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Room Ideas

Redecorating Your Kitchen On A Budget

by Debra on Monday, September 14, 2009

redecorating your kitchen

Are you one of those people who at the thought of redecorating their kitchen it sends chills down your spine? And not the good chills.

Some people start thinking that they need to replace everything in order to get a whole new look. But that’s just not true.

Just by following a couple, or all, of the tips provided below, you should be able to create something new for next to nothing. And who doesn’t like to get something new when it doesn’t cost very much?

1. Instead of replacing the cabinets in your kitchen, why not repaint them? There are lots of techniques around that are easy to learn and will create a cool designer look. Techniques as crackling, faux finishing and glazing are not only simple to do, but will save you lots of money.

If you need help on looking for ways to up date old and tired kitchen cabinets, just take a look at this article:

How To Paint Veneer Kitchen Cabinets

2. Dreary, tired looking kitchen? Give your kitchen walls a new look with a coat of paint. By painting your walls in warm and inviting colors, you will make the room even more of the hub of the home. Plus, if you have good quality wooden cabinets, a new coat of paint will help the wood to appear richer.

3. Why not spend a little of your budget on purchasing some new hand towels and potholders that will match the color of your new décor?

4. Another simple and really REALLY easy tip for redecorating your kitchen (and it’ll cost you nothing) is to get some of those beautiful dishes (serving bowls, platters, soup tureens, etc. ) and glassware you have out of the cupboards, and use them to accentuate the kitchen.

  • Use the soup tureen for a cookie jar.
  • Hang a large platter on the wall.
  • Use a beautiful glass pitcher as a vase.

5. A great way of changing the whole décor of your kitchen is just by putting up new curtains! Really. Curtains in a fresh new pattern or color will make the whole room look different. You could try this first before you do anything else.

New curtains certainly will not break the bank. Plus, you may well find that just making this one change will give your kitchen a completely different look.

By changing your curtains, you could actually bring out the personality of the kitchen with little or no effort on your part. Try avoiding those cute little curtains made specifically FOR kitchens and instead try some that are more for bedrooms or dens. Something heavier and “richer” looking.

6. Why not consider replacing the cabinet doors. Just the cabinet doors, not the whole cabinet. There are lots of companies around that have many different designs, colors and shapes of kitchen cabinet doors. Light, dark, glass. You pick. This is a much more cost effective way of giving your kitchen a whole new look without actually having to replace the whole cabinet.

7. A bit less expensive option to replacing the cabinet doors… is to just replace the wood insert for glass. This can be done by a medium skilled DIY’er and a fairly small budget.

8. Even easier than replacing the kitchen cabinet doors? Replace the hardware! Get new knobs or put on handles instead of knobs. Just by doing this you will be giving your kitchen a whole new look.

9. Another affordable way of making your kitchen look different is by adding a kitchen island. They not only provide you with more counter space, but they provide a place where people can gather.

However, for those of us on a budget, instead of getting a permanent one, why not instead consider getting a kitchen cart? Because they are on wheels, when not being used they can be put away.

You can make an island out of an old table by adding wheels! Use larger wheels (3″ or 4″ in diameter) to lift the table higher and make it a better work surface.

10. Finally, even if your kitchen redecorating budget is small think about replacing the backsplash. Just by doing this, you can really dress up that drab and dull kitchen that you have.

The great thing about backsplashes is that they now come in a variety of different colors and materials, as well as styles. But how much you spend on this will depend on what material you pick.

So there you have it. Simple and easy ways to revitalize a kitchen. Redecorating your kitchen on a budget can be as simple as giving the walls a new coat of paint, or changing the doors on your cabinets or just the existing hardware. Just by making one little change to your kitchen you can give it a whole new look.

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Finding The Best Kitchen Cabinets?

by Debra on Monday, August 24, 2009

RTA (ready to assemble) cupboards are an affordable way to have that designer kitchen without breaking the bank. I will tell you step by step the way to do the kitchen of your dreams or real close too it. Remember, there are several different kitchen cabinet styles to match your unique personality.

IMG_8598Creative Commons License photo credit: TonyOlsen

Step 1 : Create a budget, you want to know exactly how much you’ve got to spend, Lower it by 2 hundred for just in case you want it for overages.

Step 2 : Select colours, for instance if you are doing a total remodel you will need to pick Wall colors, Cabinet Colors, Floor color & type, Counter top color and type. This can seem to be an overwhelming task but you can do it. Go to the book shop look thru all of the magazines and look at all the color mixtures. Buy the book or mag which has your colors. Remember way out colours are not good if you are planning to sell your home in a few years.

Step 3: The subsequent item on our list is design. It all starts and ends with the right kitchen cabinets plans. Most RTA (Ready to assemble ) cupboard outlets have design services that you may use for free, you will have to provide measurements and other information requested by the retailer. An alternative way is buy some graph paper and put a little design together yourself, play with it and have fun, have a blank slate. The web has great self-help areas.

Step 4 : A few Items you need to consider. Appliances, lights, Sinks, Taps . This usually is part of the design phase. Occasionally you are not replacing these, just reusing.

Step 5 : Once you’ve got a design all your colours and a cupboard style it’s time to start., Order your cabinets, Flooring etc. You will need to remove all of your cupboards. counter tops, and anything else you are replacing. Get your walls painted any electrical or plumbing moved and so on. Install Floors and than you are ready for cupboard installation.

Step 6: RTA cabinets are the best bang for the buck. You can get an all wood designer cupboard for thousands less. You have to do a bit more work but it will save you in the long game. If assembly and installation are just out of your league, hire an installer. Get a few quotes ask for references. Don’t be afraid to check out wholesale kitchen cabinets as well for more potential savings.

Step 7 : Counter tops, Laminate is the best priced followed by granite, solid surface and Quartz. If the budget is tight choose a HD laminate with a special edge until you can afford the real stuff.

Step 8: The Home Stretch. Install sink dishwasher, all other appliances. Touch up paint or add an ornamental tile back splash. Now set back and look at all that you have accomplished and pat yourself on your back.

Building Kitchen Cabinets


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Creating your very own Luxury Bathroom Suite

by Debra on Monday, August 3, 2009

If you’re designing a bathroom from scratch and have plenty of budget to play with, then you’ve got an opportunity to create something extra special. Bathroom furniture design has developed hugely in recent years, opening up whole new avenues for stylish and luxurious living. Whilst there is a lot to be said for convention and traditional practicality; the contemporary twists that are now available can take your bathing experience to another level.

Bathroom SuiteCreative Commons License photo credit: w00kie

A good example of a classic concept with a modern twist is the whirlpool bath. Whilst enjoying all the usual benefits of a standard bath, the whirlpool adds an extra dimension with jets of water massaging you. Designs and styles vary, as do the jet patterns, giving you the opportunity to find a model that fits in with your bathroom and meets your personal requirements.

Corner Baths

Corner baths, even without the added luxury of a whirlpool option, provide a completely different perspective from the standard rectangular tub. With added freedom of movement, even extra depth, it’s an experience that you’ll look forward to time and time again. There are models of all sizes, and can be useful where space is at a premium. There are even submerged designs that can be built in to the floor or an existing solid enclosure.

Steam Showers

If you’re more of a shower person then there are plenty of fantastic options available to provide that sensual and luxurious experience. If you’re looking for the very height of luxury and cost is no object, then a steam shower could well be the thing for you. Combining invigorating body jets that provide coverage from head to toe with your standard shower head, it offers an unrivalled experience. As a self-contained unit it produces a beautiful steamy experience and often comes complete with the latest technology – including LCD display and FM radio – it is ideal for the modern home.

Choosing a Shower Enclosure

Whilst the steam shower is a fantastic integrated system, if you’re only looking to create your own shower complete with enclosure and system, you’ll want to select the component parts individually. Shower enclosures range from the simple to the ornate. Available in a variety of shapes, suitable to stand anywhere in the bathroom, contemporary design offers you the kind of versatility that would never have been possible in days gone by.

Power Showers

Once you’ve chosen your stunning glass enclosure (or perhaps even a wet room style instead), you then have a choice of showers at your disposal. For the highest pressure and the very best in versatility, it has to be a power shower. Packed with features, including temperature safety cut-offs and a choice of unique spray patterns, the power shower remains one of the most popular choices in bathrooms throughout the country.

Electric Showers

Not far behind is the electric shower. It too offers a great deal of power as well as a similar diversity of safety and luxury features. Whilst thermostatic controls maintaining temperature at the designated level and a fantastically enjoyable spray pattern – although this is often determined by the head itself – you can really indulge yourself and relax in your own bathroom oasis.

Be sure to get precise measurements for your bathroom and also ensure that water pressure is compatible with the device you’re looking to install. If you’re shopping for bathroom furniture online, be sure to check out the specifications and don’t be afraid to contact the company to enquire further about compatibility with your system.

With the amazing choices that are available to you today, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to designing your perfect bathroom suite. So for a sumptuous shower or a beautiful bath, shop around and get yourself a great deal.

Below are a few things to consider for the rest of the bathroom:

  • Bath
  • Decor
  • Shower enclosure
  • Basin
  • Shower
  • Toilet

Design Ideas for Bathrooms (2nd edition)

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