Only two in 10 consumers say they’re completely happy with their kitchens and 42 percent say they’d like to change a few things, according to the Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence.

With trends leaning toward warm colors inside the home, many homeowners long for the look of cherry and other rich woods in everything from furniture to cabinetry, but are hampered by the high price point of such products. The good news is this high-end look can be achieved easily and economically while creating a custom appearance and gaining design flexibility in the process.

Hardwood finishes for firm budgets

If you’re only changing the cabinetry in your home, choose woods, colors and finishes that will work with other changes you may wish to make later. For example, one versatile type of wood that offers the rich look of cherry without the high cost is Alder, combined with a deep, rich finish. This wood type is found in relatively few kitchens, so it offers an exclusive look with added design flexibility.

Diamond Cabinets’ expanded finishes line, which includes delicious new colors such as Chocolate, Cider, Cranberry and Harvest Wheat, is available on the company’s new Alder wood cabinets, as well as on its classic Rustic Alder cabinets. Another idea is to choose a cabinet finish that crosses over into a variety of wood types. A Chocolate finish, for instance can be used on either Alder cabinets or on ever-popular Maple cabinets. All of the finishes are designed to blend easily with a variety of home interiors, including those with classic, contemporary, coastal or cottage-style design themes. Even if you modify your home’s design over time, your cabinetry can transition beautifully. To see what your new kitchen cabinets could look like, without having to step into a showroom, try the visualization tool at DiamondCabinets.com.

Greater design flexibility inside and out

As you look for greater design flexibility on the exterior of your cabinets, think about the interior of your cabinets as well. If you’re only installing a few new things, with a little extra planning you can squeeze every inch out of your existing kitchen footprint by making the most out of every cabinet.

Some cabinets are designed with fashionable exteriors that can be modified with an extra interior drawer of space in an area that usually goes to waste beneath the cabinet. An ingenious cabinet design called a Toekick Drawer can be added to a kitchen base cabinet, bringing valuable extra space to stash hard-to-organize items such as cookie sheets, baking pans or table linens.

For more information and cabinet design ideas, visit DiamondCabinets.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

• Refacing Kitchen Cabinets: New Cabinets on a Budget Replacing kitchen cabinets can cost at least a few thousand dollars, but refacing kitchen cabinets can cost a great deal less. Refacing kitchen cabinets is a great option when you can't or don't want to refinish. If your cabinets aren't wood, you can't simply refinish them. And if the doors......
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• Kitchen Remodeling Without Having to Break the Bank The following guest post was submitted by Jennifer Kardish. Jennifer is a communications coordinator at Kitchen Cabinet Mart. You can check out their free design tips for your kitchen and home. A good kitchen remodel can get really expensive really quick.  Aside from the daunting price tag, you also have......
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Repair broken floor tiles/install new tiles

To spruce up the bathroom or kitchen, repair broken tiles and install new ones.  Try using the Dremel Multi-Max Oscillating Tool for best results.  Insert a grout blade into the oscillating tool and orient the blade on the tool so you can best access all four sides of the broken tile.  For hard set grout, use the maximum speed; softer and less-set grout can be worked at a medium speed.  Keep the blade at a right angle to the floor, being careful not to knick the remaining good tile. Remove all the old tile and dust.  

Continue working away remaining grout. Remove the remaining thin set material with a diamond coated accessory. Attach the sanding pad and diamond paper. With the sander flat to the floor, work away any old material, dusting several times throughout. Removing the excess material will allow the new tile to sit flush with the other tiles already in place. Once the surface is clean to the subfloor, remove any dust with a wet sponge.  Finally, affix and grout new tile into place.  

Refinish kitchen or bathroom cabinets

Refinishing cabinets in a kitchen or bathroom is an inexpensive way to update the look of the whole room. Detach all of the drawers and doors and store them in a clean, dry place. Inspect the cabinets for any damage, and repair with wood putty or by sanding. Then, wash cabinets to remove any dirt that has accumulated over time.  In order to make the next step, sanding, as effortless as possible, use an oscillating tool with sanding pad and sand paper.  120 wood sandpaper is usually recommended.  While sanding on medium speed, keep the sanding pad flat to the wood. Always move the pad in the direction of the grain. Finally, paint or stain the cabinets.  

Tile grout

Removing and replacing tile grout is a small renovation project that pays big dividends in appearance and most homeowners find the project simple enough to do on their own. One of the primary reasons people replace grout is because of mold accumulation. The first step is to remove the existing grout material. Invest in an inexpensive power tool equipped with an attachment designed specifically for quick grout removal such as a rotary tool with a grout removal blade which will grind the old grout away in a matter of minutes. Then, thoroughly clean the areas where the existing grout was removed before adding the new grout between tiles. Remember to follow the grout manufacturer’s directions for a clean and thorough job.

Remove old caulk

Removing old sealing caulk from around a sink or bathtub is a simple way to refresh a room.  Begin by lining caulk with masking tape to reduce the risk of scratching the porcelain or tile.  For easy removal, use an oscillating tool with a flexible scraper blade.  Set the tool at a low speed and insert the blade in between the wall and the caulk. Make sure that the screw head does not make contact with the surface during the scraping process by holding the tool at an angle to the blade.  Work the line between the sink and the lower edge of the caulk and peel away the remaining caulk. When all the caulk is removed, wipe the area with rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining residue and remove the tape.

To re-caulk, line the seam with fresh tape. Hold the nozzle of your caulking gun toward the joint about 45 degrees out from it. Apply steady pressure to the trigger while moving the gun at a smooth speed along the length of the seam.

For more tips and project ideas, visit www.dremel.com or call the Dremel experts at (800) 437-3635.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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So what do you do? There are many different ways for you to take your existing, drab kitchen and turn it into a place that you are not only proud to show off to your friends, but have no problem making the center of your next party.

Getting new appliances is one of the more obvious moves you can make to change the look of your kitchen.

Stainless steel appliances look sleek and newer models don’t show fingerprints as much as older versions. New technology and design offers better-tasting water from dispensers inside the refrigerator and on the door. Dishwashers are quieter and microwaves more powerful than ever.

However, new appliances can be extremely expensive, and out of the reach of many if you’re on a budget.

One underrated technique for upgrading your kitchen: get rid of your old, discolored, chipped countertop. If you want a completely new look or shape to your countertop, concrete has become a surface that is extremely popular. Concrete is gaining popularity because it can be designed virtually any way you want it.

“Unlike other hard surfaces, concrete is not limited to square or diamond patterns and not limited in colors,” says Jim Peterson, president of ConcreteNetwork.com, which offers a variety of kitchen counter and floor designs, useful tips, and contact information for local contractors in your area. “You are limited in what you can do with granite; not with concrete.”

Concrete kitchen countertops can be manipulated and poured into whatever shape you’d like. Special dyes and stains can be used to color your concrete countertop to match almost any look you are going for. You can create a functional and beautiful workspace in the smallest of kitchens.

When it comes to your kitchen floor, concrete is also as viable an option as wood, linoleum or tile.

Concrete offers endless possibilities when it comes to design. You aren’t limited to the size or color of ceramic tiles found in your local store. You can choose finishes that resemble tile, slate, or brick, which are popular textures for achieving a warm, natural feel and they complement stone and wood. Or, finishings can create a more refined, polished look, emitting the texture and feel of quarried stone like marble.

Concrete kitchen floors are resistant to chipping, discoloring or warping, which wood, tile and linoleum can’t claim, while at the same time handling the elements of foot traffic and spills with ease.

With either floors or countertops, customization can be done to meet your preferences, or have a less customized look that will fit your budget while still giving you a unique design element.

Check out ConcreteNetwork.com to find concrete contractors in your area that can help in redesigning your kitchen.

Changing your kitchen cabinets is another kitchen improvement option. There is room to spend as much or as little as you want and still be able to have a huge impact.

On the more expensive end, you can rip apart your entire kitchen and replace all of your cabinets, using higher-end materials and colors that better suit you.

New space-saving cabinet innovations include pantries that can slide out, so no more worrying about how long that box of crackers has been collecting dust in the back; it’s all there for you to see when you pull the drawer open.

On the less expensive side, sanding and painting your cabinetry is an option – depending on the material you have. Another possibility is changing out the hardware: Hinges and handles in a new color or material will go a long way to making your kitchen look like a new, more welcoming room.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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• 3 Kitchen Countertop Surfaces Explained When it comes to renovating your kitchen, there are so many new options when it comes to counter tops that it can be a little intimidating to pick one. We're going to cover some of the most popular counter top surfaces to help make that decision a lot easier. This......
• Refacing Kitchen Cabinets: New Cabinets on a Budget Replacing kitchen cabinets can cost at least a few thousand dollars, but refacing kitchen cabinets can cost a great deal less. Refacing kitchen cabinets is a great option when you can't or don't want to refinish. If your cabinets aren't wood, you can't simply refinish them. And if the doors......

With custom cabinetry, the possibilities are truly endless – take, for example, the different style options: traditional, transitional, contemporary, country, colorful, small and everything in between. When choosing a custom cabinetry line, it is important to work with a professional kitchen and bath designer who will be sure no detail is forgotten.

Kitchen cabinets are available in three configurations – stock, semi-custom and custom. Stock cabinetry is referred to as “off the rack;” the cabinets are mass-produced and many components are pre-assembled. The advantages of stock cabinetry are the low costs and low lead time requirements. The disadvantage of stock cabinetry is the limited number of style and design offerings, making it the least flexible option.

Semi-custom cabinets are manufacturer-built to fit your kitchen’s specifications. There are more options such as finishes and door styles compared to stock cabinetry; however, it is slightly more costly and the lead time is a bit longer. Custom cabinetry is “made to order” and is meant for you and you alone. Custom cabinetry offers superior quality and many finishes are applied by hand, ensuring consistency. Dovetailed drawers and hardwood components that are screwed and glued make for a sturdy, reliable cabinet. Custom cabinetry can also accommodate unusual spaces and floor plans.

In comparison to stock and semi-custom, custom cabinetry is generally more expensive; however, often the price difference can be negligible. “Some consumers are not aware that they can achieve their dream kitchen, using custom cabinetry, for only 5 to 10 percent more than semi-custom,” says George (Butch) Achey, president of Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry. “We recommend that consumers work with an authorized custom cabinetry dealer in order to maximize their budget and get fully-functional cabinetry with exceptional design.”

Usually a major kitchen remodel is a once in a lifetime project, so making the best choice is key. Since cabinetry is one of the most critical components of a kitchen remodel project, custom cabinets that will last a lifetime might be the best option. To learn more about the benefits of custom cabinetry and to find a dealer nearest you, visit www.plainfancycabinetry.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

• Gamma Color Love Cup Ball Holder, Clear User Reviews Send this to a friend Gamma Color Love Cup Ball Holder, Clear Manufacturer: Gamma Customer Rating: List Price: $3.99 Sale Price: $3.99 Availibility: Usually ships in 24 hours Free Shipping Available Buy Now Product Description New semi-transparent colored Love Cups. One-piece design for added durability. Red, Green,......
• Kitchen Remodeling Without Having to Break the Bank The following guest post was submitted by Jennifer Kardish. Jennifer is a communications coordinator at Kitchen Cabinet Mart. You can check out their free design tips for your kitchen and home. A good kitchen remodel can get really expensive really quick.  Aside from the daunting price tag, you also have......
• Modern Kitchen Cabinets The kitchen is one of those rooms of the house where we can get to spend much of the day, either because you like cooking and you use it as therapy, or because you're a big family and there are several dishes to cook, or simply because you like being......
• Kitchen Storage Solutions In most homes, kitchens are the most used spaces, so it is vital to make these spaces as efficient as they possibly can be. All of the tools that you use regularly in your kitchen need to be well organized and easy to get to. Here are some kitchen storage......
• How to Refinish Kitchen Cabinets If you choose to refinish kitchen cabinets instead of replace them, you'll save thousands of dollars on this improvement. From replacing cabinets at a cost of $3,000 to $5,000 to refinishing them for a few hundred, it's easy to see why this is a popular remodeling decision. Of course, you......

“Ingenious storage solutions can add function as well as convenience to any area of the kitchen,” says Paul Radoy, manager of design services for Merillat. “With a little planning, any homeowner can create a clutter-free space, even in today’s cluttered lifestyle.”

According to Radoy, the best way to approach kitchen organization and storage is to look at the room in sections. All kitchens have a cooking zone and a cleanup zone, and some kitchens may have an island or pantry. Each of these areas lend themselves to various storage opportunities.

Cooking zone storage

Food preparation and cooking are the primary functions of a kitchen, which is why keeping cooking items organized and within easy reach is key. Storage solutions could include a spice drawer organizer next to the cooktop or a drawer organizer kit that accommodates everything from tableware to larger cooking utensils, adapting to any homeowner’s specific needs.

“Another storage option is a top hinged wall cabinet,” says Radoy. “The hinge mechanism can be locked into position so contents can be easily removed while cooking.”

Extra wide or deep drawers are a perfect storage solution when installed under a cooktop. A deep drawer organizer, which features solid hardwood pegs, is ideal for storing bulky items like pots, pans and mixing bowls. In addition, extra wide pull-out trays make retrieving large pots and pans effortless. Awkward items can also be stored on a lazy Susan or a swing-out base cabinet, both of which take advantage of a tricky blind corner situation. The swing-out base cabinet allows full access to the entire cabinet with its two adjustable roll-out trays.  

Another option is to install a utensil hanging system on the backsplash, or a pull-down knife rack under the wall cabinet next to the cooktop. Having these items close at hand saves time digging through drawers. Plus, grouping all these organizational conveniences near the cooktop provides a space for easy prep work.

Cleanup zone storage

Organizing the cleanup zone can minimize clutter and make cleanup easier. From the location of the sink and dishwasher to various organizational accessories, any cleanup zone can shine.

Things like a tilt-out sink tray, which keeps soaps and sponges out of sight, an under-sink tote and a base wastebasket help to keep things well organized. Also, a cutting board kit close to the sink makes for easy cleanup during food prep.

Kitchen island storage

Kitchen islands offer much more than visual appeal. They lend themselves to multiple functions including storage, convenience and additional workspace.

According to Radoy, “An island with a great focal point like a wine storage and serving base is classy and yet very practical. Adding spice drawers to hold napkins or small utensils like corkscrews is another great idea.”

The island workspace can become even more streamlined when essentials such as sinks, cooktops or dishwashers are incorporated into the design. Also, open shelves in an island allow for space to store functional items like cookbooks or display decorative touches.

Pantry storage

“The pantry is one of the most popular kitchen features and one of the first things on a homeowner’s wish list for their kitchen,” says Radoy. “It’s no wonder; the pantry is a great storage solution.”

A pantry or utility cabinet lets people store many different items in one central location and at different levels, making some things more accessible or inaccessible for children. Flanking the refrigerator with two pantries can add storage in a convenient location. Also, pantries can be perfect for storing seasonal items and other large pieces that are not used as frequently.

“People today are using their kitchens for everything from cooking to crafting, and this means there are going to be a lot more items in the kitchen to accommodate all those tasks,” says Radoy.  “While all these items can lead to chaos, smart storage solutions can bring order not only to the kitchen but to your life.” To learn more about organizational solutions, visit Merillat.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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The economy may be down, but things are looking up for kitchens and baths as manufacturers provide affordable new ways to perk up cabinetry with colors that lift the spirits.

With so many unknowns about the current economy, Americans are hunkering down and spending more time at home, where they want to surround themselves with comforting colors. According to recent consumer research, the upside of the economic downturn has created the art of “brightsiding,” centered on recognizing pleasures and pastimes that are the side effects of uncertainty, as reported by the Yankelovich Monitor Minute. At the same time, environmental and international influences are leading to a new palette of colors that are both familiar and inspiring, driving a trend for contrasts in color.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the kitchen, where everyone tends to gather seeking comfort and cheer. Let color come to the rescue in the form of cabinetry finishes that complement other design elements including paint, wallcoverings, countertops and flooring. For example, Diamond Cabinets recently introduced the Inspired Collection of six hues, adding to its extensive variety of colorful finishes. All can be used either together or in contrast to create personality in the kitchen, whether it’s accenting a hearth, an island or serving as the main color for an overall design scheme.

Colorful finishes provide an affordable way to create a custom, designer look in your home, especially when used on beautifully designed semi-custom cabinetry. And with the range of colors available today, you can achieve a personalized look that reflects your passion, inspiration and individuality.

Renew, recharge, invigorate with color.

Everyone needs a space where you can renew, recharge and invigorate. Set the mood with new Oasis, a cool blue antique cabinetry finish that mimics water’s calming, rejuvenating power to transform any room into a tranquil refuge. Start by shoring up its blue and green tones with a cooler neutral paint and dark natural countertops. Then cap off the center island with a warmer, earthier organic material. Lastly, explore the idea of anchoring it all with rich brown natural wood flooring.

If you feel a desire to warm things up in your kitchen or bath, Honeysuckle finish provides a unique combination of upscale appeal and universal utility. This trendy but classic hue can be the signature color for your overall project, or used in contrast with lighter hardwood or ceramic tile flooring. Either way, it is sure to draw the eye and capture your imagination for new design possibilities, adding a sunny, welcoming color to your space.

For those who find relaxation in the outdoors, the Portobello finish can bring its effects indoors. This finish is a rare neutral with chameleon-like characteristics that takes its cue from Mother Nature, blending effortlessly with interior colors such as wine-colored reds, rich plums, mixed greens and barrel brown. Easily one of the most inviting colors to appear in nature, Portobello complements a wide variety of palettes with understated delicacy — easily blending with design schemes from shabby chic to feminine elegance.

Finally, if you’re feeling blue, try adding a splash of new Tidal Mist finish, which evokes the soft grays and gentle blues of the nation’s northern coasts, providing a comfortable blanket of color to your cabinets. This finish can be used as a cool complement to warm-based tones on walls or stone countertops and is especially beautiful on maple or cherry. It can also be used in contrast with other cabinets that are available in soothing colors such as Chocolate or Harvest Maple.

As an additional option, you can achieve the popular vintage look in all of the finishes through an heirloom technique, which employs a sand-through rub edge along the edges, giving cabinets the look of having been lovingly used for generations.

No matter how you choose to use them, either together or in contrast, colorful cabinetry finishes can create personality in your home and perk up your life when you and your family may need it most.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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A kitchen is one of the most used and important areas in a home. Even as home prices across the country decline, a kitchen remodel can still add value to your home.

According to the 2008-2009 Cost vs. Value Report (a joint study done by the National Association of Realtors and Remodeling magazine providing national and regional averages) kitchen remodels rank just after siding and window replacement in return on investment.

A few simple do-it-yourself projects in your kitchen can update the space without the expense of hiring professionals. Plan ahead, rent the right tools and get advice in order to complete your project on budget and on schedule to enhance the value of your home.

One way to reduce costs associated with DIY projects is to rent the tools you need from an American Rental Association (ARA) member rental store. Renting gives you access to all types of tools, including specialty tools that may be too expensive to purchase and too large to store but are necessary to finish the job successfully and professionally. ARA member rental stores are also great resources for expert advice on which tools you need, how to use them correctly and safely and how to best complete your project.

Here are some DIY project ideas to get you started.

Update the flooring
Adding ceramic tile to an outdated kitchen is a simple way to increase the value of your home. Rent a wet saw to make cutting the tile easy and the finished product look professional. Your ARA member rental store can teach you the basics of using a wet saw, as well as safety issues and tricks of the trade. Take advantage of their expertise to tile like a pro.

Remove wallpaper
Remove dated and dirty wallpaper. With the right tools, such as a steamer, the paper often just peels off. This machine is easy to operate and can be rented. It has a steam tank and a plate that emits vapor as you hold it to the wall, which usually loosens even the stickiest paper in about two or three minutes. Once you have removed the wallpaper, choose a neutral paint color.

Create a pass-through
A pass-through can add light and openness to your space. Draw an outline of the opening on the wall then remove enough wall material to locate any electrical, plumbing or gas lines. Once it’s safe to proceed, rent a reciprocating saw to cut through the drywall, studs and nails. Renting an electric drill and nail gun to rough-in the opening and add trim creates a professional, finished look.

Add crown molding
This small detail adds an aura of luxury to your kitchen, and with the proper tools and instruction, it can be easily done in a weekend. Rent a compound miter saw to make the perfect cuts, and a nail gun to attach the molding. Ask your ARA member rental store expert for tips on cutting the corners correctly to avoid wasting materials.

To find your local ARA member rental store, visit www.RentalHQ.com, the world’s largest rental store locator. You can search by geographic location and by the specific type of equipment you are looking to rent.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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