toolmannet on Jul 01, 2008 06:50AM

How To Get The Kitchen Of Your Dreams

In many ways, creating a kitchen isn?t any more complicated than creating a cake. You can put a new twist on an old recipe or construct a brand new one step-by-step. Regardless, you first must decide:

What you have a taste for
How much you want to spend
When you want it to be done
What size and shape you prefer

Most cakes have the same basic ingredients. They don?t taste special until you stir in the chocolate chips or the raspberries. So it is with a new kitchen.

Every kitchen has the same basic design elements:

Cabinets
Appliances
Counter tops
Flooring
Sinks and faucets
Walls, moldings, and other architectural details


It?s a kitchen remodeling designer who plays the role of baker in your new kitchen remodeling plans. A designer can give your kitchen its own unique flavor by helping you find the right mix of styles, materials, and colors.

Starting points include:

The architectural style of your Spokane home?by making your home?s interior reflect its exterior, you bring continuity to the whole structure.

toolmannet on Jul 01, 2008 06:29AM

Your Home is all about you

The concept of ?home? changes as we pass through different stages of life. For the young it is the starter home that may be updated and improved upon. As careers and families progress, so do the homes we occupy. Homes at this stage of life may contain more space to accommodate children, and some amenities to reflect the owner?s lifestyle; but they are still defined by resources that must be divided between the need to have a suitable place to live and the need to save for the future.
In the past, many of these were meant to be terminal homes. But now a new type of home and homeowner are emerging. These ?nexers? are very different from the generations that preceded them. People are living longer and healthier lives, and when they?ve outgrown the ?family? home they are building their ?next-stage? homes to meet their needs and wants.

Ty and Ida Mann are such a couple. After their kids moved out, they wanted a home just for the two of them. Ida says, ?We realized that the home we lived in for many years was really not where we wanted to be when we decide to retire. We don?t want to move away to a retirement community. We just wanted a home that was ours -- for the way we live now.?

The Manns set out to define what they wanted: the type and location of the lot; the style of the home; the number of rooms and their uses based on their needs and interests; and the amenities they had previously done without. They both like the idea of getting back to nature and prefer outdoor activities but didn?t want to care for a lawn. Since they both had always wanted a log home, they agreed that now was their chance.

Ty and Ida found the perfect property just outside the town where they had raised their family. It had the trees they both wanted and it was within a reasonable drive to the services of the city. They had their dream lot; now they needed their dream home.

Log homes to them were an extension of living close to the outdoors, which said ?relaxation? to them in a way conventional homes did not. When the Mann?s completed their research on line they decided to visit Wisconsin Log Homes in Green Bay, Wis. They found a friendly team of people to guide them through the custom home process. ?They made it very enjoyable,? says Ty.

One selling point was the fact that Wisconsin Log Homes originated the energy-efficient half-log building system, in which the exterior log of their choice would be applied over a 2-inch by 6-inch wall filled with six inches of fiberglass insulation. This innovative concept would both conserve energy costs and help preserve the surroundings they had chosen for their new home. ?I can?t emphasize how important an authentic handcrafted finish is to us,? says Ty. ?We saw their craftsmen hew the entire surface of the logs at the mill, they?re beautiful.?

Also helpful was the 144-page planning guide put together by the company. The combination of home plans, building information and photos of existing Wisconsin Log Homes was just what they needed to get started.

With the lot and home style defined, they were now ready to design their dream home. ?Having an experienced team walk us through the planning stage resulted in a home which functions just the way we want it to,? says Ida.

The people at Wisconsin Log Homes suggested that the Manns look at how they spend their time now that they are empty nesters. They found they both enjoy time together over morning coffee, and so a sunny breakfast spot was designed. They love to cook and entertain friends, so an open concept kitchen/dining room was designed to allow interaction between them and their guests. They also knew that they both needed their own space, and so a media room for Ty and a craft room for Ida came about. Occasionally they have overnight visitors, resulting in a loft area with separate bedroom and bath. They both wanted a larger master bedroom so a master bedroom suite with a large master bath and plenty of closet space was added.

?Then came the fun part,? says Ida. ?We added the extra special touches we simply couldn?t afford when we were raising our family.? The finishing touches in the home include upscale appliances in the kitchen, a stone-faced floor-to-ceiling fireplace and large windows in the greatroom to let in their beautiful view, log interiors in the greatroom and master bedroom to add warmth and coziness to their home, hardwood floors in appropriate areas, a stunning timber staircase leading to the loft, a large shower and whirlpool tub in the master bath.

Companies like Wisconsin Log Homes see more and more people like the Manns, who may have had to compromise on previous homes, but the next one is all about them.

More information about designing and building log homes can be found at Wisconsin Log Homes? Web site, www.wisconsinloghomes.com

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toolmannet on Jul 01, 2008 06:31AM

Going Beyond Your Kitchen and Bathroom With Home Remodeling and Room Additions

Going Beyond Your Kitchen and Bathroom With Home Remodeling and Room Additions

Learn About Home Remodeling Projects You May Not Have Thought Of

When you?re thinking of starting a home remodeling project, don?t be afraid to think outside the box. The kitchen and bathroom are the two rooms in the house that you may think of first when considering a home remodel or addition project, but other rooms can benefit from some love too.

Create Something New With Your Unused Space

You may be letting some versatile space in your home go unused without even realizing it. An unfinished basement or attic is a blank canvas for you to create just about anything you want. By finishing walls, adding new flooring, installing electrical and other convenience outlets you can create extra space in your home.

That new space has endless possibilities. Whether you are creating a new bedroom space for a teenager, or making a game room or home theatre complete with a bar for entertaining friends, a basement or attic remodel is often an overlooked project that has more benefits than people realize.

The most important thing about either of these projects is making sure that you bring the space up to code. This means you?ll need to frame walls and ceilings, hang and finish drywall, install any needed HVAC components and plumbing systems, and put new windows in. With a basement remodel you?ll often deal with the added component of waterproofing the space. Basically, it?s a complicated job filled with intricate systems. You?ll want to hire a home remodeling contractor to make sure the job is done right.

Industry expertise is vital to make sure your project turns out just how you want it. A professional home remodeling contractor should have experience doing attic conversions and basements, and will be able to give you insight on what might work best for your particular attic or basement.

Spruce Up a Central Family Gathering Place

Revamping your family room can be great incentive for your family to stay in and spend more time together. When thinking of re-creating this central space be sure to plan around the activities that you and your family or friends enjoy doing most. If movies are your favorite pastime, add space for a great new entertainment system complete with flat screen T.V. and surround sound. Also allow space for proper seating. Maybe you would instead like to add a big table in the room to play board games. Whatever your favorite hobby is, let it inspire your Family Room design.

You can always make a space more inviting with the right color scheme. Add bright, soothing colors, and proper lighting. If you feel the room is too dark adding a skylight or new windows could really help bring new life to the room. Great lighting always makes a room more inviting.

Invest In Yourself by Remodeling Your Master Bedroom Suite

Do you feel like you?re fighting for space in your cramped bedroom? Indulge and treat yourself to a master bedroom remodel or expansion. Expanding your current space will give you more room for sleeping, storage, and you could even add an extra sitting area. For an even more interesting expansion you could add a balcony or veranda with French doors allowing access from your master bedroom.

For your master bathroom, think of adding both practical and luxury items. Installing dual vanities and sinks will give you and your partner the ability to function more efficiently in the morning, and besides it gives a great look to your bathroom. A popular luxury element is to add a bathtub with water jets, creating an instant spa feel in your master bathroom.

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toolmannet on Jul 01, 2008 06:33AM

Kitchen Design

Introduction To Kitchen Design


Once upon a time the kitchen was a place that was used only for food preparation, storage and clean-up. Today it has become an important room of the house where not only cooking takes place, but is a hub of activity where you can entertain guests. This is why the kitchen design is very important where you have to keep both appeal and convenience when you are planning your kitchen remodeling.

One of the latest designs in kitchen remodeling lies in opening the kitchen into an adjacent space. This means that a ?great room? is designed, where a kitchen is combined with a family or living room. Of course, this is accomplished by removing the wall in between the two rooms.

By opening your kitchen into another room, you make both the kitchen and the other room look more spacious. Moreover, you can easily show off the latest kitchen cabinetry, appliances and cabinetry that you use in your kitchen with an open kitchen. Opening up the kitchen also reduces your kitchen remodeling costs, where you may only have to bear the expenses of extra cabinetry.

When designing your kitchen, remember that it is hub of household activity; so make sure that it is well lit and has open places. The size and design of the kitchen should basically conform to the lifestyle of your family and how you use your kitchen for cooking, eating and entertaining.

As the kitchen fits numerous roles, it is better and important that its size increases with the number of roles it fits into. This is because the function and style of the kitchen greatly influences the kitchen design. You can consider using kitchen equipment that are furniture style in your kitchen design as they are very popular in kitchen remodeling through development of kitchen islands.

You can make your kitchen cabinets resemble furniture with legs or bun feet, moldings, corbels and onlays. Today?s cabinet doors are usually made of solid hardwoods where maple and cherry are the more popular choices. With regards to finishes, light and medium finishes are popular while there looks to be a slight inclination towards deep and rich browns in the near future as it creates a formal look to the kitchen.

Today?s kitchen remodeling tends to incorporate more of individual and freestanding pieces of furniture rather than the built in form of furniture. This is to make it possible to incorporate features from heirloom quality furniture that have glazed, distressed and antique finishes.

Another recent change in kitchen designs is the introduction of cast iron and stainless steel under mounted sinks which gives a smooth and clean look when blending into with other modern designs. These sinks are not only beautiful to look at, but also functional and easy to install. The absence of a sink rim and lip to collect water, dirt and crumbs are the other advantages of using under mounted sinks when you are planning your kitchen remodeling.

In addition to this, there have also been other changes in kitchen remodeling based on the kitchen countertops, modern appliances, and an increase in the thickness of cabinet doors as well as using drawers to store pans and pots. You just have to use your imagination while keeping your budget in mind, to create an outstanding and interesting kitchen design.

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toolmannet on Jul 01, 2008 06:35AM

Choosing Counter Tops For Kitchen Remodeling

Choosing Counter Tops For Kitchen Remodeling


There are innumerable options that are available in the market for kitchen countertops. Depending upon the budget and the tastes and the preferences, you can get a real makeover for the kitchen. The costs are dependent upon the kind of material used for counter tops, the sizes, polishing of the surfaces, installation time taken, the cornices and the moldings.

Granite
Granite is the ultimate for sheer luxury. Granite is available in many colors and not just black and red. There are many shades and textures available. It can absorb a lot of heat, wear and tear. Its not seamless, therefore pieces need to be joined together. The maintenance of granite is simple as it can be washed with detergent and water.

Engineered Stone
The various kinds if engineered stones available in the market are DuPont Zodiaq®, Cambria Quartz, Portifino and Silestone. This is also as expensive as granite. This stone is easy maintenance and doesn?t crack easily as it?s less porous as granite and is resistant to acid. It also doesn?t require any sealing as granite.

Ceramic tiles
Ceramic tiles come in different shapes, sizes, materials, thickness, durability, colors and patterns. You can opt for a rough or a smooth finish. Depending upon the finishes, ceramic tiles can be very cheap or near about as expensive as granite and other special stones. Grouting between the tiles is expensive and they can chip and crack over a period of time. Remember to put only heat resistant ceramic tiles for the counter tops.

Stainless steel counters
Stainless Steel counters look great and make a kitchen look futuristic. These counter tops are durable, scratch resistant, heat resistant, and cool to touch and won?t stain. You can even incorporate the draining boards as well as the kitchen sinks in stainless steel to match the counters. But they can be hard to clean as finger print marks, dust and dirt will easily show. Non directional stainless steel finishes are also available which will lessen the effect of finger print marks, scratches and dust. These counters are very expensive.

Wood
Various types of woods have been used for cabinets and now you can use them for counter tops too. Remember to combine with other materials especially near the sink and drain board area. Wood needs to be polished regularly. It also shows up scratches and knife marks easily.

Lavastone
it?s the latest and is made of glazed volcanic rock. It?s heat resistant (but of course), stain and scratch resistant. It?s a very tough stone and is the latest for countertops. It?s more expensive than granite.

Glass
Glass surfaces are also been used. The glass has been toughened and made heat resistant. But it can?t be used as a chopping board. The edges can also be smoothened out. Very expensive but looks great. Follow the manufacturer?s instructions for maintenance and cleaning of the surfaces.

Semi precious surfacing
Semi precious stones are used along with its binder to set the counter top to give a smooth finish. Looks great and is very expensive. Only install if you don?t have kids in the house. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer for cleaning and maintaining the surfaces.

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