Kitchen Remodeling - Choosing Materials

The kitchen has evolved from the standard oak cabinets and Formica countertops to a modern showplace with commercial grade appliances and exotic stone countertops. The days of the extreme 'over-the-top' kitchen remodel may be gone, but that still doesn't change the fact that the kitchen is one of the hardest working rooms in the house. Choosing durable yet attractive finishes is still extremely important, but it shouldn't break the bank. Here are some tips on choosing materials for your kitchen, including how to get a high end look without spending a ton of money.

One tip when choosing cabinets is to look at the interior door style in your house (the doors to each room, such as a bedroom). Often times choosing a coordinating cabinet door style to match the interior doors within your house is an easy and safe way to ensure that the new kitchen design looks good. Of course, you can deviate this. Consider choosing a different material for an island and maybe a more elaborate doors style. Don't make the mistake of selecting an overly fancy door style unless your house warrants it. You don't want your friends to come into your kitchen and say, "wow, look at your fancy cabinets!" You want them to say, "wow, look at your amazing kitchen!" You want them to notice everything. If you have kids and pets, consider choosing a stained wood cabinet rather than a painted cabinet. Generally they will end up looking better for longer, and they are easier to touch up when they get nicked. If you are consider a faux or decorative finish, keep in mind that when you are looking at a sample painted on one door, you'll generally want it to look less distressed than you think it should look rather than over distressed. When you install all the kitchen doors, it can look very 'over done' if you go too heavy handed on faux or decorative finishes.Often the first thing I consider for flooring choices are the same materials on the floor of adjacent spaces. If there are hardwoods in nearby rooms, a good solution can be to extend the wood into the kitchen. This is especially true in a smaller room, where continuing the same flooring material will usually make a space look larger. If you do not want wood floors in the kitchen, then choose a tile that is a similar color value to the adjacent wood floor, so the transition is not harsh and it does not separate the space. A resilient material like cork can be an excellent choice for the kitchen as it is slightly soft underfoot and is more forgiving if you drop a dish on it. Natural materials like Marmoleum are also great and a good 'green' choice.How to Select Backsplash MaterialsOther new choices are countertops made with glass, paper, and concrete. Many of these are fine for kitchen use, but some will not be durable enough over time. If you are using a material that is not time tested inspect an installation that has been in use for some time..For some reason the backsplash is often the hardest material choice for people to decide upon. But the backsplash is one area that can have a big visual impact and help tie the design together. If you're having trouble choosing a material for the backsplash, look to the other surfaces in the kitchen for inspiration. In a more contemporary kitchen, choosing a stainless steel backsplash that matches your stainless steel appliances can be a wise decision. For a less expensive choice, consider plastic laminates that look like stainless steel that can even be installed by a do-it-yourselfer (but resist the temptation to use these on countertops because many are not rated for horizontal surface use). Glass tile can be another good choice to tie together different color materials. There are so many different glass tiles available today it can be challenging to choose one. A safe place to start is by choosing a glass tile that pulls colors from your countertop. Other material you may consider are sheets of glass, plastic laminate, stone tile, ceramic tile, or even wood (painted or sealed, of course).Natural stone counters are also a common choice and a visit to your local stone yard will show you that there are literally hundreds to select from. To help you find a suitable stone more quickly, ask for help looking for stone only within a certain price range and color range. When you find a stone you like try to take a sample home and see how it holds up to spilled wine, ketchup, mustard and oils. Beware of stones with a lot of fillers. Fillers are a sign of lower quality stone and can get damaged more easily and even fall out.For middle-of-the road budgets look into solid surface materials such as Corian. These materials have evolved well beyond the basic white, and are now available in patterns that look more like stone. A big benefit of solid surface countertops is the ability to have a seamless integrated sink fabricated into the countertop. So wiping water into the sink and cleaning up is quicker.How to Choose Cabinet MaterialsChoosing the Right CountertopsAnother newer countertop option is Quartz. Quartz countertops turn a natural material, quartz, into slabs that appear almost like natural stone. One of the many benefits of these countertops is that they do not absorb liquids spilled on them.There are many countertop materials to choose from, many people simply just don't know where to start. There is also a sizable price range even within one material (such as stone). For an affordable option consider plastic laminates such as Formica. There are some sophisticated patterns and colors available today that when paired with a tile backsplash and well selected paint colors can look very good together. There are also new edge details that eliminate seams that can get damaged.How to Select Flooring

While choosing materials for the kitchen can be difficult, take it step by step and you'll get there. Start with the countertop and cabinet finish. Once you have those chosen, select a material for your floor. Then choose your backsplash and wall and ceiling paint colors. This process will help you get everything chosen more quickly, so you can get through the construction a little sooner, and then to enjoying your new kitchen.

The 5 Top Home Renovations to Tackle This Year

This year the more popular home renovations tend to be smaller in scale - where function trumps flash.

Just simple upgrading of sinks faucets and fixtures will add value, style and sophistication.3. MINOR BATH REMODEL5. DEVELOPING BASEMENTS INTO AN ADDED LIVING SPACE.- Add a new fence, trellis or gate.According to Remodeling Magazine's 2010 cost vs. value report, the smaller tweaks and midrange interior and exterior projects are yielding the biggest bang for the buck. In other words the more moderate home improvement projects prove to be the most cost effective.- Cabinets and Hardware: repaint, re-stain or reface all door and drawer fronts if the layout still works - otherwise plan for new and improved cabinetry.- Replace your siding, as it tends to be the least costly upgrade.- Replace and update old flooring with vinyl, ceramic, hardwood, concrete or stone.- Frameless glass shower enclosures undoubtedly add to a spa-like atmosphere.- Developing the basement into a finished and livable entertainment space.So if you're thinking of selling your home now or in the near future, consider these top 5 home remodeling projects to help turn your current house into someone else's home.- Upgrade the appliances to stainless, as it has become the new standard finish in kitchen appliances.Either way when you go to sell your house - keep in mind that you're essentially selling your kitchen and the emotions attached!- Add Architectural Details such as trims, shutters and moldings.- New countertops and cabinetry really set the stage for the space and are critical elements in creating a beautiful spa like environment. Consider certain marbles, soapstone, bluestone or limestone to create a sense of luxury.- Roofing - replace or repair shingles if damaged.- Furniture-like cabinetry in deep warm woods evokes richness.1. CURB APPEAL2. MINOR or MAJOR KITCHEN REMODELJust to give you an idea how important kitchens are to a home's value - Here in the US we spend almost $200 billion a year on home renovation projects and $15 billion of that are spent on kitchen renovations. If your kitchen's layout works perfectly well, just making some simple updates will appeal to the perfect buyer.First impressions are everything and you don't have to be a real estate agent to know that. If your house is unappealing from the outside those potential buyers may never make it through the front door. A great first impression could add a good 10% to the value of your home.- Increasing the amount of livable space is still very important to homeowners and potential buyers - and repurposing existing space is the most cost effective way to achieve that. It's much more cost effective than adding on, as well as being the green thing to do.- Fresh Paint.- Kitchen sinks are available in all shapes and sizes to compliment and fit within your kitchen - from under mount, top mount and integral seamless sinks.- Upgrade your front door.- Update old windows with energy efficient products.- Landscaping.- Countertops and Sinks. Consider Quartz surfaces, which are available in a multitude of colors, and finishes for its wonderful properties. They are highly durable, non porous and easily maintained.- If you have the attic space you could develop a 15' x15' bedroom c/w a 5x7 bath and shower. Or utilize that finished attic space as a home office/guest suite. Allocate this new square footage to appeal to you as well as the buyer.- Create an added bedroom and bath, office, laundry or game room.- If your master bath has one sink only and you have a 6'long space, add two new under mount sinks.- Add a porch or deck. (any extension to the outdoors)- Flooring such as ceramic, stone, concrete and woods.- Exterior Lighting.- Provide ample built-in storage, playroom and finished bedroom.4. CONVERTING UNFINISHED ATTICS INTO BEDROOMS

- Provide ample built-in storage, playroom and finished bedroom.

Author: Lori Gilder

Granite is Tough; Taking Correct Care of It Isn't

Crystal like granite countertops and spa type bathrooms built with natural stone are all the rage in home interiors, but not surprisingly it will lose its investment value fast if not properly maintained.

About CaesarStoneYou may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter on your web site as long as the byline is included and the article is included in it's entirety. I also ask that you activate any html links found in the article and in the byline. Please send a courtesy link or email where you publish to: support@marblemasteruk.comUp to now, only ammonia based cleaners were the granite cleaning choice outside of soap and water for homeowners, regardless of the fact that these products in reality damage natural stone.Contact: Olivia Stansfield CaesarStone Quartz Surfaces 6840 Hayvenhurst Ave. Suite 100 Van Nuys CA 91406 Phone: 818-779-0999Marble Master Products are also effective when used on natural quartz surfaces and engineered stone and can be safely used on ceramics or porcelain tile and grout. This exclusive product line, which contains the highest grade of quality ingredients, is user friendly, non toxic and safe for the environment.Offering a lifetime warranty, their products are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. CaesarStone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from Good Housekeeping Research Institute in addition to ISO 14001 (environmental management system), ISO 9002 (quality management standard), GREENGUARD certification, a member of USGBC (The U.S. Green Building Council) and NSF (public health and safety) certification.For more information about CaesarStone and its products, please visit the company's website at www.CaesarStoneUS.com , or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).Website: http://www.marblemasteruk.com

Website: http://www.marblemasteruk.com

Author: Edward Green

Introducing CaesarStone's Newest Innovation in Color: Deep Ocean

CaesarStone, the Original Quartz Surface, is pleased to announce its newest innovation in color, Deep Ocean (4550) . The inspiration for the color came from CaesarStone's ocean front factory. The rich colors of the sea bring a sense of depth and serenity to any space. Deep Ocean encompasses all of the elements of nature that we have come to know and love from CaesarStone's color line-up.

Marble Master's set of non ammoniated, inexpensive products features its Daily Cleaner, Daily Cleaner Wipes, Polish/Protector, Stone Soap and Penetrating Sealers. The line protects and extends the life of stone countertops and gives customers high quality cleaning power. The line is non toxic, safe on all food preparation surfaces, features a streak-free formula and is easy to use.Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1369761Marble Master�s stone cleaning product line safely cleans and conditions countertops, floors and wall surrounds made of granite, marble, travertine and other natural stone. For more information, visit www.marblemasteruk.comCaesarStone is the original quartz countertops and surface manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; Miami, FL; New York, NY and Atlanta, GA. CaesarStone produces premium quartz surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.The Marble Master Stone Care System is specially formulated and developed by stone care professionals with more than 40 years of experience in the natural stone industry. For more information or to purchase the products, visit www.marblemasteruk.com or call 020 8807 8889.Natural stone is hard-wearing, but still needs appropriate care to continue its inherent beauty. When treated correctly, it is a low maintenance surface that will hold its gleam longer than any other surface known to man, and can enhance the value of your home.

Contact: Olivia Stansfield CaesarStone Quartz Surfaces 6840 Hayvenhurst Ave. Suite 100 Van Nuys CA 91406 Phone: 818-779-0999

Lighting Can Be Both Functional And Beautiful

Lighting performs many functions within a home. It provides ambiance and helps to set a mood. It eases your eyestrain if you are working on a hobby, reading or studying. Lighting also helps to define areas in a home. A beautiful light fixture can be a stunning focal point. Outdoor lighting discourages burglars and provides a sense of safety and security. Given the number of functions that lighting performs, it is extremely important not to let your lighting solutions become an afterthought during your home renovations.

Your cabinets will, of course, be installed before your new countertops. In fact, until your cabinets are installed, they can't even start work on your countertops if you have chosen granite or Silestone (or other stone) countertops because they need to make a template. Ask for temporary countertops and a sink to be installed so that you aren't eating out the entire time you're waiting for your countertops to be cut. It might take weeks.You'll want to do some research even at this early stage. What kinds of materials will you want to use for countertops? Granite is hugely popular, as is Silestone, which is made from natural quartz and comes in a huge range of colors. What kind of wood do you want for your cabinets, and how light or dark should they be? What about flooring? Then you have to consider which appliances will need to be replaced, how you want the room painted, lighting and any major changes in the layout of your kitchen.Graceful pendant lights are becoming a more popular choice these days. An electrician can easily switch the old dated fluorescent fixture for sleek, modern pendant lights lending a whole new updated look to your kitchen. The shades for pendant lights can also be easily changed out down the road if you decide that you want to change the look.* Lighting is everything. Bright cheery baths flooded with light will perk up anyone's spirit!Another common update that many homeowners make today is to replace the lighting over a kitchen island. Many houses were built with a large fluorescent light over the island. Fluorescent lights can flicker and the glow that they put out is not flattering to most skin tones.But something else factors in to the equation here. She's on the fence about whether to stay in her home or sell. Her husband passed a couple of years ago and she's now faced with a decision as to whether or not she wants to continue living in this spacious home, or is it time for her to move.

Lighting can be both functional and beautiful. If you are picking out lighting fixtures for a new house, or renovating an older one, it's important to talk to your electrical contractor. He or she will be able to assist you in your planning and make sure that you get the most for your budget.

Author: Nick Messe

Renovating Your Master Bath For Maximum Profit

When you live in a home long enough, eventually some neglected areas will beg to be repaired, upgraded or completely remodeled - the basic wear and tear of the property. I met with a woman this week who had uncovered some mold in her master bath and since she's now faced with correcting that problem, feels it would be the right time to finally update and gut her tired and very dated master bath.

Adding a ceiling fan is another option for homeowners. Ceiling fans come in a wide range of styles and finishes to compliment any decor. They can be installed indoors in a room or outdoors on a porch. A ceiling fan circulates the air and helps you to feel cooler. It is also a great addition to a baby's room. In fact, a study by the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that a fan in a baby's room reduced the rate of SIDS by up to 72%.Lighting is especially important if you are modernizing your home for a more updated look. Replacing tired, old fixtures with sleek and modern recessed lighting can add instant value to a room. Recessed lighting is unobtrusive, letting your furnishings and accessories take center stage. An electrical contractor or electrician can also install recessed lighting in a large room to eliminate dark, shadowy corners. This will make the room seem much more inviting and welcoming.When the time comes to place your order, make sure your measurements are very, very accurate or you will have a terrible time with your kitchen remodel. You can have professionals come out and do the measurements for you. In fact, if you are having your cabinets and countertops professionally installed, you WILL have professionals out taking measurements. If your measurements are accepted by the store without question and without sending out their own people, you will probably want to shop elsewhere. You're spending too much money on remodeling your kitchen to take that kind of chance.Make sure your sketches include dimensions. Whether you're doing it yourself or hiring professionals, accurate dimensions will help you plan well and give the best feel a paper sketch can give for how your kitchen will look.Lighting can be both functional and beautiful. If you are picking out lighting fixtures for a new house, or renovating an older one, it's important to talk to your electrical contractor. He or she will be able to assist you in your planning and make sure that you get the most for your budget.* Be aware that homes are typically purchased on emotions and the reality is when it comes to many home improvements - women tend to be the nesters and the ones that will be most impressed with the kitchen and bath designs.Appliances such as stoves and refrigerators can be installed whenever convenient. As most dishwashers are installed beneath the countertops, you'll want to ask about the best time to replace your dishwasher.Whether you ultimately decide to stay or move, plan for a well-designed bathroom renovation which includes high quality materials and finishes. If the space appeals to you, it will more than likely appeal to the potential buyer as well. And that's more cash in your pocket.Many home improvement stores will have kitchen designers on their staffs, and this is a resource you should take advantage of. They'll go over your plans with you and possibly have ideas you haven't considered.For this reason alone, every conscientious parent should consider adding a ceiling fan to their newborn's room. As a side benefit, many babies sleep better with the soft whir of a fan in the background. Older children will appreciate task lighting for studying, or lighting that can be easily dimmed for watching movies or gaming.

Whether you ultimately decide to stay or move, plan for a well-designed bathroom renovation which includes high quality materials and finishes. If the space appeals to you, it will more than likely appeal to the potential buyer as well. And that's more cash in your pocket.

Author: Lori Gilder

Basic Kitchen Remodeling Planning

There are some basic steps you need to take when you decide to remodel your kitchen. Here I will present to you a quick overview of what you need to do when remodeling your kitchen; you will find more details throughout this website.

So when considering a bathroom remodel of this kind it's imperative to resist the urge to spend money on expensive fixtures, fittings and flashy trends that won't appeal to the demographic you or your agent will be targeting.* Don't over design the space for the current market - at the same time give it a special touch with accessories.Perhaps the most important aspect of planning your kitchen remodel. This is one of the most inconvenient rooms to remodel, so you'll want to do it at a time when you will have the time and patience to deal with it. Your kitchen will be marginally useable for weeks during the remodel. However, the beauty of your new kitchen should more than make up for the inconvenience.Generally speaking, you will want your refrigerator, stove and sink to form a triangle in your kitchen. Include plenty of walking space and room for eating. Will you want an island in your kitchen or will that just be in the way? How will the table fit? You'll also want to look at where outlets are, keeping in mind where you plan on placing your appliances. You may have to move outlets or plumbing if you're rearranging your layout. Don't forget to consider installing extra outlets.The first step is, of course, deciding on your goals for the kitchen. What do you want your remodel to accomplish for you?Homeowners can also put the finishing touches on a kitchen renovation with tasteful under-cabinet lighting. This type of lighting is also practical because it illuminates the work surface, a must-have if you love to cook and bake. It also highlights those quartz or granite countertops that are so popular today.Obviously she'll want to spend her money wisely - and in this particular situation a new master bath design should appeal not only to her, but the potential buyer as well.Now you will want to start sketching out your ideas. You don't need to be a great artist; just get some graph paper, pen or pencil and a ruler and start mapping things out. Of course, if you are more technologically inclined, you can do this on the computer as well if you have the right software.Of course, there's one more very important goal for you to consider - your budget! How much will you want to spend? Will you want to get a home equity loan for your remodel or have you saved money up for this project?* Know your buyer and renovate with that demographic in mind.

Perhaps the most important aspect of planning your kitchen remodel. This is one of the most inconvenient rooms to remodel, so you'll want to do it at a time when you will have the time and patience to deal with it. Your kitchen will be marginally useable for weeks during the remodel. However, the beauty of your new kitchen should more than make up for the inconvenience.

Author: Stephanie Foster