Kitchen Backsplash Designs

Once you’ve decided what materials and colors you want for your backsplash, it’s time to determine how to put it all together. If you choose tile, do you prefer a consistent pattern (say, square or diagonal) or will you mix it up in some way? Here are some kitchen backsplash ideas and designs to spark your imagination.

Range Backsplash Ideas

Breaking up the tile pattern behind the range is a great way to add interest and a focal point to the room. This can be done with a simple border tile to section off a rectangular area below the hood, or by changing the tiles altogether. Purchasing a tile mural or mosaic design is another way of highlighting this part of the kitchen.

Sink Backsplash Ideas

If your sink happens to be in front of a wall instead of a window, you will want to decide whether to keep the same tile pattern as the rest of the kitchen or to mix it up. The same general design principles apply behind a sink as they do behind a range, so you can change the backsplash here with an easy-to-clean stone slab or add a design feature with a border tile or mural if you wish

Kitchen Tile Murals

Depending on the style of your kitchen, an artistic mural can add both a point of focus and a conversation piece to the room. It’s one of the most popular kitchen backsplash ideas for Tuscan, country, and French country kitchens. With an appropriate period design, a tile mural can be used in Craftsman kitchens as well.

Abstract Tile Designs

An artistic mural is not always appropriate in a modern or luxury home, so to spice up the look, you might consider kitchen backsplash tile designs that are more abstract. These are often available pre-packaged from specialty tile stores, although it is possible for a creative artisan to design one from scratch for your home.

 

Backsplash Tile Patterns

From a simple rectangular tile design to multi-tiered bands of varying shapes, the sheer number of backsplash tile patterns is staggering. For any given material, there are often dozens of possible sizes and shapes to choose from, and near infinite ways in which to combine them. While it’s easy to over-complicate things, I often recommend starting simple and then adding some variation as needed.

Mosaic Backsplash Tiles

Sometimes smaller is better. Mosaic backsplash tiles are usually 1-inch or smaller, and typically come in 12×12-inch pre-formed sheets to make installation much easier. The tiles can be all of the same material, or can be ordered in randomized patterns from specialized tile retailers. Arizona Tile’s Custom Blend Tool allows you to generate your own special-order mosaic pattern online.

Other Decorative Backsplash Options

A growing trend in backsplash design is the customized look, be it with screen-printed tiles or photographic glass backsplashes. A number of companies now offer custom large-format printing on the back of glass panels that have been custom fit to your walls. The result is a unique design that is entirely your own.

Read more: http://www.kitchen-design-ideas.org/kitchen-backsplash-ideas.html#ixzz2lErEUw17

Kitchen Backsplash Material Ideas

Choosing from a variety of kitchen back splash ideas can be an enjoyable and visually rewarding experience. From natural stone tile to mosaic marvels to photo-printed glass, the possibilities for your kitchen are virtually endless.

Miles of Tile

From man-made ceramic tile to quarried natural stone tiles such as travertine, marble, limestone, and slate, tile back-splashes are by far the most popular option for today’s kitchens. For extra character and dimension, consider a tumbled travertine or tumbled marble backsplash in which the tiles are worn down with sand to create a softened, less uniform appearance.

Stone Slab Fab

For a perfectly smooth surface that can practically be hosed down when cleaning, a full granite backsplash is a top choice. In this case, the backsplash is cut from the same slab as the countertop so the pattern flows continuously from the counter on up. Silestone and quartz are also common, while slabs of marble, soapstone, and onyx are more exotic backsplash choices.

Classy Glass

If you’re looking for fresh, cutting-edge kitchen backsplash ideas, look no further. Glass tile and glass mosaic backsplashes have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, either as accents in a mixed-material backsplash or occasionally as the entire surface. For modern kitchens, an easy-to-clean solid glass backsplash can be custom shaped to the wall. The pane can be mirrored or back-painted glass, or even printed with a photo or mural!

Majestic Metal

For the pro chef, nothing tops a stainless steel backsplash behind the range. It’s fireproof, sanitary, and easy-to-clean. Decorative metal is also a growing trend in today’s backsplashes, with copper, tin, and metal tile picking up steam. Decorative metal backsplashes often come with pressed patterns or in a dramatic patina, so it’s advisable to step back and consider the overall effect to keep them from visually overpowering the room.
                                          

Plastic Perfection

For kitchens with solid surface countertops (Corian) or laminate (Formica), a matching Corian or laminate backsplash is an option. Vinyl tiles, available at home stores, mimic the look of stone and ceramic tiles and are often self-adhesive for DIY installations. For a faux metal backsplash, look for thermoplastic products that resemble pressed tin and copper.

Knock on Wood

While wood is not fire safe to use behind a cooking surface, there are often other areas in a kitchen where a wood backsplash can provide a warmer appearance. For country and cottage style kitchens, a beadboard backsplash looks terrific behind a built-in hutch or open cabinetry. Even a painted backsplash can work for any area away from sinks or cooktops.

Rustic Renaissance

In a timber frame, log home, or rustic kitchen, sometimes a “normal” backsplash just won’t cut it. Depending on the desired look, a brick or stone kitchen backsplash can add serious impact. For an “outdoor” ambiance, a cobblestone or stacked stone backsplash can be installed on an entire wall or along the back of a kitchen island or peninsula.

Contemporary Kitchen Cabinets

Contemporary kitchen cabinets are generally composed of minimal ornamentation and flat surfaces. The cabinetry style is intentionally non-traditional, avoiding decorative moldings in favor of simplicity and function.

This black and white kitchen features contemporary cabinets by ALNO, AG. [+] More Pictures

Historic Influences: Contemporary kitchen designs date from the 1940s to the present, and trace many of their stylistic origins in Europe.

         

Elements of Style: For a clean and spacious look, contemporary kitchen design typically avoids excess ornamentation. Crown molding, wood carvings, and raised panel door styles are almost never used. Small spaces can be made to feel bigger if there is less visual stimulation. Therefore the relatively flat surfaces found in contemporary kitchens can be of benefit to smaller modern homes.

Materials: Most materials in contemporary kitchen designs are man-made, including metal, plastic, concrete, glass, and recycled goods. While these man-made materials can often feel cold and sterile, many designers like to incorporate natural elements such as wood veneer and natural stone to bring some warmth back into the room. Simple decorations such as a potted plant or a bowl of fruit can also give your kitchen a more natural ambiance.

            

Color Schemes: Many contemporary kitchens have monochromatic color schemes, featuring various combinations of black, white, and gray. These kitchens tend to look very modern and sharp. Some contemporary designs, however, incorporate unique colors or exotic wood in order to create a visual impact and showcase the homeowner’s favorite materials or hues.

Kitchen Design Photos: Below are some pictures of kitchens featuring contemporary cabinets.

        

Read more: http://www.kitchen-design-ideas.org/contemporary-kitchen-cabinets.html#ixzz2iaPib6pn

How to Organize a Kitchen: 10 Tips and Ideas

Learning how to organize a kitchen not only ensures that your kitchen is consistently neat and tidy, but also helps to streamline kitchen activities. Regardless of whether you have just moved into a new house or want to improve the functionality of your current kitchen, we believe these tips will help.

One of the most popular ways to organize a kitchen is to start with a good drawer divider system. See more of this ALNO kitchen here.

1. Dispose of Clutter: Donate or discard anything that you are no longer using in the kitchen. You can hand it down to a relative, donate it to charity, or sell it on eBay or at a yard sale. While some of the cookware in your kitchen may have some sort of sentimental value to you, be sure to weigh how much you use it versus how much space it consumes. For example, when did you last use the cookie press? Is the melon baller gathering dust? Do you use all the gizmos in your kitchen? Getting rid of kitchenware that you no longer use will create space for the items you really use. If you want great de-cluttering ideas and inspiration, read Clutter’s Last Stand by Don Aslett.

2. Go Shopping: If there is broken kitchenware, replace it with cookware that is functioning. For example, if the fry pan keeps scorching your delicate dishes, replace it with a non-stick fry pan. If you do not have the money to replace the kitchenware, include it in your birthday or anniversary request list.

3. Sort Smarter: Keep utensils that are frequently used in an area that can easily be reached. For instance, you can have a cupboard for keeping utensils that are rarely used and shelves for keeping cookware that is frequently utilized. Then again, if you lack enough room in your kitchen to build shelves and cabinets, rarely used items can be kept in an protective container in the garage.

A pull-out spice rack is a great way to keep your spices organized in one place.

4. Create Work Zones: Consider various centers of activities and keep related cookware close to one another. If you happen to be remodeling, consider building a pantry near the refrigerator to consolidate your food zones, adding a preparation area where meals are prepared before cooking, and a cooking area where the stove is to be placed with appropriate spices and utensils close by. Other zones to consider are a cleaning and waste disposal area as well as a baking and serving area. Creating these activity zones will streamline operations in your kitchen. Check out Blum Dynamic Space for more suggestions on ideal work zones, which are introduced in the video below:

---

5. Clear the Countertops: The kitchen counter is your main workspace. Do not forget to clean it in addition to removing clutter from it. How often do you use the appliances currently taking up space on the countertop? Is the mixer, toaster oven, rice cooker, or juicer collecting dust? If you any of your countertop appliances infrequently, consider storing them in a nearby cabinet instead to be pulled out when needed.

Save counter space by storing your stand mixer in a base cabinet. This one is built onto a mechanized cabinet lift for frequent access.

6. Organize Shopping Lists: For couples and families, keeping a consistent place for a shopping list is very helpful, so that anyone can mark the things that you do not have in your kitchen. Also, maintaining a separate list of supplies you like to store your kitchen will help you in ensuring that your kitchen is always stocked. Maintaining this supply list aids you in buying what is necessary for your kitchen, thus avoiding impulse buying.

7. Setup a Workstation: Do you use your kitchen when sending mail or helping your kids with homework? Do you find yourself reading the morning newspaper in the kitchen? If you find yourself using the kitchen for other activities besides cooking, make sure that there is a tidy location within your kitchen where you can sit and read a book or help your child with their homework. See this gallery of Kitchen Desks on Pinterest for more inspiration.

An increasing number of families now use the kitchen for everyday tasks, from checking email to doing homework. If you plan to have a desk in your kitchen, be sure to keep it tidy. See more pictures of this kitchen.

8. Get a Tune Up: Your kitchen will not be at its optimum if there are broken or damaged components, such as leaking faucets or partially clogged drains. If something is broken in your kitchen, make a point of replacing or fixing it as soon as possible.

9. Sort by Frequency of Use: Ideally, an efficient kitchen basically boils down to having what you need at your fingertips. If there are items that you use on a frequent basis, you can keep them close to the area where they are most used, while lesser-used items should be placed in harder-to-reach areas.

10. Keep Tidy Habits: Finally, do not forget to clean the kitchen as you work. Once you are through with a pan, have it cleaned and stored away. This is the most productive habit to maintain. Cleaning as you work ensures that clutter does not pile up to unmanageable sizes in the kitchen.

Read more: http://www.kitchen-design-ideas.org/how-to-organize-a-kitchen.html#ixzz2hvIZeqZL

Kitchen Bar Stools: Sitting in Style

More than just a chair: Kitchen bar stools aren’t just for sitting down to eat at the counter. They can add a profound decorative statement to your kitchen while also providing a perfect place to relax and socialize in your home.

Although bar stools were originally designed for use in bars, as the name implies, these furniture pieces made their way to the kitchen fairly quickly when high countertops required taller chairs. In this idea guide, we want to help you make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the right stools for your kitchen.

Comfy and stylish: These creamy leather bar stools reflect the style of this kitchen nicely. Designed by Woodale Designs.

Kitchen Bar Stool Styles

When choosing a bar stool, you should not only look at style and design, but also its purpose. Do they only provide seating for a quick breakfast or a chat in the kitchen, or are they meant for longer lunches and dinners? The time you and your guests are going to spend in the chairs should be a key factor in your decision. You will have to look at chairs with comfortable padding, foot rests and back rests. However, the chair should also suit your kitchen, which is why you will have several style options to choose from, with many different designs that will work well with your specific interior.

Retro & Vintage Bar Stools

Retro bar chairs can really draw the eye and create a focal point. They are usually available in bold colors and contain a lot of shiny chrome. Cherry red is an all-time favorite, but you also get them in pink, blue, purple and basically all the colors of the rainbow. These chairs are great if you have a funky, retro kitchen design or you are trying to recreate the 1950’s diner look.

Some Like it Hot: A modern twist on a retro kitchen with curved red cabinets, stainless and chrome accents, and retro bar stools. [+] More Pictures

These chrome and black leather kitchen bar stools have a retro feel. See more of this kitchen on the Woodale Designs portfolio gallery.

Mediterranean & Rustic Bar Stools

If you have a rustic kitchen, with a lot of wood and country-style decor, your bar stools should match this look. A simple wooden design will work perfectly in such a kitchen but will not necessarily be comfortable unless you go for an upholstered seat. Leather chairs also work well with the rustic look, but instead of the slick, modern black or white leather, stick to the browns. Wicker is also a great material that adds to the rustic look and is surprisingly comfortable to sit on. Fabric seats are also fine, as long as the print is in muted colors and not too funky.

A rustic bar hand-made bar stool fits nicely in this log home kitchen.[+] More Pictures

Victorian, Wrought Iron, & Steampunk Bar Stools

Steampunk is a style that is gaining popularity and also making its way into our interiors, including kitchens. If you are going for the Steampunk look for your kitchen interior, go for chairs with ornate ball and claw feet. Anything with machine-like properties and an industrial look will also go well with a Steampunk kitchen. Wrought iron designs in a Victorian style are also very suitable.

Wrought iron bar stools with woven seats cast intriguing shadows in this old world kitchen.[+] More Pictures

Elegant & Traditional Bar Stools

If you have a more formal picture in mind and are simply looking for something elegant, black leather is always a good option. These chairs are both comfortable and stylish. There is also a wide range of very elegant upholstered chairs available, with stylish patterns. Faux suede is also a good choice and will blend in nicely with the rest of the kitchen interior.

These elegant counter-height bar stools feature a dark tobacco finish on rattan frames with woven backrests and upholstered seats. [+] More Pictures

These traditional golden-brown bar stools are a good match for a Tuscan style kitchen such as this.

Modern & Contemporary Bar Stools

Contemporary kitchens are often small, which is why space saving bar chairs are quite popular. You can, for instance, install “floating” chairs that attach to the island and simply swivel out when used and can be folded back neatly afterward. Contemporary bar stool designs are usually minimalist, with flowing, curvy lines or very geometric shapes.

These modern kitchen bar stools are classy and minimal — a great complement to this award-winning space by Designer Kitchens LA.

Blue bar stools provide a bold pop of color in this monochromatic kitchen (also created byDesigner Kitchens LA).

Great contemporary designs are not hard to find; they are readily available from modern furniture stores such as UK-based Forrest Furnishing. Colors often include high-contrast black and white, bold colors, or beige and earthen tones.

---

Size and Space Considerations

Now that we’ve covered different bar stool styles, it’s important to go over some functional basics about kitchen seating:

1. How high should a kitchen bar stool be?
   For comfort, a stool’s seat should be about 12 inches lower than the countertop surface. Since a typical bar counter is 42″ high, use a standard bar stool with a 30″ seat height. Single-level island countertops are normally 36″ high and require 24″ counter stools, while kitchen desks are usually 30″ high with normal chairs at 18″ seat height.
2. How many bar stools will fit along your countertop?
   Most people prefer at least 2 feet of space to themselves when sitting for a meal, so a 6-foot island should comfortably seat three adults. Wider kitchen bar stools with arm rests will require more space, so only use the 2-feet-per-stool rule as a bare minimum when planning your seating arrangement, and be sure to measure for your own setup.
   
3. What about shapes and features?
   Saddle seats, round stools, chair-backs, arm rests… these will all depend on both the style and comfort you’re looking for. Keep in mind that rounded shapes take up less space and are easier to walk around; that goes for both the countertop shape and the bar stool itself.

Looking for more kitchen seating inspiration? Check out our gallery of Kitchen Islands, Kitchen Bar Stools, and Kitchen Chairs & Tables on Pinterest.

 

Take a look @ one of our own listings Wet Bar w/Bar Stool Chairs:

Read more: http://www.kitchen-design-ideas.org/kitchen-bar-stools.html#ixzz2h4yI9GyA

Minor Kitchen Remodels that Make a Huge Difference

Giving your kitchen a makeover doesn’t have to be a huge project. In fact, there are a number of low-budget ways to give your kitchen a brand new look without investing too much dough.

Here are just a couple of minor projects you can undertake that will breathe new life into your kitchen’s tired aesthetic:

Install New Light Fixtures

If your current kitchen is lit by one central fixture, you might have an off-balance ambiance. Consider adding a few more fixtures to break up glare and create a perfect blend of decorative and functional lighting. Bar lights, under-cabinet lights or other ambient lighting will help give a new feel to your kitchen.

Cabinet lighting has been a hot trend recently, and for good reason: Beautiful lighting can make an ordinary space shine.

---

Change the Colors

A fresh coat of paint or a bright accent wall can really make your kitchen pop! Alternatively, consider creating a mosaic tile backsplash or using vintage or colorful decorative accents for visual interest.

Bold color stripes create an eye-popping accent wall in this kitchen. Visit our color schemes guide for more ideas.

---

Upgrade the Countertops

Changing out countertops is a great way to give your kitchen an all-over new look without too much investment. You can choose stone materials, like marble, slate or granite or, if you’re really on a budget, just change out colors on your laminate counters and add a new color or pattern to the room.

New countertops can add value and life to a kitchen without requiring an entire remodel.Click here for a plethora of granite colors to spark your imagination.

---

Revamp the Cabinets

In most kitchens, cabinets cover a large amount of real estate. Because of this, updating or changing them out can have a huge effect on the overall look of the room. If you can’t afford to completely replace your existing cabinets, try revamping your old ones. A popular trend lately is glass-front cabinets. Simply remove your cabinet doors, cut out the front panel (leaving a two- to three-inch border around it), and insert clear glass panes. This gives your kitchen an open and airy look.

If replacing cabinets is outside your budget, you can always repaint cabinets or stain a light wood darker for a whole new look and feel. Even updating the cabinet handles alone can make a big difference!

Painting old cabinets and adding glass panels can be an inexpensive way to revamp the look of your entire kitchen. [+] More Pictures

---

Add an Island

If you have the space, adding or upgrading an island not only transforms your room; it may also give you more space to cook, chop and serve up food. You can choose to get an island installed professionally – and have it match your countertops – or you could opt for a roll-away island, which you can typically find at any major furniture store or outlet. Most feature underside cabinets and drawers, giving you additional storage space.

If you enjoy DIY projects, you can try refinishing an old work table into a beautiful and functional island. Source: Vintage Kitchens Gallery.

---

Create a Bar

If part of your kitchen is blocked off by a wall, consider knocking half of it out and turning the lower half into a bar. This can open up space between rooms and create a better space for entertaining. You can even get bar stools to match your décor to really pull the room together.

Designer Kitchens LA updated this small kitchen with a cutout in the wall for a small bar.

---

Are you tired of your kitchen’s look, but just don’t have the funds to do a full-scale remodel? Give your kitchen a facelift with one of these minor, low-budget projects.

Read more: http://www.kitchen-design-ideas.org/minor-kitchen-remodels-make-huge-difference.html#ixzz2f6PXpQym

Luxury Kitchen Designs

Luxury Kitchen Design: Today’s expensive homes are only as luxurious as the kitchens they contain. Luxury kitchens call for extraordinary details along with the use of rich materials and colors. Scroll down to see the complete gallery below.

Everything about this kitchen exudes elegance, with its the high coffered ceilings, antique white cabinets, decorative stained glass, and a contrasting wood island topped with gracefully shaped granite.

Ultimate Investment: As the most valuable room in any house, a luxury kitchen adds tremendous worth to a home. Unlike an expensive car, which can depreciate quickly, an expensive kitchen is an investment that creates value over a longer period of time.

Price Points: In my experience in the kitchen remodeling industry, I’m convinced that the old adage “You get what you pay for” holds true when it comes to building kitchens. Luxury appliances and expensive kitchen cabinets will last much longer and retain their value far better than mid-range and low-end options. I’ve seen mid-level cabinetry crumbling and falling off the walls after only 10-15 years. Cheap import cabinetry may “look” luxurious today but will end up in a dump in a very short time. Your best bet is to buy it right the first time. Considering a luxury kitchen design is a great place to start. A luxury kitchen can cost you anywhere from $30,000- $60,000.

Luxury Kitchen Cabinets: Cabinetry is the largest and most important investment in any kitchen remodel. Luxury kitchen cabinets often feature high-end American woods like Cherry and Walnut with rich, dark stains. Exotic woods such as Sapele Mahogany or Brazilian Cherry can take it to another level. Specialty painted and glazed finishes can also make for a luxurious kitchen. For a downright opulent look, some cabinet finishers use gold leaf to accent cabinetry details. High-end kitchens often feature flush inset, frameless, or beaded inset cabinets with deluxe undermount soft-closing drawers.

Luxury Appliances: To create a beautiful focal point in the room, an artfully crafted wood hood makes a stunning design statement. For extra elegance, luxury appliances can be framed in with decorative carved posts or fluted columns. Occasionally the appliances themselves are panelized with wood. Luxury kitchen sinks can be crafted of heavy gauge stainless steel, polished or hammered copper, or even marble or granite.

         

     

                  

Read more: http://www.kitchen-design-ideas.org/luxury-kitchen-design.html#ixzz2ecWoLHcF

 

Thanks for Reading,

The Inman Team

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theinmanteam

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Inman-Team/115726945105994?ref=hl

10 Great Kitchen Appliances for Entertaining

Kitchen Appliances for Entertaining: Looking forward to hosting family, friends and guests at your home? Then you’ll definitely want to know about the top appliances that are fantastic party tools for any special event.

These devices — from basic food prep gadgets to larger catering-style machines — help you save time in and out of the kitchen, so you can get back to the important task of enjoying your company.

A built-in ice maker is a great help if you entertain frequently.

1. Ice Maker: It’s always a pain to run out of ice in the middle of a party, so why not make your own? A dedicated ice maker does that for you, so you’ll never have to step out to grab ice from the store. Unlike your fridge, an ice maker has more than enough capacity to make enough ice to satisfy guests and then some.

2. Wine Fridge: For those who entertain guests frequently with the finest wines available, a wine fridge is definitely a must-have. In addition to quick access, your wines will stay at a cool pre-set temperature. Dual-zone units are available for keeping a wider variety of wines around.

Available in various capacities for unique storage needs, a wine cooler makes a great addition to a kitchen island, if you have the space for it.

3. Food Processor: It takes time to slice, chop, knead and shred those ingredients you need for party appetizers and the like. Why waste time on that when a food processor gets the job done in a fraction of the time? A food processor with a strong motor will last you through countless special events while the variable speeds let you chop, slice and mix almost any food you could think of.

4. Meat Thermometer: Okay, the last thing you want to do is poison your guests! Take all of the guesswork out of cooking chicken, beef or pork with an accurate and highly reliable meat thermometer. The most popular types of meat thermometers include the “ovenproof” thermometer, which remains in the food throughout the cooking process and the instant-read thermometer with a probe that measures internal temperatures quickly.

5. Blender: While food processors deal with chopping, grinding and mixing foods, a blender is the perfect tool for making delicious fruit smoothies, margaritas and even condiments like salad dressings. Don’t be afraid to have the two side-by-side during dinner parties.

6. Stand Mixers: When you have guests coming over, prep time is in short supply. Having a mixer in the kitchen makes for a great time-saver, plus it saves you from having to wrestle with a whisk or a spoon. You can use a stand mixer to your advantage for whipping potatoes, beating batter and kneading dough or use a portable hand-held mixer to fluff eggs and mix lighter foods. Don’t be afraid to have both types around, as each one has its own set of advantages in the kitchen.

Save time and elbow grease with a stand mixer. This one is built onto a mechanized cabinet lift.

7. Crockpot: Having a crockpot on hand is a quick and fun way of cooking those delicious appetizers. From nachos to chili, beans and meatballs, you can whip up a wide variety of appetizing dishes for your guests in little to no time at all. As a bonus, crockpot cooking gives your dishes that delicious slow cooked taste. At our family parties, a triple crock pot server is a huge hit, and a consistent source of compliments.

8. Fondue Pot: A fondue pot is a fancy and fun way to serve up desserts, entrees, and hors d’oeuvres. Make delicious cheese dips for bread sticks, or try decadent chocolate dessert fondues. If you’re going all out for a wedding reception or fancy gathering, take desert a step further with a chocolate fountain!

9. Electric Griddles: No report on appliances for entertaining is complete without mention of the wide array of specialty electric griddles, from full-sized grills to specialized quesadilla makers, hot dog machines, pretzel makers, and waffle irons. You can leave these out on a table or countertop for friends & family to informally serve themselves, or use these griddles in advance to more quickly mass-produce your party food.

10. Ice Cream & Popcorn! It’s not just the kids who love a good old fashioned ice cream for dessert. You can wow and impress friends, family and guests by making your own homemade ice cream or frozen yogurt with easy-to-use machines. The best thing about having your own ice cream machine is the boundless creativity; you can make any flavor of ice cream you want in as much quantity as your dinner guests desire. For kids’ summer parties, a snow cone maker is a fairly popular choice.

If you’re going all out, give your guests the full Disneyland Main Street experience by also adding a cotton candy maker or popcorn maker to the scene. From simple counter-top models to old-fashioned carnival style circus carts, nothing makes a party hop like a popcorn machine. While they aren’t exactly appropriate for a formal dinner gathering, carnival-style popcorn machines are perfect for kid-friendly summer parties and wedding receptions.

Get the Party Going

It’s not always easy to keep friends and family entertained during those special events. Fortunately, these appliances really make the difference when it comes to throwing that perfect brunch or dinner party. These and other catering-style food prep-machines are surprisingly easy to find at various department stores and specialty cooking outlets.

What do you think? Can you suggest any more great appliances for entertaining? Let us know in the comments below, or shoot us an email on our contact page. With a little prep, and a great tool set, your home can be host to some fantastic gatherings!

How To Buy A Home That Has Resale Value

Buying a home, for most people, is one of the largest investments they will make in their lifetime.   So it only stands to reason that you choose a home that is going to give you a good return on your investment when it’s time for you to move into another home.  A home that’s more suited to your growing family or changing lifestyle.   By the time you are finished reading this article, you will have a good idea of what to look for in a home and neighborhood.  Things that indicate you have found a home that will increase in value.

1.  Smaller and mid priced homes generally have a better resale value than large homes.

2.  Location, location, location.  How many times have you heard that?  Probably because it’s true.  Buy a home in a location that is convenient to major thoroughfares, necessities and conveniences.  Important things such as easy access to a highway, a popular grocery store, gas stations, childcare, banks, dry cleaners and plenty of watering holes where people like to hang out.

3.  A good school district is another huge deciding factor for many people.

4.  Research the area and neighborhood crime.  A safe environment  is very important.  Talk with the police and some of the people in the neighborhood to see if they like living there and feel safe.

5.  The house must have a good, workable floorplan.  One that’s not choppy and claustrophobic.  A floorplan that will easily fit most reasonable furniture.  A house that’s not dark and has lots of sunlight is also important.

6.  Try to find a home with a minimum of three bedrooms and at least two full bathrooms.   Homes that are smaller than that generally don’t resell as well, depending on where you live and if the other homes in that neighborhood are all similar in size and layout.

7.  How are the amenities?  Everyone wants amenities.  Does it have lots of cabinet space, big closets, plenty of storage, etc?

8.  Most people prefer a home with at least a two car garage.

9.  How high are the property taxes for that neighborhood?  Try to find a neighborhood with the lowest possible property taxes.  The higher the property tax, the higher the mortgage payments will be.

10. Is the neighborhood in decline?  Look closely and talk to your realtor for advice.  The neighborhood may look ok but there may be some subtle indications that it’s in a slow decline.  You want to buy a home that is in an up and coming neighborhood, otherwise you will lose money when it comes time to sell.

Let your realtor know what your needs are and  what type of area and neighborhood you would like to live.  Your realtor has the experience it takes to recognize a good neighborhood from a declining neighborhood and will guide you in the right direction.

7 Steps to a Kitchen Color Scheme

Choosing from an infinite number of kitchen color schemes can be both exciting and daunting. How do you decide? From a simple black and white kitchen to every other grouping of possible hues, picking the right combination will be easier if you follow our step-by-step guide. There are seven essential steps to take when selecting colors for your kitchen remodel. While often helpful, it is not necessary to follow these steps in order.

1. Choosing cabinet colors: Kitchen cabinets typically take up 50% of your budget and occupy about 40% of the visual space in your kitchen. For these reasons, it’s best to start out by choosing a cabinet color that fits your personality and your home’s style before deciding the other colors in your kitchen.
2. Choosing appliance colors: Your cabinetry order cannot be finalized until you know which appliances you intend to buy. As focal points, your sink and appliances can have a big impact on your kitchen color scheme.
3. Choosing countertop colors: Your kitchen countertops are close to eye level and will occupy a large portion of your visual space. Be sure to bring a sample of your cabinetry color to help you choose a coordinating countertop color.
4. Choosing flooring colors: When selecting a kitchen floor color, be sure it coordinates well with the cabinets, countertops, and appliances, as well as with the floors in adjoining rooms.
5. Choosing a backsplash color: By now your kitchen color scheme is nearly complete. There are many backsplash options that can either coordinate or clash with your color scheme, so if you need extra help, don’t hesitate to enlist the services of a designer when selecting a backsplash.
6. Choosing a wall color: Often the forgotten backdrop to an overall color scheme, your walls can still play a vital role. While the walls are often obscured by cabinets, pick a color that balances well with the floors, cabinets, and backsplash.
7. Choosing hardware colors: Your faucets and cabinet handles are installed later, after the cabinets and granite have been completed. While it is common to coordinate the faucets and handles colors, it is not required.

Read more: http://www.kitchen-design-ideas.org/kitchen-color-schemes.html#ixzz2c5L1znGF