Reasons Why a Small Kitchen is Now an Advantage.

The truth about a small kitchen is that it will not be the jack of all trades. You will have to give up the idea of doing homework here, paying bills here, and recipe searching in your small kitchen. The design goal for your small kitchen must be to achieve an effective small kitchen, not multipurpose space. There is nothing wrong with a kitchen that is just that, a kitchen. The design factor is a lot tougher already when you have to fit a functioning kitchen into a small space, but small changes can make it even better than a large kitchen.  When designing a small kitchen think of: size, color, light and function.

So focus first on function, making sure you have the appliances and work areas you need. You may be able to save a bit of space by using scaled-down or innovative appliances, including refrigerator and freezer drawers and pint-sized microwaves, stoves (some with just two burners) and single sinks. The function is there, without all the square footage! If workspace is at a premium, consider a small-scale island or a counter-topped cart that can be rolled away into a closet when not in use. Now just because you need to really hone in on function of your small kitchen does not mean you have to lose any space to style. The color of walls, appliances, and counter tops, bar stools, and backsplash can change the mood of your pint sized kitchen. Going with more pale colors can help with light, but don’t be afraid to go bold and add color and mix your patterns. Using the same color and style of fixtures and cabinet knobs can unify a design when you are using different textures and patterns in your small kitchen.

Tiny kitchens can feel claustrophobic if there are upper cabinets towering over you in such a small space. Most of the time cooks can’t even reach those upper cabinets anyways, and in a small kitchen there isn’t much room for a stool or ladder. Skip the excessive cabinets and opt for a more spacious approach with open shelves. You can also use magnetic knife strips, pot racks and give your kitchen a designer way to show off your favorite dish sets and even artwork. And like any other room, your small kitchen needs great lighting that you can use for cooking and for atmosphere. Fluorescent lighting, which casts a bluish light impacting the colorization of objects in the room, including the food, is frequently found in kitchens. To counteract it, consider hanging pendant lights that bathe your eating area in a more appetizing color.

Designer Tip: Try using glass doors from the kitchen into the next room or to the outside, this will increase light in the kitchen and also give the illusion of more space.

Don’t let small spaces give you design block. No matter a small galley kitchen or small apartment kitchen – you can make your design amazing if you trim the fat and keep your design neat.

Tricky ways to save on your kitchen remodel

Tricky ways to save money on your kitchen remodel 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 a remarkable kitchen remodel— we just have to get smart. Reach into the designer inspired bag of tricks for savvy ways to get full-on style with a much smaller price tag. Get the kitchen you have always wanted without going broke.

(Photo Credit - Houzz)

#1 Tile

Problem is you found the most amazing tile for your kitchen backsplash and its way over your budget. One tricky way to save money on your kitchen remodel is to use that amazing tile, as an accent to another complimentary, lower priced tile. This way you are getting to save money while still going with your desired style. Try using the expensive tile in a pattern above your range or as a trim to your backsplash. When is a backsplash not just a backsplash? With a little attention to detail, you can take your backsplash from a run-of-the-mill design feature to the focal point of the whole room.

#2 Lighting

Illumination is key to adorning interior spaces. Proper kitchen design necessitates well-lit areas to allow you to conveniently work in the kitchen. As a result, ample natural light inside the kitchen space is indispensable. Designer lighting can be expensive, and sometimes the splurge is not feasible. Try looking for faux luxe lighting or resale shops; you can generally find affordable lighting that looks just like designer décor and no one will know. Looking for décor steals? Try World Market and Home Goods.

#3 Flooring

That hardwood caught your eye in your home décor magazine? If hardwood is a must, but would bust your budget you must try Vinyl Plank Flooring. VPF looks like genuine hardwood although is over half the cost. A variety of desirable characteristics continue to make this versatile flooring material a popular option to this day. The colors and pattern options that are available with vinyl flooring are nearly endless, and the maintenance is simple.

Tricky ways to save on your kitchen remodel

Tricky ways to save money on your kitchen remodel 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 a remarkable kitchen remodel— we just have to get smart. Reach into the designer inspired bag of tricks for savvy ways to get full-on style with a much smaller price tag. Get the kitchen you have always wanted without going broke.

(Photo Credit - Houzz)

#1 Tile

Problem is you found the most amazing tile for your kitchen backsplash and its way over your budget. One tricky way to save money on your kitchen remodel is to use that amazing tile, as an accent to another complimentary, lower priced tile. This way you are getting to save money while still going with your desired style. Try using the expensive tile in a pattern above your range or as a trim to your backsplash. When is a backsplash not just a backsplash? With a little attention to detail, you can take your backsplash from a run-of-the-mill design feature to the focal point of the whole room.

#2 Lighting

Illumination is key to adorning interior spaces. Proper kitchen design necessitates well-lit areas to allow you to conveniently work in the kitchen. As a result, ample natural light inside the kitchen space is indispensable. Designer lighting can be expensive, and sometimes the splurge is not feasible. Try looking for faux luxe lighting or resale shops; you can generally find affordable lighting that looks just like designer décor and no one will know. Looking for décor steals? Try World Market and Home Goods.

#3 Flooring

That hardwood caught your eye in your home décor magazine? If hardwood is a must, but would bust your budget you must try Vinyl Plank Flooring. VPF looks like genuine hardwood although is over half the cost. A variety of desirable characteristics continue to make this versatile flooring material a popular option to this day. The colors and pattern options that are available with vinyl flooring are nearly endless, and the maintenance is simple.

Tricky ways to save on your kitchen remodel

Tricky ways to save money on your kitchen remodel 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 a remarkable kitchen remodel— we just have to get smart. Reach into the designer inspired bag of tricks for savvy ways to get full-on style with a much smaller price tag. Get the kitchen you have always wanted without going broke.

(Photo Credit - Houzz)

#1 Tile

Problem is you found the most amazing tile for your kitchen backsplash and its way over your budget. One tricky way to save money on your kitchen remodel is to use that amazing tile, as an accent to another complimentary, lower priced tile. This way you are getting to save money while still going with your desired style. Try using the expensive tile in a pattern above your range or as a trim to your backsplash. When is a backsplash not just a backsplash? With a little attention to detail, you can take your backsplash from a run-of-the-mill design feature to the focal point of the whole room.

#2 Lighting

Illumination is key to adorning interior spaces. Proper kitchen design necessitates well-lit areas to allow you to conveniently work in the kitchen. As a result, ample natural light inside the kitchen space is indispensable. Designer lighting can be expensive, and sometimes the splurge is not feasible. Try looking for faux luxe lighting or resale shops; you can generally find affordable lighting that looks just like designer décor and no one will know. Looking for décor steals? Try World Market and Home Goods.

#3 Flooring

That hardwood caught your eye in your home décor magazine? If hardwood is a must, but would bust your budget you must try Vinyl Plank Flooring. VPF looks like genuine hardwood although is over half the cost. A variety of desirable characteristics continue to make this versatile flooring material a popular option to this day. The colors and pattern options that are available with vinyl flooring are nearly endless, and the maintenance is simple.

Dreaming of a luxury home?

It takes more these days than just a large home, to define the true meaning of luxury.  And Luxury homes are popping up all over the Los Angeles remodel scene. The word luxury brings to mind plenty of conveniences such as, pools, bathrooms with built in towel warmers, in-home gyms that include the newest equipment, backyard tennis courts, game rooms, and fully-stocked kitchens with warming drawers and wine cellars? But what are the items that luxury home buyers want the most?  What is a luxury homebuyer looking for when shopping for their new abode? How can you make your home as luxurious as possible during your next remodel?

Here are the top luxuries people are looking for to ensure you aren’t adding amenities that no one is looking at.

A home theater is great, but luxury home buyers are looking for more than just a room with a large screen and comfy seats. You will need to step it up a notch and get yourself an IMAX home theater if you want to wow the crowd, the luxury crowd that is. Watching Hollywood block busters from the comfort of your home is now possible, with a hefty price tag that is. IMAX will bring the best theater to your door for $3 million dollars and change. If this isn’t something you think you have prepared in your remodel budget, that’s ok, wait a few years and the price may decrease. Until then we can continue to shell out big bucks for the movie theater or wait until it shows up at your local Redbox.

Speaking about technology, the luxury amenity next on our list is a home that is fully managed, monitored and controlled by a smart phone or tablet. Hence the name: “smart home.” Control the temperature, light setting, security system, door and window locks, sound system, t.v’s, and more, with the touch of one button from where ever you are. The digital world is taking over and people want technology improved homes. Think about technology and innovations before you start your next luxury project. Luxury is all about making life easier, better and being able to do things faster. Such luxury means you do not have to open or close your curtains. That’s right; homes are becoming equipped with motorized blackout curtains or shades. Why? Because this is what home owners think will make their life easier. I guess it seems nice to have your curtains set to close or open at a certain time, or pressing a button to close the shades when the afternoon glare is obscuring your t.v show rather than getting up to do it yourself. Have your smart phone control your curtains too while you are at it.

To make your home feel more luxurious, Shelley Little of Freshhome.com says ,”Skim through design magazines and look at all the wonderful nooks and crannies that they portray. You will notice that when a room is well-designed, everything has a home and a purpose. There is no clutter in a hotel or well-organized room.” Lastly she notes, “The entryway is the first and last thing that (people) see. Make it one that leaves a lavish impact. “

So you have guessed it, luxury comes with a cost. Keep in mind that these are the top luxury amenities, but there are thousands that are affordable and worth the renovation.

Your Holiday home remodeling Wish List

Your Holiday home remodeling Wish List  

Dear Santa,

This year I have been nice! A few things that I am asking for are:

Luxe Countertops- Marble or Granite may be pretty. I am in need of something fancy to impress all my friends, and last as long as I will. You can even throw in a luxe backsplash if you must.

Floors- I am thinking hardwood or bamboo. Bamboo is eco-friendly and looks great. I would be happy with Wood, Terra Cota, or Marble floors. Something that will give me a rich look and last as long as my countertops. I need a material that is easy to keep clean and doesn’t need a lot of maintenance.

Drawers instead of doors – The kitchen is in need of desperate organization, and I would love drawers instead of doors. This hidden feature makes the kitchen look sleek and the organization factor leaves a decluttered elegance. Extra deep drawers would be great for pots and pans, and all those baking dishes.

Light – I need windows everywhere! Bringing the light from outdoors will limit my electricity usage and make me feel larger. In place of cabinets in the kitchen I would like large windows. More light will allow my rooms to feel larger and more open, giving me the free space I have always wanted.

Pantry wall – Better make it a Pantry room. Since we will be removing cabinets for windows, we will need a pantry built to store all of our goods. A floor to ceiling pantry will be a great addition and organization tool.

Upgraded appliances – I’m talking double oven, 8 burner stove top, high power venting hood and separate full size refrigerator and freezer. These appliances will make life easier and enjoyable for all whom enter the kitchen. I mean, who doesn’t want a professional kitchen?

Curbless, glassless shower and spa soaking tub – No more glass to clean after every shower and the seamless look of a curbless shower has me in awe. Adding a spa soaking tub will not only kick the bathroom up a notch, but add that luxury retreat feel.

Radiant heated floors – I have heard it can be quite chilly on toes stepping out of the shower or bath; I need heated floors in the bathrooms this Holiday to make sure toes stay warm.

Walk in closets – Walk in closets are a must on my Holiday list. Clutter, clothing, shoes and items build up over the years , a deep walk in closet in every bedroom would be delightful.

I hope that I am on the Nice list this year, as my list is rather small. :)

Sincerely,

Your house