Tuesday 22 May 2012

KITCHEN & DINING ROOM DECORATING IDEAS

A Bright Kitchen - a homey kitchen with a retro feel using yellow paint. The color unifies both rooms,  gives both the kitchen and the dining area a burst of energy. The walnut floors, hand-scraped to give it even more character, changes to a chevron pattern in the adjoining breakfast room.

10 THINGS EVERY KITCHEN SHOULD HAVE 

1. Natural Light

Look for ways to maximize light, from eliminating cabinets next to windows to using transparent or reflective materials like glass and stainless steel.

2. Comfort

I like to incorporate soft seating  and a TV.

3. Visual Texture

It's the mix of woods, countertop materials, and finishes that creates warmth, personality, and mood.

4. Stainless Steel

The consummate neutral, it looks great with everything and will never go out of style. I love its organic quality — it develops a well-worn patina over time.

5. An Island

If space allows, an island is essential. It's the social center of the kitchen.

6. A Great Sink

Accessories such as an integrated colander and a sliding cutting board make working there more efficient.

7. Integrated Refrigeration

Creating cabinet facades to hide refrigeration units gives me a tremendous amount of design freedom. By eliminating a large, boxy element, I can make a kitchen feel more room-like.

8. High-Performance Appliances

Today, high-efficiency burners and ovens with convection and self-cleaning are really indispensable.

9. A Hook

Every great kitchen has a hook, that one unique element that just pulls you in. It could be a hood, a sink, a pot rack.

10. A Kitchen Designer 

Kitchen design is complicated, and the landscape is constantly changing. Hiring a professional is perhaps the most valuable investment you will make.

Bright Kitchen Dining Area - Bright yellow walls and an even brighter citron table to life this white-and-gray kitchen. by designer Lindsey Coral Harper. Floors with a large geometric pattern

 INSPIRING IDEAS TO UPDATE YOUR KITCHEN

1.  Colours

2.  Appliances - eg. wall oven, dishwasher, dryer, coffee maker etc

3.  Lighting - eg. hang them over your island

4.  Cabinets
~ cabinet with hidden appliances : e.g. dishwasher, freezer etc are tucked beneath the countertop
~ stacked cabinet : double your storage by having your cabinets extend all the way to the ceiling
~ open shelves : replace upper cabinets with open shelves.
~  mirrored cabinets : the reflective paneling helps to enlarge the small space
~  deep drawer :  deep, pull out drawer in a low cabinets. Handy for storing pots, pans, mixing bowls.
    They also means less hunting around on your knees.
~  Custom cabinets : so that everything would fit in.



Kitchens have to look good, but things have to work. A two-tiered cutlery drawer in cabinets saves space and keeps flatware organized.

~  Glass cabinet doors : help the space feel more open and let you see inside too

5.  Gadget  : eg.  collapsible colander, apple corer, herb mill etc.

6.  Accessories :  eg. dish cloths etc

 Warm-Tone Kitchen - This kitchen features anigre-finished cabinetry and zinc countertops—and as little chrome as possible, because the designerprefers the look of brass

Warm-Tone Kitchen 

DINING ROOM


Dine-in Kitchen

Today, kitchens are the core of the house. You have to be able to cook in them and you also have to be able to live in them

Coastal-Inspired Dining Room - The white chairs and coral chandelier make a big mahogany table feel lighter than it is. The contrasts make it work. 

THE BIGGEST KITCHEN DESIGN MISTAKES 

1.  Being Boring

The best kitchens have a soul or a spirit that's warm, inviting, and personal. Every project is a chance to do something new and creative. It's not just about the cabinets and countertops — the whole room has to sing.

2.  Cabinets That Fall Short of the Ceiling

They collect dust and un-needed accessories. In this kitchen, cabinets are full height and create the maximum amount of storage, while glass fronts keeps the space feeling airy. The panes are restoration glass, which is uneven. 


3.  Overdoing It

The kitchen is over-designed. Knowing when to stop is the real challenge.


4.  Too Many Stainless Appliances

Stainless steel can be a wonderful accent. However, as with all good design, there should be a rhythm with the placement. Splashes of stainless all over the place make any kitchen look and feel choppy and small. Be especially careful with those stainless-steel coffins — giant stainless refrigerators. They can quickly overpower a kitchen design if it's not balanced correctly.


5.  The Notion That Bigger is Always Better

A well-designed kitchen with high-quality materials and thoughtful details can make even the smallest space suit you perfectly.


6.  Too Much Storage

There's rarely a need to completely fill a room with cabinets. A good layout is a balancing act between storage, function, and aesthetics. In this kitchen, open space above the sink means there's room to breath. 


7.  Poor-Quality Cabinetry

Think about it — you're opening and closing those doors and drawers all the time. Get something strong and good-looking. Hardwoods, a good finish, and strong hinges are essential.

8.  Not Having Countertop Around Wall Ovens

Where are you going to put the turkey when you take it out of the oven. Make sure there was plenty of counter space next to — and across from — the ovens.




















10 TIPS TO MAKE ENTERTAINING EASY  

1.    Go Overboard on the Candles - 
Go heavy on the tea lights. 



2.   Make a Playlist - Music is an essential part of a party atmosphere. Play a mix, from bossa nova to big band to disco. Start mellow, build, bring it back down.




3.   Create Flow

Pass hors d'oeuvres (hors d'oeuvre or the first course, are food items served before the main courses of a meal) so guests will circulate. Use serving bowls that are from different sets. If they match, it will look like a catering hall.

4.   Consider a Buffet

To feed a crowd, serve buffet-style, with food that can be eaten in one forkful. 


5.   Prepare Ahead

Do what you can the night before. Set the table the night before to cut down on stress. 

6.   Don't Go Overboard on the Flowers

Elegant flowers are easy to pull off. 

7.   Try a Cozy Tablecloth

To add warmth to the entry table, try to layer two plaid blankets. Or you can also use old quilts, blankets, wool throws, PUA KUMBU. Be creative

8.   Have Comfy Seating 

Kitchens should have room for cooking, dining, and a comfortable seating area. You can put upholstered chairs — whether in a cozy corner or around the dining table — encourage hours-long lounging. You can have your morning coffee there, even eat dinner there.

























9.   Try cloloured candles instead of white candles.

10. Remember to Relax and Have Fun

Grabbing a quiet moment before guests arrive can help put you at ease. Entertain yourself first.

Note :

Outdoor Grill
Herbs, vegetables, and flowers on the deck next to the grill.












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