Tag: kitchen decorating ideas

How to make your Howdens Kitchen look Bespoke?

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

Howdens is a popular name when it comes to contemporary kitchen layouts. What about adding a bit of your own touch in the mix? The below points offer a broad classification of a total kitchen setup and their briefing will help you start from scratch.


Photos By: Living Etc.

Anybody living in the UK and setting up their kitchen decor must have come across by the name Howdens kitchen. They are the largest British brand, manufacturer and designer of fitted kitchen and furniture products. Howdens provide a vast range of customised service. Many of their clients have their kitchen worktops are enhanced with the granite and quartz worktops from MKW surfaces. This bespoke look adds on to the ultimate setup necessary according to your kitchen space.

Ultimately, it is totally up to you, what set up you are planning to implement in your kitchen space. Here are some tips on how to make your Howdens kitchen look bespoke:

Layout

If you are planning to bring life back to your contemporary kitchen, you can implement some of the modern kitchen layouts provided by Howdens kitchens. It is said that the most successful floor plans are based around a ‘working triangle’; the location of your fridge, hob and sink. In a trendy design, one can also include a Wi-Fi extender and a pop-up socket to make the kitchen more functional.

Open plan layout

It is basically a multifunctional layout permitting several household activities to take place in the same room. No problem arises, even if you are having a small space, as they often require eliminating an extra wall. You can introduce an island, add a breakfast bar and create a coordinated look by enhancing the flooring and colour scheme. Open layouts are very popular nowadays as they allow you to gather with friends and family whilst you are cooking or working in the room. Whereas in the past, the kitchen was segregated from the rest of the house. This is because in the past, cooking was delegated to cleaners and servants. It has now become apparent that preparing your own food is the best way to guarantee the quality of items that we eat.

U-shaped layout

The three-sided style can be given a trendy look with half-hidden wall units to break the lines. This type of layout maximises the storage and work surface areas which are loved by everyone. It is very popular in reduces spaces and in households with large families. The U-shaped layout allows you to hide all the appliances, utensils and other items within its many drawers and multi-cabinet set up.

L-shaped layout

This basically falls under the minimalistic approach, where you will get plenty of space to roam around freely in your kitchen despite doing all the necessary things. Try to put units exceptionally to the floor to bring a contemporary twist to your setup. Since the working areas in a L-shaped kitchen are placed across two places, you would never have to walk too far in the house to prepare a meal. An l-shaped kitchen design will also help in avoiding cluttering whilst ensuring traffic can flow freely in the room.

Galey layout

This layout is generally used in smaller spaces to connect the adjacent rooms. Also, it allows you to implement an island and make a work triangle with your sink and oven. Similarly, this layout will allow you to prepare foods and other items practically as the workstations remain opposite to each other. Not only that a Galley kitchen can be functional in small rooms, but it is also very popular in large rooms too. This is because the Galley design will allow you to reach any item and object within a reaching distance, rather than having to walk across to the other side of the room. In addition, a typical galley shaped kitchen will come with lots of room for storing items and appliances.

Colours and Materials

Choosing the best colours among the wide range of options can become a difficult task for anyone. Firstly, one needs to collect ideas before putting a step forward. The natural light and size of your kitchen are the two key factors on which your design is based. Also, areas such as the kitchen wall, splashbacks, worktops/countertops and their colours/textures are dependent. Additionally, you should think about any other space of the room which you will be planning to fill in the future. This will allow you to plan, helping you create a time-proof kitchen design.

Coming to cabinet colours, trendy tones such as cashmere can bring a warm feel to your kitchen; and grey too, if you are looking for subtle colours. You can also choose gloss or matt finishes.

When it comes to your kitchen worktops and splashbacks, there are colours and textures that are in vogue. White marble or quartz, grey granite or limestone and Concrete/Cement effect materials are in high demand.

To bring a contemporary feel to your kitchen go for the wide range seen at Howdens worktops, and get these worktops supplied from a material from the premium selection at MKW Surfaces. Rather than supplying cheap imitation granite planks, the Company sources stone from every corner of the planet. Coupled with boasting the largest natural and engineered stone collection in the UK, there is no doubt you will find the worktop material you have dreamt of.

Now you have a brief idea about the steps you need to take to modernize the look of your kitchen. Take the best possible bespoke set up for your kitchen space and make delicious dishes without any tension.

Know Where to Save and Where to Splurge on Your Bathroom or Kitchen Remodel

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

Give your bathroom and kitchen a new remodel for this season with some of these smart ideas and advice from home reno experts!


Photo: Laura Burleson

The bathroom and kitchen are two of the most common rooms when it comes to redecorating a home. As a homeowner, you should know where to spend and where to save while you learn everything you need to remodel your home kitchen and bathroom to make the process a success. Doing so goes a long way in making the most of your investment and your remodel.

Where to Splurge in the Kitchen

In regards to where to invest your money in the kitchen, since you’ll get a lot of use out of your appliances, you’ll want to spend money on energy-efficient designs that come with warranties. While you’re picking out appliances, make sure you think about how much you want to spend on cabinets so you don’t blow your budget on a new fridge that will likely need to be replaced in about 15 years instead of countertops that are likely to last longer. Watch end of season sales, and look out for coupons on Raise to ensure you get the best bang for your buck, and save a lot of money in the long run.

Speaking of countertops, you should splurge if your counter is the centerpiece of your kitchen remodel. Just make sure you’re fully aware of your countertop options and different materials to get the best buy.


Photo: FashionJazz.co.za

Where to Save in the Kitchen

Cabinet material is definitely one place where you can save in the kitchen. This is because home remodelling technology has advanced to a stage where it’s hard to tell the difference between actual wood and veneer. Drawer inserts are another aspect of your kitchen remodel in which you can scale back on the price. Theres no need to spend more than necessary on the pulls, handles and knobs on your kitchen cabinet doors.

In regards to the backsplash in your kitchen, your priorities are where you can save. For instance, don’t make any changes to the mechanics, plumbing or walls, which adds more to the overall price. You should also stick to your original decision to avoid being stuck with the cost of returning materials.

Where to Splurge in the Bathroom


Photo: Bloglovin’

While you can save on the cabinetry in your kitchen, the same doesn’t necessarily apply in your bathroom. This is because your bathroom experiences more moisture than your kitchen, and you want cabinets that are made to withstand the rigours of that moisture and continue to perform. Plumbing fixtures like those from Tankless Water Heater Companies are another aspect on which you’ll want to make a solid investment. This is because high-quality fixtures can help you save on future water bills, and they’re much likely to last longer.

The floors of your bathroom are likely to be a bit of a middle ground in regards to spending and splurging. To stay balanced, opt for a slip-resistant floor to better avoid slip-and-falls, which can also cost you money on medical bills.

Where to Save in the Bathroom

The background tile of your bathroom is one place where you can save money. If you really want to add a bit of pop to your bathroom tile, you can add a few expensive tiles to your shower or a vanity backsplash. As long as you don’t do an entire wall, your overall expense shouldn’t be too scary. When it comes to bathroom countertops, you want something that’s going to be low maintenance. You can also get a laminate for your countertops that resembles a more expensive material like granite without paying a granite price.


Photo: Aimee Song

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”#d4bf57″ class=”” size=””]If you don’t take a lot of baths, you may prefer to have a shower installed in your bathroom and remove the tub. That being said, if your home has two bathrooms, you might want to leave the tub in one if you later plan on putting your home on the market. Knowing where to save and where to spend in your bathroom and kitchen remodel better ensures you get what you want without compromise. Know that you don’t have to go broke to have the best design![/perfectpullquote]

Trying to sell your home? If you are tired off all the remodelling and renovations there are companies that will actually buy your home as-is and offer you are great sum upfront. See this link for more info on this subject: https://socalhomebuyers.com.

Easy Cleaning Tips for Your Kitchen PLUS Some Inspiration for Your Kitchen Decor

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

It’s not easy cleaning the kitchen, especially being a full-time house wife with a home full of children.  Spending a typical afternoon for kitchen cleaning will involve grease splatters, crumbs on the floor, and a pile of dishes. Here are some easy kitchen cleaning tips (plus some kitchen decor inspiration) that will make your life a little easier! 


Photo: Home & Design Magazine Naples

Use A Garbage Bowl

Use a garbage bowl to throw the unnecessary things. It is a key to neat and clean kitchen. Instead of walking over to the trash can or compost bin with handful of peelings or scraps, you can place a bowl on the counter so that your work is made easier and convenient. It is an effective idea to have a dustbin in one of the corners of the kitchen so that during cooking, you don’t have to run here and there to throw the garbage.

Keeping a convenient garbage bowl right next to the sink is an ingenious way to save time and actually make a lesser mess! Think about peelings falling to the floor every time you make your way to the garbage bin. Sounds like fun? We don’t think so!

Line the Cutting Board with Cutting Mat

Consider lining your cutting board with a flexible cutting mat. Chopping and cutting the vegetables on the odd surface of the board is not going to be easy. It is a wonderful idea to bring home a number of shelf-mats. Use a thin, flexible cutting mat on top of the cutting board.


Photo: Marvin Windows and Doors

Keep the Shelves Clean

As kitchen shelves are where you have to keep the things round the clock, their proper and regular cleaning is mandatory. Use mats to keep on the shelves and wash them every now and then. If you have little naughty kids who don’t let the mats at their place, keep a soft clean cloth for kitchen’s cleaning. Once the cooking is done, clean the shelves. It is better to clean them with wet cloth dipped in detergent once in a week, but don’t spread bleaching powder of a cleaning-acid onto the shelves. You can also mix vinegar, baking soda, and water for an easy eco-friendly cleaning spray, or use something more stronger such as Odor Klenz products to kill bad smells and disinfect.


Photo: Cheryl Scrymgeour Designs

Pick Up Things from Floor Instantly

We often don’t care much of picking up the things instantly from the floor, considering that this can be done later on. I must say that picking up anything useless or slippery that falls onto the floor is ideal. I personally do this a lot of times throughout the day. Pick up that strawberry, mangoes, or the cheese that fell to the ground. This will save a lot of your time at the end when you start cleaning the kitchen.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”#ff0055″ class=”” size=””]Little things make a huge difference when cleaning your kitchen. Try to make pet-peeves a habit like picking up garbage or washing the dishes right after cooking. In the long run, you will be surprised at how much less work you have at the end of a meal![/perfectpullquote]

Dust Everyday

Kitchen is one of the busiest and most important parts of our home. One should not ignore its dusting on a daily basis. Usually the females focus much on dusting bedrooms, and living area. At the same time, your kitchen requires your attention. Minor dusting on a daily basis, and thorough dusting once a week is what you can do to save your time, ensuring that the kitchen looks absolutely clean.


Photo: Even Steven Agenturer

These are certainly some of the basic things you can keep in mind so that the kitchen looks stunning and neat. Is there any other tip in your mind? Don’t forget to share with us!