Planning to do up your home? Doing up the interior of your home can be a rather time consuming and challenging task. You would definitely like each and every room to have a distinct look reflecting the personality of those who live in there. For instance the kid’s room should be lively and vibrant just like your kids. It must also be child safe and cater to all their requirements.
The regular decorating ideas are what you generally see around you in many homes. Why not be a little experimental with your interiors and include items that would make a value addition to your home. You would definitely love to have a home that you are comfortable in and makes an impression with your guests.
For a different and lovely look to your home the children wall maps are a good option worth considering. You could either have the kids wall map on one of the living room walls or then it could be used in the children’s bedroom. A new looks to your home with kids wall maps is something that you and your family would love. It would prove to be a great value addition to your interiors perfectly matching with the rest of your décor. The wall maps for kids can also be used for all the fun learning activities with your kids. You could play fun games with kids and have spent some quality family time. Both you and your kids are going to feel great with the fu
n time you would have together with the wall map for kids.
There are several options to choose from as regards wall maps for children. You could have USA wall maps or world wall maps for your walls. There are also children’s maps of the solar system that are available. The solar system wall map children have a detailed colorful representation of the solar system with all details like planets, stars, meteors. A lovely look to the room and a fun way to learn new concepts is what the wall maps offer. The kids world wall map like the solar system maps have a laminated surface and are markable and washable. The maps come with a lot of information about the different countries like the flora and fauna, the explorers and flags to name a few. There are many fun games that you could play with these maps.
The wall maps come in a number of materials. There are kids felt wall map that are available. Fabric and paper wall maps are the other options. These wall maps are very easy to install and also take down. Kids would really have fun with the illustrated and colorful learning experience. Ordering online has made it very simple to have a wall map for your home. With the online sites offering facilities of ordering and payment online, the wall map would be right at your doorstep in a few days.
Have fun with your kids, it is a wonderful way to discover the simple pleasures of life.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
A Simple and Inexpensive- ProcessRefacing Kitchen Cabinet Doors
One of the first rooms everyone notices upon entering a home is the kitchen. I suppose this is because some time over the years the kitchen became the gathering space in most homes since mom spent so much time in there. We have all pretty much come to understand that the kitchen is the most remodeled room in a home, again I am sure, because of the reasons mentioned above. This is also the room that is the most costly to remodel especially if the replacement of kitchen cabinets is involved. But there is no need to replace those cabinets if they are in good shape and you have no issues with the style. If this is the case, then the refacing of your kitchen cabinet doors will give you that fresh new look you are seeking.
Refacing kitchen cabinet doors is a fairly straight forward process that even the most novice do it yourself homeowner can easily accomplish. The first step in the process involves the evaluation of your present cabinetry. Assuming that you are happy with the style of cabinets you have, inspect your cabinet boxes to be sure they are structurally sound. Check all joints for tightness and drawer slides to ensure all drawers operate smoothly and close completely. Next check underneath the sink to see if there is any evidence of water damage due to leaks in the plumbing and drainage system. Now check all the cabinet doors to see if any show signs of being warped or have any other type of damage. If you discover any problems associated with any of these items, you need to first address the repairs of those problems before you move on to the next step.
After a thorough inspection of the cabinets and the completion of any necessary repairs, it is time to begin the refacing process. The first of the process involves the removal of all cabinet doors including the old hinges and cabinet pulls. Now do the same with the drawer pulls. You are going to replace that old cabinet hardware with new because after you see how nice your newly refaced cabinets look, you are not going to want to reuse that old cabinet hardware. Before you throw that old hardware away, save one hinge, one cabinet pull, and one drawer pull to take with you to the hardware store. If you locate hardware that has the same hole alignment as the old hardware, reinstalling the cabinets will be much easier. Place your hardware samples in a bag and head to the home improvement center.
You are now going to shop for your new cabinet hardware and the other supplies necessary to complete the refacing process. Once on the cabinet hardware aisle, the selection of new hardware simply involves matching up the screw holes on the old with one of the many styles of new hardware your home improvement center will offer. Next is the purchase of sandpaper, primer, paint, brushes and rollers necessary to complete the process. Consult the paint expert there for the proper paint to use and at no point in the purchase process are you to go cheap on these supplies and materials. Remember, by refacing these cabinets, you are saving thousands of dollars over the cost of replacement. Spend some of these savings on professional supplies and you will end up with a professional job.
Now that you are home with your supplies, the fun begins. Follow the simple steps I have outlined below and you will find yourself with kitchen cabinets that will be fresh and new and will have saved you enough money to replace those tired old counter tops and likely a few appliances as well.
Step 1: Clean the cabinet boxes, doors and drawer fronts with a heavy duty cleaner to remove any grease and dirt residue.
Step 2: Lightly sand these items with a fine grit sandpaper to rough up the surface so the new finish will adhere.
Step 3: Prime all surfaces and allow them to dry following the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Step 4: Apply coat one of the finish paint and allow to dry following the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Step 5: Apply a second finish coat to ensure a quality finished product
Step 6: Allow ample drying time; install the new hardware; reinstall your drawers and cabinet doors and enjoy your fresh, new looking cabinets.
Refacing kitchen cabinet doors is a fairly straight forward process that even the most novice do it yourself homeowner can easily accomplish. The first step in the process involves the evaluation of your present cabinetry. Assuming that you are happy with the style of cabinets you have, inspect your cabinet boxes to be sure they are structurally sound. Check all joints for tightness and drawer slides to ensure all drawers operate smoothly and close completely. Next check underneath the sink to see if there is any evidence of water damage due to leaks in the plumbing and drainage system. Now check all the cabinet doors to see if any show signs of being warped or have any other type of damage. If you discover any problems associated with any of these items, you need to first address the repairs of those problems before you move on to the next step.
After a thorough inspection of the cabinets and the completion of any necessary repairs, it is time to begin the refacing process. The first of the process involves the removal of all cabinet doors including the old hinges and cabinet pulls. Now do the same with the drawer pulls. You are going to replace that old cabinet hardware with new because after you see how nice your newly refaced cabinets look, you are not going to want to reuse that old cabinet hardware. Before you throw that old hardware away, save one hinge, one cabinet pull, and one drawer pull to take with you to the hardware store. If you locate hardware that has the same hole alignment as the old hardware, reinstalling the cabinets will be much easier. Place your hardware samples in a bag and head to the home improvement center.
You are now going to shop for your new cabinet hardware and the other supplies necessary to complete the refacing process. Once on the cabinet hardware aisle, the selection of new hardware simply involves matching up the screw holes on the old with one of the many styles of new hardware your home improvement center will offer. Next is the purchase of sandpaper, primer, paint, brushes and rollers necessary to complete the process. Consult the paint expert there for the proper paint to use and at no point in the purchase process are you to go cheap on these supplies and materials. Remember, by refacing these cabinets, you are saving thousands of dollars over the cost of replacement. Spend some of these savings on professional supplies and you will end up with a professional job.
Now that you are home with your supplies, the fun begins. Follow the simple steps I have outlined below and you will find yourself with kitchen cabinets that will be fresh and new and will have saved you enough money to replace those tired old counter tops and likely a few appliances as well.
Step 1: Clean the cabinet boxes, doors and drawer fronts with a heavy duty cleaner to remove any grease and dirt residue.
Step 2: Lightly sand these items with a fine grit sandpaper to rough up the surface so the new finish will adhere.
Step 3: Prime all surfaces and allow them to dry following the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Step 4: Apply coat one of the finish paint and allow to dry following the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Step 5: Apply a second finish coat to ensure a quality finished product
Step 6: Allow ample drying time; install the new hardware; reinstall your drawers and cabinet doors and enjoy your fresh, new looking cabinets.
Friday, March 12, 2010
The Cost of Refacing Cabinets
Almost everyone will face a kitchen remodel at some point in their lifetime. Even if you have never before, with the changing landscape in the economy and housing market today, there is a real good chance that you will in the future. When you do, you will likely discover that the one major factor that costs more than any other single item in the remodel will be the cabinets. However, if the cabinets presently in the kitchen are in good shape structurally, you may be able to reuse them and just do a cabinet refacing. The cost of refacing cabinets is much less than even replacing your cabinets with stock models from a big box home improvement store. If you were to go the custom cabinet route, then cabinet refacing would save you even more money.
Cabinet refacing involves the implementation of one of two methods. You may choose to either refinish the existing cabinets, or if necessary, replace the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Either of these methods will produce kitchen cabinets that can make your whole kitchen look fresh and new. In addition to the whole new look you will get, the cost of refacing cabinets will save you enough money that you will be able to replace those tired counter tops with new granite tops if you would like and maybe even spring for some new appliances.
Take a good look at your existing cabinets and make a decision on whether or not the present style of doors and drawer fronts are to your liking. If you find this to be the case and the doors and drawers are in good shape, inspect the cabinet boxes and determine if they are structural sound or if a few minor repairs will make them so. If all of these items meet your approval, then a couple of hundred dollars worth of tools, sandpaper and paint or stain will be all you need for a complete kitchen cabinet makeover. Couple your new finish with new cabinet pulls, hinges, and drawer pulls and your visitors will think you spent thousands of dollars on brand new cabinets.
Should you find that the condition of your cabinets are good, but you simply do not like the present style of doors or drawer fronts that you have, you can still save a substantial amount of money by replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts with new ones of a more pleasing design. If this is the method you choose, it will involve refacing the present cabinet boxes with a laminated veneer so that they will match your new doors and drawers. If you intend to replace the doors and drawer fronts, spend some time visiting a kitchen design center in order to discover all the different options of door designs that are available on the market today.
No matter the method you choose to pursue, you will find the cost of refacing cabinets to be well within even the smallest budget. In addition to the cost savings, you will also save lots of time and headaches by not having to tear out your old cabinets and wait on new custom units to be constructed and installed. The less time you are without a kitchen will help save your sanity and your money since you will not have to eat out as much. As a matter of fact, by refacing your cabinets, you will never actually lose the use of your kitchen at all. If you have ever done without your kitchen for any length of time, I think you will find that to be much more to your liking.
Cabinet refacing involves the implementation of one of two methods. You may choose to either refinish the existing cabinets, or if necessary, replace the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Either of these methods will produce kitchen cabinets that can make your whole kitchen look fresh and new. In addition to the whole new look you will get, the cost of refacing cabinets will save you enough money that you will be able to replace those tired counter tops with new granite tops if you would like and maybe even spring for some new appliances.
Take a good look at your existing cabinets and make a decision on whether or not the present style of doors and drawer fronts are to your liking. If you find this to be the case and the doors and drawers are in good shape, inspect the cabinet boxes and determine if they are structural sound or if a few minor repairs will make them so. If all of these items meet your approval, then a couple of hundred dollars worth of tools, sandpaper and paint or stain will be all you need for a complete kitchen cabinet makeover. Couple your new finish with new cabinet pulls, hinges, and drawer pulls and your visitors will think you spent thousands of dollars on brand new cabinets.
Should you find that the condition of your cabinets are good, but you simply do not like the present style of doors or drawer fronts that you have, you can still save a substantial amount of money by replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts with new ones of a more pleasing design. If this is the method you choose, it will involve refacing the present cabinet boxes with a laminated veneer so that they will match your new doors and drawers. If you intend to replace the doors and drawer fronts, spend some time visiting a kitchen design center in order to discover all the different options of door designs that are available on the market today.
No matter the method you choose to pursue, you will find the cost of refacing cabinets to be well within even the smallest budget. In addition to the cost savings, you will also save lots of time and headaches by not having to tear out your old cabinets and wait on new custom units to be constructed and installed. The less time you are without a kitchen will help save your sanity and your money since you will not have to eat out as much. As a matter of fact, by refacing your cabinets, you will never actually lose the use of your kitchen at all. If you have ever done without your kitchen for any length of time, I think you will find that to be much more to your liking.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Selecting the Right Tools for the Kitchen
It’s not just first impressions that count with customers. Tarnished silverware, old pots and pans and dated appliances all have the ability to make your patrons feel unhappy with their dining experience. In many cases, seasoned restaurateurs would attest that aside from the actual dining room, the kitchen comes a close second when people are determining whether they’ve had an enjoyable experience.
Selecting the right kitchen tools and utensils is imperative to putting your best foot forward with your customers. Needless to say, it is crucial that you take the time to research your purchases before making the investment. Not only will you have a well run kitchen, but you will be able to present your kitchen as an addition to the dining room instead of hiding it away behind closed doors.
When selecting your kitchen equipment, there are few items that you just can’t skimp on if you want to have an efficient kitchen.
Pots and Pans: For any professional, their utensils are like pieces of art. This appreciation will rub off on to your customers. By selecting a wide variety of solid, quality made pots and pans, your cooks and chefs will be inspired to create great dishes that will keep patrons coming back for more.
Knives: Any chef will tell you that it’s not “service” that takes up most of their time. It’s the preparation. Working with substandard knives not only takes chefs far longer to prepare, but the actual presentation of the food is sometimes lacking. When purchasing knives, make sure they are made of high quality materials, come with a warranty and are easy to sharpen and maintain.
Appliances: Think of the appliances you have in your kitchen at home. You’ll need all of these items and more for a commercial kitchen. Dishwashers, microwaves, blenders and grillers are all essentials. When researching these items, take into consideration the warranties, support and service as well as pricing.
But one of the key pieces of equipment you’ll be buying is the gas stove. There are many varieties of burners all with different heat outputs and intensities. Many proprietors choose to use natural gas, but in more remote areas, owners often use gas tanks.
When purchasing your gas cook top, ask the supplier about additional accessories you will need for the equipment to run efficiently. You’ll most likely need hoses, connector kits, casters and some other bits and pieces.
After all the research is done and the purchases have been made, your staff can now make wonderful dishes that customers will keep returning for time and time again.
Selecting the right kitchen tools and utensils is imperative to putting your best foot forward with your customers. Needless to say, it is crucial that you take the time to research your purchases before making the investment. Not only will you have a well run kitchen, but you will be able to present your kitchen as an addition to the dining room instead of hiding it away behind closed doors.
When selecting your kitchen equipment, there are few items that you just can’t skimp on if you want to have an efficient kitchen.
Pots and Pans: For any professional, their utensils are like pieces of art. This appreciation will rub off on to your customers. By selecting a wide variety of solid, quality made pots and pans, your cooks and chefs will be inspired to create great dishes that will keep patrons coming back for more.
Knives: Any chef will tell you that it’s not “service” that takes up most of their time. It’s the preparation. Working with substandard knives not only takes chefs far longer to prepare, but the actual presentation of the food is sometimes lacking. When purchasing knives, make sure they are made of high quality materials, come with a warranty and are easy to sharpen and maintain.
Appliances: Think of the appliances you have in your kitchen at home. You’ll need all of these items and more for a commercial kitchen. Dishwashers, microwaves, blenders and grillers are all essentials. When researching these items, take into consideration the warranties, support and service as well as pricing.
But one of the key pieces of equipment you’ll be buying is the gas stove. There are many varieties of burners all with different heat outputs and intensities. Many proprietors choose to use natural gas, but in more remote areas, owners often use gas tanks.
When purchasing your gas cook top, ask the supplier about additional accessories you will need for the equipment to run efficiently. You’ll most likely need hoses, connector kits, casters and some other bits and pieces.
After all the research is done and the purchases have been made, your staff can now make wonderful dishes that customers will keep returning for time and time again.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Kitchen Custom Cabinets and Its Pricing Details
Many people want to remodel their house and look into different cabinets as a way of beautifying their kitchen. If you want to change the look of your room, then you will want to understand the different types of custom and how they fluctuate based on price.
More and more people want to get it in their cooking room. Since the family spends a large portion of their time in the kitchen, you want to make sure that you are comfortable with your kitchen. There are many ways you can change your room. For example, you can paint the walls or redo the floors. You can also change the appliances and perhaps color-coordinate them. However, you if you change the cabinets, your kitchen will have a very different look.
Many people decide between custom and stock. If you are considering the stock cabinets, then you can usually go to a home improvement store, maybe look through a catalog or what is on display and chose cabinets that work with your room. These, you may be able to take home that day or they may be delivered to you within a few days of purchase.
Normally stock ones are cheaper than custom ones because they are not as detailed or perhaps they do not use the same type of materials. Others also decide to get custom ones, which can be expensive. Normally the construction of the cabinets as well as the type of material makes up at least fifty percent of the cost. This means that a cabinet that is constructed better will be more expensive.
However, it will also be more durable and will last longer. The layout of your room and the shape of the cabinet can also affect the price. You will want to set a budget in terms of designing your cooking room because this affect the amount of hours and the price you are quoted.
The door style can affect the cost of the cabinets also. If you decide to get a door that is detailed oriented, then you will pay more than a door that is simpler. The type of finished used can affect the pricing, which means that if you use glazes or layered finishes, you should expect to pay more.
Make sure to investigate all of your options when it comes to remodeling your kitchen. If you want to invest in custom ones, make sure to choose some that are durable and classy.
More and more people want to get it in their cooking room. Since the family spends a large portion of their time in the kitchen, you want to make sure that you are comfortable with your kitchen. There are many ways you can change your room. For example, you can paint the walls or redo the floors. You can also change the appliances and perhaps color-coordinate them. However, you if you change the cabinets, your kitchen will have a very different look.
Many people decide between custom and stock. If you are considering the stock cabinets, then you can usually go to a home improvement store, maybe look through a catalog or what is on display and chose cabinets that work with your room. These, you may be able to take home that day or they may be delivered to you within a few days of purchase.
Normally stock ones are cheaper than custom ones because they are not as detailed or perhaps they do not use the same type of materials. Others also decide to get custom ones, which can be expensive. Normally the construction of the cabinets as well as the type of material makes up at least fifty percent of the cost. This means that a cabinet that is constructed better will be more expensive.
However, it will also be more durable and will last longer. The layout of your room and the shape of the cabinet can also affect the price. You will want to set a budget in terms of designing your cooking room because this affect the amount of hours and the price you are quoted.
The door style can affect the cost of the cabinets also. If you decide to get a door that is detailed oriented, then you will pay more than a door that is simpler. The type of finished used can affect the pricing, which means that if you use glazes or layered finishes, you should expect to pay more.
Make sure to investigate all of your options when it comes to remodeling your kitchen. If you want to invest in custom ones, make sure to choose some that are durable and classy.
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