Posters artwork » Kitchen Art

Choosing A Kitchen Faucet

admin — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:35:43 +0000

These days, kitchen faucets do not only serve as a basic, functional piece in the kitchen. With all the shapes, sizes, designs, and finishes available in the market, they now become a factor in setting the style of your kitchen.

Whether your kitchen has a classic country design or an ultra modern architecture, there is a faucet available to exactly fit the atmosphere you wish to create.

Here are some considerations that you need to think about when choosing a new kitchen faucet:

First and foremost, choose a faucet that matches your sink’s faucet connection. Then, check how many mounting holes your kitchen sink or your counter top has. Make sure you choose a faucet that will be easy to operate when mounted into the sink. Choose one that is just the right size relative to your sink. There are a wide variety of sink faucet materials in the market. Whether it is brass or polished, made of copper, stainless steel, or chrome, the kitchen faucet body must be durable, heavy-weight, maintenance-free, suitable to your kitchen theme, and should not corrode or discolor. Faucets made of brass are very resistant to adverse conditions, while chrome-plated ones are most affordable. It is important that you go for durability – your faucet should last a very long time without dripping. Thus, try to choose one that is of best quality and fits your budget just right. The handle and the spout usually determine the style of kitchen faucets. Faucets can have single or two handles. Single handled faucets are quite convenient when it comes to control of water temperature and volume. Double-handled one, on the other hand, allows the precise flow and temperature adjustment as it has separate cold and hot controls. It can also be more stylish than the former. There are also three different spout styles to choose from. There are those that have pull down or pull-out sprays, those that have side sprays and those that don’t. Imagine what you usually use kitchen faucets for and choose one based on your needs. There are also wall-mount faucets that require no deck holes, pot filler faucets that can be mounted near the stove, as well as bar or entertainment faucets that can be added to other areas in the kitchen. The fourth factor that you should determine is the spout height and reach. Standard arch faucets are usually 3-5 inches high and are best for smaller to average-sized sinks and for everyday use. High arch faucets are usually 6-8 or even 10 inches high for washing pots and oversized kitchen wares. Also, you should make sure that your spout reach is compatible with the sink size and the number of bowls or dishes you anticipate to wash. Whatever the spout reach you choose is, make sure that it directs water directly into the center of the bowl. If your sink is the double-bowl type, choose one that can reach both areas. Lastly, find out what other additional accessories you will need in your kitchen such as water filters, hot water dispensers, or soap dispensers. You would need one or more extra holes in your sink for these accessories. With all the types of faucets available, it can get very confusing and overwhelming to choose one that will fit your kitchen. You do not only choose based on aesthetics and budget, but more importantly, on your current and future needs.

By: Art Copper

Water and Kitchen Backsplash Tiles

admin — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 19:45:23 +0000

So you’ve been looking at some beautiful art tiles that would look lovely in your kitchen. The question is, are they suitable for a kitchen backsplash? Some gorgeous tiles look as if they might absorb water and other liquids, which means they would stain easily. Nobody wants that problem for their kitchen backsplash!

Will kitchen backsplash tiles absorb water? Yes, no, and maybe! It all depends on what tiles you choose.

The terms vitreous and nonvitreous are used to indicate the density and porosity of a tile. These characteristics determine how likely a tile is to absorb water. Tile manufacturers rate tiles in four categories.

Nonvitreous

Nonvitreous tiles are very porous, so they will easily absorb water. The standard absorption rate is 7 per cent of the tile’s weight or greater. These are not a good choice for a kitchen backsplash tile. If your heart is set on a nonvitreous tile, be sure to use a good sealer, and be prepared to reapply it frequently.

Semivitreous

Semivitreous tiles can be used for most indoor applications. The absorption rate is between 3 percent and 7 per cent by weight. If you use semivitreous tile for a kitchen backsplash, a sealer is helpful.

Vitreous

Vitreous tiles are very dense and not at all porous. They are resistant to stains and absorb very little water. Absorptions rates are between 0.5 per cent and 3 per cent. Vitreous tiles are an excellent choice for kitchen backsplash tiles.

Impervious

Impervious tiles are very dense. Water absorption is at a rate lower than 0.5 per cent. These tiles can be used in the wettest locations — even in showers or outdoors, if you like.

If you aren’t sure about the rating of a tile, you can easily estimate it yourself. Put a few drops of water on the back of the tile (not the glazed or finished surface). If the water soaks in quickly, the tile is nonvitreous. If the water beads up instead of absorbing, the tile is vitreous.

You’ll have to use a sealer if you have your heart set on a nonvitreous or semivitreous. Using a sealer on the grout will make your life easier even if you choose an impervious tile.

Several kinds of sealer are available. The toughest ones form a surface film over the tile and grout, but they can darken the surface and leave a glossy sheen. Sealers called impregnators soak into the surface and fill the pores of tile and grout. They are a little less durable but are also less likely to alter the appearance of the tile. Some surfaces require a special kind of sealer — slate sealers, for example, contain adhesives. Check with your supplier to determine what sealer is required for your tile.

Know if that beautiful tile will absorb or repel water before you install your kitchen backsplash, and seal the surface if necessary. That way, you’ll be really happy with your beautiful backsplash!

By: Lou Paun

Decorating Your Kitchen With A 1940’s Retro Theme

admin — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 08:36:19 +0000

These days kitchen décor comes in all colors, sizes and eras. One fun way to decorate your kitchen is with a bit of 1940’s nostalgia. Painted cabinets, glass knobs, and vintage linens combined with new appliances that have a retro look can give you a unique and functional kitchen.

You can get a great 1940’s look without spending a bundle and still be able to fill your kitchen with some nice collectibles. Here’s some ideas on how you can get a 1940’s look in your kitchen.

Colors

Some popular colors from this era include jadeite and a red and white theme. You can find plenty of vintage accents to fill your kitchen for either one of these color schemes. Why not start a collection of jadeite that you can display in open cabinets as well as use for dishware? You can jazz the place up with vintage wooden handle gadgets that are painted jadite and cream. If you are going for the red and white theme, there are plenty of red vintage kitchen ware gadgets out there and vintage linens can really perk up the place. Another advantage of the red and white theme is you can also add in a fruit theme on top of it like apples or strawberries.

I would leave the walls a neutral color – white of off white so that it does not detract from all
your great accessories. Linoleum flooring in a checkerboard pattern would be perfect.
Some color coordinated throw rugs can add a bit of color to the floor and pull it all together.

Lighting

Simple lighting is best. You can buy vintage ceiling lights and wall sconces if you want a
really authentic look. Of course you’ll want to make sure you have enough task
lighting so some modern lights will have to be worked in. I suggest you make them as subtle as possible so they don’t look out of place.

Window Treatments

Use vintage curtains for your windows. You can buy them with complimentary colors and great patterns.
If you can’t find curtains make some out of vintage dish towels or tablecloths – you can buy tablecloths that have stains in 1 area pretty cheaply and then just use the good area for the curtains! If you are going with a red and white 1940’s kitchen decorating theme, you might want to pick either cherries or apples as a secondary theme and look for curtains with those fruits in the motif.

Furniture

Glass knobs will really jazz up your furniture and cabinets and add an authentic vintage look. If you have painted cabinets in either white or cream, try the green glass knobs. Your table and chairs should either be a chrome vintage style dinette (you can buy these new and you can still get vintage ones as well), or a vintage wooden style table with enamel top. If you can’t find either of these, you can buy any type table and hide it with a vintage tablecloth.

Accessories

Accessories for 1940’s style kitchens can be found in antique malls as well as bought brand new.
Soften up the room by hanging vintage tablecloths and tea towels around. Chrome appliances go well with this look as do the retro style appliances you can buy brand new these days. And don’t forget the vintage
breadbox and canisters – every kitchen had them on the counter and you can choose from chrome
or enamel in cream and green, or red and white to complete your look.

By: Lee Dobbins

Kitchen Sink Materials

admin — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:03:37 +0000

Kitchen sinks are made from all kinds of materials, from enameled cast iron, porcelain on steel, vitreous china, natural stone, to stainless steel and more. Listed below are some of the most popular kitchen sink materials.

Stainless Steel Sinks – the neutral color for the kitchen and the most popular style of sink. Stainless steel works in both traditional and contemporary kitchens and they’ll complement your decor long after trendy colors are out of style. Some have integrated counter tops & larger, deeper bowls. Though it may scratch, it’s easy to clean with a household cleanser and soft towel. They won’t chip, nick, crack or rust, stain or fade. The sanitary surface is just one reason healthcare facilities use them. Finishes include a mirrored finish which is shiny and brushed or satin stainless which is less likely to show scratches. Some sinks come as a combination with a satin bowl and mirrored rim. Most stainless steel sinks are undercoated with a sound deadening material to reduce noise, inhibit condensation and provide for better heat retention.

Enameled Cast Iron Sinks are a solid cast iron base layered with a deep enamel surface. These sinks are extremely heavy and resist almost any type of structural damage. Due to their weight, these long-lasting sinks are a little more difficult to install. They do, however, provide for good heat retention and are quieter than other types of sinks.

Americast Sinks are a remarkable alternative that’s more durable and weighs half as much as traditional cast iron sinks. It’s insulation properties allow it to retain heat longer and emits less sound. Americast is American Standard’s patented process that bonds the high-quality porcelain enamel surface with an enameling grade metal and a molded reinforcement material backing. This strengthens the sink for normal use and the smooth surface is very appealing.

Vitreous China & Fireclay Sinks are a ceramic-based material with baked on porcelain; best recognized for its smooth and glossy finish. This type of sink is often referred to as a county or French country style. The material is impervious to water, very durable and is available in almost any color, including hand-painted and sculptured designs. Damage could occur if a heavy object is accidentally dropped into the sink. It is easy to clean and is germ-resistant.

Manmade Materials – Also called Engineered Stone, which is an authentic solid surface. Color and texture run all the way through and cannot wear away.

Copper Sinks – This style of sink adds uniqueness to the kitchen. Most copper sinks are crafted from the finest quality copper. This super-thick copper is hand-hammered, and formed into a work of art that adds a touch of class to any kitchen. Copper sinks have a living finish, their patina ages and improves over time, therefore it resists stains and other discoloration. They are also the healthier choice because bacteria cannot grow on copper. You can choose from a natural “weathered” copper or dark bronze for a warm dark look. They are offered in “natural” or polished and finished in satin nickel. Most copper sinks are heavy because of their extra-thick casting process. This enables a lifetime of use while absorbing noise and repelling dings and scratches.

By: Dan Auer

Undermount Sinks

admin — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:49:48 +0000

An undermount sink is a specific design style wherein the basin is mounted beneath the counter top. It is also commonly known as recessed sinks, due to the fact that installation of this type of sink requires the removal of the upper ring.

They are very common in bathrooms and kitchen because of its seamless appearance and because of its very effective use of space. There are many other advantages in using undermount sinks:

Food, spills or other debris can be easily collected and pushed right into the sink. It leaves a smooth surface that is easy to clean and you need not worry about materials getting trapped on the rim of the sink. With undermount sinks, plumbing is generally hid behind the cabinetry so that you do not have to worry about clutter or mess. This invisible advantage makes this the preferred style favored by home makers who like their kitchen and bathroom clean all the time. Due to its seamless nature, it does not require that much attention or maintenance efforts. You can just wash it with soap and water, or simply wipe it, and it is mint clean once again. Since undermount sinks are installed under a solid surface counter, it will not interrupt the integrity of the design and the style you have thought out for your kitchen or bathroom, nor will it limit your ability to select the color theme. You will have the freedom to design these areas based on your preference. There is a large collection of undermount sinks and they are available in varied shapes and sizes. The most common size is 22 by 33 inches and width can vary from 12 to 33 inches. There are also single or double bowl types and bowl depths can vary from 5 to 9 inches. Drain locations can be found on either the back or the center of the sink, and accessories such as drain strainers and grates are also available.

The most common undermount sinks are made of stainless steel. The durability and the hygienic benefits of this type of sink is definitely a winning combination. It is also les prone to dents, water spots and scratches. There is a risk of water damage to counter tops, so undermount sinks are best installed under concrete countertops, granite countertops or other solid surface ones.

Installation of undermount sinks can also be easy. First, you would need to locate the counter top opening. The easiest way for this is to turn your sink upside down on your counter top and find its edges from there. Next, you would need to make a hole in the sink itself. After doing so, you can take your sink faucets and attach them. You only need to make sure that there is no leakage or that it is installed in such a way that leakage would not be possible. Of course, you can have someone else do the installation for you and having a professional install it for you will assure you of best results.

By: Art Copper

Kitchen Art For Kids – How to Get Your Children to Enjoy Eating Healthy Foods

admin — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 13:45:12 +0000

Look at your refrigerator door. I bet you have three or more incredible works of art. Those pieces of art are your children’s interpretations of their world. They are so excited when you put those masterpieces up and also proud and involved because it is their creation.

Consider this approach to food. Bring them into the kitchen and let them create their masterpieces and showcase them at a meal. Getting them involved is the first step.

How about a pizza, the age-old “ants on a log”. or funny face pancakes? “Green eggs and ham” was a great start in our home. When they could read the book, they could help make the breakfast. The scrambled eggs were loaded with finely chopped spinach and diced ham. Not a complaint from any of them.

Start with something fun and that will excite their taste buds – even if it is a treat. A pizza face with a smile of sliced orange peppers, some green pepper for the noise, pepperoni (or better yet Canadian bacon) for eyes, and healthy cheese for hair – doesn’t that sound like a fun project? I bet if they have a chance to put a part of themselves into the food, they will be proud enough of their accomplishments to try the results.

Some of the finest chefs in the country train their staff to do one special thing that makes the food look more appetizing – how to compose a plate! It is similar to choosing a background and combining shapes and colors on paper – except on a plate. Let them be creative and come up with ideas for great flavors to add to their plate. Some kids don’t like one food to touch another -they can make it so.

Fresh spinach, a favorite fruit, diced red onions, a few nuts and a sprinkle of cheese? Sounds like a great salad to me – healthy, full of flavor and colors! Sour cream and salsa makes an excellent topping to a Mexican salad filled with a mix of lettuce, some spinach, black beans, tomato, and corn. If they want corn chips instead of tortilla chips and it gets the children to eat veggies, go for it. Soup is another great creative possibility. If they aren’t old enough to chop or cook, they can help select ingredients and taste test.

To add to the fun, let them name their recipes. Write them down and start a family cookbook. Getting kids to ante up on the food tasting comes in small tastes. If done properly, it will result in giant leaps to try and enjoy different foods, learn a new skill and have time together.

By: Judy Ferril

Copper Kitchen Sink

admin — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 02:06:07 +0000

Nowadays kitchen sinks are made from materials such as of porcelain, stainless steel or copper. The copper sink that most people desire for their kitchens, dates back to ancient times and this art form has passed down through several generations along with various varieties of artistic copper work and contemporary designs. Copper sinks are usually done by talented artisans with their exquisite craftsmanship. Hand made copper sinks have unique decorative art work which the commercially produced one lacks. Many people prefer copper sinks over the other type of sinks for its amazing beauty due to its sheen and iridescence after aging.

Copper kitchen sinks are the most beautiful choice for your kitchen. From the traditional undercounter sinks to the large apron font farmhouse sinks, copper basins add charm and elegance. If you are planning to install a copper sink in your kitchen, make sure of the quality of copper used or else you will regret for having selected it. Poor quality copper leads to the staining of the sink and difficulty in maintaining it aesthetically. If you install stunning copper sinks in your kitchen the very presence of it can instantly enhance the beauty of the most mundane of kitchens.

Copper has natural antibacterial properties. It will prevent the germs from developing in the sink. Some copper sinks have coatings which totally remove the natural antibacterial properties of copper, so it is advisable to go for a non coated copper sink for the sink to be germ free. Moreover the coating or the plating will eventually wear off. Natural colouration of copper is feasible but ageing improves the appearance of copper. Copper apron sinks that are mainly used in farmhouses can be made more feasible if you give a fire and ice finish on the apron.

There is a general belief that copper sinks are very difficult to maintain. There is some truth to that myth. You cannot expect to keep your copper kitchen sinks looking like a new shiny penny forever. If you allow your copper sink to age naturally to a beautiful variety of darker copper shades, you are going to have a kitchen sink envied by others. Copper sinks are everlasting if you take good care and do proper cleaning regularly to prevent the greening of the copper.

Sinks are really becoming the focal point in the kitchen. With increasing emphasis on the kitchen sinks, new varieties with shading, carving and other artistic designs are emerging fast. Hand hammered copper kitchen sinks are the most sought after variety among the kitchen sinks. The cost of a kitchen sink depends mostly on the type of material and the technology that is involved in making the sink. Whether the sinks are made by artisans or by bulk factory production, is also a factor deciding the cost of the copper kitchen sink. There is bewildering range of copper kitchen sinks now flooded in the market. All you have to do is to buy the copper kitchen sink of your need from a reputed company.

By: Daniel Roshard

Decorative Knobs – Pair Them With Great Finishes For A Designer Look

admin — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:15:25 +0000

If you have every found yourself looking at a kitchen set up and being awed at the overall appearance, it likely was not just an ordinary oak kitchen cabinet you were looking at. Chances are the pieces you were in love with had special finishes and decorative cabinet knobs to really make them stand out.

Finishes and decorative cabinet knobs are two things that can take the dullest cabinets and make them look like top of the line pieces of furniture art. When you consider how you would like your kitchen cabinet doors to look, here are some of the finishing options before cabinet knobs you can choose from:

Stained or Solid Woods

The right cut of wood is like a piece of art in itself, and can make for a beautiful look on cabinets. When you consider wooden cabinet doors you will have two options, sticking with the natural wood, if it has nice grain cuts, or staining it to make the grains that are there stand out and shine. If you choose a dark wood or stain you may want to look into decorative knobs that are brass or shiny steel to really stand out against the darker background. For lighter woods, you may prefer antiqued, wrought iron or other dark decorative knobs.

Glass Cabinetry

Nothing lightens up a kitchen as much as glass cabinetry. The light in the room hits the cabinets and they glow, making the room look more open and inviting. When you look into glass cabinetry there are two ways to go – completely glass doors or framed glass doors. While the completely glass pieces are beautiful, they are also a little more susceptible to damage. If you have little ones around, you may want to stick with wooden doors that have a glass inlay. There is still a rough and tough edge that can take a little abuse, with the beautiful glass accenting. When it comes to decorative knobs for this style of cabinet, you can choose to compliment the glass in the door with glass knobs, or go for a standout look with etched or cast metal knobs.

Veneer Cabinetry

If you like the idea of wood cabinetry, but not the price of the high-end woods, why not have that great wood look at a lower price? That is what veneer can offer. Veneer is when a piece of fiberboard is used as a base and a slice of the more beautiful expensive wood is layered over it. When the process is complete, it looks as if your cabinetry is made of that beautiful wood, but you will know you did not have to pay the price for the real thing. Many worry if veneer will warp of fall apart over the years, but with the advances in the making of these pieces, they are often as strong, if not stronger, than other wood cabinets. Veneer cabinets can be well accented with antique-style decorative knobs that make the whole piece look as if it were an heirloom or glass and metal knob.

By: Jennifer Akre

Interiors Decorating Ideas – Re-Design Your Old Kitchen Without Spending Your Life Savings

admin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 06:29:10 +0000

Interior decorating ideas, and projects that require construction, cabinet reconfiguring, or sofit removal should began first. If your kitchen’s upper cabinets are in a straight run, alternating the heights to achieve interest is great way to change there appearance. Raise the cabinets above the sink also just a couple inches from the ceiling, now add crown molding at the top of the cabinets.

When lighting the area be aware general lighting will overall illuminate the area, task, recessed cans to light the work spaces, and decorative softens and accents.

After the upper cabinets are set in place, remove the door back panel then install glass inserts, and glass shelves in the cabinets above sink, and stove areas, additional lighting. Amazing an instant redesign. A gel stain applied to wood cabinets, or a painted surfaces will bring out subtle details on the doors, and drawers. The addition of new oil bronze knobs and pulls produce amazing results, the cabinets look better than new!

There are many resources outlets to shop for affordable materials, crown molding, lighting, fixtures, tile, and granite, you can avoid paying full retail. The price of granite varies common to rare will determine price points. The R.O.I. value is that it is a granite counter top, Uba Tuba, Black Galaxy, Baltic Brown, are a few reasonably priced common named granites.

Back splash surfaces can be tiled, straight, diagonally, or granite application up to the bottom of the cabinet line. If the decision is to paint the area, use an egg shell to semi-gloss finish for easy clean ups. Paint selections the last step, and today’s tends are soft greens, yellows, salmon, earth-tones. and neutrals. Here’s a great tip, the lighter the cabinet, use a darker color, and also applies as in the reverse.

Enjoy your new kitchen, transformed, redesign, and the best thing is, you did it yourself!

By: Donald Ramey

Southwest Kitchen Decor – Decorating Tips For This Comfortable Style

admin — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:26:43 +0000

Just because you may live in a different region of the country does not mean there is a rule stating you cannot have the southwestern style in your home. Southwest kitchen décor is a popular style amongst homeowners. You do not only find it in your bedrooms and living rooms. Kitchen themes with a hint of Southwestern flair are very common.

When it comes to a Southwest kitchen decor, the interiors and furnishings are rustic with the colors of red, yellow, rust, and turquoise making the kitchen feel warm and soft. Also commonly found is earthenware pottery, ceramic tiles, and art. If you are thinking of just adding a few elements or maybe going all out with transforming your kitchen there are some tips that may help you.

If you are in the mood to change your walls, you might want to add a more Southwestern flavor to it. Common colors for this type of décor are turquoise, rust red and light brown. Once the walls are painted you could add a common design. Geometric patterns would be a great choice. Turquoise paint that is washed on the cabinets is a nice addition and has meaning. The ancient Native Americans thought that the color would keep evil spirits away from the home.

Traditional Navaho patterns can be easily found and will make any room feel Southwestern. You will be able to find rugs, towels, curtains, tiles, and plenty of more that showcase this style. One type of traditional tile is Terra Cotta which is a common type used. It is beautiful and very functional. It absorbs heat during the winter months and keeps the air cool in the summer.

You can also add the Southwestern style by changing your furniture.

Rustic looking furniture such as a table and chairs will fit perfectly. They should be made from weathered, rough wood, or even branches that are bent.

Pottery and artifacts from Native Americans will add a special touch to the room.

Hand woven baskets and tin decorative elements also fit well. When you think of the Southwest décor what is the first thing that comes to mind? Did chili peppers pop in your head? Many stores offer chili décor that is common in the Southwestern style. You can find a large assortment of items that have the chili theme. Chili salt and pepper shakers, place mats, napkin holders, and even lights are available!

If you long for being in New Mexico, or enjoy the beautiful Native American pieces of art, adding a touch of the Southwest might be perfect for you. It is easy to get started. So let your imagination fly and soon you will have your own piece of the Wild West in your home.

By: Jeff Stevens