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Everything You Should Know About Kitchen Faucets

The kitchen faucet is a small but indispensable part of the kitchen and also determines the style of the kitchen interior. There are several practical considerations to examine when purchasing a kitchen faucet. You have to choose which style you like for the tap, which color tap fits best with the kitchen and therefore also what kind of tap you want, that is why it is better to think about your daily needs and prepare yourself well before choosing a new kitchen faucet. Everything you need to know when buying a kitchen faucet, you can read in this blog post in a row!

Types of Kitchen Faucets

In the past, you installed a separate tap for hot water and a separate tap for cold water. Nowadays, the supply of hot water and cold water is connected to one-tap: the mixer. With a kitchen mixer, you can manually regulate the temperature. For example, if you are going to do the dishes, you create the ideal temperature by mixing cold and hot tap water. There are several suitable faucets for the kitchen that give both boiling and cold water separately or on one knob. Let’s quickly look at them.

1. Single lever mixer tap

The name is self-explanatory, you can operate the faucet with just one lever. The water warms up as you turn the knob one direction, and cools down when you flip it the other way. As a result, you may tweak the knob until the temperature is just like you want. The advantage of this tap is that you are not bothered by temperature fluctuations and the tap has protection against too hot temperatures. Finally, this tap saves water, because the water immediately flows out of the tap at the desired temperature and the water does not have to flow first to find the right temperature

2. Two-handle faucet

In contrast to the single-lever mixer, the two-lever faucet has two handles: hot and cold. By only turning on the cold tap you get cold water and by turning on only the hot tap you get hot water. The cold and warm buttons can also be accessed. In this way, the cold and warm water are mixed and you can create the temperature you want! Due to this, the temperature of water may fluctuate somewhat. It is also known as the wall tap as it must be built into the wall. Based on the number of holes that are used in the wall we speak of 2-hole wall taps or 3-hole wall taps.

Renovating A Kitchen Faucet Requires Some Practical Considerations

Together with the sink, the kitchen faucet is an important style element in your kitchen space. It goes without saying that you buy a kitchen faucet with the most suitable design, material, or color. For a modern kitchen, choose a sleeker model. But a kitchen faucet must also be durable, reliable, and easy to maintain because it is used countless times a day. Just think of washing your hands, rinsing vegetables or fruit, filling cooking pots, washing dishes, and cleaning the sink. Thus, choosing a faucet requires a lot of practical considerations.

Height and spout of the kitchen faucet

The height of the tap is determined by the selected sink. With a shallow sink, it is best to choose a low tap to avoid splashing water. In a deep wash basin, a high tap provides extra room to move. Kitchen faucets with a high spout (where the water comes out) make it easy to fill, for example, a high cooking pot or a bucket with water. If you have two sinks, a kitchen faucet with a swivel spout is ideal for alternately flowing water into one sink or the other. If you like to use a more flexible spout with a small handheld showerhead, a pull-out spout is perfect. With it, you can easily wash vegetables or thoroughly clean the sink.

Installing the Kitchen Faucet

If your current kitchen faucet is wall-mounted and you don’t plan to remodel or adapt the kitchen, buy a new wall-mounted kitchen faucet. In addition, you can opt for mounting on the worktop or on the sink with a surface-mounted tap. Or if you want only the essential parts to be visible, you can go for a built-in tap or installation integrated into the sink. This ensures a sleek appearance. Along with appearance it will also reduce space and precise area will appear on the picture.

Bottom Line

Of course, you want to buy a kitchen faucet in the best fitting style. Nowadays you can choose from various materials and colors. A kitchen tap in chrome-plated brass always works well and suits every kitchen style. But along with style and look also keep in mind the practical considerations discussed in this blog. Make an informed decision and put it into action in your kitchen. You will be amazed to see the results and your guests would be surprised.

How To Paint Your Furniture At Home

I am sure surfing all day on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest make you want to try all those hacks for sure! Especially ever since people have started picking up pieces from the flea market and sold them for literally ten times the price they got for just after minor tweaks and painting!

Everyone definitely wants to learn the trick for painting their own furniture at home even if they don’t plan on selling it. Because if you know how to paint your furniture you can always give your house a fresh new look without spending hundreds of dollars just on labor!

 

Before we get to the painting part here are some essential supplies you are going to need.

  1. A face mask preferably KN 95.
  2. Sanding Pads (Grit 80,100,120)
  3. Tack Cloth (An Old T-shirt is perfectly fine)
  4. Wood Glue
  5. Wood Filler or Putty
  6. Putty Knife
  7. Paint Brush for Paint.
  8. Foam Brush for Primer

 

Once you’ve got all your supplies all you need is some motivation and creativity to get started! Oh and don’t forget your furniture piece.

Step 0 Prep Your Furniture

Whether you got your furniture piece from craigslist, the flea market or your home you will definitely have to prep your furniture. This step requires you to remove any hinges, drawer knobs/pulls, etc. If your piece has doors and drawers make sure you remove all of them so that you can easily paint each part of the furniture. This part would make it easy for you to get to all the nooks and creaks and you won’t see any unpainted edges in the end so don’t forget to do this step!

Step 1 Fix Your Furniture

This is where the real work has just started. The first step may require more time depending on your piece. If you are using an older antique furniture piece then these repairs are essential. You need to spend some time fixing it so that you don’t face any issues immediately after using it. For some furniture, you’ll have to fix the edges. Others would require some filling with the putty. Make sure that if there are loose joints you get them professionally repaired and if the legs are in a shaky position definitely have a professional look at them because you don’t want to spend all that time for the piece to not even stand in the end!

 

Step 2 Sand

Put on your KN 95 mask and This is the most oddly satisfying part for me. Depending on the type of wood you need to pick your sandpaper or a sand machine if easily available. Never believe those youtube videos that promise to give a smooth finish by just using a primer that thing never works! You need to properly prepare this surface but remember the purpose is not to gouge the surface. All we need for it is to roughen up a little so that everything is on the level and the primer can easily stick to the surface. If the furniture is already painted you need to start with an 80 grit sandpaper and work your way to the 220 grit paper. You can easily skip the 80 grit sandpaper if your furniture is not already painted.

Step 3 Clean

Sanding tends to leave a lot of residues and makes everything very dirty so it’s time for some heavy cleaning. You can use a normal all-purpose cleaner with a tack cloth to clean the surface and prepare it for the primer. We strongly recommend using a tack cloth and not a lint-free cloth because tack clothes don’t leave any residue back. The surface will easily retain small particles so you need to be careful with the kind of cloth you are using.

Step 4 Prime

This is the part where you’ll finally feel like it’s all coming together. Priming is an important step especially if you are working with highly stained wooden pieces that tend to bleed through light colors. The most common color beginners want to paint their furniture is white and white always requires more quotes than usual so don’t forget to prime to prevent any bleed-throughs. Laminate furniture may allow you to get away with priming but if you are looking for a smooth and refined finish you should use a shellac primer. Don’t forget to let the primer cure and dry!

Step 5 Paint

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for is here! Wear your dirty clothes (if you haven’t already) get your new paintbrush and your paint bucket out and let’s get working! Whatever type of paint or paintbrush you are using there are some general rules you should abide by. Always paint in long strokes and wait to apply the second coat. Make sure there aren’t any big paint drips. If you want to paint in carvings go for a smaller brush and if it’s a flat long surface a mini roller would be a very feasible option for you. Additionally, you can also switch to spray paints. They have a very professional finish.

Step 6 Wax Or Seal Paint

Bring out your foam brush and after your paint has fully dried up and cured really well. Its time to seal it in. Depending on the finish you’re looking for you can use a matte or gloss finish wax or sealant. Polycrylic can be used for a glossy finish as well now let it sit for 72 hours before you use or touch it.

Time to get working. Let’s go!

 

4 Effective Ways to Make Your Living Room Cozy and Modern

Be it winter or summertime, your living room must always be a warm, inviting place for you and your loved ones. Nothing quite beats the joy of sitting in front of TV or by the fire while you are enjoying your favorite book and basking in the peace and calmness that envelops you in your cozy lounge.
To help you create the perfect cozy and modern living room, we have compiled a list of effective tips and tricks you can use to remodel your lounge and make the most out of it.
From soft lighting, choosing the right color palettes, to creating the perfect mood with the right fragrance, we have got it all covered for you!

1. Make it Warm and Toasty

Depending on where you live, wintertime can be quite brutal in the United States, so it is no surprise that a warm and toasty living room sounds inviting and incredibly aesthetic.
While aesthetic value is important, you also need to ensure that your living room is well insulated for the harsh cold. To make your living room warm and cozy, we recommend starting with the main reason for heat loss – windows.
If your house is old, then your windows may be ill-fitting or simply not equipped to keep out the penetrating cold. This ultimately leads to a constant draught which makes your living space less appealing, and you would rather stay in bed under the covers.
For this reason, it is best to replace your current windows with double or even triple-glazed units to help secure and trap the heat inside. Double and triple glazed windows maintain condensation-free sills and your house is no longer draughty. They also exude a modern look for your house.
Additionally, these windows also help save up on electricity costs as you can minimize the thermostats on the radiators for each room, keeping fuel costs low.
Resolving this issue will immediately retain heat inside your living room, making it the perfect cozy spot for you and your family.

2. Stick to a Bold Palette

One excellent way to make your living room warm, cozy, and inviting is by using rich and deep color palettes. Charcoals, burgundies, navy, dark greens, etc., are all excellent choices for your walls that complement the modern aesthetic and create a sense of warmth inside your living room.
When coupled with the right furnishings that contrast the color palette such as mustard yellow, beige, deep berry shades on furniture or drapes, you can achieve a deliciously warm look that is inviting and calm.
You can also use wooden furniture to complement the dark color scheme. Or, if you want to take it a step further, try experimenting with deep crimson, earthy tones, burnt orange, and various shades of saturated colors that appear bold and appealing.
A bold color palette can truly transform the look of your living room and freshen up the space. With a mixture of creative and complementary accessories such as landscape paintings, wall patterns, textures, etc., you can also achieve a mid-century modern look that is both chic and relaxing.

3. Use Low Lighting for the Perfect Glow

Nothing sets the mood better than adjustable lighting that leaves a glow in your living room. Especially during winter months when daylight hours do not last for long, it is crucial to ensure that your cozy living room is beautifully lit.
Ceiling lightings that are dimmable, yellow, and soft can make the perfect environment for a relaxing evening. Alternatively, you can also choose dimmable table lamps that can be rearranged according to your preferences.
Yellow lighting has a warm, inviting effect. To really make your living room a comfortable haven, we recommend keeping yellow lights so you can feel extra cozy. If there are darker corners in the room, you can always place a table lamp there to make it into a comfortable reading corner.
Rattan, Victorian or ceramic-based table lamps arranged next to your favorite rocking or armchair can really make your living room appear tranquil.
Piercingly bright and garish overhead lights can make your living space appear cold and unwelcoming. Instead, aim for softer lighting as it helps your body relax and revel in a sense of safety and peacefulness.
You can also invest in wall lights that do not pop too much or overwhelm the room. Additionally, you can also use mood lighting to make your living room appear snug and perfect for a quick snooze. If you have a fireplace, keep it on during wintertime and use it as your only source of light.

4. Use Fragrance for a Cozy Effect

Perhaps the simplest way to achieve a modern, cozy living room is by using fragrance in your living room as a way of welcoming the new season or just to add comfort and relaxation.
Your room’s ambiance is attached to the scent, and you can always pick one that complements the season, your mood, and the décor of your living room. Rich, warm scents such as amber, bergamot, etc., are simply perfect to welcome the autumn season, whereas lavender and jasmine scents blend in with spring.

Budget-friendly Bathroom Floor Options

Bathrooms are less likely to get the attention we give to the rest of our house. But having a comfortable and beautiful bathroom can add that extra oomph to your entire house. Believe it or not, most of us do spend quite some time in the bathroom when we are upset, want to freshen u,p or simply hiding from our children for some alone time.

Fortunately, to make it look good you don’t need to break the bank since it’s a very small area compared to the rest of the rooms in the house. Also, bathrooms don’t need a lot to make them new or fresh. E.g a change of porcelain tiles or adding a wall of green faux leaves and a few mirrors can do the trick. Let’s talk about flooring today. Here are a few budget-friendly options:
1. Standard Vinyl
Vinyl has great qualities when it comes to bathroom floor tiles. They are water-resistant, stain-resistant, inexpensive, durable, and tough in the face of most types of damage. It’s not only easy to install but is also available in nearly every color and pattern which makes it easy to match too. However, although it’s inexpensive, its cheap materials can offset an off-gas volatile organic chemical into the bathroom, after initial installation. It lasts up to no more than 10years. The typical vinyl comes in two forms, vinyl sheet, and vinyl tiles. The sheet is an entire block of sheets for the bathroom and tiles are individual pieces glued down to the floor. We recommend sheets for bathrooms since they contain fewer or no seams at all.
2. Linoleum Floors
Linoleum floors are the vintage floor of the bathroom industry. They were mostly replaced by standard vinyl but have reappeared in the market. The reason being eco-friendly people. Since it’s largely made out of linseed oil, environment-friendly people love it. It has more or less the same properties and benefits as vinyl, the only repulsion is the smell it emits weeks after its installation. Costs about 2-5 per square foot. We recommend going seamless for linoleum as well.
3. Porcelain or Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic or Porcelain is mostly made out of natural clay mixed with other sediments. The mixture is because in its raw form porcelain can be very susceptible to bathroom damage such as water and stains. However, most homeowners get it glazed with glass-ceramics to make it resistant. Most homeowners opt-out of buying porcelain as it is expensive but for small spaces, it can be a beautiful and inexpensive solution especially if you buy it from the standard stock tile at those big box home improvement centers. One thing to remember, never try to install it on your own. It requires skill and a professional must be engaged.
4. Concrete Floors
It might seem like a typical industry-looking floor material but it’s surprisingly appearing more and more among modern home designs. Also, depending upon the area you live in, you might already have concrete underneath those vinyl tiles. It can be a very inexpensive option for small spaces. It can look very beautiful if polished well but we do recommend sealing it with some other agent to protect it from bathroom damage. It has a porous surface which is typically not a good idea in a bathroom. To prepare the floor the contractor will need to install cement board which costs around 2-3$ per square feet and to do the actual flooring a cost of 3-6$ per square foot. If you want some modern decorative options it can go up to an additional 2-5$.

Treating your bathroom with the right material can make a world of a difference in the overall aura of your house. Bathrooms are an important part of our comfort zone and it needs to reflect and be that too. Make sure to spare a decent amount of budget for your bathroom comfort as well while planning the rest of the homes. Let us know some of the changes you have done in your bathroom which makes it very comfortable.

Your Renovation Guide To A Spellbound Nordic Kitchen

Nordic or Scandinavian homes and kitchens have been the rage for quite a while. With the increasing popularity of minimalistic interior design, the elegance and timeless class of nordic style has been highlighted. This style features wooden textures, bright whites and light hues, and natural elements that make the space feel organic and fresh. These interiors are often featured with a few dark elements to bring out the dramatic appeal of the space and keep it looking interesting and bold yet energising and refreshing!
If you’re looking for upgrading your kitchen interior to this timeless beauty, here is a basic introduction to what makes a kitchen interior scandinavian:
Two Toned Cabinets:
White hues with a hint of color are rooted deep into Scandinavian kitchens. While the white gives the space a bright and peaceful aura, a hint of color keeps it from looking boring and blank! This minimalistic design feature can be featured in pastels and woody textures, with the white on primary cabinets and the other color on the lower secondary cabinets. Applying a wooden texture to the lower cabinets will also give your design a unique and subtle visual interest. While it is surely a popular choice, Nordic kitchens often feature dark painted single tone cabinets to give the space a more dramatic feel. Whichever you decide, make sure your color choice for the two toned cabinets goes with the rest of the interior and doesn’t overpower it.
Minimalist White or Striking Jet Black:
Nordic is based on rough nordic winters, rooted in simplicity and cheerful elegance. Combined with minimalistic aesthetics, it presents an array of fabulous decor and textural beauty. Bright whites with pops of color and wood is what scandinavian style is mostly focused on, but you can also feature a jet black wall in your kitchen to give it that chilly winter vibe and a dramatic feel. Paired with a wooden floor and concrete countertop, you’ll have yourself a beautiful and timeless kitchen that is bound to leave you in awe.
Pop of Color:
Whether you’re using an overall white or a dark theme, you can always introduce a pop of color here and there in the form of a bold backsplash or cabinets. Dark colors like royal blue and purple are a popular choice for adding some dramatic visual interest into the space in the form of featured cabinets besides the two toned cabinets. You can use this color scheme on the island cabinets or use a bright color like aqua or celeste to bring out some life with the kitchen backsplash. In overall white themed kitchens, painting the cabinets black with a natural wood backsplash also creates a beautiful nordic aesthetic that will absolutely capture your heart!
Modern Furniture:
Modern furniture like tulip tables and swan chairs can be placed in the kitchen as an additional color table or by a window nook. To get that classic Scandinavian feel, use blood wood accents for tables and chair arms etc paired with leather seats which will help make your space look and feel fresh and organic. You must avoid making the space look crowded by using oversized furniture, and keep to smaller accent chairs and tables that keep the overall look simple yet elegant.
The key point is simplicity and functionality, and the wooden texture adds a beautiful visual contrast to the space!

Nordic style is getting really popular for interior design because it revolves around simplicity, functionality and minimalism, which is a fast growing living style nowadays. You can always add a touch of personal taste to your design to make your kitchen look and feel more homey and comfortable, but hopefully this brief look into nordic style will get your minimalistic juices flowing in time for your renovation!

4 Important Steps Of A Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen remodels are one of the most rewarding things to get done for your kitchen. Although it can easily give you headaches if not done right. There are several questions that go through a person’s mind such as whether to DIY or hire a contractor, how much to spend depending upon your need as well as matching the equity value of the money spent etc.

It can be an overwhelming experience to live without your kitchen while it’s being polished but it’s worth the time, money, and future social gatherings. Here are some steps to be careful about while you are planning a remodel:

1. Asses Needs Vs Desires
A great deal of kitchen remodel projects shocks the owner with the price because they didn’t spend enough time researching what they want and what they can afford. We would recommend starting by making a list of all the problems you face on a daily basis in your kitchen. Do you want a dining area? , is it a matter of too little space? No place for food to store, do you want one? Do you need the appliances upgraded?

After getting everything on the list, prioritize it in the order of things that can be compromised and things that are definitely needed. This will help you get things done in an orderly fashion as well as stay within budget while exploring alternatives or simply dropping some remodels for another day.
2. Kitchen Remodel Resale And Reality Check
Early on, knowing the two main parts of a kitchen remodel is the logistical side of the work and the expenses involved. This will help you get an idea of your budget but also the resale value of your kitchen. If you plan on hiring a contractor, keep in mind there will be strangers making noise and a huge mess in your house for a few weeks or months.

But if you decide to DIY it then you need to ask yourself if you have that kind of time and resources to start. Further, talking about investment in home renovations is a good one for the future resale of the home. However, a family dream kitchen is worthed if you plan on staying in your house longer but if you move frequently or are single at the moment, this is overkill.

3. Be Ready To Compromise
From the beginning, start the project with the mindset to let go. To let go of certain remodels you want, to let go of certain designs for now to save cost, etc. The easiest and hassle-free way to get your kitchen is to get a contractor. Getting a contractor can be expensive and they might not make the design the way you want.

If you have time, we recommend being your own contractor. This is essential to cost-saving, the biggest cost of kitchen remodel is the contractor. If you are willing to take this up, you will save a lot of money on the remodel including material, etc. We all can get dreamy-eyed for custom kitchen cabinets and marble flooring but remember there is always an alternative.
4.Choose your kitchen plan
While there is a wide range of possibilities when it comes to remodeling and designing your kitchen. There are five basic designs available. One wall design, L-shape design, Corridor design, Double L- design, and U-shaped design. These are the basic designs, you can start by choosing one of these and work on the actual drawings and blueprints later. To get your kitchen designed go to a home improvement store and the staff of designers there will do it for free. If you have the budget go for independent designers, they give you more freedom and the best products but they will charge you for their service as opposed to the home improvement ones.

In the end the most important thing is that you are happy with the result, that’s the only thing that matters. Your happiness is dependent upon the design, the money, and the resale value of whatever you have invested. We recommend carefully planning before diving into this amazing project. Remember to breathe and not panic, there is always an alternative. Let us know what have you been up to with your kitchen remodels below

How To Remodel A Kitchen In 8 Simple and Steps

If you want to give a new look to your kitchen and are considering remodelling then you need to make sure that the remodelling plan is simple, easy and fits into your budget. Kitchen is the centre of your home and you spend most of your time there so it should look nice and clean.

Make a list of the basic steps that you can not skip. We are going to list them down below so that you can easily plan everything from the start.

The 8 simple steps for kitchen remodelling are:

 1. Making a Plan 

The first step is planning. Make a plan after doing your own research in detail. You need to enlist all the ideas related to kitchen remodelling and then deciding what you need your kitchen to look like. From changing the colour of the cabinets to changing the dishwasher, you need to plan everything. Write all the problems that you are facing and how you want to fix things. For inspiration, check different websites and save some designs that you like and then plan accordingly. The best part about doing a kitchen remodel is that you can redesign it according to your needs.

2. Formulating A Budget

After planning the look and writing solutions to the problems you are facing, make a budget plan because there are a variety of things that can exceed your budget and can be expensive so in order to avoid that problem, it is always a good idea to make a budget plan. Make a rough estimate of everything by researching a little so that you don’t have to worry about money in the end. Some contractors also offer services that can benefit you so look into that as well.

3. Hiring Professionals

You cannot do everything on your own such as installing cabinets and changing layouts. For these, you have to hire professionals that can help you remodel your kitchen as it is a huge task. Finding a good contractor is a task of its own. You can ask your friends for recommendations so that you hire contractors that are trustworthy. Some companies also offer remodelling services at a cheaper price. You just have to find the company that can offer you what you are looking for. Make sure the contractors you are hiring are comfortable to work with and are friendly because kitchen remodelling is a long process and you do not need someone who does not know how to do his job.

4. Choosing Right Design

After hiring contractors, they will give you different design options that you can choose from. They will provide all the necessary information related to all the designs so that it becomes easier for you to choose a design you like and that falls into your budget. After choosing a design, you will get an idea of how your kitchen will look.

5. Move Everything Out

You need to clean your kitchen and move everything out of it so that the professionals can start working. Make a space away from your kitchen for all the things such as dishes, boxes and everything that is in your kitchen and clear your kitchen.

6. Demolition

You can do this on your own but if you have hired a team, they will do that. All the things that need fixing will be demolished so that those can be replaced. If the demolished material is of any use, keep it. Otherwise throw it into a dumpster. This step is important so that the remodelling can begin and that the professionals can install new things.

7. Construction

Now the professionals will install cabinets and counters. All the work that needs to be done such as painting, electrical work, framing and changing the floor design will happen in this step. After completion, you can check if everything looks exactly how you wanted it to be or not. If something still needs fixing, tell the professionals to fix it so that you will get the desired look.

8. Put Everything Back In Its Place

Now it’s time to put all the things back in their place so that you can start cooking again. If you see any problems like leakage, contact the contractors again and they will fix it. Clean and wash everything and remove the dust. Enjoy cooking in your remodelled kitchen.

 

Kitchen remodelling is not an easy task but by planning in detail, it becomes a lot easier to work and make it happen. After putting in your effort, you will be happy and satisfied at the end. Make sure after remodelling, everything is looking nice, modern and clean.

 

 

4 Popular Themes For Your Upcoming Kitchen Renovation Project

Are you inspired by the latest kitchen trends and want to revamp your kitchen with the upgraded cabinet style, paint, flooring, and antique and pleasant finishing? We have gathered some stylish and functional themes that are going to stay in trend for a significant time period so you don’t need to spend money on an upgrade every other year. Let’s have a look at these infamous kitchen themes for your upcoming kitchen remodeling project.

1. Minimalist/ Compact Kitchen

For those who are available with a smaller area to build the kitchen, the minimal or compact theme is best to suit their needs. The most important element in this theme is cabinets as they will conceal your cooking range, dishwasher, appliances, refrigerator, and everything that can cover your space at the countertop or the kitchen island. Do not hesitate to embrace vibrant colors in your compact kitchen. Although the minimalists are perfectionists and subtle in style, they prefer dull tones of blues, greens, gray, white, or cream with fainted countertops and cabinets along with stainless steel appliances.

2. U-Shaped Kitchen

If you have a large kitchen space, try to create a U-shaped design that is good enough for small gatherings and family dinners. In a large setup such as in a U-shape design, maintaining the work triangle is critical but equally important to infuse convenience while cooking. The benchmark of a U-shaped kitchen is three walls with a central island that increases its efficiency and is more spacious for cooking, food preparation, storage, cleaning, and gathering. The contemporary U-styled kitchens are adorned with both dark and light hues. Its cabinets and other storages are painted in black, brown, dark green, and grey shades while the flooring and countertops are of lighter tones with intense lightning on the top.

3. Contemporary Kitchens

The contemporary kitchens are not just a place for cooking, it is one of the most relaxing spaces in your house where you can recharge and unwind while sipping your favorite coffee and glimpsing your garden through the large glass window. its walls are covered with your family pictures and by the side of your kitchen island, you can find magazines and cooking books. Under the wall height shelves which are proudly displaying your plant collection, there is the banquette seating with soft pillows on the sides and coffee beans on the table to enjoy lunch with your close friends and cherishing the warmth of the sun through the glass shed. The contemporary kitchen is an efficacious means to instill nature in the interior.

4. A Kitchen With A Refined Taste

Matching cabinets, island, storage, and flooring is the downright oldest and most boring kitchen style we have ever seen. Thank God, the trend is gone and the time of popping out contrasting colors and mixing metals has come. So, if you like blazing gold color and have always been unsure of how to infuse it in your kitchen, use a soft gilded faucet with nickel and black hardware to accentuate the dark drama of your kitchen. The same is with your island stools and kitchen chairs, which are likely interchangeable. Complete the look with a marble countertop, wooden breakfast counter, and wooden cabinets with a backdrop of dark walls.

If you don’t see renovating your kitchen in the near future, look for simple ways to give it a refreshing look. The revamping doesn’t mean knocking down the wall and building anew. With the right accessories, the vivacious color scheme, dark backsplashes and islands, and light fixtures, you can give a trendy and refined upgrade to your kitchen. We hope that you will be able to pull off a substantial transformation in your kitchen that would take everybody in awe.

 

6 Common Challenges That Come With Interior Designing

Interior designing is no piece of cake even if you have an eye for perfection. A professional or not, interior designing cannot be done out of blue especially if you are not a pro at it. This activity needs to be taken seriously. Imagine spending millions on a house only to end with disaster. Usually, these disasters can be sorted if certain mistakes are avoided. There are some common struggles that come with designing the interior of a house or office that people often ignore because they do not find it worth it.

Henceforth, in any case, YOU cannot afford such blunders. So, here’s a guide to deal with few common challenges that come with interior designing.

Exceeding the budget

Everything in this world has to work under a certain budget. During construction, people have a certain amount allocated for the interior designing. If you own an interior designing firm, you would understand how significant it is to manage all costs within client’s prescribed budget. Exceeding this budget puts a big question on your professionalism. It also decreases the overall quality of the entire project. It is a challenge because all fancy things are expensive. Try to mediate between beauty and price to stay within the budget.

Choosing The Wrong People

The labor force involved in the interior designing of homes and offices are the key factors for a successful project. But where do we find the right people? How do we find the perfect worker for a wall or bathroom? The questions are endless and opinions vary. It is recommendable to do your research and never go for an inexperienced person even if it is for a small task.

Time Management Issues

A family has shift in the house next month, and you are not even done with the bedrooms. The company starts its work next week and the main office looks bland. This makes you unprofessional and affects your image as an interior designer. Mind you! You will be losing clients if you lose time. Manage your task accordingly, and do not procrastinate.

Misplaced Lighting

When you are planning to design a home or an office, the lighting aspect should be on top of your list. Keep in accordance that natural light can be used to enhance certain areas or not. If there is a drought of natural light then depositing fancy lights is not the solution. This is where your skills will come handy. An amazing lighting helps to enhance a place. If it is a failure then things would go down the drain. Have a variety of lighting serving different purposes but don’t overdo it as well. Spend money on wall lights, table lamps, floor lamps, only if needed. Preferring yellow light over white light is another challenge that you have to conquer in this business.

Inaccurate Measurements

The blunders of the blunders! Taking inaccurate measurements means destroying the entire décor in a go. It is a struggle to trust someone with such details but this challenge can be overcome easily. Check the measurements five times If you have to, and do not simply take the word of the workers if you are extra paranoid.

Copying Other Trends

Trends are always cool and there is nothing wrong in following. However, following a trend at the expense of your own house or budget should not be an option. If white rugs are in fashion, then it does not mean you have to buy them because they might look ugly in your house. If you saw a huge chandelier in your favorite celebrity’s Instagram photo then you are not obliged to buy one. We can go with the small one only if it is needed.

Make sure to avoid these mistakes when ever you are working on the interiors in your house!

Five Questions To Ask When Choosing Kitchen Countertops

Serving as both kitchen workhorse and showpiece, today’s countertops play a demanding role. Site of all food preparation, they are expected to be durable (stain-proof, scratchproof, and heatproof), beautiful, and (best-case scenario) economical. No wonder choosing a countertop material is such a daunting decision.

However, it need not be so tricky. Instead of getting seduced or intimidated by the endless options in the marketplace, begin by asking yourself the right questions and setting your priorities straight. As an architect who has survived and supervised several kitchen remodels, here is a list of crucial questions you should ask yourself before you commit.

 

1. How Will You Use Your Countertops?

The most basic part of your countertop selection should come from an evaluation of how you and your family utilize your kitchen. It is very important to consider the special needs of the family including the aging factor. Make sufficient space that works better for your household. Increase the functionality and reduce inconvenience by updating the layout and enhancing the storage and preparation space. Another important factor that counts in family needs is to facilitate the disable family members. Remodeling done in a way to make the kitchen accessible for everyone in the household.

2. How Much Maintenance Can You Handle?

Many materials come with a long list of upkeep demands, while others are extremely resilient. Be realistic about how much effort you are willing to put into the care of your countertops. For example, porous materials like marble, limestone, and granite need sealing at least once a year. Most important, before falling in love with a material, fully assess the demands of living with it.

3. What Are Your Kitchen Requirements?

It is extremely helpful to have an idea of how many linear feet of countertop you will need, as well as any required dimensions for your space that are not standard. This way, as you gather information, you can create your own estimated figures for each material and make comparisons. For design and budgetary reasons, you might decide to use two different materials: For instance, if you have an island, it might be where you use an affordable wood top while the adjacent counters are in budget-devouring marble or granite.

 

4. What’s Your Budget?

Ranging from a basic plastic laminate to top-grade marble or granite, the price of a kitchen countertop varies extensively. Prices depend upon the local suppliers and builders. For example, a good quality butcher’s block can cost considerably more than low quality granite. If maintained properly ,it is a smarter approach to target your ideal material first and then try to find the version of that material that fits in your budget.

5. What Materials Speak To You?

For the design-obsessed, aesthetics cannot be ignored. It would, however, be a shame to select a countertop based on beauty alone, only to realize after it is installed that it’s not the right match for you. Working out why you are drawn to certain materials over others will help you make your final choice with confidence. For instance, you might be attracted to white Carrara marble countertops but do not want the hassles of worrying about red wine stains. An alternative white stone material such as Quartzite, durable, low-maintenance, and lower in cost, might be exactly the right choice. On the other hand, if you decide it is the warmth and personality of marble that you want, you’ll be prepared to put up with its shortcomings.

Bottomline

Deal with your countertop like a big investment. Take time to look around, shortlist your choices, estimate your budget, and afterward jump into the renovation project.

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