The idea of Shaker kitchen originated in the American colonies way back in the 18th century, when people lived in self-sustained communities and built homes with simple designs, which served a more functional purpose. Shaker cabinets refer to door type cabinets and drawers with recessed center panel. Based on the same principle, shaker kitchen cabinets came into vogue. For all those who might be interested in making that kitchen area look more roomy and liberal, here is a quick guide to some of the important features that Shaker kitchen cabinets offer.

Symmetry and function are the keywords when it comes to describing a Shaker kitchen design. Shaker kitchen cabinets make use of the available kitchen area in the most efficient manner, lend orderliness and clutter free arrangement of all the kitchen items and accessories, so that one does not feel claustrophobic. With its subtle layout, it has an appeal for those who want everything to be in place and prefer an organized lifestyle.

Shaker kitchen cabinets have a natural distinctive look. Just as if out of the woods, shaker kitchen style cabinets feel like a perfect craft piece carved out of wood. Unlike the common kitchen cabinets, these are not adorned with any decorative beadings or moldings, but kept very straight and simple. Shaker kitchen cabinets are painted in natural hues and other vibrant shades that create an impression of vast empty space. The knobs and door handles are mostly made of wood or brass and kept simple so that they never go out of fashion.

Shaker kitchen cabinets are known for their sturdiness, and they can bear excessive wear and tear arising out of daily household chores. Shaker style kitchen cabinets are mostly made from hardwoods that grow in North Eastern regions of America; maple and cherry wood being the favorites. Mostly the cabinets are long and touch the ceiling. The Shaker kitchen cabinet doors are made from flat slab of wood with simple frames, straight lines to ensure uniformity in the layout and design.

Shaker kitchen cabinets make judicious utilization of the available space, taking complete advantage of the walls. Shaker kitchen cabinets are inbuilt cabinets that are innovatively designed, to make room for all the kitchen items starting from pans, woks, and the cutleries to the garbage bin, so that everything is well fitted in the designated racks and nothing peeps out or lay carelessly on the kitchen counter. You can also opt for wider cabinets and drawers, so that there is enough room for all the modern-day kitchen appliances. Such an arrangement makes the kitchen look neat and tidy.

Most of the Shaker kitchen cupboards are hand crafted by the skilful craftsmen, but people with an aesthetic bent of mind can try their hand and make them look more attractive.

If the kitchen area is large enough, there is ample space to set a little dining table in the center for a perfect family meal. However, if space is less, shaker style kitchen cabinets still enable you to arrange a few chairs next to the kitchen counter.

For a classic and appealing ambience, light fixtures can be fitted alongside the kitchen panel to create soothing and gentle effect. The most striking feature of Shaker kitchen cabinets is that they are timeless and have a traditional and contemporary mix — the reason why shaker style kitchen cabinets have never been out of fashion.

Shaker kitchen style cabinets come at a reasonable price, and with all the above features being the part of the package, they are worth the one time investment, that you need to make to own them.

With space being a constraint in modern-day homes, Shaker style kitchen cabinets are the best choice for people who appreciate elegance and countryside living. So, if beauty in simplicity is your philosophy, shaker kitchen cabinetry should be your pick for the kitchen.

Any remodeling expert will tell you that your budget is king. Your proposed budget can tell you a lot about what you can do with your bathroom. It will tell you whether you can knock off a wall, but the newest fixtures, re route your plumbing or hire the priciest plumber. Before you even draw the initial line of your design, make certain you know how much you can afford to spend.

You may not be a remodeling expert. You may possibly not even have an artistic streak but you do have particular tastes. Make sure your preferences far more concrete by carefully studying bathroom remodeling designs in magazines and on the internet. Searching for what other bathrooms look like will support you in establishing what particular fixtures and colors you would want yourself. Once you have some notion of what you want, start window shopping. This is the point where you begin narrowing down material sorts, styles and colors. This is where you decide for example whether you want ceramic or granite tiles and a round or square bathtub.

You may possibly have already picked from the many bathroom remodeling designs. You could have also already decided on the style, color and material of tiles, fixtures and accessories that you want. If this is the case, your next step needs to be to ask specialists to help you out. If you aren’t really experienced yourself or if your remodeling is extensive, you might want a full time contractor. Before you even contract them for the job, run through your bathroom concepts with them and discern whether your notion can be executed. Your contractor can also aid you so your plan still fits your spending budget.

Not every single contractor and remodeling expert has the same high quality work. Even the greatest laid out plans are bound to grow to be a mess is you do not get the right organization or set of experts. You need to shop for your contractor as carefully as you would for your materials. Consider reading contractor reviews and client recommendations online.

Prior to the remodeling start date, make sure everything is ready. The onsite availability of your materials and tools can aid the job getting done faster. As k your contractor for a close estimate of how many tiles you need and how large your fixtures must be. Purchase what you require days before your contractor starts work. Purchasing only while the work is in progress can put you in a bind, as some materials may possibly go out of stock or prices could increase and affect your budget.

These are just the basic considerations for bathroom remodeling designs. Take note of these basic reminders so you can make your bathroom dreams a reality.

A few things you should assemble to start distressing kitchen cabinets:

Some paint of your choice. A fork. A pen. A set of keys. Chains. A crackling medium.

1. The first step to getting distressed kitchen cabinets is to unhinge the required cabinet. This can be easily done by regular screwdrivers. Once you have taken them off, make sure to keep the screws safely lest they get lost and then instead of a distressed cabinet there will be a distressed you! (Note – it is a good idea to take off all the doors in one go rather than one by one.)
2. Next with the help of sandpaper slowly remove the top finish of the cabinet. It should not be hard to take the finish off with medium-grade sandpaper. However, a note of caution here, if you rub it very hard you can cause damage to the surface. So make sure you do it gently and firmly so that the work gets done without leading to any damage. Also do not use a sander while sanding the cupboards.
3. Here is when the set of keys come in handy. Pick out two or three and with them make lines across the cabinet surface. Once again these need to be done very gently otherwise instead of getting the vintage look, you will end up with just an old cabinet. Make lines randomly and with different sized keys to give a natural feel to your distressed kitchen cabinets.
4. An ice pick is the next thing to put to use. This will help you make small holes on the surface. Chains too should be employed for similar effects. A chain will create nicks here and there. These holes and nicks should only be clearly visible in close up. Only the overall look should be clear from afar.
5. After the overall look has been created more or less, get cracking with the crackling medium. Open it up and put it all around the cabinet surface. Do not apply too much that it starts to drip. Just apply enough to cover the entire surface. It is best to use a brush for application of the same. Also small strokes should be employed. After that leave it on for around two or three minutes before removing it. Now you will be able to see lines on the cabinet surface. This is a sure shot way to give your kitchen cabinets a rugged with use look.

6. Last of all, to keep this finish use either paint or stain. All you need to do is to daub the chemicals over your newly made distressed cabinet. This will ensure longevity of your effort and make your dull cabinet into hot, vintage property.
7. Now all you have to do is to put the cabinets securely back in place. Using the same screwdriver, screw the cabinets back to enjoy the visual effect of the distressed kitchen cabinets. Just double check the doors after attaching them for safety.
Distressed kitchen cabinets are not just very simple but also very re-doable. In case something goes wrong or in the end you are not happy with it, it is always possible to redo it. A substance called “wood putty” will come in useful at this juncture. Fill up all the holes you have made with the wood putty and once that is done you can begin from scratch (literally!).
So next time you think you kitchen needs re-doing but do not have the cash, this is what you should do!

Whether you are planning some small do-it-yourself changes, or a major overhaul, here are some fresh ideas for bathroom remodeling that will help you build the smart, stylish, and functional bathroom of your dreams.

Feeling crowded in a small bathroom? For a small-budget fix-up, replace your old space-wasting vanity with a smart open-design style that maximizes storage, while visually opening up the room. If your project is major and you are opening the walls, replace your floor-mounted toilet in favor of a wall-mounted toilet.

If you have a small budget, making a simple change like updating a bathroom faucet and accessories can still have a dramatic impact on the style of the room. Faucets with the Speed Connect drain can be installed in minutes, and reflect any decor choice, from traditional to minimalist in popular finishes such as oil-rubbed bronze and polished chrome. Change light fixtures and drawer pulls to match your faucet, splurge on some updated colors for towels and rugs and you have a beautiful before-and-after makeover of your very own.

A bathroom remodel is a great time to invest in fixtures that will allow you and your loved ones to remain independent in your home through illness, aging or other unforeseen events. The best products also work great and feel terrific in the here and now. A taller, Right Height toilet is a luxurious comfort. If you rarely use your bathtub, it can be easily replaced with an acrylic seated-safety shower unit that simply slides into your existing tub recess. Optional acrylic surrounds are easy to install and easy to keep clean, while the integral seat provides a safe option for both bathing and shaving.

The cost of water will be rising, so get ahead of the curve by choosing toilets, faucets and showerheads that carry the EPA’s WaterSense certification label. The label assures that you won’t be sacrificing performance. Visit www.responsiblebathroom.com for a wide range of WaterSense-certified products and a handy calculator so you can watch your water, and money, savings add up.

This is a guest post done by Erik Braunitzer.

The current state of the environment may seem alarming, but the truth is that most households can make a significant contribution to the reduction of strain put on natural resources by simply following a few suggestions for personal conservation in the home. The greatest area of waste in most houses occurs in the kitchen. Families do not need to severely alter their practices. Here are a few tips for conserving natural resources in the kitchen of most homes. These small alterations will benefit the environment and also create an individual savings on utilities.

Simple changes to the kitchen like the addition of a low flow water faucet or the inclusion of a stronger garbage disposal for grinding food scraps will benefit the environment. A slightly more costly investment that will bring about a greater personal savings on utilities while contributing to overall conservation efforts is to install a new energy and water efficient dishwasher. Many falsely believe that the dishwasher uses more water than traditional hand-washing, but the truth is most modern machines use less than a gallon of water per cycle. The additional benefit of internal heating helps to reduce utility cost by ensuring there is no lost heat due to the pipe transference of water from a heating unit to the kitchen. To expand the efficiency of a dishwasher even further, be sure to scrape all dishes and run the machine only when it is full. An additional time savings can be achieved if the door to the dishwasher is left open after the cycle is complete because the high water temperature will cause the water to evaporate if it can escape the confines of the machine.

We are all familiar with the rule of turning lights off when exiting a room, but there are also ways to conserve electricity when using the lights. The incandescent bulb is the oldest invention still in use in most homes, but it is fairly inefficient compared to modern lighting technologies. CFLs and LEDs are now also available in the standard socket sizes of incandescent but use a fraction of the energy to produce the same level of lighting. Many are dissuaded by their high initial cost, but over time their energy savings far exceeds the price of the bulb. Additional optimization in the kitchen can lead to better use of energy to light the space. Most homes are designed with a single centrally located light that often is a large fluorescent. By having a licensed electrician replace this lighting unit with a modular system that focuses light into specific work areas, one can easily cut electricity costs down to a fraction of their current levels.

There are several energy efficient certification organizations that categorize consumer appliances for their use of electricity. The biggest savings that occurs when investing in an energy efficient machine is usually seen with regard to the appliances that are constantly running like the refrigerator. While a smaller unit will automatically save money, similar savings can be achieved by looking for a high Energy Star rating when making a purchase. The cooking surface of an electric stove is also another opportunity to save money by investing in an energy efficient model. However, propane is still an efficient way to cook, since many homes are equipped with gas, as long as the appliance is used in the efficient manner outlined by the manufacturer.

It is fairly common for homeowners to desire a new look for their kitchen cabinets, countertops and flooring after a few years. Choosing materials that are sustainable can provide a fresh new look that is highly durable and environmentally friendly. Instead of a full replacement, refinishing cabinet doors with new paint and replacing the hardware can cut down on the cost of a new look while reducing general materials waste.

Going “green” does not have to impede the level of comfort or efficiency in a home kitchen. Making small changes that incorporate highly efficient products will provide the same experience while contributing to the overall community conservation efforts. The initial investment may be a little higher than other options, but the long term benefits of making a kitchen more energy efficient will reduce environmental impact while fostering greater savings.

To create an interesting small kitchen design, you have to basically work on three areas – storage, appliance and lighting. In a small kitchen, you have to work out unique storage areas, opt for those appliances that save space, and use natural lighting for cooking… and most of all add your own signature touches!

You can make use of these few tips which would get you started on how to create an efficient small kitchen design for your space:

1. Place a small island in the center. This island can be used as a work top, for storage purposes and also as a decorative element. You can also install a sink or a dishwasher in the island. You can also use a two level island… one for cooking and one for serving food.

2. You can design your kitchen in the parallel layout. You can place the cabinets and put the appliances on either side of the row.

3. Now many space saving appliances are available in the market. You can use them instead of the regular appliances in your small kitchen design. Some examples are – microwaves that you can hang under cabinets or refrigerators that are less deep than the regular ones.

4. If you want to incorporate a dining area in your small kitchen design, then you can tuck a small round table with some chairs in a corner or you can also create a counter along a wall and place couple of chairs.

5. The lighting of a kitchen can create wonders. With the proper technique of lighting, you can even create illusion of space. If you throw some light under the cabinet or the counter, you can manage to create the image of a larger and pleasant space.

6. Another effective way to create larger storage space is to install deep set counters. They would increase the space you would require for working as well as help you in storing more appliances than usual.

7. Another interesting idea that you can use in your small kitchen design is to place the floor tiles in a diagonal way instead of horizontally.

8. You can also hang up all those pans and pots, which you use frequently, outside and use the cabinet space to store other items that are not required that regularly.

9. You can also use the back of cabinet doors to hang up miscellaneous items as well.

10. Also, it is advisable to use large sink instead of a smaller one as the bigger sink would help you in cleaning big utensils easily.

11. Be it a large or a small kitchen design, it is important to give your special personal touches to the whole space… you can do that by putting in some plants, hanging some family pictures or even framed paintings… whatever suits your personality and tastes.

12. Another small kitchen design idea is to add a mirror backsplash… this will create an appearance of a larger work area.

13. You can also install the sink and the cooking stove into the countertop.

14. Another way to create an illusion of a bigger area is to use bright colors in your small kitchen design.

15. You can also use kitchen cabinets that can be double stacked. This would add a versatile space for storing utensils and other household items.

So, what are you waiting for… use these easy-to-do small kitchen design ideas and tips and start working on your kitchen area! And, don’t forget to add your own personal signature twist to the whole design.

For even more tips for your kitchen design, try taking a look at our 5 things to consider before buying kitchen cabinets.

THINK FALL COLORS
Thanksgiving kitchen decorating requires a harvest color scheme of warm yellows, golds, burnt reds, browns and greens. Think in terms of these colors when selecting ribbons and fabrics to be used with your projects.

START GATHERING
Go outdoors and start gathering colorful fallen leaves, acorns, pinecones, sticks, twigs and large branches. Use the large branches to anchor a display on or inside shelves, counter tops or bookcases. Fill the display with the items you gathered until you have a collage of color. Also consider stacking logs on your porch or inside your space…even if you don’t have a fireplace!

CREATING A CENTERPIECE
All you need to create this budget piece are your outdoor supplies and a hot glue gun. Using a large attractively shaped branch, start gluing your leaves and branches in a natural pattern in and around the branch. You can buy attractive Indian corn and gourds at your local grocery store to place next this centerpiece to complete your Thanksgiving kitchen decor. Use your harvest colored ribbons as accents.
REUSE PUMPKINS
Don’t think that pumpkins are only for Halloween. Some vendors largely discount pumpkins after October 31st. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT. Decorate with pumpkins of all sizes by adding them to your porch or indoor displays. Just before your Thanksgiving dinner use them to create homemade pumpkin soup or pie. No waste here!

ILLUMINATION
Candles are the obvious choice for bringing warmth to decorating your kitchen for Thanksgiving. Select a variety of sizes and shapes to add contrast. A good rule of thumb when on a budget is to think multiple uses. White candles can be used for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Tea candles work well when displayed in glasses and are also a little more budget friendly. The least expensive illumination tips are to use your old white Christmas tree lights on top of bookcases or draped around your room. Get a jumpstart on Christmas.

You can create an atmosphere that exudes the warmth and welcome you feel for your guest by adding special touches to your decor. Just by using what you have, a little elbow grease and some imagination you can create a holiday atmosphere…for little to or money!

Don’t Overlook Good Quality Construction -

The quality of cabinet construction has a lot to do with their longevity and your ultimate satisfaction with them. Regardless of whether you choose bamboo or some other material, pay attention to those features that provide durability and quality.

An Alternative To Particle Board -

If you’re not a fan of the mass-produced cabinets made with a hefty percentage of particle board, bamboo cabinets may be a good choice as they’re typically made with solid bamboo or bamboo plywood, without the particle board. Since bamboo panels are engineered with adhesives, choose a maker that uses low or no formaldehyde bamboo.

Bamboo Cabinets Available Custom or RTA -

Bamboo cabinets, like their wood counterparts, are available as custom-built units as well as RTA (Ready To Assemble). The latter form makes it easy for do-it-yourselfers to obtain and install bamboo cabinets. They’re shipped in a knocked-down format and designed to be easily assembled and installed.

Adhesives, Finish and Indoor Air Quality -

Consider the adhesives used in the raw materials that make up bamboo cabinetry as well as the finish. Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) finishes and low or no-added formaldehyde materials make for a greener and healthier indoor air environment.

Bamboo Cabinet “Green-ness” Depends on Perspective -

Remember that a lot of the bamboo that comes to North America or Europe typically originates in distant geographic locations. That increases the embodied energy costs (such as transportation) and environmental impact of this otherwise renewable material.

If you’re a stickler on being as green as possible this may be something to consider. Alternatives might involve using cabinets that use more local renewable resources like wheatboard, reclaimed wood or locally sourced wood.

As far as for JSI Cabinetry, bamboo is sourced where the product is being manufactured, making the consideration a bit easier.

Bamboo is Dimensionally Stable -

This is just a techie way of saying that bamboo doesn’t swell and contract as much as wood. This can be an advantage in the kitchen or bathroom where higher moisture levels are present which causes wood to swell and doors and drawers to stick.

All Bamboo Is Not Created Equal -

Bamboo is touted as being hard and eco-friendly. But harvesting before its time can result in sub-standard material properties. Stories exist of dented bamboo floors despite advertised claims of bamboo being practically as hard as steel. Improper management and increased demand for bamboo also threatens its continued sustainability. Check with any bamboo cabinet maker to best understand where the bamboo comes from and how it’s processed to ensure you’re getting quality material from reputable sources.

Currently JSI makes a bathroom vanity that is made of bamboo, called the Princeton Vanity. Take a look here or to ask any questions about our manufacturing feel free to ask!

Bamboo cabinets offer several benefits and a visual appeal that’s uniquely different from cabinetry that’s made with more traditional materials.
Bamboo is strong and hard and is also a highly sustainable natural resource.

Bamboo cabinets also offer an alternative to the mass-produced stock cabinets made with a good percentage of particle board and medium density fiberboard (MDF). That’s because most bamboo cabinets are made with solid bamboo and/or bamboo plywood.

If you’re cautious about how bamboo cabinets might look based on having seen bamboo furniture in the past, don’t fret. Bamboo has many personalities and can be stained like traditional woods.

Bamboo, despite it’s look and feel, is a grass and not a wood. But don’t let that fool you. Bamboo is a hard and strong material, having been used for centuries and still used today in many cultures as a prime building material.
Regardless of its botanical classification, what makes bamboo unique and why it’s becoming more prevalent is the fact that it’s highly renewable and sustainable.

Bamboo has the ability to grow and mature within about 7 years, sometimes sooner. Compare that to hardwood trees that take decades to reach the age when they can be harvested for lumber.

The bamboo plant also remains intact when the bamboo “culms” (the bamboo stalks) are harvested, allowing the regeneration of new culms for future harvests. Hardwood trees on the other hand are consumed at harvest.

Under proper management, bamboo plants provide a valuable building material quickly and sustainably, making bamboo a good choice for green cabinets.
Another benefit of bamboo is its hardness. While this attribute it certainly beneficial for flooring, it has its advantages with cabinets too. Cabinet doors and frames get banged around over time and the harder materials do better than softer ones.

My next post will continue on the benefits of bamboo cabinets and how well the can work in your home.

The style of the kitchen cabinets also complements the white color and modifications in the door style can also make a difference in the way white cabinets look. There are several styles that go together with white kitchen cabinets: French, Country, Traditional, English, Contemporary and Shaker models. Additionally, materials used for kitchen cabinets include laminate, plastic, white painted wood, vinyl foil, high gloss lacquer, white washed finish and white stain. These can be used together with your white kitchen cabinet to make a design statement and to suit your personality and style.

Using white kitchen cabinets makes choosing accessories and countertops very easy, since most accessories also come in white.It is also easy to accent the color theme in the kitchen and surrounding areas with white kitchen cabinets.The use of white kitchen cabinets is striking since it creates a timeless style that can stay in vogue for many years. While most other styles and colors used in kitchen cabinetry may be obsolete, this is one color that is bound to stay for a long time.The overall feel is a very clean look that is also sleek and elegant – most people want their kitchens to look like this.
1. If you’re looking for a contemporary style, you may want to add white gloss finish to your white kitchen cabinet. This gives it a sleek and modern appearance. On the other hand, using a style that has white painted wood, raised panel doors gives the impression of a more traditional kitchen. You can also create various moods and themes for your kitchen by altering the countertops and flooring to match your kitchen cabinetry.

2. A white kitchen cabinet with a traditional style can be created with wood flooring and this is a very popular style among homemakers. This gives the kitchen a very inviting feel to it and this warm design can be supplemented by other interior decorations – for example a white dining table in the kitchen, which is used for breakfast.

3. A black granite countertop adds contrast to the white kitchen cabinetry and makes a distinct statement of style. You can alter the mood of the kitchen by changing the texture of the countertop. The smoothness of the cabinets is utilized to contrast with the granite countertops. This is a look that is grand and works well together.

4. You might not have thought of this, but the color of appliances you buy are also quite important in terms of determining the feel of your kitchen. If you want a kitchen that looks very traditional, try matching white wood front panels on the front of your refrigerator and dishwasher. This will enhance the appearance of your kitchen and you can opt for black or stainless steel cooking tops, sinks, and ovens. Conversely, if you would like to create a contemporary kitchen, you would want to use appliances with colors that contrast each other, adding a dramatic feel to the kitchen.

Some people have the false notion that white kitchen cabinets require a lot of work to maintain because they are mostly found in showrooms. However, that is not true. With the kind of finishes and polishes available in the market along with synthetic wood finishes, white kitchen cabinets are just as easy to maintain as those in any other color.

White kitchen cabinets have been around for a long time – at least 20 years – and there is no sign that this style will become obsolete. In fact, you have so many options to choose from in terms of modifying your color themes in your kitchen from window treatments, countertop accessories and place mats that white kitchen cupboards are more likely to stay than disappear.