WHAT’S YOUR KITCHEN PERSONALITY?
Industrial?…Eclectic?…French Country?…Traditional?
Unsure???? Take this quiz to find out more…..Take the Kitchen Style Quiz by HGTV
Does this give you an idea of how your kitchen best suits you? Was it completely opposite of what you thought you would like? Are you still confused?
Take a look at some great Kitchens below and see which one catches your eye. Sometimes, your style isn’t what it seems.
Traditional
Traditional kitchens lend toward heavily wooded cabinetry & flooring. A Classical or Formal sense ties the design together and incorporates many aspects from other countries depending on your tastes.
Light mixed with darks are used to play off one another. Large scaled items, faux painting (including pastoral scenes) are often found. Leather, patterned heavy weight upholstery and grand lighting are often found as well. Appliances, often stainless (Depending on the budget) are used to give an updated feel to the kitchen.
Contemporary
Think sleek!!! Contemporary Kitchens are very popular in lofts, modern homes and city living homes. They are clean with no visible clutter on cabinetry. Many gadgets are often apart of this design theme, with hidden pop-up storage, slide out appliance stations and invisible lighting. Sleek surfaces (reminiscent) of gourmet Restaurants are used as a base idea incorporating, unique design shapes to the are (space allowing).
Cabinetry is typically white, black or an accent color and made of Formica or other laminate or solid surface. Rarely do they include wood. Think sleek!!!
Urban
Urban kitchens can incorporate many different styles, but always contains an open feel to the design. Surfaces range from stainless, granite, wood, corian or Eco-products. Space is limited, so maximizing storage is key. Stainless is almost always incorporated to give that “urban” feel as well as high-tech accents. Kitchens most often flow into other rooms of the “urban loft” theme so incorporating those elements is key.
Transitional
Think Pottery Barn. Transitional is that middle style that incorporates others. Don’t think eclectic, that would be mixing many styles together and that is not what is represented. Transitional is simple, with design elements that aren’t over the top. Sometimes a simple style, with little accents of character. You will find wood floors, painted or un-painted wood cabinetry, wrought iron, stainless appliances, wicker, little incorporation of a variety of colors and a few well placed greenery to soften the look of the area. There are no cold, or sharp looking items. It is a very welcoming environment with a few whimsical things placed here and there.
Industrial
When you think of industrial, think of any large Restaurant kitchen with stainless appliances and counters, clean, free of accessories, discreet lighting.
Very little things “cluttering” up the design of the area. You may find two colors, possible with a third as an accent.
It does give a very cold feel to the area, but that design is very popular in Contemporary design, or chef’s designing their own kitchens to be reminiscent of the one’s they cook in for a living.
IKEA Kitchen’s ” in-a-box”
Ikea has become a one stop shop for all. When you live in a home and are looking to update the kitchen for a very low cost with a contemporary/modern look…. Ikea is your spot. You can customize your kitchen with what you need and then have them or to save money, you can install this your self. It is a tedious project, but affordable and has many options to create a fun kitchen for your home.
Tags: Advice, Budget Design, cabinetry, contemporary kitchen, countertops, Decorate on a budget, Design Styles, design trends, Do's & Don'ts, hgtv, home depot, Home makeover, ideas for kitchens, ikea kitchen, inexpensive tips, Interior Design, kitchen personality, kitchen styles, Lighting, lowe's, modern kitchen, styles of kitchens, traditional kitchen
Great Storage ideas for Kitchens lacking space.
Are you looking for creative ways to maximize storage in your Kitchen? The following will, helpfully, give you some ideas or lead you to some of your own. And, btw… feel free to share if you have a few!
Utilize windowsills and corners to tuck away small appliances and other kitchen essentials.
Baskets are an inexpensive, attractive solution for storing like items; plus, they’re portable.
For quick access to dinnerware, install a plate rack. It’s an ideal solution, especially if you have a pretty plate collection.
Recycle for storage! Make your own cubbies or utensil holder by using empty aluminum canned good containers. To make your own, take a close look at the canned goods in your grocery store, or personalize cans with your children’s artwork for an Eco-friendly storage solution. Other options are; Contact Paper, Decorative Paper from a local craft store, Paint, Beads, Labels, Photo’s and more….. Remember when you finish to put a clear coat of Varnish over the top to ensure a long lasting container.
Built-in bookcases in a kitchen will always be filled. They are great to house your Cookbook collections, Display your children’s Artwork or even Store everyday used appliances in an easily accessible location.
Neatly stacked dishes behind glass cabinet doors make a lovely design statement at the end of the island and simplify setting the table.
If you’d like a place to store wine within easy reach, opt for an island with a pre-fabricated wine rack built-in one end. It keeps the bottles tucked away and looks fabulous.
When you’re designing custom cabinets, remember that you don’t have to choose a door or drawer front to complete the look. Sometimes, Architectural materials such as Columns or Decorative End Caps can be used on small pull out cabinets for spices, oils, etc… that might be handy to have next to the Range.
Tags: Add new tag, baskets, Budget Design, Decorate on a budget, ideas for kitchens, ikea kitchen, inexpensive tips, Interior Design, kitchen storage, storage, storage options
With an overwhelming response to last weeks blog….here are some more “affordable” tips to revitalize your home for Spring & Summer.
Give your windows a temporary face-lift:
If you have “layers” on your windows (panels and sheers), take the panels off and give an airy feel to your space with simple sheers, allowing light to flood in and give a beachy feel to your home.
from heavy…
to breezy.
Lighten up your bedding by removing the heavy comforter and adding a light weight blanket or coverlet that highlights a brighter or “sunnier” color from the comforter. If it’s a solid, find something with a pattern or floral with bright “Juicey” colors to change things up.
Change out the pillows on your sofa….
Remove these dark wintery pillows….
and add these bold, beautiful Summer pillows.
Accessorize with clear glass bowls with floating candles, white vases with a single brightly colored flower and bring the outdoors…in. Flowers, reeds of grass, cattails, single bud flowers, floating magnolia’s and potted Gerber daisy’s. Anything will work as long as it doesn’t give the feel of being too heavy.
For the kitchen:
Change out dish towels, soap containers, table linens, centerpieces, chair pads and wall display to something light and lively.
hang these on the wall for a summery change.
For additional ideas email pcdesign@mac.com or visit www.affordableinteriordesigners.com
Tags: Advice, Budget Design, Decorate on a budget, Do's & Don'ts, Home, Home Improvements, Home makeover, inexpensive tips, interior, Interior Design, Interior design style, Interior Design Tips, modern design
Follow these tips to create a good home environment and making everyday life easier.
1. Home Interiors are ALWAYS a work in progress.
Keep things fresh and loose by changing things up. Perfection stifles creativity. No, one item, has a specific place.
Change out pillow covers on your sofa or in your Guest Room in the Spring and Fall (or anything else movable and easy to store for the season).
In the winter…use candles for a warm feel; and in the spring….use fresh flowers to bring the outside in.
2. A home isn’t a Museum.
Use every room for fun and gathering. If you have a room that is only used for special occasions (maybe 6-10 times per year), what do you use it for for the other 340 days?
3. Don’t over accessorize..
Follow the rule for getting dressed…. get completely dressed, then, take one item off. A space with too many items in it will look cluttered and junky…even with the most expensive of items on display.
4. SURPRISE!
Just like when you are looking in a store and you turn the corner and see a great display….that’s a surprise.
Add spontaneous items out in the open. If you are working with a neutral palette in a room, add one bold, unique looking item that will make someone say “WOW” and people will take notice.
5. Don’t think in terms of Feminine and Masculine.
Stay away from overly ruffled items, bows and too much lace. Think in terms of “soft” or “glamorous” when wanting something a little more girly.
6. When shopping for furnishings….
It doesn’t matter where it came from, YOU, just have to love what your living with.
7. Fabulous Finds.
In today’s world of “Going Green” recycled items are a must. If a friend offers something to you, that they are tired of, do a trade and (provided they don’t want the item back) re-purpose it to coordinate with your interiors or add a “WOW” spot to your home. ANYTHING old….can become new again!
Wood floor planks to Wine Rack.
Toothbrushes as wall hooks for kids.
Old armoire turned game center.
8. Think outside of the box.
Think of all the business out there and what the possibilities there products hold. Download a picture you like online and cut-out a pattern to create your own stencil. Go to a tile store and ask for their discarded or damage products (some will be greatly discounted, others might even be free) and revamp an old side table you are looking to spiff up. There are tons of mosaic ideas online. Go to a produce company and ask for their fruit crates and create vintage storage containers. Use wide, colored tape, to create stripes on the walls in a small area .
Old milk jug...turn to table base or bird bath.
Industrial Coils turned barstools.
9. Party in a Closet.
Impromptu party? Keep everything you need stored (and organized) in a closet. Bar napkins, containers of peanuts, cups, plates, candles, wine and more. You don’t want to have to run out and shop at the last minute before entertaining. When you start running low, replenish.
10. You get what you pay for.
This is tried and true! When you find good people to work with, make it worth their while and yours. It will reflect in the work and maybe…get it done sooner, rather than later. And by the way…don’t forget to tell them how much you appreciate them….It goes a looooooooooooooong way!
Want to find out more? Visit: www.affordableinteriordesigners.com.
Tags: Add new tag, Advice, Affordable, Budget Design, Budget interior design, Decorate on a budget, Do's & Don'ts, Home, Home Improvements, Home makeover, inexpensive tips, Interior Design, Interior Design Tips
High End Furniture Look, on a Tight Budget.
High-End Furniture furniture makers aren’t swayed by the Economy today, but the average furniture buyers are.
Here is an example of taking a Designer look and re-creating it, at an affordable price!
Barbara Barry Collection High-End Collection Discount “Look-a-like” Collection
Approximate Cost $28,000 Approximate Cost $3000
Wow!!! A $25,000 price difference and the look is practically identical. And most of the items in the “look-a-like” side are shipped free as well.
Wouldn’t you like to makeover your home with a High-End Designer look for a fraction of the price? Any look is reproducible………
Contact PC Design LLC at pcdesign@mac.com.
Tags: Advice, budget decorating, Budget Design, cheap but chic, cheap decorating, cheap interior design, Decorate on a budget, Design on a dime, Home makeover, inexpensive furniture, inexpensive tips, Interior Design, Interior design style, reproduce a furniture look, repurpose
