bamboo grows to only about 30 feet tall.  It is prized in North American gardens for its contrast with other lighter colored bamboos, and its graceful form.  In Asian gardens it is used as an ornamental.

Many types of retro bar stools are made from bamboo.  Designs like swivel bar stools, kitchen bar stools, and breakfast bar stools are all made from bamboo.  For a different and unexpected look, choose bamboo bar stools made with black bamboo.  When it’s time for new bar stools, choosing bamboo bar stools makes sense.

First of all, find some time to do research on the subject.  It will definitely come in handy when you finally get down to your purchase time. You shouldn’t compromise on the practicality, no matter what. Usefulness of the product has more importance than look and price. The kind of appliances or accessories you may use and the way you cook; these two factors must get the top priorities when you think of your work surface. A kitchen can have many accessories or components such as the sink, kitchen cabinets, refrigerator, stove, island features, wooden spice racks and more. You are the designer and you should have a final word on their inclusion.

When it comes to cleaning, it’s an easy job for most types of kitchen worktops available on the market. The easiness of the cleaning might vary from one type of material to the other. The fact remains that solid surfaces are much easier to clean than other types of surfaces. At the same time, laminated surfaces keep your kitchen worktops resistant to stains. However, it may not last as long as, chances are, it will become scratched, scorched or damaged with normal use – at least on the surface. Granite and wooden surfaces have much less resistance to common stains like tea, coffee and red wine because they are more porous.

If you are on a strict budget, low cost laminated models would be the right choice for you. In spite of being lower in cost, laminated counters are still available in many colors and patterned finishes.  You can include solid surface styles as well in the cost-effective group.  They are generally resistant to heat and water. We should remember the fact that solid surface styles are durable as well.

It’s time for us to check out the granite worktops, which are not only costly but also very aesthetically pleasing, made from nearly indestructible material. The newer granites coming to the market have such a wide variety of natural veining, hues and other unique features that really look amazing.  There are drawbacks of granite, too – it’s more easily stainable and needs maintenance to keep it looking and performing its best.

We have already mentioned that laminated surfaces are the most cost-effective models we have today. The extreme popularity of solid surface models is attributed to its non-porous, smooth and durable disposition as well.  There is another material that is very much like granite; quartz.  It, too, won’t scratch and is highly resistant to heat and stains. Quartz is another natural stone materials and has some other features that make it attractive.

We cannot omit the mention of wooden worktop surfaces, which are prone to scratching, blackening and staining, but they are easier to refinish and repair.  We have seen all the practical considerations required to buy a kitchen worktop.  We have discussed about the various factors you may need to consider to buy a cost-effective yet practical style.  Now, all you need to do is decide which one is right for you.

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The price or cost of granite can vary and is partly because of the mistaken idea that many people have about the natural veining that can occur. It’s believed by some to be weak in structure if the veining is visible. This is actually not true. Additionally, some surface scratching happens in the factory when the stone is being polished and this causes many customers to believe the granite is weak or of less quality. The darker colors of granite worktops allow these round scratches to show a little more than lighter colors, but they aren’t defects. Many people spend time and money to get these scratches repaired, but that’s as pointless as purchasing a slab that has been “enhanced.” Any stone that has added elements to it isn’t as high in quality as other types. The enhancers end up wearing off and therefore it ends up as a way to overcharge for the granite.

Black Galaxy Granite has pits in the surface that can be examined to figure out the depth in which the stone was quarried. The deeper the pitting, the closer to the surface it was taken. On the other hand, if the granite was taken from a deeper place the pitting is shallower. Determining the quality of the granite is a great way to find out what it’s worth.

Source: Vast Home And Garden

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You may opt to reface your kitchen cupboard doors with a nice, clean white finish.

There are several different options for cabinet designs that you can attempt. Your first option is to re-stain or repaint them as is. You will need to remove the kitchen doors from the cabinets as well as any hinges and hardware. You want clean surfaces to work with. You do not have to keep working around a handle or a hinge. Both the doors and the cabinet frames that are left hanging on the walls will need to be sanded down to get rid of the old finish. Once you have a clean slate you can paint them or stain them any way you like. Then all you have to do is re-hang everything.

When it is time to re-hang the kitchen cabinet doors you will want to decide whether you are going to use the old hardware or start fresh with something new. Changing a detail as small as the handles on the cabinet doors can make a huge difference in how a room looks.

Remember to consider the rest of the kitchen when you are refinishing your cabinets. For example, not all kitchen island designs with seating will have cabinet doors for you to refinish in the same manner as the rest of the cabinets. Instead, they may be blocks with appliances and no doors. In this instance, you will have to refinish the walls of your island just as you refinish the cabinet frames. Many kitchens used to have white cabinets and islands with white walls surrounding the sink and the dishwasher. Refinishing the cabinet doors means having to redo the walls around the island as well so that everything matches.

If you want to make a bigger change then color, you might consider cutting out the center of the cabinet doors. If you replace the center part of each cupboard door with glass, it will provide an entirely different look to the kitchen. The more open design is much more suited to a modern space and it gives you a way to get rid of any beveling which is definitely traditional and not modern. Glass is not the only thing you can replace the centers with, either.  You will also see kitchens with aluminum in the center of the cabinets. You can punch the aluminum with designs or add a polish that really makes them shine.

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Here is a warehouse filled with granite slabs ready to be made into countertops.

piece of granite into nearly any imaginable shape for a counter surface. This tutorial is intended to give the reader some idea of the costs of purchasing the stone and installing it into their homes.

The actual cost of the granite varies widely due to many factors. The first obvious consideration is thickness and size of the slab. The color chosen also makes a difference, as some hues are quite a bit more available than others. Granite is not a rare stone, and although it is considered a high end material for use in home kitchens and bathrooms, the material itself is relatively cheap while being extremely rugged and attractive. Granite’s price is also effect by the form in which it is purchased. Simple tiles which can be installed either by professionals or the individual consumer sell for between four to six dollars by the square foot. These tiles are approximately 3/8” thick as compared to the two inches or more in thickness of a traditional slab, and are considered less appealing by many for this reason.

Granite in slab form is far and away the most costly to buy. Installers will commonly charge between fifty and sixty dollars to the square to place granite slabs in the home. Costs can go up from here depending on the slab’s hue and thickness. African blue for instance, will cost notably more by the square foot than the commoner absolute black variety.

You can save a great deal of money by installing a granite worktop for yourself. However, this approach is not without its downsides. A professional installer that demands fifty or sixty dollars by the square foot for his services is charging you for skills and tools you probably do not possess. This charge will typically include sending a technician to your house to measure the counter you wish to have topped with granite. Using these dimensions, they will choose a piece of stone from their selection and cut it into the required shape. Granite is fantastically hard and very difficult to cut, and the cost of the special tools required to do so, such as diamond-edged saws, will probably be greater than that of simply having it cut and installed by a professional.

Granite slabs are also massively heavy, even those sized for relatively small counters. Many consider the task of installing them as much art as science. A craftsman with years of experience working with granite will install a counter that looks beautiful and will serve for a lifetime.

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When it is time to update the look of your kitchen, installing all new cabinets may be cost prohibitive.  If you want to change things and still remain in your budget, cabinet refacing may be the best choice.