Kitchen Love

I cook a lot more in the fall and winter, so I'll be spending a lot more time in the kitchen.  I imagine that in some homes, the kitchen is the most popular room in the house.  Our kitchen is a small galley kitchen, so it's not suitable for hanging out in, but one day I hope to have a kitchen that opens up to the living room.

This kitchen is simple, but white is my favorite cabinet color, and the light is really nice.

2 above via Apartment Therapy

If you are very good at keeping your items tidy, open shelves can be really attractive, and the open backs don't hide the eye-catching backsplash.

via Hus & Hem

Talk about amazing kitchen design, all those windows would make you feel like you're cooking outside year round.

via ?

via Heart Home

via House of Fifty

I like this unique kitchen layout.

via Home Designing

*disclosure: this post brought in partnership with thegoodguyskitchens.com

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The new traditional: interpreted

 classic but unstuffy
Sternfield Design

 I don't know if this is a painting or a photo but I love the artwork here
Passal Design

One fabulous design
Jeff Andrews Design

I love this home office!
Ballard & Mason design

Trad Home Mag

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Modern Kitchen Design - 5 Great Ideas

Planning a modern kitchen design? Well, here are five great bits of advice I can offer you on getting every element of your plans bang on perfect.
Let's start by talking about planning. A modern kitchen could look and feel any number of ways but what will determine how yours looks is your lifestyle. Think about how often you use your kitchen, what you use it for and the type of things you do in there. Then write down all the things you need to have in there to enable you to work better. Planning isn't the most glamorous part of any kitchen design, but you'll be rewarded for your work by the end of the process.

 The second tip is choosing the right materials. You'll want to invest money in strong materials that not only look beautiful and modern but also last for as long as you need them to. Things like stainless steel are popular in modern kitchen design and will also stand the test of time. Make sure you think about every little thing you put into your kitchen and consider if you'll get your value out of it.
Next, incorporate an island into your kitchen. No modern kitchen design is complete without a central unit these days. An island can also be remarkably functional and you can have it purpose built to suit your own needs. For instance, if you do a lot of cooking you can have a sink or chopping board built in. An island is also useful for entertaining guests so if you have a lot of dinner parties, it will usually become the central hub of activity.

Make sure you keep those lines clean. When I say this I mean that in a modern kitchen design, all the surfaces should have very straight edges and line up perfectly. A nifty tip is to ensure you overhead cupboards reach the ceiling. This is something that easily gets overlooked but can really give you that streamline effect, which is essential for a modern looking kitchen.
Last but by no means least; involve yourself in the process from start to finish. If you're passionate about how you want your kitchen to look then make sure you stay on top of the design process right through to the fitting. Designers and builders will take liberties and make key decisions if you don't make yourself clear. Stay involved with the project and see it through to the finish. You'll be rewarded with a stunning modern kitchen.

Thomas Baugh offers more advice on planning a modern kitchen at the Kitchen Design Site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Baugh

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How to Design the Layout for Outdoor Kitchens

Having a great design for your outdoor kitchen is essential because you could be able to maximize its function and really be able to use it in its full potential. But why do we need one?
Eating outside, maybe in your backyard is a lot easier if you have an outdoor kitchen that is functioning in its full potential and is equipped with everything you need. Most kitchens are simple; with a grill for barbecue and a tent. Some are as complex; features not only a grill but a functioning sink, wet bar, fire place, oven, refrigerator and lots of other amenities and appliances. It is true that the grill is the heart of the kitchen and it's basically the basic thing that you need but there are grills that features side burners, a shelf for warming, a roasting spit and a smoker.

Today, an outdoor kitchen is a common scenario in the United States. It's like a permanent extension of a modern American house. It extends your living space and allows you to do a lot more things than normal. People have wanted outdoor versions of every amenity and every appliance that they use to have indoors and that's what makes outdoor kitchens and others to be developed into something more complex.
Designing your own layout for your kitchen for the outside is very complex and you need to do it properly. But if you don't want to risk it, you can ask for the services of an architect, a landscape professional or better yet, hire both of them. You can ask them to create a layout that is made up of complex stuff. But know your budget; make sure that you can shoulder the expenses.
However, if you don't feel like hiring these guys, you can design it yourself. Designing your own kitchen can be simple if you know what to do. Basically, you build it on patios that already exist in your house. You could also build it on other areas like your decks or near your pool area. This gives you the ease of access from your house and to your kitchen and the area which you usually hang out. It's all about convenience and comfort.

Another thing to consider is the lighting which is a very important part of any outdoor kitchen. You need halogen track lights to light up the dining area as well as the kitchen itself. This is important especially if you do activities outdoors at night. Countertops should also be considered at an outdoor kitchen since it's a very useful fixture in your regular kitchen.
The next thing to consider is the appliances that you would want to have outdoors. These appliances should comply and withstand outdoor kitchens. Fortunately, there are several kitchen appliances under your disposal.
There are more things to think about when designing a layout for your outdoor kitchen and hoped this would help you and give you something to begin with.

Interested in outdoor kitchen construction?
All about outdoor kitchens => http://outdoorkitchens1.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Lanback

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Kitchen Cabinets, More Than Just Doors

Kitchen cabinets are more than just doors; they can completely transform your space. When you are ready to finish the look of your new kitchen, you should choose cabinets that complement your design plan perfectly. With the right style, your home can stand apart from all the rest.
Wide Range of Options
There are a wide variety of colors, styles and materials that you can choose from. Depending on your personal preferences, you will be able to find a cabinet that can meet your individual needs. Whether you are looking for a modern, contemporary, elegant, high end or other style, you will be able to find a product line that works for your kitchen.
No matter the size of your budget, you have the ability to purchase kitchen cabinets that will fit within your financial constraints. There is metal, oak, cherry, hickory, maple, melamine, mahogany, walnut, particle board, plywood, plastic laminate, thermofoil and so much more. Cabinet manufacturers also apply a variety of finishes that include glaze, paint, stain, varnish, lacquer and other options.

The actual design of the doors vary in style -- there is slab, routed, raised panel, recessed panel, curved panel, cathedral panel, beadboard panel and more. Your dream kitchen can be made of custom-made or pre-made doors for either a renovation or new construction project. You can also integrate glass inlays and special moldings into your kitchen cabinets. The possibilities are endless.
How to Choose the Best Cabinets and Doors
Selecting the right kitchen cabinet doors depends on a number of key factors. For example, you will need to consider the types of appliances, countertops, backsplashes, pendants, flooring and other fixtures that are being incorporated into your plans. Each piece plays an important part in the finished product, which is why the doors are a critical component. The overall layout is also a significant consideration for the right size and style.

Homeowners should focus on price, materials, brand name, warranty and quality workmanship. Your investment into well-made doors will pay off in the long run. You can avoid having to remodel your space earlier than expected when you acquire dependable kitchen cabinets. The right choices can save you time and money.
When you are ready to begin your project, you can have a positive experience by hiring a professional. They can provide you with sound advice and they have the supplier relationships you need to purchase quality products at affordable prices.

The kitchen is the heart of your home, when looking for quality Novato kitchen cabinets and kitchen design, look for a design firm with a proven track record of quality design and exceptional customer service.
Ken Ryan began in the home renovation industry back in 1975. Ken has been exposed to all aspects of construction. He previously owned a custom kitchen manufacturing facility where he was in charge of designs, sales, and project management. Today, Ken Uses his accumulated sources and his expertise in design, manufacturing and construction to cover all the angles when designing a one-off kitchen.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_Ryan

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Two glamorous, unique spins on classic rooms

I want your opinion on these two renovations I found in House Beautiful. One is a kitchen that's decorated to feel more like a formal dining room. It's pretty neat - what do you think?

One side of the kitchen

The other side of the "kitchen"
This room is large so I think that's one major factor to this working. I really like the identical sideboards on either end of the larger table.

The second room I found is this rancher renovation turned into a modern open layout home.

What do you think?

via House Beautiful

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