Posts Tagged ‘Kitchen Remodel’

Laminate backsplash: Economy in kitchen design

Saturday, May 30th, 2009

A friend of mine decided to go in for a kitchen remodel project. But this was a project with a difference. No, there were no changes in the kitchen appliances nor were the cabinets removed. Just a few minor alterations like replacement of the kitchen cabinet doors with polycarbonate, a refurbished floor and a new lighting system was all that it took to bring the spunk back in to the kitchen. But the one change that really got me startled was the backsplash. It wasn’t something overtly expensive but a very reasonable yet extremely attractive alternative. I was pleasantly surprised to see that a laminate backsplash could add so much visual appeal and color, not just to the wall on which it was installed, but to the entire kitchen. One look and even you will be forced to take notice.

Great looks and easy installation

The laminate backsplash consists of a thin sheet of plastic laminate stuck over a piece of plywood or particle board. The entire process of installing a laminate backsplash is extremely simple and can be completed at home. Here’s an overview:

* Attach the laminate backsplash to the counter top by means of dry wall screws drilled from under the counter top.
* The wall may not be really very even so it would be better to leave the top part of the laminate as it is.
* Apply the adhesive on the laminate pieces and press against the wall in the position desired. Trim the flush on the front edge of the laminate.
* Once the laminate is placed in to position, then drive screws from the cabinets in to the laminate backsplash.

With these few steps you can recreate that 70’s look in your kitchen. In addition to the ease of installation, you can choose from a range of colors and designs. Whether it is the stainless steel laminate backsplash or the plastic laminate backsplash, you can choose from an array of stunning colors. Even the digitally printed laminates add great personality to the kitchen. You can also paint or wall paper the laminate kitchen backsplashes, provided you use the right kind of primer. But what if you decide on replacing the laminate kitchen backsplash? Well, that may not be such a great idea considering the amount of effort involved.

Some great laminate ideas

Are you looking for some really cool laminate backsplash ideas? Or do you have some important questions in mind? If you’re dying to know whether to attach the laminate backsplash from the top or the bottom of the counter top and similar queries, then post your questions on the forums concerning backsplashes and let the experts take care of the rest.

If you’re looking for something that’s stylish, colorful and low-cost, then your search ends with the laminate backsplash.

Kitchen Remodeling Checklist: Why You Need One

Sunday, May 10th, 2009

When you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen, one thing you want to have ready early is your kitchen remodeling checklist.

“A kitchen remodeling checklist will make your task a lot easier,” said Betty Stevens*, who’s just got her kitchen remodeled. “With a kitchen remodeling checklist in your hand you can make better decisions on what you need to do about improving your kitchen.”

A remodel checklist is a simple thing to draw up, according to Betty.

“Firstly,” she shared, “you need to determine exactly what areas of your kitchen dissatisfy you and exactly what you’re going to want changed. That list of areas like maybe the color scheme, flooring, cabinets, etc, will give you ideas to work with.”

Once you have the initial list of items on your kichen remodeling checklist lined up, you can then get started with fixing them.

Scout around a bit for good ideas on remodeling and redecorating. Once you’ve decided what you want done, you can begin the remodeling.

As each item on your kichen remodeling checklist gets dealt with, you can tick it off. Often you get new items to add on to your checklist as well.

Another way your kichen remodeling checklist comes in handy is in helping you figure out probable total costs. As you note what has to be done to each part of your kitchen, you can list the cost as well and thus work out a budget for your kichen remodeling.

* all charaters are fictitious

Laminate backsplash: Economy in kitchen design

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

A friend of mine decided to go in for a kitchen remodel project. But this was a project with a difference. No, there were no changes in the kitchen appliances nor were the cabinets removed. Just a few minor alterations like replacement of the kitchen cabinet doors with polycarbonate, a refurbished floor and a new lighting system was all that it took to bring the spunk back in to the kitchen. But the one change that really got me startled was the backsplash. It wasn’t something overtly expensive but a very reasonable yet extremely attractive alternative. I was pleasantly surprised to see that a laminate backsplash could add so much visual appeal and color, not just to the wall on which it was installed, but to the entire kitchen. One look and even you will be forced to take notice.

Great looks and easy installation

The laminate backsplash consists of a thin sheet of plastic laminate stuck over a piece of plywood or particle board. The entire process of installing a laminate backsplash is extremely simple and can be completed at home. Here’s an overview:

* Attach the laminate backsplash to the counter top by means of dry wall screws drilled from under the counter top.
* The wall may not be really very even so it would be better to leave the top part of the laminate as it is.
* Apply the adhesive on the laminate pieces and press against the wall in the position desired. Trim the flush on the front edge of the laminate.
* Once the laminate is placed in to position, then drive screws from the cabinets in to the laminate backsplash.

With these few steps you can recreate that 70’s look in your kitchen. In addition to the ease of installation, you can choose from a range of colors and designs. Whether it is the stainless steel laminate backsplash or the plastic laminate backsplash, you can choose from an array of stunning colors. Even the digitally printed laminates add great personality to the kitchen. You can also paint or wall paper the laminate kitchen backsplashes, provided you use the right kind of primer. But what if you decide on replacing the laminate kitchen backsplash? Well, that may not be such a great idea considering the amount of effort involved.

Some great laminate ideas

Are you looking for some really cool laminate backsplash ideas? Or do you have some important questions in mind? If you’re dying to know whether to attach the laminate backsplash from the top or the bottom of the counter top and similar queries, then post your questions on the forums concerning backsplashes and let the experts take care of the rest.

If you’re looking for something that’s stylish, colorful and low-cost, then your search ends with the laminate backsplash.

Kitchen chair pads: You’ll fall in love with them

Friday, January 30th, 2009

My neighbor recently concluded her rather extravagant kitchen remodel project that had kept her occupied for quite a while. But the result, I must admit, has been well worth all the effort. There’s not a single aspect of the kitchen that seems to have been ignored. From the flooring to the exquisite kitchen island and striking kitchen cabinets to even something as basic as matching kitchen curtains and chair pads, have been crafted to perfection. I can understand major accessories like the kitchen island, but who really has the time to care for miniscule things like kitchen chair pads. I guess I was wrong. Kitchen chair pads are no longer just to provide comfortable seating but they also go a long way in enhancing the décor of the kitchen.

What you didn’t know about kitchen chair pads

Kitchen chair pads are nothing but cushions to make your kitchen chairs more comfortable. Both functional and fashionable, these pads come in a wide variety of patterns and sizes. Bought as individual cushions, these chair pads provide unparalleled comfort to all those sitting on the kitchen chairs. But that’s not all; these chair pads add great style and elegance to the look of the entire kitchen. Although these pads are available in cotton and foam, the cotton padded ones are most popular. You can find these chair pads in diverse designs like traditional and modern and materials like corduroy, denim, nylon, in addition to cotton. With a deluge of prints and patterns, you can easily find kitchen chair pads to match the prints on your curtains or even the table cloth. Add a dash of color to the interiors of the kitchen with the kitchen chair pads in several hues like café, cocoa, black, sage, camel, forest, ivory and many more.

But it is important to ensure that apart from matching with the décor of the kitchen, kitchen chair pads must also be backed with a non-slip material. Generally, most chair pads are fitted with a latex rubber underside that sticks to the chair and does not slip. Is there a better way to protect those priceless kitchen chairs?

Kitchen chair pads fit every type of chair very snugly. So, if you have metal or wood chairs, try out the Checked, Sunshine Patch, Snow Juliet or Spice chair pads for the metal kitchen chairs.

Try them at home

Now what if you are not able to find the kitchen chair pads that match the décor of the kitchen perfectly? Then you can make these chair pads at home with some foam and three yards of fabric and of course, lots of patience.

From simple to eye-popping, kitchen chair pads can revamp the look of the kitchen. Get the chair pads with the coffee cup design etched in black and see how your guests find excuses to linger a little longer over that cup of coffee.

Kitchen cabinet prices: Will suit every budget

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

Kitchen cabinets are an integral part of every kitchen remodel project. The kitchen gets a whole new look with a few changes in the kitchen cabinets. Even if you don’t intend to remodel the entire kitchen, just renew the kitchen cabinets and see the difference. But whether it is a complete overhaul or slight modifications, one has to consider the kitchen cabinets prices. These prices are affected by a large number of factors. So it is not as simple as it is made out to be.

Kitchen cabinet prices: Factors to be considered

Irrespective of whether you choose a custom built, stock or even a semi-stock kitchen cabinet, you have to ascertain their prices and make sure they fit in to your budget. The following points will come in handy:

* Floor area: The floor area will determine the number of kitchen cabinets which in turn will determine the cost. Sample this: A single 48” cabinet will be cheaper than two 24” cabinets.
* Door styles: Without doubt, a solid wood door would definitely cost more than a venner style or flat door. The species of wood used and the intricacies of design also contribute to the escalating prices.
* Finish: In case you go in for a glazed finish, it’ll cost you more just like heat catalyzed varnishes when compared to lacquers. Similarly, hard rubbed stains, owing to their inherent advantages will be more expensive compared to their machine applied counterparts.
* More features and modifications: More features and modifications to suit your style will certainly come at a price.

Selecting the right kitchen cabinet

It is very important to plan your requirements and then consider the options that are available, keeping an eye on the budget all the while. In case you decide to go in for a ready to assemble or stock cabinet, then even though you could get the same almost immediately at a fairly reasonable price, there will be limited choice in terms of color and design. On the other hand, a semi-custom, built to order or a custom kitchen cabinet does come at a price but you also get to choose the wood species, style, finish, cabinet size and color. But in case you’re working on a tight budget, then wholesale and discount kitchen cabinets are perfect for you. But you’ll be mistaken to think that these are sub-standard products. In fact, you’ll be surprised to find some really great designs at very affordable prices.

Kitchen cabinets prices should never hinder any remodel project. After all, there are an array of design plans that can be created to suit every budget without compromising the style and appeal.