Forever Art Space

If one day you or a family member was chewing gum and accidentally fell on the carpet, do not immediately panic. Due to clean it is not difficult, just use simple equipment in your home. After the gum take off, do not forget to clean the carpet from stains left behind. Because chewing gum containing sugar that can cause stains.

Tools and materials you need are ice cubes, plastic bags, bread knives, towels, and dishwashing soap. Step workmanship, put ice cubes in a plastic so that water does not wet the carpet. Then, place a plastic containing water on top of a stick of chewing gum. Let stand for about five minutes until the gum freezes. Once frozen, take the gum using a bread knife.

Next, clean the gum stains with a damp towel and a little dishwashing soap. Clean soap with a damp towel, then dry with a clean towel.

As well as sofas, carpets has become one of the furniture faithfully accompanied the appearance of a room. In addition to beautify the room, the carpet can be a cushion that replaces the existence of the chair. However, the carpet did have a lot of “enemies” such as dust and food stains.

To clean dust off the carpet, you can use a vacuum cleaner at least three times a week. Some people even sprinkle baking soda onto the carpet an hour earlier. Once in six months, wash the carpet with a special detergent. These activities will be troublesome and require a big place for hanging out. Therefore, we can take advantage of carpet cleaning services already operate plural. Every two or three months, we can change the position of the carpet to dry fields trampled or skipped one can change positions, so the carpet colors are always balanced.

Carpets also can not be separated from the threat of stains, such as ice cream. If already exposed to the stain, we can use alcohol. The trick, wet, dry cloth with alcohol and press the cloth gently on a carpet of ice cream stains. However, be careful not to pierce the back of the carpet alcohol made of rubber. Then, pour a little water mixed with detergent on the stain while holding an ice cream with a rag. Next, repeat several times giving a solution of water and detergent before, then rinse with water until clean. Then, dry the carpet with a dry cloth.

In Aspects of Architects home, of course, we do not only focus only on home exterior design stage of course, home interior design factors are also highly at all we need to look, especially for problems decorating and designing a bedroom, actually for a bedroom design issues, the main factor in the design room design and manufacture of many things, but in this post with more emphasis on the area, such as in the development of our room banged premises broad problem space (space), for a minimalist house design architect is one good solution is to decor and bedroom design minimalist, of course.

There are many ways to overcome such problem, so little room that we have the impression of a luxurious design and refreshing, one of which is color selection. In everyday life, without realizing that color can affect our bodies, the color can lead our mind calm and relaxed. Color and its relationship with the body’s energy is focused on seven major points, called chakras, each of which correlates with organ systems and specific color.

Relations blue color, for example, close to the throat chakra. Blue is the color that is fun and very well used to treat insomnia, gastritis, arthritis, lower back pain, sore throat, asthma, and migraine. Pair of blue color is usually orange. The blue color is also good for relaxation that can be done before bed or when waking in the morning.

With a pair these colors, please just decorate your home or bedroom so that quality of life for the better. This can be done by changing the color of bed sheets and pillowcases in blue when you are experiencing tension

Several color choices for bedroom color:

* Warm colors: red, yellow, brown, orange. In the color circle, especially the colors are from red to yellow.
* The color of cool: in the color circle is located from green to purple through blue
* Color decisive: blue, red, yellow, white, black
* The color dark / dark: dark colors close to black color (dark brown, dark blue, etc.).
* The color of young / light: the colors are close to white.
* Color sank: all colors are fed a mixture of gray.

Another factor that needs to be examined, besides the color is a factor of lighting, because lighting can create atmosphere and feel of your minimalist bedroom design so different. Lighting factors now play an important role in the interior of the house. The atmosphere and theme of the room would be supported by a single element. With proper lighting techniques, can deliver the desired atmosphere, such as luxury or warm. Room light will affect your mood. In some circumstances, proper lighting will be able to fix, even change and improve the mood for something. No wonder, if the dimly lit room will make you more relaxed and comfortable. It is strongly recommended for your sleeping room has dim lighting so you can feel more relaxed.

Nothing wrong with you to try different light settings indoors. Every place is different, and furniture will also donate an additional factor to consider, angle and size of walls, high ceilings, all things will affect, and there are no absolute rules about lighting. The trick to overcome the problem of bedroom lighting is by the use of dimmers. Dimmers will really help you to adjust the intensity of light you need. Would you like a dim, or bright enough, or even total darkness? choice is not just dark and light, with dimmer you can adjust how bright and dark of your room!

Here are some models of Bedroom Design, which can be used as reference:

Lights is not only a means of illumination, but has evolved into an addition to aesthetic value. Various forms and models can be selected according to needs.

LIKE the fashion trends are always up to date and change the model, the lights are now also experiencing the same thing. Besides its primary function as a means of illumination, light is also beneficial to add aesthetic value of the room. That function lights. A variety of decorative lamps on the market and can be tailored to the design and size of a room.

A house will never be separated from the lighting. Shape house with a large yard and minimalist would be very meaningful if adequate and appropriate means of illumination. Model decorative lamps and lighting will largely determine the form of exotica house.

Many models of decorative lights that are available, such as garden lights, indoor lights, lights in the corner of the house, the lights in the living room to room light. Lights were needed at home and at work. Materials lights also varied, some were made of glass, crystal, or a simple decorative lights framed bamboo. The price of ornamental lamps were varied. Do not worry, the price of ornamental lights can be adjusted with financial capabilities.

Wanda, one of the seller decorative lighting, stating that the form of decorative lights which he sells a wide range, from form to form the most luxurious minimalism. “Currently the most preferred form of minimalism. Model decorative lamp with a square, round, or other forms of well-liked, “he told City News, some time ago.

Decorative lamp with a chandelier also preferred. Chandelier model is suitable for every room of the house. Lights of this type suitable display at the space besr and small. “Decorative lights hanging most preferred because it can decorate the room of the house. Hanging decorative lights can also be adapted to the shape or size of the room, “he said.

He explains, garden decorative lights began to look for because today many people who have gardens in the area of the house. “Many homes today have a wide pages. Some pages are then used as a park. Well, sure they need a garden decorative lights, “he said.

The price of ornamental lights, continued Jim, varied, ranging 150 thousand to millions of dollars. “The price of ornamental lights can be adjusted with the financial capacity of each,” he explained.

Select Room Available Form
Arrange the room not separated will be separated from the lighting element. To that end, decorative lighting is needed. At least, decorative lights should be adjusted to the size of the room is available. However, not only the form of light that must be considered. Model lights must also be considered.

a fan of decorative lights, stated that decorative lights are badly needed. In addition to lighting room, also to decorate a table or a corner of the room. “For me, for lighting the room lights are needed. Selection of decorative lights should also be adjusted with the large and the small room, “he explained.

He stated, large enough to house it takes a minimalist decorative lights. Decorative lights that match the decorative lights of glass. “Lighting is very fitting decorative glass used in any room, good spacious room and the room is very spacious. With glass decorative lamps, lighting produced very good, “he said.

Rattan lights are not too suitable for lighting installed in the room generated a bit less. Tdiak maximum light reflection as well. “I prefer a model glass lamp because the light is better lighting. If decorative rattan lamp, lighting less, “he said.

He mentioned, for the rooms that need bright light such as living room, family room, and dining room, can choose lights that are yellow or white. To produce such a dramatic impression in the bedroom, could use decorative lights that produce a bluish color. “The color blue can provide comfort during sleep,” he explained.

The same is disclosed, one of a housewife who likes decorative lights. According to me, all the rooms in his house mounted lamp to produce adequate lighting. “I like it when every room was brightly lit. Therefore, every corner of the room there decor lights, “he said.

I like models and materials from glass lamp with a minimalist form of different variations. Inevitably, his house decorated with various forms of decorative lights, start box, square, until the round. “Of the many models of decorative lights, I conclude that the glass lamp is perfect for any room,” he explained.

Not just in the corner, hanging lights were installed in the living room. Sure, I choose a unique decorative lamp made of crystal or ordinary glass. “Hanging decorative lights are good as well when placed in the living room or family room. Apart from being decorative, unique chandeliers can also illuminate the whole room, “he said.

In addition to home design, use of decorative lights should also take into account the large-size room. For example, better use tiny room lights are not too large size. To save space and add light, can be used attached to the ceiling lights (downlights).

DECORATIVE LIGHT MAINTENANCE TIPS
Top LIGHT TREATMENT
1. Keep in mind, fabric lamp shade is easy to absorb dust. Therefore, the lampshade should be cleaned every two weeks.
2. Clean enough lampshade with soapy water. Shade cloth soaked and scrubbed with a soft bristle brush.
3. Never immerse the shade in soapy water because it will damage the fabric.
4. After being washed, lamp shades should be dried naturally.
5. Avoid direct sunlight as this may damage the fabric and paint on wood.

LIGHT WOOD TREATMENT
1. For treatment of light wood, simply use a cloth to clean dust and dirt on the wood.
2. We recommend using a damp cloth to remove impurities attached to the timber. Instead, use a dry cloth if you want to clean the dust.
3. Wood lamp holder can also be cleaned with special fluid available in stores.

SELECTION OF MATERIALS & bulb
1. As an addition to aesthetic value, decorative lights or lamps craft should use good materials. There are many options for decorative lighting in addition to glass and crystal, ie, plastic, cork, stainless steel, and natural materials such as rattan or foliage.
2. Choose a light bulb from quality materials, energy saving, easy mounting system, light, and in accordance with the aesthetic.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
For treatment of decorative lights, simply wipe with a soft dry cloth or duster. If the lights made of glass and can be removed, washed with water and a little soap and dry each section carefully so as not to be scratched or broken.

Park that can sync between home building with its surroundings is a good criteria of PARK. This also includes the concept of a minimalist home that must be counterbalanced by the minimalist design of the house and garden so that they can collaborate harmoniously and naturally.

Park combines minimalist and simple application of advanced technology by optimizing natural materials, as well as a matching color, also a combination of hard materials such as: (concrete, wood, glass, steel, brick, stone, coral, gravel, sand, granite) and soft (trees, shrubs, grass) with the right so as to produce harmony and natural harmony between house and garden buildings with their surroundings.

Park is a reflection of natural energy. Energy is the lifeblood. Thus, the presence of the park (minimalist) to provide the energy source of life for residents of the house itself but it does not require a minimalist garden maintenance and care are complex. Because all of them very practical.

Minimalist garden for easy maintenance make this park increasingly popular concept among many who crave the natural presence in her home. Minimalist garden could be developed in whole or in part in accordance with the available park land. Park to be built on the front page and / or rear of the house and side yard, front balcony and terrace, middle or back at home as well as level.

As the expansion of space and the unification of the house with nature, some of the functions of rooms in the house began to pull out close to nature, such as living room (formal) and park the front porch, family room and dining room with garden terrace garden side or rear, semi-open bathroom in the side garden. Rear garden can be developed into quite a family party where privacy.

On the contrary, nature can also be drawn into the house room, living room or family room by placing pots of fresh plants, equipped with a fish pond in the garden side, the water glass walls in the living room and kitchen.

For the minimalist theme park can be developed according to taste, such as water parks (aquatic plants and pond), a tropical garden (plants flowering / leaf colors), therapeutic gardens, parks aromatic (scented plants typical), park life pharmacy (medicinal plants) , or the herb garden (plants need to cook). Consider a simple plant maintenance and maintenance, including planting medium and type of natural or artificial fertilizers.

Minimalist garden generally accompanied with a water theme park can be displayed with the dominance of water plants and pond water that was made to give effect as a water fountain, spurting water, or water falls. Effect of water splashing on a regular basis to calm the mind and psychiatric residents. Splashing in the pool or calm water, shade trees, paved with grass or gravel sand domination, also highlight the sun rays coming through the trees accompanied garden lights arranged neatly and artistically, creating a heavenly silence in the home garden as a place of refreshing in the midst of life stress city hard, arid, and distinguished elements of thick pollution.

For that the presence of minimalist garden compact and simple with a little decorative ornaments, accompanied dynamic in plants and water elements, practical, efficient by optimizing the limited space, to be especially appropriate and effective to provide comfort in your home.

General lighting (general lighting), seems to be something that must exist in every room. In the bedroom, low intensity general illumination can make the atmosphere more romantic.

In a simple, general lighting can be interpreted as lighting designed to illuminate the entire room. Usually to meet these lighting functions, mounted downlight in the center of the ceiling of the room. The intensity of light used is also relatively light.

Well, usually the general lighting whose name is “must” have in every room, not least in the bedroom. on this bedroom, there are 14 points downlights which actually serves as the general lighting in the room. However, due to low light intensity, then the Fourteenth downlight point it seemed to function as decorative lighting in the room.

Investigate a calibaration, the existence of 14 points was light due to the room not too fond of bright light in his bedroom. Residents prefer the bedroom room with dim lights. That, he says, can make eyes more relaxed and improve the quality of rest.

The selected light is a light reddish color. Thus, to create a warm atmosphere. It is also the warm atmosphere created by using shades of wood elements in the room. This wood shades decorative elements on the area between others look headboard made of teak wood.

The presence of natural elements, such as wood, believed to give a touch of comfort (cozy) in a room. And if they are supported with good indoor lighting, these elements can make the room more romantic.

Currently, many brands and types of mattresses available in the market. This is helpful for potential buyers because of the many options to consider. But at the same time, a mattress that is less product knowledge because often times cause of regret to the purchase of which has been done. Often, because of the popularity of the product or brand is a major concern, not the functions and characteristics of the product.

Sleep is one of the basic human needs. Without enough sleep and quality, we will experience health problems and even mental disorders. Because at the time of sleep, we experience recovery and development (physically and mentally). With high quality and sufficient sleep, you will wake up more refreshed and ready to face the challenges of tomorrow with a lot better.

Then how do I choose a good mattress for no one choose? Do not drift. Because buying a mattress that is the tendency or buy a famous brand mattress does not always mean you buy a mattress that fits your needs.

Factors of you that need to be considered in choosing a mattress:
- Body size and weight
- Temperature of the bed and the atmosphere of your room
- Allergy and sensitivity to environmental disturbances
- Impaired bone health that you have
- How long do you want to use these mattresses

Do not be influenced by advertising or excessive discount. We need to consider factors important for ourselves to be considered when choosing brands and mattress manufacturers, such as:
- How long a mattress manufacturer in Indonesia present
- Long life time warranty mattress and mattress
- What about After-Sales Support it, easy or difficult
- Innovation of what is done by manufacturers of mattresses
- Do you see a mattress that has advantages in accordance with the price offered.
- The weakness of the product. All brands are not going to advertise their products weaknesses, but the voice of the user who then would be the advantages or disadvantages testimonials of these products.

Let us answer these questions one by one:
1. To choose a good mattress for you, should you see the size and even your body weight. For weight, thicker mattresses, will generally be more able to support the user’s weight. But with a body size that is different, to consider also the size of mattresses to suit your body. If you are over 200cm tall, then you should use a mattress with a non-standard size for your whole body can be supported by the mattress, so you can rest more perfect.

Market is the most common mattress spring and latex mattresses. Both have different characteristics. Spring mattresses generally have a limited size, while the latex mattresses can be adjusted for body weight and height of the user by selecting the appropriate thickness with your body weight and size that will fit your body size (height and weight).

2. Indonesia’s tropical temperatures typically have only a temperature difference that is not too drastic as in European countries, but with the hot temperatures in the dry season and the tendency of cold and humid in the rainy season, can cause sleep discomfort. Choose a mattress that can adjust the temperature so that we sleep more comfortably.

Do not choose a mattress that is absorbs moisture or water because it will give problems to the skin, it can even cause health problems if used for long period of time. Foam mattress or a mattress that has a layer of foam has a moisture absorption is high enough. Please note these characteristics for the health. Ask the seller to demonstrate if you feel this is necessary.

3. With increasingly severe levels of pollution in Jakarta Metropolitan city, allergy becomes a common problem, especially in children. Choose a mattress that has the ability to relieve your allergies or who are hypo-alergenis. Nature of hypo-alergenis this will increase your comfort during sleep.

For now, the only proven latex mattress hypo-alergenis. Raw materials other mattress has not been independently tested (tested by an independent party that has nothing to do with the manufacturer).

4. With work and life habits of an increasingly fast and busy, we become less attention to good practice daily. Bone disorders are one of the consequences. Diseases such as back muscles are pinched, too brittle bones, osteoporosis, bone tergerusnya young, and others cause discomfort during sleep. Selection of a mattress that has the characteristics of “solid and flat” became a necessity. Even better if prevented early.

The density and elasticity mattress is a major factor in terms of power strut back. Note elasticity mattress when you try to sleep on these mattresses. If you feel your posture as you stand at a comfortable sleep (no body parts are depressed are not normal), this is a sign that the mattress is to support the spine and the curve of the body so that the joints of the spine is in neutral position (do not collide and rub against each other during sleep). These characteristics can help prevent spine disorders.

5. What is the price, appearance, and the excess mattress fit? Ask in detail prior to purchase because the purchase price is not cheap mattress is a long term investment (minimum 7 years).

Often times we buy not because of the quality of the product but the emotional appeal of the product appearance. Same thing if we want to watch movies, generally we see who the players from the film. Because the mattress is something that our bodies use ¼ to 1 / 3 of our lives, should consider carefully whether the appearance mattress balanced with quality content from the mattress and whether your needs can be met by the mattress? For example, mattresses per / spring type bonnel often packaged with a soft cloth and attractive and also has a cheap price, but if you have any problems with the spine, then this type of mattress should be avoided because it is generally soft.

Beware, lest you mistakenly select the mattress because it can be bad for physical and mental health. Hopefully helpful.

In addition to decorating the outside (outdoor) house, great interest was also to be used as decorative elements inside the house. Decorating the interior (room in) a house with flowers can provide beauty and graced the homes and the mood of its inhabitants. Wide range of flowers available in the market there are imported and locally, but that does not mean flowers from the garden itself can not you use to decorate the room of the house. You can assemble the flowers are so beautiful to see and light emanating from the flower itself is devoid of decoration florist.

All you need is to create good will and courage in choosing a container (pot or vase), flowers, fresh leaves and twigs. Flower color is also very positive impact in your life. When selecting, consider the psychology of color, think back to what impact that will affect one’s mood.

If you choose the color red, it will make the house more and more exciting atmosphere and warms the body, increasing heart rate and breathing path. The yellow color is a source of energy so as to stimulate memory and enhance your spirit family. Green and purple is the color balance, peace and help ease his depression.

If you want a softer color or muted, blue is a good choice because it has the effect of increasing the reflection as well as relieve stress. To give spirit and relieve tired, use the orange flower. The color pink also provide peace of mind and frees you from anger. While the white color is a symbol of purity but also provide peace in your heart.

Various media can be decorated such as tables, walls, lighting chinese lanterns, and other media. You want to create a creative space that can be looked relaxed and casual, and if you want such an atmosphere can be inspired by the nuances of casual bali shirt.

want to make over a small but dramatic effect? The mirror can be modified into a charming interior elements. No problem putting the mirror as a primary material or as additional material.

Mirror not only as a tool for self , but more than that, now can be applied to the mirror in various forms.

In a house mirror can be used on some interior elements, such as part of the wall panels, partitions, or elements on the furniture. Section, the mirror has a unique character that is reflecting light so that it can make a different impression than the other materials.

No wonder the mirror, the interior design books are strongly advised to strengthen the character of a home. Because, a mirror in reflecting the warmth, comfort, and highlight the beauty of residential architecture.

Being Panel

Cover element made from a mirror can be applied into various fields. For example as wall coverings and panels can be various kinds of variations. Not necessarily all the fields are closed, could also add some wood and lighting element that impressed the wall panels are not monotonic if the only intact mirror attached.

Aside from being a wall panel, the variations that are not less innovative is the use of mirrors as interior elements such as ceilings. On the glass ceiling mirror can be made in the form of a drop ceiling (the ceiling is lower).

More dramatic if it were given in the drop ceiling fluorescent lights all around.

The Area Manipulation

In a small room, glass mirror can be a ‘savior’ to manipulate a small space. Glass material has always been a mainstay as an interior design ‘challenged’ to design a space that size is not too large, but want a spacious impression.

Besides the use of mirrors, interior elements contained in it must also be able to support these small rooms. Use a simple furniture or built-ins also can be one trick to be able to get the impression of a narrow area in a room.

Watch Material

Actually there are many materials which have characteristics like a mirror. In addition to a solid glass mirror, there is also the use of window film that has the same characteristics with the mirror. Even have the quality of different transparency.

Of the 20 percent transparency (which can be seen from both sides) up to 100 percent transparency (which can only see one side like a mirror in general). Instead of using window film, there are also other types of bronze mirrors. The color is like dark gray but has a rebound effect like a mirror.

Bronze mirrors are now quite popular, due to its characteristics quite luxurious and the price is quite high compared to the mirror glass on the market.

Thick or Thin

Apart from different materials, glass mirrors also have a variety of thicknesses, it can be adjusted with pamakaian. If you want to use the mirrors in wide pieces, preferably using thick.

But, if its use is not big or wide, then the mirror is not too thick can be used. To remember when estimating the cost is thicker mirror, then the price is more expensive.

So also if its use is widening even then the price will be more expensive. Other characters have the characteristics of the mirror is even bounce, but the color and transparency that is displayed is different.

For the impression of light, could use a mirror that is usually used, but if you want to show the impression of a little dark and cozy, can wear a type of bronze glass mirrors.

While window film can be used when the need for transparency as a window, so it can be seen from two directions and still have bounce characteristics

Art is is where the heart is. Designing a home interior is only to turn a plain space out to be beautiful but also to manifest our “taste” in it. It calls for high skill and creativity as we have variety of tastes.

Having a home that stands out from the rest is every interior decorator’s dream. Unfortunately, many beginners feel intimidated by the tasks involved, especially without proper guidance. In order to avoid wasting time, effort and money, they need to plan well and keep abreast of the latest trends in home designs by reading magazines and browsing online. For starters, here are some ground rules on what to do and what to avoid:

Do’s
Do consider your home’s location and architectural style when planning your interior design. The goal is to maximize its natural assets while showcasing your distinct taste and artistic preferences. A good balance between the two often achieves the best results and lessens the need for frequent redecoration.

Do make use of a signature piece, such as modern wall art, to serve as a focal point for each room. Having contemporary wall decor, for example, not only gives a fresh look to the rest of the room but also helps you decide which fabrics, rugs and furniture to buy in order to create a particular style and mood.

Do coordinate the different design elements such as color schemes and patterns. Wood tone, motifs, flooring and fabrics are important unifying elements, while checks, stripes and geometric patterns may be used in various combinations to stimulate interest. Bear in mind that aesthetic considerations are always secondary to a room’s intended function.

Do apply the principle of balance, paying particular attention to visual weight, scale, pairing and symmetry. Repetition of colors, shapes and fabrics reinforces the style and theme of a room and is suggestive of careful planning.

Don’ts
Don’t let other people make decisions for you. Although asking friends and professionals for opinions can help you gain a fresh perspective, never compromise your own comfort and standards for the sake of anyone else. After all, your home is your sanctuary.

Don’t place your furniture too far apart. Chairs, sofa and tables should be grouped together and not hug the walls. This arrangement is both more practical for socialization purposes and more space efficient.

Don’t settle for cheap decorations. Modern wall art and other items of high artistic value are often worth every penny when used as the focal point of a room’s overall layout. However, it may be unwise to invest in trendy items since trends can easily go out of style.

Don’t display all your collectibles as this lessens the importance of each piece. When not immediately needed or there is not enough room, keep them in storage and change your collection from time to time.

With these basic principles in mind, you can start planning your masterpiece with confidence. It is helpful to put everything in writing, and as long as you stick to a budget, do not be afraid to experiment. Remember that designing your own interiors is never easy, but with practice and experience you will soon have a home that will make your neighbors green with envy.

A couple of years ago we remodeled our kitchen. I’d like to see you just as happy with your kitchen as we are with ours. So here are ten tips on what to look out for, so you don’t make any mistakes when you’re looking for kitchen cabinets.

1. First, know your budget. You can’t do further research until you know how much money you want to spend. Cabinets take up 40% to 50% of your total kitchen costs, and you should budget for them accordingly.

2. Measure your space. It is impossible to get a realistic estimate without having some idea of you needs. Make the measurements as accurate as you can but don’t worry too much; these measurements are for research purposes only.

3. There are three types of cabinets on the market: Stock, Semi-Custom and Custom. When you buy stock cabinets, you are buying something “off the shelf”, as they are pre-assembled in the factory. They are the cheapest cabinets available. Unfortunately, stock cabinets come in a limited range of sizes and styles and have few options on finishes and accessories. Semi-custom is the next step up. They are still factory-made but you have many more choices in terms of storage, design, and style. Custom cabinetry is built either in a workshop or on-site and the sky’s the limit both in options and in price. Don’t be intimidated by this, however. Surprisingly the price difference between semi-custom and custom is often minimal and, particularly in hard-to-plan kitchens, may be worth the money.

4. Whatever kind of cabinet you choose check out the reputation of the manufacturer. Find out if they have a good track record. Look into their warranties. How much coverage do they offer and for how long a period?

For example, KraftMaid offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser which guarantees that under normal residential usage their cabinets will remain free of defects in material and workmanship for the lifetime of the product. Unfinished cabinetry is not covered under their warranty.

In contrast, Yorktowne offers a lifetime limited warranty on only some of their cabinet collections and a five year limited warranty on others.

Among other things, these warranties do not cover:

Correction of improper installation or repair of damage caused by improper installation.

Replacement or repair of parts when cabinetry is used in other than a residential home.

Improper storage situations where loading or use exceeds the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association standards.

Damages from fire, flood, or acts of God.

5. Create a written description of your ideal kitchen. This will help you to make a budget and pick a manufacturer. If you’re unsure of what is available look around for ideas. An afternoon at the library browsing back copies of Woman’s Day can be surprisingly helpful. Many popular magazines publish yearly specialty issues. In addition, there are several publications dedicated exclusively to kitchen and bath design.

Online you will find inspiring designs at http://www.wellborn.com/design/kitchens.asp and www.Kitchens.com. For a free step by step design guide take a look at www.Modularkitchencabinets.com/. For a quick overview of the various standalone cabinets and organizers see www.Stacksandstacks.com/html/category13_0.htm.

6. It is a good idea to take an afternoon off to wander through showrooms. Most showrooms have fully set up kitchens so you can get a feel for their products.

7. Don’t worry if, after all the magazines and showrooms, you’re still not sure what you want. Take a day or two to let your research sink in. Your kitchen will begin to emerge in your mind’s eye.

You can also call friends and family and ask if they recently put in a kitchen. Ask them to tell you all about it. If you come up with anything I didn’t tell you, let me know and I’ll put it in another column.

8. Your next step is to find an interior designer. While you can design your own kitchen, unless you’re a professional, it’s not a good idea. A lot goes into a kitchen design; any mistakes you make will stay with you for a long time. Why not get help from someone who has made it their job to design the best kitchen for you? You can find certified designers in your area via the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Certification means the designer has completed design courses including certified training programs in room layout, storage planning, cabinet installation, plumbing, and lighting. When you hire a designer, you can expect to pay a retainer (from $300). A typical hourly fee is $50 to $75. Up to ten hours would be enough time for a designer to spend doing research and working on drawings for your approval. In picking an interior designer, you want to find someone with whom you’re comfortable. In addition ask yourself: Does he or she seem knowledgeable? Are they genuinely interested and enthusiastic about your kitchen?

Tell your designer about your lifestyle and your needs. Among the things he or she will want to know are your family’s life style and habits. Do you entertain and how often? Do you want to eat in the kitchen? It even makes a difference if you are right- or left-handed.

Find someone with the imagination and the ability to stay in budget. You don’t need someone making you feel as if you ought to spend more. Your designer should visit your home in order to assess your needs.

9. Although you will have an interior designer to help you, it is important to know your materials. Cupboards can be natural woods in a variety of paints or stains. For durability, you can’t beat laminate or baked-on varnish. Know that in homes with children, polyester and stainless steel finishes may not work well as they scratch easily and tend to show fingerprints.

10. There is a large variety of hardware to choose from too. There are Lazy Susans, racks, hinges, pulls and handles. There are different types of drawers and trolleys designed for ease of access that you might want to consider. Your designer should have plenty of space saving and storage ideas which will make your kitchen much more efficient. Just remember, each gadget adds to your total cost so watch that budget!

These are the basics of kitchen cabinetry. Now that I’m done writing this I’ll go into my kitchen and get myself a cup of coffee and I’ll be happy knowing that your kitchen, when it’s built, will be just as good as mine. by: Bob Williams