Home Kitchen

Where does electromagnetic radiation come from?

If you’ve never heard of electromagnetic radiation, you may have it on your hand right now. If you are one of those people who enjoys the comfort of your cell phone and keeps it with you 24 hours a day, chances are you have electromagnetic radiation on hand. Mobile phones emit this type of radiation and it affects us, even at the cellular level. In fact, it is known to cause health problems and there have been several studies on the subject.

Computers also cause this type of radiation. It is not something that will affect you much if you only connect to the computer once in a while, but there are many people who work on a computer all day. In fact, those who work from home at the computer can stay in front of it much more often than someone who works in an office at the computer. This is when you can start putting yourself at risk from electromagnetic radiation. If this is the case, you will probably want to take steps not to develop any health problems from this radiation.

There are other things that emit radiation, such as convection ovens, laptops, microwaves, etc. These things may not be considered as harmful as a computer or cell phone, because you don’t stand there with the convection oven pressed to your ear all day. One of the dangers of cell phones and electromagnetic radiation is young children. Because cell phones are so convenient, many people have abandoned their home phones and used cell phones exclusively. In addition, they allow their children to talk on the mobile phone all the time, and children are much more susceptible to these radiation pulses than adults. Radiation can reach the soft tissues of our brain.

As more and more people are realizing the dangers of these kinds of things, companies have started selling items that will protect people from electromagnetic radiation. For example, there are products that you can place in a room to protect yourself from the pulses that come from the appliances or devices in that room. There is a range of radiation protection. There are even small products that are similar that are placed on the cell phone or laptop that will protect it too. This is great, because you can feel free to talk or work without worrying about developing cancer and other diseases. Also, if you are not at home with your room protection device, you are still covered.

Taking care of your family is second nature, yet many people just don’t know that these things are really not safe for them. One suggestion is to use a hands-free device for your cell phone. Also, keep the phone away from your body instead of keeping it in your pocket or holding it all the time. This, along with the above items you can buy to keep your family safe, electromagnetic radiation is something you no longer have to worry about.

Home Kitchen

Have fun using various hardware on kitchen cabinets and add interest

Shaker cabinets are super flex type doors that can be modern, traditional, old world, or a variety of other styles depending on what they are paired with in terms of design. Depending on the tile, lights, and hardware, one can easily add interest and change the entire feel of a room.

Think of kitchen utensils like the cherry on ice cream. It is the completion of any good design and can make it look completely different than it did before.

Nickel and steel

Nickel and steel are two finishes that continue to add value to a home when added, and especially in the kitchen. One simply cannot go wrong choosing these finishes for the hardware on your shaker cabinets in any color or stain.

Since vibrating cabinets are known for their clean and beautiful lines, they work perfectly with simple designs in hardware, however ornate knobs and pulls can be fun too. Add retro flair with white shaker cabinets or recessed versions with exposed hinges for a fun look.

Antique brass

Brass is a tough yet shiny finish to match shaker cabinets. Anyone looking for a warm and inviting kitchen will be pleased with the addition of brass handles. Add them with stainless steel appliances and countertops, industrial fixtures, cabinets with dark or medium stains, and even subway tiles just to come up with a few ideas.

Oil rubbed bronze or brass looks amazing on the white or gray cabinets that are very popular this year. See what can be found in antique stores and skip the cookie cutter pulls found in big box stores.

Glass Cabinet Pulls

Another vintage look is the glass and ceramic handles. Rustic style shaker cabinets will turn heads and grab it by adding these contrasting elements. These knobs and pulls come in a variety of styles and colors, as well as opaque and transparent styles.

They can even be the perfect amount of sparkle for a feminine kitchen and add a chandelier. Why not go out of your way and really make a statement? Even glass front cabinets with a wood frame, still in vibrating cabinet style, can benefit from ceramic and glass pulls.

Flat and tubular bar sweaters

These types of vibrating cabinets with a wood or colored finish give it a very contemporary or modern feel. If the homeowner is drawn to clean lines and basic, minimal styles, they will love them. They work great in townhomes and apartments in the city, especially those with exposed ceilings and rough brick walls.

Polished nickel is a popular choice as it sticks to the modern theme. However, they do come in a variety of finishes and lengths. Pair them with light and dark vibrating cabinets for a unique look. Choose granite, stone or concrete countertops and the same for the floors. Also, the glass backs go well together. Elegant, modern and surprising, anyone who visits this kitchen will be in awe.

Sweaters with legs and bows

For an elegant touch, consider arched and leg pulls that come in a variety of finishes, in glass and ceramic. Each type creates a different feel and is based solely on personal preference. Traditional and classic, they are perfect for shaker cabinets. Change colors to keep cooking interesting and having fun.

Mosaics are a fun addition to this type of kitchen, and decorators shouldn’t be afraid to mix up various finishes. This year you can put together nickel, bronze, glass and everything else. It’s one of those “no rules” vibes. However, there is a strategic location that one can observe to satisfy OCD friends.

Regardless of which handles or knobs are chosen to adorn shaker cabinets, there is no denying that they are the perfect choice for any kitchen.

Home Kitchen

Designing your kitchen for your budget

“How is it that it costs so much?” That must be one of the questions I hear most frequently when presenting price quotes for kitchen cabinets to homeowners. While it’s true that cabinets can be designed to be low-budget, mid-range, or high-end, there are many factors involved that can easily push a low-budget project into a higher price range.

The place to start when designing kitchen cabinets for a specific budget is the doors. There are more door options available than most people realize, and each option will affect your overall budget. From cheapest to most expensive, door styles are available as follows:

1) Melamine. These are recessed doors (without panels or profile details), and are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, from solid colors to imitation wood, and many others. Newer “hot melt melamine” doors have a very thin layer of melamine paper applied to a substrate panel type door. They are inexpensive and not very durable. These should not be used near sources of water or heat, or where frequent washing is required.

2) Wood veneer. These are pocket doors made of a thin layer of wood on a substrate material. Birch, maple, oak and ash are all in the same price range, while any exotic or rarer wood (mahogany, cherry, walnut …) will increase the cost. These are often found in modern style kitchens.

3) Wooden structure with veneered panels. These doors have solid wood frames and recessed panels flush with veneer substrate. A common style among these types of doors is Shaker. The wood species chosen will affect the price.

4) Plastic laminate. It looks a lot like melamine doors, but higher quality and much more durable. A wider range of patterns and colors available. Laminates have a dark brown core, so depending on the laminate color chosen, you may see dark brown lines at all joints, at each edge of each door, and so on.

5) Wooden structure with wooden panels. These have solid wood frames and panels. The panel usually has a raised detail. These are often found in traditional style kitchens. Again, the choice of wood influences the price.

6) Wooden or lacquered frame painted with panels of another material. These doors have wooden or painted lacquer frames and other material used for the panel. The other material can be anything, and it is this other material that will greatly affect the cost. Common panel materials include glass, painted finishes, plastic laminates, metal (drilled, brushed, hammered, etc.), cork, and even wall coverings (such as grass cloth) applied to a substrate.

7) Thermoplastic. These doors are not made by the average cabinetmaker; They are manufactured in the factory. Thermoplastics come in a variety of colors and finishes, but the most common are still bright white and faux wood. More durable and attractive than melamine. About the same price range as wood doors. Some manufacturers now advertise “hot melt melamine”; be careful because they are not the same at all.

8) Painted lacquer. These doors are typically lacquer-painted MDF, but it is the lacquer work that increases the cost because it requires more labor and specialized painting equipment. These are not “painted” cabinets. The lacquer is applied as a spray, over a sprayed primer, and no brush marks or other irregularities are visible. If you choose a special finish, such as glazing, the cost goes up a bit more.

9) stainless steel. These doors are typically not manufactured by a cabinet shop, but are outsourced to a metal shop. They are, without a doubt, the most expensive options for your doors.

Because the finished sides must match the doors, the door selection affects the cabinet itself. Therefore, cabinets for lacquered cabinets will be more expensive than melamine ones. Finished side panels to match any wood door are veneered; solid wood would not be as dimensionally stable (warp or bow) and would be astronomically expensive. Then you should consider the interiors of your cabinets. White melamine inside cabinets is standard unless otherwise requested. The cheapest option, if you don’t like the idea of ​​white, is the matching melamine with the doors. It is not advisable to use a more expensive material inside the cabinets – why spend money on veneers or lacquers that are more likely to be damaged by rubbing pots or dishes against surfaces? And why put a more expensive material that you would later want to protect with shelf liners, so that you would never see wood or lacquer anyway?

Countertops are the other major selection that affects the price. The truth is, there are really only two price groups for counters. Plastic laminate countertops are the inexpensive option, and not a bad choice, as they are very durable and are now available in some incredible textures and patterns, plus they can be adorned with wood or solid surface edging. All other countertop materials tend to be comparable in cost: granite, solid surfaces (Corian, Silestone, etc.), concrete, and stainless steel. Concrete countertops are quite expensive due to the fact that they are still relatively rare and therefore a special item; you can’t buy them anywhere. Ceramic tile countertops are the only real mid-priced option. They require the use of high-quality tiles, otherwise chips and cracks will be inevitable. The grout must also be of high quality and safe for food preparation areas, and it must be sealed. Marble, which is usually slightly less expensive than granite, should not be used in kitchens, as it is porous and prone to staining.

What is most surprising to people is that the finishing touches can also be very expensive. The handles and knobs range in price from about $ 2 each to over $ 30 each. Kitchens generally require around 25 handles, so create a $ 700 price difference right there. A reasonable amount to plan for handles is $ 5 to $ 8 each. The other “budget buster” is accessories. Spice racks, trash cans, drawer dividers, pull-outs, and the like tend to be quite expensive. However, some of these devices are incredibly practical, so try to determine which one you would need and which one appeals to you mainly because they are really cool add-ons.

There is one area you should never skimp on just to save a few dollars, and that is installation. Imperfect installation of even the best-made cabinets will result in doors and drawers that don’t close properly or look poorly constructed. A good rule of thumb is that the specialist who made the item should install any custom-made items.

Cabinets for an average size kitchen can cost anywhere from around $ 7,000 to significantly more than $ 30,000. It is often said that a home kitchen (including appliances, cabinets, flooring, lighting, labor, and more) should cost about 15% of the home’s value, so the kitchen for a $ 250,000 home should cost around $ 37,500 if you like. Follow this budgeting method. There are a few things to consider with this: the size of the kitchen plays a big role in determining the budget; of course, a larger kitchen will be more expensive to remake than a small one; a home built in the 1900s will likely be more expensive to renovate than a home built in the 1970s; your preferences will affect the budget; and this is a figure that was developed as a guide to some extent, you don’t need to follow it. Based on the projects handled by Idealspace Design, we have seen that cabinets (including countertops, handles, and installation) generally amount to about 30% of a total kitchen renovation budget. These figures are to help you develop an idea of ​​the budget range to expect, they vary greatly from project to project.

Home Kitchen

Why choose a granite countertop

Benefits of granite countertops

Many of the benefits associated with granite countertops include beauty, durability, and increasing the value of your home. Granite has a natural beauty with many different shades, colors and textures for you to choose from. There is a granite shade and pattern to match any décor in any home. Granite has fascinating colors with swirls and specks that can be seen through the stone. No granite pattern is the same on different slabs. The good news is that if your neighbor chooses the same color, the granite design will not be the same. This also means that when deciding on a shade and color, you should be sure to choose your granite from the same slab if you need to cover more than one counter. This will ensure that you have the same pattern on all of your counters.

Another benefit of choosing granite countertops is the durability of the material. As one of the most durable materials you can use for your countertops, you don’t have to worry about stains and burn marks from hot pots and pans. Granite is very resistant to wear and tear and keeps it looking beautiful and new for many years. It is almost impossible to scratch the surface of the granite. The only two things that can scratch granite are another piece of granite or diamonds.

One of the biggest benefits of adding granite countertops to your home is that you are increasing the value of your home. This is because granite has a luxurious look that no other type of countertop can beat. The kitchen can often be the selling point of a home for many buyers. If you decide to sell your home, you will be amazed at the return on investment you have made by installing granite countertops.

Another benefit you may enjoy choosing granite is that once the surface is stamped, it is easy to keep clean. Your environment is more hygienic than tile because you don’t have to worry about bacteria and mold growing in the grout. Granite provides the perfect environment if you are concerned about hygiene. All you need is a soft cloth to clean your countertops as well.

People also love cooking on granite countertops due to the cold surface. Cooks who work with pastry and dough prefer granite. Many people find themselves cooking a lot more because the countertops are easier to clean and they don’t have to take out additional surfaces to mix.

Granite vs Countertop Materials

If you’re having a hard time deciding which countertop to go with, there are several things to think about. Marble and laminate are two options that people think of when looking at countertops. There are some problems with these two materials. The saying that you get what you pay for applies to laminate. You can get a really cheap countertop, but quality and durability shouldn’t be an issue for you if you go for laminate countertops. You also need to think about the stains, scratches, cracks, and other issues that come with laminate.

Marble countertops have issues too. Marble is susceptible to scratching, dulling, and staining, which can cost a lot of money to repair. Things that can stain marble include things like oily liquids because they seep deep into the spaces between the marble’s crystals. Even if you apply a sealer to your marble, liquids can still seep out. Some acidic products can also eat marble. This is because marble is a carbonate and acids like lemon juice and vinegar spilled on it will cause an effervescent reaction by corroding the countertop. Marble is also much more expensive than granite. Granite has no problems with damage and durability and is clearly the best choice for your kitchen countertops.

There are many benefits to choosing granite countertops [http://www.granitetile-countertops.com], if you have more questions, visit www.granitetile-countertops.com [http://www.granitetile-countertops.com]. The site is dedicated to providing the latest information on granite countertops and other granite products.

Home Kitchen

Possible problems with removable kitchen trash cans

Over the years, many customers have had our company install removable trash cans in their kitchen cabinets. I realized the problems with having one of these drop-down units when I included one in my own closet design. Although there are some advantages, I think there are more disadvantages than advantages to having these sliding units installed in kitchen cabinets.

Slide mechanism bends

One of the biggest issues we had with the bears is that the kids (tweens and teens) would crush the trash in the can and the force caused the slide mechanism to deform. Although I would politely ask them not to inevitably do this, they would force the contents down because they were too lazy to pull out the full bag and replace it with a new one. I had even installed the heavy duty drop down trash can and we were still having trouble with the slides bending. Well, when you have six to ten kids on the weekends, something doubles. The main thing is that parents are not deformed.

Odors linger in cabinets

It’s a pretty nasty smell when trash hasn’t been taken out for a few days or perhaps spoiled meat, like chicken, was forgotten and left in removable trash cans in cabinets. Over time, although the cabinet interior is thoroughly cleaned with bleach, Lysol, Formula 409, or Pine Sol, there is still an unpleasant aroma that begins to form as the cabinets age and the kitchen undergoes regular use.

Although the removable trash can is a nice addition or extra to have in your kitchen cabinet design, I would consider looking for a different place to put the trash can if that is a viable option. Even if you don’t have teens breaking the unit’s slides, the odors that build up inside the cabinets linger even after a thorough cleaning is done. Among the problems, another is that sometimes the can does not extend far enough into the drawer and every time you remove the can it tends to hit the front of the drawer.

Home Kitchen

Top Door Handle Care and Maintenance Tips

You’ve taken the time to decide on the style, design, and finish of your new door handles, installed them, and they look great. Now you want them to look like new, but what is the best way to care for and clean them?

External door handles may need a different type of care and maintenance than those used indoors, however they do not need to be time consuming or expensive to keep on top. The finish of the door handle or door handle will determine the most suitable type of product to keep it clean and functional.

Stainless steel

NEVER use wire wool or carbon steel brushes to clean stainless steel door handles and handles; This can damage the surface and allow particles to embed into the surface and cause rust or other corrosion. Warm water, mild detergent, and a soft cloth are all you really need to keep stainless steel clean, and be sure to dry it thoroughly after cleaning to avoid water marks. For stubborn brands, any non-scratch abrasive household cleaner should work – again make sure to rinse and dry thoroughly!

Polished brass

While you may have spent hours helping your grandparents polish the accompanying fireplace set, when it comes to door handles, the best way to keep polished brass door furniture looking shiny It is with plain and simple warm soapy water and a soft cloth. All of the polished brass ranges we supply have been treated with a special lacquer, and the use of metal polishes or other abrasive cleaners will damage this and cause it to wear out much faster than it would in normal use. Eventually, after a few good years of use, this lacquer can break down, at which point you need to remove the door handle or handle and treat it with an acetone thinner applied with a soft brush. Dry well with a soft cloth and then buff with a metal polish. Regular polishing thereafter will keep them looking great.

Chrome

Nice, easy and low maintenance, the best way to keep your chrome handles looking great is to dust them off and quickly wash them with the proven combination of soft cloth and warm soapy water. Make sure to dry it thoroughly afterwards with a lint-free cloth or towel. An occasional swipe with a light oil will also help maintain the appearance of the mangoes. Do not use metal polish or any type of abrasive cleaner.

Old black

Although they are often coated with tough finishes, iron-based products will always be susceptible to rust. To reduce the likelihood of this happening, be sure to remove any harmful deposits that can lead to corrosion and wipe the door handle from time to time with a light oil applied with a soft cloth.

If you can avoid doing the following, it will help to extend the life of your door handles:

  • Do not hang excessive weight from the handle, for example full shopping bags

  • Do not allow children to hang on or play with the handle.

  • Do not use the handle as a doorstop against a wall; it is much better to install a doorstop to prevent the door handle from hitting the wall (you can find some great ones here).

So, to keep door handles, door handles, and door furniture looking new, a few minutes of cleaning and caring every couple of months or so will have a significant impact on long-term maintenance requirements. of their products.

Home Kitchen

Shaker styles and their rich history in decoration

Shakers lived in dormitory-style homes and celebrated God in a busy and active way by participating in tasks that brought out the best in themselves. The design details were classified as “American Rustic” and were unrivaled in craftsmanship.

Cabinet Features

Shakers use recessed panel doors with rails and studs, and the frame is smooth and flat. The lip and outer edges are also plain and the most common woods are cherry and maple for vibrating cabinets. There are also vibrant colors that are common, and the woodwork is painted in these colors. They were:

Terracotta

rose

Yellow

Olive green

Blue shades

Not only are cabinets painted, but window frames, baseboards, peg rails, and beaded boards are often painted as well.

Shaker Cabinet Hardware and Accessories

Shaker craftsmen made their cabinets with pegs and pulls from wood generally, but they also sometimes used hand-forged and metal finishes. That style still works in shaker cabinets today, as long as you stick to the simplistic design. Owners can choose the type of attraction they want, but they will find more overall value by sticking to classic styles.

Complementing countertops

Anyone going for vibrating cabinets should stick with solid, square-edged countertops. Granite, limestone, soapstone, and slate are wonderful options to pair with the new shaker cabinets in any type of finish.

Choose the best surfaces

For the overall look of a shaker style kitchen, there are certain surfaces that lend themselves to the authenticity of the look that is desirable. Consider the following surfaces or finishes when implementing Shaker.

Walls – Walls can be finished or painted in any earthy color, and homeowners often choose off-white. In the old days, edged wainscoting was used along with pegs.

Ceilings: Ceilings were typically plaster and were also painted off-white.

Floors – Varnished wood or hardwood was common in flooring to match vibrating cabinets. Some also used stone. It is completely acceptable to include a woven rug over these hard surfaces to add warmth and comfort.

Accents: Fabric accents were common in shaker decor. They, like simple cabinet styles, came in simple patterns and colors. They dressed the interior plain with gingham plaid, window frames, or simple plaid patterns that were in one or more colors.

Modern or classic

Today’s shakers are used in traditional décor as mentioned above or they work well with modern items. There are no rules on how to implement them. Homeowners should never be afraid to think outside the box when choosing what to implement. A simple mixer cabinet painted white or black will give clean lines and allow for a stylish look. Many choose to implement stainless steel faucets, fixtures, and appliances as well.

For a farmhouse-style kitchen, shaker-style cabinets come in many wood finishes and can be adorned with porcelain pulls for a quaint appeal that makes any kitchen warm and inviting. Add some wallpaper to a wall for a pop of color and then match with kitchen towels, pots, and pans.

A quick search on the Internet will reveal a variety of ideas that one can consider. They will quickly discover that there are many styles that work with shaker cabinets and will have fun creating the kitchen of their dreams to show off to friends and family who adore them.

Home Kitchen

Contemporary Open Floor Plans When Building A Modern Home

When you are building a new home, you have many different options to choose from. Fortunately, there are many different designs and styles to suit almost everyone’s needs. A contemporary open floor plan is an option that many people enjoy because it allows them to feel like they have more space even when the size of the home is smaller. There are many benefits to having an open floor plan, and when you want a stylish home that is light and airy with a good flow, it could be the perfect way to go.

Modern home plans come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. It will be up to you to find the one that best suits your needs. If that’s a contemporary plan that includes an open layout, you can find many great plans available to choose from. Of course, you also have the option of creating your own home plans based on your requirements, be it extra teen bathrooms, home office, or space to exercise. You may want an open kitchen and living room, but a private dining room. Maybe you’d prefer the entire lower level to be open, but you want the sleeping areas to be divided accordingly. It doesn’t really matter because you can get whatever you want.

An open floor plan leaves more room for light, a good flow of energy through the home, and easier access for many people. When researching modern home plans, many people choose open floor plans in the contemporary style just for sheer convenience. When you have young children, it is easier to see through the house and make sure your children are safe without constantly having to be in the same room. There are many reasons to choose a floor plan that is open, but this is actually a popular reason.

With a contemporary open floor plan, you can customize almost every detail in your home if you really want to. Modern home plans are great because they allow you to get your dream home, even if changes need to be made. There are many different ways that you can find out exactly what your modern home will look like, but a little research online always helps. Browse contemporary styles of modern floor plans to find the perfect spacious, open home for your needs.

Home Kitchen

The Benefits of Under Cabinet Lighting in Your Kitchen

Installing under-cabinet lighting in your kitchen has many benefits. Under cabinet lighting uses low wattage bulbs to make tasks easier and safer by delivering directed light to a specific area. Under cabinet lighting can provide two functions in your kitchen. It can provide countertop food prep task lighting and accent lighting to highlight countertops and backsplash. Although under the closet it is also useful in workshops, garages and basements, here we will focus on the kitchen.

Benefits of under cabinet kitchen lighting

1) Energy Saving – You can save energy by eliminating the need to light up an entire room.

2) Variety of bulbs – Energy saving bulbs are most often used for under cabinet lighting fixtures. Common under-cabinet bulbs include fluorescent, halogen, LED, and xenon bulbs.

3) Eliminate Shadows – Under-cabinet lighting reduces shadows created by wall cabinets and ceiling lighting. Proper under-cabinet lighting spacing eliminates dark shadows under countertops. To eliminate shadows, install one light for every 20 to 30 inches of counter space.

4) Add unique style and distinction to your kitchen – Many kitchen countertops are made from granite or marble. A kitchen under cabinet light can make your stone countertops shine.

5) Simple Installation – Many DIYers can install under cabinet lighting in just a few hours.

Types of under cabinet lighting: strip lights, disco lights, linear lights

Light Strips – These are rectangular shaped fixtures and work well with fluorescent bulbs. They are ideal for providing diffuse light to the kitchen.

Puck Lights – These are round fixtures that get their name from their round size and appearance, similar to that of a hockey puck. These lights are best for highlighting countertops and backsplashes. Disco lights work with LED, halogen and xenon bulbs. The disco lights can be mounted in different positions to point down or toward the splash guard. As an alternative, disco lights can generally be recessed into cabinets.

Linear lights – Linear lights are often used with fluorescent bulbs. They are the most popular types of fluorescent lighting under the kitchen cabinet because they are thin, allowing them to be hidden behind the cabinet trim.

Types of bulbs used: fluorescent, halogen, incandescent, LED and xenon.

Fluorescent bulbs – Commonly used for under cabinet lighting fixtures. They create a bright work area by providing clear light. The downside to fluorescent lights is that they can’t be dimmed and they sometimes flicker.

Halogen Bulbs – Homeowners looking for bright white light choose halogen bulbs. The light emitted by a halogen bulb is warm and bright and provides a good amount of light under the cabinet. These bulbs have an extremely long life, up to 2000 hours.

Incandescent bulbs – These bulbs are the least popular under the cabinet bulb type, as their light is not very bright. Incandescent bulbs are not energy efficient and emit heat. They last half as long as halogen bulbs.

LED bulbs – These bulbs are becoming a more popular choice among homeowners as they are more often available at lighting and home improvement stores. LED bulbs are available in different colors and provide homeowners with the ability to create unique decorative features. LED bulbs are the best for disco lighting.

Xenon Bulbs – These bulbs have the longest lifespan of all the under cabinet bulb options. They can last up to 10,000 hours. They are energy efficient since they do not generate heat.

Tips for Successful Under Cabinet Lighting

o A 12-inch light fixture or 3 disc light fixture must be installed for every 4 feet. of allowance.

o Install lights toward the front of the cabinet to better highlight the surface.

Home Kitchen

Granite splatter

When designing or remodeling your kitchen, your backsplash is just as important as your countertops as it can help minimize spills and splashes, while improving the overall look of your kitchen.

The importance of a backsplash

While a backsplash isn’t just for looks, it can become an important staple for your kitchen. Whether it’s around the sink or around the entire kitchen, backsplashes can offer a layer of protection that homeowners don’t always think of. Behind the sink or behind the stove, the backsplashes can take a beating from spills and stains that will be easily cleaned. Since granite is virtually non-porous and antibacterial when sealed, a granite backsplash prevents water and other liquids from seeping into the wall, staining it and compromising the integrity of the gypsum board. Over time and continued exposure to liquids, sheetrock can weaken and stain, leaving you with a bigger problem. The granite backsplash can help you avoid that. But they can also bring a delicate and interesting decorative touch to your overall design. Granite backsplashes can be both functional and attractive.

Combine or coordinate?

So, thinking of backsplashes? Want to add a backsplash to your existing granite countertops? If you already have the countertops in place, it can be difficult to determine what the backsplash should look like. Do you match the pimples? Can you do the pimples? How about a matching color? Depending on the availability of your original granite, you may have a hard time matching your countertops exactly. If you know the installer of your countertops, you may be able to hire the same company to install your granite backsplash, so they match perfectly.

However, if you don’t have that information, or maybe you want a unique look, you can coordinate your pimples. No one said your countertops and backsplash have to match precisely. If you are more daring, you may want to add a matching color to give your kitchen a more visual appeal. If your granite countertops are dark, why not try a lighter shade for your backsplash to break up the monotony and create a more open feel. You can invert the colors for a more contemporary look. Either way, you can enhance your overall kitchen design simply by playing with your granite colors.

Before you begin, you should consult a professional granite installation team. They can offer advice on how to combine or coordinate your pimples. It is always best to go with the original installer as they will most likely have the same style and color as your original granite, but it may not always be an option. However, a professional installation team can analyze the overall design and structure of your kitchen and help you determine which granite will meet your needs. They can also customize and install their backsplashes to give you the best possible look.