Wednesday, July 13, 2011

How To Design An Ultra-Modern Kitchen

The style of kitchen a person prefers is determined by two things: their personal taste and how the room will be used. For a professional man, woman or couple, it is likely that a modern, well equipped kitchen will be the preferred option. Here are some handy tips to designing just that sort of kitchen.
First of all, finding a good designer with access to kitchen design software is essential. After all, that's the modern way to do things - no room for pen and paper here - and it is a modern kitchen you're after. The 3D CAD software will allow you to design and redesign over and over until you are completely happy with how the kitchen looks. Often called kitchen planner software, you can use it to create the layout, choose surface materials, textures and colours, floor coverings and colours, select and place fixtures, fittings and appliances such as taps, lighting and refrigerators, even add in the finishing touches like paintings on the wall, bowls of fruit on the worktops or wine bottles in the wine rack!
In the long run 3D CAD kitchen software will save you both time and money by protecting you from mistakes when it comes to the installation of your new kitchen.

How To Design An Ultra-Modern Kitchen

Colours & Materials
For an ultra-modern kitchen you'll want to look at modern materials and bold colours. Consider marble for worktops in colours like black, white and red. There is specialist marble that contains glittery elements to really stand out under the lights of your kitchen. An alternative to marble and perhaps more suited to a smaller budget is stainless steel worktops and splashbacks. They provide a modern look that is very easy to clean and maintain.
For flooring there are many options. Tiles of various materials in a colour that matches the worktops is a great choice. You could choose from slate, rubber or vinyl in various effects and linoleum (though this isn't an ideal choice!). If you prefer, you could use wooden flooring, though you would be better off choosing a dark wood as this has a more contemporary look than light wood which would better suit a rustic style kitchen.
For cupboard doors, drawers and appliance fronts your choices are almost unlimited. Ideally you would want to choose a colour that contrasts strongly with the your choice for the worktops and floor. If, for example, you have chosen black work tops, then clean white cupboards and drawers will really stand out, especially if they are in a shiny, easily wipeable material. Stainless steel handles will complete the modern look.

How To Design An Ultra-Modern Kitchen

Lighting
Every modern kitchen needs good lighting. Select halogen spots for the ceiling but also consider small ones for under overhead cupboards and if you really want to push the boat out, think coloured LED lighting for the bottom of cupbards and drawers at floor level or even inset lighting in the floor itself. Make sure they are all carefully positioned to be functional as well as attractive - you are still going to be using this room to cook and possibly eat!
Appliances
Finally, the selection of your appliances is vital. Rather than go for the standard white appliances spend that little bit more and go for ones with a brushed steel finish, for example. Alternatively, you could go for the big American style appliances in various colours like those from Smeg. Choose whatever fits best with your chosen colour scheme. In addition to the essentials like cooker, hob and fridge freezer, consider adding a wall mounted plasma TV as a final touch.
The options for creating an ultra-modern kitchen which is both aesthetically pleasing as well as functional are endless. Have fun with your designs and take the time to achieve the kitchen of your dreams.
Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Nexus Design Software, developers of home design software, including kitchen design software and bathroom design software.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Stuart_Greenwood

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Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Home Remodeling - Small Room Decorating

When you need to decorate a small space, there are a few things to keep in mind. It is important to make the space easy to use without making it look cluttered. Decorating should go deeper than looks. So, creating the look that you want also means learning how to maximize what you have. Use these tips to help you get started on the right path to decorating a small room.

1) The color that you decide to decorate the room in can help to make the most of the space. In general, light colors, like creams and pastels, can create the illusion of space. Neutral colors and light blue tones help to reflect light so that they seem to move away from you. Small areas look larger when you use light colors for the walls and darker colors in contrast for the trim. If your room connects to other, larger areas, choose a darker shade for those rooms. The contrasting light will help the small area to seem larger. You can even use this technique to make your closet seem larger by painting the room a slightly darker shade than the closet.
Home Remodeling - Small Room Decorating

2) Furniture is the number one culprit of making a room look smaller. If you're starting with a small room, try choosing furniture that "lays low". Short furniture that hugs the walls will help to open up the room. Furniture that matches the walls can seem to fade into the background. If you have furniture in the center or the room, like a coffee table, choose a non-bulky, sleek style so that it doesn't take up much of the visual area.

3) Keeping clutter under control will also make the room appear more empty and spacious. When you choose furniture, select styles that allow you to store magazines, remotes, coasters, and more in secret places. Many couches and chairs have arms that open up to reveal storage. You might choose a coffee table or entrance table with a drawer for your wallet and keys. Foot stools that open up to create storage are also a good idea.
Home Remodeling - Small Room Decorating

4) If the room has a closet, you can use it for storage by using specialty hangers to save space. Flat clothes hangers fit closely together to help your clothing or coats take up less space. Specialty hangers help you to keep accessories, like belts, ties, hats, swimwear and lingerie organized. Cascading hangers, multi-level pants hanger and skirt hangers help you to save even more space.
Using these tips to decorate your small room and you'll have an open, inviting space in no time.
About the Author: Ellen Hamm is on the staff of Everything Hangers, a leading online resource for the highest quality clothes hangers, including sturdy metal hangers and cedar hangers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ellen_Hamm

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Monday, July 11, 2011

Indoor Fountains - Add Charismatic Effect To Your Interiors

In order to keep your interiors refreshing and clean all day long it is very important for you to install accessories and equipments that can act as natural humidifiers. The cozy and comfortable interiors of your home make your feel welcomed when you return home after a hectic day at office. Creating ravishing and awe inspiring interiors have now become possible with the installation of indoor water fountains. The visual impact of these exceptional waterfalls is truly mesmerizing and soothing. You will see that these days more people prefer naturally inspired indoors because they provide them the feeling of tranquility and calmness. You can give your interiors an exotic appeal by adding waterfalls, spouts, cascades and indoor springs. These accessories are also suitable for your office and other crowded commercial areas.
The naturally constructed accessory would make sure that your interiors look truly amazing and luxurious. The addition of a sophisticated indoor water fountains would also help in increasing the worth of your house in the real estate market. Some different varieties of indoor options that can be installed in your domicile are provided to you in this article.
1. The table top fountains
The table top fountains are the most ideal accessories for you interiors. They are compact and portable. These customized accessories come in a wide variety of visual sculptures, styles and materials that would turn your interiors into a heavenly palace. The table top options are very affordable therefore most homeowners can purchase them. As they are small you can also install them in your small apartments and condos. These modified waterfalls can easily blend with your modern decor making it look more charismatic and gorgeous. Browse the market and look for cascades that can provide you the maximum features at affordable rates. You can further decorate this option to plants and small stones.
Indoor Fountains - Add Charismatic Effect To Your Interiors

2. Built in wall mounted fountains
The built in wall mounted waterfalls are the most exotic accessories that you can purchase for your home and office. They have some unique features and accessories that are very different from the ones you will find in other water features. They can be installed in the walls of your dining area, bedroom or living room to bring out the true beauty of the interiors. It is a permanent feature that is very difficult to de-attach once you have installed it. You can purchase this accessory in highly attractive shapes, materials and designs.

Indoor Fountains - Add Charismatic Effect To Your Interiors

3. The exotic floor fountains
People who have a large area available in their homes can make the use exotic floor fountains that can really people the focal point of your living area. They are the most durable and trendy cascades that you can purchase for your commercial area. You can adorn your lobbies, entrance, decks and patio area with the floor waterfalls. These options are comparatively larger than the other indoor options therefore you need to have sufficient space for installing them.
Just purchase the most appropriate option for your home and enjoy a peaceful and refreshing indoor ambiance.
Indoor Fountains will turn any home into a calm atmosphere. The natural sound of water trickling down a water fountain surface is relaxing and calm the mind and body. For more details please visit: Wall Fountains.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Harris

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