Using Black Kitchen Cabinets

Using Black Kitchen Cabinets

Designing a home can be very stressful and designing only a kitchen can be even more demanding. When you really know what you are doing or at least have a plan your project will run much smoother. Designing a kitchen in an open floor plan is very incomparable to designing an ordinary kitchen in a room to itself.

More and more homes are choosing for the open floor plan where the kitchen is a part of the open area. Many of the open floor plans are designed in a high tech or contemporary style. It is this style of kitchen that you will find black kitchen cabinets.

A kitchen design which is going for a high tech look will normally have stainless steel appliances and black kitchen cabinets. Black granite countertops, white walls and hardwood floors usually round out the area. Black and white are considered neutral colors, but if you do not know what you are doing and put black kitchen cabinets in a small kitchen the look can be dreadful. For instance, black kitchen cabinets in an apartment galley kitchen will look nothing short of a black hole.

A kitchen is a place where people spend time cooking and relaxing and many times where the family comes together. Using black foreboding kitchen cabinets in a small kitchen can create an uncomfortable atmosphere and people will not want to even walk in there.

Kitchen cabinets take up 75% of the space in a kitchen by themselves and you must really think about what you are doing before you decide on the color of your kitchen. An open floor plan has a lot of space and normally many windows with lots of light, so having black kitchen cabinets in there will not be the focal point.

Many contemporary kitchens will use black and white as their color schemes with a black and white checkered floor, white walls and either black appliances and black kitchen cabinets or white appliances. Either of these two schemes will work well together. A white kitchen table or black kitchen table will round out the area.

Black dishes and accessories always look fabulous on a white table in one of these black and white kitchens. Scandinavian design uses many of black kitchen cabinets as well, but the rest of the kitchen is very light with a great deal of white and a lot of lighting. Sometimes the black kitchen cabinets have glass fronts and are lit on the inside, which will really brighten up a kitchen.

What you need most is patience, some clear thought about what you want and a strategic plan to get the right look for your kitchen. It is a wise investment for the novice kitchen designer to buy one of the many books on the subject of kitchens and colors. Don’t be afraid of black and white; just remember that one color opens up a room while the other will close it in. Just let your imagination be your guide to designing that black kitchen cabinets your richly deserve.

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas Using RTA Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas Using RTA Kitchen Cabinets

If you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen, you first need to have a budget. This will determine if you can replace the cabinets, flooring and appliances, or if you will do only cosmetic changes.

When it comes to kitchen cabinets, there are three levels of remodeling. You can sand the cabinets, refinish or paint them, and add new hardware (or polish or paint what you have). White cabinets against colored walls (with a bit of matching paint on the cabinet trim or as stenciling) is a popular color choice for this kind of remodel, and especially works well in small or poorly-lighted kitchens. This is the cheapest option and can make a world of difference to a dark or outdated kitchen.

The second option for kitchen cabinet remodeling is to have a professional replace the cabinet doors and hardware with something more modern and add laminate facing to the other parts of the cabinets so they will match the doors. This is more expensive than just painting the cabinets, but you can achieve a more formal look. Both methods take roughly the same amount of time.

The third option is to have the cabinets totally replaced. This is very expensive compared to the other two options, can only be done by a professional, and will take much longer and create a larger mess in your home. However, if you are expanding or rearranging your entire kitchen as part of the remodel, total cabinet replacement is usually necessary so that the newly added cabinets will match the old ones.

Appliances are another very expensive item to replace. It is best to stick with white, black or steel appliances because they will match any future color schemes and will never go out of fashion (unlike avocado and brown appliances). If you don’t have the money to replace outdated appliances, you can check home improvement stores for panels that can be glued onto the front of the dishwasher to change its color, or there is now paint that is made for painting refrigerators. Unfortunately, there is no hope for an avocado-colored stove, however $100-$200 can usually buy a used stove in an acceptable color.

Likewise, if your counters are outdated, but you can’t afford to replace them, there are laminates and paints which you can apply to your existing counters to give them a newer look.

If you have a linoleum floor which is in need of replacing, you can replace it with self-adhesive vinyl tiles. Depending on the quality of your current floor (and how well it is glued down), you can pull it up or you can put the adhesive tiles directly on top of it. There are some great new adhesive tiles which are textured and look like stone tiles. They’re very expensive-looking when laid, but are roughly the same price as other vinyl tiles-which, in turn, are cheaper and easier to lay than linoleum. If you choose to have real tile laid in your kitchen, you will need to have a professional lay it, and it will take longer to finish than the adhesive tiles.

Young adults ‘unable to undertake DIY jobs in kitchens’

Young Britons do not have the necessary skills to complete simple DIY tasks in kitchens and around the home, according to new research.

Halifax Home Insurance conducted a study which found that half of under-35s cannot wire a plug, while 63 per cent admitted that they would not attempt to put up wallpaper.

Furthermore, the insurer noted that 45 per cent would be unable to put up new shelves in the kitchen and often rely on their parents to carry out this type of work.

Andrew Leech, director of the National Home Improvement Council, claimed that the results are a “symptom of the times we live in”.

“I think these are skills that are obviously not being passed down from father to son,” he said.

“If you’ve got to call in a plumber just to change a tap washer, it’s going to be a phenomenal expense.”

Meanwhile, Fresh Home magazine writer Rachael Liska told the Star Tribune this week that modern kitchens can “breathe new life” into a property if designed and maintained in the right way.

New kitchen design resource for Irish homeowners

New kitchen design resource for Irish homeowners

Irish homeowners considering investing in a fitted kitchen installation can now receive a range of tips from a new website.

The Irish Kitchen and Bathroom Association (IKBA) is encouraging individuals to register for the new ikba.ie resource, which was launched this week.

Anyone signing up can then email their queries to the organisation’s design expert, who will provide appropriate advice about how to proceed, the Irish Times reports.

“Sometimes moving an internal door just a couple of centimetres during the build can influence the possibilities open at the kitchen or bathroom fitting stage,” an IKBA spokesman told the newspaper.

The representative also revealed that the new website provides a list of qualified and experienced designers to help homeowners decide who should carry out their kitchen refurbishment.

“Hiring an independent kitchen designer has many advantages for the consumer,” he added.

“A designer will see options that you hadn’t thought of and spend time making sure you get a really original look and a kitchen that really works for you.”

The IKBA is also considering recruiting qualified kitchen design gurus in the near future to host seminars or workshops across the country.

In the UK, the Kitchen Bathroom and Bedroom Association is the main organisation for those in the kitchen design industry.

Are you looking into new fitted kitchens?

Are you looking into new fitted kitchens?

Fitted kitchens are becoming more and more popular among homeowners seeking a chic, contemporary look for this part of their property.

Their clean lines and seamless appearance differ considerably from the old-fashioned style associated with more traditional kitchens.

These may contain freestanding appliances and individual cupboard units that may have been bought over time and might not match the existing fittings.

KBC offers a wide range of fitted kitchens, including those with contemporary and traditional designs. As we also provide kitchen appliances and accessories to go with these fitted kitchens, you can enjoy the convenience of knowing your brand new kitchen is completely finished from the moment the installation is over.

Why buy fitted kitchens?

Fitted kitchens have plenty to offer homeowners looking for a way to make over this part of the house.

When you buy fitted kitchens, you will be able to specify exact measurements so that the units and appliances will fit into the room.

You also have the advantage of choosing cabinets, gadgets and accessories that all match each other, as specific ranges of fitted kitchens tend to encompass all of these things and more.

So if you want a contemporary fitted kitchen in high gloss purple, for example, you can select kitchen units of this colour and type along with kitchen appliances in a finish that will complement the cabinets and slot right into the spaces allotted to them in the kitchen.

Compare this with the process of buying each component of your kitchen separately, which often creates headaches when it comes to knowing the measurements of cupboards and appliances when you go to different shops to buy them.

And of course, if you can’t find the products you want and have to settle for something else, this could change the entire kitchen design and layout.

With fitted kitchens from a specialist design company, you have the benefit of knowing exactly what you will be getting and where it will all go – as well as the fact that your new kitchen will fit perfectly into the room.

Buy fitted kitchens from KBC

If you’re interested in the benefits of fitted kitchens and want to know more, KBC can help.

We have a wide range of contemporary and traditional fitted kitchens to choose from, as well as kitchen appliances and accessories such as unit handles and storage solutions.

If you choose to buy a fitted kitchen from us, we will send our expert designers to your home so we can get an idea of the measurements, the specific range and related items you desire and where you want everything to go.

After this, a technical survey will be carried out to conduct extra checks – this makes sure there will be no unexpected issues when we come to install your brand new fitted kitchen.

You can take advantage of a range of easy ways to pay as well as a customer service helpline if you have any queries about your order.

We will also ensure our own team of professional installers are on hand to fit your new kitchen when it is delivered for a stress-free process.

So if you’re interested in fitted kitchens and would like to find out more about how KBC can help you get your dream kitchen, just get in touch with us today.

Are you looking for a new kitchen?

New kitchens are a significant investment that you will expect to serve you well for years, so it makes sense that you take the time to find the perfect one for you.

Buying a fitted kitchen without considering your individual needs can be a mistake – changing your mind after you’ve selected a kitchen can result in delays and stress.

That’s why at KBC we offer a completely personal service to make doubly sure you only buy the kitchen that’s absolutely right for you.

As well as offering a wide range of both contemporary and traditional kitchens, we send our designers to your home to assess your kitchen needs and go through the order process with you so you can rest assured that the kitchen you choose is the right one for you.

We have around 160 kitchen ranges to choose from, encompassing both contemporary and traditional styles, so you can be sure your new kitchen will fit with the style of the rest of your home.

Contemporary kitchens

Our contemporary kitchens include a variety of streamlined designs in a range of colours – so whether you want a kitchen that’s minimalist and neutral or something a bit more eye-catching, you’re bound to find kitchens to your taste at KBC.

Some of our contemporary kitchens include inline styles, which are perfect for long, narrow rooms or if you have a combined kitchen-dining room or kitchen-lounge.

Our contemporary kitchens without a wood finish also come in high-gloss colours, creating a super-modern, dazzling effect.

You can choose from kitchens where the kitchen units are placed against the walls, as well as those featuring a central island unit – ideal for family homes where everyone spends a lot of time together in the kitchen.

Some of our kitchens also come with integrated dining tables, which could be particularly suitable for properties without a dining room.

Traditional kitchens

Our traditional kitchens offer a more country-style look that might be ideal if the rest of your home follows a classic design scheme.

You can choose from a variety of woods for your traditional kitchen, including oak, walnut, pine, beech and chestnut.

We also offer a range of Shaker kitchens, which are characterised by their panelled doors and fuss-free style, striking the perfect balance between contemporary and traditional design.

All of our kitchens come with a tall wall unit option, which consists of an 897 mm-high door with matching tall larders and 2,297 mm appliance housings.

Furthermore, all cabinets are made using 640 kg per sq m density furniture board as well as 18 mm interiors and exteriors with 8 mm solid backs, adjustable legs and the Blum soft-close mechanism.

Islands

A kitchen island design can be as simple or as complicated as you like and tailored to suit your specific needs.

You can design a kitchen island for any purpose. If you want to simply use it as a table for sitting around to eat or have a sink plumbed in to do the dishes in, it can be done. The first thing you have to decide therefore, is what you want from a kitchen island design.

Once you know exactly what your kitchen island is going to be used for you can think about how you want it to look. You can get flat kitchen islands or multi-level kitchen islands. If you’re using your island to sit around then a flat level will be much better. However, for working and ease of use a multi-level kitchen island is the better design.

The kitchen island is often the focal point of a design, therefore special attention has to be given to it’s appearence. People often choose to have their kitchen island custom built to ensure it fits in perfectly with their design. Either way, it’s worth making sure the island will look right in the space before making any decisions.

The amount of space you have in your kitchen will also be a factor when deciding what to use your island for. If you have room for a bigger island then you can have things like a second fridge or dishwasher as well as a sink and space to sit at. Small kitchens will only be able to incorporate a smaller island with smaller features. However much space you have to work in, think about what you can realistically include in your island.

A new idea is to use multiple islands in a kitchen design. For instance, some people choose to have an island to sit around and eat and another for food preparation and the washing up. If you have the space, then a multi island kitchen can be both practical and original.

We have more information on kitchen design and can also divert you to some great suppliers of islands and other kitchen furniture.

La Cucina Alessi Kitchen by Alessandro Mendini and Gabriele Centazzo

La Cucina Alessi Kitchen by Alessandro Mendini and Gabriele Centazzo

Go on gastronomical adventures and seek inspiration from your kitchen island itself. La Cucina Alessi by Alessandro Mendini and Gabriele Centazzo embraces it curves and is a great relief from the usually emaciated linear kitchen islands. Eschewing traditional dimensions, the sculpturesque presence of La Cucina Alessi may just push its user to start a passionate love affair with food and even master the art of cooking.

Says the designers:

“The poetry and aesthetics of the curved line… an enveloping, sinuous, wavy and dynamic meaning. A feeling of total protection: physical, because by rounding off edges, accidents are avoided; and psychological, letting you use this culinary tool in a relaxed and happy way for perfect cooking results.”

The Sun Lamp Faucet Acts Like a LED Sun for Your Kitchen Sink

It’s not every day that we get to see a faucet that also acts as a light source. I know what you’re thinking; electricity plus water can’t be good, right? Well in this case, the Sun Lamp Faucet is a lot safer than it sounds. The faucet system incorporates 30 LED lights, which are ready to bring some light to your sink while you’re washing the dishes. The light only comes on when required as there’s a special switch for it, so don’t worry about your electricity bill either. And considering the Sun Lamp Faucet comes with LED lighting, you’re actually going to save some energy! The Sun Lamp Faucet is perfect for those kitchen spaces that could use another light source, not to mention that its overall design is more than pleasing to the eye and would fit with most modern kitchens out there.

“Small Type” Kitchen Concept For Small Apartments

Those who don’t have the luxury to live in bungalows and living a cramped existence in apartments will love the “Small Type” Kitchen Concept by Kristin Laass and Norman Ebelt from Germany. Measuring only one square meter when shut, the kitchen is able to house a table, a refrigerator, an oven, a sink and even a shelving system.