Thursday, May 29, 2008

Kitchen Cabinets- 8 Tips from the Experts

Kitchen Cabinets- 8 Tips from the Experts
Submitted by nealon52@aol.com
According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), nearly 8 million homeowners will be remodeling or completely renovating their kitchen this year. Kitchen cabinets are no longer just a box that you throw pots and pans in. With the variety of options and accessories that are available today, each cabinet can have a special function. Add to that the extensive array of wood types, styles, and finishes.... it is enough to confuse even the knowledgable homeowners. Here are 8 tips that I have put together over the years of remodeling and renovating homes.- Familiarize yourself with the industry terms and lingoThe four most common terms you will hear when it comes to cabinets are rta (ready-to-assemble), stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets. Each one has it's advantages and drawbacks, so it really comes down to your budget and what you are looking for. Ready-to-Assemble and Stock cabinets are the most economical, have the shortest lead times, and are starting to add more and more accessories to their lines. Custom cabinets are going to be the most expensive and have the longest lead times, but there is no limit to the sizes or custom details they can create. - Create customized storage solutions to meet your needsRegardless of which type of cabinets you decide to go with, you can still create customized storage solutions utilizing aftermarket kits and accessories. Options such as full extension roll-out shelves, spice racks, and pantry organizers help you maximize your storage space while giving you easy access to the everyday items. Large drawers in base cabinets can hold pots, pans, and dry goods; they are as popular as pull-out recycling bins. Built-in open-storage systems like wine racks and china displays look great even when empty.- Choose the right style and finish for your kitchenLight-colored woods, oak and maple make your kitchen seem brighter and larger which is ideal for small spaces or kitchens with very little light. Darker woods like cherry and mahogany create a more dramatic, furniturelike effect. Even with RTA cabinets or stock cabinets, you can still get the custom look by utilizing features such as turned leg pieces that mimic the look of furniture. Door trim kits for appliances can help tie a kitchen together visually, but always consult the appliance manufacturer to make sure they won't interfere with the units operation.- Don't be fooled by the finishHomeowners have a tendency to get so caught up with the exterior look of the cabinets, that they forget to ask about the cabinet box. The cabinet box is what holds everything together, so you want this to be as strong as possible. Look for cabinets that feature at least 1/2" inch-thick walls and structural rails that can be attached with screws to the wall studs. There are a wide range of materials that are used to make cabinets, including medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and oriented strand board (OSB). While these materials will hold up to normal use, my personal choice is always going to be the cabinets that use plywood. It is less likely to be affected by moisture, sag, or pull apart. High-quality cabinets have dovetail joints in the drawer boxes, and you will also have the option to match the interior finish to that of the exterior.- Be ready for the inevitableEven with the highest quality cabinets, it is inevitable that something is eventually going to break, whether it is down the road or before installation. When it comes to ordering your cabinets, always ensure that you give yourself some extra time between delivery and installation in the event that something is damaged or needs to be replaced (how much time would depend on whether they are stock cabinets that could easily be replaced or custom cabinets that would have to be remanufactured). Don't forget to unpack all of your cabinets before installing them to ensure you have received units of the correct size. Strange things happen when cabinets are shipped, so at least you will know early on if there's a problem. Also make sure that the manufacturer or supplier can supply extra stain or replacement parts in the event something small needs to be fixed.- Use the right screwsDrywall screws can snap under the heavy load of upper cabinets. Instead, attach cabinets to studs with 2 1/2"-inch deck screws fitted with cabinet washers. usually screw right through the support beams running horizontally across the top and bottom of the cabinets into the wall studs. Join cabinets together to make a single unit and ensure tight seams between the face frames.- Don't try to install them without some helpIf you were to ask 20 experts whether you should install the base cabinets first, or the wall cabinets, 50% will tell you one thing, and 50% will tell you the opposite. Regardless of which way you decide, before you lift the wall cabinets into position, screw in a 1x3 cleat just below the layout line to help support their weight. This is a two person job at the very least, but if you decide to go at it alone you should consider building a T-frame or using a cabinet jack to the cabinet in place while you attach it to the wall (if you need instructions on building a T-Frame, check out the resources section on my website)- Think Green and RecycleJust because you are replacing your cabinets, doesn't mean that they are useless, especially if they are in good condition. Think about re-using them in a garage or for extra storage in a laundry room or basement. Even if you can't use them, there are organizations and charities that will pick them up and take them away. So before taking the sledge hammer to your kitchen, try removing your cabinets and giving them new life somewhere else in your house or in someone elses house.
About the Author
I have been remodeling house for 15 years, and I have the secret to getting high qualitykitchen cabinets at an affordable price. Interested in finding out my secret? Follow these links to find out the secret to getting kitchen cabinets at 30-40% below retail prices

Modern Sofa Bed: Comfort is a Big Factor

Modern Sofa Bed: Comfort is a Big Factor
Submitted by lets_j2top@yahoo.com
Well right now the modern sofa bed is in demand for buyers and consumers; it has been the best on the market when it comes to portable living room furniture. If you are shopping for sofa beds, and really do not have a clue where to start, there are some things you should look for to make sure you get the best modern sofa with a hide away bed for you and your space. Modern sofa beds are so versatile, you can have a bed that turns into a sofa, and someone sitting on the sofa, would never even know that there is a bed inside. They really do look just like regular sofas. You just do not realize there is a bed inside, until it is actually pulled out of the sofa. It is really great having something like that which can translate to instant comfort. Modern sofa beds are always in demand because of its use. You need to be aware of the use of modern sofa beds it has many use and can benefit you and your family for sure. First of all, there must be a reason you are looking for a sofa bed, right? Perhaps, you have overnight guest, and no extra bed to sleep the guest on? Maybe you are expecting guests in the near future to sleep on your sofa bed? Whatever your reasons may be for needing a bed and sofa in one, there are a few things you will want to remember while you are shopping around. Because it is important to take note so that when you are out there shopping for that modern sofa bed, you won’t be walking in the dark when buying the furniture. The first thing to look for in a sofa bed is comfort. That is right; comfort is your basis for everything. It will be the basic focus for you to come up with what’s best for you. You will want the sofa to be comfortable to sit on and you will want the bed to be comfortable to sleep on as well. However, making sure both are comfortable at the same time may be a little difficult. Be sure that you ask the furniture store to let the bed out of the sofa while you are there. So you’ll know the use. Now, while the bed is out of the sofa, you will want to lay on it, and sit on it to make sure you can not feel the metal bars under the mattress. Many modern sofa beds that you will find have thin mattresses that do not offer enough support for your body while you are sleeping. Causing you to have back pain and discomfort, and making for a lousy day from a poor night's sleep. Try to get the thickest mattress you can for your sofa bed, and make sure your guest will be comfortable while sleeping on it. Because after all you are after the comfort anyway, so be sure you accommodate it well enough.You will find that modern sofa beds are available in just about any design, style or color that you can possibly want. Make sure you choose your sofa to go with the decor of the room it is going in. However, your first and main concern for your sofa bed should be the comfort of the bed. Style is a bonus but for modern sofa beds, it dictates a certain tempo, a certain flavor. While modern sofa beds have the style and edge, the comfort factor is still the number concern for them as it will be the measurement of how good modern sofa bed is.Jron MagcaleModani Modern Furniture Sofa
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Crystal Chandeliers Lighting Fixtures

Crystal Chandeliers – Three Essential Decorating Ideas

Crystal Chandeliers – Three Essential Decorating Ideas
Submitted by lets_j2top@yahoo.com
When it comes to designing a house, a lot of people typically pull out all the stops in order to create a home that somehow mirrors their personalities. Such an endeavor, however, can sometimes be costly seeing as some property owners willingly go to great lengths to customize just about everything. To add a dash of elegance to a particular room or hallway, crystal chandeliers are the preferred finishing touches by homeowners and interior decorators alike. Fortunately, these lighting fixtures come in a wide range of prices—from very cheap, to overly expensive varieties.The Chandelier Should Reflect Your PersonalityIf you intend to make your unique personality radiate from every corner of your home, you really have to put in a sufficient amount of effort into the task. Think of the things you truly like or the activities you’re frequently involved in. After that, try to visualize the appearance of a particular room while gradually inserting items that reflect who you are. Other pieces of furniture (i.e. crystal chandeliers) could also be customized to echo your personal taste.The Chandelier Should Be Within Your BudgetOverspending is perhaps one of the most common mistakes that people commit when decorating their houses. You need to realize that it is absolutely impractical to purchase home furnishings that are way beyond your actual budget. Instead of achieving a sense of fulfillment from seeing the room come to life, you’ll most likely end up feeling guilty for spending too much money on the furniture. The same rule applies even when picking out a chandelier for your home. So do whatever you can to avoid breaking the bank in spite of the fact that some crystal chandeliers tend to have towering prices. You may actually come across reasonably priced varieties that would still possess the look you’re going for. All you need is tons of patience and creativity to pull off this money-saving task. The Chandelier Should Fit The Overall Look Of The SpaceAside from picking out the essential furnishings–like the dinner table, couch and so on, you also need to find ways to make all the pieces of furniture fit together. Crystal chandeliers should also match the entire look of every room they illuminate; otherwise, you’ll end up with a mishmash of stuff that doesn’t really go well together. Then again, if you’re aiming for an eclectic appearance, feel free to experiment with your choices. Besides having a fundamental function of lighting a room up, crystal chandeliers can actually turn out to be excellent centerpieces. So be as resourceful and imaginative as you could possibly be and avoid keeping a tight rein on your decorating ideas. Experiment with the different styles of crystal chandeliers and delve into an infinite pool of design possibilities that would give your home that distinctive look. Vanessa Arellano DoctorCrystal Chandeliers and lighting fixtures at factory direct prices. Buy your chandelier direct and save ! Custom chandeliers.
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Crystal Chandeliers Lighting Fixtures

Crystal Chandelier for an Elegant and Stylish Home

Crystal Chandelier for an Elegant and Stylish Home
Submitted by lets_j2top@yahoo.com
Most people would want to have beautiful and elegant homes, so they look for home decors that can add to the beauty of their homes, one of which is crystal chandelier. Crystal chandeliers are known for their elegance, beauty and spark, so if it is hanging in your home, definitely, you can add up beauty in it. There is no doubt about it since you can find crystal chandeliers to palaces, mansions, hotels and homes of rich and famous. But, this kind of chandelier is not for rich alone, anyone can put crystal chandelier to their homes, since there are affordable chandeliers out there. If you think only the rich ones can afford to buy chandeliers, then you are wrong, since you too can afford to get one for your home. There are lots of crystal chandeliers out there, so you can choose the one that you prefer to hang into your home. These come in different styles, colors, pattern, design, and sizes. Knowing this, you have a wide selection to choose from, but, when choosing makes sure that it will match to your home. In order to assure that the chandelier that you will about to buy will fit to your home, you have get that can add to the beauty and charm of your home, get one that will fit to your home’s design and motif. You know how elegant and sparkling crystals are, so in order to assure that you, guests and others will be attracted to your chandelier, choose crystals’ color that match to your home’s motif. You can even choose pattern that can match to your home’s decors and fixtures. Size is very important as well. Indeed, you know that crystal chandeliers come with different sizes, so you need to get the right size to assure that it will look good. You need to check out the size of the room you prefer to put chandelier such as entrance hall, living room, dining room, bedroom and bathroom. If you wish to put one in your entrance hall, you need to consider the size of the room. Bear in mind that putting big chandelier in a small room can make it looks crowded and small chandelier in a big room can make it look dull. So, size is important. Measure the room and bring it when you go out and seek for chandelier, since you can use it as reference when picking for the right chandelier for your home. Actually, you can even check out chandeliers online, there are heaps of websites that offer such products, just give little of your time in finding the right one for your home. Since it is a reality that crystal chandelier can give your home elegance and beauty, you must keep the spark and charm of it by cleaning it regularly with long handled duster. And it is recommended to do thorough cleaning once in a while to make sure it is sparkling clean. You need to take good care of it to keep it as elegant when you fist buy it.Eliza Maledevic AysonCrystal Chandeliers Lighting Fixtures
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Crystal Chandeliers and lighting fixtures at factory direct prices. Buy your chandelier direct and save ! Custom chandeliers.

10 Fun Facts About Interior Design

10 Fun Facts About Interior Design
Submitted by urlreader
1. Interior design is basically the practice that deal with the placement and design of furnishings and other elements inside a space like windows, walls, doors, textures, finishes, light, and furniture is called interior deign. All of the said elements are manipulated by an interior designer in order to make the most functional space.2. Interior designers may plan on various space like offices, homes, airport terminals, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, schools, and hospitals. One should not confuse interior design with interior decoration as the latter is focused on the selection of color palettes to go with complimentary furniture, window coverings, flooring, lighting, and artwork. Today most interior decorators need to be familiar with architectural detailing like home renovations, floor plans, and construction codes.3. Interior designers may specialize in a distinct discipline like residential and commercial design, health care, hospitality and institutional design. In areas where profession is government-regulated the designer must have particular qualifications. The designer should also show competency not just in his or her specialty but in the entire profession.4. Specialty areas involving interior designers are continuously growing and evolving. With an aging population in most countries the focus has been on developing solutions that improve the environment especially for the elderly.5. There are many disciplines involved in interior design like function, structure, special group needs, specialized performance, discipline for business, presentation skills, computer technology, craft skills, and aesthetic disciplines, among others. The many disciplines that are involved in interior designing shows how encompassing interior designing is. The field of interior designing also requires an interior designer to be adept in science and technology, and be creative as well.6. The process of providing interior designing services is identical regardless of the type of building. First the interior designer will determine the objectives, time frame and budget of the client. This is referred to as taking a brief. The aim is always to improve the revenue potential of the clients, since even homeowners need to consider the value of their property. Then the designer will outline a cost estimate for the project including the design output and corresponding expenses. Drawings are also required prior to commencing design work.7. Computer-aided design is normally used by designers these days although hand sketches still remain valuable for their personality. Also called CAD, this is a program that is used to communicate the design in realistic views and various angles. CAD eliminates the need to work on long hours for hand drawing and sketching.8. After the survey and provision of the working drawing the client will be given an initial concept for approval. Once this is approved the floor plans, alternations, finishing, and furnishings follow. Most probably doors, walls, and windows will be repositioned as well. 9. Employment of interior designers may vary like any other profession. Interior designers may take on regular day jobs with large corporations. Others may take on a project basis. There are designers who need to adjust their working hours in order to suit the needs of the client, meaning they have to work for a lot of hours. Those who are self employed however have a lot of pressure to get clients in order to get themselves adequate income.10. Interior designers usually travel from one place to another, visiting the offices or homes of their clients. Interior designers’ earnings likewise differ based on their employer, years of experience, and their reputation.If you are looking into changing the interior design of a room in your house, your entire house or your office, try to look up the Asheville builders and the Asheville construction company. They would surely be able to provide you with the best service and with exactly what you are looking for.
About the Author
Preish Construction, Inc. ( http://www.preish.com/index.php ) takes personal responsibility to to make sure they provide a positive, satisfying home-building experience while giving their customers the best value. Quality construction by Asheville builders ( http://www.preish.com/index.php ), attention to detail, and frequent personal contact with the homeowners through all stages of the project have created a building business driven by satisfied customers.