Kitchen & Bathroom,Wardrobe & Closet Design Plans

For most people, kitchen design is all about updating the appliances and cabinetry in the kitchen. But for me, it is all about getting down to the drawing board and creating a new layout altogether. The entire flow of the kitchen should change when you remodel it.
The focus should be to improvise on the functionality while keeping the aesthetic part in mind. There are some really old tried and tested kitchen design plans that work. You should choose one from amongst these based on the size and shape of your kitchen.
For long and narrow kitchens
If you have a long and narrow kitchen then you might want to opt for the one wall kitchen design. This is one of the most effective and inexpensive designs. Unlike the kitchen triangle, which is a very popular design this one has a linear design. It paves way for smooth functioning and flow of work in the kitchen.
But if you want to maximize the storage space, then this is not the very best design. You might have to use the L shaped design plans along with this one.
The classic triangle
The classic triangle is undoubtedly one of the most famous kitchen designs to have been ever invented. A triangle is formed with the sink, the oven/stove and the refrigerator at each ends. The distance between these three is maintained at optimum levels. Several designs like the corridor design use the classic kitchen triangle to maximize its effectiveness. It brings in more storage space into the kitchen.
The L shaped design
The L shaped design is perfect for large kitchens that always seem crowded. It does away with the storage woes completely and the most important part is that it still uses the classic kitchen triangle.

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.

When you purchase a vintage home, you will find that the kitchen is not up to today’s standards for family living. In many instances, you may find that the entire house will need to have restoration work. When preservationists restore vintage homes, they usually keep the facade and the main living areas in the style of the home. The kitchen, however, is usually redesigned to meet the needs of their family.Vintage Kitchen

Vintage not only means the restoration of pre-World War I homes but also bungalows from the 1950s and ranch style homes from the 1970s. The design and purchase of a home is a personal choice and the styles from various decades appeal to many people.Vintage Kitchen

When kitchens became a separate room in the family home, there were work areas. Everything in the kitchen was freestanding including the stove, the refrigerator, and the sink. The kitchen table was the work area and the appliances were all one color, white. Some had cast-iron stoves. Floors were wood or linoleum.

The decades of the 1960s and 1970s did see changes in color in kitchen appliances but some of the colors got old pretty quickly. It was difficult for everyone to live with avocado green and gold for twenty years.

When planning a kitchen redesign for a vintage home, you want it to feel warm and inviting and homey. You also want the hardware to have a period feel. The availability of period materials has grown. You can find period pieces in antique stores and well designed reproduction hardware and appliances in home shopping stores. Architectural salvage companies go through buildings and homes to be torn down and salvage materials for re-use.Vintage Kitchen

The look and feel of a kitchen is determined by its cabinets. If you want to keep an historic feel to your kitchen, check with architectural salvage companies for wood and metal cabinets. You can mix these cabinets with freestanding antique or reproduction pieces. You can also add other vintage pieces such as an antique dresser or other items such as plate racks and open shelves. When refinishing your salvage cabinet finds, you should make sure that you strip, buff, and lacquer the metal cabinets to prevent them from rusting. Old painted wood cabinets have a tendency to warp when striped. You should do them one at a time.

Vintage Kitchen

You can use stone countertops in a vintage kitchen redesign. The stone should be honed to a soft finish. Vermont soapstone is a popular choice.

Flooring in a vintage kitchen redesign can be linoleum or wood. You may be able to find unused rolls of linoleum from early decades at an architectural salvage store. Many of today’s designs also complement the vintage kitchen. Linoleum companies are reproducing early patterns.

Many vintage kitchens, especially pre-war, used pressed metal in the ceiling. You can check for these at an architectural salvage store. An alternative is to use a heavy Anaglyptic paper. This is a cream colored paper embossed in a variety of period patterns. It costs less to install than pressed metal and when it is painted, achieves a similar look.

Since the mid-1980s, it has become easier to find authentic looking vintage stoves and refrigerators. Most old stoves are white but you can find some colors such as cream, green, or cobalt blue. Hoods used for venting were not used 100 years ago. In this case, you can have one built of the same wood as an overhead cabinet.Vintage Kitchen

It is not difficult to find antique hardware. In a vintage kitchen, you may want to choose antique brass, satin nickel, or blackened finish. You can find reproductions to fit just about any vintage period at your local hardware or home shopping store.

A kitchen redesign for a vintage kitchen can make your home warm and family friendly. It just takes a little time to find the right pieces.

1. To mark a short level line, you can use a level to extend the line from a measured point. Longer lines are best marked with a chalk line. Drive a brad at one measured point and then attach the chalk line; reel out the line to a second measured point, stretch the line tight, and snap the line on the wall. Then check the line with a level.

2. Once you’ve marked a line, use a 4-foot level to check it. Lightly mark a level line in any areas of concern and measure the difference between it and the original line. If a chalk line is “out” by only 1/4 inch or so in 6 feet, you can probably go with it. Usually the eye will accept mouldings that follow the floor line within these limits, especially baseboards. If the difference is more, use the level to re-mark the line, setting the line level or perhaps splitting the difference.

3. Remember that in moulding work the goal is to produce a pleasing result,not a mathematically perfect one. It’s a matter of eye. Your care and attention at this stage will be well rewarded down the line.

Manage Your Kitchen Remodel

1.Put it down on paper. Draw a plan and make a list for your kitchen remodel to help you determine costs. Decide if you’ll need new cabinets or if you can paint them. Many home improvement centers offer computer generated kitchen remodeling plans based on your own photos. Decide if appliances will be replaced and what type you want. Check online for appliance features and stores that offer discounts.

2.Hire a reputable contractor who is experienced in kitchen remodeling if you aren’t going to do it yourself. Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured. Get references from the contractor and make sure that you have a time frame in writing. Labor costs are estimated at approximately 30 percent of the total remodeling cost.

3.Do it yourself. If you are experienced in home repairs, you may be able to do a lot of the work yourself to save money. Gas appliances need to be installed by experts. Make sure you hire reputable plumbers and electricians to help with the mechanical aspects of the kitchen remodel if necessary. Depending on the age of your kitchen, mechanical remodels can take as much as 30 percent of your budget.

4.Keep at least 10 percent of your budget for those unexpected costs. You might have termites or dry rot in wood, which will need to be replaced. Wiring may be old and not up to code. Old water pipes could be leaking and need to be replaced. Always keep a “contingency fund” for just such repairs.

Unless you will be doing your kitchen remodel as a Do-It-Yourself project, you will need to consult and select skilled experts in a variety of fields. Some remodeling companies and most building contractors specialize in handling the entire kitchen remodel from design through complete installation and will assist purchase of the products needed to complete your project. Some kitchen and bath retailers and some home centers offer this complete service or “turnkey” approach, too. If you do not select a full service company with this capability as your source, you must be prepared to serve as your own ‘scheduling contractor’ and perhaps, even purchasing agent.

Free Kitchen Design – Free Online Kitchen Design Ideas, Kitchen Designs, Photos

This is a very effective use of cupboard space and kitchen lighting. With so much natural light coming in through the windows this homeowner can feel confident that using a dark stain on the cabinets will not make the space feel dark and gloomy. The walls, countertop and floor have all been done in neutral shades which is ideal if you are renovating for the purpose of selling.

In this kitchen photo, ultramodern design is stated with bold shapes and smooth textures, and is enhanced by the dramatic use of color. All are elements that can be incorporated into a small or large kitchen. Because the color in this kitchen has been limited to only a few surfaces, it can easily be changed if and when you are ready for a new color theme.

The ambient lighting in this kitchen design enhances the natural beauty of the woodgrain. The finishes have been kept tastefully simple for a coordinated and clean-lined effect. The combination of materials and the compact layout suggest a feeling of calm efficiency.

This French country kitchen design picture may make you think you’ve stepped back in time. (medieval time) It is vastly different from all of the previous kitchen design pictures and we’ve shown it simply to demonstrate that anything is possible. The size of this stove/cooktop is so impressive, it must be in a very large kitchen. Somehow a castle comes to mind. View more pictures of French country kitchens.

This beautiful designer kitchen with rich, detailed woodwork could be found in an estate home. It has a very traditional look that incorporates marble countertops, glass cabinet doors and architectural details like crown molding. Portions of the cabinetry have been made to look like furniture pieces. One peak at this kitchen and you want to know if the rest of the house is just as elegant.

Dishwashers – 24″ wide (for installation in a cabinet, raising the height, allow 27″)
Free-standing and drop-in ranges – 3-” wide
Cook Tops – 30″, 36″ wide. (Some modular units available in 42″ and 48″ wide)
Wall Ovens – 27″, 30″, 36″ wide. (Note: since wall ovens are always built-in, actual oven widths vary. The dimensions given here represent the cabinet sizes required.)
Refrigerators – free-standing models, 30 – 36″ wide. (Built-in models, up to 48″ wide)
Trash Compactors – 15″ and 18″ wide
Microwave Ovens – Varied
Sinks – Varied, but most are designed to fit in 30″, 33″ or 36″ base cabinets. (Be sure to check manufacturer’s specifications on your final selection!)

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (a trade organization for kitchen and bath dealers, designers, manufacturers, etc.) has established guidelines for kitchen planning. Prioritize the guidelines in case you cannot accomplish them all. Check them off as you complete your plan to be sure you have planned adequate space for each task area in your kitchen. Be sure to have a kitchen design specialist review your plan before ordering! The guidlines can be downloaded here.

Everything you need to know to layout a basic floor plan for your Kitchen! Standard sizes of cabinets, appliances and sinks plus industry standards for the Work Triangle, countertop space for task areas. Print out the kitchen planning grid for entering your room measurements and your ‘rough draft’.

Cabinetry is sized using the 3″ increment system. While custom and semi-custom (built-to-order) cabinets may allow some ‘odd dimension’ modifications, using the 3″ system will serve you well when working on your basic floor plan.Most appliances are standardized sizes, but a few, like microwaves are not. Always check appliance manufacturer’s specifications to be sure you have allowed the correct amount of space for your final selection in each category!

5 Must Haves For Country Kitchen Decorating,Country Kitchen,Kitchen Decorating,Furniture,kitchen decorating ideas

For people who are looking to have a warm earthy feeling to their kitchen along with the simplicity of nature then country kitchen decorating theme is the way to go. Today the country kitchen look has become one of the more popular interior decorating designs being used at is provides an overall welcoming and friendly feeling to a very important area of the home.

However if you are considering to decorate your kitchen in a country style then you will also need to consider whether this will be limited to the kitchen or will spread in to other areas of your home. Plus you will need to look at your budget if you want to be able to carry out such a style of decoration to your kitchen. Below are a number of decorating ideas that you could use if you want to produce a country style kitchen in your home.

1. Colors

For any country style kitchen the colors you use should be fresh, clean and warm and the ideal colors to achieve this are browns, yellows, greens, whites, pinks and the various different shades in between.

2. Accents

By adding just a few accents such as fruit, flowers, vegetables and plants will also help to increase the feel of a country kitchen that you are trying to achieve.

3. Furniture

It is preferable that you use lighter woods or wicker furniture in your country style kitchen design and it is wise if they can be upholstered in either gingham or floral type patterns. If you want to save money then instead of buying new furniture why not just make slip covers for the furniture you already have.

4. Flooring

The preferred kind of flooring for a country kitchen should be made from a natural material such as wood, tile or flagstones. However if these will not be covered in the budget you have then the same look can be achieved using wall to wall carpeting or laminate flooring instead. However, it is important that the flooring you use is the right sort of colour (any light shade). You could even use hooked or braided rugs instead in order to add an authentic look to the finished room.

5. Accessories

The final thing you need to consider when doing a country kitchen decorating design is what kind of accessories will work best and that the family will enjoy looking at. Why no put some family photos in to wooden frames, a painted rustic scene is a good idea, whilst plants, candles and even lace curtains can provide you with a finish that are all important to finish off your country style kitchen.

It is important that when designing your country style kitchen is to have an open mind and only include those features which appeal to you the most.

Lee Dobbins writes about kitchen decorating. Visit kitchen-decorating-idea for more great kitchen decorating ideas.

Country Maple Kitchen Cabinets,Country Kitchen Cabinets,Country Kitchen Furniture,Oak Wood Kitchen Cabinets,Standing Kitchen Storage Cabinet

Kitchen & Bathroom Express

How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets to Create a Caribbean Decor,How to Paint,Paint Kitchen Cabinets,Create a Caribbean Decor,Caribbean color,Painting your kitchen cabinets,Caribbean décor,home improvement,doors and drawer,Reattach the doors and drawer fronts,Reattach the hardware

Decorating with a Caribbean color scheme includes warm corals and cool shades of ocean blue. Banana yellow mixed with shades of peach, aqua, or sea green work together to make a light, airy space that is vibrant with color. Painting your kitchen cabinets to create a Caribbean décor can include any or all of these colors, depending on how color fearless you might be. Contrasting shades of blue or coral, darker for the cabinets and lighter for the doors, is one way to incorporate the Caribbean décor without creating a rainbow in your kitchen.

Painting Kitchen Cabinets in a Caribbean Decor

1. Step 1

   Choose the Caribbean color scheme that pleases you for your kitchen decor. A deep ocean blue for the cabinets and a lighter shade of blue for the doors creates a calm, cool kitchen. Combine sea foam green for the doors and deep coral for the cabinets for a bolder statement. Purchase paint and supplies from your local home improvement store. Select a clean area where you can spread out the doors and drawer fronts, either on a tarp or a covered table.

2. Step 2

   Remove the doors and drawer fronts from the cabinets; numbering the backs in sequence will help you when it’s time to reinstall the doors to their proper location. Remove all of the hardware from the cabinets, doors and drawer fronts. Organize the hardware so that you know which knob or handle goes where when it’s time to replace them. You might also consider purchasing new hardware for your Caribbean kitchen decor. Your local home improvement store will have a selection, or you could order cabinet hardware online. You have predrilled holes already in your cabinet doors and drawers, so purchase hardware that will fit the same way as your old knobs and handles.

3. Step 3

   Sand the cabinets, doors and drawer fronts lightly with a medium grade sandpaper. Your goal is to rough up the old finish enough to accept the new paint. Sand the back and the front of the doors. Clean the sanding residue with a damp cloth, careful to remove all of the debris.

4. Step 4

   Prime all of your surfaces and let it dry. Lightly sand the primed surfaces according to the directions on your brand of primer. This step may not be necessary, so read the directions.

5. Step 5

   Apply a light coat of your chosen paint color to the surfaces. Let it dry and apply a second coat as needed.

6. Step 6

   Reattach the doors and drawer fronts to the kitchen cabinets. Reattach the hardware.

How to Select Green Materials for Kitchen Cabinets,How to Select,Green Materials,Kitchen Cabinets,choosing green materials,kitchen cabinet project,home improvement,wood,products and prices,retailers,wholesalers,green material cabinets

More and more people are becoming aware of the environment and the damage done to it by humankind. Because of this, many builders–even individuals–are opting for environmentally-friendly products to use when building homes, particularly for floors, wall coverings and cabinetry. If you’re thinking of choosing green materials for your kitchen cabinet project, you’ll find plenty of alternatives to ordinary wood.

1. Step 1

2. Learn more about wood alternatives, such as bamboo, recycled palm, kirei board or wheat board by reading more online, visiting your local home improvement store or a helpful site such as BuildItGreen.org.

4. Step 2

   Consider the fact that green materials are almost always more expensive than wood but tend to last much longer.

6. Step 3

   Ask to be shown the various green products at your local home improvement center and inquire as to the differences in the products and prices.

7. Step 4

   Ask to see only formaldahyde-free green products.

8. Step 5

   After you’ve decided on the particular green product you want, which fits your budget, go online or make calls to compare the prices of retailers and wholesalers.

9. Step 6

   Purchase the green material cabinets for your kitchen.