Home Improvement and Renovation

We all want our dream kitchen. That lovely kitchen that is flows easily, great to cook in and is the natural magnet in your home that attracts all your family and friends.

To help you design and build your new kitchen we wanted to share with you a number of different ways you can save money, your back or your time when building and then using your kitchen.

These 3 articles will give you plenty of ideas and ways to help with your kitchen renovation. 

Sneaky Kitchen Design Ideas That'll Save You Serious Money by Apartment Therapy

Kitchen design and planning is a daunting task. We often know the look we want, but many times our budgets aren't as large as our wish lists are long. But that doesn't mean we can't have remarkable spaces— we just have to get smart. Each of these kitchens reached deep into their bag of tricks for savvy ways to get full-on style with a much smaller price tag. Learn more

No matter what your kitchen style, layout, budget there are many ways to get the look that you are after. With all these kitchens a little creative thinking and use of materials allowed for some lovely kitchens to be brought to life. 

21 Kitchens with Eye-Level Ovens for a Safer and More Ergonomic Kitchen by Home Stratosphere

Here's a collection of 21 photos of kitchens with eye-level ovens that make cooking and baking more comfortable and a better ergonomic experience. Learn more

We favour installing the oven in the wall as against under the bench. It is much easier, safer to have the oven at eye level. You can easily check your dishes, lift them out of the oven and to clean the oven.

You don't need to bend down and put pressure on your back. 

29 Walk-In Kitchen Pantry Designs by Home Stratosphere

Incredible gallery featuring 29 amazing walk-in kitchen pantry designs and ideas. This is the ultimate kitchen storage feature. Get inspired here. Learn more

When it comes to kitchens everyone is so caught up with storage and where they are going to place everything. Remember the more cabinets you have the more money the renovation will cost you. Why not save so money by having an open walk in pantry. That way you can save some money, easily see what you have in the cupboard and not have to open and close doors. 

 

You know the style and type of new kitchen you want.  

You have a basic plan developing further every day.

You just know your kitchen will be amazing after the renovation is completed 

You know how long you can survive without a kitchen. You and your family are ready to go.

Materials and colours and appliances are selected. You are really excited and enthusiastic and you want to start now. Sure, you are still working on your budget. You should be.

You have now come to a decision that can add substantially to it. How much, if any, of the work do you plan to do on your own? This is a serious question. The answer to it is not general. It is based upon each individual. It relies on various factors.

How much money you have will also affect your choice of going it alone or hiring a professional.

Another influential aspect is the extent of the project. If it is a small remodeling job, it may require little to no external involvement.

Time also becomes a factor in your decision to hire a professional or not. If you do not have the time to handle the renovation yourself, you will call in others to do it for you. 

However, this is not the first question you should ask yourself. 

The most critical question you need to seriously consider is this. "Can you handle the work essential to completing the work required?" 

"Are you capable of doing all the necessary work involved?"

When you decide to renovate your kitchen, you are undertaking a complex task.

The initial question is "What are your skills?"

The second question is "How good are you?"

You not only need to answer these questions, you must be completely honest. If you are not, you are doing yourself and your kitchen a disfavour. Not only could it produce a disastrous result aesthetically and practically, it could be a financial catastrophe or at least a calamity.

You can avoid it by doing the following:

Before you decide to work on the kitchen by yourself do the following:

• Sit down
• Grab a pencil or use the computer. 
• Take a deep breath
• Look at the overall job.
• List the specific requirements for the various tasks
• Detail what you can handle on your own. Be honest. Be very, very honest. 
• Note what you cannot do. 
• Note what you feel uncomfortable doing. 
• List the professionals who can do these specific jobs. 
• Look at your preliminary budget. 
• Factor in the costs and reconfigure it. 
• Repeat the whole process again. 

Go on do it now before you move on.

You may have to rework the budget several times until it balances. Keep in mind, however, that you may save money in the long run if you hire a professional. 

In fact, there are many good reasons why you should hire a pro. 

 

• You get the job done right.
• You can sometimes save money.
• You save time and energy.
• You will not be spending all your time working on the renovation.
• For some, paying others to work frees them up. 
• You may have more time and less stress if you allow someone else to take charge of the actual work.

 

A kitchen renovation can involve a variety of experts. 

They can be contractors, subcontractors, electricians, plumbers, tilers, cabinet makers, carpenters and other specialists, rubbish removal.

It depends on the renovation, your skill level and your budget. You may bring in one particular type of professional close to the start of the project. This is the Kitchen Designer.


Kitchen Designer
A Kitchen Designer is a professional. They are certified. 

The services a Kitchen Designer offers are available through a variety of sources. They may be allied with contractors of the various trades, architects, builders and even retailers. You can find one

You can find one through the usual means:

• Recommendation of a friend or builder 
• Through checking specialty periodicals. Many provide before and after pictures or feature specific kitchen designs. The name of the designer may be provided in the article. They may even be prominent in the article or be the author of the piece. 
• Ask a local contractor for a referral. If you plan on hiring one, see if they have any particular preference. 
• Visit retail or kitchen supply shops. Some of these stores have a Kitchen Designer on staff. They could also recommend one to you. 
• Visit show houses or model homes. Ask them whom they use if you like the style. 

If you decide to opt for a professional designer, select at least 3 to interview. 

 

• Set up a meeting. 
• Bring what you have to show. 
• Discuss the project frankly with them. 
• See how well each candidate communicates. 
• Do they understand your goals? 
• Do they see your vision? 
• Can they put it on paper? 
• Moreover, can they indicate what is wrong suggest a workaround

 

.
The perfect candidate will ask the right questions. 

They will ask about the style of cooking and the purpose of the room.

They will seek to know the size of the family.

They will want to know about who cooks, who uses the room and how busy it gets.

The Kitchen Designer will also want to hear about the problems and your intended solutions. 

If the individuals do not ask you any questions, they may not really be listening to what you have to say. Their responses will help you single out one from the other.

Narrow down the field by checking out their previous projects. Ask them for a portfolio. See if they have anything posted online.

Talk to former customers. Are they versatile? Can you see them turning your dream kitchen into a reality?

Remember. Your designer needs to thoroughly understand what you want. The more they know and can relate to, the more conceivable it is you will achieve a good design.

After you have made your final choice, the work begins. Bring your materials to cement this relationship. Do not leave out any detail.

Be sure to include these materials:

• a file containing the information you have so far 
• a picture of your existing kitchen 
• a description - verbal, pictorial, virtual or written, about what you want 
• any preliminary plans
• your budget. Do not forget your budget - ever.

A Kitchen Designer is a flexible contractor. 

They can look at your dream kitchen and decide whether it is workable.

They can provide a floor plan or specify materials. They can oversee the entire renovation or just contribute with their expertise.

Benefits of working with a Kitchen Designer

• Allows you more time to concentrate on the actual construction of the kitchen
• If you have little or no designing skills then the Kitchen Designer can provide this
• Help take the edge and stress off the job
• They have contacts in the building and renovation industry including appliance suppliers
• Can provide  a high-tech drawing of your new kitchen
• Generate a list of materials you will need to complete the job successfully

You may not wish to hire a Kitchen Designer. The cost will be another addition to your budget. You may have some talent in the area of design. Furthermore, if you are computer savvy, you may be able to create your own design with the help of the various design softwares now available.

Furthermore, if you are computer savvy, you may be able to create your own design with the help of the various design software now available.

CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS

If you are not willing or able to handle the renovation job on your own, you have a couple of options. You can hire a contractor or several subcontractors.

A contractor is a person who generally handles the entire project from start to finish. They will hire, fire and schedule all the various trades needed to complete the job.

In fact, the contractor will be responsible for a great number of things. These include but are not restricted to:

• obtaining all supplies and materials 
• scheduling and coordinating all the different trades 
• contracting with all subcontractors
• obtaining all the necessary permits 
• arranging for the various inspections throughout the people for the renovation. 

The specifics will be set down in a contract. This is a binding document tying both parties together. There are legal obligations to be met by both.

Both parties must adhere to the letter of the law as placed in the contract. Make sure when you or a lawyer prepare  it and that it contains the following basic information.

• The details of the work to be done 
• The responsibilities of the contractor and the employer 
• An approximate date for starting and ending the project 
• A clause for binding arbitration 

If you decide to be your own contractor, you may wish to subcontract the rest or parts of the work out. A subcontractor is some- one who works for a contractor. 

These individuals may be plumbers, carpenters, electricians, floor layers or work in other similar occupations.

They, too, will require contracts specifying their responsibilities. Do not forget to address such things as site clean-up, material purchase, pick-up and/or delivery.

Always try to provide specific dates for beginning and finishing the work.

Do not forget to address such things as site clean-up, material purchase, pick-up and/or delivery. Always try to provide specific dates for beginning and finishing the work.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PEOPLE TO WORK WITH

Whether you are picking a contractor or subcontractor, you can follow the same procedure. 

• You check out the possibilities in the white pages, through trade papers and on the net.
• You can ask neighbours and other people who have had their kitchen recently renovated

Once you have a list - 3 is the bare minimum, you set up interviews. 

Prior to the interview, you ask for a quote 

Be sure you provide all the necessary information. This will ensure greater accuracy in their quotes. 

You then set up the meeting. 

Prior to the meeting, you need to look into such things as their reputation in the trade. Ask at building supply centres about their credit, skill and adherence to dates.

See if they have any complaints listed in the Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce.

During the meeting,you will ask about credentials and past renovations

Question them about their experience. See how well they relate to your design. 

Are they honest in their opinion? Do they see what you envision? 

If you feel you can trust them, that he or she is the right person for the job, the project is on its way sooner than you think.

OPTIONS

If you do the entire work on your own, you can set you own pace. Many home remodelers, however, may decide to either hire someone or take on certain aspects of the job. 

If you decide to combine your efforts with those of the tradespeople, be sure you have a specific timeline in mind. 

You will want to do your portion in such a manner as to not interfere with the work of the trades. You can do so if you keep the deadlines in mind and are organised.

If you do participate, consider doing the demolition work before construction begins. Tear out walls, fixtures and ceiling tiles. Remove all appliances. Disconnect the sinks.

If you are doing preparatory work, make sure you have the drywall up and ready for the next step. After or between certain types of work, you can finish such things as painting, wallpapering, staining and laying down the new floor.

With all this behind you, you have one more step in your scheme towards creating a better kitchen. This is the last chance to alter and change everything from your budget to your design elements. You are now making the final approach.

Whatever option you decide to pursue make sure all parties understand your requirements for your new kitchen.

Is there any better feeling than sitting in your outdoor setting enjoying the night sky but also enjoying your wonderful garden. Especially if you have installed outdoor lighting to accentuate the special areas of your garden.

We are all drawn to the beautiful pictures of homes at night. Where the use of lighting around a home or garden adds a special feeling and character to the photo.

There must be something about the light and dark within the garden that draws us in and excites us. 

When you are sitting under the night skies enjoying the special effects the right lighting gives to your garden then that is a magical time. 

It is great to create a special ambience, mystery in your garden. 

The video below from B&Q gives you ideas on what to consider for your own outdoor lighting requirements.   

 

Ideas For Outdoor Lighting by B&Q 

1. Safety

• Great for paths, decks, steps.
• Bright and illuminating for an area.
• Make sure they focus on the area that needs to be illuminated. 

 2. Security

• Light up the front and rear of your home
• Highlight driveways and the front porch.

3. Relaxation

• Think about subtle lighting that gives a soft, mellow glow to your area. Lights that create an atmosphere for your entertaining or relaxing area. 

 4. Uplighting

 

• Highlight your favourite feature in your garden; trees, statue.
• Use a spotlight to create that special feel. 

5. Lighting and Water

• Spectacular when highlights moving water
• Romantic reflections

 

6. Party Lights

• Party lights are great for creating fun and flair when you are entertaining.
• They really only should be used for your party as they are not waterproof.

Now you can for begin to plan your own outdoor lighting.

You can watch the full video below.

 

If you are looking for a challenge, why not plan a kitchen renovation. It is one way to give yor home that new home feeling. It also gives you a chance to entirely, or moderately change the look or style of this special room in your home. In the  process you will easily accomplish two important goals:

1. You will increase the investment in your home

2. Improve your home to reflect modern life styles 

Today's kitchens are among the most versatile. Kitchens are no longer uni-purpose rooms. They exist for more than simply cooking and serving a meal. Today's kitchens are gathering places, meeting rooms. They are favourite hangouts, congregation areas for the family and their friends and guests. As the song goes "You can always find me in the kitchen at parties" or something like that. Sometimes a kitchen renovation can be a necessity not a want. 

Kitchens are where you and your family can cook and eat. It is also where your tribe can work and play. The kitchen is where the family often comes together. From here many parents and individuals organize their daily activities. The kitchen table, corner nook or counter top becomes the place where people sit with a cold or hot drink in hand. Leaning over one of the kitchen's may surfaces, pen in hand or ipad at the ready, they sit and pay their bills, plan a vacation or review a new recipe. The kitchen is also the scene of many a heart-to-heart talk over a cup or two of coffee. The kitchen is the heart of the house. It is also one of the first rooms many home buyers check out when they come to view a home. This is the so-called "hot ticket" among real estate agents. It is one of the several reasons why people decide to remodel their kitchen. It increases the speed and likelihood of the house being sold. There are other reasons to remodel your home. They can vary from the fact the size of your family has changed to an upgrade is required to install a range of new energy and time saving appliances. Like computers and motor vehicles there have been great advancements made in the technology now installed in appliances. Not to mention the style, design and colour that is now available.

As your family changes by additions or size (ie from small children to teenagers) then the use of the kitchen changes. As a result more space may be required, more bench space, improved use of cabinets, flexibilty with cooking, styles of cooking ( ie it needs to be easier so everyone can cook safely) the people decide to start a kitchen renovation.

Another reason for change is food preparation. A number of studies have shown that one of the biggest issues in homes is cross contamination of food in kitchens leading to sickness and poor health in families. So families decide to renovate their kitchen so that they can have easier access to the refrigerator, cooktop, benches and not have food being ahndled a number of times and cross contamination occuring. With the introduction of new technologies the a kitchen renovation can lead to a greener environment. The applainces today are manufactured to the highest standards and comply with the strictest energy ratings. This means a whole lot of benefits to the environment for all of us. There is another popular reason why people renovate their kitchen. Theya re simply tired of how it looks. Deciding to renovate an eyesore  is agreat way to inexpensively increase your satisfaction with your home. You may want a new home but economic times or circumstances may force you to opt for remodeling or renovating.

Renovating a kitchen is a challenging job. The reason is simple. The kitchen is one  of the most complex rooms in the house. A complete renovation will involve a wide variety of tasks and thus a variety of trades people will be involved. There is cabinetry work, electrical work, plumbing work and there couyld even be tiling and glass work required.

This is because a kitchen is a complex entity containing all the elements from earth (wood) to fire (oven) to water (plumbing) to air (ventilation). In no other room is there such a complex intersection of the various systems that make living comfortable. Not to mention all this has to be combined and assessed with the traffic that goes through the kitchen with people going from one room to another, crossing paths, meeting etc it certainly is an important and complex room. A kitchen renovation does not have to be a major headache or challenge. If you are clear on your goals, budgets, ideas and do some pre-plannign then it can be an exciting yet demanding process. Over the next few weeks we will go further into how to plan your kitchen renovation and steps you need to take. Until next time take care and please leave a comment. Talk soon.....

With the warmer months fast approaching you need to start planning and designing your outdoor space now.

In this video Lauren and Kai from HouseandHome show you the 5 essential steps you need to take when designing your outdoor area.

Apart from some great advice check out the different options with furniture, colours and styles the girls show you. They really give some good ideas for planning your outdoor area. 

 

1. Plan Ahead

• Are you planning to use gas?
• Access points - where will people be entering and exiting 
• How will you get your furniture in and out

 

2. Know Your Needs

• Are you near a pool
• Under a pergola
• How many people
• What will be using the area for

 

3. Find Your Style

• What style will you have
• Will you match the interior of your home or be different
• Casual
• Formal
• Beachside

 

4. Personalize Your Space

• Fabrics and textiles
• Heating
• colours
• sizes
• umbrellas
• lights and lighting

5. Quality Counts

• Weatherproof
• Warranty
• Sunlight

 

Like the inside of your home, today you have numerous options with what you can do with your outdoor area. The range of colours, lounges and other accessories is amazing.

You can watch the full video below. Good luck with planning your outdoor area. 

Spring is here at last. And Summer is not that far away. 

It is a wonderful time of year. As we emerge from the depths of winter and those cold days it is a good idea to give your home a once over before the full arrival of Spring and Summer.

Now before you settle back and enjoy the long warm days of summer a few little things need to be done. It is a good time to give your lovely home a check and clean to give it a lift for those summer days.

A little bit of preparation now will save you headaches in the future. You want to enjoy those lovely BBQ’s and entertaining friends and family outside.

Before you start anything check your cleaning supplies If you find you’re out of paper towels or running low on Windex, in the middle of cleaning what a pain. Make a list and top up your supplies and pick them up next time you are shopping.

1.Tune-Up Gardening Equipment

Spring is the perfect time to give your yard a little TLC. Set aside time to check all of your outdoor power equipment, especially those requiring fuel or batteries.

Make sure you have backup batteries and fuel cans on hand, as finding yourself out of power in the middle of a project is not fun.

Get the most out of manicuring your lawn by sharpening the blades on your mower.

Get your  shed organized before you begin so that everything will flow easily for you.

 

2. Inspect The Roof and Driveway

To prevent leaking, take the time to examine your roof for obvious signs of damage. If you’re concerned about the condition of your roof, consider contacting a roofing professional to evaluate the damaged areas.

Cold weather, can affect the condition of your driveway. You’ll want to patch all cracks and determine if it's time again to coat your driveway with sealer.

 

3. Smoke Detectors

Check your smoke detectors and their batteries.

4. Air-Conditioner

Check your air-conditioner, clean the filters and test the cooling function for summer.

Organise a service call on your air-conditioner if you feel that it is required. You don’t want to be without your air-conditioner during the middle of the summer heat.

5. BBQ

Check your BBQ and give it a clean.

You don’t want to go to use your barbie during Spring and Summer and find you have to give it a clean just before your guests turn up.

Check or fill your gas bottle so you start the season with a full bottle.

6. Gardening

Every gardener’s personal nightmare is a yard full of weeds. Be proactive and avoid this problem by applying fertilizer and weed preventer before the pesky green tufts sprout. If you apply it too late, it can prove to be a daunting task trying to catch up.

In addition to fertilizing, preparing your perennial flower beds early, before the plants begin to grow and spread out, will make your job much easier. This is also a good time to lay down fresh compost and mulch and also pluck unwanted weeds.

Prune your trees and shrubs

Clear old leaves and unruly weeds from your garden to get it in pristine shape for planting

 

7. Clean Windows

Your windows need to be washed in the springtime, both inside and out. While washing your windows, inspect the window screens for signs of distress, rips, and tears.

Wash the screens in good condition, and replace damaged ones. While your focus in on your windows, check the sealant to ensure there aren’t any leaks.

 

8. Clean Gutters

Your gutters will be getting a lot of action during the winter rains. Hopefully, you cleaned your gutters during Autumn, be sure to double-check for debris buildup, especially if your yard has a lot of tall trees.

Check the downspout for cracks or signs of damage, and be sure to point them away from your home’s foundation.

 

9. Painting

Is the exterior of your home looking tired? Consider repainting for a fresh, new look. Painters get booked up early on during the spring and summer months, so be sure to get a head start and make an appointment as soon as possible.

Consider a touch up for your doors and windows.

 

10. Inside Cleaning

Refresh your floors with a deep clean or polish

Dry clean your curtains, dust off blinds and clean your windows

Spot clean your furniture

For a handy checklist for cleaning each room during Spring check out this article.

 

Now time to relax and enjoy the good weather.

 

Whether you have an old or new kitchens you never seem to have enough storage for all your pots, pans, food, small appliances.

If you are designing a new kitchen then you need to make a note of these ideas so that you can include them in your design or make sure your kitchen manufacturer or designer have included them in your new plans.

This video from Ben Galt gives you good examples of how to include these storage ideas into your new or existing kitchen

 

1. Small Appliances

 

 

 

2. Pantry

 

 

3. Corner Cupboards

 

 

4. Pot Storage

 

 

5. Underneath the Sink

 

If you include these storage ideas in your kitchen you will be amazed at how much cleaner and organised your kitchen will be.

This will make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable and easier to get around. You won't waste time 

You won't waste time searching for pots or pans, food from the pantry and it will make your cooking time much more enjoyable. 

You can watch the full video below. 

 

There is something distinct and special about an oriental design.

It has a mystic and special feel about it. It is like you have invited an ancient ideal into your home. Something unique from the Orient for your home.

If you are planning your home or kitchen renovation here are 5 ways you can add that special Oriental design to your home. Maybe not for the full house but for a special part of your home.

Creating an Oriental Dining Room

Why not create an oriental oasis in your home with your Dining Room. Having chairs or sitting on the ground will certainly give your family and friends a unique experience. 

Serene and Practical: 40 Asian-Style Dining Rooms by Decosit

 

The inherent minimalism of Japanese design and timeless beauty of Chinese style and its unique flavor provide plenty of options for those looking eastward for some design inspiration. While the name ‘Asian style’ is far too broad, it often points to a style derived from the Far East, with ideas from Japan and China dominating the conversation. Read more..

Simple Kitchen Style

Why not an oriental styled kitchen. The Japanese have created very simple and minimal kitchens yet they have a sense of style and peacefulness. Not filled with clutter. 

Japanese-Inspired Kitchens Focused On Minimalism by Homedit

The kitchen has always been a utilitarian space where the design is focused on functionality rather than aspect and this caused kitchens to become simplified over the years, resulting in the contemporary minimalism. However, Japanese kitchens have always been simple so combining this influence with a contemporary décor is a great way to obtain a simple and practical look with a hint of Japan. Read more..

 

Elegant Bathroom

Why not change your bathroom to reflect the oriental influence. This does not mean a full renovation but some nice decorating tips to change your bathroom.

Elegant Japanese Bathroom Decorating by InspirationPAB

 

Japanese bathroom decorating suggestions to produce pleasant relaxation. A bathtub is a key element of Japanese bathroom decorating in practical and elegant minimalist style. Japanese have enjoyed the benefits of a bath for centuries. Japanese individuals wash their physique outside a bathtub. Standard Japanese bathroom design and style has a sink and drain on 1 floor. A deep soaking tub with warm water for relaxation. The Japanese bath has a heater installed inside, to preserve the water warm for other household members or for the subsequent day or two. Read more

Home Office

Change your offcie to reflect the oriental style. Create a smart work space with a touch of elegance.

10 Creative Home Offices with an Asian Influence by Decosit

The Asian style is largely defined by the use of natural materials, calming hues and innate simplicity. Ergonomics meet form beautifully in Asian-style home offices, and today we have 10 outstanding inspirations that showcase how to pull off the look while embracing modern aesthetics Read more..

 

Meditation Room

Create that room away from everything. Get away relax, meditate and prepare yourself for the day. You can do this both inside or outside your home.

A World of Zen: 25 Serenely Beautiful Meditation Rooms by Decoist

The more tech-savvy and busy we get, the more we feel a need to get away from it all and spend some time in peace and tranquility. An escape to an exotic holiday destination does help in this regard, but you really cannot take a break every week! This is where the calming influence of meditation and yoga comes in. Much more than a fad and a growing trend globally, spending at least a few minutes each day meditating can improve your concentration, posture and mood, along with delivering a slew of other health benefits. But like everything else, a perfect meditative session needs an ideal meditation room or space. Read more..

 

Just Decorate

If you don't want to renovate or conduct a major upgrade then just decorate with a few nick knacks. 

Luxurious Home Decorating Suggestions by InspirationPAB

Stylish property decorating suggestions and inspiration from diverse sources. For these who are Asian-style, exotic woods and unique crafts Song Saa Private Iceland Resort Pictures wonderful inspiration for generating offer intimate and luxurious modern interior with exclusive Asian flair and charm. Read more

Personally we love the Oriental design. Decorating with oraments, table runners, candles can certainly give your home that mystic Oriental feel. 

What do you feel when you see the colour black?

Does it give you a sense of style and sophistication or do you think that because it is black then your home or kitchen will be morbid and dreary.

Like all colours it really depends on how you use and what you have around it. A lovely black dress is lovely but it really sparkles with the jewelry and accessiroeis that you dress it up with. 

The same goes for your home or kitchen when you are renovating or upgrading.

Renovating Your Kitchen to Include Black.

One of the things we notice with black kitchens is not the black cabinetry or stone benchtops but the other colours that are used in the kitchen. The green plants, bright flowers, lighting, appliances.

These splashes of colour seem to jump out at you and compliment the black. The black acts as a foundation to build upon in your kitchen to give it colour and energy.

There are many different views and ideas for Black Kitchens. Some of the viewpoints are;  

43 Dramatic Black Kitchens by OneKiDesign

Whats even better, is that you do not have design your kitchen in straight out black to make a strong visual impact. Since black is a neutral hue, it can be incorporated in so many ways, from all black to adding accents of white, brass, gold, even pink! Read More...

Kitchens in Dark Tones by Creative Residence

The black tones in the kitchen for someone will seem unusual and too dark. Because the kitchen have different function than the other areas in the home. If you want kitchen with black tones. Very important is to be properly aligned in space. Carefully to choose the tiles and the color of the wall. Kitchens in dark tones with elements from marble make fantastic combination. Read more..

 

25 Remarkable Kitchens with Dark Cabinets and Dark Granite by homestratosphere

25 Remarkable Kitchens with Dark Cabinets and Dark Granite and see some truly marvelous examples of this gorgeous kitchen combination. Read More...

 

Black Interiors

If not in the kitchen then black can easily be included throughout your living areas. This appears to be more acceptable for the majority of of homes

A Pair Of Dark Themed Homes With Sophisticated Accent Colors by home-designing.

While everything seems to go with white, black and dark grey are a little trickier especially for those who crave a more subdued design. This post looks at two wonderfully luxurious homes that bring their moody and mysterious interiors to life with smart accent color choices – the colors themselves are subtle and muted but feel larger than life against their neutral backgrounds. Read more..

Creating Dark Walls

Why not use black for all your walls?

You can then build upon this with different colours for your furniture, windows and lighting. It will certainly create a presence in your home. 

This Small, Dark-Walled Studio Apartment is Proof that Rules are Made to Be Broken by Apartment Therapy

When decorating a small space, the conventional wisdom is to use light colors to make the space seem as large as possible. But when your small space has high ceilings and great lighting, sometimes you can get away with breaking a few rules — and create a studio apartment with all the style of a much larger home. Read More

Black Exterior

Why not paint the whole exterior of your home black. 

20 Dramatic Home Exteriors Proving Black is the New Black by Freshhome

A black exterior is a striking choice for any home style. It’s authoritative, bold, and a bit haunting. It’s impossible not to make a statement with a black exterior. It amplifies modern architecture, making hard lines and angles even sharper. It also breathes new life to aged and dated homes, removing bland and murky hues for a timeless color choice. Read more..

A Splash of Black Outside

Why not have a splash outside in your garden or outdoor area. 

From simply having a black wall, to furniture, to garden furniture there are many different ways to include black in and around your home.

Here are 10 ways you can do this at your own home.

 

 

When renovating your home or kitchen the floor is a very important part.

You want you floor to both look good, be durable and be safe. The last thing you want to select is a floor that is slippery or that requires alot of maintenance. 

Your time is valuable and after spending time and money to renovate your home or kitchen the last thing you want is to be spending time maintaining everything. After all wasn't the renovation supposed to free up your time and make things a little easier in your home. 

If you are uncertain about the differet types of flooring read our previous article of flooring types.

If you have decided you want tiles as your flooring then we explain the different types of tiles you can choose from for both the inside and outside.

Different tiles are more suitable for different rooms then other tiles.

Your budget will influence the type of tile you can choose. 

We have included a video from tilecleaners.com.au which highlight the different tiles. 

 

Stone Tiles

 

 1. Marble

Marble is formed from Limestone, by additional heat and the earths crust forces. This process is called re-crystallization. The variety, textures and makeup of the marble is the result of the differences in the original carbonate minerals, the impurities, and the heat forces during this process.

Marble that comes from the purest calcite is usually white. Marble containing limestone is yellow or cream, if it contains serpentine then its green, if it contains hematite it is red. 

It has been used for thousands of years for its beauty, strength and resistance to fire and erosion. The ancient Persians, Romans and Greeks used marble in many buildings and statues. To date, even with the advancements in technology, no one has been able to imitate the natural beauty of marble while maintaining characteristics of the real thing.

Most Common Uses: Interior and exterior wall cladding, interior and exterior flooring and paving, fireplaces, vanity tops, counter tops, table tops, staircases.

• Soft & Resistant to shattering. Since classical times, white marble like Carrara, has been the prized use for sculpture with its softness and resistance to shattering. With its low index of refraction of calcite, light can penetrate several millimetres into the stone before being scattered out, resulting in the characteristic "waxy" look which gives "life" to marble sculptures of the human body. Michelangelo created all his Renaissance sculptures in marble; it was also the favourite medium for Greek and Roman sculptors and architects. 

• Natural, pure, durable & beautiful. The trend toward a less processed, less synthetic environment has never been stronger. Marble is truly a beautiful, natural product with a reputation for durability that has been built up over hundreds of years. 

• An excellent Insulator. Even in direct sunlight, marble stays relatively cool which lowers air conditioning costs. In winter, once warmed marble will retain its warmth and stay soft underfoot.

• Adds value to your home. Marble is excellent investment – it may increase the asset value of your home, it look wonderful and oozes luxury and class. With judicious use and good design, marble is an inexpensive way to enhance the value of a building.

• Offers design versatility. Marble tiles are frequently used in bathrooms on floors walls, shower recesses and vanity tops. In kitchens marble is used on floors, benchtops and splashbacks. Marble is commonly used for table tops for both indoors and outdoors and has also been used fire hearths and mantle pieces.

2. Travertine

Travertine has been used as a building stone since ancient times. The word 'Travertine' comes from an old Roman name (meaning across the Tibur) from the town of Tivoli in Italy where large deposits of Travertine exist.

Travertine is a dense closely compacted form of Limestone found mostly in areas where circulating ground water contains Calcium carbonate. It often forms around the mouths of hot spring waters. Travertine crystallization occurs when calcium carbonate separates from water through evaporation.

Travertine is often used as decorative building stone. Travertine works for both indoor and outdoor applications; it can be used in all rooms of the house: especially living, bathroom and kitchens. It can also be used for decorative purposes such as splash backs and wall tiles.

Travertine has been used on paths, stairs, walls and floors in Europe for hundreds of years - it's part of the stone's charm. It has been used on more significant buildings as well. The Colloseum in Rome was constructed with travertine quarried from Tivoli on the outskirts of the city. The Sacre Coeur Basilica in Paris and the Getty Centre, Los Angeles are also made from travertine. It's all about the durability of the stone - it lasts & lasts!

Most Common Uses: Interior and exterior wall cladding, interior and exterior paving and flooring, vanity tops, washbasins, shower trays, staircases, residential and commercial counter tops, table tops.

 

3. Sandstone

Sandstone is a type of sedimentary rock. It is made up of particles of pre-existing rocks and minerals. These particles are usually igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks or even other sedimentary rocks.

Sandstone is generally found under the seabed, riverbed, or under desert areas. With the influence of some type of current (wind, waves, flowing water, or glacier) the layer of particles starts depositing one above another. They are composed of fragments or particles of older rocks or previously existing solid matter.

It is a common building and paving material. Like sand, sandstone may be any colour, but the most common colours include tan, brown, red, yellow, pink, grey and white. Since sandstone is very unique, it's beds often form highly visible cliffs and other topographic features, certain colours of sandstone have been strongly identified with certain regions.

Sandstone is a premium quality natural stone. It is incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes, both indoor and outdoors. This includes floors, walls, paving, coping, cladding pillars and landscaping features. there is nothing more natural than sandstone. 

4. Bluestone

 Bluestone's toughness gives it excellent wear and tear resistance.

It is often used for structural work because of its high compressive strength and durability. It's toughness is legendary.

It is a dense and incredibly durable building and landscaping material that has an unmistakable decorative quality and beauty.

It is also highly versatile. It's dark colour and range of surface treatments (sawn, honed, sandblasted etc) provide options for different uses.

5. Slate

Slate has been used for centuries to create appealing and functional tiles.

Slate is a type of metamorphic rock derived from clay or volcanic ash. While it’s quite beautiful to look at, slate is also a very effective tile choice for a number of reasons.

There’s no denying the fact that slate is an extremely versatile type of rock. It’s most commonly use as tiles, but it’s also used for tombstones, roof shingles, benches and outdoor memorial structures. 

One of the greatest things about slate tiles is that it tolerates heat very well. In fact, out of all the tiles on the market, slate is arguably the type that has the best heat resistance. Because of this, slate tile is an excellent choice for kitchen counter-tops where piping hot pots and pans can be left without fear of damage.

You shouldn’t limit yourself to using slate tiles in just the kitchen, though. It’s also ideal for bathrooms because of the non-slip surface it offers. Chances are you’ve walked on slate tile outside at a park or memorial before. The reason it’s used in these areas is because it provides a non-slippery surface, even after it’s rained on. If you’re thinking of tiling your bathroom, consider using slate tile for this reason.

Another benefit to using slate tile is the variety of choices and styles available. You can find them in everything ranging from vibrant colors to your typical gray in great tile outlets. 

6. Granite

Granite is commonly believed to have been formed from volcanic emissions or solidified molten rocks under the earths crust pressure.

Granite is a hard, course grained crystalline rock composed primarily of quartz, feldspar, mica and other accessory minerals. The minerals are interlocked like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.

Granite is a strong and durable stone which makes it valuable for construction.

Most common Uses: Interior and exterior wall cladding, interior and exterior paving, residential and commercial counter tops, monuments, statuary, kitchen and bathroom bench tops.

 

Manufactured

7. Ceramic

People will tell you ceramics have been around for hundreds of years and they would be right. Ceramics are known for their beauty and colours. 

Ceramic tiles are more absorbent as they are made from porous clay, usually red, brown or white clay with a glaze on top. They are typically less expensive, easy to cut and easy to clean and maintain.

Sizes are limited as they are made in pre-determined size molds. Ceramic tiles normally have a rounded edge which some tilers prefer if the slab is not level.

 

8. Porcelain

Porcelain tiles are made from selected refined clay and are pressed before baking at a much higher temperature than ceramic tiles.

Porcelain tiles are less absorbent, stain resistant, frost resistant, the colour often runs through the whole tile and they are easy to clean. However they are harder to cut and are more expensive.

Porcelain tiles are a better choice for new home renovations and larger commercial projects where a better performing product is needed.

Porcelain tiles are manufactured with more advanced technology producing an incredible range of colours, sizes and styles such as stone-look, marble-look, cement-look and the very new and popular timber-look.

Porcelain tiles come in polished, semi-polished, matt, honed, brushed, rockface and glazed.

9. Terracotta

Terracotta Tiles are the relatively durability, versatile, looks better with age, warm and inviting underfoot, water, allergen and bacteria resistant, inexpensive low maintenance. 

10. Terrazzo

There is nothing quite like the timeless beauty of Terrazzo. 

A mixture of cement, marble aggregates and pigments, terrazzo can either be made into precast elements or poured on site insitu. Polished, honed or brushed terrazzo can be tailored to suit a wide range of tastes and interiors.

The uses of terrazzo are limited only by your imagination. Precast elements such as terrazzo tiles, toilet and shower partitions, steps and risers and public furniture can be manufactured in the factory to exacting standards and beautiful finishes.

11. Quarry

Quarry tiles are a natural, durable type of unglazed tile.

Quarry tiles are manufactured using a blending clays with other materials like shale to create a coarse mixture to create very dense tiles. After the tiles are cut, they are fired at high temperatures, changing the chemical composition of the clay and creating a heavy, hard tile which is extremely strong.

The bottom side of a quarry tile is generally ridged to improve adhesion to grout. The top of the tile has a coarse surface because it is not glazed.

The surface of a quarry tile is very useful in environments like pathways and kitchens and has great traction, in other words, it is great for non-slip.

The durability of a quarry tile makes it less prone to chips and scratches hence great for high traffic areas. The main disadvantage of quarry tiles is that they are somewhat porous because they have not been glazed. Due to this porous nature, this makes the quarry tile susceptible to water damage as water can seep through the tile which provides an hospitable environment for moulds and fungus.

For this reason, many people seal quarry tile and its grout after it is installed. Waxing quarry tiles is another process that assists to ensure that the sealer remains in place.

12. Glass

Since the 1990s a variety of modern glass tile technologies, including methods to take used glass and recreate it as ‘green’ tiles, has resulted in a resurgence of interest in glass tile as a floor and wall cladding.

It is now most commonly used in pools, kitchens, spas, and bathrooms. And while smalti tiles are still popular, small and large format glass products are now commonly formed using cast and fused glass methods. The plasticity of these last two methods has resulted in a wide variety of looks and applications, including floor tiles.^[2]

In the late 1990s, special glass tiles have been coated on the back side with a receptive white coating. This has allowed impregnation of heat-transfer dyes by a printing process reproducing high resolution pictures and designs.

Custom printed glass tile and glass tile murals exhibit the toughness of glass on the wearing surface with photo-like pictures. These are especially practical in kitchens and showers, where cleanser and moisture resistance are important.

 

 

 

As they say the only thing limiting you is your imagination. The choice of tiles, like most things, will comne down to your personal preference, your budget and suitability for the room in your home.

 

One of the biggest challenges when renovating your home is choosing the colours of the paint for your home.

Each room has a different purpose and activity and so a different colour is required. 

But there is the same process for each room that will help you pick the right colours.

Here is agood video from Lowes that gives a very good explanation and steps on how to choose the paint colours for each room.

1. Stick To Your Favourites

• Choose colours you love
• Look at your wardrobe
• Any favourite photos and the colours in them

 

2. Use Existing Furniture as a Guide 

• Coordinate with your current furniture
• Look for complimentary colours
• Consider quieter shades of your favourite colours

 

3. Think About Your Room Size

• How big do you want the room to feel
• Dark colours makesa room feel small and cozy
• Lighter colours create a bigegr and brighter appearance

 

4. Keep an Eye on Nearby Walls

• What is the colour flow for your home
• How does your home flow from room to room

 

5. Analyze Lighting

• Different lights will ahve a different affect on colours
• Natural light with give the most natural colour
• Artifical light will change the way you see the colour

 

6. Mood and Function

• Eat, Work or Play; what is the purpose of each room
• Need to energise then think about Reds and Yellows
• For relaxing think about greys and browns
• Sheen will reflect light and be brighter
• Flat will give a room a cozy and subtle feel

 

7. Try Samples

• Always try samples to gain a better feel of how each colour will look.

This is a very good 7 step process to follow when you are looking to paint any room in your house. You need to be comfortable with the colours you choose and like becasue you are the person living in your home.

You can watch the full video below.

 

 

There are 7 steps to help you choose the paint for your home or kitchen renovation.

All the best.

Remodeling a kitchen is an exciting time that stimulates your creativity and imagination. At last, you can get the kitchen of your dreams.

You need to give yourself with as much knowledge as you can about the kitchen remodeling and renovation process. This will make things flow easier for you and allow you to identify any problems before they happen.

1. How do you plan to use your Kitchen:

Think about how you plan to use your kitchen in the future. The requirements of you and your family.

Is the kitchen set by itself or does it allow access to and from other areas?

Finances and time can seriously restrict your renovation plans so, when planning, include the expense of the project plus how long it will take to complete. Check out our earlier blog where we gave a guide to the break up of your renovation budget.

2. The Work Triangle:

The rules for the work triangle:

• create an efficient work area involving the three most commonly used items in the kitchen, usually the cook top and oven, refrigerator and sink, place them close together to minimize time spent moving between them.

• The distance between any two items should be no less than 1.2 metres and not more than 2.7 metres with nothing in between to slow you down, while the triangle perimeter shouldn't exceed 8 metres nor be less than 3.7 metres.

• Use the work triangle to design your new kitchen with efficient workflow in mind.

3. Function and Budget:

Understand what you like or don't like about your old kitchen to help you decide what you need in your new kitchen.

Think about how you want to use the kitchen and how you want to involve family in kitchen activities.

Plan your budget for really important items first, such as more storage, new lighting and appliances, but beware of unexpected expenses like heavy new appliances that require structural upgrades to the floor.

Check out out previous article on your kitchen renovation budget

4. Contractors and Installers:

Shop for contractors and installers as carefully as anything else you choose for your kitchen to ensure they are qualified to accomplish the task on time and on budget.

Communicate with everyone to be sure they know exactly what you want. Be certain of your kitchen design plan, review it with your contractor and stick to it once the work begins.

A change of plans in mid-remodel is expensive so be sure of your plan before the project begins and follow it as work progresses to catch any mistakes due to faulty design or communication before it's too late to correct them.

5. Building Codes:

No kitchen remodeling can be started until you become familiar with your area's planning and building codes.

These codes may impose certain limitations on your plans, such as how far you can extend a planned addition to the kitchen.

Other codes are in place to restrict construction elements like carpentry, plumbing and wiring.

6. Cabinet Efficiency:

Remodeling offers you the opportunity to gain more space and efficiency when it comes to cabinet storage.

Determining which cabinet styles offer you the best use of space is a task all its own. For example, in corner shelving areas, cabinets equipped with lazy Susans are much more effective than cabinets with fixed shelves.

7. Purchasing Appliances:

Purchasing appliances well ahead of when you are ready to install them can save you much frustration.

This additional planning time gives you the chance to measure appliances precisely and accurately and match them to the space available inside the remodeled kitchen.

Taking the time to take these measurements will ensure that you aren't surprised with the delivery of a stove or refrigerator that is anywhere from 0.5cm to 4cm too wide to fit into its allotted space.

When selecting your appliances we suggest that you follow these steps to help you make the correct decision for your kitchen:

Oven - select your oven first. How often will you use the oven, how many people will you be cooking for, how much space is required for your oven, where will it be located in the kitchen. Here is our range of ovens.

Cooktop - once you have selected your oven then choose your cooktop. How often will you use it, will it be gas or electric, what will we cook on the cooktop, does the size match the size of our oven and where will it be located within your kitchen? Here is our range of cooktops. Once you have answered these questions you can move to the next area.

Range hood - once you have selected the cooktop then you will know how powerful and the style of your range hood. Will you select a slide-out or canopy to compliment the design of your kitchen? Will you range hood recirculate or be ducted out? How much space have I allocated to storage with your cabinets? Here are our range of rangehoods

8. Refrigerator Placement:

Increasing your cooking preparation efficiency should be near the top of your list when it comes to remodeling plans.

An efficient placement of the refrigerator is in a location where you can actually reach inside it from the sink area.

If necessary, purchase a refrigerator with a door that opens in the direction that facilitates this ease of use or buy a model that allows the hinges to be switched to the opposite side.

9. Electrical Circuits:

Electrical appliances like cooktops and ovens are required to have their own electrical circuits.

This is an important fact to keep in mind because you will not be allowed to splice into an existing line.

Large appliances are not the only equipment subject to this necessity; garbage disposals and dishwashers are also subject to this code requirement.

10. Alternative Dining Plans:

One of the inescapable facts about kitchen remodeling is that, in many cases, you need to precisely address in advance how you will prepare and cook food while your present kitchen is in a state of distress.

Keep in mind that this preparation extends beyond how to cook food. You may need to find storage space for cookware, plates, dishes and silverware. If your plans are based on eating out during the remodeling process, you need to realize that completion time is always just an estimate.

11. Keep Workflow Priority Number One:

A kitchen is a functional environment. In recent years, kitchens have become places where we do everything--homework, TV-watching, snack-eating, and sometimes, yes, we even do a little cooking.

So, it is easy to forget that workflow is the number one priority. Prioritize your workflow by keeping the classic kitchen triangle in mind, keeping services as close together as possible, and giving yourself enough counter space to spread out and do your cooking-- but not so much that it makes it difficult to get from place to place.

12. Smaller is better:

Even though large kitchens have become trendy in recent years, they do not work as well as smaller kitchens.

Smaller kitchens are less expensive to build or remodel, and they are better for the cook. If you absolutely feel that you need a spacious entertainment kitchen, then by all means do so.

But it’s a decision you need to ponder deeply, because the more space you take for the kitchen, the less space you have for other rooms in the house.

13. Plan Your Kitchen Wisely:

Does your kitchen have enough room for placement of an island? If so, this will spread out your perimeter counters that much farther. In that case, you will need to max out your kitchen island and make it fully functional, perhaps by adding a cooktop or even a sink.

The One-Wall Kitchen Design Layout is perfect for long and narrow kitchens. It's simple and, as far as kitchen remodels go, fairly inexpensive. While it does not utilize the classic kitchen triangle its linear design still allows for unimpeded traffic flow.

Counter space is at a premium. The one-wall kitchen design is not the best design, though. It can be improved with either the corridor or L-shape kitchen design plans--provided kichen square footage is available.

Corridor Style Layout kitchen design is highly functional because it uses the classic kitchen triangle. This layout gives a bit more space for counters and cabinets, though crowding between the two main work spaces may be a problem.

Still, the corridor style kitchen design is a highly affordable and functional plan.

L-Shaped Style kitchen design plan is very popular, though this plan does away with the crowding problems found in the corridor plan.

We still find the kitchen triangle, though the walk from range to refrigerator is longer. This arrangement allows as much--and even a bit more--counter and cabinet space than the L-shaped design.

The corner counter space (upper right in the illustration) is difficult to reach for food preparation, and is often used for storing mixers, toaster ovens, and other small appliances.

Note that with the increased counter space, a double-sink can installed. A highly evolved kitchen design layout, the double-L allows for two workstations.

The smaller "L" has a cooktop (but not an oven) and a second sink. The major cooking operations are focused on this area, while food prep goes on in the larger of the "L" spaces.

This larger "L" also has tons of open counter space because the cooktop has been moved away. Note that not much space is gained for cabinets: the smaller "L" has only a short run along the wall for cabinets (though cabinets can be hung off the ceiling above the cooktop, if desired).

 

U-Shaped Style kitchen design plan can be thought of as a corridor-shape plan--but with a closed end. The closed end gives extra room for a range or a sink.

This arrangement maintains good workflow by means of the classic kitchen triangle. The closed end also provides plenty of space for extra cabinets.

14. Lighting:

When considering the best kitchen design for your home, you need to incorporate lighting into your thought process.

Unfortunately, most homeowners take care of lighting as the last step in the process; it becomes an afterthought. And there is no need to stick to the time-worn and mundane can (or recessed) lights that you see in every kitchen in the world! Try lights that focus more on the work areas, such as kitchen pendant lights.

Task Lighting

There are some places in the kitchen where lights should be installed in order for cooks to work safely.

It's best not to use extremely bright lights, as they could be blinding and defeat the purpose of their function. Install task lighting in the stove area; place a light directly above the stove so that the cook can clearly see all food that is being prepared on the stove top.

Most ovens come with lighting from the manufacturer. Install a light directly above the kitchen island so that the cook can accurately see how to chop and prepare food before placing it in the stove or oven. The kitchen island light should be bright enough to be used alone when the main kitchen light is not on.

Accent Lighting

Install low voltage kitchen accent lighting to add depth and appeal to the space. Accent lighting can be used in the crevices of cabinets and counter tops in order to showcase certain appliances.

If there is a cabinet in the kitchen that showcases fine china or other unique dinnerware, install accent lighting around the shelves in the cabinet to bring attention to these pieces.

Lights that accent a kitchen space are especially ideal for small kitchen, as the lights can add depth to the space and make it appear larger. All wires should be hidden and properly contained for accent lighting. This not only improves the look of the lighting, but prevents overheating and electrical shortages.

Ambience Lighting

Use lighting to produce the appropriate ambiance for the space. Ambient lighting softens the shadows in the kitchen, and can create a warmth in the kitchen dining space that is similar to candlelight.

Add soft lighting along the floor panels of the kitchen to open the room up while conveying an inviting and intimate feel. Install the lights so they are safe for children; glass casings or lights that are installed high on the wall are usually best for families with babies and toddlers.

 

15. Solid Surface Counters 

Solid surface countertops have a real strong fan base because they are solid (no particle wood core), minor scratches can be sanded out, and they even have the appearance of seamless stone materials.

Check out this article to see the different types of edges you can have on your benchtop. 

If you follow these steps and keep calm then you will have a headache free renovation and be able to enjoy your lovely new kitchen.