Sample Bright Color in the Kitchen
on Mar 05 in KitchenMany of the most popular kitchens these days are bathed in white, accented only by gray veins in elegant marble and a few glints of metal on appliances and hardware.
If you’re craving some cheery color in your kitchen, take a look. There are many levels of commitment; here’s how to give color a try in temporary ways followed by more permanent moves.
Kitchen of the Week- 1920′s Kitchen Revisited
on Mar 03 in KitchenThis sweet and elegant kitchen remodel in Piedmont, California, was inspired by a photo on the cover of a kitchen design book. When architect Robert Kelly of Kelly Ambramson Architects saw the photo, he knew he wanted the same look for his small kitchen.
The kitchen is only 145 square feet, but it has everything Kelly needs. “This space is meant to be on the humble side. Ninety-five percent of us live in small kitchens, and this kitchen has everything I need and want,” he says. “Almost all magazine kitchens are large kitchens, but they really aren’t what most of us have room for or need.”
Revamping the circulation and space in the kitchen was the biggest challenge in this remodel and cost the most. “Most 1920s homes have multiple sources of entry and exiting from the room, which kills most of the counter space,” says Kelly. “This project increased the efficiency of the space by rearranging the traffic flow to one side of the room, leaving more space for cabinets and counters.”
Kelly had to relocate the interior stairs, exterior stairs and windows, which ended up being much more work than he initially imagined. He also raised the ceiling from 8 feet, 4 inches to 9 feet. “This made a huge difference in the scale of the space,” he says.
Elements of a Contemporary Kitchen
on Mar 01 in Kitchen“Contemporary” typically means of the moment or current, the design of right now. Contemporary kitchens can be modern as well, but they can also have elements of other styles. When I think of what makes a kitchen contemporary, it most often includes cutting-edge design and technology and use of new trends and materials.
1. Cutting-edge appliances. There’s been a technology race in almost every industry since we put a man on the moon, from spaceships to cars to appliances. Engineers are looking for better performance, lighter materials, durability and advanced features. Gone are the pink ovens of the 1950s and the avocado or harvest-gold appliances of the 1970s. Now it’s all about sleek, stylish and high-functioning electronics in the world of appliances: built-in coffee makers, high-performance hoods, induction cooktops and more.
2. Old materials used in a new way. Contemporary design is often know to push the boundaries of what we know. Sure, everyone knows concrete sidewalks and glass windows, but what about concrete or glass countertops in kitchens? New and improved products are added to the marketplace every day. From concrete to glass to solid-surface materials like quartz, which tries to achieve the look of natural stone without the maintenance concerns, there are more options for homeowners than ever before.
3. Extensive options for backsplashes. In a pure modern kitchen you might see a full-height marble or concrete backsplash with little ornamentation, but in contemporary kitchens there’s often a lot of pattern. Glass tiles are a favorite, as are mosaic, stone and ceramic. Contemporary kitchens often exude personality and let homeowners really express themselves through the use of different materials, and the backsplash is a great place to do that.
4. Updated accents and accessories. From aluminum appliances and hidden outlets to new options in glass-front doors and under-cabinet lighting, today’s contemporary kitchen takes advantage of every new gadget, convenience and product available.
5. A mix of materials, shapes and scale. One of the biggest telltale signs of a contemporary kitchen is the use of multiple, layered materials with lots of pattern and texture. Modern kitchens tend to be more restrained and lack ornamentation. Here we have various types of wood and stone, shifting planes of countertops, round lights contrasting the rectilinear elements and even some pattern in the fabric on the chairs.
6. Bar stools and decorative lighting. When a modern kitchen is more adorned with texture and pattern, it goes contemporary. The glass tile, concrete countertops, whimsical lighting and bar stools add another layer.
How to Work with a Kitchen Designer
on Feb 28 in Kitchen
How to beef up your Ranch Kitchen
on Feb 24 in Kitchen
Spice up your Kitchen!
on Feb 20 in KitchenMany of the most popular kitchens these days are bathed in white, accented only by gray veins in elegant marble and a few glints of metal on appliances and hardware (see some stunning examples here). While such kitchens are dreamy, they may not be realistic for your lifestyle.
If you’re craving some cheery color in your kitchen, take a look. There are many levels of commitment; here’s how to give color a try in temporary ways followed by more permanent moves.
Dream Kitchen’s Must Haves
on Feb 20 in UncategorizedThemes include having a place for everything and everything in its place (hiding clutter, from sponges to electric outlets), maximizing cabinet storage and including elements that make kitchen activities easier. Here are your ideas. If you think of any that are not listed here, please chime in and put them in the Comments section.
8 Bold Paint Colors for Your Powder Room
on Feb 19 in BathsA powder room is a great space to take a chance with color. When you have a room that is so small in size, choose to make it a dramatic exclamation point with bold paint choices — bypassing other decorating rules you may have heard. Such color can provice a real wow moment for guests, especially if the rest of your home is calm and neutral. Head to your favorite paint store and pick up some fun paint color samples that catch your eye. Then decide on one of them and smile at your fierceness!
Kitchen of the Week- Right here in MD
on Feb 16 in Kitchen
New Kitchen Completion
on Feb 16 in KitchenCheck out our new kitchen completion located in Bethesda, MD
