Perfect Contemporary Kitchen - House Remodeling Ideas

Are you tired of your plain, typical kitchen design? Now is the perfect time to give your kitchen a much-needed facelift. With post-holiday sales at an all-time high, you'll save money on the items you need such as kitchen cabinet hardware, appliances, gadgets and countertop materials. Additionally, remodeling your kitchen with a newer, more contemporary design can increase the value of your home almost instantly! Follow these guidelines to creating an idyllic kitchen perfect for any home.

Tip #1: Upgrade Your Materials

Traditional kitchen designs often incorporate plain wooden cabinetry and countertops and even matching appliances such as dishwashers and trash compactors. Now is the time to upgrade your materials! Newer model kitchens feature sleek, ultra-modern stainless steel fixtures that match any color scheme. Other alternatives include lighter varieties of woods such as ash or birch.
Replace existing countertops (that are most likely colored laminates) with elegant granite or other stone material. Contrary to popular belief, upgrading your materials will not necessary include an bump in the price tag; once you've chosen your materials, research and compare to find the best prices for your budget.

Tip #2: Get the Necessary Accessories

No kitchen design is complete without the necessary and often overlooked small details such as cabinet pulls, drawer pulls, pots and pans, the toaster and other handy gadgets. When deciding what kitchen cabinet knobs you'd like to purchase, be sure that the design, finish and style match or are complimentary to your cabinets and appliances. For instance, if you have many stainless steel appliances, you might want to install stainless cabinet handles as well.

Whether you already have every kitchen gadget and tool one could ever need or are looking to purchase a few odds and ends, be sure you have adequate storage space for everything you have or will have. Don't clutter your countertops unnecessarily; smaller appliances and items can be stored in drawers too, such as toasters, waffle makers and blenders.

Tip #3: Limit the (Artificial) Light

Cutting down on bright, glaring lights in your kitchen will not only reflect a more contemporary design but also will help lower your electric bills dramatically. Instead of heirloom chandeliers or industrial fluorescent lighting, try a softer lighting look. Many fashionable kitchen light fixtures are designed to create a focus within your room. Whether your island, work unit, unique vases or a bowl of fruit, designate an area you'd like to showcase. To create this "limelight" effect, install recessed globe lights or even a single hanging light fixture.

While this design reduces the number of man-made light fixtures, you should also consider using as much natural light as possible. If possible, install skylights or window boxes. These fixtures immediately brighten your kitchen without the cost of electricity. Plus, natural light will help warm up your kitchen, especially during the chilly winter months.

Tip #4: Don't Forget the Floorboards

One of the most overlooked aspects of any kitchen is literally right underneath your shoes: your floor. Chances are you haven't ever considered replacing your woodwork and flooring. There are a variety of modern materials to choose from, so take time to consider all your options. If you don't want to give up the wooden, country feel, install reclaimed wood flooring for a unique style. Other floor materials include the ever durable laminate flooring (ideal for homes with children and pets) and flooring made of bamboo or ceramic tiles.

When you've narrowed down your options, bring a selection of your favorite floor choices home to your kitchen to see how they meshes with the rest of your remodeling project. A bold cabinet color will compete with a busy ceramic floor and vice-versa. Always consider how much traffic your kitchen will see as some materials are more practical than others. If you're not sure what the best material is for your needs, ask a professional before you've purchased the products.

Tori Spade works for Your Home Supply (YHS) the definitive website for home improvement tools, and gardening supplies. Your Home Supply offers a wide range of products, like cabinet hardware, to help customers with decorative accessories for the home. Visit them now at http://www.YourHomeSupply.com