Kitchen Furniture Buying Guide

A modern kitchen furniture guide, this article aims to assist you with practical aspects of kitchen space and furniture before you make the move. To create a perfect balance of style and function, you must weigh all possibilities and start with some pragmatic details like,

• The size of your kitchen as it will determine the space
• The ideal furniture piece/s (Make a list)
• Personal taste and preference
• Practicality of the furniture in your home
• The space it will occupy when installed
• Colors and style
• Price

After you work over these practical details, next in line would be deciding on the best functional furniture that will fit in effortlessly and enhance the overall theme. Often, you will find different kitchen units like contemporary kitchen tables, bar furnitures, kitchen stool bars, tableware/dining accessories in different sizes and shapes to perfectly complement your unique lifestyle and home space.

As to the different furniture kinds, following are a few popular articles that make kitchen work more functional and effortless,

Baker's Racks
Makes the most affordable piece of kitchen furniture adding style and storing space to your kitchen. Be it a modular or large kitchen, the baker’s rack and wine rack are popular as decorative racks and help in bestowing your kitchen with rustic charms. It is also used in combination to store wines, for wines need to be stored in a right position to keep the cork moist. Wooden racks are used sparingly, but wrought iron racks have gained popularity for its ornamental value that enhances most décor and themes.

Butcher's Blocks

For modular kitchens, Butcher's blocks come in handy for storing and chopping. Usually done in solid wood, it offers convenience and makes a cookware article that can also be used for storing a variety of things. These days you get so many designs that entail smart storage space all fitted in the design.

Kitchen Carts

Mobile kitchen carts are available in different styles and finish. The price will vary depending on the material you choose. Another useful kitchen furniture, you get carts in different sizes to almost fit into any kitchen area. You also get a combo of butcher clock(single/double) on cart that allows you multi functionality, and storage space large enough for any number of items

Kitchen Hutches

This piece of kitchen furniture needs space. So, look up to the available area you have before you decide. If space is not the constraint, hutches can be quite useful and act as a work center to provide storage space for dishes, cookbooks, glassware and other kitchen items. Watch out for the hardware used and finish closely. Hutches actually offer great storage solutions in different styles.

Kitchen Work Tables

Kitchen worktables make great utility furniture and are available in a wide selection. Because there are many from which to choose, there can be quite a price range as well. Work tables have a large variance in size, material from which it is constructed, and design. These factors work together to give a wide range of prices. Work tables can range in price from $130 up to $600.

Bar Furniture & Kitchen Bar Stools

You can find great bar and counter stools for almost any space. The combo includes wood and metal, with many different styles and finishes to choose from. Depending on the design you choose, a metal stool can give your bar a sleek, contemporary look, or bring a classic, wrought iron design into your home or business.

Tableware/Dining Accessories

Tableware and dining accessories are important for personalizing your dining room. There are so many varieties available and designer dining sets and tableware allow a great composure. Hand painted tableware are also great for they feel warm and come in a wide range to almost fit in any taste and budget. It is important to be sure to scan the price range of kitchen furniture pieces when beginning your search for the perfect piece of contemporary furniture for your kitchen.

Kitchen Faucet Buying Tips

A durable and stylish kitchen faucet or bath faucet blends together function and aesthetics. The well made faucet makes life a lot easier. Excellent valve mechanism and more durable finishes boost longevity and looks.

Here are six steps in choosing the right faucet for you:

1. Two-handle designs, generally goes for as low as $50, allows you to regulate the temperature more accurately. Having independent control for the hot and cold water makes adjusting the temperature easier.

The single handle faucets also known as post-mount, generally goes for $75 to $200, operate from side-mounted lever or a top-mounted knob. Most single-handle faucets have pullout spouts.

The cross-shaped design and large wing levers are the more popular designs. However, most faucets have different handles that can be attached to a faucet body for a customized look.

2. If the style of the faucet is important, begin your choosing with the type of finish. The most affordable finish for a faucet is a chrome finish. Usually priced around $60. The chrome-finish has a long warranty on scratches.

The more colorful enamel coatings generally will cost you from $20 to $200 more, and are more susceptible to scratches and chipping. Add 25 to 40 percent more to the price of coated faucets for stainless steel faucets.

3. A PVD (physical vapor deposition) finish is better than usual plated finishes but add $150 to $750 more in costs. The PVD finish is done by vaporizing the metal and glazing it with a scratch-resistant and non-tarnishing film.

Look at brushed chrome, oil-rubbed bronze and satin nickel for a rustic appeal. The brushed finish and satin finish cleverly hides scratches.

4. There are more to spouts aside from the standard straight faucets. There are high-arching goose-like spouts, great for filling pots. A pull-out faucet can get you anywhere in a sink with three-bowls. You can go from a spray mode to a stream mode with a touch. There are also restaurant-type models for those extra long hoses.

5. Know that there are four kinds of faucets.

a. The compression valve:

The compression valve uses rubber washers. The compression valve type of faucet will eventually leak but they are typically easy to repair.

b. The ball valves:

The ball valve controls the flow and temperature of the water by using a steel ball. The ball valves are washerless and easy to maintain because of this. Replacing a ball valve is readily affordable and easy to do.

c. The ceramic disk

The ceramic disk is virtually a maintenance free water faucet. It is guaranteed not to wear out but is obviously much more expensive than the ball valve or compression valve.

d. The cartridge faucet

Much like the ceramic disk, the cartridge faucet usually does not need any maintenance. Just like the ceramic disk, it has a hefty price tag.

Regardless of the type of faucet you choose. Always check the warranty and the finish.

6. You may opt for filtering faucets, costing $200 plus, to bring in purified water. Several filters are placed under the sink while others are fitted inside the spout. To set the maximum water temperature, an anti-scald faucet can be used. An electronic faucet with an infrared sensor is also available. They save on water and allow for cleaner handles.

In general, you don't need to hand over your hard earned money to pay for good quality. Most faucets have the same basic parts and sometimes even the same finish across several price lines.

To have a streamlined, urban look, choose a faucet that is mounted on the wall, this is often used with vanity bowls.

Be sure that your faucet connection matches your sink holes. If they don't match, you'll have to provide more drill holes or cover the unused holes using an escutcheon plate.

All faucets in general carry at least one year warranties. Even the low-end models carry at least one year of warranty. Many faucets carry a warranty by the manufacturer that is more than one year.

Good luck choosing the perfect faucet for you.

Kitchen Equipment: The Right Tools

A basic kitchen needs a selection of pots and pans, some basic gadgets, and a collection of common spices and condiments.

Pots and Pans:

A minimum set includes a small frying pan, a one-quart saucepan with cover, a two-quart saucepan with cover, a large frying pan with cover, and a large pot (for spaghetti, stew, pot roast, or homemade soup.) If you are cooking for more than one person, get two each of the frying pans and saucepans. Covers are optional for the frying pans, but try to get a cover to fit at least one.

Good quality pans spread the heat evenly so that food does not burn in area of the pan and stay undercooked in another. The bottom of a good pan sits flat on the stove. Cheap pans wear out fast and cost more in the long run. Stainless steel pans with a porcelain coating or a copper bottom are excellent. Stay away from aluminum pans. They get bent out of shape easily and do not last. There have also been some health warnings about cooking in aluminum, but no real proof of any danger.

When using pans with a non-stick coating, turn the heat up only as far as is necessary, and only use wooden or plastic tools. Wipe the pan clean in soapy water. A plastic or nylon net scrubber can be used, but never use steel wool pads. If you do not burn the food onto the pan, and you wash it while the food is still fresh and moist, it will be easy to clean. If you have birds as pets, you may want to avoid non-stick coatings. If you use them, be sure not to overheat them. The coating can release fumes that can kill a bird.

Some other useful tools are a slow cooker, a wok (for Chinese cooking), toaster, microwave, blender, food processor, electric mixer, and an electric knife. There are also bread machines available at reasonable prices that produce a fresh hot loaf of bread rapidly. Most machines also have a delay setting to allow one to place the ingredients in the machine hours before the bread is needed, so the machine finishes just in time for dinner.

Basic Gadgets:

You will need some wooden spoons. Get a selection of sizes and handle lengths. These are always handy and they will not damage your non-stick coatings. Unlike metal tools, they do not get too hot to handle.

You will also want a collection of spatulas in different sizes and shapes. The lightweight spatula that will flip an egg may not be strong enough for a hamburger. Sometimes a narrow spatula is all that will fit in a pan, and sometimes a wide one is needed to get under whatever needs to be turned or lifted.

Whisks come in various sizes. They are very handy for mixing lightweight ingredients quickly, and are easier to get out and later to clean than a blender or mixer.

Get a good set of knives. Cheap ones make the job of cutting more difficult and they wear out fast. With the knives, you will need a good cutting board. A cutting board provides a flat working surface and protects your counters. Plastic cutting boards are easier to clean than wooden ones. Never cut vegetables that will be eaten raw on a cutting board that was used to cut raw meat unless you thoroughly clean the board first.

You will also need a selection of measuring tools. Measuring cups for dry ingredients and measuring spoons come in sets. Get a set of each. You will need a measuring cup for liquids, too. A one-cup measure is probably sufficient, but two-cup and quart measures are also useful. If you want to be precise in your measurements for dietary requirements, buy a food scale and measure your portions until you get used to the sizes and can estimate accurately without weighing everything.

A lot of canned products are now being packaged with pop tops, but get a good can opener for the others. There are some electrics that sell for reasonable prices and do a good job, but get a manual one too. When the power goes out, it can be frustrating not to be able to open the cans.

Spices and Condiments:

Salt and pepper go without saying. Some dried minced onion peps up a lot of recipes. Garlic is available fresh or in dried, chopped form or as a powder. Caution: make sure you know the difference between garlic powder and garlic salt. Garlic powder makes great garlic bread; garlic salt makes VERY salty garlic bread.

Oregano or "Italian Seasoning," gives an Italian flavor to anything. A bay leaf cooked in stew brings out the flavor of the other ingredients. Paprika is a red powder used mainly for appearance, but it has been linked to some health benefits. If you like things hot, try sprinkling some cayenne pepper or chili powder on your food.

Basic condiments include ketchup, mustard, relish and mayonnaise. There are all sorts of mustard varieties available. You can probably find traditional yellow mustard, Dijon, spicy brown, honey, and hot Chinese mustard, just to name a few. Explore your local market and see what looks good. Be adventurous, but buy the smallest size, so you do not have a lot to discard if you do not like it.

Other condiments to try are steak sauces, barbecue sauces, tartar sauce, and various stir-fry sauces. Read the labels. If sugar is one of the first few ingredients, forget it. Ingredient labels list the ingredients in descending order. The main ingredient is first, then the others, with the least one last.

Kitchen Countertops - An Overview

Countertops can influence the total design of your kitchen.  One of the most common reasons home owners remodel their kitchen is due to lack of usable counter space.

When you are remodeling your kitchen a new countertop gives the whole room a facelift.  There are several types of kitchen countertops you can choose from.

1. Laminate Countertops  -  Some good things about laminate countertops are you can install them yourself, they are inexpensive, they are low maintenance, and you can find them in all kinds of colors.

On the other hand, you need to be careful with knives and hot pans because once a laminate countertop is damaged it is almost impossible to repair.

2.  Ceramic Tile Countertops -  These countertops can also be easily installed and they come in lots of colors and patterns, they are heat resistant, and easy to clean.

But ceramic tile countertops can be a tough surface to chop on and they can crack or chip.

3.  Stone Countertops - These countertops are very durable, look great, and the granite ones also clean up quite easily.

On the down side you must regularly seal and polish them so they look good, and if your stone countertop is made of marble you need to be extra careful because of staining.

4.  Stainless Steel Countertops - Stains are not a problem and the counter can take high temperatures without damage.

But you have to take some care when installing stainless steel because if they are not extremely well supported they can dent.  They also are prone to showing scratches and nicks.

5.  Butcher Block Countertops -  They give your kitchen that warm feeling that only wood can give, your knives won't dull, and you can smooth out any scratches with sandpaper.

On the other hand you must use vegetable oil regularly to treat the wood and keep it looking good.  Also too much water exposure can stain and rot the counter.

6. Solid Surface Countertops  -  Lots of plus's here, you can find a ton of patterns and colors and some styles look like granite or other stone choices, it is very durable, easy to clean, and with this type of countertop you can easily install custom integrated sinks.

But you will need a licensed contractor to install this type of countertop or you will void the warranty and you must be careful with your hot pots and pans.

7.  Soapstone Countertops  -  These are very beautiful and they don't stain.  Hot pans are also not a problem.

You do need to seal them with mineral oil quite often, and they are more likely to be scratched than granite.

8.  Lavastone Countertops  -  Awesome countertops, they can resist water damage, scratches, and hot pans superbly.

But lavastone counters can be hard to find and they are very expensive.

So now that you know a little more about the materials kitchen countertops can be made of it should be easier to narrow down your choices when installing your new kitchen counters.

Kitchen Countertop Materials: Comparison Shopping for your Renovation Project

I was helping my daughter having her kitchen remodelled recently. She was having problems trying to decide on a new countertop material. Walking through the counters area in Home Depot gave her a few ideas, but she was still undecided when the time came to choose a month later. I decided to write out a quick comparison of all the materials and costs for her and when I was done I thought other people might find it useful as well, so here goes.

Most people are familiar with laminate countertops. (Formica is one brand name.) They’re a thin surface of high-pressure laminate applied to a thicker base of plywood or particleboard. Pluses: The standby, available in literally hundreds of patterns and colors, laminates are the least expensive (next to tile) and durable, requiring less upkeep than tile. Minuses: Easy to scorch with hot cookware, the use of layers in their construction makes it tricky to repair chips, show scratches, especially lighter colors, so not usable as a cutting surface. Less durable than natural stone or solid surface; use with under mount sinks is not recommended. Cost:  $25 to $50 foot

Solid surfacing, (brand names Corian, Fountainhead, Avonite and Surrell) a newer countertop material, is durable and mimics the appearance of natural stone materials like marble or granite. Pluses: Gives seamless surfaces, easy to care for. High impact resistance, easily repaired, nonporous and seamless, so won't trap dirt, collect bacteria or stain; easily. Minuses: May melt from hot pot; looks non-natural in some color schemes, licensed contractor required for installation and repair work. Cost: $60 to $110 per foot.

Natural woods. Used in butcher-block style arrangement. Maple, oak and other hardwoods, make durable and elegant countertops. Pluses: Good surface for cutting foods; scratches easily repaired by sanding; easy match with wood cabinets and floors. Minuses: Requires a finish to preserve appearance, may scorch with hot cookware, allows bacterial growth, so needs regular cleaning. Not practical for entire countertop – good for small sections. Cost: $50 to $75 per foot

Granite. Popular for their elegant and rich look, natural stone countertops will last longer than most kitchens. Pluses: Adds to value of home, hard durable surface, very heat resistant. Minuses: very expensive, requires care since it is porous and must be sealed periodically, grease will stain. Cost: 60 to $200 per foot for granite $60 to $130 per foot for marble (stains easily and not recommended for food prep countertop)

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile: This is the countertop material my daughter was replacing. While the counters were in pretty bad shape, refurbishing was an option. Tile has a comforting, classic look and is inexpensive..  Pluses: Easy to clean up after a mess. More heat resistant than laminates solid surfaces, inexpensive, unless you are thinking about custom or hand-painted tiles. Minuses: Can chip and crack easily; needs regular maintenance to keep bacteria out of grout. Scrubbing grout. Cost: $10 to $25 per foot.

So, what countertop material did she choose in the end? For it’s reasonable cost and reparability, Corian got the nod for the new kitchen. We found a color that was very close to a granite look and we also liked the ten year warranty.

Kitchen Counter Weight: Respect the hardest working surface in your house

It's a place to put your red hot pots and pans. It's where gallons of messy foods and discoloring liquids are spilled each year, where the sink overflows and where you cut the vegetables when you can't find a cutting board. The kitchen counter is where cans land when they fall out of the cupboard. It's where you stand to get things off the high shelf. It has to be tough.

The counter is the main surface in the most visited room in the home. It's where the guests always end up. It's a place to put your drink during the kitchen party. It's where the food gets laid out for the buffet. It's where your new friend stirs sugar into their coffee. It has to look good.

The kitchen counter is also the place where you sweat the most. It's where you're dealing with hunger, dishes and groceries all at the same time. Food's coming in and food's going out while the garbage piles up. You're home from work to feed the family and hoping you can spend some time together before you all drop off to sleep. It has to be easy.

Fortunately there are a number of countertops that are tough, good-looking and easy. None of them are perfect but some will suit you better than others, so before you agree to the first thing that catches your eye, shop around a little. Your kitchen counter is the hardest working surface in the house and it deserves respect.

Here's a quick run down of the main players in today's wide world of countertops. All of them have proven themselves to be durable but sadly, nothing lasts forever. Chips, cracks and stains will happen, so weigh your lifestyle needs against your budget and personal style to find the one that will fit your kitchen.

1. Granite - This is the new darling of the kitchen reno. Granite is a natural solid stone countertop that can be had in a selection of colors. Extremely durable and nice to look at, granite is also heat and waterproof. Cons: It resists stains and scratches but not entirely. Seams are visible. Granite can be high maintenance and has to be resealed every year. Imported and expensive.

2. Quartz - Beautiful quartz countertops offer many of the same benefits as granite, but come in a wider range of colors. These counters never need resealing or polishing. They resist scratches, heat and stains. Cons: Seams are visible and installation is expensive.

3. Polished concrete - Customizable counters can be had in any shape or size you want and will take on any color you care to tint them. These seamless counters are heat and scratch resistant and they look good. Cons: They also stain easily and are very expensive. Can be hard to find skilled tradespeople.

4. Solid surface - Usually acrylic, these counters are solid all the way through and give you a durable surface without seams. Waterproof. Small scratches can be sanded away. Wide range of colors and designs. Cons: Though these counters can look solid, they can be scratched easily and become damaged by heat and knives.

5. Recycled glass - Looks great. This alternative to natural stone combines colored recycled glass with concrete to make an attractive countertop that's good for the environment. Cons: Properties are similar to granite so while it resists heat and scratches, it stains easily and needs to be resealed regularly. Expensive.

6. Laminate - The old standby, laminate is cheap and versatile. Made of plastic layers bonded to paper or particle board, it comes in an endless variety of colors and patterns. Somewhat durable. Cons: Can be permanently damaged by heat and knives and shows scratches easily. Once ruined, it can't be fixed.

7. Tile - Why don't we tile our kitchen counters more often? Tiles make a durable, easy-to-clean counter that is inexpensive and can be done yourself. Ceramic is heat and scratch resistant. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Cons: It also chips and cracks easily, and makes a poor cutting surface. Though tiles come clean, grout becomes stained.

8. Wood - Comes in a range of colors and finishes with maple and oak being the most popular. Makes a fairly easy-to-clean surface and gives a nice warm effect to the room. Can be damaged by heat and water but can also be sanded and resealed. Makes a good cutting surface. Cons: High maintenance countertop that needs regular oiling.

9. Stainless steel - Great looking modern countertop. Heat resistant and durable. Seamless. Easy-to-clean. Cons: Also expensive and noisy. These counters dent easily and dull knives.

Expect time to add character to the countertop you choose just like anything else in your home. No matter what material you decide on, make sure it's one you love and you can't go wrong.

Kitchen Clocks: The Evolution Of

Kitchen clocks have been used throughout history as a means of keeping accurate time for meal preparation, baking, and simple as a charming addition to the busiest room in the house. Over time kitchen clocks evolved from more than just a necessary means to keep track of time and are now stylish additions to kitchens around the world.There have been literally thousands of versions of the kitchen clock, some featuring cartoon characters, celebrities, and any number of inventive, unique designs. As the times change, so do the available patterns and styles of kitchen clocks. You can purchase a basic kitchen clock for very little expense or you could opt for a more upscale, sophisticated model depending on your needs and your budget.

You can easily purchase a cheap kitchen clock from your local discount or grocery store, but why not take a little time and shop for the perfect kitchen clock that expresses your special personality and style? A few minutes browsing the available options will open a new world of kitchen clocks that you probably never realized existed. There are sleek, modern styles, you will still find your favorite cartoon characters and celebrities, but you will also notice many unique styles that make a statement about your kitchen and your life.

Your purchase of a kitchen clock will be a great addition to your kitchen and will help to enhance that inviting, relaxing atmosphere that you have worked so hard to create. Make your kitchen the best-decorated room in your home with a new kitchen clock that expresses your family's lifestyle. You may also want to consider shopping for a vintage kitchen clock from the 1940s, 1950s, and beyond. You'll find an outstanding selection and prices that will fit any budget.

Kitchen Cabinets Cleaning Tips

The kitchen cabinets are located in one of the most dirt prone areas of the home, the kitchen. Grease, food spills and splattered food result from cooking. In addition, dirty or sticky hands from both children and adults can be disastrous for your cabinetry.

Choosing Cleaning Products

Regular cleaning can help reduce the build up on cabinets and makes it easier to remove. The cleaning method you will use depends on the materials in your kitchen doors. Painted surfaces, vinyl or metal can be cleaned with detergent and warm water. Be sure to rinse well with plain water and dry with a lint free cloth.

All purpose cleaners can generally be used on these surfaces. Read the label carefully before using any product on your cabinetry. Information is included for consumers regarding surfaces where a cleaner is safe and those it can damage. To be sure, always test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area before using on the entire cabinet. Rinse and dry to remove any residue.

Sensitivity to chemicals and concern for the environment has some people concerned about using household chemicals. There are environmentally friendly alternatives right in your own kitchen. White vinegar or lemon juice can be mixed with water to clean grease from cabinets. Baking soda or club soda can be used to remove staining. Rinse with water and dry with a lint free cloth after cleaning.

Cleaning Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Spray cleaners that are made for wood furniture can be used on cabinets. Check to be sure the product you purchase is safe for your finish. Follow the directions carefully when using any cleaning product. It’s always a good idea to test a spot before using the cleaner, even if the can states that it’s good for your finish.

Some wood cleaners are flammable. This information will be included on the warning label. Don’t smoke cigarettes when using these products. Keep them away from flame or other heat sources. Pay special attention to this warning if you have a gas stove or other appliance with a pilot light. A spark could be ignited, causing a fire in the kitchen.

Cleaning wood cabinets can sometimes dull the finish. If this happens, you can restore the shine with furniture polish. Furniture wax can also be used to fix a dull finish. Some of these products will require buffing. It’s a good idea to polish wood cabinets regularly to preserve the wood and keep the shine.

Cleaning Hardware on Kitchen Cabinets

The hardware on your cabinets can get the same build up of grease and grime from foods. Remove the hardware before cleaning the cabinets. Clean the cabinets and then clean the hardware. When both have been cleaned, replace the handles on the cabinets and drawers. This will give your whole kitchen a lift.

The cleaner you should use for your hardware depends on the material. Cleaners and polishes are commercially available for every type of metal. Be sure the one you choose is suitable for your hardware. Using the wrong cleaner could damage the handles and cost you money in replacing them. Follow the directions on the label for cleaning.

Kitchen Cabinets Choices

Kitchen cabinets are a big expense, but make the most difference in the look of your home. There are a wide variety of styles, designs and materials available in new cabinets and cabinet doors. Visit home improvement stores for ideas. Many offer computerized images of your kitchen with the new cabinets.

Before shopping, it’s important to take accurate measurements. This saves time and helps with planning. Be sure to measure the appliance areas to get a more accurate picture of the cost and how your kitchen will look.

Most home improvement stores will send a representative to your home to double check your measurements before your new kitchen is ordered. This will ensure accurate measurements and you will be sure your new cabinets will fit perfectly.

Kitchen Cabinet Options

Stock cabinets come in standard sizes. A few styles and color options are available, but are more limited than either semi custom or custom cabinetry. Most consist of basic cabinet and drawer styles. Stock cabinets are often used in new construction and are the least expensive alternative.

Semi custom cabinets come in standard sizes, but you have more options in terms of style, designs and storage choices. There are more color and wood varieties available. These are more expensive than stock cabinets, but are generally higher quality.

There are many different storage options available in semi custom cabinets. Take some time to look at these before making a decision. A lazy Susan, wine rack, pull out garbage cans, vertical dividers for storing trays and pull out shelves make storing and organizing the kitchen much easier. Consider your lifestyle and the storage issues that are most pressing when making a choice.

Custom cabinets are the most expensive alternative. These are made just for your kitchen. You can have any style, size or design you want in a custom job. But you will pay for it. The quality of the wood and fit is often better than with either stock or semi custom. A designer will come to your home, take measurements and work with you to find the right design for your home.

Setting a Budget for Kitchen Cabinets

Before you buy, you will need to set a budget. Decide how much you can afford and what you are willing to spend on new cabinets. Prices among stock, semi custom and custom cabinets vary widely. The rule of thumb is that new cabinetry will make up about half the budget of your new kitchen.

Consider how long you will stay in your home when deciding on a budget. If you plan on moving in the next year or two, you may want to spend less. If you plan to stay for many years to come, you may want to go all out for the custom kitchen.

Don’t sacrifice quality in an effort to save money. You still want decent quality cabinets in your home. Try the cabinets in the showroom. Open the doors and drawers to be sure they operate smoothly. There should be no squeaks or rough movements. Look for solid construction that will last for years.

Kitchen Cabinets - Reface Or Replace?

Homeowners sometimes ask themselves if they really need to replace the cabinets. Why not just "reface" them ? To decide if your kitchen remodel warrants replacing cabinets or you should consider refacing instead, take this brief quiz:

1. What is the MAIN reason you are considering remodeling?

A. Just want a fresh new look
B. Need more counterotop work space.
C. Need more storage or to add an 'eat in space'
D. Need new appliances, sink of floor covering
E. Cabinet drawers stick or otherwise don't work or other cabinet problems

2. Is the value of your home rising?

A. No
B. Yes

3. Have others in your neighborhood remodeled the kitchen in the past 5 years?

4. How long do you plan to stay in your home?

A. One year or less before we sell
B. Plan to stay 3-5 years before we sell
C. Plan to stay in this home indefinitely

If your answer to more than one of these questions is "A", refacing might be the right choice. "Refacing" is a general term for a process of replacing doors and drawer fronts and includes placement of a veneer to match the new wood species and finish on the cabinet frames. (Some refacers also offer optional replacement of the entire drawer and drawer glide system and adding other interior functional features.)

Positive Results You May Obtain by Refacing Your Cabinets

* Costs less than cabinet replacement
* Fresh, new look for your cabinets
* More pleasant or up-to-date environment
* Possibly interior functional features for extra cost
* More appealing to potential home buyers

Refacing Cautions

* Same old traffic, workspace and storage problems have not been improved upon.
* Future decision to do the complete job and make floor plan improvements would mean replacing the countertop and sink a second time. The same for floor coverings and wallpaper.
* No opportunity to enhance the kitchen with specialty cabinets like dish or wine rack, etc.
* Interior of cabinet remains the same; so does interior maintenance
* Warranty is for new products only. Basic cabinets are not covered

Positive Results You Can Expect by Replacing Your Cabinets

* The opportunity to improve the traffic, work patterns and storage space in your floorplan
* One time sink and countertop replacement. (If a few years after refacing you decide to tackle the entire kitchen and make general improvements, countertops and sink cannot be re-installed on new cabinets
* Stronger, more durable cabinets throughout
* Solid wood face frames, not veneer applied to the surface
* The possibility of enhancing the beauty of the kitchen by adding specialty cabinets such as a wine rack or display cabinet
* Light, attractive easy to clean interiors
* Warranty on the entire cabinet, not just the doors and drawers

Best Advice

The price difference between refacing and replacing may be minimal when the overall value is considered. Replacing cabinets does dictate the replacement of countertops, sink, built-in appliances and probably floor covering. The additional cost for completely new cabinets compared to refaced old cabinets may be quite small. In some instances, the difference is as little as 10%. Be a wise shopper!

Kitchen And Bath Hardware Buying Guide

Kitchen and bath hardware requires careful selection in order to be in long-lasting use. One of the hardest-working fixtures in your house is the sink. While shopping for sinks, you will want to find ones that are durable and easy to clean, as well as pleasing to the eye. Sinks are composed of a variety of materials and are available in a vast selection of colors and shades, textures and patterns at a great price range. Appropriate choice of faucets is equally essential. It is worth scanning the options for sinks and faucets that perfectly fit your lifestyle and your design scheme.

Bathroom sinks selection has expanded along with the number and type of bathrooms in the average home. They range from tiny wall-hung versions for the smallest of powder rooms to elaborate dual-basin models for luxurious master baths.

Traditional baths are made of enameled cast iron or vitreous china, more contemporary styles use metal, glass, crystal, stone or solid-surface resins. It’s up to you to decide whether you want to make a design statement or prefer durability of less sophisticated materials.

Deck-mounted models, which can be set into or on top of a vanity or a freestanding frame, allow for storage, unlike pedestal or wall-mounted sink styles. Console sinks offer an expanded deck space for sundries. Some bathroom sinks come with predrilled faucet holes.

Kitchen sinks are the most heavily used every day; therefore the material a sink is made of is essential. Stainless steel is very practical (the heavier the gauge, the better); enameled cast iron is elegant, easy to clean and available in a variety of colors. The most durable of the choices is quartz composite; some prefer old-fashioned soapstone, some – new-style concrete.

Self-rimming sinks sit on the countertop, they are easy to install but can also collect dirt at the seams. Under mount sinks attached to the underside of the counter, stay cleaner but are more difficult to seat. Kitchen sinks generally come with four holes used for mounting faucets and sprayers, plus dispensers for liquid soap, hot water, and purified water.

Faucets are one more important piece of kitchen and bathroom hardware. You turn faucets on and off repeatedly, day after day, for many years. So, obviously you need one that not only looks great, but is convenient and safe and will provide durable service for a long time.

The right type depends upon your sink a lot. Before you buy a certain faucet you have to know the sink or countertop's hole configuration unless you are able to drill the countertop to suit a particular faucet. Kitchen sinks are usually designed for single-handle faucets (these are centersets where hot and cold are controlled by one lever or knob that's often part of the spout). Bathroom vanity and pedestal sinks are designed for widespread faucets (with separately mounted hot- and cold-water valves and spout), single-lever and centersets (single-handle or double-handle types). Single-control faucets are probably more handy both for bathroom and kitchen.

Kitchen – The Delicious Living Room

For a woman if cuisine is the door to a man’s heart, kitchen is where you have that door. Kitchen is no more the rustic workplace where women and housewives panted for several hours while they prepared meals.

Kitchen used to be a segregated room, which now is an integral part of home with almost no physical separation. It is much brighter, wider and smarter than ever before and a place where members of the family would let their creative juices. So, welcome to the exciting world of decorated new age kitchen.

Decorating Your Kitchen to Your Taste
Kitchen is where you want to decorate most after your living room. Sitting in your living room you can see the kitchen, perhaps this could be another reason for decorating it, if you forget the duration you spend there.

Carefully decorated kitchen blends with the ambience of the home. Two things help give this feel to kitchen: the no-wall connection with the living room and the décor of it. If yours is a constructed home, choose a brighter color (distemper) for kitchen; for a brighter kitchen lightens up the mood and appears wide.

Get the cabinets done up in plywood in its original splendor above dado but with softer look. Same pattern goes well on the lower row below the platform. Make sure you don’t leave corners uncabineted from both aesthetic and hygiene point of view. Mind you, the bottom line of upper cabinets must be well above your full standing height.

Standard height for dado is 2½’ above the platform, but there is no reason why it should be so. Take it as high as to touch the bottom of upper cabinets. This avoids the unpleasant strip of blank space between them. Next, the dado must match both upper and lower cabinets in décor. If you chose plywood for cabinets, stainless steel in mat finish would look great. While mat finish is pleasant on eyes, steel good for hygiene. Other option is ceramic tiles.

Plan crockery showcase near dining table to avoid the odd look if made in glass panes. This also adds to convenience and doesn’t clutter the main kitchen area.

You must have the chimney concealed within the cabinet if the cooking spot is along a wall. A hanging chimney goes well too, provided it is encased. The best places for faucet and sink are close to the stove and along the exterior wall.

If the sink is on your left, have the fridge and oven on the right, purely for convenience sake. It gives a neat look without cluttering the space.

Decorating kitchen is an endless saga. And immediately you are on a mission to maintain it.

Keep the Clogs Out of Your Kitchen Sinks

One day last week my kitchen sink got clogged, while frustrating I didn't think it was going to be a big deal.

I just grabbed the Liquid Plumber I had bought for just such an occasion, and then presto.  Nothing.

So we head off to Wal-Mart, my daughter in her jammies since she was just about to go to bed.  I found the Draino, my daughter suggested to get two just in case and after the Liquid Plumber hadn't worked I though maybe I better.

Tried it and it didn't work, so then I decided to let it really have some time to work over night.  Still in the morning a clog.

So I call a plumber and he had the clog fixed in no time, and he gave me a bit of advice that I am going to be using now.

He told me once a week to fill up both my sinks and then let the water out on both at the same time.  He said the cyclonic action of the water would continue all the way through my pipes and keep me from having a clog.

He said as long as you don't put a lot of grease down your drain you should never have a clog.

So I thought I would share this tip with all of you.  I figure it doesn't cost anything and takes less than 5 minutes so why not.

Another tip someone else had given me that I forgot to ask the plumber about is to take a can of salt every month and flush it down your toilet.  They told me it would keep tree roots from growing toward your pipes.  So since I have trees in my backyard I salt the toilet once a month too.

Keep That Kitchen Sink!

Have you ever heard that expression, “They threw everything out but the kitchen sink!”? Do you know why they didn’t throw out the kitchen sink in that saying? It is because the phrase originated when the average kitchen sink was made from cast iron. If you are unfamiliar with cast iron then you may not be aware that this is a very heavy and dense material. Simply put, a kitchen sink made from cast iron was too heavy to throw out the window!

A cast iron sink was commonly coated in enamel. Now this enamel was baked onto the cast iron so that it would not come off. If you have ever seen a damaged cast iron sink coated with enamel, then you have noticed those “brown spots” in the sink. Those brown spots are what happens when that enamel coating is broken off and the cast iron underneath is exposed to water. Naturally it, like all metals, rusts.

One of the great things about an old cast iron kitchen sink coated in enamel was that you could get them in almost any color. Although white was the most common, a wide variety of other colors were available. A lot of people matched their cabinets and counter tops with their cast iron sink.

Unfortunately, the cast iron sink is virtually a dinosaur of days past. People have opted instead for a lightweight kitchen sink made from a composite material or perhaps a solid surfacing material like some of the countertops are made out of as well. Occasionally you will see a stainless steel sink but many of the contemporary homes are built with non-metallic materials.

But a cast iron sink is an absolute classic and is a great addition to any restoration project. Vintage lake cottages look wonderful with a cast iron kitchen sink because most were equipped with one when they were new. But what do you do when you come across an old cast iron sink—especially if it has seen better days?

A fully restored and functional cast iron kitchen sink can actually add value to your home—they are that rare and coveted! If you find one that has the “brown spots” mentioned earlier or other damage to the enamel finish, there are still experts out there who specialize in resurfacing enamel and porcelain. For a fraction of what it would cost you to buy a comparable sink, a resurfacing expert can make your cast iron kitchen sink look like new.

Even if you find a cast iron sink that is impractical for your particular home, don’t throw it away! There are a number of companies that specialize in restoring cast iron sinks so don’t hesitate to jump on the web to find one in your area. Hey, they just aren’t making the classics any more so the more that can be preserved, the better!

About Ceramic Tile Kitchen Countertops

Ceramic tiles for kitchen countertops have become a must have in home buyers' kitchens.

Whether you prefer glazed, porcelain, quarry or mosaic, these tiles are versatile and come in an array of designs, colors and shapes. A design savvy look, country flair, artistic interest or upscale appearance can enhance your kitchen countertops surface that's low maintenance but high in style. Tile countertops are also a great idea for completing your kitchen renovation since tiles are not only durable but are heat resistance.

Be creative and always design your kitchen tile layout the way you like it. One interesting way to do it is to tile your backslpash. Be sure to put colorful, unique and single designs tiles in between plain fields tiles. You can do multiples of the same design tiles or each can have a different design or color. To make your kitchen come alive, use beautiful kitchen tile with attractive colors or designs. Your kitchen tile can standout or contrast, but you always want them to blend in with what you've got going on the cabinets and the floor. You do not want to get dizzy walking into your kitchen from all the "busyness."

Murals also are a nice addition for your backsplash or you can add picture, marbles or things you collect for added interest. You do not want to get dizzy walking into your kitchen from all the "busyness."

It seems though more and more home buyers are demanding granite kitchen counter tops.

Granite provides a beauty and warmth and it is ideal for aesthetic appeal in home design. Granite and its popularity are a little pricey with prices starting at 60.00 a foot installed. Although they are very popular, solid granite countertops may not be for everyone. A homeowner may not be willing to pay the price because of limitations on resale value. In situations like these you can always go to the granite tile countertops as an alternate means. The granite tile countertops are designed from the same desirable stone as the solid granite with all the desirable elements remaining the same. Granite tile countertops can withstand putting hot pots/pans on the counter. They also serve as an excellent surface for handling dough and confectionery. Granite tile countertops have such a natural beauty that compliments almost any style cabinetry. Granite tiles are very versatile and offer a wide range of ideas and options for installations. If you are not wanting to install granite tiles all over your kitchen consider doing just your island top for a focal point and conversation piece. These will make the tiles pop against the design choices you have made in your kitchen.

Granite tiles provide a great choice for the homeowners on a budget and can easily be done as a week-end project. The practicality choice of granite tile countertops can be set into any other material including laminated counter tops or solid wood. Clever design plans allow the homeowner to present their own style and taste without great expense.

The granite countertop appeal can not be compared to any other.

A Quick Guide to Kitchen Accessories

If you love to cook or if you just love gadgets, there are plenty of kitchen gadgets that you should look at.  No matter what the kitchen task, there is a very cool kitchen gadget available.  Here are some samples.

If you love mixed drinks, lattes or hot chocolate, then you need to purchase a power mixer.  These small but powerful mixers will mix the best frozen drinks, froth up milk so your latte is perfect and whip hot chocolate into a tasty treat.  Most power mixers are super small and run on batteries so you can mix either in the kitchen or on the patio.

If fried chicken or French fries are your specialty, then a deep fat fryer is the perfect gadget.  Now you can prepare great tasting fried chicken, battered shrimp or fries in just minutes.  These cool deep fat fryers are all automated, making frying super simple and without the normal mess of a frying pan.

If you love fresh bread, then you will love a bread maker.  There is nothing better to start your dinner off then fresh baked bread.  Breadmakers make your fresh bread from scratch, just add the ingredients and push a few buttons.  An hour later or so, you have delicious piping hot fresh bread.  So no matter your cooking style, check out these super cool kitchen gadgets.