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

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.

]]> http://www.affordableinteriordesigners.com/blog/2009/11/16/what-style-kitchen-are-you/feed/ 2 http://www.affordableinteriordesigners.com/blog/2009/11/10/affordable-clever-storage-solutions-for-your-kitchen/ http://www.affordableinteriordesigners.com/blog/2009/11/10/affordable-clever-storage-solutions-for-your-kitchen/#comments Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:07:20 +0000 PC Design http://www.affordableinteriordesigners.com/blog/?p=688 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.

Inspiration found through Color.

Part 5…

Trend 5: New Darks

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….

Trend 4: Treasure Trove

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.

Inspiration found through Color.

Part 3…

Trend 3: The Recycled Look

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.

Inspiration found through Color.

Part 2….

Trend 2: Femininity With A Hard Edge

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.

Part 1….

Trend 1: Nature Inspired.

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.

Fixing a “botched” Paint Job

Have you ever felt the urge to whip out a paint can and try to tackle those walls in your Living Room?  You can’t stand the current color.  You’ve chosen a few swatches from the local paint store, grabbed a few rolls of “blue” painters tape and some brushes, prepped from the paint job and slapped that paint on the wall.

1st mistake….put the tape in the wrong spot on the ceiling and pulled it off only to find that you have spots of the old color coming through because the tape wasn’t on the ceiling, but also on the wall.  UGHHH!

2nd mistake…the swatch looked great, but the color on the wall sure doesn’t.

If you put the tape in the wrong spot….fear not. They have great edging tools out there today that you can use once the tape is gone and will leave you with a crisp clean edge.available at most Walgreens.

If you feel you chose the wrong color for the wall (too dark or too light) think about adding a pearlized glaze to the painted wall.  Most paint stores have them and you can add it straight on top of the finished color.  Think about using a rag, a drag brush or even some old grocery bags to add a bit of texture when applying the glaze.  It softens the color and gives a nice depth to the walls.

check out your local Ace hardware or Home Depot for a variety. Benjamin Moore has a great variety of colored glazes to use.

Right the Wrong Floor

Do you have hard wood floors and there is a large water stain where a planter once stood?  Find a fun, small area rug to create a conversation area. Put the rug over the spot, add a small table and a floor lamp.  No one will ever now there is something under there, that shouldn’t be there.

Too Much of A Good thing….

When decorating a room…. always think of it like you do when you are getting dressed.  If you are worried about too many accessories…. Use the rule “take on off” or in this case “remove an item” from the room.  Another way is to remove all the accessories, artwork and area rugs from the area, pick out your favorite ones and start with those.  Remember…. You don’t have to use everything!  Put the other items away or see if there is another area in the home that is lacking and see if the items will work there.

Layers of Lighting

The classic lighting goof is trying to make one or two lights do all the work in a room. Luckily a goof  is easily fixed. Add three-way lamps (with 150- watt, not 60-watt, bulbs) to tables and dimmer switches to overhead lights. Add accent lighting to a plant or painting. What you want is light coming from several places and directions.  It’s that mix of directions that’s visually interesting.” Of course, the first step is to know what you want to see .

A Piece of the Past

Bringing in something new, heirloom or not, can be tricky at best, a sore thumb at worst. Don’t just add one new thing to a space. Add accents that complement it. For instance, with this antique china cabinet, think not of it having to be in the Dining Room if it doesn’t work.  Use it in the Foyer or in a hallway.  Pick a color that you want to use as an accent from it and accessorize the piece to coordinate.  That’s easy to do without breaking the budget.

Musical Furniture

The new sofa and chairs arrive and you hate them. Before you relegate them to your next garage sale, try a little rearranging, right into the next room, if necessary . It changes your mindset. Maybe the room’s off balance, the furniture’s too far apart or one piece is out of scale with the rest (i.e., the heirloom bookcase). The best arrangement is a U-shape made with a sofa and two chairs. “The worst is the L-shape with a sofa and loveseat. 

Add a bit of YOU to That Trendy Look

You’ve opted for the ethnic, bohemian look that’s all the rage, but now your living room looks like a ’60s dorm room, or a page out of a catalog. What to do? People try too hard to create a statement. They think Bohemian’s laid back and so they buy the look, the sound, the smell. That’s a big faux pas. A little bit of bohemian adds a nice ambiance, but then pull in pieces from your past, like old photos.  Design is about personality. Pull something of yourself into the space. That’s how you set it apart.

Think of walls as a blank canvas

There may be nothing wrong with your furniture. Your walls may be closing in on you. Sometimes people have art hanging on every inch of space, even tiny walls. But you have to pick and choose. In the winter, put up black and white photos, in the summer pastels. But don’t feel compelled to hang everything. Otherwise your eyes have no place to rest.

Rules to live by

Most designers can’t even get their minds wrapped around hiding mistakes because they are so bent on preventing them in the first place. Below they come up with a list of sure-fire ways to minimize post-decorating moans.

• Proceed slowly. You’ve just moved to a new apartment and haven’t decided on your color scheme . Instead of a hasty decision you might regret, opt to slipcover two new chairs in inexpensive white duck cloth. You can dye them or paint them with fabric paint and have some fun. Eventually, upholster them, but now take the time to decide what colors and fabric you want. 
• Make a plan. This is perhaps as close to a mantra as decorators get. If you have no organized plan, you will soon have a collection of garage sale items.   You need a floor plan and a color scheme . Then you can shop the sales and pick up quality pieces. Keep a “What I love” notebook. Tear out magazine pictures of rooms you love. Start a “favorite things” box that includes materials, pictures, wallpaper, even cards you’re drawn to. 
• Get some help. You don’t need a professional to decorate the whole thing. But have a designer come to your home for two hours to make some suggestions. They may suggest things you haven’t thought of: a new conversation area, a different traffic pattern, how you can use the room .

For more tips visit www.affordableinteriordesigners.com or email pcdesign@mac.com

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