How To Jazz Up The Look Of Ones Kitchen Using The Right Type Of Tiles

The two areas of a house that many house owners overlook are the bathroom and kitchen. People spend money on decorating the other places of the house. However one needs to keep in mind that kitchen is place where a lot of time is spent. Hence it is imperative to spend particular attention to the design and set up of the kitchen.

Co-Designer: Julie GraggA person needs to have a sense of aesthetics for making the decorative tile look visually pleasing. The tiles need to match with the color of the flooring and wall of the kitchen. If a person is not sure about selecting the right type of tiles he can talk with an interior designer. The web is a very good resource for finding various types of tiles that can be used in kitchen and other areas of a house. Many companies sell the tiles online and they have online catalogues where people can see the products and compare them side by side.Legrand introduces its new electric vehicle chargers for residential and light commercial applications. The charging stations are weatherproof-rated and compatible with all plug-in electric vehicles.Chris Novak Berry of St. Louis-based brooksBerry Kitchens & Baths, with co-designer Julie Gragg, redesigned this kitchen to accommodate homeowners who both love to cook. With a limited budget, the design team focused on small details that would make a big difference, as well as creating an efficient traffic pattern, and opening the space to allow in more natural light. Custom brooksBerry cabinets in a warm hue and wood flooring are balanced by stainless steel elements including a Wolf range and Sub-Zero refrigerator.

However if a person is looking for a one stop online solution for his tile buying need he can count on the site Mytilebacksplash.com. It offers the buyers the chance to take their pick from various types of tiles at one place. Whether one is looking for recycled glass tile, ceramic tile accents and stained glass mosaics he can get it all in this site. It keeps updating the range from time to time.

Author: Bruce Mendes

NKBA DESIGN COMPETITION

Category 1: SMHLL KITCHENS (less than 35 sq. ft. of countertops)

"Some of the sumptuous components such as the lavish chandelier. . .and two massive islands are given balance by the warmth of a black walnut island top and wood flooring," says Howard.The region over the counter top often turns out to be a problem area in the kitchen for many people. It is a good idea to install a kitchen tile backsplash. The small region over the counter top is ideal for lending a final touch to the kitchen. Glass tiles and natural stone tiles can be used in this context. As an alternative a person can also use tiles with texture and hand painted tiles. There is no hard and fast rule that all the tiles used in this area would have to look similar. A home owner can get interesting results by mixing and matching tiles.Kid-Friendly Meets Adult Contemporary* FOR MORE INFO CIRCLE #76Faucets from the Ducale series by La Toscana complement the warm tones in the decorative hardware finishes. Appliances, including a Sharp Microwave Drawer and a panel-ready Jenn-Air French door refrigerator, are masked behind cabinet panels. A sixburner convection oven/range from Bertazzoni sits across from an antique buffet, which is used as a center island for food preparation.Attention to detail and a warm color palette make this hacienda-inspired kitchen cohesive. Designer Cheryl Hamilton-Gray, CKD, of Carlsbad, CA-based Hamilton-Gray Design, says: "Standout structural and decorative elements such as arched entryways and openings, exposed ceiling beams and wrought iron fixtures with authentic detailing set the tone."Modern Design Combines Many MaterialsSet in a 1910 Edwardian home, cabinetry with wide rail Shaker doors, custom built by Brice's Fine Furniture, tie the new kitchen to the overall look of the home.brooksBerry Kitchens & BathsFeng Shui Inspires Form & FunctionThe cooking area, which features a Miele cooktop, is framed by Absolute Noire granite columns and features a cherry blossom mosaic backsplash.Sleek stainless touches add classic style to the kitchen, from the hardware and light fixtures, to the Vent-A-Hood Euroline Series range hood mounted above a Wolf range. The existing Sub-Zero, with its own stainless facade, was worked into the new design; a Miele dishwasher and Panasonic microwave round out the product selection.Architectural metal products from Moz Designs are designed for use in a range of applications. They are impact-resistant and available in 0.063 to ~-in. gauge aluminum tar greater durability.Glen Aispaugh Co.Category 2: MEDIUM KITCHENS (35-50 sq.ft. of countertops)James E. Howard, CKD, CBD* FOR MORE INFO CIRCLE #77Long Beach, CAGreat Lakes Window introduces ecoSmart windows and patio doors. A high-density solid-polyurethane insulation in the frame and sash of double-hung and sliding window units provides resistance to heat flow.DeWitt Design Kitchens"Dark-stained ceiling beams, a tall plaster hood and Spanish-inspired backsplash tile bring a non-intrusive touch of the Mediterranean," says Howard.Kitchens by RosePasadena, CAFire Magic introduces the new Echelon Diamond Series grill. It includes a state-of-the-art digital thermometer, a new and improved flavor grid design, unique backlit safety knobs, master safety switch, hot surface ignition and interior lights.* FOR MORE INFO CIRCLE #73Ramsey, NJPerlick Corp. adds refrigerator drawers to its C-Series product line. The 24-in. drawers have a 53-cu.-ft. capacity and are deep enough to accommodate galIons of milk and tall bottles. It is powered by a quiet 700-Btu compressor and features RapidCool technology that cools beverages in less than 30 minutes. A commercial-grade stainless steel interior is standard, and a tamper-proof locking system is available.Open-Plan Kitchen Evokes TropicsColumbia cabinetry in the company's maple slab door style features the focal point on the baking/oven wall: the Chinese symbol of prosperity carved in wood.HotEdge Rail is a roof-edge ice-melt system that concentrates heat directly to the structure's metal drip edge, where most ice dams and icicles form. These ice dams pool snowmelt on the surface of the roof, which can leak into the structure and cause mold, mildew and structural rot.Quaint Details Meet Modern ConvenienceAndros Kitchen & Bath DesignsFramed flush inset cabinetry in rift-cut white oak from Landco Custom complements the warm tones of the custom hood, over a ventilation system from Best. Other notable elements include reclaimed wood ceiling beams, tile work on the backsplash as well as the reclaimed terra cotta flooring. Countertops are a mix of butcher block and marbles. Appliances from Dacor, Bosch, Thermador and Sub-Zero are featured.Samsung Staron introduces 10 new colors: seven to its Solid Surface line and three to its Tempest line. The new colors are certified by the Greenguard Environmental Institute, passing the requirements of two Greenguard certification programs.* FOR MORE INFO CIRCLE #71"Through the removal of a wall, repositioning of the sink and cooktop, addition of a skylight and the introduction of serenity and order that's prevalent in Japanese design, a dark galley kitchen has been transformed," says Jones.The Pomegranate 4?-in, round knob from Du Verre Hardware was designed by metal smith Heinz Pfleger. The collection includes round and square knobs from � in. to 4 � in.; pulls from 3 in. to 9 in. and is made from environmentally friendly recycled aluminum.The challenge for Elina Katsioula-Beall, CKD, of Pasadena, CA-based DeWitt Design Kitchens, was to create a contemporary kitchen with an Asian emphasis. Using the client's cherry blossom theme, Katsioula-Beall harnessed the age-old wisdom of Feng Shui to create the flow and balance of the kitchen, starting with the octagonal ceiling above an octagonal island work space.* FOR MORE INFO CIRCLE #72* FOR MORE iNFO CIRCLE #75The Kitchen ConsultantOther openings like switches and wall outlets need to be trimmed carefully. The benefit of ceramic tile is that it can be used on a variety of surfaces with ease. However a person needs to keep in mind that the surface should be solid and clean. It would be advisable to put a cement layer to fix the tile properly.St. Louis, MOTwo-Cook Kitchen Achieves Single VisionRose Marie Carr, of Ramsey, NJ-based Kitchens by Rose, brought contemporary convenience to this turnof-the-century kitchen. The blend of new and restored elements begins at ground level: The kitchen's original Carolina Pine wood floors were restored and paired with a mix of hickory and black distressed Rittenhouse inset cabinet doors from Christiana Cabinetry.* FOR MORE iNFO CIRCLE #70Mississauga, ONThe balance of light and dark colors in this Asian-inspired kitchen by Dana Jones, CKD of Long Beach, CA-based The Kitchen Consultant, creates a clean, harmonious design.Carlsbad, CA"This composition resting on granite conveys balance, and the antique shoji screen beside it anchors the prep area," says Katsioula-Beall.* FOR MORE INFO CiRCLE #83However if a person is looking for a one stop online solution for his tile buying need he can count on the site Mytilebacksplash.com. It offers the buyers the chance to take their pick from various types of tiles at one place. Whether one is looking for recycled glass tile, ceramic tile accents and stained glass mosaics he can get it all in this site. It keeps updating the range from time to time.Anastasia Rentzos, CKD, CBDDetails Create Warn, Welcoming HaciendaChris Novak BerryMore St. Thomas than St. Louis, the details of this open plan kitchen, designed by James E. Howard, CKD, CBD, of St. Louis, MO-based Glen Alspaugh Co., evoke a tropical paradise.Carr says the wealth of materials provides ample texture: "Honed Black Ash granite countertops, original brass spring hinges and push plates, and an artfully crafted hammered copper sink are some of the outstanding components that convey a careworn, comfortable yet contemporary environment.""Custom-built maple cabinetry conveys precise and clean lines in Shaker-style doors and a simplistically styled crown molding," says Lockhart.For designer James E. Howard, CKD, CBD, of St. Louis, MO -based Glen Alspaugh, Co., the challenge was to start with the classic French palette of blue and butter cream and create a convenience -laden classic.* FOR MORE INFO CIRCLE #81Category 3: LHRGE KITCHENS (more than 50 sq.ft. of countertops)

Sleek stainless touches add classic style to the kitchen, from the hardware and light fixtures, to the Vent-A-Hood Euroline Series range hood mounted above a Wolf range. The existing Sub-Zero, with its own stainless facade, was worked into the new design; a Miele dishwasher and Panasonic microwave round out the product selection.

PRODUCT gallery

RangeCraft Manufacturing introduces its HiLites Wallsplash. It features a sleek, stylish, contemporary look to any installation and is an attractive alternative to more traditional materials for use in kitchen backsplashes.

Dana Jones, CKDGlen Alspaugh Co.Elina Katsioula-Beall, CKDDesigner Jane Lockhart, of Toronto, ON-based Jane Lockhart Interior Design, describes this pale beauty as "[breaching] the divide between family-friendly and adult entertaining through classic contemporary and timeless touches."* FOR MORE INFO CIRCLE #80James E. Howard, GKD, CBDJuno Lighting Group introduced the Juno Standard Slope and Super Slope Ceiling LED downlights. Visually indistinguishable from incandescent downlights, the downlights provide 900 lumens using 25 watts input nominal. When used with select baffle and cone trims, they also meet Energy Star qualifications, allowing for further energy savings.Stainless steel hardware, fixtures and appliances including ovens and microwave from Thermador, add a balance between contemporary style and the traditional Asian flavor of the decorative pieces throughout the space.Hose Marie CarrRich details such as an intricate narrow tile backsplash, Cambrian Black granite countertops and a furniture -style dish cabinet with shoji panels carry out the thematic design. Natural materials are a big part of the execution of the kitchen, including custom cabinetry made of stained alder Plyboo edge grain. Other products that round out the design include a Bosch dishwasher, a microwave and range from DCS, a Kitchen Aid refrigerator, and faucets and fittings from Blanco.Cheryl Hamilton-Gray, CKDAsian Influence & Nature Create HarmonyThe perimeter cabinetry is topped with Stone Grey CaesarStone; a Monza LD Pro sink from Ginger's Bath is undermounted beneath a window."In addition to their existing wine cellar, the homeowners requested wine storage close at hand," says Rentzos, noting the inclusion of a tall Thermador wine refrigerator. A three-door, freezer-bottom refrigerator, dual-fuel range and microwave, also from Thermador, round out the appliance selection.Hamilton-Gray DesignGrand Kitchen Gets Classic French StyleThe Shaker-style cabinetry in rich, warm chocolate offsets a sleek horizontal tile backsplash. A wealth of materials appear in this space, including both CaesarStone and Carrera marble countertops, porcelain tile floors and chrome accents. Faucets and fixtures by Blanco finish off the product selection.A Sub-Zero undercounter wine cooler, refrigerator drawers and icemaker are incorporated to make the expansive space conducive to entertaining. Other key elements include CaesarStone countertops, faucets and sinks from K�hler and ventilation by Wolf.

* FOR MORE INFO CiRCLE #83

Kitchen storage solutions

Blending style with storage creates a functional kitchen

I like to design my clients' kitchens with fbncdon in mind and then add design elements to make it beautifW.I believe a pretty kitchen might sell the job, but a functional kitchen brings the clients back Asking clients a lot of questions regarding their cooking, cleaning and shopping habits is important. You also should ask about their entertaining needs. Two of my most recent clients are almost empty-nesters, busy in their medical fields, who like to be together at the table when they're doing their "homework" on the `weekends. She does all the cooking and he's all about groceryshopping and cleaningup.When time permits, she likes to prepare meals that take time in the oven or simmering on the cooktop, an area where she can lounge while keeping an eye on her cooking would be ideal for theft space.By Lisa Loushin, CKDHire The Right Contractor. - I'd highly recommend you give serious thought to hiring a General Contractor (GC) when your kitchen projects are more complicated than simply refinishing or painting. - If your job involves tearing down walls, building new ones, or relocating and supplementing any plumbing and electrical systems, then you should definitely consider hiring a general contractor. While most general contractors do fabulous work and come highly recommended, I've found there are still a lot of unscrupulous characters out there! So be careful - get references and check out their work! The last thing you want is to get ripped off by the very person you entrusted to deliver your ultimate dream kitchen. - Do your best to find the right contractor for you, so all the time and money you spend planning, budgeting, and designing your kitchen will be put into the right hands."A place for everything, and everything in its place," or is it, "Everything in its place and a place for everything"? I'm not quite sure how the saying goes. Regardless, it certainly makes sense and it's a mottollilcetolive anddesignby.Iflndifthere isn't a proper storage place fbr hems in the kitchen homeowners will use the countertop for storage. Doesn't this defiat the purpose of a beautiflilly designed kitchen? Why would ~uwant clients to hide their beautiful countertops and backsplashes with clutter? They most likely spent a good chunk of their budget on those items, after all.For more information about the 2011 Signature Series at The Met Warner Center, please visit the website at www.TheMetWC.com or stop by the community located at 5555 Canoga Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA 91367. Designer models are open daily from 11 am to 5 pm. You can also follow The Met Warner Center on Facebook and Twitter.The Met Warner Center offers not only the perfect location and selection of homes but also one of the best amenity packages for an active lifestyle. Residents can enjoy the community's four resort-style swimming pools, the state-of-the-art fitness center, a community clubhouse, six lighted tennis courts, a racquetball court, a brand new indoor basketball court, men's and women's locker rooms with saunas and steam showers, lush landscaping and an intimate courtyard gathering area.Ideally, all specific inserts are defined and incorporated into the cabinets when they are built because they match the interiors of the cabinets and usually fit the design style. However, for clients with a tight budget, this might not be possible and would liavc to be a part of theft project s phase two. If we assist therm in specifying the items they'll need, then they are more likely to purchase these items and install them in the fhture. The Container Store is one of my favorite places to send them because the store has many options that are reasonably priced.I've found storage containers are the toughest things to design for. They always seem to multipl~ and there is no universal size or shape to them. My best solution to date is to take a deep drawer and install a divder from front to back for lid storage~ and in the remainder of the drawer install a dish drawer insert. I believe the pegs for the dishes are perlict br stacking containers and adjusting to the different sizes and shapes.Media Contact: Stephanie Orton Lynch Delucchi Director of Public Relations 202.248.5855 slynch@delucchiplus.comIn their space, an "U'shape with an island is ideal. One leg of the "L"will house her induction cooktop with ventilation above, her spices in a drawer to the left of the cooktop, cooking utensils in the top drawer to the right of the coo ktop, knives on a magnetic strip mounted on the backsplash, pots and pans on roflouts or deep drawers below the cooktop, hot-pad holders in a drawer below the utensil drawer, and cooking oils and larger spice bottles in the wall cabinet to the right and/or left of the vent hood. The island across from the cooktop will house her mixing bowls, serving bowls and platters.Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to NewsvineDo Your Research. - Do your due diligence and educate yourself on what's out there in the design world and marketplace. There are an endless array of cabinetry, countertops, backsplash, appliances and flooring materials on the market - so get to know what works best for you. - Grab some kitchen design magazines, and focus on the styles of kitchens and interiors you're drawn to. It doesn't matter if it's a window style, a cabinet detail, or a paint color you're in love with. Just tear out the pages and make notes indicating what you specifically love about it. Is it the 6-burner stainless steel stove, those gorgeous French doors, or the overall kitchen layout? - Create an inspiration file and use this as your starting point. Once you know what you like you will be more decisive in the planning stage and that will save you time and money.Have you ever taken inventory of your clients' existing kitchens as they go through the items they'll need in their new kitchen? Typically, they find something they thought they had misplaced, or they find two, three or four ofone thing~This is because their current kitchen doesn't define where each item should go, so they simply throw items into a cavernous cabinet and forget they have them. I have found that if you define what goes in each drawer and cabinet, clients are less likely to purchase multiples of what they already have and, therefore, will need less storage space.

LISA LOUSHIN launched Haute Kitchens, Plymouth, Minn., in 2007 and has served locally for NKBA as vice president of communications, longrange planner, and second-term chapter president and certified instructor. Loushin can be reached at 612-791-9008 or lisa@haute-kitchens.com.

Author: Loushin, Lisa

The Met Warner Center Announces Its 2011 Signature Series

Kevin Price, Executive Vice President of the R4 Group announces today that The Met Warner Center has unveiled its 2011 Signature Series , a premier collection of condominium residences that offer buyers an array of stylish upgrades included in the price. Starting in the $190's, the 2011 Signature Series includes various fit and finishes in one and two-bedroom residences. Popular upgrades such as espresso laminate floors, plush carpeting and gourmet kitchens with chic glass backsplashes are offered, adding an extra richness to the living space. Many homes also include upgraded track lighting, ceiling fans and window blinds making this collection of homes uniquely modern and functional.

Don't Do It Yourself. - I know, I know. You always hear that if you DIY you'll save a lot of M-O-N-E-Y. - The reality is that DIY projects typically take 3 to 4 times longer than a highly trained contractor to do the job - and eventually 20% of ambitious home remodelers will need to call for some professional back up - not just to complete the work, but repair the damage that the homeowners themselves have caused. - If your kitchen renovation is more than staining, re-facing or painting your existing cabinets (and you're not that handy) then hire a professional to do the job.Located in the heart of the West San Fernando Valley's Warner Center, The Met Warner Center is an established pet-friendly community that offers resort-style living, beautifully landscaped grounds, 26 acres of open space and a sought-after amenities package. The Met Warner Center has something for everyone offering a mix of one and two-bedroom condominium residences, some with loft spaces, and ranging in size from approximately 660 to 1,100 square feet.Once the footprint of the kitchen is established by positioning each of the appliances, defining the purpose of each drawer and cabinet can take place. After those two items have been accon-iplished, aesthetic design elements will work themselves out. For example, for one of my projects we needed to add panty storage in the eating area. We clidth want the bulkiness of panty doors in that particular area so we added glass doors to the panty and backed it with fitbric to hide unsightly items.DESIGN BY FUNCTIONFunction before ibm-i is what I was taught in design school 23 years ago, and during the years Fve learned that iffimction comes first, then form inevitably will take its shape. My former instructor, Mr. J, would be so proud.SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS

Media Contact: Stephanie Orton Lynch Delucchi Director of Public Relations 202.248.5855 slynch@delucchiplus.com

How To Avoid Costly Kitchen Mistakes

Whether you're doing a major kitchen renovation or a moderate upgrade, planning a kitchen remodel can create an extremely stressful and challenging environment for everyone in the household. So before you hire the contractor or pick up a hammer consider these valuable insider tips to help you make the best choices when tackling your kitchen re-design and avoid costly mistakes.

Resist The Latest Fads. - Fads in products and interior design don't have the longevity of an established style - or even a new trend - which could have a long-term influence. - For example: the glossy photo of the turquoise French Oven that you fell madly in love should stay on the pages of the magazine. Ask yourself: Will you still love that range in 10 years? A color like that will instantly date your kitchen - so opt for more timeless neutral colors and finishes. - Keep all the big-ticket items such as cabinetry, appliances and countertops more elegant and timeless - but dress up the backsplash for punch. If it's that green apple-tini color you're craving, paint out a wall or two and install some accent pendant lamps over the island to give your kitchen the color infusion you need.If your clients have a lot of spices, ideally they should go in a large drawer on either side of the cooktop. However, if aesthetically it makes more sense to have narrower cabinets on either side of the cooktop, then I put the spices on both sides of the coo hop and move the cooking uterisib one drawer down.About The R4 Group: The R4 Group ( www.R4group.com ) is a privately owned and operated commercial real estate sales and marketing company responsible for more than $400 million in property sales nationwide over the last four years in some of the toughest real estate markets in the country, including Southern California and Florida. The company specializes in innovative sales strategies that leverage decades of experience and people-focused insight. Their integrated approach based on hands-on experience in successful property turnarounds offers a full spectrum of real estate services, research and solutions that move properties with true velocity in all categories: multi-family, master plan, mixed-use and golf course communities as well as single-family and active adult developments. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, the R4 Group is a trusted industry leader. For more information, please visit www.r4group.com or call (310) 651-9959."We listened to our customers, sharpened our pencils and delivered a series of homes that are value-oriented while offering high-end upgrades. We are confident these homes will appeal to buyers interested in purchasing a condo in the Woodland Hills area," remarked Kevin Price, Executive Vice President of the R4 Group. "Last month we sold 13 homes, illustrating that the market is ripe for homebuyers to make the commitment to purchase. The 2011 Signature Series adds an additional, limited-time incentive to get the most for your home investment."

Hire The Right Contractor. - I'd highly recommend you give serious thought to hiring a General Contractor (GC) when your kitchen projects are more complicated than simply refinishing or painting. - If your job involves tearing down walls, building new ones, or relocating and supplementing any plumbing and electrical systems, then you should definitely consider hiring a general contractor. While most general contractors do fabulous work and come highly recommended, I've found there are still a lot of unscrupulous characters out there! So be careful - get references and check out their work! The last thing you want is to get ripped off by the very person you entrusted to deliver your ultimate dream kitchen. - Do your best to find the right contractor for you, so all the time and money you spend planning, budgeting, and designing your kitchen will be put into the right hands.

Author: Lori Gilder