Changing Your Opinion With Small Kitchen Remodeling

Sometimes a smaller kitchen is adequate. One or two people who do not cook often, for example, may find that a small kitchen suits their needs just fine. However, even if little time is spent in the kitchen, renovating a kitchen can make it visibly look larger and provide additional space when cooking is done.

The first thing to consider when remodeling a small kitchen is the layout. Generally, you will find three small kitchen layouts: straight valley, L-shaped and U-shaped.

The straight and U-shaped differ in that the back wall in a U-shaped kitchen typically has a countertop and possibly cabinets on top and even some type of appliance. It is the opinion of many that small U-shaped kitchens are great choices for remodeling as it can open up the space and make it more user-friendly so that someone will want to spend more time enjoying the room.

For peerless utilization of the U-shaped space, it is best to always have the refrigerator between the cooking space and the entrance but never next to the oven. There should be plenty of counter space available for food preparation and cooking, as well as sufficient space to handle the dishes once they come out of the oven or are removed from the stove. It is often the case that small kitchen remodeling improves the flow of the kitchen area to match the cooking process, an improvement that can make the art of cooking far more enjoyable. You'll also want sufficient kitchen cabinets to store everything.

Adding to the convenience of small kitchen cooking, it is important to keep the utensils in a logical location in light of the cooking space. Keeping the utensils in close proximity to the counter space where the food preparation takes place will save time and steps, especially if two people are in the kitchen at the same time. Cookware should also be conveniently placed close to the stove to keep them in reach when needed. It can be quite frustrating when you need a pan in a hurry but have to walk around the kitchen to get it.

If there is room in the small kitchen, a small area of the counter may be used as a part-time dining space. This can still be done if the cou583nter is up against a wall. Simply slice out a section to open up part of the counter area to be used as a dining bar. This is a perfect example of how you should never accept things as they are without first considering what you want and being creative in how to obtain it.

A little creativity can go a long way in small kitchen remodeling. Take time to look at what part of a kitchen remodeling project will enhance the room's usefulness, space and enjoyment the most, then go for it!

Guy Morris's short articles can be encountered on different online sites with reference to kitchen cabinet areas. His abstracts on kitchen cabinets can be discovered on http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com

Bathroom Renovation Checklist

Planning a new bathroom can be a lot of fun, but not taking care of al2202l the details properly can lead to disappointing results. Use this checklist to keep track of the decisions that need to be made as well as details that should be discussed with your designer, installer or carpenter.

BEFORE YOU START Asses how much storage you will need for the following items. Keep in mind how many people will be using this bathroom, and be sure to take their items into consideration. Knowing just how much "stuff" you actually use on a regular basis will help tremendously when planning your cabinetry space, number of drawers or size of medicine cabinets.( ) Makeup (if you keep it in the bathroom)( ) Facial cream / wash / toner( ) Lotion / body cream / sunblock( ) Sponges / scrub brushes( ) Shaving supplies (Razors, creams, etc.)( ) Hair products (Gel, Mousse, etc.)( ) Hairdryer / curling iron, etc.( ) Toilet paper / tissues( ) Bath supplies (salts, bubble bath, etc.)( ) Shower supplies (shampoo, conditioner, wash, etc.)( ) Medications (if you keep them in the bathroom)( ) Traveling Items (Little bottles, mending kits, small containers, etc.)( ) Toothbrushes / toothpaste( ) Overstocks (Extra creams, tissues, toilet paper, etc.)( ) Cleaning supplies (if you keep them in the bathroom)
STYLES AND FINISHESCheck these off as your decisions are being made. You'll feel like work is progressing as you take items off your To-Do list. You'll also have a good idea of all the decisions that still need to be made. Keep a separate list of all the model numbers, colors and details you've chosen, this way, when a delivery is made, you can easily double check that it is in fact what you've ordered.
CABINETRY( ) Style( ) Material( ) Color( ) Finish( ) Hardware( ) Special StorageESSENTIALS( ) Sink(s)( ) Bath / shower( ) Toilet( ) BidetACCESSORIES( ) Sink faucets( ) Bath / shower faucet( ) Shower head( ) Towel bars( ) Toilet paper holder( ) Magazine rackFLOORS ( ) Material( ) Color( ) Finish( ) ExtrasCOUNTERS ( ) Material( ) Color( ) Finish( ) Edge( ) Corners( ) BacksplashLIGHTING ( ) Task lights( ) Ambient lights( ) Bath / shower lightELECTRICAL ( ) Outlets( ) Light switchesOTHER DETAILS ( ) Mirrors( ) Windows( ) Window treatment( ) Moldings( ) Baseboards( ) Door( ) Doorknob( ) Medicine cabinet( ) Shower curtain / doorWALL TREATMENT - GENERAL( ) Material( ) Color( ) FinishWALL TREATMENT - IN BATH / SHOWER( ) Material( ) Color( ) FinishWALL TREATMENT - ABOVE SINK(S)( ) Material( ) Color( ) FinishOf course there are probably other things you will need to add to this list, but at least you've got something to start with. It's also a great tool for planning your budget. Happy renovating!

By Marijana Kuljis - Professional Organizer

organized! http://www.youareorganized.com

Cabinet Door Hinges - A Hardware Option That Is Perfect For Improving The Look Of Your Cabinetry

Feel like sprucing up the look of your kitchen or bathroom cabinetry, but don't want to take on a refurbishing project to do it? If that is the scenario that you're faced with, there is actually an easy way to revamp their appearance. All you have to do is purchase some new cabinet hardware for it, including cabinet door hinges. With the new hardware in place, your cabinets will have never looked better.

Really, getting new cabinet hardware like cabinet door hinges is an excellent way to improve the appearance of your cabinetry? How is this possible, well it is becauE54se of their gorgeous look that is the result of the many eye-catching metals that they can be made from, which are then finished off in a number of lovely ways. For example, you can get ones that are made from brass that are then polished and have a bright appearance to them. Or, you can also get ones made from brass, but instead of the polished finish they have a burnished one. Some of the other metals they can be crafted from include steel, stainless steel, wrought iron, and aluminum while some other finishes are brushed, hand rubbed, and distressed.

What is great about all the material and finishing options is that it creates cabinet door hinges and other hardware of all different types and styles. Like, the ones that have the regular polished finish are those that are on the traditional side while the ones that are burnished would be more antique. There are other style options as well including those that are more modern in appearance and others that have a colonial feel, making it easy for you to find exactly what you want for your space.

When buying your cabinet hardware, make sure to replace all the hardware on your cabinetry. This is essential since if you don't, you're going to end up with this weird looking creation that will not be all that appealing to the eye. So, get everything from the start at that includes those cabinet door hinges that have previously been mentioned along with knobs, drawer pulls, and drawer slides. Yes, drawer slides because believe it or not, people end up looking at your drawers when you open them and if they see they don't match, then what kind of message is that going to send? Not a good one to say the least.

To easily check out all the cabinet door hinges you can get along with the other hardware that is out there, just go online and do some shopping. Really, online shopping is the way to go because you don't have to go anywhere besides your computer room to do it and in an instant you can breeze through all the selections available. And, when you do come across something you want and purchase it, it will be shipped right to your home. Really, nothing is more convenient.

Ultimately, if you want to spruce up the look of your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, but don't want to spend a lot of time and money doing it, just replace its hardware, including its cabinet door hinges. It's a simple way to make a great decorative impression and will have people coming to your for home interior advice.

Author Jennifer Akre is the owner of a wide variety of online speciality stores that provide consumers with both information and products perfect for either their indoor or outdoor space. Today, she offers valuable advice to consumers when purchasing luxurious cabinet hinges, elegant door hinges, and lavish hinges.

Installing Windows in New Construction

Installing a window in a freshly framed opening is one of the more simple tasks in a construction project.

Most new construction windows have what is called a nailing fin. These are found on vinyl or aluminum clad windows. This nailing fin is either vinyl or metal and has nail holes every 4 to 6 inches and about 1 and 1/2 inches wide. Nailing fins take the place of brick moulding which can still be found on primed wooden windows.

Not only do these fins make installation easier, but also make a better seal against water and air infiltration. These windows can be flashed if desired but not deemed necessary. A window that does not have the benefit of a soffit or porch roof above it may need flashing or a drip edge above it.

When getting ready to install a window, make sure the sheathing is not hanging into the rough opening. This could cut down the size of the opening and not let the window go into the opening. Once this is done, measure the rough opening to make sure the it is big enough for the window. You don't want to lift a heavy window to an opening only to find it won't fit. Rough openings are usually 1" wider and 1/2" taller than the window unit. Rough openings are spect and provided by the window manufacturer.

Depending on the size of the window, you'll need 2 or 3 people to install a window. One or two outside and one inside.

Once you know the window fits, lift it to the opening from the outside. Set it on the sill and push it into the opening until the nail fins hit the wall. Make sure none of the fins folded themselves back into the opening especially the bottom one. The person on the inside then centers the window in the opening. Then using a level, checks it for plumb and level, and applies shims where needed. You may also want to check the window for square, although a window that's closed and in the locked position usually is. The window can now be nailed in. My preference is roofing nails but 8d nails or cap nails will do the job.

If it is a standard jamb (4 9/16) another thing to check is how far it runs past the rough framing. This should be 1/2 inch. You'll also want to make sure the window operates properly. Double hungs should slide up and down easily and casements should crank in and out without hanging up.

(C) 2005 Mike Merisko www.sawkerfs.com

About the Author: Mike Merisko has been a carpenter for 26 years. Most of those years were spent in the homebuilding and remodeling industries. He was also in business as a carpentry and general contractor. While that is his forte, he also has experience in bridge building, commercial construction, and exhibit building which is how he earns his living these days. You can browse through articles by him and others at his website http://www.sawkerfs.com.

Green Roof Revolution

With global warming and pollution being ever-present topics on the news, it is important for everyone to contribute to making the world a cleaner place. One way 1C81to do this is to use ecologically friendly materials when building your home. The wave of the future is green roofing.

A green roof is a roof that is covered with vegetation. Essentially a rooftop garden, green roofs were developed in the 1960s in Germany, and have become quite popular in many European countries. It is only recently however, that green roof technology has begun to catch on in the U.S.

A green roof is excellent for city dwellers who often lack green space such as a yard or a deck. The addition of a green roof can provide a space to express one's creativity, and bring nature back to the city. In fact, by planting native vegetation, you can invite insects, birds, and butterflies that would otherwise have nowhere else to go. As an added benefit, green rooftops are aesthetically pleasing and offer a visual contrast to the pavement and steel that dominates the cityscape.

The environmental benefits of a green roof are many, and include the reduction of water runoff that occurs with typical homes. A reduction of runoff is good for the entire community, as too much runoff can result in flooding and water contamination. Because green roofs feature soil and plant life, these roofs are able to absorb as much as 75% of falling rainwater. This moisture is then released back into the air through condensation. A typical roof on the other hand is built to be totally waterproof, so every drop of water runs off and drains into the sewers.

Besides reducing water runoff, green roofs are also able to reduce the presence of toxins in the environment. Pollutants in the air and water, as well as carbon dioxide are absorbed by plant life and rendered harmless. These plants also produce oxygen.

Not only are green roofs great for the environment, but they are also an excellent investment. A properly installed green roof can last at least twice as long as typical roofing material, thereby saving you thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs.

Green roofing can also significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills throughout the year. According to a recent study, building a green roof can reduce your heating and cooling needs by 26%. In cities especially, changes need to be made to the way that structures are built. Temperatures in cities are much higher than in surrounding areas because there is such a prevalence of buildings in a small area. These buildings are made with traditional materials, which absorb and then re-direct the sun's heat. Cities are therefore much hotter than rural areas where there are less structures, and more green space. In order to combat the rising temperatures, some cities are offering incentives to builders to add green roofing to their projects.

If you decide to build a green roof, you need to keep a couple of things in mind. First, there are two types of green roofs. Traditional style roof gardens, which feature large plants or lawns, require a great deal of maintenance. Feeding, watering, and soil care are all necessary to keep this garden in good condition. Extensive roof gardens on the other hand, have only a thin layer of soil, and require very little work to maintain.

Great for the environment, good for your pocket book, and pleasing to the eye, green roofs are a budding trend that can have a positive impact on the environment. Not only that, but a well constructed green roof can increase the value of your home by thousands of dollars.

Doug Jones is an award-winning San Diego REALTOR with a solid reputation for getting results. Learn more about San Diego real estate today!

5 Lighting Tips That Will Improve Your Home

Q. How can I improve the lighting in my kitchen? I'm always preparing meals in the dark!

A. There is a general idea that a big central ceiling fixture will provide all the light needed for cooking, meals and cleaning up. A central overhead light provides good overall lighting, but is a weak light for tasking. Everyone working under that kind of light will be working in their shadow. Undercabinet lighting is a good solution for food preparation because it efficiently illuminates the counter work surface. There are many plug-in varieties of xenon and halogen units that work well for this kind of task illumination.

For island counters, where food is prepared or served, pendants hung to illuminate the entire work surface are also a good solution. Pendants are hanging lights, either on downrods (stems), cords or chain, they can be positioned singly or in groups, just above the task area and light up the surface to make the tasks at hand well lit and enjoyable. Some pendants come in brightly colored glass shades for a contemporary look, or more traditional with faux alabaster glass shades and wrought iron, pewter or bronze finishes.

Q. We have a family room that has two table lamps in the corners of the room and a central overhead fixture. This lighting is not enough for my kids doing homework at the table, or me, reading or knitting on the sofa. What can you suggest?

A. Check to see if you are using the correct wattage in your lamps and replace your lampshades if they are darkened and clouded with age ( over the years this can happen slowly, the shade emitting less light because of deterioration). Again, an overhead fixture is limited in the light it can provide for tasking.

A good alternative is track lights which will provide good downlight to specific areas in the room. Track heads with little spot or flood bulbs can beam lighting down on tasking areas. Floor lamps that have multiple "goosenecks" or adjustable lights that can be directed towards many working areas can adequately illumintate reading and other activities in a multiple areas. Wall sconces placed in work areas provide a pleasant, semi-direct light and enhance ambient lighting.

Q. I'd like to have better light around my house when I come home at night.

A. Low voltage light kits provide good light along driveways and walkways. They come with various lamps and styles with transformers to match. It's easy to install low voltage lighting--these kits usually consist of a several lights which are on spikes that can be set in the ground and linked with wire which can be placed above ground, buried several inches down in soil, covered with mulch or behind shrubbery. Low voltage (12 volts of current) is safe for children and pets-the voltage is so low it does not present a shock hazard).

The transformer, which converts the standard 120 household volts to 12 volts, is plugged into a regular house exterior or interior outlet. Higher voltage (120 volts) provides the most powerful light for your driveway, walkway and landscape lighting. There is no transformer, wires to the light sources which can be spiked or installed around walkways, driveways, etc. have to be buried at a safe depth because of safety regulations--these will be in the directions for installation.

They are excellent for illuminating a driveway or walkway, showcasing trees, the house or the landscape. Placed strategically, the effects with this 120 voltage landscape lighting are dramatic and provide all the illumination you may require.

Q. My electric bill is too high! What can I do about it!

A. Replacing all of your present incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs will definitely lower your electric bill. CFL's (compact fluorescent lights) come in many wattages and styles. The CFL technology will expand over the next year to include dim-able bulbs and smaller bulbs in three-ways for lamps. Also, consider dimmers for any room in your house. When a light is dimmed, the wattage is decreased (you save money!) and dimmers present the option of just the right light at the simple slide or dial on the wall switch.

Q. My husband and I have a bathroom with double sinks. I like a lot of light for putting on make up in the morning. My husband likes to shave in the practically in the dark.! He says bright light is only acceptable after a cup of coffee. Right now we have a standard vanity fixture with six bulbs that are too dim for me an too bright for him. What can we do?

A. A dimmer will solve the light adjust ability problem, but only if you use the bathroom at different times. If you use the double sinks at the same time, you should consider separate lighting above each sink --that would require installing separate receptacles and wiring, and then, separate dimmers. You could then have the correct wattage for your applying make-up and your husband could have his preferred lighting for shaving.

Welcome to my lighting blog

Lois DeWitt is a certified lighting specialist, a cookbook author, "Pop It In The Toaster Oven," a poet and a Standard Poodle admirer. She cooks gourmet meals for friends, walks along the shore with her dog, Charley, and tends her vegetable garden in Wilmington, NC. She also works part time in the Lighting/Electrical Department at The Home Depot.

Choosing Cheap Bathroom Tiles - Practical Tips

If you are planning to improve your bathroom, you may find that the biggest allocation of your budget would fall under the renovation of the flooring even if you are planning to install the new bathroom tiling yourself. You can't, of course, expect to get the most sophisticated tiles if you are not willing to pay handsomely for them. But then, you must not settle for the obviously cheap-looking types. You should maximize the capacity of your budget to buy. But how to do this? Let us show you how.

First, don't fix your prospect suppliers to those who would obviously offer you the most inexpensive bathroom tiles. Oftentimes, lower price get lower quality of products. Don't go to the lower end selection either. You would only get so much. Try to look for options that would offer you the flexibility of choices. Try to look for suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and especially vendors at the mid-priced range. If you are lucky, you would find some vendors under this category to offer products covering the entire range of quality, types and prices.

Second, be sure to locate the bargain section of any do-it-yourself and home improvement stores. This section would usually offer you the same tiles that you can find in regular sections but at a discounted rate. Try to know why the tiles are being sold in a much lower rate.

One of the many reasons is that the tiles belong to a discontinued range. This means that the production for this type of tiles has already stopped. Thus, if you would want to buy this be sure that the supply you would have will be sufficient for the requirements of the bathroom. Another possible reason is that the tiles are seconds. Meaning, the products have several minor and major defects that may be or may not noticeable. This is not a good choice if you are very particular with the quality. However, you must remember that it is much better to have tiles at a higher strata of quality sold at a lowered price than to settle with those which in the first place, intended to command a lower price, therefore sacrificing the quality of the products.

Another best way to get cheap bathroom tiles is to wait for the sale which could mean as high as 50 % off the price of the product. However, you must wait until during January or February to get as many choices as you can.

Get the most out of the price range you are targeting when opting for cheap bathroom tiles. And if you want, try to compensate the current choice of items with more expensive choices so as to achieve a bathroom that hides the true price of the materials used.

For ideas on bathroom tile design, visit http://www.bathroomtile101.com.

Japanese Bathtubs - A Tradition For The Future

A Japanese bathtub, sometimes called an Ofuro, is usually around twice the size of a standard American style bathtub. It is deeper and often rounder, to allow the bather to sit comfortably with their knees bent. The water, which is kept at a high temperature, is up to the bather's chest. This position is said to aid relaxation and meditation, which makes for a very therapeutic bathing experience.

The Japanese bathtub is rapidly gaining popularity throughout the world. As people become more interested in personal wellbeing and healthy living through homeopathy and natural remedies, the Japanese style of bathing compliments these ideas perfectly. The hot water is said to stimulate blood circulation and have positive effects on the overall health of body and mind.

Another benefit of these unique bath tubs is that they are generally much more compact - deeper, but more upright - and therefore suitable for smaller spaces than the standard size tubs. They can also easily be adapted to become walk-in style tubs for the elderly or infirm.

The original style of Japanese bathtub was always made of wood. The natural wood was said to add to the therapeutic powers of the bath and was particularly favored in hot spring facilities and spas. Nowadays ceramics, porcelain, fiberglass and even stainless steel models are available to suit a range of pockets.

Bathtubs from Japan are traditionally for soaking rather then washing. In fact, actually washing in your tub would be seriously scorned by most Japanese people. Washing, scrubbing and hair washing will take place before entering the bath and soaking for up to one hour in hot water. The body should be clean and pure before bathing as any residual soap or grime will contaminate the waters.

In a Japanese public bathhouse - which are still very popular and well worth a visit if you ever have the opportunity - ritual and tradition can be rather tricky. Do a bit of research before you go and follow the lead of the locals. The overall experience is sure to be blissfully relaxing.

The basic things to remember are that no soap is to be used in the tubs. No outside or 'toilet shoes' (these are for use strictly in the toilet areas, and changed as soon as you depart the area) are to be worn in the bathhouse. Bare feet are not really acceptable as your feet should be clean to bathe. Nudity is expected, and since male and female segregation is the norm this is not an issue for most. Lastly, the water is very hot - enter the waters slowly and be careful.

Japanese bathtubs are noth the only accessory that can go into your bathroom. Visit us today to learn more about how to install a bath tub and why a corner bathroom vanity is something you should check out.