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Tuscany Kitchen versus Spanish Revival Kitchen

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010 | Filed under: Modern kitchens, Modern style, beautiful kitchen   
Tuscany modern kitchen

Tuscany modern kitchen

Italian and Spanish cultures are intertwined, particularly in Southern Italy, which was part of Spain until War of the Spanish Succession in the early 1700s. Even the languages sound very similar. Therefore, it would make sense that there is a similarity between the Tuscany and Spanish Revival themes from Wm Ohs original cabinet program called the Theme Stylings collection. These timeless designs were captured beautifully and are available at Today’s Kitchens.

The biggest similarity in the Tuscany and Spanish Revival kitchen styles is the perfect balance between light and darkness. Light-colored woods along with pale paints and tiles are brilliantly contrasted with deep-colored accents, such as furniture, light fixtures, and accessories. Combining light and dark hues provides a high-contrast effect that can define a room’s features. The lighter colors dominate, providing a light and airy appearance. The room feels warm and comfortable and the dark pieces provide bursts of clarity and focus.

Spanish revival modern kitchen

Spanish revival modern kitchen

The Tuscany kitchen design makes excellent use of worn wood, giving the appearance of years of use and a storied history. The detailed, raised moldings on doors and panels offer an ornate design that is unique and elegant.

The Spanish Revival kitchen style offers signature finishes such as Saguaro and etched ivory to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, the proper use of textures and elaborate tile designs bring the traditional look and feel of Spain to your kitchen.

Both the Tuscany and Spanish Revival kitchen themes from Today’s Kitchen bring Old World charm to you. As always, the kitchen themes utilize only the best resources – solid cabinetry, high-quality finishes, and custom designs. You will be assured of a beautiful, authentic-looking kitchen that takes you to Europe with each step into the room.

5. What is a Modern Kitchen?

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 | Filed under: Modern kitchens, contemporary kitchen   

We all know an old-fashioned kitchen when we see one. We recognize it more from what is missing than what is there. No fridge-door ice maker. No glass in the cabinet doors. No kitchen island with a garbage disposal in the sink and a mini-fridge under the marble counter. Old fashioned kitchens often have unfinished wood and appliances that wear the greens and oranges of the 1970s.

But what makes a modern kitchen? Is it defined by present-day technology? Do cappuccino makers, food processors, and wine chillers make a kitchen modern? Or is a kitchen style defined by the design, such as lustrous finishes, fine-detailed cabinets, high-quality countertops, and artfully designed accents?

While a modern kitchen may possess some – or all – of these features, these alone do not make a kitchen modern. A kitchen should successfully blend form and function. It should not be cluttered with unnecessary gadgets. It should look clean, even when the dishes are dirty. You should be able to move easily through the space and find just what you need exactly when you need it.

The professional designers at Today’s Kitchens can help you achieve a modern kitchen that fits your style and your budget. With so many possible themes and such a large combination of materials and finishes, Today’s Kitchens has your kitchen. Whether you prefer bright colors or muted shades of gray, we can help. Kitchens are available with wood cabinets in stunning finishes or cabinets with the sheen of glass. Choose from metal fixtures and accents or a more rustic appearance of stone. Select that cappuccino machine or perhaps a groovy green pattern in your tile. The features of your modern kitchen are waiting for you at Today’s Kitchens.

The Kitchen is the Center of the Home

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 | Filed under: Beautiful home, beautiful kitchen, contemporary kitchen   

Unknown to many, remodeling a kitchen can add value to any home. There’s a good reason for this because the kitchen is said to be the center of a home. It can be compared to an engine of a car for without it the car won’t run. Without a kitchen, a home cannot be called home. A kitchen is at the heart of where most family activities/interactions take place especially if the kitchen doubles as a place where family members can dine or have refreshments from time to time. In some cases, it can also be a place where home owners receive and entertain their friends. It is also said that a kitchen is an extension of the personalities of their home owners. It’s an expression of their taste for what life has to offer. This is the reason why nowadays we have kitchen designs such as a classic kitchen, a contemporary kitchen, a traditional kitchen or a modern kitchen. In a way, a well-designed or elegant kitchen can be viewed as a status symbol as well.

Remodeling a kitchen may be a daunting task for most of us but it can be rewarding really because once the improvements have been undertaken, you can be assured that your quality of life will improve aside from the fact that it will contribute to the attractiveness and overall appeal of your home. The key to your success here relies heavily on your ability to partner with a reputable kitchen remodelling company or contractor. As you will be investing your hard-earned money, you should not only go for an experienced company but you need to have reasonable assurance that the said company can deliver according to your expectations. After all, your commitment to improve your home deserves nothing short of a similar commitment from a company who can deliver for you your dream kitchen.

French Country Kitchen versus French Provencal Kitchen

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010 | Filed under: Changes in Kitchen Design, Modern kitchens, Simpler Styling, Traditional kitchen   
French Country Kitchen

French Country Kitchen

The charm of France extends beyond its corner cafes and delectable cuisine. Yet food is such an integral part of the French culture. The kitchen hearth is a gathering place for families and a symbol of comfort and love.

The beauty of the French kitchen design is a popular choice among those who are remodeling their homes. French Country and French Provencal themes are not just for country-style homes. The designs are elegant and rustic, stylish while charming. These modern kitchen designs bring the warmth of France to your home.

French Provencal Kitchen

French Provencal Kitchen

Both the French Country and French Provencal themes are distinctive designs by Wm Ohs from the original flagship custom cabinet program, Theme Stylings. The designs make use of natural materials such as stone and wood. Bright colors such as yellows, greens, and oranges accent this style in the form of paint, accessories, and flowers. Metal light fixtures and furniture contrast the sunny, warm tones with a dull, steel appearance. Flooring is usually a natural material, such as wooden boards, stone, or brick.

An important characteristic of Provencal design that is not common in the French Country kitchen design is the use of vivid – sometimes ornate – fabric designs. The brightly colored materials are often united with seemingly clashing designs, such as plaids, stripes, or checks. However, the overall result is one of timeless traditions. Recurring motifs include flowers – particularly sunflowers and lavender, foods like grapes and olives, as well as roosters or ladybugs.

The French Country kitchen theme uses the muted colors of olive green, cobalt blue, pale yellows, and rust orange. Wooden cabinets and polished countertops add to the charm.

Whichever French styled kitchen design you choose, you’re sure to feel right at home.

Remodeling Your Kitchen

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 | Filed under: Changes in Kitchen Design, Modern style, beautiful kitchen   

Remodeling a kitchen is said to be the most challenging yet the most exciting phase in any home improvement project. It is challenging because literally there are a great number of design options one needs to consider. Design options can vary from a more traditional kitchen, a classic kitchen, a contemporary kitchen to something more of a modern kitchen. Whatever design option appeals to the home owner it is worth noting that this is just the beginning. One still needs to consider the type and quality of materials to be used, the cabinets, the kitchen countertops, the flooring, the sink and the appliances that would go well with the kitchen. A kitchen layout should also underline the kitchen design and should answer questions related to the placement or arrangement of the components that will make up the kitchen. The design option selected addresses the aesthetic part while the layout addresses the functionality and utility aspect of the kitchen.

The exciting part of any kitchen remodeling project has a lot to do with the home owner being involved in almost every aspect from the planning phase up to the execution phase of the improvement activities. Most home owners would have already painted a picture in their minds on how they want their dream kitchen to look like even before the project starts. Being involved while the project is in progress not only allows home owners to provide input for slight modifications but it also gives the owners a glimpse already of how their kitchen is slowly being built according to their expectations. In most cases, home owners also enjoy having a say on the type of cabinets to be built down to the very intricate detail of selecting certain types of cabinet handles. It’s like shopping because you will be given a catalogue containing the materials to be used except that in this case, you won’t immediately pay for your purchase. At any rate, kitchen remodeling is fun and it’s a good way for us to explore our creativity as we actively provide input or as we passively critique how the job is being completed. In any case, one should consider partnering with an experienced and reputable company to deliver quality services before any of these can be possible.

Remodeling Your Kitchen

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 | Filed under: Classic Kitchens, beautiful kitchen, contemporary kitchen   

Remodeling a kitchen is said to be the most challenging yet the most exciting phase in any home improvement project. It is challenging because literally there are a great number of design options one needs to consider. Design options can vary from a more traditional kitchen, a classic kitchen, a contemporary kitchen to something more of a modern kitchen. Whatever design option appeals to the home owner it is worth noting that this is just the beginning. One still needs to consider the type and quality of materials to be used, the cabinets, the kitchen countertops, the flooring, the sink and the appliances that would go well with the kitchen. A kitchen layout should also underline the kitchen design and should answer questions related to the placement or arrangement of the components that will make up the kitchen. The design option selected addresses the aesthetic part while the layout addresses the functionality and utility aspect of the kitchen.

The exciting part of any kitchen remodeling project has a lot to do with the home owner being involved in almost every aspect from the planning phase up to the execution phase of the improvement activities. Most home owners would have already painted a picture in their minds on how they want their dream kitchen to look like even before the project starts. Being involved while the project is in progress not only allows home owners to provide input for slight modifications but it also gives the owners a glimpse already of how their kitchen is slowly being built according to their expectations. In most cases, home owners also enjoy having a say on the type of cabinets to be built down to the very intricate detail of selecting certain types of cabinet handles. It’s like shopping because you will be given a catalogue containing the materials to be used except that in this case, you won’t immediately pay for your purchase. At any rate, kitchen remodeling is fun and it’s a good way for us to explore our creativity as we actively provide input or as we passively critique how the job is being completed. In any case, one should consider partnering with an experienced and reputable company to deliver quality services before any of these can be possible.

Best Time to Remodel your Kitchen

Sunday, July 25th, 2010 | Filed under: beautiful kitchen, kitchen remodeling   

Remodeling your kitchen is an enormous undertaking that requires plenty of patience and planning. You will need to determine a new design that fits your style, tour showrooms, and meet with the designer. You have probably pored over innumerable remodeling magazines and researched your options online. However, you must take into account the best season for remodeling. Should you modify your house in the cooler months or during the warm, summer months?

Consider that modifications to your kitchen may require that you find alternative sources for food preparation. For this reason, summer is often the best time for remodeling your kitchen. Outdoor grilling is already a popular summer activity that offers a break from overheated kitchens and piles of dirty pots and pans. Why not take advantage of summer-time grilling and modernize your kitchen while cooking outdoors? Campfire cooking is another fun way to enjoy your time out of the kitchen and is particularly enjoyable for children. Kampgrounds of America (or KOA) offer an extensive list of recipes perfect for campfire cooking while you await the completion of your new contemporary kitchen.

Another benefit to warm month remodeling is the ability to open windows and let in the breeze. Paint fumes or the smell of wood stains can be overpowering. You will need to air out the room to provide appropriate ventilation. In addition to the strong odor, remodeling causes a build-up of dust, wood shavings, and other air-borne irritants. While opening windows in the winter months is still a possibility, it creates an unnecessary need to turn up the heater and increase your monthly heating costs, not to mention your carbon footprint.

Summertime is the perfect time to stay out of the kitchen. When autumn rolls around, you will have a new modern kitchen to appreciate and enjoy.

Reference: http://www.homebuildingremodeling.com/best_time_of_year_to_remodel_your_home_000517.html

Increasing light in your kitchen

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 | Filed under: Bold Colors, Modern kitchens, beautiful kitchen   

A well lit kitchen creates a mood that is like no other, makes the space in your kitchen look larger then it is, and creates an environment that is welcoming and easy to work in. No matter the style of your kitchen; traditional, transitional, or contemporary, there are many different ways you can increase lighting in your kitchen. You can add natural light options, add new lighting fixtures, or you can incorporate both.

If you desire natural lighting the options are quite simple. Remodeling your kitchen by adding skylights is a great way you can increase light. Adding natural light not only looks welcoming but will help you save in energy cost.

More obvious ways to increase light in your kitchen is to install new light fixtures. There are many options when it comes to light fixtures. The idea is to use light fixtures that speak for themselves, not to add just any basic light fixture. A good idea is to install light fixtures under your cabinets to shine on your countertops. Doing so creates an ideal workspace and looks very appealing. Updated light fixtures are a great option as well. Remove outdated ceiling lights and add new ceiling mount light fixtures to add flare to your kitchen. Adding ambient lights on top of all the other options available will set the mood and will be a great way to add to your kitchen’s design as well.

No matter what lighting options you incorporate into your kitchen; natural light or new lighting fixtures, create a statement and a welcoming environment to work in. Not only will your kitchen become a wonderful place to work in, but you’ll be creating a pleasant space for visitors to gather to enjoy great food, drinks, and laughter. What will you do to increase lighting in your kitchen?

Dining room design

Saturday, July 10th, 2010 | Filed under: Beautiful home, contemporary dining room, designer dining room   
Modern dining room

Modern dining room

Looking into redesigning your dining room and the options that are available in designing your dining room you should include planning around your kitchen design as we;;. Your dining room and kitchen should be unified in appearance to a certain degree to create a balance and to make each room look larger. In creating a unified design between kitchen and dining room, not only will each room look larger but they will compliment each other creating a wonderful atmosphere to spend time be it cooking as a family and then transitioning to dining as a family.

Beginning with designing your dining room think of the flooring options available that would look great in both your kitchen and dining room. Tile offers a spacious appearance and is very easy to keep clean. Making sure your kitchen and dining room match in regards to flooring is very important in creating the balance and the spacious appearance we have been discussing.

What about the color of your walls and the décor used in designing both kitchen and dining room to compliment each other. Dining room and kitchen walls should be of same color and same material, meaning paint versus wall paper, etc. To offset the attention to one room versus the other maybe creating one larger wall to be a different color or a solid color if the rest of the walls are painted using a textured method. Decorations can be altered a bit. Curtains should be the same color but different materials are a given. I prefer my kitchen to have think curtains so the sun can shine through, however, I prefer thicker and longer curtains in my dinning room.

Start planning your dream dining room today. Make sure your dining room compliments your kitchen. Creating this balance and matching like items will ensure that there is a nice flow from room to room in regards to the type of energy you are trying to create in regards to design options.

Your dream kitchen

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010 | Filed under: Classic Kitchens, Modern kitchens, beautiful kitchen, contemporary kitchen   
Your dream kitchen

Your dream kitchen

We all have a dream in which we want our kitchen to live up to. Some prefer something of a traditional kitchen design while others prefer a contemporary kitchen. Then you have others that don’t want either and who are looking for more transitional options for their kitchen design. What does this all mean, what does one look for in these different designs?

Traditional kitchen décor usually consist of very straight lines with country like appeal including wood and rustic details. In a traditional kitchen one would see maple, pine, oak, birch or cherry cabinetry. Handles often are made of iron or bronze. Countertops often made of soapstone, granite, or laminate. Colors are often those of reds, blues, and yellows. Flooring usually is tile or beautiful wood planks.

Contemporary kitchens are much different in that of a traditional kitchen, usually having straight grained woods for cabinetry like maple or birch with an acrylic finish or gloss. Handles are usually stainless steel. Countertops are often natural stone, quartz or concrete. As for colors that make up a contemporary kitchen one would usually see many options. Floors are usually made of concrete or cork.

Transitional kitchens often include modern and traditional styles into one, a fusion of two worlds. Cabinets usually are maple or birch and often include two different colors, one for the cabinetry and one to accent the cabinets. Handles are often like that of a traditional kitchen being iron or bronze. Countertops more like a modern kitchen being granite or quartz but often including wood as well to make it stand out. Colors of this kitchen design are usually bright and stand out as well. Floors are usually wood in this case.

Different kitchen designs and styles to suit many dream kitchen seekers, what will be your kitchen design. Please share by commenting below.