Bookshelves….. aren’t just for Books.

Bookcases come in all shapes, sizes AND uses….

Built-in, Custom and Free-standing bookcases are multi-functional pieces of furniture; and aren’t just for books anymore!

Bookcases anymore should be considered a visual piece of art unto themselves.  They create atmosphere, personality, contrast, and visual pleasure; amongst other things.

From wall mounted bookshelves

To Free-standing bookshelves

To Custom-built-in’s

Bookshelves give the ability to represent past, present and even….future.

They offer harmony to a room’s decor, character in an old home, and function in modern design.  Bookshelves can also act as a piece of ART…

Whether you color coordinate your books…

add a Modern Flair….

Incorporate…

Or use a traditional item…. in a non-traditional way.

Styles range from Modern…

To transitional…

To traditional…

You can use a bookshelf as a station for your home office.

As a piece of furniture to sit back and read.

In your Living Room as an entertainment storage bookcase with a 2-in-1 fabric cover/projection screen.

and…Bookshelves can be used to for traditional purposes such as displaying; art, photograph’s, collectibles, lighting and foliage.

For more information on how to incorporate bookcases into YOUR design…. Contact pcdesign@mac.com.

What Style Kitchen are you?

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.

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Affordable, Clever Storage solutions for your 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