2007 Kitchen Design Trends

According to the Kitchen & Bath Design website, there are two emerging trends for the kitchen for next year and beyond:

"One [trend] is a sleek, ultra-contemporary kitchen aesthetic, with appliances built-in and concealed. The other is a slightly more traditional, but still uncluttered, kitchen style that puts stainless steel, pro-style appliances on proud display.

And what's the common thread linking the two distinct kitchen design trends? The demand for a host of appliances that go beyond the dated 'stove, fridge and dishwasher' combo.

Indeed, the designers agreed that having double ovens, two dishwashers and/or dishdrawers, multiple refrigerator/freezer drawers, and even a cooktop with a separate range is fairly commonplace in upscale kitchens. How many "multiples" of appliances installed in an upscale kitchen is only limited by the size of the space, with every inch maximized for optimum function.

Specialty appliances are also in demand, noted the designers, with built-in coffee makers, warming drawers, undercounter beverage centers and wine storage units leading the pack.

Demand for function also extends to cabinet interiors, with myriad storage options being installed by designers to better organize busy clients and de-clutter their lives.

Green design is also making headway, with designers noting that consumers are becoming more aware of the need for water conservation, and for easy-to-maintain products.

In terms of overall kitchen and bath design, Friedman noted: 'It's very interesting that after the last 15 years of more minimalist designs, which was in answer to the more ornate designs from 20 to 30 years ago, designs are becoming softer, more romantic and more sensual. There's a movement toward more decorative designs that are more refined, tasteful and contemporary than those 30 years ago. People are seeking more authentic period pieces, and classic, contemporary pieces that are better detailed than years ago. There’s more of a classic look with much cleaner lines now.'"

When you're ready to remodel your kitchen, consider posting your project with ConstructionDeal.com. We can match you with local kitchen designers to help you get the kitchen of your dreams and to help keep you up to date with the latest trends in remodeling. You can post your request for free on our site, you'll receive multiple bids from interested kitchen companies, and you'll save money by going with the best bid for your plans.

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Save Money when Remodeling your Kitchen!

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has some great tips on how to save money when you're remodeling your kitchen. This list could be used entirely, or you can obviously pick and choose which ones would work for you. The whole point, of course, is to make sure you get to update your kitchen without breaking your bank.

Because the kitchen has become the most important room in the house, many feel pressured to spend more than they can afford. While it's nice to have all best luxury the world has to offer, you don't want to go overboard. Also, many people will get their first few estimates on a kitchen renovation and convince themselves it's either spend $60,000 or get nothing done at all. There are different levels for every remodeling project. And there is a wide choice in the materials that you use. Consult with a kitchen remodeling company and let them know that you'd like to use some or all of the following budget saving advice:

• "If at all possible, reuse existing appliances, and build your new cabinets around them. This could save you anywhere from $1,500-5,000 easily. However, be aware that appliances, like anything electrical, are sensitive to change and may develop problems if they are moved. Should you decide to avoid potential appliance "burn-out" and purchase new appliances, choose energy conscious models for a reduction in your utility bills.
• Maintain present location of major fixtures, appliances and utilities relative to the plumbing, gas and electrical outlets. This could even apply to the location of the telephone. Moving plumbing, wiring and jacks can be extremely expensive.
• The faucet can be a costly item. The least expensive selection is chrome. Even a high-end chrome faucet is considerably less than a mid-range brass or porcelain version. A standard two-handle faucet generally costs less than single handle. Faucets and handles are sold separately, so you may want to choose a chrome faucet with brass or porcelain handles for a different look. Faucet Caution: The price variances in faucets reflect the various internal and external features. Always choose a faucet with replaceable internal parts. You won't want to have to replace the entire faucet if it breaks-it's simply not cost-effective.
• Choose neutral colors in fixtures, appliances and laminates. They are less expensive initially and wont look dated when the color trends change. White and almond sinks are much cheaper than color varieties. And neutral laminate colors for countertops are less than custom colors or textures.
• Good floor covering is important. It ties one room to another and provides visual consistency. Familiarize yourself with the prices of the various flooring materials to make the best decision for your home. To get you started, vinyl or laminate flooring is less expensive than wood, tile or slate.
• Use the existing floor covering if it is still in good condition. If the kitchen has old vinyl flooring, there may be a hardwood floor underneath that could be sanded and refinished, avoiding the need for a new floor entirely.
• If you currently have a vinyl floor covering and wish to update with a newer version, you can install synthetic floor leveler material over the existing vinyl floor and lay the new vinyl flooring on top, rather than tearing the old flooring off to install the new.
• Consider your cabinet options carefully. Those choices will drive the overall price. You can add some options at a later date to defray some of the initial cost. Some that are easy to add include tilt front doors, spice racks and slide out wire baskets. However, if you decide to wait, make certain that the option you want will be available and can be added after installation. Note of Caution: Waiting will cost you more in the long run. Adding new cabinets often requires installing a new floor. Refacing existing cabinets not only eliminates the need for new flooring, countertops and appliances altogether, it is a major savings in any kitchen remodel.
• Go with a simple design in the kitchen employing single height wall cabinets, blind corner cabinets rather than those with Lazy Susans, and other standard options. Watch your upgrades.
• Use standard cabinetry instead of custom cabinets, or use a combination of the two if they are compatible.
• Choose cabinets that can be operated without the addition of hardware (those that are finger-pulled).
• Install cabinets without soffits to decrease the labor cost. Also consider cabinets without trim moldings or with simple trim.
• If you are going to put in new wood trim (in your crown molding, trims, and door casings) to match the new cabinets, order pre-finished trim instead of having the painting or staining done on-site. This will decrease labor cost. Ordering finger-jointed vs. clear vertical grain also will save you money.
• Consider stenciling on the backsplash instead of using tile.
• Laminate countertops are the least expensive choice among solid surfacing, tile and granite. You can dress it up with wood or tile trim for a more innovative look.
• Connect fluorescent light fixtures to the existing ceiling fixture box instead of installing new recessed lighting, which may require a new ceiling because of the recessed features."
  

Keep in mind that you need to make sure the completely remodeled kitchen looks good together. If you choose not to replace your appliances and they are now surrounded by a nice new countertop and new cabinetry, will those appliances look out of place and ruin the whole thing?

Also, you don't ever need to try to put in the same kitchen you'd find in a million dollar house - in fact, it could really make the rest of the house look sad and outdated. Not every kitchen needs to have granite countertops - ceramic tiles are perfectly acceptable, look great, and can save you a lot of money.

Finally, be creative with your kitchen renovation. You could add a chalkboard-like surface material to your refrigerator to write notes to the family. You could make your kitchen match a French cafe with a statue of a chef holding the menu for the day. Consider going with a 50's Diner Retro theme. All the expensive kitchens have the cherry cabinets and granite countertops -- be different, be innovative, and have fun!

If you'd like to discuss your kitchen remodeling budget with a local kitchen design pro, you can post your request with ConstructionDeal.com - it's a fast and free way to get matched to quality kitchen experts!

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Kitchen Renovation: Kitchen Geography

I found an excellent article over at the website for Absolute Remodeling in Westchester County New York. It has some excellent kitchen renovation tips and I've selected a few for you - check out their site for more!

"If you're remodeling an old kitchen or planning a kitchen addition or a new home, here are some strategies to keep in mind:

• A coffered or pitched ceiling can also distinguish the kitchen from neighboring rooms. Going for a high ceiling in the kitchen can boost the perception of spaciousness. Going low in a dining area imparts a sense of intimacy.
  

• Banish rarely used goods -- the picnicware, the punch bowl, the turkey roaster - to the basement, mudroom, or garage. Store the good china in a lighted china cabinet in the dining area.
  

• If you're a baker, consider putting in a baking center with a work surface at 30 or 32 inches rather than the standard 36. It's a more comfortable height for rolling out dough or using a hand-held mixer.
  

• Add a raised ledge or breakfast bar to an island or peninsula to hide the cooktop. If you can't position tall double ovens so that they're out of view of neighboring spaces, think about installing a second under-the-counter oven in an island or peninsula.
  

• Alternate countertop and backsplash materials. Reserve granite for an island and use a neutral solid surface material for all the other countertops. Top a baking counter with a slab of marble. Use ceramic tile or laminate in the wet areas and top a peninsula with maple butcher block. As for backsplashes, you might want to use stainless steel behind a range but ceramic tile elsewhere."
  

There are quite a few great articles on the site. Renovating your kitchen is always the safest, smartest, and most reliable investement in your home. The more you know, the more prepared you'll be to take the plunge. If you need a good kitchen renovator, consider posting your project on ConstructionDeal.com. We'll help you find a quality remodeling company for free - in fact, we'll help you find several! And having multiple bids means you'll get the best price.

And multiple companies bidding on your project give you a better chance to find the right kitchen designer for the most important room in your house.

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Kitchen Remodeling Ideas - The Hidden Fridge

If you're planning out your kitchen remodeling project, consider a hidden refrigerator.

You can put a large cabinet door over the door of your fridge to make it blend in with the rest of the kitchen. If you're not going with a new fridge or you simply want a cleaner look to the room, have your kitchen remodeler or cabinet company make a custom door for you. You can do the same with a few other kitchen appliances, such as your dishwasher or your garbage compactor.

However, if you've got a lot of new cabinets and cabinet door fronts, you should consider varying the cabinet doors. If you've got all the same cabinet doors at all the same heights, it can look too uniform. Add a door with glass and lighting inside the cabinet.

Also, add a wine rack or appliance garage to break up an overwhelming "same-ness" in your kitchen cabinetry.

Looking for a Kitchen Renovation Contractor? Look no further! Consider posting your project with ConstructionDeal.com! It's a smart, fast, and free way to find all types of contractors. And there's no obligation or commitment.

Budget Kitchen Remodeling: Cabinet Replacement

Everyone wants to save money. But everyone also would love a new look in their kitchens. One of the most expensive elements to any kitchen remodeling plan is the installation of new kitchen cabinets. Whether you go with stock, semi-custom, or fully customized kitchen cabinets, they are expensive. A great idea to revitalize your kitchen, and save your cash, would be to leave you current cabinets in place and to have the surface, or visible area, of the cabinets replaced.

It's not for every kitchen remodel. If you need additional cabinet or storage space or if you're unhappy with the current layout of the room, this won't help you. You may be able to add a kitchen island for more counter and storage space, if you have the room, but a door replacement is cosmetic and not structural. It's sort of like painting your car - it's not giving you a new car, it's giving you a fresh new look on your current one.

If you'd love a new look in your kitchen, you can save by replacing the cabinet doors and hardware. Add to that a new countertop and maybe even new flooring, and you could save thousands over a complete kitchen remodeling project.

In a cabinet door replacement job, you can replace them with completely new doors and hardware. You can choose the new style, the new color or stain, and the finish on the hardware. If you're doing a budget kitchen remodel, you should start with your cabinets - once you've decided on the style and design of the cabinet doors, you can build the rest of the renovation around them. Matching or contrasting the new stains or color of cabinet doors can really change the look and feel of the room. You might even be able to bring more light into a dark kitchen with lighter colors on the cabinet doors and countertops.

Another aspect to changing your cabinets is that you can upgrade the hinges on the doors. You can switch from the standard hinges that are visible on the outside of the doors to the hidden, or Euro, hinges that are within the cabinets. They can give a much cleaner look and feel to the design of the room.

Cabinet door replacement companies can also make minor adjustments to your cabinet and storage spaces. Lazy Susan spinning cabinets can be installed in existing spaces. Wine racks can replace a single cabinet. Appliance garages can also be added to countertop areas or underneath your current cabinets. Lighting can be added underneath, as well.

A great contemporary option is to add transparent or nearly-transparent cabinet doors along with lighting inside the cabinet (and maybe even glass shelves.) It makes a powerful impact to the room and can considerably lighten a darker kitchen.

A final option - if you've got cabinets that are quality, handmade, or custom in nature - you might consider finding a wood restoration company. These company won't simply replace the doors, they will resurface the existing doors. The door can be cleaned, sanded, wet burnished, and new stains or dyes added. Damage or gouges can be refinished. Coats of gloss or semi-gloss sealers can be added as a final touch. These new finishes can make cleaning easier and protect the surface from any UV damage.

If you need to locate a kitchen cabinet replacement company, or cabinet resurfacing pros, you can post your project for free at Construction Deal. Click through this blog and give us your details - we'll send your request out to as many Cabinet Experts as you would like (which save you time by not having to call them all yourself!) And you can choose how many of the companies in our network will contact you!

Always get multiple bids on any remodeling project so that you can get the job done for the right price in your budget.

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The Perfect Kitchen Floor?

What is the best material to use on your kitchen floor? Whenever anyone plans their kitchen remodeling project, it's usually the 2nd question -- after deciding on the kitchen countertop material. What type of flooring you use in the kitchen is very important. The kitchen has become one of the most important rooms in the house. More and more homeowners are spending more time in their kitchen. Kitchens usually have a lot of foot traffic. Even people who do not cook extensively in their kitchen still spend a large amount of time, on their feet, on those floors. The kitchen flooring needs to be comfortable, durable, low maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing.

Many love the look of natural stone - like marble, slate, granite, or travertine - for their flooring material. It can be very durable and could withstand a lot of traffic. But most natural stone flooring needs to be sealed to avoid stains, and there can be a lot of potential for staining on a kitchen floor. It's also too hard to stand on for lengths at a time.

Decades ago, people put carpeting in their kitchens. Carpeting was certainly comfortable to stand on. But, again, because of spills and stains, carpeting is not a great idea for the kitchen.

Your best bet is to consider a tile, wood, or laminate flooring. Vinyl, laminate, or linoleum flooring brings back horrifying images of bad kitchen designs from the 60's and 70's, but check out some of the latest versions of these materials. They've come a long way to looking more like wood but with less maintenance requirements.

Wood is also a great option for kitchen flooring. Nothing can compare with the look and feel of natural wood on kitchen floors. It can be purchased in a contrasting color or stain to the cabinets to really stand out and make a statement. But keep in mind that wood is not impervious to moisture and there can be a lot of moisture in a kitchen.

Two materials to consider as a slight alternative to wood - Bamboo flooring and Cork flooring. Both are similar but have less environmental impact and can be more durable and less expensive than a traditional hardwood floor.

The nice thing about going with vinyl, wood, cork, or bamboo is that you can soften the material further by adding non-slip rugs to the room.

To help keep installation costs down, make sure you go with a compatible flooring material that will match up with your current kitchen floor substrate. If you've got a concrete substrate in your kitchen, your flooring contractor may need to install additional materials before installing a hardwood floor. This can add to installation costs. Especially if adding a thick wood flooring affects cabinet and door height in the room. If you've got a wood substrate, you may not be able to go with ceramic tiles directly applied to the wood because of structural weakness. Adding to the wood substrate could also increase installation costs. It's best to save money if you can make sure your flooring choice matches your kitchens substrate.

If you need to find a local Kitchen Remodeling Company, look no further than ConstructionDeal.com. We'll match you with Kitchen Remodeling Pros in your area - and you can post the job free of charge. It's the fast, free, and easy way to find a Kitchen Expert!

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