by Sari on March 24, 2008
Enjoy Kitchen Cart Islands & More
Not everyone can afford to renovate a kitchen in order to create more space. However, many people can afford update the look and efficiency of their space by adding a kitchen island. Kitchen islands are a fantastic addition to any kitchen as they create extra counter space, extra seating space, and extra cabinet space. If you compare what you would have spent with kitchen renovations to the cost of purchasing kitchen cart islands, you realize how affordable and practical a portable kitchen island really is. Here are some great tips for getting the most out of your kitchen island.
- Even a small kitchen can benefit from a kitchen island bar. Select a kitchen island that has seating room and place the kitchen island in the location where you would put a small kitchen table. Most small kitchen islands provide space for two to sit, and many even have a drop leaf extension, creating extra space for eating when you need it and folding out of the way when you don’t. In addition to the practical nature of kitchen islands, these drop leaf kitchen islands a trendy look for your kitchen space.
- For a larger kitchen, consider purchasing a butcher block kitchen island. This type of island provides ample extra counter space instantaneously providing you with more elbow room for cutting vegetables, preparing food, and the like. The butcher block kitchen island creates a great work surface and expands the counter space without having to renovate. Many of these kitchen island designs also have wheels making it easy to transport garbage or heavy items to their proper locating without straining your back.
- Wine rack islands create additional counter space while giving your wine collection a comfortable home in the kitchen. Storing bottles of wine in wine rack islands add a burst of color to any kitchen and is a practical way to avoid having overstuffed cabinets or the clutter of a wine rack.
- Finally, consider the incredible benefits provided by kitchen island cabinets. Many spacious kitchen islands have cabinet space below the work surface. These kitchen island cabinets create extra storage space for everything from vegetables to paper goods to dry goods. You’ll feel like you’ve added an entire new row of kitchen cabinets to your kitchen just with the addition of these kitchen island.
by Sari on February 3, 2008
Whether you’re thinking of designing an entirely new kitchen, or simply giving a face-lift to an old one, you’ll encounter many details. Each decision seems monumental and time consuming when you’re in the process. One of these discussions revolves around cabinet hardware. What are the advantages to cabinet hardware pulls and what would lure you towards cabinet hardware knobs? This small detail, and the answers to this question, can make a large difference for you in your kitchen hardware selection.
When are Cabinet Hardware Pulls the Best Answer?
Hardware pulls give your hand a larger space for grabbing the door or cabinet and for supporting the hand in the process. In general, this means that cabinet hardware pulls better suit large drawers. This would include not only large drawers per se, but also that must bear heavy items and need extra support for the hand. Since pulls attach in two places, they offer extra support for pulling out heavy drawers. In addition, pulls add a stylish touch to your cabinetry. Since they are larger in size than knobs, pulls generally have more ornate designs on them, and can be found in many design shapes and materials. Finally, if you’re doing renovations but not completely remodeling a new kitchen, then consider the other kitchen hardware that will exist side by side with these pulls. Many people like to have complementary cabinet hardware in the kitchen. Therefore, if you already have pulls in certain places that you do not intend to replace, you may want to continue with this stylistic choice. If, however, you like an eclectic look, then you might prefer to mix and match for a funky overall appeal.
Sticking with Cabinet Hardware Knobs
For a classic, traditional look, cabinet hardware knobs never go out of style. In addition to regular round knobs, today you’ll find fun and funky knob designs. If you enjoy shapes, you’ll find square, oval, and diamond knobs, just to name a few. In addition, you can combine a kitchen theme with your cabinet hardware, enjoying knobs of virtually any theme from cowboy knobs to animal knobs. Knobs are generally found on smaller drawers and work best with cabinets that aren’t very heavy, as they pull from only one location. They are easy to grip, but they do not cover as large an area as do pulls.
When debating between cabinet knobs and cabinet pulls, it’s important to factor this cabinet hardware discussion into your decision. Consider how you work best in the kitchen; evaluate the size and weight of your drawers and their function; and analyze your style preferences. With these ideas in mind, you should be ready to find the right kitchen hardware for your specific needs.
