What type of lighting works best in the kitchen?
Since the kitchen is both a social atmosphere and a workspace, you want a mixture of ambient and task lighting. Ambient lights will set the mood with a soft, overhead glow, while task lights will focus stronger light over an island or countertop.
The key is balancing the two sources so the kitchen is as warm and inviting as it is functional.
What types of ambient lighting should you consider?
There are several different types to fit your style, all of which are generally ceiling-mounted.
Try recessed for a clean, flush look, or track so you can adjust each fixture accordingly.
To make a decorative statement, opt for pendants or chandeliers instead; they still spread the light but also help personalize the space.
What types of task lighting are there to choose from?
Like ambient light fixtures, many styles are available for task lighting.
Under-cabinet lights ensure that your countertop space is well lit; puck lights or fluorescent strips will both do the trick.
Pendants can also be used for tasks, as long as they are well placed in the space. In a larger kitchen, an island light covers the middle of the room and ensures safe food prep.
What other lighting considerations should I keep in mind?
Try to choose fixtures that are easy to clean, durable and can hold high-wattage bulbs for maximum light.
Kitchens are high traffic areas with fluctuating heat levels and ingredients that can affect the quality if your fixtures over time.
Your fixture must be able to withstand the elements while providing your kitchen with adequate light.
As you can see there are a number of options for lighting. Always the activity that will occur in your kitchen and the activities you and your family will be involved in.
There is a lot to consider with every kitchen renovation
talk soon...
You now have the ability to have integrated appliances that effectively blend in with your kitchen. Why would you chose a fridge that is all stainless steel and stands out like everything. Why not consider an integrated fridge or a fridge that is black or white that has a glass panel on the front? This will add a touch of style and sophitication to your kitchen.
You now have the ability to have integrated appliances that effectively blend in with your kitchen. Why would you chose a fridge that is all stainless steel and stands out like everything. Why not consider an integrated fridge or a fridge that is black or white that has a glass panel on the front? This will add a touch of style and sophitication to your kitchen.
At this point you can consider the variety of alternatives that are open to you:
As the kitchen combines water, electricity, plumbing confirming your appliances early in the process will allow you to have your plans reflect wiring, drainage and water supply.
Here you will select the appliances you desire and that reflect the living requirements of you and your family and not dictated by set plans.
One of the most important areas of the house is the kitchen. You must plan the prearrangement of the kitchen appliances well in advance while designing the kitchen. This would enable you to save a lot of space and avoid unwanted clutter in the cooking area. Every kitchen is unique and distinct on its own accord and each kitchen requirement is different.
Therefore, it is primarily essential for you to analyze your priorities in the kitchen before creating a separate place for the appliances. The kitchen should be designed in such a way so that there is an easy accessibility to the sink, stove and refrigerator. A triangular arrangement of these appliances would help you work in the kitchen with ease.
You could place the dishwasher next to the sink, as it would help you load the dishes and rinse them with ease. The counter under the sink can hold the trash bins. This would not only save space but also keep the area covered and allow easy cleaning of the dishes after meals. The wine coolers should be placed in the corner of the counters so that they can be picked up easily.
The wall mounted ovens should be placed in such a strategic place where there are no hindrances to open or close the oven doors. There should also be sufficient space below the oven to place the hot dishes immediately after drawing them out.
Other smaller appliances, which you would use only occasionally, can be placed in the cupboards and can be retrieved when easily. This way the counter would be clutter free and spacious, which would enable you to work with ease.
Appliances should not be the last thing you do as they are an important part of your kitchen and you will prepare many an important meal for you family and friends with your appliances.
Have a good week.
Talk soon....
Stainless Steel Once found mostly in commercial kitchens, stainless steel has slipped into vogue within the past two decades. These countertops are custom made to fit your kitchen, so you're guaranteed a tailored look. Pros: There's a reason stainless steel is used in restaurants and other high-traffic kitchens: It's nearly indestructible, and it resists heat and bacteria.It also provides a very distinctive look that feels appropriate in contemporary and industrial-style kitchens. Cons: Fingerprints show and must be wiped off frequently, and stainless steel can also dent. It can be loud as pots, pans and dishware clang against the surface. Chemicals can affect its color and cause unwanted etching. Stainless steel is extremely expensive due to the custom fabrication. Concrete Think concrete is just for floors? Think again. Slightly edgier than other materials, concrete countertops have an industrial chic that fits right into a loft or adds interest to an otherwise traditional space. Pros: Concrete is extremely versatile: It can be cast in any shape and custom tinted any shade you wish. You easily can add unique inlays, such as glass fragments, rocks and shells. Concrete stands up well to heavy use, although it isn't as heat resistant as some other surfaces. Cons: Because it's porous, concrete will stain without frequent sealing. With time and settling, small cracks can develop. Concrete is extremely heavy and will need strong support beneath. Like stainless steel, its custom creation ups the price tag. Butcher Block Butcher block has a classic appeal and always looks fresh. It's especially fitting for traditional, country and cottage-style kitchens. Pros: Many homeowners like butcher block's warm, natural appearance and variegated wood tones. Although knives scratch it, many people like the shopworn look it develops — after all, it's what chopping blocks have been made of for years. But you can also sand scratches down with ease. Cons: Wood swells and contracts with moisture exposure, and butcher block is no exception. It harbors bacteria and needs frequent disinfecting. Oiling is a must to fill in scratches and protect the surface. Paper Composite Paper countertops? You read it right. Created from paper fibers mixed with resin, this surface is ecofriendly and a whole lot more durable than it sounds. Pros: Paper composite evokes the look of solid surfacing or laminate but with a warmer sensibility. It's surprisingly hardy and can withstand heat and water admirably. It's also a great deal lighter than natural stone or concrete. Cons: The material isn't scratchproof and is susceptible to chemical damage. It needs an occasional rubdown with mineral oil, and even sanding, to refresh it. Although it sounds as though it would be a lower-budget option, it isn't (unless you install it yourself). I look forward to any comments or feedback you have on the various materiasl you have used. Good luck with your renovation. Have a great week. talk soon...
Stainless Steel
Once found mostly in commercial kitchens, stainless steel has slipped into vogue within the past two decades. These countertops are custom made to fit your kitchen, so you're guaranteed a tailored look.
Pros: There's a reason stainless steel is used in restaurants and other high-traffic kitchens: It's nearly indestructible, and it resists heat and bacteria.It also provides a very distinctive look that feels appropriate in contemporary and industrial-style kitchens.
Cons: Fingerprints show and must be wiped off frequently, and stainless steel can also dent. It can be loud as pots, pans and dishware clang against the surface. Chemicals can affect its color and cause unwanted etching. Stainless steel is extremely expensive due to the custom fabrication.
Concrete
Think concrete is just for floors? Think again. Slightly edgier than other materials, concrete countertops have an industrial chic that fits right into a loft or adds interest to an otherwise traditional space.
Pros: Concrete is extremely versatile: It can be cast in any shape and custom tinted any shade you wish. You easily can add unique inlays, such as glass fragments, rocks and shells. Concrete stands up well to heavy use, although it isn't as heat resistant as some other surfaces.
Cons: Because it's porous, concrete will stain without frequent sealing. With time and settling, small cracks can develop. Concrete is extremely heavy and will need strong support beneath. Like stainless steel, its custom creation ups the price tag.
Butcher Block
Butcher block has a classic appeal and always looks fresh. It's especially fitting for traditional, country and cottage-style kitchens.
Pros: Many homeowners like butcher block's warm, natural appearance and variegated wood tones. Although knives scratch it, many people like the shopworn look it develops — after all, it's what chopping blocks have been made of for years. But you can also sand scratches down with ease.
Cons: Wood swells and contracts with moisture exposure, and butcher block is no exception. It harbors bacteria and needs frequent disinfecting. Oiling is a must to fill in scratches and protect the surface.
Paper Composite
Paper countertops? You read it right. Created from paper fibers mixed with resin, this surface is ecofriendly and a whole lot more durable than it sounds.
Pros: Paper composite evokes the look of solid surfacing or laminate but with a warmer sensibility. It's surprisingly hardy and can withstand heat and water admirably. It's also a great deal lighter than natural stone or concrete.
Cons: The material isn't scratchproof and is susceptible to chemical damage. It needs an occasional rubdown with mineral oil, and even sanding, to refresh it. Although it sounds as though it would be a lower-budget option, it isn't (unless you install it yourself).
I look forward to any comments or feedback you have on the various materiasl you have used.
Good luck with your renovation.
Have a great week.
talk soon...
Tile Modular and inexpensive, ceramic and porcelain tile offers nearly limitless options for colours and designs. Tile works with almost any kitchen style, from country to majestic Old World. Pros: It holds its own against heat and sharp blades, and resists stains. If one or two tiles chip or crack, they're fairly easy to replace. Cons: Tile's uneven surface can make it difficult to balance a cutting board or roll out a pie crust. Unsealed grout is prone to staining; standing moisture can damage it and contribute to bacterial growth. Laminate Made of paper blended with resins and fused to particle board, laminate has been a kitchen mainstay for decades. In the past, it hasn't always had a reputation as stylish, but that's changing: The latest designs on the market mimic stone, butcher block and other pricier surfaces. Pros: Laminate is one of the most affordable countertop materials, so it's a good choice if your budget is tight. It's low maintenance and easy to clean. Its light weight doesn't require the support of a thick cabinet base. Cons: Laminate is prone to scratching, burns and, in some cases, staining. With wear and moisture exposure, the layers can peel. Because of the raw particle board core, you can't use laminate with undermount sinks, and it's also difficult to repair if it gets damaged. Soapstone Although it's in no danger of overtaking granite, soapstone has come into its own as a countertop material. It offers subtle, nuanced beauty yet feels humbler than granite or marble. Pros: Soapstone has a natural softness and depth that fits very well with older and cottage-style homes. Although it usually starts out light to medium gray, it darkens with time. (Most people enjoy the acquired patina, but you may consider this a con.) Cons: Soapstone needs polishing with oil to keep it in top shape. It can crack over time, and it can't handle knife scratches and nicks as well as some other types of stone. The natural roughness of its surface can scuff glassware and china. I hope this review was able to give you some good ideas and thoughts for your kitchen renovation. We will finalsie this seroes on Friday when we review another 4 materials that you can use. Have a great week. talk soon
Tile
Modular and inexpensive, ceramic and porcelain tile offers nearly limitless options for colours and designs. Tile works with almost any kitchen style, from country to majestic Old World.
Pros: It holds its own against heat and sharp blades, and resists stains. If one or two tiles chip or crack, they're fairly easy to replace.
Cons: Tile's uneven surface can make it difficult to balance a cutting board or roll out a pie crust. Unsealed grout is prone to staining; standing moisture can damage it and contribute to bacterial growth.
Laminate
Made of paper blended with resins and fused to particle board, laminate has been a kitchen mainstay for decades. In the past, it hasn't always had a reputation as stylish, but that's changing: The latest designs on the market mimic stone, butcher block and other pricier surfaces.
Pros: Laminate is one of the most affordable countertop materials, so it's a good choice if your budget is tight. It's low maintenance and easy to clean. Its light weight doesn't require the support of a thick cabinet base.
Cons: Laminate is prone to scratching, burns and, in some cases, staining. With wear and moisture exposure, the layers can peel. Because of the raw particle board core, you can't use laminate with undermount sinks, and it's also difficult to repair if it gets damaged.
Soapstone
Although it's in no danger of overtaking granite, soapstone has come into its own as a countertop material. It offers subtle, nuanced beauty yet feels humbler than granite or marble.
Pros: Soapstone has a natural softness and depth that fits very well with older and cottage-style homes. Although it usually starts out light to medium gray, it darkens with time. (Most people enjoy the acquired patina, but you may consider this a con.)
Cons: Soapstone needs polishing with oil to keep it in top shape. It can crack over time, and it can't handle knife scratches and nicks as well as some other types of stone. The natural roughness of its surface can scuff glassware and china.
I hope this review was able to give you some good ideas and thoughts for your kitchen renovation. We will finalsie this seroes on Friday when we review another 4 materials that you can use.
Have a great week.
talk soon
Granite Pros: Granite's beautiful mottling and the host of colors and patterns found in nature make each piece one of a kind. It stands up well to splashes, knife nicks, heat and other wear and tear. Cons: Like most stone, granite must be sealed every so often to avoid stains. And its heaviness means you'll need very sturdy cabinet boxes to support the weight. Solid Surfacing Made primarily from acrylic and polyester,solid surfacing first was sold under the brand name Corian, which is often (erroneously) used as a generic term for it. Today, it's made by a host of manufacturers and has enjoyed steady popularity over the years. Pros: Because solid surfacing is nonporous, it's virtually maintenance free — no sealing or special cleaning required. Although it can be susceptible to scratches and burns, those are easy to sand out. Color and pattern options are extensive, and because you're not trying for the look of a natural material, you can experiment with vibrant hues such as turquoise or tomato red. Seamless installation means there are no cracks to trap dirt and debris. Cons: Solid surfacing can have a patently artificial look and feel, yet can approach the price of natural stone. As mentioned above, it doesn't stand up to hot pans or sharp knives as well as other materials. Quartz Surfacing Crafted of resin and quartz chips tinted with color, quartz surfacing (also called engineered quartz or engineered stone) is a good compromise between the beauty of stone and the easy care of solid surfacing. Pros: Quartz surfacing has the same advantages as solid surfacing with regard to maintenance. As an engineered product, it's available in a far greater range of colors and patterns than natural stone. Cons: This material doesn't have the natural variegation of granite, so it may be evident that it's an engineered product. It's relatively pricey, although its durability can make it a worthwhile investment. Marble Is there anything that looks and feels more glamorous than a marble countertop? Peerless in terms of its luminescence and distinctive veining, it's an ultratraditional choice. Pros: Nothing beats marble for sheer elegance. It stands up to heat well, and because it remains perennially cool, it's a traditional choice for pastry and baking stations (read: Dough won't get too soft). Cons: Marble is very suspectible to stains even with sealing. For that reason, it's not often used throughout an entire kitchen — most homeowners limit it to one or two small areas. It can also scratch and chip. There we covered 4 different materials today. Let me know your thoughts and feedback. Have a great day. talk soon.....
Some of their findings have concluded: 1 in 5 of kitchen sponges tested had levels of contamination equivalent to that of a used band-aid
At different times we all have suffered from an upset tummy or something worse and blamed some of the food we have eaten or other things we have consumed.
The truth of the matter is that sometimes the our kitchen is making us sick. There have been a number of studies by the Australian Food Microbiology into how we maintain our kitchens.
Some of their findings have concluded:
1 in 5 of kitchen sponges tested had levels of contamination equivalent to that of a used band-aid
Most Australians continue to wash their dishes by hand, regardless of whether or not they own a dishwasher,
1 in 3 only change their kitchen sponge very few weeks
Nearly 50% of households wait until their dish cloth gets really dirty and smelly before replacing it
Over 80% of Australians use their dish cloth to quickly rinse a cup or eating utensils under running water without soap.
At least 25% of households only clean their tea towel when it gets really dirty
1 in 4 use their tea towel to dry their hands and wipe down dirty bench tops
More then 50% of kitchen sponges were highly contaminated with bacteria such as E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Average tap hot water temperature is only 30 - 40 degrees which is not hot enough to kill bacteria as they can live in temperatures of 44 degrees.
Overcrowding - who hasn't had family and friends over for dinner and everyone sits and stands around the kicthen to chat
Cross-contamination - germs can spread easily around the kitchen via our hands, chopping boards, cloths, knives and other utensils
Inadequate hand washing
Inadequate cooking (to many cooks spoil the broth)
Incomplete washing
This is why we always recommend to customers that visit our showroom to give themselves adequate bench space because that is the essential to a we'll run and organised kitchen.
The other point is to have a bench top that is easy to maintain and clean.
If the health of you, your family and friends is important you need to have a well designed and laid out kitchen.
This is another reason why a custom made kitchen is the way to go because you take these factors into consideration when you design a clients kitchen.
So if you were thinking of renovating your kitchen then now may be the right time to do it. Plus there has been such an advancement in the design and style of appliances then you do need to upgrade.
Have a great weekend.
Talk soon.
You can now start to prepare your final design.
