Kitchen & Bathroom,Wardrobe & Closet Design Plans

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.

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.

New cabinets can make a dramatic difference in the look and feel of a kitchen. Although installing kitchen cabinets does not require professional skills, it does take an eye for precision. In order for cabinets to work properly and look right, they must be installed level, plumb, and flush with each other.

Plan to put in cabinets after rough wiring and plumbing are installed but before you install finish flooring. This way, you won’t use more flooring material than necessary and you won’t be in danger of damaging new floors. Install wall-mounted cabinets first so the base cabinets won’t be in your way as you work.

If your cabinets don’t arrive assembled, put them together according to the manufacturer’s directions–but remove (or don’t install) doors, shelves, and drawers. If you remove these parts, label them so you will know where they go.

The wall behind the cabinets should be smooth, level, and clean. Make sure it’s flat by placing a long straightedge against it. Mark any bumpy or bulging areas. During installation, tap wood shims–short pieces of wood shingles–beneath or behind the cabinets to make slight adjustments. If the irregularities are significant, you can compensate for them by using a scribe rail.

Upper cabinets are extremely heavy when they’re loaded with canned foods or dinnerware, so they must be fastened very securely to wall studs. Screw through a strong part of the cabinet–most have a support rail that runs across the back for this. For each cabinet, at least three screws should penetrate the wall studs by at least 1 1/2 inches.

It is particularly important to install the first wall and base cabinets level and plumb, both from side to side and from front to back, because each additional cabinet will be aligned with the first ones.

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.

 Kitchen Measurement and Volume

Measure Your Existing Space

A) Start with the first wall on the left and work to your right around the room. First, measure the overall length of each wall in your kitchen. Use grid paper to record all your measurements.

B) Indicate all breaks in walls (windows, doors, closets) by measuring from the corner to the outside edge of the molding. Don’t forget to indicate any permanent appliances, air vents, offsets, etc.

C) Measure to centerline of plumbing, ducting and outlets. Remember, plumbing and outlets may be moved to accommodate a design.

Create Your Floor Plan

Using your kitchen measurements, start sketching your cabinets. Start in the corner of your grid paper and work out. Note the location of your electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures and air ducts. You may be able to move major appliances several inches either way to accommodate a layout change.

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Kitchen cabinets don’t have to be plain. Creative designs do more than decorate. They can reflect your own sense of style–even if you’re on a budget. There are many affordable models available; but why let those choices limit you? You could build the cabinets you want! Your custom-made design would personalize an important room in your home. Its unique style would look expensive and save you even more money.

Getting Started

1. Step 1

   Measure your kitchen and make a scale drawing of it. Include the locations of plumbing, windows and appliances.

2. Step 2

   Consider your current storage needs. Make a list of the items you need to store.

3. Step 3

   Visit kitchen cabinet retailers for inspiration. Take home free pamphlets and brochures. Find free building plans in home improvement stores or online.

4. Step 4

   Make a wish list of the cabinet styles you like. Consider the shape of your kitchen. Customize your design dreams to fit your storage needs.

5. Step 5

   Decide how much you can afford. Prioritize your wish list. Be prepared to match it with your budget. Price cheaper varieties of cabinet-grade wood. Give your measurements to a store employee who can give you an idea of the cost of your project.

   Building Your Kitchen Cabinets

6. Step 1

   Double-check your kitchen measurements. Make a final draft of your design that fits your budget.

7. Step 2

   Create a list of the supplies you will need. Shop more than one store to find the lowest possible prices. Keep all receipts so you can return unused or unopened products.

8. Step 3

   Build your cabinets to your design. Finish them with stain or paint. Follow the product label instructions.