Jan 22 2008
The Ultimate Kitchen Planner Part 4 (Decoration)
Ceilings can be lowered with stylish tongue and groove slats to conceal a stained or unattractive original. This also allows for recessed lighting into the kitchen. Old pressed ceilings are being rediscovered and redeployed, with decorative mouldings providing the finishing touch.
Window treatments should be simple and easy to clean. Avoid thick fabrics and elaborate window coverings, and opt instead for shutters or Venetian blinds.
Counter tops must be as durable as floors; able to withstand spills and heat while still being good to look at. Allow as much work surface as possible. Stainless steel and luxurious naturals like quartz, granite and marble are good options. Quartz is leading the trend in natural counter tops and is available in a dazzling array of colors. It is long-lasting, non-porous, and is able to withstand knocks and heat. It is particularly effective on an island counter, where its beauty is shown off to best effect.
Laminates, veneers and concrete can also be used, depending on the look you want. The counter tops should be easy to clean, to reduce build-up of mould and bacteria. As no material is entirely scratch-resistant, counter tops should never be used as cutting or chopping surfaces. Once they have been scored by a sharp knife, they will absorb food stains.
If your counter top is in a natural stone like granite, you might want to use a thinner layer of the same stone as a splash-back, or contrast it with a sleek brushed aluminium back panel.
For an individual accent, try mixing and matching colourful tiles into an attractive splash-back area behind the sink and hob.
The area around the sink should be stainless steel, but other materials can be combined in interesting ways to suit different tasks: a thick butcher’s block for chopping and a piece of marble for rolling pastry.
A kitchen is an investment, but it can also be the best- loved and most well-used room in the house. By choosing the right combination of fittings and appliances, you’ll make an art of efficiency and have an asset that will add value to your home and your lifestyle.
SHOPPING FOR THE KITCHEN
When you visit a kitchen showroom be sure to examine the quality of the fittings carefully. Open cupboards and drawers and make sure that all hinges are metal rather than plastic. Insist that a representative visits your home and gives you a detailed quotation covering design, installation, flooring and all structural work. Don’t get carried away when you see offers of discounts or free appliances and always read the small print on your quote to ensure there’s no catch.
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The Ultimate Kitchen Planner Part 4 (Decoration)
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- Ultra-Modern Kitchen Style Decoration Tips
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