Archive for February, 2011
New Ideas For Kitchen Interior Design
We all know the kitchen is the hub of the home. If you have friends over you congregate in the kitchen. If you’re having one of ‘those’ discussion with your partner they often begin in the kitchen this is so we can appear busy and act like we don’t care but my god have I got some thorough cleaning done during one of those moments!
Anyway I digress. The kitchen is the hub of the home and as such has taken on an importance way beyond functionality. It is one of the most important rooms in the house where it is essential to keep up with the latest trends and to have the latest gadgets.
As with all interior design fashions come and go but the kitchen is ultimately the woman’s domain and in most households she will have the final say. My sister always preferred the old country style and this creates a warm homely looking fitted kitchen. Whereas I in my desperate need to create some order in my chaotic life favour the contemporary streamlined minimal look where I can in theory push everything away behind doors.
Designs in the fitted kitchen have taken a laid back turn of late. In fact they are now so laid back they are virtually horizontal. Horizontal that is in the latest trend for surface decoration.
Wood is surprisingly very popular in fitted kitchens. It has a depth and warmth to it that no glossy formica surface could ever achieve. With the hard woods you can achieve a beautiful surface for worktops and door fronts that is both hard wearing water resistant and beautiful as well as being unique. However with our everpresent reminders about looking after the environment we have to be responsible about our choices.
Coming up this year is the leaning towards replicas of exotic woods. Namely Cocobolo and Zebrano woods. Cocobolo is a hardwood from Central America that grows up to 25m in height. The greatest attraction of this wood is that it changes colour after cutting. The colours range from orange reddish brown and rich dark reds with hints of purple and pink also running through.
Because of its popularity this tree is facing extinction but the demand has seen manufacturers creating a replica to satisfy demand and save the tree from extinction. They are using it in fitted kitchens for door fronts in a horizontal fashion to invoke the look of colourful waves flowing through the kitchen.
Also being applied to fitted kitchens in the same fashion is the Zebrano wood. Another rare and beautiful wood this time hailing from the rainforests of the Congo this comes with the unusual design of black and white stripes creating a very unusual looking fitted kitchen.
It seems strong patterns can be carried in a fitted kitchen. Even when looking for minimalist designs it is important not to skimp on style but one tip worth remembering is that if you are going to go with this type of heavily grained wood look keep the rest simple with neutral colours and fitted appliances to prevent the room looking cluttered.
To achieve the noncluttered look when planning your fitted kitchen allow a portion of your budget for these great space saving and innovative ideas I found when surfing the net. The latest washing machine from Smeg comes with a smooth slightly rounded door front that entirely covers the washing machine making it look like a cupboard. This door front houses storage space for that messy soap powder and fabric conditioner which is a brilliant idea.
If you don’t want a freestanding fridge or to break up the line of work surface try drawer fridges. Looking sleek and smooth with any front you desire these drawers slide out to reveal all your food products chilled to perfection.
The same design has been applied to dishwashers these can also be hidden away in drawer designs.
And for that ever annoying problem in any fitted kitchen of oven access comes a new offering in wall mounted cookers. With the press of one button your cooker door will slide down leaving you with both hands free to do the necessary.
About the writer: Interior design expert Catherine Harvey looks at new styles for fitted kitchens and how to use them responsibly.
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Modern Patio Chaise Lounge Chairs For Poolside
Bring in the outdoor interiors with modern chaise loungers from Spacify. The classic style and unique design of outdoor chaise lounge from our collection is both glamorous and versatile. The collection comprises of wooden lounge chairs deck chairs and outdoor patio lounge chairs in different styles and materials from wood to metal.
Enjoy the benefits of relaxing outdoors coupled with indoor comfort. Whether sitting poolside or on the porch the PlywoodNautical Stackable Chaise Lounge is the ideal seat for leisurely basking. Made from innovative treefree PolyWood for maximum resistance to the elements this beautiful piece is built to outlast traditional wood lumber furniture for years of outside enjoyment.
Chaise is another word for chair. It just sounds luxurious with a hint of elegant and a lot of relaxation. Our patio furniture is all very pleasing but the Chaise Loungers share a special spot for their tiein to the classic poolside bliss of sunbathing and the consistent theme in most daydreams about vacation. Each Chaise Lounge is constructed to withstand outdoor weather and plenty of use. Entirely comfortable in several types of materials like: Poly Resin Wicker Teak Cedar and even the very special Barbados Chaise in Asian Balau wood. These chairs are adjustable portable and ready to attend your next pool party.
If you haven’t had a chance to try out a zero gravity chaise lounge or chair then you are missing out. With the feeling of weightlessness your body feels no pressure points are areas where you feel metal bars or even the material under you. So comfortable recliner is also a rocker so you can rock away your extra energy or you can lock the legs so that this chaise lounge doesn’t rock.
It’s never too early to start planning for warm weather or shopping for patio furniture. Here is a convenient teak chaise lounge chair that folds up for storing or transporting to the site of the party. A well placed hinge and telescoping headrest allow this full size teak chaise lounge to become relatively compact complete with a well placed handle for carrying.
Make a splash with these sleek patio chaise lounge chairs that come in colors of blue lime red and yellow. Each rustfree aluminum frame is easy to carry and supports you with a breathable mesh fabric that stays fresh and bright.
Outdoor chaise lounges are the perfect thing for you to soak up some rays in comfort and style. Our outdoor chaise lounges are very high quality and built to last many many seasons of hassle free use. We carry a variety of styles and designs so you are sure to find what will work perfect for your back yard or pool area.
Spacify.com has the latest designs for Patio Chaise Lounge Chairs www.spacify.com/seating_lounge5737.html and Outdoor Collections at affordable prices. It will surely beautify your home and will give you the right ambience you have always wanted.
About the writer: Steven Larrie is a seasoned entrepreneur who has successfully working Spacify The Modern Contemporary Furniture Showroom Online. For knowing more about Spacify visit http://www.spacify.com/
Is Wrought Iron Decor Or Cast Iron Better For Your Home?
If you were asked if you which you would prefer between wrought iron or cast iron as wall art would you know the answer? Would know the difference enough to make a choice? Many people are unaware of the differences and perhaps even dismiss the fact that there could be a difference. Dont worry youre not alone. There is a large group of homeowners and decorators that are in that category. Once we know the difference you will know right away just by looking at a piece of iron art whether it is wrought iron or cast iron. At first you may think that of iron work as a more modern style of art. In a lot of cases it is quite the opposite. You will find out that iron work is extremely versatile and anyone can use wrought iron or cast iron pieces in their home.
Though both are have amazing results when added to your home dcor and both are able to bring dimension into your home there is a difference.
Cast iron is just that iron set in a cast or mold. This allows the iron to take on the intricate designs and details the artist intends for you to see. This also lets you pick a cast iron piece more directed towards the design of a room. For example if you have a childs room decorated in in a western style it would be much easier to find a horse or cowboy hat and lasso. This adds to more of the defining quality in decorating that many look for. Cast iron is also used for many gates fencing and even furniture in homes and businesses.
Wrought iron is twisted and formed with tools. The winding metal and different shapes and sizes helps you bring elegance and style to any sized room. Many decorators use wrought iron pieces in place of an oil paintinsg or canvas wall art to add variety to the room. A large empty space on a wall that everyone sees would be well suited for a larger piece of wrought iron art. Because you are still able to see the wall color through the wrought iron piece you are able to use something slightly larger than if you were to choose a painting. The wall color peeking through keeps the piece from becoming to overwhelming.
With both cast iron and wrought iron you will be more likely to find something for that awkward space say a smaller space from a corner to a window or a high ceiling and wall in a stairwell. There are many different sizes and shapes as well. Choosing either cast or wrought iron decor will definitely add to your home dcor and add that little extra to draw attention to a room or furniture piece.
About the writer: Chris is a big devotee of wall art and has a site dedicated to helping you find just the right pieces for your home or office at http://www.walldecorandhomeaccents.com/