Kitchen and Bath - Recently Updated Pages

Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

lindapaul — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:33:21 CST

Welcome to amazing and unique kitchen backsplash ideas from Linda Paul Studio

Please visit our installations and projects page to see tons more kitchen backsplash pictures

This is one of artist Linda Paul's favorite kitchen designs. It features her Tuscan Kitchen backsplash mural with gorgeous cherry kitchen cabinets and amazing Barricato granite that was chosen to match the green, gold and cream Tuscan colors in the mural. Nice Wolf range too

A new trend in kitchen backspashes are the mosaic tile medallions with accents in metal. This one features a fleur de lis. see all mosaic tile medasllions and metal finish decorative accents at Linda Paul Studio www.lindapaul.com

here is another mosaic tile medallion that is perfect for an italian or Tuscan Style kitchen

This dream kitchen features Fields of Tuscany Tile Mural and beautiful tumbled stone backsplash with stone hood and amazing granite countertop. see dozens more kitchen backsplash ideas and installations at www.lindapaul.com

Here is another fabulous backsplash idea from Linda Paul Studio. My Vineyard mural in this amazing custom kitchen

See tons more installation pictures of The Vineyard & buy online

Credit crunch kitchen remodeling

charlottec11 — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 05:28:37 CST

table { font-size: 10pt; }In these tough economic times, many of us are unable to afford a complete kitchen redesign but there are a couple of quick fixes which can be employed that will enliven even the drabbest of rooms. This article will investigate some of the techniques you can adopt.

Changing your work surfaces or kitchen cabinets is something which can be done extremely cheaply if you choose the right materials. High-quality laminates and synthetic stone countertops provide a durable yet stylish look which won’t cost the earth. Furthermore, they are surprisingly easy to install with a minimal amount of fuss.

The key to the look and feel of any kitchen is its lighting, so consider changing how yours is lit. Brighter lights should be employed around the cooking area and workspaces for safety reasons, whilst a softer tone creates a more homely ambience around a breakfast bar or dining table. Consider installing a dimmer switch to vary the mood of your kitchen according to circumstance, with gentler tones more favourable when entertaining guests.

Installing a kitchen island is a cheap way of changing the layout of your kitchen as it provides a new focal point to the room. Furthermore, if you buy a moveable island, you can change the design of the room on a regular basis to ensure it always stays fresh. Other benefits of a kitchen island include the increased storage they provide, whilst they can also act as a stylish and contemporary dining area.

Finally, you can give the walls of your kitchen a new lick of paint, being careful to choose a colour and shade which complements the existing features and layout of the room. Stencils and stickers are both cheap ways of breathing new life into a drab wall, whilst retiling the splatter guard behind the cooker can also contribute to a stylish new look.

All of these suggestions are remarkably cheap and will breathe new life into any tired room, so if you are struggling in the Credit Crunch then now is the time to get creative!

Small kitchen nightmares

charlottec11 — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 05:25:01 CST

table { font-size: 10pt; }If you have a small kitchen, then remodelling can cause unique headaches. The key to redesigning a limited area is to ensure that the finished look does not generate a feeling of claustrophobia. This is often easier said than done but if you take notice of a few simple tips, you can create a style to be proud of – even in the tiniest of spaces.

With limited storage in a small kitchen, banishing clutter is important. With space at a premium, you need to have your work surfaces clear, so removing rarely-used items is vital. Sell appliances you hardly ever use, whilst ensure the only food you have in your kitchen units is in-date and will get eaten. If you are still struggling for space, consider buying a moveable kitchen island and storing it in another room. The added advantage of this is that the island can also function as a stylish dining table for when you entertain guests.

Surface distractions can make a room feel smaller, so consider using finger-pulls instead of conventional door handles on cupboards and drawers. This will give the kitchen a less cluttered and more spacious feel. Glossy surfaces are highly reflective and again generate a feeling of space, whilst installing corner units and pull-out shelf storage will best allow you to utilise the space you have.

White and pastel shades give the impression of a more open space, whilst using different tones of the same colour will allow the furniture to sit better with the surroundings. Natural light is important, although task and ambient lighting is highly recommended for night-time. Meanwhile, the ceiling should be painted in a lighter shade of the same colour used on the walls to give the impression of height.

Finally, you need to ensure that you have accurately measured the cupboards and work surfaces to ensure your kitchen is functional. In limited space, you need to make sure cupboard doors can open fully and that you can use the room for its intended purpose – the preparing and cooking of food.

The right tools for the job in kitchen renovation

charlottec11 — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 05:34:16 CST

When performing any DIY project, you need to have the right tools for the job. Many people’s DIY projects fail because they have not used the appropriate equipment and this often results in a poor finish which can significantly reduce the price of your house. It also reduces the quality of the finished look which can make entertaining guests an embarrassing procedure. At worst, it can also reduce the usability of your kitchen.

Along with the bathroom, the kitchen creates more dilemmas than most for the DIY enthusiast. In both rooms, plumbing is an issue whilst the range of unique projects means that the job of renovation is far from straightforward. This means it is vital to have the right tools as well as a basic knowledge of the expertise involved and a good online kitchen planner to fall back on. This article will focus on the basic equipment needed for a kitchen DIY project.

A good quality jigsaw is vital as the worktops will need to be cut to a specific size. Holes will also need to be crafted for the sink and hobs otherwise your kitchen will be far from practical. A neat finish is also dependent on a jigsaw, as well as a good quality sander, as it is important to have smooth edges, particularly if children are around.

Measurement is obviously key in any DIY project, so the necessity of a pencil and ruler goes without saying. Common sense is also important. Cupboard doors are often the first things which need replacing, so using your old doors as a template for the new ones is an obvious step. If you are making doors for new units, then ensure they are around 2mm smaller in size than the cupboard itself to guarantee easier opening and closing.

Straight edges are also important and using a router ensures straight cutting. Meanwhile, a worktop jig will guarantee the accurate cutting, butting and scribing of joints to ensure a seamless finish.

Having a good place to work is also important; a handyman is never complete without a sturdy workbench or two. Meanwhile, purloining a friend who can help you will also be beneficial, particularly when you are trying to sort out the joints when you are putting it all together.

All about kitchen laminate flooring

charlottec11 — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 05:28:01 CST

As with kitchen worktops, there are so many different material options for surfaces when purchasing a new kitchen floor. Laminate flooring is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to stone and carpet largely due to its versatility. In the kitchen, it adds a homely feel which can be exceptionally strong and durable when treated with the right lacquer. Furthermore, it is easy to clean and is extremely stain resistant.

The main issue regarding the laying of laminate flooring is ensuring that the surface underneath is smooth. It also needs to be firm and dry. Errant nails and screws need to be removed or nailed in before the flooring goes down, otherwise they could damage the wood.

Another important facet of laminate flooring is the need for an underlay. This typically comes in three types dependent upon purpose. When fitting this, you need to ensure that you leave enough space around pipe work and walls (typically 10mm).

Poly foam underlay is the thinnest type on the market and is suitable for dry, firm, level surfaces.

Combined underlay is slightly thicker, so can be laid down on slightly uneven floors. It also has damp-proofing properties, which are enhanced if the pieces are taped down.

The third type of underlay consists of boards made out of wood fibre. This is the thickest type of protection and so is suitable for use on the most uneven surfaces. It also provides good sound and heat insulation, even in cheap kitchens.

The laying of laminate flooring boards is relatively straightforward but care needs to be taken as the wood can expand and contract. 10mm of space around the walls gives the wood enough room to breathe and wall spacers are often provided to create this gap. The room and underlay needs to become acclimatised to the room by letting them lie in their approximate positions for 48 hours before fitting.

Boards should be laid length-ways towards the room’s light source. They fit together using interlocking tongues in an end-to-end manner. This is achieved by tilting the next board at around 30 degrees to the board already laid and sliding the tongue underneath.

The flooring is strengthened by offsetting the next row of laminates. This is done by starting the second row with half a board whose long side should slot into the boards in the first row. The same 30 degree procedure should be adopted for the following board whose short side should slot into the previously laid board. Ensure it rests on the locking strip of the previous row’s boards.

The final row usually has to be cut to size unless you are lucky and the size of your room fits exactly with the width of the boards.

Once you have covered the entire floor, you need to remove the spacers from the walls and fill the gap with laminate flooring trim. This should be cut to size and affixed to the skirting NOT the floor, using adhesive. It’s important that you don’t get any adhesive on the floor as this expands and contracts, which could ruin the skirting. Heavy weights should be used to push the trim into place as it dries.

Kitchen Remodeling

philadelphiabathroom — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 08:26:08 CST

Kitchen Photos

Show off your Before and After photos
Does your kitchen need a major makeover? Post a photo here and ask the community for advice!

Kitchen Remodeling Tips

Kitchen Resources

Get and share information on everything related to Kitchen remodeling . Websites, books, retail stores, etc.
http://www.veronashowers.com

Bath Remodeling Advice

philadelphiabathroom — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 08:23:41 CST

Looking for tips on design, fixtures, storage, or lighting? Ask the community for help!

Post your question and ask for advice.

You want to remodel you bathroom but you need a Bathroom remodeling idea ?

Video Commercial

Bath Photos

philadelphiabathroom — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 08:15:27 CST

Do you have a bathroom in desperate need of a remodel? Post a picture here and ask the community for ideas and advice.

Remodeling project completed by dRemodeling in Philadelphia area .
bathroom-pictures-remodeling-portfolio before and after pictures of remodeling projects.

Click EasyEdit and Image to upload a photo.

Master Bathroom Designs

philadelphiabathroom — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 08:10:21 CST

dRemodeling offers reliable, comprehensive, affordable, and highly skilled remodeling services to homeowners and small business owners in the greater Philadelphia area, including nearby New Jersey and Delaware. We have accumulated an impressive portfolio of beautiful, functional renovation projects and we continue to maintain a commitment to providing elegant and durable design solutions to all remodeling projects irregardless of their scale, scope, or complexity. If you are considering a Philadelphia Bathroom Remodel or addition, please also feel free to browse our one-stop-shop website about bathroom remodeling – www.philadelphia-bathrooms.com – where you can learn about and browse through sample bathroom floorplans and layouts, construction/remodeling steps, cost estimates, design ideas, and much more. Everything you need to know about a potential Bathroom Remodeling Project is now located in one convenient location! dRemodeling can be reached at 215.253.8833 (tel.), 215.599.3702 (fax), or at office at dremodeling.com. You can also learn more about the company and our services at www.dremodeling.com.

How to choose bathroom colors

dremodeling1 — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 19:45:43 CST

When a homeowner is considering renovating their bathroom, their greatest fear is probably the notion that the renovated bathroom will soon fall out of style due to an inappropriate or overly enthusiastic color scheme applied to the finish materials, the wall paint, and the choice of fixture colors. One need only look at the leftover bathrooms from the 1970s to see outdated color schemes – wild, gaudy (almost painful to the eye) colors abound and such bathrooms quickly become the laughingstock of guests and visitors. What is the best way to avoid becoming “out of fashion” so quickly? To put it bluntly,architectural and interior design architectural and interior design styles will always change and there is no credible way to ensure a bathroom will persistently remain in style as the decades pass. Even the most tastefully-designed 1950s bathroom (as it may have been seen then) would be unappealing to most people today because our cultural sensibilities have changed. To add another layer of worry, there also is the phenomenon of styles going in and out of fashion – a design scheme may prove particularly popular one decade, go out of fashion in the next, just to see a return in popularity in the third following decade. The homeowner is now no doubt wondering what the best means are to avoid constant renovations as styles change. Here are some tips to keep in mind that will ensure your bathroom can be easily and modestly modified to adapt to changing styles:

Simple white fixtures tend to remain in style the longest. Black, green, marbleized, mauve, and other tinted fixtures go in and out of style, but popular taste always returns most reliably to the simple elegance of white fixtures. (Has there ever been a time when white fixtures were resounding “out of fashion?”)
Rather than choosing complex color schemes for finish materials and paint, consider using simple neutral colors for these items and adding colors with removable objects instead – towels, curtains, screens, lampshades, rugs, and prints can all be coordinated to represent a specific color or design scheme and can all be easily changed out and replaced when trends change.
Stick to light colors for walls and ceilings, and floors if possible. Despite fluctuations and temporary fads for bright, dark, or vivid colors, tastes have always returned to more modest, light colors over time. Consider using soft, neutral colors – off white, beige, very light reds, greens, and yellows – for material selections and paint colors. Light colors also make the room feel larger, airier, and more open. You can more easily get away with using a dark color on the floors if it provides an elegant contrast to the lighter walls and it can also help the Bathroom feel more “grounded” and solid.

Please feel free to browse through these sample Bathroom design ideas to learn about different kinds of color and material schemes for various styles and kinds of bathrooms.

Transform Your Kitchen Today

charlottec11 — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:26:09 CST

Giving your kitchen a theme can be the perfect way to transform the room and allow you to create a relaxing or exciting escape that is distinct from the rest of the house.

Getting hold of a kitchen planner before creating a theme to suit you is key for this makeover to work as you must personalise your kitchen in order for it to become a place in which you can feel most comfortable. That said, here are two examples to get your creative juices flowing as you look to bring your kitchen to life.

The hustle and bustle of a café or coffee house is a unique atmosphere which can be easily brought into the home, even for those looking to design and purchase cheap kitchens rather than luxurious ones that break the bank. Recreating that energy is key and the best way to do this is through the use of brightly coloured surfaces.

Painting walls or fittings is a great way to do this, with rich reds and oranges giving the feel of a New York coffee house or a more chic black and white look introducing a Parisian café flavour.

Lighting can make these colours stand out further, so add some spotlights to further create the mood of your café kitchen.

Where would any coffee house worth its beans be without breakfast tables and high chairs? There are hundreds of styles to choose from and they can provide the perfect way to enjoy a hot drink with a newspaper in the warmth of the kitchen when it’s cold and dark outside.

Warmth is vital for our other theme, which is a classic farmhouse kitchen capable of whisking you away from the city to a slower pace of life.

Adding natural features to the room will bring about the farmhouse feel of a cottage in the countryside. Wicker baskets are perfect for storage and look great on wooden surfaces.

Once again, colour is important here, with deep greens looking rustic and soft lighting bringing out different tones.

Making these simple changes around your kitchen can really lift the room and take you to a different place. Where will your theme take you?

Choosing the best kitchen flooring for you

charlottec11 — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 11:06:29 CST

Choosing the ideal floor for your dream kitchen isn't always easy; there are so many aspects to consider including the colour, the feel, the texture...and of course the price! However, the starting point for this important decision is always the same and comes down to picking the right material for your new floor. With a wide range of materials available and kitchen suppliers always seeming to do their best to confuse customers at any given opportunity, it's always wise to focus on the basic pros and cons of a small number of popular floors, since there's sure to be a reason why their popularity has lasted through the decades despite changing trends and fashions in kitchens.

Tiles, for example, hold a universal appeal. They can look very expensive and, in some cases, as if they've been lifted straight out of the design pages of a style magazine. They're also durable, easy to clean, water-resistant, and very strong. However, if you tend to spend hours at the sink after cooking a roast dinner for the family, or have kids who can't help but run about the house at breakneck speeds, bear in mind how hard this floor can be. Glasses and plates will usually smash when they hit tiling, whilst kids also won't appreciate a knock on the head from this surface.

Wood, meanwhile, is slightly more forgiving in that respect whilst also being durable and retaining a strength that allows the material to last for life in some cases. Certain types of wood are, of course, more attractive than others but not all are suitable for being used for flooring, so make sure you use some form of online kitchen planner before you make a final decision.

Cheaper options include laminate flooring and PVC but you may find that you end up replacing these sorts of flooring so often that it would have been worth forking out for a slightly more expensive choice initially. If you have slightly unusual tastes in interior design, however, laminate flooring may work well for you as the range of styles and colours is impressive.

Bath Resources

PhillyRemodel — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 13:31:50 CDT

Magazines/Publications:
Kitchen and Bath Ideas

Websites:
Bathroom Design

Philadelphia Bathroom Remodeling

Books:

Seminars/Classes:

Kitchen and Bath Associations

Manufacturers

Tips on Contractors

kitchenfreak — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:50:25 CDT

Contractor FAQ

Ask questions on finding, hiring, and working with a contractor. If you have experience working with contractors, share your tips and advice!

<< Also see the page on kitchen and bath designers>>

Q: How do you check their credentials to be sure they know what they're doing?
A:

Check with your state DLLR (department of labor licensing and regulation) to verify current license status. If you are the homeowner doing the work do not be afraid to ask for proof of insurance. Generally you will contact the insurance company and have a copy sent directly to you.
With that being said, not everyone that has a license knows what they are doing. If you request referrals and previous work photos this should cover any suprises.

Q: I want to hear how a contractor did on other jobs. Is it okay to ask for the phone numbers of previous clients?
A:
sure it is. Ask ask ask.

Q: How many estimates should you get before you start?
A: 3 is a good number and if you know someone who has used a contractor doesn't mean they will do as good of a job for you as they did for them! This is a great place to get 3 free estimates for kitchen remodeling!

3 is good. Our rule of thumb in dealing with sub-contractors is toss the high and low and use the man in the middle. Dont be afraid to go with your gut feeling. If something seems too good IT IS! Dont be afraid to ask questions on the pricing, you may get lucky and find that your low price guy has materials left over from another job and is giving you a break.
DO NOT SETTLE! Always remember, Your House Your Project Your Rules.

Q: I've heard you should budget an extra 10% onto a contractor's estimate for cost overruns. I'm on a tight budget, and can't afford that. How do I make sure the contractor stays strictly to the estimate?
A: Get your contract in writing always!

If you are on a budget make sure you let the contractor know up front. A good contractor should be able to fit your requirements into a REALISTIC budget number, or make suggestions on where to change so that you can meet that number.
As a rule of thumb estimates are just that, estimating. As long as everything is clearly stated in your CONTRACT you will generally not run into cost overrun. READ THE CONTRACT. There are clauses in the contracts to cover unforseen items which is usually where you have additional charges, these are not uncommon in rennovations and remodels. There are paragraphs that also cover change orders and allowances, become familiar with these. Most change orders come when the homeowner decides on a different material, this is also normal from new construction to remodel. Always stay in communication with your contractor as this will alleviate many headaches.

Q:
A:

Video Commercial

Bath Manufacturers

NevarMc24 — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 13:06:49 CDT

Add your favorite sources for everything from cabinets to fixtures and lights.
Looking for something in particular? Post a question.

Bath Tubs 1. Bluebath.com 2. http://www.veronashowers.com	Bathroom Cabinets 1. 2.
Lighting 1. 2.	Shower Stalls 1. 2.
Tub Surrounds 1. 2.	Tile 1. 2.
Bath Toilets 1. EAGOUSA.com 2. http://www.veronashowers.com	Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures 1. Alfi Trade Inc 2.Thermique Heated Glass Towel Warmers

Living Room decorating Ideas

lindapaul — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 15:50:41 CDT

Living Room Decorating Ideas - Contemporary Home Decor

How to transition a living room from classic Italian style to fresh and bold contemporary design.
Before and after pictures from artist and designer Linda Paul

Buy the art you see in this makeover at http://www.lindapaul.com/contemporary_art_paintings_prints.asp

Before picture

click on picture to see larger image

My living room needed a fresh new look. It was a classic Italian style (picture at left) and I wanted a more contemporary decor with bold colors and clean lines. I started the decorating project by creating the red paintings you see in the above picture and then built the rest of the style and decor around them. I had to do this on a bit of a budget, repurposing some items that were good and replacing a few others. I used my white sofas and coffee table which I have had for 20 years You can use just a single painting as color inspiration for your whole room. Just play on the colors that are in the painting and add a couple complimentary or contrasting ones. In this room I added the colorful pillows to pick up the red and green colors in the paintings, then used deep purple as a coordinating and contrasting color. The easiest and cheapest way to add new life and color to a room is with pillows

For the next step in the decorating process, my old lamp and antique table had to go! I found a fabulous contemporary floor lamp and a matching table lamp at Lamps Plus. I was so inspired by the shape of the square glass globes and contemporary style that I created three little square abstract paintings to tie together the square shape of the lamp glass and the colors in the pillows and artwork. I can make these square paintings for you in any size, quantity and color combinations you want to match your decor! They are a fabulous way to pull a room together with color and contemporary style. You can hang them in any direction, or pattern and split them up to various area of your room

more info on these square abstract art paintings by artist Linda Paul

I am still working on the paintings for the other wall which will be large contemporary floral artworks in shades of green and pearly white. I will post them here when they are finished

see all fine art and tiles by artist Linda Paul at www.lindapaul.com

Kitchen and Bath Glossary

veronashowers — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 03:55:15 CDT

Our kitchen and bath glossary will help you get you started on all projects - large or small! Read each of the different areas and add more to it if you like. Use the EasyEdit button to contribute - add a word we left out or contribute to a current definition.

Appliance Glossary	Cabinets & Storage Glossary
Faucets & Fixtures Glossary	General Kitchen & Bath Terms
Lighting	http://www.veronashowers.com

Slide-in range

feet4thought — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:10:39 CST

Tell us what you know about slide-in ranges! Use the EasyEdit button to get started.

Like freestanding ranges these ranges stand on their own but they do not have a metal cabinet that encloses them. This allows a reduction in the gaps between the range and the countertop which prevents juice and crumbs from falling down between the range and the cabinets. These units typically have their controls in the front with a bottom storage drawer.

How does a slide-in compare to a freestanding range? What would you rather have in your home? Tell us by clicking the EasyEdit button.

Kitchen Remodeling Checklist

ashlincaravana — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:27:28 CDT

There are so many details to keep track of when you're redoing a kitchen--big or small. Everyone needs a checklist. Use this section to create checklists to keep your kitchen remodel organized.

Planning Checklist: What you need before you start.

Primary Use Checklist: Consider how you use your kitchen.

What's a must?
What's "nice to have"?

Bathroom Ideas and Designs

407creations — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:35:31 CDT

Come and see the broadest variety of quality art on tile for your bathroom you will find. We have been in business for over 10 years, and have great examples of designs and ideas provided by our Customers and us. We provide customized services to make the art 'yours' or to simply convert your favorite photo or artwork to tile for your kitchen, bath, indoor or outdoor, anywhere for your home. Look at some of these examples below, and thenvisit us at www.MyBacksplash.com.

Open up that small space, make it seem huge!!!

How about this mermaid in your shower?

Use your own photos, convert that block wall to beautiful murals without removing the glass block, just tile over it!!
Start----

Finished one side----

Look at the other side----

Come and see more beauty on tile!!! www.MyBacksplash.com

Kitchen and Bath - Recently Updated Pages

Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

Credit crunch kitchen remodeling ​

Small kitchen nightmares​

The right tools for the job in kitchen renovation

All about kitchen laminate flooring

Kitchen Remodeling

Bath Remodeling Advice

Bath Photos

Master Bathroom Designs

How to choose bathroom colors

Transform Your Kitchen Today

Choosing the best kitchen flooring for you

Bath Resources

Tips on Contractors

Contractor FAQ

Bath Manufacturers

Bath Tubs

Bathroom Cabinets

Lighting

Shower Stalls

Tub Surrounds

Tile

Bath Toilets

Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures