Interior Lighting

Light can define space, substance and style. Outdoors, with the shifting sun and atmospheric conditions, light and the shadows change the appearance of things natural and man made. But in the indoors, the play of natural and artificial lighting largely determine both function and decoration.

Today lighting is considered to be a very important element of decorating scheme. The invention of the incandescent bulb in 1978 revolutionized lighting systems as it allowed light to be easily manipulated. Apart from exploiting natural light by using opaque or transparent glass walls, sky lights, large windows etc. for offices, architect work out the detailed light fittings which are conducive for a work environment. In homes, a careful selection of lights extends and enhances the aesthetics of interiors. Similarly for hotels, showrooms, museums, gardens, water bodies, individual lighting requirements are worked out. Artificial light falling from various angles and heights on different surfaces guide us to perceive various features and dimensions while creating a specific mood. With technological developments and the stress on precision lighting, a variety of lighting fixtures are readily available with options which offer manifold possibilities in terms of effect.

The choice of fitting according to the room , gets very difficult , one gets puzzled off as there are so many varieties in lights like the table lamps , spot lights , clamp lights , recessed / surface mounted lights , up lighters , halogens , incandescent bulb , pendants , fluorescent fixtures and lots of others. Once the basic idea of the space, mood, interior design, highlighting, function of work have been specified, one can then consider the basic types of lighting. Initially only the planned positions of lights need to be decided. Later, the selection of bulbs and the exact effect can be created. One should always keep in mind some of the basic rules while designing the light.

*Every activity that takes place in the interior must have lights of the right kind, intensity and the right direction.
*The eye prefers even lighting with the minimum of contrast between the brightness of the room surfaces and the lighting fixtures.
*The eye works best when the work surface is more brightly lit then the surroundings.
*The eye is stimulated by the contrast of tone and sparkle.
*When room lighting change, color changes or disappear,thus objects become more or less important in the room.
*There are three basic types of lighting which are categorized according to the intensity of the light used.

General lighting
It supplies an overall illumination in the area.






Task lighting

It supplies the required illumination for specific tasks such as reading, painting etc. It directs strong local illumination without high general illumination as required for activities carried in a particular area.



Accent lighting
It offers a decorative element to the area by highlighting the particular objects or features in the area. They are auxiliary to the general lighting and provide an added, and at times, dramatic dimensions to the scheme.


Spaces can be provided with one, two or all types of these lightings, depending upon the requirement. With different types of lighting in each room and dimmers to adjust the intensity of light, an ordinary space can be infused with much dramatic look to convey different moods to suit different times of the day.



LIVING ROOM lighting

*Establish an adequate general illumination level to reduce the accent light, brightness, contrast.
*Illuminate an entire wall with overhead fixtures to provide background for room furnishings.
*Feature window areas with the cosmic lighting.
*Indirect light like that under a pelmet or above a cabinet will supply soft uniform illumination.

*Use dimmers to program lighting moods.
*Play up with the architectural features like ala, niches, mantles etc.
*Highlight artwork and plants with individual lighting arrangements.
*Be sure that the floor, table and hanging fixtures have adequate shades to prevent glare.
*Plan adequate lighting to handle a variety of family activities like rack for display.
*Bar area could use incandescent light to play up sparkling glassware. Lighted shelves or fluorescent fixtures under the front edge of bar are effective.



Dining Room Lighting


The decor of dining room depends upon the culture of the family. A dining room can change the style of eating. So one should be careful while playing with the lights to make the environment relax and easy.
*One must keep the visual emphasis off the ceiling and walls and on the decor of food and guests.
*Ceiling down lights should fall and focus primarily on dining room table surface.
*Candles and fuel lamps in decorative holders can add special touch to any meal.
Buffet or service areas and chinaware/silverware/crockery displays deserve special lighting emphasis.



Kitchen Lighting


Kitchen is a place where a lady spends her maximum time so it should have comfortable and fresh feeling. Today's kitchens are far removed from the dark dingy spaces one saw earlier.

*General lighting for a kitchen should be well distributed, uniform and as shadow less as possible.
*Fluorescent fixtures reduce the energy demands without sacrificing illumination.
*Even if there is window in the kitchen, install down lighting over a sink for cloudy days or nights.
*Special lighting for key work areas can be installed in the ceiling or in the upper cabinets.
*Provide light for storage areas in pantry or wall cabinets overhead or shelf mounted brackets will do the job.



Bathroom Lighting


Planning and designing is a tedious job. Today's bathroom wears a well dressed look, its design recognizing people's needs to begin and end their day in pleasant surroundings. It is after all an intimate personal place- perhaps the only room in the house where one can be totally private and get much needed peace.

*For a relatively small room, the bath area can use a no. of different types of lighting.
*General lighting is essential in a compact bath, a central ceiling may suffice.
*Medium size and large size baths and especially those with sectioned areas for tub, shower and toilet will require several overhead fixtures.
*The lights are general, recessed into the ceilings or those over a tub or a shower must be watertight and vapour proof. A minimum of 100W incandescent or 60W fluorescent lamp is sufficient.
*The most critical lighting in a bath centers on the mirror area, this is the basic for good grooming. For shaving, make up applications hair care, light should be soft and diffused without glare or shadow.
*Avoid lighting the mirror itself rather light of the person looking into the mirror. The most efficient to light up a person's face is to use three fixtures, one on either side of the mirror or one overhead. Side fixtures should be mounted 30" - 36" apart on the wall and install about 60" above the floor.
*Incandescent fixtures should have a minimum of 75W bulb and fluorescent tubes on either side of 20W and one tube of 30W or two tubes of 15W overhead. Additional bath lighting for specific purposes may include plant lights to take the advantage of bath humidity for growing the flowers and ferns.



Reading Room Lighting


The study is the most important room for the intellectuals, for students as this is the room where one builds his career. In the reading room, one should plan the lights very carefully as the intensity affects a lot on the eyes thus on the health.

*In a study, the priority is to provide adequate illumination for reading and writing. For maximum pleasure of reading and for easier concentration, reading lamps must have a proper quality and quantity of illumination and be placed so that the light falls comfortably on the open page.
*The complete room may be lit with powerful up lighters, down lighters, or the general lighting may be reduced to be supplemented with task lights as required. For the study it is necessary that task lights be supported with general illumination even if it is of low intensity to avoid eye strain.
*Care should be taken where computers are placed; the task light should not produce glare or reflections on the screen. Task lights for writing should be positioned so as to avoid both glare and shadow.
*If floor lamps are used as reading lights, then it should be 40"-49" from the floor to the bottom edge of the shade. The shade should be moderately illuminous to softly diffuse the light and eliminate glare, thus open top shades are preferred.



Swimming Pool Lighting


Water presents a challenging and rewarding medium for lighting. Swimming pools, fountains, waterfalls magically come to life with lighting effects at night.

*For effective swimming pool lighting, the lights are generally set below the water level, into the sides of the pool.
*This should be done while the construction of the pool so as to keep the wiring away from water.
*The lights should be placed to shimmer down the deep end of the pool.
*Fountains are effectively lit by submerged narrow beam sources set near the base of each jet or falling on the flowing water casting a color and sparkle on it. Waterfall comes to life when lit from behind.

Flooring

In architecture, a floor is generally the lower horizontal surface of a room, and/or the supporting structure underneath it. It also commonly refers to flooring, or a wall-to-wall floor covering, which forms the decorative surface of the floor. The various levels in a building are also called floors, levels or stories/storeys, "ground floor" or "main floor", "first story", "mezzanine floor," etc.

Floor construction:
1-Glass floor
A glass floor is a transparent section of a floor, found most often in buildings (usually in the observation decks of towers) or boats in order to facilitate viewing directly beneath where one is standing. Usually made of a reinforced glass, the most common use is as a tourist attraction. Glass-bottom boats are popular for allowing a better view into the water. Glass as a flooring material is used in both residential and commercial structures. Special hollow glass blocks known as glass pavers are often used in combination with a metal frame. At 4000 feet (1219 m), the highest glass floor above ground is the novel outdoor application of the Grand Canyon Skywalk, operated by the Hualapai Indian tribe. The highest above ground level in a building is in the CN Tower in Toronto, Ontario at 1122 feet (342 m).

2-Floating floor
A Floating Floor is a floor that does not need to be nailed or glued to the subfloor. A sprung floor is a special type of floating floor designed to enhance sports or dance performance. In general though the term refers to a floor used to reduce noise or vibration. A domestic floating floor might be constructed over an existing floor and consist of a glass fibre, felt or cork layer for sound insulation with neoprene pads holding up a wood floor. There is a gap between the floor and the walls to decouple them and allow for expansion, this gap will be covered with skirting boards or mouldings. Floating floors as used in sound studios can be either just larger versions of the domestic variety, or much larger constructions with slabs of concrete to keep the resonant frequency down. The manufacure of integrated circuits uses massive floating floors with hundreds of tons in weight of concrete to avoid vibration affecting mask alignment.

3-Raised floor

A raised floor (also raised flooring) is a type of floor used in office buildings with a high requirement for servicing, such as IT data centers, to carry cables, wiring, electri

cal supply and sometimes air conditioning or chilled water pipes. Additional structural support and lighting are often provided when a floor is raised enough for a person to crawl or even walk beneath. This type of floor consists of a gridded metal framework or understructure of adjustable-height legs called pedestals, that provide support for individual floor panels which are usually 2×2 feet or 60×60cm in size. The height of the legs/pedestals is dictated by the volume of cables and other services provided beneath, but typically arranged for a clearance of at least six inches or 15cm.

The panels are normally made of steel-clad particleboard or a steel panel with a cementitious internal core. There are a variety of flooring finishes to suit the application such as carpets, high-pressure laminates, marble, stone, and anti-static finishes for use in computer rooms and laboratories. To remove panels, a tool with a suction cup on the end that is referred to as a "floor puller", "tile lifter" or "suction lifter" is used. A hook-and-loop lifter may be used on carpeted panels. Many modern computer and equipment rooms employ an underfloor cooling system to ensure even cooling of the room with minimal wasted energy. Cooled air is pumped under the floor and dispersed upward into the room through regularly spaced diffuser tiles or through ducts directed into specific equipment. Automatic fire protection shutoffs may be required for under-floor ventilation, and additional suppression systems may be installed in case of under-floor fires. A problem associated with raised flooring is that since the flooring tiles are rarely removed once equipment has been installed, the space below them is seldom cleaned and thus fluff and other debris settles, making working on cabling underneath the flooring a rather dirty job. Smoke detectors under the raised floor can be triggered by workers disturbing the dust, resulting in false alarms.

4-Sprung floor

A sprung floor is a floor that absorbs shocks giving it a softer feel. Such floors are considered the best available for dance and indoor sports and physical education. They enhance performance and greatly reduce injuries. Modern sprung floors are supported by foam backing or rubber feet, while the traditional floors are cushioned mechanically. Many dance halls with sprung hard wood floors date back to the 1920s, such as the Palais Royale in Toronto, which has a cantilever-sprung hardwood floor.

wall

A 'wall' is a usually solid structure that defines and sometimes protects an area. Most commonly, a wall delineates a building and supports its superstructure, separates space in buildings into rooms, or protects or delineates a space in the open air. There are three principal types of structural walls: building walls, exterior boundary walls, and retaining walls. Building walls have two main purposes: to support roofs and ceilings, and to divide space, providing security against intrusion and weather. Such walls most often have three or more separate components. In today's construction, a building's wall will usually have the structural elements (such as 2×4 studs in a house wall), insulation, and finish elements, or surface (such as drywall or panelling). In addition, the wall may house various types of electrical wiring or plumbing. Electrical outlets are usually mounted in walls. Building walls frequently become works of art, such as when murals are painted on them. On a ship, the walls separating compartments are termed 'Bulkheads', whilst the thinner walls separating cabins are termed 'Partitions'.

Boundary walls include privacy walls, boundary-marking walls, and city walls. These intergrade into fences; the conventional differentiation is that a fence is of minimal thickness and often is open in nature, while a wall is usually more than a nominal thickness and is completely closed, or opaque. More to the point, if an exterior structure is made of wood or wire, it is generally referred to as a fence, while if it is made of masonry, it is considered a wall. A common term for both is barrier, convenient if it is partly a wall and partly a fence, e.g. the Berlin Wall. Before the invention of artillery, many European cities had protective walls. In fact, the English word "wall" is derived from Latin vallum, which was a type of fortification wall. Since they are no longer relevant for defense, the cities have grown beyond their walls, and many of the walls have been torn down. Extreme examples of boundary walls include the Great Wall of China and Hadrian's Wall. A modern functional example was the Berlin Wall, which divided Germany.

In areas of rocky soils around the world, farmers have often pulled large quantities of stone out of their fields to make farming easier, and have stacked those stones to make walls that either mark the field boundary, or the property boundary, or both. Retaining walls are a special type of wall, that may be either external to a building or part of a building, that serves to provide a barrier to the movement of earth, stone or water. The ground surface or water on one side of a retaining wall will be noticeably higher than on the other side. A dike is one type of retaining wall, as is a levee. Special laws often govern walls shared by neighbouring properties. Typically, one neighbour cannot alter the common wall if it is likely to affect the building or property on the other side.

Ceiling

There are different suspended ceilings in the world Besides the pale white ones. Don't worry, we are only pleased that you have finally found yourself wondering, why you have no idea, that ceilings can also be personalised and be involved in the whirl of interior decorating! Forget faint ceilings! Get yourself introduced to the different ceiling types we have to offer on our website! Soon you will find yourself choosing between the aesthetic-looking aluminium suspended ceilings, which are functional and rated highly among customers and the widely-used acoustic suspended ceilings; the convenient wire net ceilings and the sophisticated wooden ceilings of red oak, maple, cherry, birch...We also offer a variety of grid suspended ceilings and, of course, all the relevant details and additional materials and more. Take your time to delve into the world of ceilings and make your ceiling a respectful part of the room or the work area! Staring at the ceiling is about to be recognized as one of the top spare time activities, believe us!

Ceiling construction

1-Tin ceiling
Tin ceilings look aristocratic and luxorious. Fortunately, they are getting more and more polular. One reason for that might be that the coices between designs are countless and can meet the needs of people with different tastes in home decoration. The measurements of tin plates are usually 2x2 feet but 2x4 feet panels are also used. The panels can be pre-painted or you can paint them yourself. The pre-painted panels are usually silver, gold or bronze. The installation process is also quite simple: you only need a hammer, some nails, tin snips, chalk line, tape measure and gloves. When you install theses sheets yourself, remember that the edges of the plates are extremely sharp and be sure that you do not harm yourself. The installation itself needs patience because you have to put the panels on the ceiling so that the pattern would look beautiful and that there would be no gaps between the panels. Most reasonable would be to do the job with at least two people because then you can control the results while installing the panels.

2.Dropped ceiling

In construction and architecture, a dropped ceiling, also referred to as a drop or suspended ceiling, is used as a secondary ceiling formed to conceal piping, wiring, or ductwork, into an area called the plenum. Consisting of a grid-work of metal channels in the shape of an upside-down "T", suspended on wires from the overhead structure. These channels snap together in a regularly spaced pattern - typically a 2x2 or 2x4 foot grid in the US or 600 x 600 mm grid in Europe - and each cell is filled with lightweight "acoustic ceiling tiles" or "panels" which simply drop into the grid. Tiles can be selected with a variety of materials, including wood, metal, or mineral fibres, and can come in almost any color. Fluorescent light fixtures, air supply diffusers, and return air grilles of the same dimension, and incandescent lights, various electrical devices, and sprinkler heads are then installed into the grid, as desired. The suspended ceiling was originally developed to conceal the underside of the floor above and to offer acoustic balance and control in a room. The acoustic performance of suspended ceilings has improved dramatically over the years, with enhanced sound absorption and sound attenuation. This is achieved by adding insulation known as Sound Attenuation Batts (SABs), more commonly referred to as "sound batts" ~ above the panels to help deaden sounds and keep adjacent rooms quieter. If fire safety is a factor, ceiling tiles made from mineral fibres, or fire-rated wood panels, can be used within the construction to meet acceptable standards/ratings. These same tiles can provide the needed additional resistance to meet the "time rating" required for various fire code, city ordinance, commercial, or other similar building construction regulations. Another advantage of a dropped ceiling is that the easily-removed ceiling panels offer instant access to the plenum, greatly simplifying repairs or alterations. One disadvantage with this ceiling system is reduced headroom. Clearance is required between the grid and any pipes or ductwork above to install the ceiling tiles and light fixtures. In general, a minimum clearance of four to eight inches is often needed between the lowest obstruction and the level of the ceiling grid.

3.Coffered ceiling

In architecture, a coffer (plural: coffering) is a sunken panel in the shape of a square, rectangle, or octagon that serves as a decorative device, usually in a ceiling. An example of this can be found in the ceiling of the rotunda dome in the Roman Pantheon. In Chinese architecture this is known as zaojing. In fortification, a coffer was a hollow lodgment, against a dry moat, from six to seven feet deep, and from sixteen to eighteen feet broad; the upper part being made of pieces of timber raised two feet above the level of the moat. The besieged generally made use of these coffers to repulse the besiegers, when they tried to pass the ditch.

4.Luminous ceiling

Some rooms in the house, such as the kitchen or home office, are better places to work if the lighting is plentiful and glare-free. One way to brighten up a room with a large amount of gentle, diffuse light is through the use of a luminous ceiling. Luminous ceilings are simply fluorescent light fixtures recessed into a large area of the ceiling, then covered with diffuser panels to hide the fixtures and spread the light out evenly. They are easy to create during construction or remodeling of a home, and in many cases can also be added to existing ceilings. There are three elements to creating a luminous ceiling: the framing, the light fixtures, and the diffuser frame and panels. You have several options for each, depending on your home and your personal preferences.

5.Painted ceiling

A painted ceiling is an overhead interior surface that bounds the upper limit of a room and is covered with an artistic mural or painting. They are usually decorated with fresco painting, mosaic tiles and other surface treatments. While hard to execute (at least in situ) a decorated ceiling has the advantage that it is largely protected from damage by fingers and dust. In the past, however, this was more than compensated for by the damage from smoke from candles or a fireplace. Many historic buildings have celebrated ceilings, perhaps the most famous in the world is the Sistine Chapel ceiling by Michelangelo.

6.Beam ceiling

If you can build a box...you can build these realistic ceiling beams for your home! You'll start by attaching a simple grid of inexpensive 2x6s to the ceiling joists. Add two sides, a cap, and some cove molding, and these beams will look like they were part of the original house construction.Step-by-step woodworking plan includes our favorite shop secrets to cutting perfect coped joints and installing snug-fitting cove molding.

Viewports and aText

An Architectural Sheet as a Template

XREF the Plan and XLINE Command

Layers and Draw Order

Architectural Plan

Electrical Plan pt.2

Electrical Plan pt.1

Use an Existing Architectural Sheet

When to Use External References

XREF Manager

XCLIP Command pt.2

XCLIP Command pt.1

Insert an XREF

External Reference Defining

Introduction to Tool Palettes

Introduction to Design Center

Cut and Paste Options

Defining Blocks and Wblocks

Intoducing Photoshop

Introducing llustrator

Plotting an Eps File

Creating Presentation Drawings

Plotting a Color Drawing

Plotting Monochrome Drawing

Externally Referenced Files

Drawing and Scale Factor

Architectural Film

Architectural Visualization

Introduction B

Introduction

Interior Design Ideas Episode 5

Interior Design Ideas Episode 4

Interior Design Ideas Episode 3

Interior Design Ideas Episode 2

Interior Design Ideas Episode 1

A Look at Kitchen Cabinet Design

There are many online web sites where you can locate kitchen cabinet hardware. You will also find that there are many online stores that sell kitchen cabinet accessories. They expertly answer any questions you may have about hardware and accessories for all of your kitchen cabinets.

Kitchen cabinet doors can add to the beauty of your kitchen. The appearance of your kitchen cabinets rests on the quality of your cabinets. You can therefore completely change the look of your kitchen simply by changing the doors of your kitchen cabinets. Good kitchen cabinet design is also important if you want to get the most storage use possible out of your available storage space, and this should also be the goal in the design of any kitchen.

Kitchen Cabinet Wood Types
Kitchen cabinets can be made from dozens of woods including: Oak, Maple, Pine, Cherry, Hickory, Poplar, Alder and Birch. Hickory and Oak are the hardest and the heaviest. Cherry, Birch and Maple are considered to be well suited to cabinetry. Less expensive and more plentiful woods such as Alder and Poplar work best with glazed finishes used in creating an 'antique' look. Pine is a soft wood that can be more prone to dents and scratches.

There are three types of cabinet door shapes, slab, recessed panel, and raised panel.

There are many cabinet design styles to choose from. Four of the more common cabinet design styles are: traditional, country, shaker and contemporary.

Kitchen Cabinet Construction

Kitchen cabinets are generally constructed using a combinations of these kinds of woods, as well as particleboard or plywood.

Some cabinet doors are made of solid wood, which is generally more expensive. Although solid wood and plywood kitchen cabinet doors are regarded a stronger and thicker, particleboard is considered less likely to expand.

When selecting kitchen cabinets it is a good ideas to start by defining your style. Will your kitchen design be more along the lines of a traditional look with raised panel doors and a lot of ornate molding? Or will it be more of a rustic look with knotty pine and more simple detailing?
There are three main types of kitchen cabinets. These include, in-stock kitchen cabinets, semi-stock kitchen cabinets, and custom kitchen cabinets.

While custom-cabinet doors are more expensive than the do-it-yourself variety, the advantage is that you are able to get exactly what you want at a very high level of craftsmanship. You can tailor the cabinets to the exact specifications and needs of your kitchen.

There are also several styles of cabinet doors that can be related to one or two of the overall design styles. Doors for a custom kitchen cabinet can be flat or frameless, raised, curved, simple, or carved.

Cabinet construction types include framed and frameless. Framed consists of a box with a frame that surrounds the front edges. Hinges are used to attach the door to the frame. Frameless type doors consist of a box with no face frame.

10 Tips for Dealing With a Small Kitchen Design

To create the small but efficient kitchen design, you need to work on three major areas of small kitchen design: storage, lighting, and appliances.

Small kitchens may seem to be a very difficult design challenge, but they can also be functional, beautiful and efficient. Even with a small budget and building restrictions, you can find that there are many options open to you to transform your kitchen into something more ideal for your needs.

To create a more spacious look for your small kitchen design the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recommends designing more unique storage solutions, mixing natural and ambient lighting, taking advantage of more space saving appliances, and adding personalized touches.

A small kitchen design requires creativity in coming up with storage solutions. Some ideas to try include:

1. Putting an island in the center of the kitchen that can provide freestanding storage that is also convenient from any spot in the kitchen.

2. Using a galley kitchen design in which the cabinets and appliances line up on either side of a corridor can work out very well for a small kitchen space.

3. Today's appliance manufacturers have come up with more compact space-saving appliances make small kitchen design easier, such as refrigerators that are 24 inches deep instead of 30 inches deep, as well as appliances that can be hung underneath cabinets like microwaves.

4. Other small kitchen design tricks to create an eating area in the kitchen include using a drop table or a small sized round table with two small chairs that can be tucked into a corner. Or a built-in counter along the wall with chairs to provide an eating nook.

5. Another interesting challenge in small kitchen design is creating an illusion of space with under cabinet lighting or under the counter. With the proper type of lighting the kitchen can be made to appear larger and more pleasing.

6. The use of light colored cabinets with glass doors.

7. Installing deeper counters that can accommodate more appliances and increase work space.

8. Flooring tiles can be placed on a diagonal, and in a galley style kitchen hardwood flooring can be run the length of the kitchen.

9. For storage you can hang up pots and pans. This is a perfect way to free up cabinet space, and they add a certain charm and character to your small kitchen design. The insides of cabinet doors can be used to hang up everything from utensils, oven mitts, and other miscellaneous items. Pantry storage with units that go all the way to the ceiling with the upper cabinets to provide more space for seldom used items while making the lower cabinets more accessible with rollout shelves, lazy susans, and tilt-out bins.

10. Install a large kitchen sink, since larger sinks are considered to be more practical than small sinks when it comes to cleaning pots and pans.

Tips in Selecting Kitchen Flooring

The kitchen flooring is the foundation which your kitchen literally rests. By failing to give more consideration to your flooring options and selecting the wrong flooring will insure that an otherwise outstanding kitchen will look only average, and become dated sooner.

When selecting kitchen flooring, it is a good idea to select something that has elements of beauty and durability. Kitchen flooring can accent the counters, cabinets, and appliances. It must also be able to stand up to everyday wear, such as spills and heavy foot traffic.

When it comes to choosing materials for your kitchen flooring be sure to take into consideration both your budget and lifestyle. The choice of kitchen flooring material can be quite broad. Among the choices are vinyl in sheet or tiles, ceramic tile, wood floors and new laminate materials. How to you decide the best one for your kitchen flooring

You need to do your own research and get the best advice you can from professional contractors and kitchen designers.

Popular Flooring Options:

- For durable and more cost-effective flooring materials then look into vinyl or ceramic tiles.

- Vinyl is durable, inexpensive and available in sheets or tiles, in smooth or knobby. It is the most popular choice when it comes to kitchen flooring, and is available in a large selection of styles, colors and patterns. Vinyl kitchen flooring is generally popular all over the country.

- Laminate kitchen flooring is also popular across the country as well. This is a new product that has grown out of the countertop business. It is created by laminating a photograph of wood grain, stone, or other surfaces, directly to the flooring material. It has the advantage of a quick installation time and is very durable.

- Bamboo kitchen flooring is made from the fastest growing plant on earth. It grows faster that hardwood. Bamboo flooring is rapidly becoming the hottest trend in kitchen design today. Because of the rising cost of hardwood and the problems of deforestation bamboo is being seen as a good alternative to hardwood. Besides being quite beautiful it is a more renewable resource. Although bamboo, like wood, is firm and strong, it is actually a grass, which grows much faster than most trees. The stalks of bamboo reach maturity in only a few years, as opposed to the decades it takes for trees to develop and mature. Certain wood species can take as long as 50 years to mature. The bamboo tree will usually mature in about five or six years.

- Ceramic Tile is beautiful and sturdy, and is the ideal material to clean up spills. Another thing to consider is that some of these choices are probably more common in one part of the country than others. For instance ceramic tile is used for kitchen flooring in the West and South. Wood floors are more prevalent in the Northeast and Midwest.
- Stone type is a good choice if you are looking to create a unique, beautiful kitchen floor. However because stone tile is cut out of boulders, they generally come in odd and inconsistent sizes and shapes, and they are expensive.

- hardwood kitchen flooring lasts much longer than many options, however it does need to undergo refinishing from time to time. It is available in a wide variety of colors and grains and it can be installed in strips, planks, or parquet squares.

When selecting materials for kitchen flooring, you must consider materials that are both beautiful and durable. Kitchen flooring can be used to accent the counters, cabinets, and appliances. However kitchen flooring must be able to take everyday wear and tear such as spills and heavy traffic. It's important to select the right material when it comes to Kitchen Flooring. Are you looking for the beauty and durability of travertine or the warmth of hardwoods? By making the correct decision now you can guarantee that a quality kitchen floor will keep its beauty and last a lifetime.

When designing your ideal kitchen remember that light or neutral tones emphasize the impression of light and space, just as darker shades can create feelings of warmth and intimacy. A floor's finish can even effect perceptions of size and space. A high gloss finish can contribute to the perception of spaciousness. A more subdued or a matte finish can make a space look smaller.

Kitchen Floor Plans to Really Fit Your Space

More and more designers are creating more open kitchen floor pans that join the living and family rooms with the kitchen. This kind of kitchen floor plan is family-friendly and perfect for entertaining

Since today's kitchen has gone from being in the back of the home to becoming the exciting focal point in the house it is more important design a good kitchen floor plan. You need a kitchen floor plan that will provide a way for the kitchen to be part of a dining area and the family room, therefore becoming a 'great room'.

To prevent the feeling of too much uniformity and sameness it is important to select the right materials and colors and using cabinets to create a lively interior. The kitchen must fit into the spaces around it while still being set apart from other areas of the house.

A good kitchen floor plan must provide a good work triangle that will provide a working relationship between the cooktop, the sink, and the refrigerator. You should have a good flow between these three areas. The best work triangle will have a total of 26 or less, with no single leg shorter than 4 feet or longer than 9 feet. However if you are remodeling an existing kitchen it may not be possible to live up to this standard.

Whether you are designing a new kitchen floor plan in a new home or redesigning an existing kitchen you might want to consider including an island or peninsula. These can help connect the kitchen to an nearby dining room, living room or family room and can create a bridge connecting all these rooms.

You can create a kitchen canopy to provide visible but subtle borders that do not obstruct views of the other rooms. What islands and peninsulas do below, a kitchen canopy can do above. Having a canopy can create the feeling of openness.

Kitchen cabinets can be a problem with the type of open kitchen floor plan since you will have just one or two walls. Therefore having enough space for storage can be a challenge. You might think about putting the china in a china cabinet in the dining area. Consider staggering the height, length and the depth of wall cabinets, and do the same with the base cabinets and the counters. This will make the kitchen look less rigid, as will having the cabinet door styles be of varied styles instead of all identical. For example use solid doors on some cabinets and glass doors on others. You can have one style of cabinet doors for the perimeter of the kitchen and another style for the island. You can also use different colors, wood stain or finish for perimeter areas and the island.

The style of the cabinetry must however be in accordance with the existing design elements of the home.

Try to plan on having ample countertop work areas as possible near the sink, the cooking areas, and also near the refrigerator.
Plan for adequate storage needs. What about cabinet accessories, such as roll-out shelves, a spice drawer etc.

You may feel that drawing up kitchen floor plans might be a job better left to a professional interior designer. However there are several types of kitchen design software available to draw up kitchen floor plans so you can create your own dream kitchen. Or you could just use it to look up some designs, ideas, and kitchen floor plans before you go to a professional. Kitchen design software programs help with designing floor plans and enable you to create a "virtual kitchen" showing countertops, cabinetry, appliances, and sinks.

Besides having a kitchen as part of a 'great room' there are other kitchen floor plans to consider.

U-shape - This kitchen floor plan consists of having cabinet storage on three wall along with work stations on each wall.

L-shape - This kitchen floor plan is more space efficient, but of course it works best in a large kitchen.

Island kitchens - This type of kitchen floor plan also works best in large kitchens, and features a free standing island in the middle of the kitchen.

Galleys - The galley kitchen floor plan can be used in small kitchens. It features parallel walls with the workspaces on each wall.

Before you begin a major kitchen-remodeling job, you need to know what you want in your new kitchen floor plan. You also need to know how much to budget, and find the right kitchen design professionals.

Kitchen Granite Countertops Add Real Value to Your Home

Since granite is a natural material, it is surprising just how many colors are available for kitchen granite countertops. Because granite is quarried from so many parts of the world, the quantity of colors is remarkable. Each kitchen granite countertop can have its own unique pattern of colors, with speckles, splotches and veins.

There is nothing more beautiful than granite for its natural beauty and refinement. Kitchen granite countertops are available in dozens of rich and elegant textures and colors ranging from light-colored accents to the more deeper and darker tones.

Kitchen granite countertops can make a very impressive design statement. Granite kitchen countertops have certainly become the countertop of choice for most kitchen designers because with granite countertops can add to the value of your home. Granite is attractive, easy to maintain, and durable.

Kitchen granite countertops are a beautiful, and affordable natural stone which will add warmth and character to any kitchen. The colors and patterns vary from stone to stone. A kitchen granite countertop is unique in that no two pieces of granite are exactly the same, therefore no two countertops are alike. It also brings a richness and texture to your home that is unmatched by any other material.

Granite is an igneous rock-originating deep in the earth from magma, then cooled slowly with considerable pressure. It makes up about 60% of the Earth's upper crust. Although it has been around for centuries, granite has been a viable material for kitchen granite countertops just in the past 30 to 40 years.

Granite can be found all over the world. Granite is extremely durable and is the hardest of natural stones for kitchen granite countertops. Granite is composed of quartz and feldspar. It has a very dense grain, which makes it virtually impervious to stains, because it has very little porosity. It takes a highly polished finish and once polished it is completely resistant to liquids.

Other benefits of kitchen granite countertops are the mirror-like finish. Granite countertops can resist extreme heat from frying pans.

A granite kitchen countertop is very easy to maintain and care for. For daily cleaning you just wipe with a soft cloth or paper towel with soapy water.

Some other advantages to having a kitchen granite countertop are that they are affordable, beautiful, the stone changes appearance in different light during the day. One thing you have to watch for is than each granite stone is unique. This can mean that the color in the granite can look different from one day to the next depending on the lighting situation. Lighting can cause a reflection in the granite making one color more dominant. So in picking a color it is a good idea to choose from actual slabs not samples

There can be some other design factors in addition to color that you may need to consider. One is selecting an edge profile. An edge profile is the exposed edge of the countertop. You might also want to consider an undermount sink for your kitchen granite countertop. An undermounted sink would sit under the granite therefore there would be no lip to hit when cleaning around the sink.

To sum up; whether you are remodeling or designing a new kitchen choosing kitchen granite countertops for your home you increase its re-sale value with this important addition to your kitchen.

Kitchen Granite Countertops Add Real Value to Your Home

Since granite is a natural material, it is surprising just how many colors are available for kitchen granite countertops. Because granite is quarried from so many parts of the world, the quantity of colors is remarkable. Each kitchen granite countertop can have its own unique pattern of colors, with speckles, splotches and veins.

There is nothing more beautiful than granite for its natural beauty and refinement. Kitchen granite countertops are available in dozens of rich and elegant textures and colors ranging from light-colored accents to the more deeper and darker tones.

Kitchen granite countertops can make a very impressive design statement. Granite kitchen countertops have certainly become the countertop of choice for most kitchen designers because with granite countertops can add to the value of your home. Granite is attractive, easy to maintain, and durable.

Kitchen granite countertops are a beautiful, and affordable natural stone which will add warmth and character to any kitchen. The colors and patterns vary from stone to stone. A kitchen granite countertop is unique in that no two pieces of granite are exactly the same, therefore no two countertops are alike. It also brings a richness and texture to your home that is unmatched by any other material.

Granite is an igneous rock-originating deep in the earth from magma, then cooled slowly with considerable pressure. It makes up about 60% of the Earth's upper crust. Although it has been around for centuries, granite has been a viable material for kitchen granite countertops just in the past 30 to 40 years.

Granite can be found all over the world. Granite is extremely durable and is the hardest of natural stones for kitchen granite countertops. Granite is composed of quartz and feldspar. It has a very dense grain, which makes it virtually impervious to stains, because it has very little porosity. It takes a highly polished finish and once polished it is completely resistant to liquids.

Other benefits of kitchen granite countertops are the mirror-like finish. Granite countertops can resist extreme heat from frying pans.

A granite kitchen countertop is very easy to maintain and care for. For daily cleaning you just wipe with a soft cloth or paper towel with soapy water.
Some other advantages to having a kitchen granite countertop are that they are affordable, beautiful, the stone changes appearance in different light during the day. One thing you have to watch for is than each granite stone is unique. This can mean that the color in the granite can look different from one day to the next depending on the lighting situation. Lighting can cause a reflection in the granite making one color more dominant. So in picking a color it is a good idea to choose from actual slabs not samples.

There can be some other design factors in addition to color that you may need to consider. One is selecting an edge profile. An edge profile is the exposed edge of the countertop. You might also want to consider an undermount sink for your kitchen granite countertop. An undermounted sink would sit under the granite therefore there would be no lip to hit when cleaning around the sink.
To sum up; whether you are remodeling or designing a new kitchen choosing kitchen granite countertops for your home you increase its re-sale value with this important addition to your kitchen.

The Tuscan Style of Kitchen Design

The Tuscan kitchen design style is probably the most romantic with the earth's natural tones of brown, ochre, concentrated gold, blistering sunny yellow, prominent amounts of terra cotta, rusty red, coal black, and deep blue. Also the use of motifs like lemons, olives, sunflower, grapevines, and cypress trees can help creating a unique time worn look.

Tuscan kitchen design immediately conjures images of Italy and sunlight and warmth. In fact these kinds of images are just what you need to think of when coming up with the perfect Tuscan kitchen design.

Tuscany a region in north central Italy is known as a warm place almost year round an Tuscan kitchen design should reflect this. Tuscan kitchen designs are defined by colors such as siena, terra, and sepia. Tuscan Kitchen design uses a lot of soft warm colors and textures. Windows in the kitchen should provide as much natural sunlight as possible.

The Tuscan style has evolved through the centuries, influenced by Etruscan metal craft and pottery as well as the Italian Renaissance. The Tuscan style can be seen in mosiac tiles, wrought iron gates, bridges and architecture.

Tuscan kitchen design and décor can enhance the look and feel of any kitchen. You can add a big wooden table, open cupboards, along with ceramics, pots, pans and Tuscan-inspired dinnerware. These items can also make great decorations when you are not using them.

Kitchen island design in the Tuscan kitchen design style has its origins from ancient Roman times. This is the origins of the nice ornaments you will find with all tuscan kitchen design. The Tuscan kitchen island is usually of a dark color painted on oak. Sometimes the islands are given one coat of white paint. Scratches are added to give the wood a more antique look.

In Tuscany families tend to eat and cook together. A good Tuscan kitchen design should provide for adequate room for you and your family to more around the kitchen freely.

The Tuscan kitchen design style is very popular now. One reason is that this design style be quite affordable while be stylish and providing more comfortable kitchen. The Tuscan kitchen design style accessories include pottery, jars, and hand crafted tiles depicting grapevines and vineyards as well as grapes, tomatos, and olives. Having these design elements just naturally goes with Tuscan meals.

Walls - Wall should be painted in a rich Tuscan color such as rich reds, intense yellows, or strong yellows. Consider a wall treatment such as molding, or murals to create a more Tuscan feel to the walls.

Floors - Use Terra cotta or clay tiles, glazed ceramic and marble inlay in intricate patterns. Wooden floors can be left plain with natural color and finish with a Persian rug.

Furniture - For a Tuscan kitchen design use sturdy pieces of furniture that is also strong and functional. Kitchen tables and chairs should also be well-built and strong.

Cabinetry - Cabinetry should feature open shelves for displaying your ceramics, as well as baskets, and cooking utensils.

Sink - Kitchen sink should be white ceramic to be more compatible with your Tuscan kitchen design. You might also consider a large rectangular marble sink.
As for other Tuscan kitchen design ideas you can add racks to display copper pans. Also wrought iron pull for drawers, and wrought iron light fixtures. You might even want to add a brick-fired oven just like the type found in large Italian farmhouse kitchens.

By designing your kitchen with the Tuscan design style and bring in the look of old Tuscany your kitchen and home will never be quite the same.

Outdoor Kitchen

Tips on Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen

It used to be that outdoor entertaining conjured up the familiar image of the picnic lunch at the park. You only needed a picnic basket, thermos, paper plates and plastic utensils.
Or if you wanted to be able to host an outdoor luncheon or dinner you would toss some items on a barbecue pit out in the backyard and flip burgers and hotdogs.

Cooking on a grill is a great way to entertain outdoors. However it is a nuisance to have to go back and forth from the kitchen to the patio. That is why outdoor kitchens have become more and more popular.
The outdoor kitchen can include stovetop-style burners, griddles, roasting spits, sinks, refrigerators, storage space for dishes and cooking gear, low counters for prep work, bar-height counters for guests, stereo systems and more.
Preparing and enjoying meals outdoors along with casual entertaining has in recent years really taken off as homeowners have come to see just how appealing these alfresco preparation areas can be. Having originated in the southwest, outdoor kitchens are now to be found all over the country.
So just what kinds of foods can be cooked outdoors

Actually any type of food that can be prepared in an indoor kitchen can be prepared in an outdoor kitchen.
Today's outdoor kitchen designs can include such items as: sinks, cabinets, and cutting boards. They can be fully featured areas, which offering a covered bar and buffet area.
In planning your outdoor kitchen you will need to consider how much you will use your outdoor kitchen and whether it will be just a small part of your deck or patio or a fully functional outdoor kitchen.
Today, however outdoor kitchens have made entertaining more convenient as well as luxurious. Now you can have all the accoutrements of any indoor kitchen all year around no matter what part of the country you live in. Besides the outside grill, outdoor kitchens frequently include many features - the number depending on your budget Outdoor kitchens range in cost from about $3,000 to more than $30,000.The latest products on the market include luxury grills equipped with all the capabilities of stovetop cooking. Outdoor kitchen setups include kitchen islands, sinks, refrigerators, wet bars and dishwashers.

Outdoor Kitchen Design Factors

An outdoor kitchen design can include different components and styles and there are many factors in deciding on the right outdoor kitchen design. One of the factors is just how much space you have to work with. Will it just include a small grill island or will your outdoor kitchen be as big as your indoor kitchen? Will it be the place where you and your family will spend a considerable amount of time? It is important that for an outdoor kitchen to work you must be able to provide adequate seating and dining areas. If you want to be able to enjoy your outdoor kitchen when the weather turns cooler it is a good idea to also have an outdoor fireplace to keep everyone warm and toasty.

Custom or Prefab Grilling Islands

Next, you will need to determine whether you will want your grill to be freestanding or built into an outdoor grilling island. Custom grilling islands can help provide your outdoor kitchen with a more upscale look. Just like an indoor kitchen island, the outdoor grilling island includes masonry with cabinets. Many experts agree that custom masonry grilling islands can add tremendous value to your home. You can also go with a prefab grilling island. These prefab islands come in a variety of configurations and exterior finishes. They cost less than more custom islands.

Building Materials For Your Outdoor Kitchen

You should select sturdy and durable materials that can stand up to climate changes. Many building experts agree that Polymer is the perfect material for the construction of outdoor kitchens. It can withstand outside elements and unlike wood, concrete or stucco it does not absorb moisture. Polymer is a solid material not a laminate or layered material and it will not warp, crack, or split. Countertops can be made from ceramic tile, granite, marble, slate and other natural stones.

Outdoor Lighting

Another area just as important is designing your outdoor kitchen is outdoor lighting. This can change and improve the overall feel of your outdoor kitchen. There are many types of lighting to choose from including: ambiance lighting that can include soft white lights or colored bulbs. Solar lights can be charged during the day and turn on automatically as it gets dark.

Kitchen Island Article

The kitchen island as a stand-alone platform in the middle of the kitchen provides convenience and efficiency by creating more workspace. When the island is located in the center of the kitchen more space in automatically created. In most situations a kitchen island is the ideal way to separate the kitchen from the living room. If the kitchen island has cook top, sinks or pull-out drawer refrigerators then this accommodates greater convenience and socializing since one can do dishes and preparation while conversing with guests in the living room. There are endless uses for kitchen islands.

According to the National Association of HomeBuilders (NAHB), kitchen islands are one of the most popular kitchen design features among today's consumers. The NAHB also reports that buyers of new homes have also indicated a desire for kitchen islands as well. Actually some 80% of homebuyers consider a kitchen island to be an absolute must.

Some newer kitchen island ideas include the following features: rolling islands that can be used where a large island won't fit, granite-topped islands, and islands with furniture like features such as pilasters.

New homebuyers aren't the only ones that should consider a kitchen island design for their kitchen. Some older homes with an awkward kitchen floor plan with limited space can also benefit from a kitchen island design idea. Closed off kitchens have been transformed into more open looking kitchens by lowering existing walls half way to forms islands between the kitchen and nearby living space.

Many Kitchen Island Styles

Kitchen Islands have become so popular that this has even led to the creation of unique design styles of their own. A kitchen island can have the same design as the main counter and cabinets or it can have its own unique design.
Before deciding on any type of kitchen design you need to be certain of the shape. In addition traditional rectangle or square a rounded or oval island can bring a whole new look to your kitchen. Whether in a single row kitchen or as part of an L-shape design the kitchen island will be the heart of the whole kitchen. Some basic kitchen design ideas need to be considered.
Kitchen Islands can have some additional design options like breakfast bars and installed appliances which can achieve the 'triangle' design of sink-stove-refrigerator that is considered one of the top kitchen design ideas.
Kitchen Islands are also available in many styles and designs such as: Contemporary, Traditional, American Folk and French Country.
Many kitchen islands can be created with natural woods such as, Northern Maple, Red Oak, Poplar, Birch, and plantation-grown exotic woods. Other kinds of kitchen islands are constructed of stainless steel, or wood combined with stainless steel.
Island tops are usually hard wood, granite or marble, stainless steel, or butcher block, which is usually Hardrock Maple fastened end or edge grain to prevent cracking and warping.

What to Include in a Kitchen Island
Some features to consider in adding a kitchen island can include the oven as the main componet of your kitchen island, electric switches and outlets (a kitchen island can be an ideal area for additional outlets for kitchen appliances), storage and shelves. Finally as for the material of the island counter while you could use the same material for the island counter as you have for the kitchen counter it is possible to consider different materials to create an more interesting look. You might want to consider a kitchen exhaust hood over your kitchen island.
The right kind of kitchen lighting is important for kitchen islands. The island should be well lit. Your kitchen island plan should provide locations for lighting in the ceiling as well as around the kitchen exhaust hood.

Bathroom Remodeling

Types of Kitchen Tile to Consider for Your New Kitchen Design

Incorporating kitchen tiles into the design of your kitchen is a good way to bring out the beauty of your countertops and cabinets.
Kitchen tile is another important addition to kitchen decor. Because kitchen tile comes in all colors, sizes and materials it is possible to mix several colors to produce a certain design element, such as creating a stone or a marble look.
Kitchen tiles is not only used for floors, but also used on walls, as a backsplash or on countertops using specialty tiles with unique designs. Decorated ceramic tile backsplashes go with granite or corian countertops as well as tile.
Decorative kitchen tile can be used in countless number of ways in a tiled area. Most painted tiles are made of ceramic because of its extensive range of colors and designs.

Ceramic Kitchen Tile
Ceramic kitchen tile comes from earth. Ceramics are made from clay as well as talc, and other minerals, and after forming, the tiles are put through a firing process under high temperatures. Because kitchen tiles are produced from materials that are cooked under such high temperatures the tiles conduct heat extremely well. This make kitchen tiles the perfect material for countertops. They will not burn when hot pots are placed on the counter.
Ceramic tile is made in numerous colors and can be customized to fit a certain color. A new trend in kitchen tile is mosaic tiles. Custom made mosaic tiles can be used to create a mural on your kitchen floor. Pre-made mosaic tiles are also sold to create murals. A mural with a backsplash can really add color to your kitchen design. Also a ceramic kitchen tiles backsplash is more attractive than a granite or Corian backsplash.
Ceramic kitchen tile countertops are the right choice for your kitchen remodeling and cabinet refacing project since kitchen tile provide good durability, as well as the advantage of heat resistance.
Kitchen tiles works especially well on a vertical surface, providing a durable surface that is resistant to stains and splashes. On vertical surfaces the grout is less subject to stains than on countertops. Kitchen tiles are also water resistant, making them advantageous for any kitchen counter.
While kitchen tiles has many advantages you must be concerned about cleaning grout. Grout must be cleaned regularly or it will stain. Kitchen tiles can also chip and crack requiring replacement.

Porcelain Tile
Porcelain kitchen tile is very durable and is resistant to scratches or chips because it is made from the same material top and bottom. Porcelain kitchen tiles can be used to resemble real stone because the tiles are similar in shade and texture.
Glass Tile Glass kitchen tiles were at one time very expensive, but in recent years it has become more affordable. They can be used in borders or in the creation of beautiful mosaics in countless colors and has the unique ability to reflect light, allowing it to bring out the beauty of each tile.
So kitchen tiles can be used for countertops, backsplashes, wall coverings, and flooring. They are available in almost limitless colors and designs.

Kitchen Backsplash Tile

Kitchen backsplash tile is the perfect blending of functionalism and decorative artwork. Kitchen backsplash tile combines strength, durability, hygiene and beauty for your discerning decorative taste. Decorating your kitchen backsplash tile with ceramic tiles is exciting since possibilities are limitless. Kitchen backsplash tile are readily available as finished designs for specific dimensions or they can be duplicated from any image to tie-in with your home’s décor.
Ceramic is one of the most ancient used materials in history. Ceramic kitchen backsplash tile are enduring because of their myriad uses including flooring, bathrooms, fountains, countertops, swimming pools, fireplaces, doorways and any wall covering to name a few. Ceramic is easy to maintain and can endure heavy traffic. (Tiles are also available in marble)
Today, the choices of kitchen backsplash tile are very extensive. Colors can be muted, as with natural and warm slates, stone, marble or granite. Or they can be as bright or as pale as any color in your imagination. The kitchen backsplash tile finishes and textures are also very varied. They come glazed or unglazed to accentuate the mood and function of your décor. Kitchen backsplash tile can help create and embellish any decorative style from Traditional, Contemporary, French Country, Mediterranean, or Asian. Kitchen backsplash tile designing leaves room for immense inventiveness and originality to create a desired style. Sizes for kitchen backsplash tile commonly are 4" x 4" squares. However anywhere from 2" x 2" to 24" x 24" is within the usual range of dimensions to cover a backsplash area.
Mixing different shapes and sizes of kitchen backsplash tile can create a wonderful composition, such as a landscape surrounded by a border. The possibilities are endless with the use of shapes such as hexagons, octagons, squares, diamonds and rectangles. Bas-relief tiles can be used as an elegant border to any design.
In our day and age, the kitchen / family room is the hearth of the home, the social gathering center. The kitchen has limited space for artwork to reflect the essence of your personality. There is no better ingredient in interior decorating design to invoke character and warmth with practical functionality as with a kitchen backsplash tile.