
Laminate wood cabinets, butcher-block countertops, split-pea green appliances: it was all modern at some point. The kitchen is perhaps the most important selling feature of the home, and one of the areas that goes out of style about... Read More »
If you are faced with a small kitchen, don’t be discouraged. You’re not confined to microwave dinners for the duration of your stay in your house. There are many small, compact appliances and fixtures specially designed for tiny... Read More »
When planning your kitchen remodel, you will likely hear of the term "butler's pantry." Butler's pantries originated in the late 19th century and were used for extra storage of dishes and food. They were normally located just off of... Read More »
Most homeowners consider their kitchen the center for socializing and entertaining rather than their living or dining room. When looking at remodeling their existing kitchen, most people want to implement environmentally friendly materials... Read More »
The kitchen probably contains more energy draining fixtures and appliances than any other room in the house. If planning a renovation project, why not create a space that is as energy efficient and as healthy of an environment as possible? The... Read More »
Oh, the clutter! There are few things that put a damper on your motivation like a disorganized working space. Do you feel like you spend half of your time just trying to control the mess? If you’ve had enough, here are some helpful... Read More »
Is your kitchen in need of a makeover? Are you looking to spice it up with a dash of color? Well, some of the following ideas may just be the ingredients needed to infuse your kitchen with flavor.Begin with evaluating the overall style... Read More »
At first thought, the idea of a kitchen office doesn’t sound too appealing. But on second thought, there are many benefits to having a kitchen office, especially if set up correctly.Having an office space in your kitchen allows you... Read More »
A large kitchen is definitely an asset to any home, and utilizing all of the extra space is a fun problem to face. The kitchen tends to be a popular gathering spot for friends and family at some point throughout the day, and the more... Read More »
Just as white appliances were popular throughout the nineties, stainless appliances are now the modern choice. But how about a completely stainless kitchen, including cabinets and countertopping?The thought of a completely stainless... Read More »
There is a vast array of faucet designs for the homeowner to choose from, and perhaps one of the most graceful is the waterfall collection. Just the name conjures up a pleasant picture of the peace and tranquility of a cascading waterfall.... Read More »
Whether you’re enjoying a cup of coffee on a rainy day, listening to your family’s happy chatter, or cooking up a romantic evening for two, the kitchen has become one of the focal points of the home. If you’re planning a kitchen... Read More »
There are many options for kitchen countertopping, including stainless steel, granite, tile, and concrete. Laminates are an inexpensive and attractive alternative to these more expensive choices. Basic and refined, laminates are an... Read More »
Shopping for a new range hood shouldn’t be too hard, right? Once you begin researching range hoods, you’ll be amazed at all of the new features, styles, and designs. With such a vast variety available, determining which one is... Read More »
Adding an island to a kitchen is a wonderful way to utilize extra space or create some much-needed workspace. Islands can be small and portable, or large and elaborate.Sometimes, you just need a bit more elbow room to spread out and... Read More »
For the homeowner, most every project follows the same course of events: awe and amazement as the demolition begins, studied interest as the facelift or re-build ensues. There is slight impatience or frustration as obstacles and... Read More »
The kitchen has become the central gathering location for friends and family within the home, rapidly gaining on the family room. Moreover, it is listed as the number one selling feature when marketing your home. Therefore, cabinet design,... Read More »
Before moving into the kitchen for a look at how to conserve energy, let's take a look at the topic of home energy saving in general. "The most effective strategy for improving household energy efficiency is to first target your... Read More »
The kitchen is usually the place people gather when family and friends come together; this makes comfort and function important to the room. But if the kitchen is your second home, so to speak, because you love cooking, baking, or... Read More »
During the hot summer months, when oven and range are used as little as possible, kitchens often serve primarily as a center for preparing cool, crunchy basics. They're also the gateway to outdoor decks and patios. But now, with... Read More »
Your kitchen is probably the main room of your home, even more so then the living room or den. You would like to give it a face-lift or even a major overhaul, but how can you live without your kitchen for long? Here are a few dos and... Read More »
Are your dishes scattered around the kitchen? Glasses by the refrigerator, silverware by the stove, bowls next to the sink? Is it taking too long to unload the dishwasher because nothing is near it? Or is your kitchen... Read More »
Over recent years, the trend in kitchen sinks has been towards large, single bowl sinks instead of traditional sinks with two sides divided by a separation wall in the middle. The standard double bowl sink has a drain in either... Read More »
Ceiling fans are common in many rooms of the house, but the kitchen is not generally one of them. Most kitchens are equipped with exhaust fans, which are installed directly in the ceiling above the range, or built into range hoods.... Read More »
Butcher block was invented in the late 1800s in response to the needs of butchers for a strong, sanitary working surface that could be thoroughly cleaned and withstand the rigors of a butcher's work. It was discovered that end-grain... Read More »
The U-shape – or horseshoe-shape – is one of the most versatile configurations for the small- to medium-sized kitchen. Often, the fourth side of one of these kitchens is a pass-through from the back door into the rest of the... Read More »
In the far northern Scandinavian countries, wintertime is one of long, long nights and cold, cold weather. With these environmental conditions, it's no wonder that many Scandinavian kitchens are warm, colorful, and bright. In some... Read More »
If you are planning a kitchen remodel, you are faced with multiple decisions that can become a bit overwhelming. The good news is that there are multiple fascinating materials and products available for kitchens these days, and... Read More »
Kitchen remodels are full of big choices, many of which revolve around appliances. The biggest choice of all often regards which type of oven range to choose. There are two types of oven installations: standalone ranges and wall... Read More »
We stand in the midst of a technological revolution unprecedented in our nation's history. From computers to appliances, new innovations are released on an almost daily basis. So if you are planning or even considering a kitchen... Read More »
When a friend recently asked me what I thought of concrete countertops, I was sure she was joking. All I could picture was Fred and Wilma Flintstone’s house. But then, of course, I got curious… Concrete countertops, it turns... Read More »
If there were an awards gala for kitchen features, then oven ranges, refrigerators and dishwashers would be on the edge of their seat every year. Granite would most certainly be in the hall of fame and oak cabinets would receive... Read More »
In the last 15 or so years, the rules regarding refrigerators have changed dramatically. Since then, efficiency regulations have gradually tightened to the point that the difference between a modern energy saving refrigerator and... Read More »
It’s only natural that since moms and dads spend so much time in the kitchen, curious little tykes spend a lot of time there, too. Unfortunately, though, curious little minds can lead to some dangerous situations, which is why... Read More »
Depending on the design, even the most spacious kitchens can feel like cramped quarters. So what can you do? Are you destined to live your life like a sardine every time you have to cook a meal? No way, Jose! All you need are a... Read More »
You have 10 seconds to add the chili powder or the universe is going to implode. You frantically tear apart your silverware drawer, cursing to yourself at whoever unloaded the dishwasher last because you can’t locate the one spoon... Read More »
Is your home too small for a dining set? Guess again! The Fusion Table from Ikea is a great space-saving table for apartment dwellers. The table and chairs are a match in every sense, from their dark ash wood veneer to the curves... Read More »
Budgeting for a kitchen remodeling project is not an easy task. You’ve got appliances, fixtures, construction materials and labor costs to estimate. Plus, there’s a wide cost variance between different types of material and... Read More »
If you’re even toying with the idea of remodeling your kitchen, there’s never a better time to start planning your construction project than now. While the saying might indicate that the best laid plans often go astray, I assure... Read More »
Kitchens are like fingerprints - no two are exactly alike. There are, however, a few basic layouts that many kitchen plans seem to fall into: the galley kitchen, the L-shaped kitchen and the U-shaped kitchen. There are several advantages... Read More »
Okay, so you’ve got a kitchen full of Energy Star appliances, bamboo floors, recycled glass countertops, walls splashed with milk paint (that you didn’t cry over when you spilled) and lots of natural light flooding in to help... Read More »
Granite paint lends your kitchen remodel an upscale appearance at a low-budget price. Thomas’s Liquid Granite covers any existing burns or stains, transforming the surface into a shiny, realistic Sicilian granite countertop. The... Read More »
Ask me if my kitchen is organized and I’ll tell you, yes - at least until you open my pantry. Now that thing is a mess of strange canned concoctions that have since morphed into new and deadly food species. So, even though I’m... Read More »
In a world where Hollywood seems to be out of original ideas and the fashion industry appears to be recycling old looks more than creating new ones, how many times have you been able to look at an item and think, “Wow! I’ve... Read More »
For the fast-track lifestyle and on-the-go meals, indispensables come down to a George Foreman Grill (and Griddle if you slow down once in a while), a coffeemaker if you drink the stuff and a toaster or toaster oven. Most countertops... Read More »
It’s almost a classic case of accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative, except sometimes your only hope is to hide the negative. Here are some actions you can take to make your kitchen a better place to be.#1 - Put Your... Read More »
Soapstone is a metamorphic rock that’s been a carving stone for thousands of years now. Resistant to water and chemicals, soapstone doesn’t burn or stain. And this stuff will last a lifetime - even under water. So should it surprise... Read More »
Old-fashioned dining rooms are classic, stylish and nice and all, but just don’t fit with the personal style of so many people I know, including myself. Why would you want a formal dining room that doesn’t mesh with your tastes,... Read More »
I’m not sure which is more beautiful – these artisan-crafted, hand-hammered copper sinks or the story of how they came to be. Naomi Neilson Howard, the founder of California-based Native Trails, caught the fever for blending... Read More »
If there’s a room where illumination is most important, the kitchen takes the spotlight. And with energy efficiency on the front burner, long-lasting bulbs should be your top priority. What is there to consider when choosing the... Read More »
When we’re in our kitchens cooking over $1,200 electric radiant cooktops, half the world is still slaving over open fires. And whether you know it or not, the pollution and deforestation associated with rural cooking affects all... Read More »
Remodeling your kitchen doesn’t have to mean $20,000 spent on all new materials, weeks (or even months) without the use of your kitchen, or a massive, dusty mess making its way through the rest of your home.The simple fact is that... Read More »
If 2010 is your year for the big kitchen remodel, you’re in luck. It’s a great year to do a kitchen makeover, because there are some current trends sweeping the industry and giving fresh life to kitchen design. Here are three trends... Read More »
What a cute fruit, veggie, and herb container is this “Cocoon” invention by Mans Salomonsen. And it’s functional, too. Made of clay, the water given off by your produce keeps it cool. Drop some colorful farmer’s market picks... Read More »
Junk Drawers No MoreIf you were a potato masher, where would you be? I find myself asking this question more than I’d like to admit. The problem is a common one: clutter and chaos in the cabinets. Kitchen organization is essential... Read More »
Are you a sucker for streamlined design and sleek surfaces? Do restaurant kitchens make you giddy? Then you may need to forgo that granite for a rendezvous with stainless steel. With cutting-edge organizational... Read More »
A granite lover’s guide to quick maintenanceWhile granite countertops may be perfect for that classic kitchen appeal, they also mean a little added headache when it comes to cleaning. But don’t worry, we’ve done our... Read More »
Although my time in the kitchen is severely limited to defrosting and reheating, I can always appreciate those awesome gadgets that help bring a bit of style into this room. They almost make me want to channel Julia Child... Read More »
Isn't this the cutest thing? I can't imagine this being on my table without it garnering lots of comments and compliments. A little terrarium filled with tiny glass pebbles and miniscule greenery is a great conversation piece that... Read More »
If poor lighting is your excuse for not fully utilizing your kitchen, then you may need to find a better one. Eddie Cohen of Design Light, Inc. has some excellent tips for shining light on those neglected kitchen work spaces –... Read More »
You want to have those quality culinary moments with your family, watching the perfectly-formed scones rise in your oven as your kids squeal in delight. But when you’re a working mom or dad, real life doesn’t always allow for... Read More »
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