By Louise Harman

Your kitchen layout and design depends a lot on your work triangle. The kitchenette is one of the most important rooms in your house therefore before you consider a particular design for the work triangle it is very essential for you think about your lifestyle, floor plan, shape, size decoration and budget. A kitchen floor plan would surely help you to decide about the storage space, lightening, ventilation and the placement of different appliances.

The floor plan should be suitable enough to eliminate excess household traffic from your kitchen. So, now let us discuss about some floor plans that are gaining popularity these days.

1. U-shape layout
Such kind of a layout usually has three walls and the cleaning area is located in between. It is one of the most versatile layouts because it gives you sufficient cooking area, storage and work space. With such a design you can also include large windows, various cabinets and efficient lightening system.

2. L-shape design
L-shape layout is one of the most widely used designs and it is perfect for small as well as large kitchens. In such a design the sink is usually located in the middle while the storage area and the cooking area are located at each end of the cleaning area. If you have a sufficiently large kitchenette then you can also include an island is between the L-shape layout.

3. G-Shape layout
The G-Shape design closely resembles the U-shape design because it also provides you the same amount of cooking, cleaning and storage space. This design eliminates household traffic and can easily accommodate two cooks at the same time.

4. Double L-Shape design
One benefit of this kitchen is that it provides you a large counter space and a good cabinet area. This design is ideal for kitchens that are large and spacious. If you want you can also include a dining table in your kitchenette. The double L-shape design provides you two separate counters where two people can work.

5. Galley shape layout
This design is more suitable for small apartments and studios. This layout is also known as the corridor design. In such a layout the appliances can be stored on the opposite walls that provide a better work space.

6. Straight layout
The single wall design is ideal for small kitchens that do not have the required work space. If you want to add more work space then you can include additional space by adding various cabinets and wall pantry pull-out.

While planning out your room you must surely keep in mind the size and space of your kitchen.

By Kristie Brown

When it's time to replace your kitchen cabinets, or if you're choosing cabinetry for new construction, it's going to be a difficult task, because so many beautiful and original designs are available. You have choices of styles, woods, and finishes, and every choice you make is going to make a different statement in your kitchen. This article is being written in order to give you some ideas of what is out there, what is popular, and the different looks you can achieve.

Cabinets can be configured any way you like to include different components. No matter whether you want a sleek, modern kitchen or a cozy, country feel, you can get cabinet designs that will enhance the décor while giving you all the functionality you need. In addition to basic cupboards, you can get modules that contain pantries, dish racks, glass fronts, wine racks, a matching stove hood, and other unique pieces that will give your kitchen a unique flair while adding to its usability.

Kitchen cabinets are available made of numerous different woods. Most have hardwood fronts with plywood interiors for economy. Beware of those made with particleboard interiors, because particleboard is notorious for absorbing the water from the kitchen environment and then buckling and cracking. You may want to choose the wood for your kitchen cupboards to match the rest of the woodwork in your home. That is the traditional way to select kitchen design. However, in a modern kitchen, anything you like goes. If you want different cabinet components made of several types of woods or in varying colors, go for it!

There is a wide selection of finishes that can be used for kitchen cabinetry. Even new homeowners these days are electing to have painted cabinets in various earthy shades. Just as the days of utilitarian, white metal cabinets gave way to the wooden designs of the past few decades, modern design is changing to reflect the personalities of those designing them. While you can still get wooden cabinets finished to allow the wood grain to come through wish varnishes and lacquers, you can also find an array of cabinets with thermo foil and other manufactured finishes.

Having mismatched cabinets, both in design and color, is one of the latest trends. Exotic woods, such as knotty chestnut and Canadian red birch are becoming more popular, and people are choosing cabinets with both horizontal and vertical graining to give their kitchens a unique look. In addition, many people are selecting cabinets in the European style which stand on legs and are made to resemble fine furniture. No longer are kitchens just basic rooms. Now they reflect the style and taste of the designer more than they've ever done in the past.

By Ken Johnstone

Why is it so important to get things right when engaging in kitchen design planning for a new home, or a remodeling project for an existing kitchen? It is true now, more than ever, that our kitchens have become the hub of the home. Keep reading for some useful tips to help you make good decisions as you start to plan a new design for this all-important room.

In times past, kitchens were more likely to be considered a place for cooking and food storage, but not much else. Today many of us expect our kitchens to serve multiple purposes, from food preparation and storage, homework station to family meeting place, and a central gathering room to share great food and fun together. In fact, when guests enter a home, one of their first destinations is often the kitchen!

Triangle Design Principle
From a purely functional view point, the main role of the kitchen is for meal preparation. Most kitchen design planning experts recommend stationing the sink, stove, and refrigerator in a triangular shape, not too far apart from each other, in order to facilitate ease of movement between the three most frequently accessed areas. Having to go around a corner, or through a corridor, to get to the fridge while cooking is not going to make life easy for cook or family. It would just create unnecessary stress!

Sufficient Work top Space?
Another important aspect of design planning for meal preparation is providing sufficient available workspace. Most cooks want at least one relatively large, completely clear, area from which to prepare their meals. Some prefer to have two smaller areas. It's also a good idea to include generous counter space next to the sink in order to make room for all those dishes that are sure to pile up. Although, having a dishwasher nearby should reduce the need for this counter top space.

More Than Just a Floor Plan...
In addition to food preparation, be sure to take into account food serving areas as well. Islands and "peninsulas" are popular choices for this purpose. Most islands or peninsula counter tops have a space for stools underneath one side, making for a convenient eat-in area. Some kids also like to do their homework in the kitchen after school, and these stools are also the perfect areas for this. Traditionally, some people would use a "butler's pantry" to stage meals, or as a serving area. However, in contemporary homes most people prefer to bring this activity front and center in the kitchen.

Lifestyle Matters...
Outside of the basic functional requirements, during kitchen design planning you also need to take into consideration the size and lifestyle of the family the kitchen is being designed for. Obviously, a larger family, or a couple who likes to entertain frequently, are going to require more storage space than a couple or single person would.

We haven't even started on style and decor considerations which of course are also essential elements to be included in your kitchen design planning phase.

By Bob Fischer

Taking a page from clothing fashions, kitchen designs come and go with the passing of time. What was once trendy and avant-garde can just as quickly become yesterday's news; or worse, fashion faux pas. While there are many kitchen design ideas and styles that have surfaced over the years, several have remained as popular themes that have a strong influence in the aesthetic of the entire home. There are several basic themes, each with their corresponding styles. Below are the major ones:

Traditional: Embodies the archaic and refined look of classical European architecture and design. Heavily influenced by the Greco-Roman classical period, kitchens possessing a traditional theme benefit from the formal lines these styles bring.

Transitional: This theme fuses the crispness of traditional themes without the complexities and intricacies, and in doing so, bring together the new and the old into functional styles.

Rustic: Kitchens that feature the rustic style harness and harmonize the organic elements of nature into a theme that is both earthy and style conscious.

Country: Leveraging the open spaces of the countryside, the country theme, which includes, among many others, the French Country style, can be found in both suburban and rural areas. This theme features the application of bold colors, particularly in cabinets, pantries and kitchen furniture.

Modern: Born out of the simplistic modernist movement of 20th Century Germany, and fueled by the Bauhaus movement, modern themes have made a big impact on the American kitchen. Simple lines and precise symmetry are key traits of this popular theme.

Post Modern: This theme resists the strict reliance on precise geometry of the modern theme and breaks any rule it sees fit in delivering skewed yet functional art.

When searching for the latest kitchen ideas, the Internet can be an excellent resource. There are multitudes of kitchen-oriented websites that can be found simply by performing searches on popular search engines, such as Google, Yahoo or MSN. Some of these sites feature a kitchen photo gallery where you may peruse the latest kitchen design pictures. If you seek inspiration for a kitchen remodel, there are also kitchen plans that you may access on some of these sites. Such plans are instrumental in the early stages of those types of projects, and the more information you can obtain before commencing the better. Finally, kitchen showrooms and home centers are also helpful in this process as many of them have charts and kits especially designed for kitchen remodels.

By Jo Alelsto

Kitchens are probably one of the important places in the home. This is where you store your utensils, food items, as well as prepare the food. Generally, homemakers spend considerable time in this part of the home; therefore it helps to pay significant attention to building a safe, clean and sturdy place for your cooking and food preparation chores. The choice of kitchen flooring is also vital, because the wrong choice could mean a lot of stuff. A slippery floor tile pattern may lead to possibly more slips and falls, making the work area unsafe.

Currently, there are a wide array of kitchen floor tiles and patterns that are available in stores. Homeowners could choose from linoleum, vinyl, laminate, hardwood and other stone tile variants. Those still unsure of which to buy need to determine the type of flooring which would be compatible with the environment you live in. According to home design experts, one major aspect to consider in choosing the preferred kitchen floor tile is to get one that is able to resist spills, especially if you have kids at home. In addition, you need to consider buying the floor tiles that are comfortable to your feet, and match the appropriate colors of your home. The type of floor tile color should also be an interesting topic. Buyers need to select the floor tile colors which help to complement the kitchen and your home as well. Some would prefer choosing light and neutral tones, which some say would be best in creating an impression of light and space in the room. Other design experts would also contend that it would be better to utilize stronger colors in smaller kitchens only, and not in kitchens with bigger spaces.

Beauty & Durability: The aspects of beauty and durability also need to be given adequate consideration when selecting the appropriate floor tiles. The appropriate tiling material should be something that helps in properly accentuating your kitchen's existing appliances, counters and cabinets. You also should choose the ones which meet your planned budget and lifestyle as well. Spend some time researching, whether by going online or by hopping from one store to the other, and getting advice from experts on kitchen remodeling as well as from professional contractors. For those who wish to find durable, but quite affordable floor tile materials, you may check out vinyl or ceramic tiles. Design experts note that vinyl is affordable and durable, and has different patterns and designs offered. Vinyl also has many color patterns and textures, which makes it a popular tiling material in many homes today.

For more unique, and off-beat patterns, the use of laminate flooring for the pantry or cooking area should also be a truly unique choice. Lamination is done by laminating photos of stone, wood grain, or other surfaces on the flooring material, and many see this as a unique, unconventional way of making their kitchens look unique and appealing. The use of bamboo tiles is also fast rising, because of the spiraling cost of hardwood, as well as for the need to make kitchens environment-friendly areas as possible. Bamboo is of course, a truly beautiful and renewable resource, and should help to make this part of the home look as unique and fashionable as possible.

Finally, home design experts agree that the best method of choosing which floor tiles are appropriate for kitchens, would be to browse through home design catalogs and brochures and familiarize yourself with different designs and patterns, as well as finding out how much each pattern costs. However, it would all depend on your personal preferences and desires. In the end, you should ensure that the tiles you buy are able to withstand spills, scratches, soil and other elements, so that it would be able to last for years, and stay as beautiful as ever.

By David Freitas Ely

You no longer have to wait for the architect to show up to discuss your kitchen remodeling ideas. Simply log on to the Internet and there are numerous experts waiting to advice and help you.

Websites are dedicated to kitchen refacing ideas with amazing and varied photographs and there are floor plans, tile patterns, kitchen remodeling design ideas and kitchen design computer program available for you to pick and choose from. Before you decide on kitchen remodeling first and foremost decide on your cash limit and start through all options available for this project.

Then browse through a catalog of kitchen design before short listing some of them. There are various designs and special features for this subject on the net. If you go on line you may see many websites dedicated to kitchen remodeling and you can find precisely what you looking for.

They offer many tips and suggestions for storage solutions and pantry. All you need to do is be a little creative and use the space available to the optimum. For example if you don't have much money to buy new cabinets or cupboards just change the kitchen cabinet doors or do refacing for the cabinet doors. This will improve the look of your kitchen as well as save money for you. Kitchen refacing tips are given by experts in this field on line all the time.

When you buy an old house and redecorate it you have to breathe life into an otherwise dull place. At the time you remodeling the kitchen it can change into the most pleasurable place in your house. Kitchen refacing takes less time and is cost efficient. You can change them on a weekend itself. Kitchen remodeling ideas include changing the oven as well as tiles and curtains. Flooring is another influential aspect of kitchen remodeling.

Kitchen remodeling may also be aimed at meeting your objective. May be you wish to accommodate more space as there is not enough space for cooks to walk around. In that case you can avoid cluttering the place. Less furniture will give you optimum space to move around. Have true expectations from your kitchen remodeling ideas. If you wish to entertain in your kitchen then talk to your friends about it. Having a twin oven fitted on a same wall can save space as well as do your cooking and baking simultaneously.

Kitchen refacing tips are available on line and show your contractor the design of your dream. Make a deadline fixed with your contractor. This will make a obligation out of your contractor and your work will also be done without any hindrance.

So go and get the kitchen of your dreams and be a proud owner of it.

By James Mahoney

From so many sources we have been hit by all the latest in trends for the kitchen. On one thing do most kitchen design professionals agree: kitchens will continue to be larger, more open, and definitely the most important room in the home. The custom kitchen of today should create a space that is open for people to gather.

The perfect custom kitchen design can be suited to your every dream and needs of you and your family, and also to be able to fit the boundaries of your budget.

Below are 5 custom kitchen trends to be aware of when your are planning for your custom kitchen remodeling project.

1. Hardwood Mouldings to Create a Custom Look

Adding hardwood mouldings to kitchen cabinets can provide a richness not found in other features. Mouldings are available in oak, cherry, and maple. They can provide your cabinets with such details as fluted columns, valances, cornices, galley rails and open shelves. These can help to combine function and beauty to your kitchen. Mouldings can also provide a custom look to stock cabinets. Examples of the uses of mouldings on cabinetry include: installation around corners and along the face of cabinetry to minimize the square look of cabinet, using in soffit areas, and installing on top of cabinets to add a crown moulding.

2. Solid Hardwood Flooring in the Kitchen

Solid hardwood flooring makes a great choice for the kitchen because not only is it beautiful, it has practical features as well. It is thicker than other flooring materials which makes it good for insulation, and sound proofing. It will last of many years because it can be refinished many times.
If you just want to change the look and color of your hardwood floor, you can just sand it. You never need to replace the entire flooring.

3. Free-Standing and Unfitted Cabinets

The trend toward free-standing cabinetry from the desire to get away from the cookie cutter look by creating cabinets that look more like furniture, including such features as molding, feet, and valances. This type of custom cabinetry is available in both traditional and contemporary styles. Unfitted custom kitchens are those that are classically designed pieces used to conceal full-size appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and refrigerators. Custom kitchens with the unfitted look can also create more room for windows, columns, displays, and any other design element that can give a kitchen more character.

4. The Custom Look in Countertops

In designing a custom kitchen it is becoming easier to create the look of custom countertops because of the availability of so many materials being used today. Many of these materials can be mixed, like using concrete embedded with bits of glass and metal. While stone materials, such as soapstone and marble are still highly prized by homeowners, stainless steel, sealed concrete, and engineered quartz are being used in more low-use areas of the kitchen.

Other trends in custom countertops include: solid surface materials and granite look-a-likes that are easily repairable, and are available in many colors. Also popular is the use of ceramic tile, particularly on backsplashes. Other materials that are part of this trend is stainless steel, and butcher block in certain specific areas

5. More Sophisticated Appliances

Kitchen appliances are becoming more and more sophisticated and allowing for greater customization, personalizing, and convenience. This has helped make the kitchen the high-tech center of the home.

The following appliance reflect the changes that are being introduced in kitchen appliances today:

Duel-fuel ranges: The debate over whether to use gas or electric for cooking is an old one. Some manufacturers of stoves offer ranges that are professional-quality, and can feature both the power of a gas cooktop with an electric one.

Refrigerators: Refrigerators today offer such features as: multi-zone temperature control. They are offered in both free-standing units and integrated versions that do not look like a refrigerator, but can be concealed by the use of cabinet fronts into the surrounding cabinetry. Some counter-height refrigerators are even being used in kitchen islands or butlers pantries.

Designer Dishwashers: As with some refrigerators, the dishwasher is offered in the integrated version that can be concealed by cabinet fronts that can wash and store away dishes.

By Sue E Krippner

It's time to update your loved but tired kitchen. Traditionally, the next step is to hire a professional and spend a huge amount of money for their services.

True, they will help you each step of the way to decide on cabinet color, grade and design. They will offer several design options in respect to reconfigurations of the kitchen's traffic patterns, appliances and island placements.

Most professionals will do a fantastic job designing your new kitchen but, expect to pay hundreds to thousands of dollars during this planning phase before starting on your kitchen remodel project.

You do have another opiton - kitchen design software! Believe it or not most remodelers rely on some level of kitchen design software to assist them with client's projects.

Did you know you can take advantage of this very same type software giving you the power to create your own custom kitchen design?

You don't need a Design degree or an extensive knowledge of what is available in kitchen remodeling options. Every choice has already been preloaded into the program.

Here's how it works:

Step 1) Start by creating a sketch of the room, by drawing the basic floor plan, with accurate measurements. Make of a note of the placement of windows and doors, where they are now and where you want them to be.

Step 2) Enter those measurements into the kitchen design software program as instructed, this provides the basic room space to view on screen.

Step 3) Now it's time to begin introducing different design ideas. You will have more design and style options than you will ever need, all with 3 Dimentional features.

With easy point and click manipulations you can add cabinets, counter tops, wall paint colors, flooring and anything else you desire as you create your custom 3 D kitchen.

You will be able to change the stains on the cabinets. See how the appliances work in the room with your color scheme. Find the best position for your new kitchen island. Oh, and let's not forget the backsplash, top trims, crown moulding, and lighting options.

Yes, it's that simple!

By starting your project with kitchen design software you can make "mistakes" without any financial consequence. You have the luxury of pasting and erasing any crazy combination or out of the box design ideas. You can add a pantry or serving bar and designer sinks in any style you want.

You never know, what you may think is radical today may be your perfectly redesigned kitchen tomorrow!

The point is, you can have a lot of fun with this software. And, just as importantly, it is a money saving tool that will give you the confidence in knowing where you are going with your kitchen redesign project.

Once you've got the design worked out, click the blue print or 3D layout option and send it directly to your printer for easy reference.

Discuss your plan with a contractor or save even more money by doing it yourself.

By Chris Smitts

Whether you are going to give your kitchen a complete overhaul or you have chosen to do just a few updates, you'll find that with the right choices, you can get a return rate on your investment of approximately eighty to one-hundred percent. In layman's terms, this means your home should increase in value by just about the amount you put into it. The key, however, is to make the right choices in your kitchen design ideas.

One of the main aspects of your kitchen that needs to be considered is the layout. The cooking zone is often overlooked when it should be your top priority. Generally, you will want to center everything around your stove and the cook top. Along with your microwave oven, any other major tools, such as toaster oven, should be close by, as well.

When designing your kitchen, make certain you also consider where your spice drawer will be kept, as well as the drawers where you plan to keep your pots and pans. These items will all need to be kept close to your cooking zone. If not, you'll find yourself wandering all over your kitchen and wasting precious time.

Another aspect of kitchen design ideas to be considered is whether or not you need your kitchen to be kid friendly. If you have young children in your home, you may want to create an area that allows your children easy access to countertop space so that they may assist you and learn from you when cooking. Often, a kitchen island space works well for this and, if your kitchen does not allow for an island, set up a space that is not too close to your cooking zone.

Ask any chef what the most important aspect of their kitchen is and they will most likely tell you it is organization. You will want to implement some great organizational ideas into the design of your kitchen. Also, keep in mind that you do not want to interrupt your work triangle (the imaginary triangle between the stove, refrigerator, and sink) with a lot of foot traffic. In other words, if people are going to be running to the pantry all the time, make sure you put it out of the center area.

For those who are concerned about the environment, you will also find a lot of great ideas that you can implement into your design and help you to conserve energy. Your light design should include lighting controls and you can choose energy efficient appliances, as well. Another great idea is to use recycled cabinets, as well as flooring in your design.

Making sure that your kitchen is easy to clean is also an important factor in your decisions. Choosing countertops made of easy-to-clean materials and a countertop with raised edges to prevent spills are just a few ideas you can utilize in your design. This is especially important when you have young children and your time in the kitchen is limited.

Designing your new, updated kitchen can be a little overwhelming at times, as there are many things to be considered. However, if you do the research and make a list of your needs, you will find the task to be exciting, as well. As there are many kitchen design ideas to choose from, take your time considering each one, before you make your decision.

By T Agee

One of the most important elements in any kitchen redesign is your kitchen cabinets. This one simple part of your kitchen is one of the most important elements, and the way you decide to go with your cabinets will greatly affect the look and feel of your kitchen. You may want to even go so far as consulting a professional. Making the right choice here, perhaps as much as any other, will either make or break your kitchen.

Something that a lot of people are doing these days in their kitchens is choosing cabinets with a unique finish. The finish of your cabinet should flow seamlessly into the overall theme or design of your kitchen. The right finish can greatly enhance what you're attempting to achieve - be it a country look, a sleek, modern look, a traditional woody look, or whatever.

An example of the right kind of look for your overall theme might be a crackled-looking finish for someone hoping to achieve a French country style. Though the look may be old, the cabinets themselves need not be, of course. You should also think about color when thinking about your finish. Though one color may look good in one type of finish, it may not be exactly what you want in another type of finish. The texture of the finish itself may change everything, so be prepared to try out different possibilities. Insisting on what you thought you wanted in the beginning may leave you unhappy in the end.

Another example of a popular trend in finishes is the sleek, modern look. In place of the traditional wood cabinets, some are using a variety of materials to achieve this modern look, including metal and plastic. Those who are interested in ultra-modern, pared-down design often find inspiration in commercial kitchens (those found in restaurants, for example). And not only do they find their inspiration there, they often find their actual appliances and materials in commercial kitchen stores and warehouses. If this is your style, be sure to check out your local restaurant supply store. Even if they don't have exactly what you want, you're bound to pick up a number of ideas that will suit your modern-loving fancy.

Of course, the finish and look of a cabinet isn't all that's involved in choosing what's right for you. The "practical" aspect of the cabinet's design is equally important. Modern kitchens allow for much more storage than those of kitchens in the past, and modern home-dwellers have come to expect many of these differences as a given.

If you have an older home, you may be able to easily update your kitchen simply by installing some of these more modern amenities into the kitchen. Having a trash can that sits on rollers inside of a large trash bin drawer is an example of what we've come to expect in a modern kitchen. An older kitchen, of course, would not have such an amenity.

In general, like the trash can, the modern kitchen is built to put storage away from public view. But there is also a nice mix of old and new that many people are turning to - a design where some storage items are purposely exposed. A colorful, neatly arranged pantry that is exposed to the kitchen can make for an interesting design element. However, it should go without saying that if you choose this type of cabinetry you should make sure that you're someone who's willing to keep your stored items neat and tidy. If not, instead of an added design element, you end up with an eyesore.