Good design is defined as unity of design and a timeless look. But to achieve unity and an evergreen look one must give consideration to all the principles of design. Remodeling your kitchen and bathroom is so much more than selecting fixtures and painting the walls. A good remodel will have a well thought out design concept that begins with the principles of design as its foundation.

The principles are balance, rhythm, emphasis/focal point, scale, proportion, and harmony/unity. In order to have a better understanding of these concepts we will look at each at it pertains to bathroom remodel planning and kitchen planning.

Let’s start with balance which is the distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, textures and space. On a recent powder room design a client requested tile to be installed above the vanity all the way up the wall and considered tiling the whole wall not just above the vanity. The powder room being very small could only visually support a small amount of tile without making the space feel bulky or heavy. Based on the principle of balance we opted for less is more and decided not to do the whole wall. Thought was also given to the light pendants we chose, again wanting to keep the room balanced we chose streamline lights that had very little bulk and clear glass to keep the balance of the space feeling light. These decisions helped the design of this small room feel spacious even with the lack of square footage.

Moving onto rhythm. The easiest way to create rhythm within a space is to repeat elements of design which can include line, shape, texture, color, pattern and light. In a recent bathroom project we used floral like mosaic in the shower, on the floor and on an accent wall. We repeated the pattern in several areas over mute color tile to give the bathroom rhythm. In a recent kitchen we used straight lines on the cabinet doors, hardware, light fixtures and furniture to create rhythm and flow. The idea is to keep the eye moving in a natural way that makes one feel relaxed and comfortable in the space and never overwhelmed.

Emphasis/focal point is one of my favorite principles of design to work with. Here the idea is to showcase a portion of the design and hold the viewer’s attention. Often referred to as the “wow” factor one can be as creative as they want as long as thought is given to the rest of the design principles. One of my favorite design projects was a master bathroom that was designed in all marble. The entire bathroom was jaw dropping so creating a focal point meant we had to get creative. The solution was building a false wall to house a fireplace and wall to wall niche tiled in herringbone which was accented with sun from a skylight. Though the entire space was breathtaking everyone who entered held their attention to the false wall we created. Focal point achieved!

Scale refers to the relationship of two or more objects, one that has a commonly known size. In a kitchen we know the average prep sink is 12×12. When selecting a faucet for this sink it would not be appropriate to select a large goose neck or commercial kitchen faucet.

Proportion is an obvious principle and easy to spot if it’s not calculated correctly. Simply put, one can not have a nine foot walk in shower in a bathroom that is only 8×9. The proportion of the shower is overwhelming and too large for the space. Likewise we would not use a giant chandelier meant for cathedral ceiling in a kitchen with eight foot ceilings. Scale and proportion go hand in hand and are a very important part of good design.

Harmony is all the different elements coming together to create a well thought out and beautiful design. In a recent mid-century makeover we gave thought to every element we added to the space. We chose dark blue tile, bold gold fixtures, walnut colored cabinets and turn of the century lights. Once all the elements were combined the harmony of the space was obvious. We would not have added polk-a-dots or nickel finishes to this design. Anything outside mid-century would have disrupted the flow.

Design has endless possibilities and with the right care given to the principles of design any bathroom or kitchen can be turned into a showplace!

How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets – Easy Guide For Weekend Warriors And DIYers

We always suggest that you hire a professional to do the job for you for multiple reasons which include experience and insurance of a quality job! But for those who want to know how to paint kitchen cabinets without a professional sprayer, this is how you can get professional looking results for under $200.

How To Achieve Professional Results When Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets

I have been getting a ton of questions via lately about one of our Facebook postings in which I painted our kitchen walls and cabinets. Most people are curious and want to know how to paint kitchen cabinets, and how much it cost to get our cabinets looking like new.

Our house is very old and so are our cabinets. It didn’t bother us at first but eventually, we got sick of looking at that ugly veneer look so we decided it was time for a makeover.

It’s not very difficult to paint over veneer it just needs the right prep work. If you hire a professional I would suggest trying to do as much as you can yourself such as taking off the doors and hardware and maybe sanding them lightly with a 220 grit sanding block. Just a light scuff will do (imagine you are cleaning a window). That will save you a few dollars. But if you decide to do it on your own here are some tips on how to paint kitchen cabinets and get amazing and long lasting results.

Preparation When Painting Kitchen Cabinets

After you remove your doors (or just masking your hinges) lightly sand/scuff the surfaces that are being painted with a 220 grit sanding block. Use a type of degreasers such as Windex or Zep Citrus Degreaser.

Next, you have 2 options.You can use a 220 grit sandpaper and lightly scuff your surfaces or use Krud Kutter-Gloss Off which you can wipe on using a rag and let it sit for 10 minutes. Your surfaces will be deglossed without having to sand them.

Your next step is to prime the surfaces with the right primer. I used one coat of “INSL-X Stix” which is a urethane acrylic You can find it online or at your local Benjamin Moore Supplier. Check your local Hardware store.

Using a good quality paint will help you get the best finish possible. I suggest using Benjamin Moore Advance Alkyd. It is very easy to work with and dries to a hard and durable finish.

Using a 2-inch Nylon paintbrush start cutting in around the hardware (if you did not remove the doors) and any places your Whizz™ roller will not reach. Next, use your Whizz™ roller to apply your ALKYD enamel. Try to paint in the same direction as your grain (if your cabinet has a fake wood pattern). Let it dry overnight and repeat. You can hang your doors now but keep in mind that even though the enamel will dry overnight, it still takes 30 days to fully cure so be careful and try to avoid scrubbing them before those 30 days.

For those people looking to buy kitchen cabinets or bathroom cabinets online, extra caution also needs to be taken as these items are often custom-made and once they have been manufactured and installed then it may not be possible to return them. Here are some of the key things that you need to check before buying kitchen cabinets online.

First of all, make sure that you are fully up to speed about what the furniture that you are buying looks like, feels like and how heavy it is before you make a commitment to a buy. The best way to do this is by either visiting a showroom to check out the product you wish to buy first, or the very least ask for a sample piece of wood or veneer to be sent to you.

This will give you a much clearer idea of the colour of the item, as well how good it will look in your property. Often when buying items online, colours and finishes can become distorted and can be difficult to judge via simple photographs. Instead it is better to see the items in its original place or in your own home to make a better decision.

If you are not sure if the company that you are looking to buy kitchen cabinets from can send you a sample, make sure that you ask as they may very well be able to do this for you. They may alternatively be able to suggest alternative options, such as visiting a local showroom or a local stocks that sells their furniture.

The next thing to check is that all your measurements are correct, especially if you are buying a complex set of customised furniture, which is especially the case with bathroom and kitchen cabinets. If it is within your budget, pay a professional to come and carry out the measurements for you, as then you will be far more likely to get something ideally suited to your requirements.

Many companies that sell kitchen and bathroom cabinets will offer their own services where they design your room for you, then give you the option to buy all the units in their design. In many cases they will also actually install these for you as well. For this reason, it is imperative that you have the most accurate measurements before you commission and buy your kitchen cabinets.

One last thing that you should absolutely verify before you buy is the return and refunds policy, especially if you are buying from a company that is located overseas or does not fall into your legal jurisdiction. Although hopefully everything will go smoothly, people buying from abroad can find that they have trouble getting a refund for faulty products in some cases.

Check the policy of the company about refunds and returns and make sure that you are satisfied with it, and then check the reputation of the company by researching them online on independent website such as Yell and Trust Pilot. These will give you some significant insight into the shopping experience that others have had at the company.

These are just a few tips for careful online shopping when you buy kitchen cabinets or bathroom cabinets online. By being careful in your measurements and choosing the right wood, and making sure that you are buying from a reputable company with a decent returns policy, you will be setting yourself up for online shopping success.

The service industry especially the hospitality segment is extremely dependent on commercial kitchen equipment that play an important role in day-to-day working environment of a commercial food outlet, or kitchens. The fact that they can make or break a business proposition of a kitchen is well-known and hence, it becomes pertinent to look at all possible factors that could help you plan your kitchen better in hotels or restaurants.

Although, kitchen consultants can guide you a fair bit about choosing equipment while planning the kitchen, but it would be wise to indulge yourself along with your team through the thick-and-thin of your kitchen’s potential cooking needs. It is particularly important to do so in today’s high energy cost environment.

So what can you do to keep yourself informed about modern equipment before you handover your kitchen design and equipment selection responsibilities to a hospitality kitchen consultancy firm? Let me give you three points that will give you a firm ground of understanding while a consultant and his team starts pouring you with suggestions about different equipment.

1 – Intelligent solution: It is very important for entrepreneurs to go for latest technology that could address most country-specific norms (and global norms) that they have to abide by. Also, it is important to know whether new technology would sync with the existing line of equipment that you might have pre-decided to purchase. Hence, it is better to look at the entire horizon of equipment in line with technology that could make your operations smarter.

2 – Correct dimensions/specifications: Try to get yourself familiarize with the latest options that could substantially be able to address the quantity of procurement (mostly perishables) that the kitchen would identify based on the scope of business. Also, experienced professionals in your team would be able to find out the right size of the walk-in chillers, refrigerators, tables, dishwashing machines, etc., that your kitchen(s) would have to rely on.

3 – Energy efficiency: It is one of the strongest points in today’s times to identify the effectiveness of equipment as energy-efficient capital assets. Energy is one of the critical costs that can significantly impact the profitability of a business outlet. Food service outlets are expected to maintain necessary ambient conditions-be it temperature, humidity, etc.-in order to ensure that the quality of taste of processed and un-processed food, especially perishable products, such as meat, fish and dairy products, is maintained. In this case, there is a constant energy consumption taking place through refrigeration equipment. Hence, you have to see which types suit your requirements optimally and save energy simultaneously. On the other hand, there are many heating equipment that need to be extremely efficient while consuming electricity, giving you maximum output. All these points make it vital to have a judicious approach toward selecting electrical equipment. So, try investing in energy-efficient equipment that could be customized to your needs, and see if the machines of future can give you a long-term life cycle that you need to support your bottom lines.

In the next five years, it is estimated that by 2021 end, the revenue generated in the industrial refrigeration equipment market around the world would be US$ 61.44 billion. The segment would grow at a CAGR of above 9% between 2016 and 2021. This highlights that the innovation level will be faster in this segment, making commercial kitchen equipment technology quite progressive. So, choose your equipment diligently and carefully listen to your consultant, before making a final judgment. Always think about five years ahead of the present time to keep you investments profitable.

For those that prefer a minimalist style and an elegant décor, sleek and modernized handle-less kitchen doors are a perfect choice to further enhance the overall look of a sophisticated kitchen. Interior designers all over the world have been getting an increasing number of requests from their clients to convert their kitchens into handle-less kitchens. Homeowners, especially those with a contemporary kitchen design, absolutely love the idea of an effortless and clean kitchen. A lot of people are not aware that handle-less doors were actually in vogue in the 1970s and have again established a firm holding over the interior decoration and furniture industries.

An important factor to consider when doing away with all the handles in your kitchen is to make sure that you are doing so without reducing the practicality or functionality of your kitchen cabinets. If you do not take this into consideration, then there are chances that you might be frantically running around your kitchen trying to grab and pull open an overhead cabinet or the bottom drawer while there are guests in your dining hall waiting for a glass of water!

Pros of Handle-less Kitchen Doors

One of the biggest advantages of having handle-less kitchen doors is their evergreen style. Handle-less kitchens have a timeless, elegant quality which give them and will continue to give them a fashionable and elite look for many more years to come. These kitchens are a classic example of an unfussy and sleek interior which reflects a self-satisfied, ‘the-lesser-the-better’ profile. Another fortuitous benefit of the absence of door handles in the kitchen is added safety. A no-fuss kitchen will give you and your family lesser chances to accidentally walk into a protruding handle, get your clothes caught onto the handles, and prevent children from getting hurt on their head.

Cons of Handle-less Kitchen Doors

Contrary to common expectations, however, handle-less doors are not very easy to clean. Usually these doors and drawers will have a tiny channel running over their top which creates that space you need to pull them open. These channels easily collect dust and crumbs and require frequent cleaning. For someone looking for a low-maintenance kitchen, handle-less doors can become a bit of an issue. Another shortcoming of these kitchens, again contrary to logical impression, is that the absence of door handles actually makes them more expensive than kitchens with traditional door handles. This is because handle-less kitchen cabinets are manufactured using specialist hardware such as electric mechanisms and finger pulls and require additional labour as well.

You might also want to consider the kind of appliances you usually store and use in your kitchen before deciding to opt for handle-less doors. For example, there are handle-less door designs available specifically for integrated appliances such as a dishwasher or refrigerator.

Counter tops play a crucial role in setting the mood in a kitchen. They also have a functional role to play as they serve as a suitable worktop for your cooking, baking, prepping, and other needs. Such work surfaces in the kitchen can be made with many materials. Each of them works for different interior settings, and has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here is a look at 5 popular picks for kitchen counter tops.

• Granite

Granite is possibly the most widely used materials for kitchen counter tops. This mottled appearance of granite displays a beautiful array of colors and patterns that works just fine traditional and transitional themes. Each piece of granite is unique, so you also bring in this exclusivity to your kitchen when you opt for this material. Additionally, splashes, nicks, cuts, heat marks etc. do not show up on such surfaces, and hence, wear and tear is less visible on granite counter tops. On the downside, granite needs to be sealed well to avoid stains. The material is also extremely heavy, so it can only be fitted over cabinets that are strong and sturdy.

• Marble

Marble is a material that looks and feels rich in any interior setting. Its luminescent surface and unique veining make it an unmatched choice for traditional homes. The elegance exuded by a marble counter top is unmatched by any other stone. It tolerates heat well, and hence is an apt choice for pastry and baking needs. However, marble forms stains easily, even when sealed. It also forms cracks and chips easily. As a result, it becomes less sensible to use marble throughout the kitchen counter top – most home owners restrict the use of marble to a limited space.

• Zinc

This metal that is seen in commercial kitchen is now a favorite in residences too. This old-fashioned material is a good pick for those who love metallic counter tops. Zinc has a soft, matte look, and develops a rich patina with time, and over use. The material is also malleable, making it a great pick for detailing. The anti-microbial properties of Zinc also add to the appeal of this metal in kitchen work surfaces. Zinc can also be cleaned easily with just a swipe of a cleaning cloth and mild liquid. The metal however, is expensive. It develops scratches and heat marks easily, which can spoil the appearance of the counter top. Acids and liquids can also react with the surface and leave undesirable marks on the worktop.

• Laminates

Laminate counter tops are made with a blend of paper, resins, and particle boards fused to one another. It has been a popular pick for decades, also owing to its considerably lower cost. Laminate counter tops today are as stylish as work surfaces made from any other material. Many improved designs mimic actual stones, wood, and other expensive materials, but can be fitted at a fraction of the cost of the original. Laminate is also easy to clean and maintain, and can be fitted over light cabinetry as well. On the other hand, this material is prone to scratches, burns, and some kind of stains. Also, the layer that make the laminate can peel over time and use. Laminates also don't work with under mount sink, and can be difficult to repair or replace if damaged.

• Wood / Butcher's block

Wooden counter tops are a classic addition to kitchen spaces. They always retain their freshness, and are ideal for country, rustic, and cottage styled kitchens. The warm and natural feel of wood tones is inviting in kitchen spaces. Even if scratches develop, you can buff them down, or leave them as is for that shopworn look. On the downside, wood expands and contracts with exposure to moisture and heat. It can also warp or crack if not treated properly. The block also needs to be oiled to fill in scratches, and to keep the counter top well protected.

In addition to the above, you can use soapstone, engineered stone, recycled glass, pewter, and many other materials on your kitchen counter tops.

Kitchens have become an important part of every household, mainly because it is where an entire family joins together. It is also predicted that kitchens will become a significant part of everyone’s life, which signifies that the decor matters.

Like kitchens, bathrooms are another important part of any home since it is where one finds an ultimate relaxation. People’s expectation of a traditional bathroom now involves either a jacuzzi or a bathtub with a lot of walking space. Since we spend a lot of our time in these two areas in a household, it is only fair to design them with the most special stone ever known to humankind- the Calacatta Gold, but instead of the marble, a new form of engineered quartz stone would be better suited such as Silestone Calacatta Gold.

What is Silestone?

Silestone is a discovery of this century that makes your daily cleaning routine easier. It’s popularity and a high recommendation from builders and architects prove that the surface is truly precious. Silestone is manufactured by the Cosentino Group who carry more than 25 years of experience in manufacturing engineered stone surfaces.

Silestone composition:

Silestone is formed out of a mixture of quartz and resins that offer a balance of strength and beauty where no two slabs of the stone ever look the same. It is a befitting answer to many of the pressing problems faced by builders, decorators, and homeowners. Silestone is a compound with nearly 90% natural quartz that gives this surface hardness and resilience.

This engineered stone comprises superior characteristics such as:

High performance with bacterial protection

Non-porous surface

Wide array of colours, textures, and finishes

Modern & contemporary look

Silestone Calacatta Gold

Calacatta gold is a purely elegant marble with a natural touch that is inspired by the Calacatta marble. It is an ideal decorative material that comes in well-distributed greyish veining. With uniformity, Calacatta optimises and increases the value of your property.

Silestone Calacatta Gold polished marble produces a lean, luxurious look perfect for bathrooms, kitchens. The white background interlaced with grey veins and splashes of gold add a lot of substance and character. Particularly in the kitchens, it serves a great use as a splashback and remains stain-free due to its non-porous property.

Notable features of Silestone surfaces

Silestone offers 25-year long manufacturer warranty, which is the highest in the industry.

Resistance to staining from acidic substances, scratching or chipping, easily breaking, cracking, UV rays.

Low-maintenance- the majority of the cleaning process involves a mild soapy water and a dry piece of cloth or paper towel.

Multiple choices for colour (over 90 varieties), style (plain, veined, fine grain, coarse grain) and finishes (polished, suede, volcano).

Usability

Silestone worktops and slabs are created to endure hard impacts. Hence, they can bear heavy foot traffic on staircases, bathroom flooring, washbasin sinks and its surrounding, kitchens as flooring slabs and worktops. Most commonly, Silestone Calacatta Gold is used in residential areas of kitchens and bathrooms.

Your kitchen is one the most used rooms in your house and there are many reasons to do a kitchen remodel. It could be to update appliances or to purchase smaller ones, or expand the kitchen, especially if it is a smaller kitchen. When doing a small kitchen remodel make sure that you make it a pleasant place to spend time, is functional, and user friendly. Make a list of what you want to do after setting a budget.

When doing a small kitchen remodel the first thing that you need to do is set a budget because this is a project that can become expensive. You want to make sure that you do not run out of money part way through the project. If your budget allows it you can do a complete kitchen remodel that includes replacing the countertops, cabinets, floors, and buy new appliances. This can also involve hiring a remodeling contractor because with complete renovations you will want to make sure that everything is done according to the local building codes. Many people cannot afford this large of an expense so they do small things. One important thing to do when doing a small kitchen remodel is to maximize the space. Use items that are functional and decorative.

One example would be a pot rack that can be mounted on the ceiling. By installing this it can free up cabinet space and counter space. It can also add visual interest to the area. The same purpose can be accomplished by mounting hooks under the cabinets for holding coffee mugs. Utilizing the space under the cabinets can be a great place to hang items so you can free up counter space. To increase usable space you could trade in a large kitchen table for a smaller table, remove a large center island, or add built-in shelves. Use brightly colored curtains when choosing ones to decorate your windows. Do not overload your walls with a lot of decorative items as this will make the room look smaller.

Two simple ways to begin your small kitchen remodel is to change the cabinet hardware or repainting the kitchen. You can also paint or stain your kitchen cabinets. When painting the walls keep to light colors to give the illusion of more space. Also allow as much natural light as you can into the room. If you decide to retile the floor use larger tiles to also give a larger space illusion. You can also replace some of the appliances in the kitchen such as you could trade in your large refrigerator if you no longer need a large one with a smaller one. To gain more counter space when replacing your counter top replace your larger sink for a smaller one.

Kitchen cabinets that hold and store pots, pans and other kitchen equipment have been the mainstay of any kitchen, throughout the ages. However, with new developments, kitchens and kitchen cabinets have also evolved to cater to the new age woman.

Modern kitchens, as a rule, allow much more storage than the kitchens of the past. The cabinets are built to put stores away from view, in the recesses of the cabinet. This helps them to be securely stored, without standing out as eyesores. It should be acknowledged that cabinets offer versatile and generous storage. Large sliding doors allow easy accessibility. There should be ample space inside the cabinets, to store the various jars and cans. It is recommended to use removable shelves, as they are easier to clean and stack. The drawers should also be wide and easy to open. They could be used to store linens and kitchen utensils.

A lot of people choose cabinets with a unique finish for their kitchens. It is important that the finish of the cabinet flows seamlessly into the theme maintained or the design and color of the kitchen. The right finish enhances the overall look of the kitchen. It could be a country look, a sleek, modern look or a traditional woody look.

A sleek modern look is preferred by many people, especially kitchen designers. Apart from traditional wood, people are experimenting with various other materials such as plastic and metal, to build cabinets. Trends have changed in kitchen cabinets and now there are newer and trendier options. They include freestanding or mobile cabinets that are made from glass or durable plastics. People at times also choose commercial kitchens with an ultra modern look. The details of the cabinets can be got from the local supply stores.

Are you planning to purchase new kitchen appliances? Do you find it a challenging task? It is indeed a very difficult and tedious task due to the presence of a wide variety of the options and the varieties that are accessible in the market today. You have to make sure that you are selecting the right product and not wasting your hard earned money.

Follow the checklists

There are some checklists or parameters that must be considered while you are choosing kitchen appliances. If you follow the tips and the factors, your shopping experience becomes easier and smoother and there is also very less possibility to getting hold of any wrong products and wasting the money.

Right size of the appliance is essential

If you want to get hold of the right kitchen gadget, you need to consider the space of the kitchen. This is a very essential step to consider. When you calculate the dimensions of your kitchen area, buying the kitchen appliances becomes way easier and you purchase the right product. The market is filled with kitchen equipment’s in variable sizes and shapes, and thereby, choose efficiently.

The utility and the function must be analyzed

Before you choose any equipment for your kitchen and make the payment, it is essential to know about the utilities and the functions of the product you purchasing. There are various types of kitchen appliances available in the market and there are variable utilities of each item. Don’t get a discount rate appliance without any function at all. When there is proper functionality, your times gets saved.

Compliance with the kitchen interior and decor

If you have plans to buy new kitchen appliances, you must make sure that the products are in compliance with the designing theme of the kitchen. Apart from the proper functioning of the equipment you must ensure that there is a visual enhancement with the addition of the appliances in your kitchen area. Color combination is a vital step to consider as the right color can enhance the entire beautification and increase the aesthetic appeal.

Check with the warranty and after sales services

Before you purchase any kitchen equipment, you have to check whether there is proper warranty provided. The after sales services are also another parameter that cannot be neglected. These are the two aspects that are often not given importance by the buyers. The after sales service must be carefully and deeply evaluated before you are finalizing any item.

Money is a vital aspect

Last but the most important aspect to consider is your budget. You have to ensure that you are purchasing the kitchen appliances that are within your budget. Based on the requirements, functions, brands and the style you get ample choices. Thus, choose your products efficiently keeping the budget on mind and bring value to the kitchen.