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| discount: 75% | regular price:$200 |
| discount: 75% | regular price:$200 |
A very affordable update is to replace your cabinet’s hardware with one of today’s popular options: vintage-look glass, burnished bronze, antiqued copper, pewter and shiny or matte nickel. This simple change can make dated cabinets look new. Tip: To ensure that new pulls and knobs match the existing holes, remove one of each type and take them with you when shopping.
Sink faucets have come a long way in recent years. Current models offer detachable sprayers, hidden soap or lotion dispensers and touch-sensitive, knob-free operation. Faucets also come in a wide variety of finishes and styles, from formal Victorian to ultra modern, making it easy to coordinate the faucet with your home’s decor.
Painting your existing cabinets is an inexpensive update that even a newbie DIYer can handle. Some sandpaper, paintbrushes and a few gallons of primer and paint are all you need to give your kitchen a fresh, new look.
Every kitchen could use more storage. This cleverly concealed drawer provides the perfect place to keep cooking necessities within easy reach of the stove. Built-in storage like this can be a costly addition. To keep costs down, check your local hardware store for pull-out storage kits and drawer organizers that will fit your existing cabinets.
In addition to improving the overall look, the right lighting also makes a kitchen more functional and appear larger. Brighten up by adding under-counter illumination, task lighting above work surfaces and ambient lighting, such as recessed lights. This kitchen uses all three to great effect.
Adding a tile backsplash, even trendy glass tile, is a relatively simple DIY project. Many home improvement and tile supply stores offer free, hands-on classes to teach you the basics.
New flooring can change the feel of your kitchen. Hardwoods lend a warm, traditional look while natural stone, such as marble or travertine, adds a polished vibe. This kitchen mixes the two for a modern finish.
An island provides additional cabinets, a handy location for a sink or stove and the perfect spot for a casual meal or keeping an eye on the kids while they finish up homework. This cottage-style kitchen beautifully combines vintage-style details with a modern, open-concept layout.
Appliances are more than just your kitchen’s workhorse, they also add to the overall look. Professional-grade stainless steel continues to be the most desirable. Also hot are retro-look appliances from the ’20s – ’50s.
Replacing the kitchen cabinets offers a great opportunity to customize them based on your lifestyle. This built-in hutch and buffet provides an attractive space for displaying treasured dishware in the glass-front cabinets while the countertop below can be used as a buffet when entertaining.
If your budget allows, a complete kitchen remodel is the way to go. New flooring, electrical, cabinets and plumbing allows the opportunity to create a more functional layout. Although it can be costly, removing walls separating the kitchen from adjacent living spaces is a popular option for those desiring an open floor plan.
http://www.hgtv.com/kitchens/kitchen-updates-for-any-budget/pictures/index.html?nl=HGDeco_v065_60
To read more stories related to this article by HGTV.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Part 5…
Last year, black was the big colour for interiors. This year, the New Dark’s signal a bold move away from the hard, dull greys and blacks towards a softer, palette that is accented by bright, vibrant hues. Purples, blues and blacks take centre stage but texture is also a consideration. Patent and lacquered finishes contrast with smoky, matte metals and velvety fabrics. What is created is both dramatic and beautiful. Lots of texture and a more subtle scheme than from the above is used.
Living room
Choose a dominant piece of furniture, such as a sofa, in the dark, dramatic shade that encapsulates this look, but use lighter, toning shades for the walls. Not every home or room suits dark colors – and if you spend a lot of time in a room during the day, you might want to choose lighter colors for walls and floors to make the room feel bright and spacious. Ask yourself if you liked to be “hugged” by the room or feel as if you could see for miles???
Bedroom
This look is perfect for a posh bedroom. Rich colors and soft natural fabrics create a cushy feel and warmth to keep you warm at night. Do be careful to not go too dark, unless you have lots of natural light, to make sure the room does not create a “depressing” atmosphere.
In the end, when designing and decorating for your home, decide the overall feel and concept you would like to achieve and pull-out lots of pictures to show your Designer to make sure you are all on the same page.
Happy Decorating!!!!
Part 4….
We all have our own personal treasures that we want to display in our homes. They usually take the form of furniture, fabrics, paintings and objects that have been passed down through generations, as well as vintage clothes and objects found on holiday or when browsing in antique markets. These are the things that we want to preserve and admire. Intense, deep colours such as opulent gold, rich burgundy and bold teal; lavish and glittering, concealing our keepsakes and priceless pieces. It’s a colour palette that forms the backdrop to our own treasure and is guaranteed to bring out the inner magpie in all of us. Not ideal for every room in a home, but great in Living Rooms, Studies and Guest Bedrooms.
Living Room
Reminiscent of an old Country Manor. Alternates to the heavy wood paneling on the walls could be paint in a deep chocolate brown to make it cozy, or a pale yellow-green to make it feel brighter and more spacious.
Bedroom
Deep earthy shades are ideal for a bedroom due to the mood the room transcends. The result? A welcoming space that you’ll feel relaxed and cozy in.
Part 3…
Head out to your favorite flea-market or vintage store and rummage through to find pieces to compliment your design. Whether edgy, subtle, minimalist, cluttered or over the top, you are sure to find that… “one person’s trash is another’s treasure”.
Living Room
What’s good about this look? Essentially, its eclecticism and its eco-friendly attributes. What it’s telling you… get yourself down the local antiques/junk arcade and rummage…
Bedroom
So, rummaging isn’t your thing? The key… choose a dominating colour that has a faded look, furniture that isn’t the same style, and think out-of-the-box for placement. Take this room as a great example. The bed is upholstered in a dove grey, while the throw’s colour is a faded version of the bedside table. The bedside table itself doesn’t match the rest of the room, and is really a side table, yet it works within the room because it’s colour ties into the beds throw.
Kitchen
Ideal for a kitchen, simply choose units painted in faded shades, recycled worktops (like Cork/ Bamboo/ recycled stainless), rustic style tiles (mismatched/ hand-painted/ vintage) , match it with furniture that’s recycled rather than brand new and, finally, pick wall colours to complement, adding splashes of bolder shades in accessories.
Part 2….
This is a more dynamic trend, which includes pretty yet powerful colours, from their palest to most dramatic shades. Think of peonies that burst into colourful life and then slowly reduce in intensity as they fade. Imagine delicate whispers of texture from vintage lace and silk, offset by hard modern ceramics and metals. You could sum it up as femininity with a tough edge. While not ideal for every room in the home, this does work best in living rooms and bedrooms.
Paint Colours
It might be that you choose a white or pale green background colour for your walls, then add a touch of ‘wow!’ with stronger shades of the accent colour like, raspberry or periwinkle with accessories and soft furnishings. This scheme does not need to be dramatic, if you want something easier to live with, try something a little more understated.
Wallpaper
Just as choosing a paint color can be difficult and tiresome between a man and a woman…ditto for wallpaper! Go for soft, feminine shades as a base, add sharper (or more masculine) tones to pep up the scheme.
Living Room
This room, with all the tendencies of a more feminine room; also, sways toward the masculine with the finishes and shape. Find this look a little heavy? Keep the wallpaper, but swap it for a lighter colourway and change the flooring to a pale, soft carpet…
Bedroom
The idea of a pale lilac bedroom would turn most men’s stomachs, but this one is edging into grey, while the contrasting colour – mustard yellowy green is a fabulous foil for the walls soft tones. Add to that the contrast of white furnishings with a single high gloss black piece and you’ve got femininity, masculinity, light and dark all in one space. Brilliant.
What a relief for lovers of neutral color schemes – everyone agrees this year that understated room schemes inspired by nature will be one of the strong trends for 2009. Designer’s have been inspired this year by everything from rich ochre colors to the simple beachfront homes with bleached cream wooden shutters, weathered and worn woods, and stones in warm hues, punctuated by cooler tones of blues and greens to create a natural balance of colour and texture that is warm and embracing.
Elements of the natural world have also inspired Wallpaper palettes such as this colour palette and is combined with flame red for an injection of vibrancy. Combine the ever popular greens with fresh yellow’s and add a touch of raspberry and mint green for a unique combination.
Being “Eco-Conscious” or “Green” is a deciding factor for many when decorating. In 2009, the will be slightly more subtle. With people moving less frequently, look for fresh and bright to become increasingly more important. Expect to see “New-Neutrals” take root, as the year continues.
Natural tones will also be an enduring popular choice for furniture, with wall colours being chosen to echo the tones of the upholstery.
Living Room
Inspired by nature doesn’t have to mean “No” color in a living room ! You can choose anything from deep dark browns to rich ochres, mustard yellows, pale greens and blues. When incorporating patterns… using something light and airy as opposed to heavily patterned choices creates a visually pleasing environment.
Bedrooms
Natural schemes doesn’t mean feminine and traditional – you can give a nod to the trend within a contemporary scheme too, as in this bedroom. Combine wood panelled wardrobes or walls with natural floor coverings and furniture in woody tones, and add texture with throws and cushions in deep earthy shades. Combine with a bold accent color to add a “Punch” to the area.
Kitchens
When making selections for your kitchen in the Natural trend, think sensibly and long term. Walls can always be painted and Accent your Kitchen with unique objects such as lighting, accessories, rugs, stools and window treatments to add flair….
Dining Room
This is a particularly good look to go for in your dining room. And, if your dining room is part of your kitchen area -like in an open plan – a Neutral scheme is a must to create a relaxed and cohesively calm space.
Kids’ Room
Design a neutral scheme for a kids’ room is easy and sustainable for the long-term (not having to change the scheme every few years is easy for the wallet as well). So, whether you’ve got a baby or a teenager, hit this trend in a big way…
Bathroom
Space is always a factor, but any bathroom can be given the natural touch easily. When looking for a new bathroom cabinet, choose one in real wood. Flooring, choose a natural stone. Wall tile, choose something light and airy with some visual texture. On a budget? Paint the walls a soft shade of green or blue.
