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Archive for the ‘Kitchen Counter’ Category

Aug-9-10

Kitchen Backsplashes

posted by Kitchen & Bathroom Designer

Kitchen Backsplashes

Kitchen-Backsplashes

Backsplashes have an important job to do.

A functional and visually pleasing backsplash should be high on your list of priorities for any new kitchen.

However, you shouldn’t start planning how you want your backsplash to look until you’ve picked out the countertops for your new kitchen design. A backsplash sits on the countertop and to create a tasteful design, you need to know what will work best with the material you’ve chosen.

If you don’t like the idea of having two independent materials for your countertop and backsplash, you can of course use the same one for both. Although using one material can create a very sleek finish, it doesn’t make a feature of the backsplash, which traditionally is an important factor of a kitchen design.

We’ve got more information and useful articles on kitchen backsplash design listed below.

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May-26-10

Kitchen Cabinets

posted by Kitchen & Bathroom Designer

Cabinets are the heart of a kitchen’s organization and the key contributor to its appearance. Hundreds if not thousands of styles are made from a broad range of materials: fine hardwoods, laminates, veneers, painted particleboard, and more.

From the highest quality models to the bottom-of-the-line units, all cabinets have one thing in common: Fundamentally, they’re boxes.Some of the boxes stand on the floor and are capped with countertops while others hang from the walls. Some are fitted with doors and shelves; others hold drawers or other specialty accessories.

A kitchen-cabinet system is made up from several separate units, joined together side-by-side. Base cabinets may have drawers, doors, shelves, or pull-outs, or a combination of these. Plumbing bases have no shelves or drawers, reserving the space for a sink and plumbing. Upper wall cabinets offer storage above counters and appliances.
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May-19-10

How to Create a Mosaic Countertop

posted by Kitchen & Bathroom Designer

How to Create a Mosaic Countertop

You have been planning your kitchen redesign. You have looked through magazines and watched the home improvement and home decorating shows on television. You saw a simply fabulous kitchen redesign using mosaic tiles to create a pattern on a countertop. You want to do the same. You can do it yourself in a few easy steps.Mosaic Countertop

A mosaic is a decorative design created by setting small colored pieces of tile into a setting such as a countertop. The first thing you want to do is visit a tile shop and look at the tiles and colors that are available. Take some time to research what you want to do. You can find books in the library on creating tile countertops with mosaics. Since you are using tiles for your entire countertop, you will want to buy tiles in the size you need for the major area and complementary colored tiles for the mosaic area. Sketch your idea on a piece of paper before you go shopping. Measure your countertop. The salesperson as the tile store can help to determine how many tiles you will need for your major surface and how much you should purchase to create your mosaic.Mosaic Countertop

mosaic-countertop.jpgMosaic Countertop

Sketch your pattern onto the surface where you will lay the tiles. Since you are creating a mosaic you want to break up the tiles you will use for it. The easy way to do this is to wrap the tiles in a towel and hit them with a hammer.

You will need small pieces for your mosaic and larger pieces for your border. You can use a tile nibbler to break the tiles into the size you need.Mosaic Countertop

Place the tiles on top of the sketch to make sure you are pleased with the pattern and the colors you have selected. Mark the location of the tiles with a magic marker. When laying the tiles on your countertop, you should start from the center and work outward.Mosaic Countertop

  • Kitchen Cabinets
  • The steps in creating your mosaic are:

    1. Prepare the surface by scoring it with a utility knife and then coating the surface with a mixture of watered down white glue.

    2. Spread a thin coat of tile cement (thin set or mortar), about one-eighth of an inch, over the surface.

    3. Score your mortar with a trowel.

    4. Place your tiles in the cement according to the pattern you drew.

    5. After the cement has set, apply tile grout over all the tiles.

    6. Apply the grout with a trowel. Smooth it over all of the seams between the individual tiles.

    7. Wipe away the excess grout with a sponge.

    8. Let it dry overnight.

    You can purchase grout in a variety of colors, not just white, to match the decor of your kitchen.

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    May-11-10

    Preparing to Install New Kitchen Cabinets

    posted by Kitchen & Bathroom Designer

    When installing new cabinets, plan to do the job after completion of rough wiring and plumbing but before the finish flooring has been installed. By installing the flooring after cabinet installation, you won’t use more flooring than needed and the new floors are less prone to construction damage.

    Unpack your cabinets and make sure all components are on hand. If your cabinets arrive disassembled, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly. Wait until after cabinet installation to add drawers, doors, and shelves. If you remove any parts, be sure to label them so you can return them to their proper places.

    The wall that backs cabinets should be level, smooth, and clean. To check it for flatness, place a long straightedge against it. Mark any bumps or voids so that, during installation, you can adjust for them.

    When moving them around, you will discover that upper cabinets are heavy–just imagine their weight when they’re loaded with dinnerware and food. For this reason, it is imperative that they be fastened very securely to the wall stud framing behind the wall’s surface material. And the screws you use must go through a strong part of the cabinet such as a support rail that runs along the cabinet back. Every cabinet should be secured by at least three screws which penetrate the wall framing by at least 1 1/2 inches. For cabinet installation techniques, see How to Install Kitchen Cabinets.

    Traditional Kitchen Furniture 

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    Sep-13-09

    Kitchen Designs Countertops

    posted by Kitchen & Bathroom Designer

     beautiful kitchen designs

    Modern homes need to have kitchens that are both spacious and practical. Contertops have an enormous impact on the look and feel of your kitchen design, helping set the style and tone for the heart of your home. Today while I was surfing on KBC Design, I’ve noticed in their residential works, a few interesting kitchen designs, and I’ve decided to make a small inspirational collection here on Freshome, for those of you who look for a little inspiration for their kitchen design. Finally here are 9 pictures with a few beautiful kitchen designs, that might give you an idea or two.

    Kitchen Designs Countertops

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    Aug-15-09

    How to Paint Countertops

    posted by Kitchen & Bathroom Designer

    how-to-paint-countertops.jpg

    Painting your laminate countertops is a perfectly safe (and inexpensive) way for you to update your kitchen, but there are some preliminary steps you should take.

    1.Wash the countertop with ammonia-based cleaner, removing all dirt.

    2. When dry, stick painter’s tape along on any trim along the edges.

    3. Use a bonding primer to prime the countertop, such as XIM 400, Sherwin-Williams PrepRite, or Zinssers Bin. Allow 24 hours for the primer to set before painting, and open your windows to reduce stench.

    4. When primer is dry, apply two to three thin layers of paint, allowing each to dry before applying the next. (Tip: use a water-based paint if you’ll be cooking directly on the counter).

    5. Seal the paint with three coats of satin or high-gloss non-yellowing polyurethane.

    6. Allow sealer to dry for 24 hours.

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    Aug-15-09

    Kitchen Gallery

    posted by Kitchen & Bathroom Designer

    Combining two strong colors, red and black, painted hand-rubbed cabinets and stained patina wall cabinets creates a challenging color coordination. The inclusion of a stainless steel refrigerator helps to soften all the activity in this spacious kitchen.

    A copper hammered island countertop adds texture to the bold colors. The enormous wrought iron pot rack and the butcher block cart add to the function and bring the basics of cooking back into focus. This kitchen is full of western whimsy that creates a sunny happy feeling. When working in this room you can’t stop smiling.

    A touch of the Tuscan countryside brings this area home. Creature comfort touches for the family pet, along with peak-a-boo windows near the range to view the entryway. A touch if whimsy is detailed by a rooster which brings ones thoughts back to old Italy. An oversized island allows this family ample room for all activities

    Combining clean modern lines with a bit of traditional iron makes this a gem. Unique custom door styles draw the eye to details needed in all homes. The painted smooth finishes compliment the soapstone countertops in bringing the rooms together

    This log cabin resembles a dacha in the stunning Colorado mountain landscape. The use of natural materials in this double island kitchen accentuates the surrounding beauty.

    Limestone countertops with an unfitted early English style cabinet is complemented with worn wood knobs and the antique floor. The copper hood and stainless steel appliances contrast the earthy stone for powerful results.

    It is quite the compliment to be asked to participate in a kitchen project where function of the kitchen needs to be considerate of priceless works of art. It became quite a challenge to incorporate all the requested elements to reflect the beauty of each piece, whether it was an appliance, sculpture or furniture piece. The collection of Andy Warhol originals that hang over the fireplace adds to the strength of this uniquely balanced residence, showing how form and function compliment fine art.

    Mixing overly wide stiles and rails with clean stainless steel countertops compliment the blending of Modern surfaces. Functional and abundant storage and work surfaces are a must when dealing with a minimalist modern design. The custom colored Pyrolave countertop finishes this out beautifully.

    The Dramatic, yet functional design of this kitchen captures an abundance of clean, angular lines and rich, natural materials that harmonize into a cozy atmosphere with incredible views.

    The room boasts a neutral palette with deep brown, stained alder cabinets around the perimeter and into the pantry. A slightly rubbed, painted island features raised legs and 3″ thick stone counter. The horizontally placed white bronze hardware accentuates the warm tones of the space.

    The 26 six foot high cathedral ceiling with its varying beam heights and structurally necessary elements provided a challenge when designing the space. The decision to extend the cabinetry upward and terminate it under the beams created a sense of continuity with existing architectural elements. The upper glass cabinet doors lighten the visual weight and allow for additional texture.

    Irregularly stacked stone niches were created to conceal structural posts which provide a natural backdrop between adjacent rooms and allowed two additional work stations. One station being a wet bar area with under counter appliances and the other entire wall dedicated to the commercial style range and custom copper hood. The PRO 48 was the owner’s only “must have” request and it is undoubtedly the most celebrated element in the kitchen.

    Cabinetry from our many selections can adapt to your every taste or desire. From Contemporary or Traditional, built in sinks or custom surrounds, it is all possible with Modern Kitchen Center.

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    Aug-15-09

    Kitchen Counter Options

    posted by Kitchen & Bathroom Designer

    There are plenty of styles of countertops on the market, so find out which one works best for your home. Here are some options.
    Granite
    Granite can be expensive, but it holds up to heat very well.
    Stone
    Stone is easy to take care of and looks great, but it’s also usually pricey.
    Tile
    Tile is also heat resistant, and you can find any color you choose. Watch out for chipping, though.
    Laminates
    Laminate counters are affordable, but they’re easily damaged and impossible to repair.
    Stainless Steel
    If you like the futuristic look of stainless steel, you’ll be pleased with the little maintenance they require. Still, watch out for a high price tag and easy denting.

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