Creating a Country Kitchen on a Budget
Posted by: photomural on: January 25, 2012
In the UK, we are a bit sentimental about bygone days. We like our history and the way things were, and we’ve definitely got an idea that if something isn’t broken, don’t fix it. One of the popular looks in our homes is the traditional country or rustic kitchen, with its homely but practical setting that makes us feel like we’re back in the days when life was simple and you had all the time in the world to cook. As it’s a popular look, of course, there can be a premium attached to purchasing a country style kitchen, but with a bit of thought you can turn your current kitchen into your desired style without spending a fortune or replacing the whole thing. It’s done by replacing your kitchen cabinet doors and their accessories.
Your first task is to decide on a style of kitchen doors. In the old days, you’d have been restricted by the type and availability of wood that could be found nearby, and the chances are that you’d have ended up with a fairly plain Shaker style regardless of the type of wood used. Now, you’ve got a much wider choice of wood and finishes so you can stick with the very traditional Shaker or go for the much more ornate and eye catching Oxford, York or Milano style doors.
Once you’ve chosen a style, you need to decide what colour you are going to go for, and 
this will usually be dictated by the type of wood used to make the door. Once again most kitchen doors in the UK would have been made from English oak, but that’s rare to find now and expensive when you can locate it. French oak is the usual alternative and gives a light but warm colour which is fairly neutral and therefore matches other accessories easily. Canadian maple and beech are also light, and if you want a dark wood effect go for rosewood or walnut if you are sure it won’t make the kitchen too dark. If you’d rather not have wooden doors, or the ones you want are a bit outside your budget, then wood effect doors are available and give you a bit more choice in terms of colour and texture, but bear in mind that most country kitchens retain the white or cream colouring for the traditional look.
Kitchen cabinet doors always need a finishing touch though, whichever style or colour you choose in the end, so it’s important to make sure you choose the right accessories. Wood should be the first on your list – anything else just won’t sit well alongside the wood panels, it will just stand out, cheapening the look and undoing all the good work. If your budget runs to it, you should also consider buying some wood worktops that match the colour and style of your doors, as it will set off the whole kitchen nicely and, to be honest, will make the whole thing look like it was just installed.
About the Author
Biljana is a writer and a blogger interested in home improvement and interior design, currently exploring and writing about kitchen cabinet doors.
Small Space Solutions for Home or Apartment Living
Posted by: photomural on: January 23, 2012
Both storage and living space are at a premium when owning a small home. Maintaining order and function in limited quarters requires a discerning eye to eliminate unnecessary items and to employ creative solutions to everyday issues. Below you will learn three of the most important steps in optimizing both the living and storage capabilities of your pint-sized living space.
Step 1: Minimize your Belongings
Perhaps the hardest step of all requires the resolution to become a minimalist. Set a rule in place that you will not bring anything into your home that you will not use or admire on a regular basis. Not only will this help you unclutter your environment, but it will also prompt you to make smarter purchases, thus saving you money. Toss or donate the current items you own that do not fit the “use or admire” rule.
Step 2: Maximize Closet Space
Small homes often lack adequate closet space. Using the appropriate hangers for each garment can help you practically double your usable closet space. Store five shirts in the space it would ordinarily take to store just one by using cascading hangers. Hang a lower rod on your closet to hang pants on metal pant hangers. Hang an accessory loop on the side of your closet to store belts and scarves. A tie hanger takes up very little space and can store up to 20 ties. You may also consider adding shelves above the highest rod in your closet to further maximize your usable space. Of course, utilizing your closet door as extra storage by adding an over-the-door shoe organizer will make your closet space go the extra mile.
Step 3: Rethink your Furnishings
When at all possible choose furnishings that are foldable, stackable or fulfill more than one purpose. Opting for a wall-mounted folding leaf and folding chairs allows you to create an on-demand eating area. This solution is ideal for smaller homes as it’s convenient and compact. Create seating in the living room by using a storage ottoman that houses two smaller ottomans when closed to create extra seating without compromising space. To save space in a bedroom place the bed against the wall and install a small shelf next to the bed rather than using a nightstand. One of the easiest mistakes to make when designing your home is placing too strong an emphasis on accommodating guests. When living in a limited space, such a luxury simply isn’t always feasible. The best option is to keep several folding chairs in a closet and have a foldout sofa-sleeper in the living room to create sleeping accommodations for guests. Comfortably inhabiting a small space requires you to find crafty storage solutions and create new ways to accommodate your needs without taking up too much space. Unique furnishing concepts, clever usage of closet space and only keeping the essential items within your domain are the answers to optimizing space in a small apartment.
About the Author
Jon Engle is currently editor of CaliforniaApartmentsBlog.com providing tips on home loans, real estate reviews, apartment living and apartment reviews such as these rentals in Redondo Beach and these apartments in Long Beach.
Bison in Snow
Posted by: photomural on: December 6, 2010
Here is a serene wall mural featuring a bison walking through a snowy winter wonderland.
This wintry animal mural comes printed on your choice of traditional wallpaper, embossed wallpaper, peel and stick wallpaper, or vinyl wall banner. Please click here for sizes and pricing.
Dry Grasses Mural
Posted by: photomural on: November 30, 2010
Gazing across a field of dry grasses in the afternoon sun. A perfect backdrop or focal point for your favorite room.
This pleasing Natural Patterns Wall Mural comes printed on your choice of traditional wallpaper, embossed wallpaper, peel and stick wallpaper, or vinyl wall banner. Click here for sizes and pricing.
Happy Thanksgiving to You!
Posted by: photomural on: November 23, 2010
Thank you for allowing ArtisticHomeowner to serve you for all your wall mural needs. We wish all our past and future customers a warm and plentiful Thanksgiving!
Luna Lionfish Mural
Posted by: photomural on: November 18, 2010
Luna Lionfish photo wall mural. Beautiful striped fins fanned out around him as he glides through the coral reef.
This sea life mural comes printed on your choice of traditional wallpaper, embossed wallpaper, peel and stick wallpaper, or vinyl wall banner. Click here for sizes and pricing.
Colorful Rustic Glass Tile Wallpaper
Posted by: photomural on: November 15, 2010
Here’s a rustic glass tile wallpaper in shades of blue and aqua. The details are so realistic, you’ll be the only one who knows this “glass” is really wallpaper. Bring a rich look to any room with this design.
This mosaic wallpaper comes printed in 24 inch x 120 inch rolls of traditional wallpaper that is latex saturated, wet-strength and tear-resistant. It is highly durable and has a smooth flat finish. Click here for details.
There’s a Chill in the Air…
Posted by: photomural on: November 7, 2010
It’s really starting to get chilly out, and Thanksgiving is just a few short weeks away! If you’d like to update the look of some of your rooms before hosting the holidays, you still have plenty of time. Choose a wall mural in colors or of a subject that speaks to you. You’ll have a wonderful custom decorated room just in time for your Thanksgiving feast!
Here is a gorgeous photo mural of downward facing leaves, in colors ranging from pale green to violet red. Wouldn’t this look great in your holiday home? This natural patterns mural comes printed on your choice of traditional wallpaper, embossed wallpaper, peel and stick wallpaper, or vinyl wall banner. Click here for sizes and pricing.
Fan Leaves and Shadows Mural
Posted by: photomural on: November 4, 2010
The focus of this wall mural is the fine details of leaves on a branch. Fan shaped leaves juxtaposed against shadows creates a pleasing focal point.
This natural patterns mural comes printed on your choice of traditional wallpaper, embossed wallpaper, peel and stick wallpaper, or vinyl wall banner. Click here for sizes and pricing.
Blue Constellation
Posted by: photomural on: November 1, 2010
Blue Constellation wall mural. A bright blue space image generated by computer graphics.
This fantasy outer space mural comes printed on your choice of traditional wallpaper, embossed wallpaper, peel and stick wallpaper, or vinyl wall banner. Click here for sizes and pricing.
