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13. Hidden range hoods. A statement range hood can make an ideal focal point in a kitchen. But in more compact spaces, the last thing you may want is another bulky appliance. Instead, consider hiding a hood behind some elegant cabinetry, as was done in this Australian kitchen. Coupled with under-cabinet outlets, the hidden appliance allows the small amount of backsplash to appear large, streamlined and elegant.See more on hidden range hoods
The basics: Stainless steel kitchen sinks contain chromium and nickel, materials that make them truly stainless and resistant to rust. The sinks come in varying thicknesses: 16 gauge (thicker and higher in quality) to 22 gauge (thinner and less expensive).Cost: $100 to $600 average. However, prices can go up dramatically — up to $2,000 or more — for premium steel, a thicker gauge and more complicated sink layouts.
1. The More At-Home Library Spaces, the Better“I love putting books in a kitchen, and they absolutely do not have to be cookbooks,” says interior designer Rebekah Zaveloff. “Kitchens can include study nooks, so why not put a mini library in the kitchen?” This family kitchen has cozy bistro style. Keeping favorite novels, art books, travel guides and design monographs to enjoy with a cup of coffee in the nook makes good sense.Note: To keep books in good shape, maintain adequate ventilation around the range, and put them far enough from the stove to minimize dust and grease buildup.
Projects to Consider in a Kitchen Remodel1. Create out-of-the-way seating. Lounge seating is great for keeping guests comfortable and out of the way when you’re cooking, so consider adding a window seat or sofa. While many kitchens have bar stools, lounge seats are more comfortable, and lower seats are easier for elderly guests to use. Built-in seating can also include storage for pots or platters. This kitchen window seat feels inviting with its bright cushions and garden view. Adding a lounge seat to a window could be a way to enhance your kitchen for guests without investing in a full remodel. Or it could be a good project to consider as part of a larger kitchen remodel down the road. Kick Back in Comfort in Your Own Kitchen Lounge
4. Plan materials and finishes. Now that you're working with more developed drawings, you can visualize what materials are going to go where, as well as the proportions of those materials. Most likely, there will still be a final design development period and construction documents, and then a final phase during which the drawings, specifications and scope of work are given to the contractor for final pricing.Next: When to Pick Kitchen Finishes and FixturesMore:How to Work with a Kitchen DesignerHow to Remodel Your Kitchen
1. Take charge. Designer Tracey Stephens was tasked with creating a retro-style kitchen that features vintage furniture and checkerboard floors for a New Jersey family of four. But the requirements of the technology age were not lost on the design. The kitchen includes a drawer with a built-in charger, complete with regular and USB outlets. “It’s so nice not to have all of those devices out and dealing with cords all the time,” homeowner Jody Suden says. Drawer charging station: Docking Drawer 18MoreHow to Refresh Your Kitchen on Any BudgetStash It All: Know the 3 Zones of Kitchen Storage
4. Natural selection. The heart of this Dallas kitchen is the island-breakfast bar, which features rich materials and a double waterfall structure. The raised breakfast bar is made of warm walnut, while the island top is white marble with gray veining. Homeowner and builder Chris Dauwe covered the space beneath the breakfast bar in reclaimed wood, sourced from a barn in North Carolina. Using natural-looking materials helped Dauwe achieve his goal of “a contemporary home with an industrial twist,” he says. Island and kitchen countertops: Mountain White marble; leather stools: Halo Styles
6. End-of-island storage. Having a kitchen island with a bar refrigerator built right into it is a design decision that stands out from the pack. Since this picture was among the most saved images of the year, Houzzers seem to agree. While the fridge here is full of adult beverages, it would also come in handy for juice boxes and other kid-friendly drinks, allowing the little ones to serve themselves.
8. There’s cleaning, and then there’s deep cleaning. Non-clean freaks are usually content to simply wipe down the stuff you can see in your house, such as the kitchen counters or the floor. But true clean freaks go deeper. Much deeper. To them, unclogging a drain, washing the freezer and vacuuming the chimney are vital and highly rewarding tasks.
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