Open Shelving

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If looking to give your kitchen a makeover, consider using open shelves in place of traditional kitchen cabinets. Open shelves are becoming more and more popular in modern and contemporary kitchens. Shelves are a great option for smaller kitchens as it gives the illusion of more open space. Open shelves also place attention on the backsplash. If you have invested in a contemporary kitchen backsplash, open shelves in your kitchen are perfect for showcasing your investment.

Glass front cabinets

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Glass Front cabinets are another popular trend in modern kitchen design. This design allows designers to add color by painting the inside of the cabinets or incorporating under cabinet lighting to create a unique look. Some other options for creating a creative design with glass front cabinets is incorporating color via painting the background or using colored or patterned dishes. If you like the concept of glass front cabinets but want to hide the clutter in your cabinets, consider frosted glass or textured glass.

Small Kitchen Cabinet Updates

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If your kitchen renovation budget is smaller, perhaps start with a few smaller projects. Although these projects are on a smaller scale, the impact can be great. Some inexpensive and basic options to upgrade your current kitchen cabinets are:

Change hardware: Swap out the old knobs and hands for newer, stylish hardware

Paint cabinets: Give your kitchen cabinets a face lift by painting your cabinets a new color

Remove doors: If you like the look of open shelves in kitchens yet are limited due to your budget, removing the doors on your cabinets can create a similar look

Consider molding: Adding a molding to create design on your current cabinets can instantly enhance the look of your kitchen cabinets.

Glossy finish: A popular trend in modern kitchens is adding a glossy finish to kitchen cabinets. The result is very sleek and modern look.

This Granite Top Kitchen Island Cart by Home Styles is perfect for a medium sized kitchen.  It is not one  of the smaller carts so it is not ideal for small kitchens.  This cart features cabinets with a black finish which add more storage space and a stylish salt and pepper granite counter top.  This cart is also available in other colors and sizes.  However, this is the perfect size and style for a medium or large kitchen.

The cart also has rails on each ends to hand dish rags or store various kitchen utensils.  This mobile kitchen cart sits on four wheels which makes for easy placement and movement in your kitchen.

More Information on this Home Styles Granite Top Kitchen Island Carts

We were very impressed with the quality of this 5 piece Contemporary Round Dining Room table. The table is made by Poundex, a contemporary furniture distributor based in Los Angeles. Poundex has been in the furniture business since 1989. This provides some sense of security. It is always best to purchase from companies with some form of stability. In the event there are issues with the product, which we hope there aren’t, the chances of quality customer service are higher with an established company.

What we like about the Poundex 5 Piece Contemporary Round Dining Room Table

• The round mahogany dining table is very versatile. The table is small enough to fit in a breakfast nook or a smaller dining room area. This dining set is not ideal for a larger or formal dining room. It is perfect to add a touch of elegance to a small dining space or a contemporary styled apartment. The mahogany finish of the table gives it a very rich and polished look.
• The design of the base of the table gives the table style. The glass table top and mahogany chairs are taken up two notches when the base is added to the picture. There are actually two layers of glass, if you would call it that. The table top used for eating is glass and below there is a smaller glass circle. That second level could be used for some very unique decorating!
• The table is very easy to assemble. The average assembly time for this product is about an hour. This is definitely an added bonus if ordering the item and having it shipped. If you know like we do, the costs of assembly can be almost as expensive as the product, or maybe we are cheap.

Things we do not like about the product:

• The light colored cloth seats could be a concern. If you have children or a hole in your chin, this may not be the best option for you. The chair bottoms are made of a light color cotton/polyester. If you really love the table, there is always the option to cover the seats of the chairs with a towel during meals.
• As with shipping any glass items, there is the risk of damage during the delivery process. This came as no surprise. We have returned several glass items that arrived broken with no problem. If you decide to purchase the Poundex Contemporary Round Dining Room Table, check the sellers/stores reviews or policy on damaged items. Nothing is more frustrating or upsetting that receiving a damaged product at no fault of your own and receiving poor service on top of that!

Our overall Review of this Contemporary Mahogany Round Table

This is a great option for shoppers seeking an elegant table for a small to medium area. Apartment dwellers, this is an awesome piece for apartments. AWESOME. The table is also reasonably priced and definitely adds a touch of elegance to any space occupied. Don’t just take our word for it; see what consumers are saying about this product on Amazon.

Kitchen Backsplash Ideas|Mosaic Kitchen Backsplash

There are several options when selecting mosaic tile for a kitchen backsplash.  First, the type of mosaic tile is selected.  Three forms of mosaic tile sold are glass, marble and plain mosaic.  Next, determine which areas will have a backsplash.  Will the backsplash be over the stove only or the entire counter top?  Some designers use a kitchen backsplash as an accent.  Mosaic Tile is on of the best options for an accent backsplash wall.  The unique, colorful and glossy tiles are perfect adding a punch of color to a neutral, open kitchen.

Kitchen Backsplash Ideas:Stainless Steel Kitchen Backsplash

Stainless steel is a common material used in homes decorated in modern and contemporary décor.  A stainless steel backsplash is also a perfect option for a contemporary kitchen.   Using stainless steel will encourage a sleek and modern look to the kitchen.  This is especially true if the kitchen appliances are stainless steel. It also adds protection to the kitchen walls.  A stainless steel backsplash can also be created to feature one of many patterns and finishes.

Kitchen Backsplash Ideas|Glass Tile Kitchen Backplash

Glass tile, beyond mosaic tile, is also commonly seen in kitchen backsplash. Glass tiles are very similar to mosaic tiles.  They offer many of the same features such as a unique look as it can be placed in a number of ways to create a fresh and different look.  Glass tile is also very east to maintain and keep clean.  As with mosaic tile and stainless steel, glass tile will also provide adequate protection to the kitchen walls.

Designing Your Kitchen Backsplash Using These Ideas

When searching for kitchen backsplash tile ideas, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the many tile options.  It is important to consider how you plan to use the backsplash and the look desired. A backsplash is a great option if looking to enhance the look and feel of a contemporary kitchen.  It helps maintain the home by protecting the kitchen walls from things like water and grease.  While there are a variety of materials available, the best materials to create a contemporary kitchen backsplash are mosaic tile, stainless steel and glass tile. If you are not sure how to proceed with the design of your kitchen backsplash project, check out other kitchen removation articles for ideas and inspiration.

While granite is said to be inexpensive, there are several other materials that are cheaper. However, there is an alternative if natural granite counters are not in your budget. There are several painting kits on the market that can transform plain kitchen countertops to marvelous faux granite countertops.

Granite Paint Kits are a wonderful options for designers or homeowners that desire the look of granite countertops but for whatever materials can not afford natural grante countertops.

There are several youtube video tutorials that outline the process. Check out this one

Giani Faux Countertop Video

Creating a contemporary kitchen is relatively simple. While many pictures of contemporary styled kitchen may give the illusion of class and sophistication, the décor is not hard to achieve. When decorating in this style, it is important to remember the elements and principles associated with contemporary home décor. A contemporary kitchen should be simple, neutral and possess a fair amount of open space.

Elements of A Contemporary Kitchen: Simplicity

As mentioned in Contemporary Kitchen Style: The Essential Handbook for an Innovative Design, “Modern kitchens have a clean, linear look and make an inventive yet practical design statement”. When decorating in this style, a little goes a long way. Clean and open cabinet space, simple and elegant wall art should adorn the walls. Save money and eliminate all the extras, get the bare minimum.

Colors within a Contemporary Kitchen

Color plays a major role in contemporary home décor. Known for being clean and simple, contemporary kitchens are often decorated in neutral colors, black or white. If there is any color used, which there usually is, it is usually a bold accent color. This is usually in the form of the accent wall or a piece of colorful abstract wall art.

Lighting for a Contemporary Kitchen

Decorative lighting can really play up the design of a contemporary kitchen. Popular styles of contemporary lighting are track lighting and pendant lighting. These two forms of light fixtures allow decorators to use lighting to spotlight special features or play up areas of a space. Usually pendant lighting is use over areas used for cooking and preparing food so that there is ample functional lighting.
Designing a contemporary kitchen is not as hard as it appears. Once decorators gain an understanding of the elements of contemporary home décor, designing the idea kitchen flows naturally. While designing that new kitchen, remember, the internet of a wonderful resource for inspiration and ideas!

 Butcher Block Kitchen Island Cart

While some homes have built in kitchen islands, there are also mobile island carts. These carts are available in an assortment of sizes, colors and styles to accomodate several styles of home decor.

Check out some of the more popular models:

Central Park Kitchen Island and Counter Stool Set

Catskill Craftsmen Heart of the Kitchen Island Kitchen Cart

One of the most important factors in remodeling an area is the amount of space. Small kitchen design is full of possibilities. As with other kitchen remodel jobs, small kitchen design requires research and creativity.
Have you ever walked into someone’s home and find yourself amazed by an off the wall design of the home? Updating a small kitchen requires this type of creativity. When working with a small space, it is important to make the best of each inch. There are a few things that decorators should consider when approaching small kitchen design.
Strategize
Before a design can be created, the designer has to have a clear understanding of the purpose or use of the space. When designing a kitchen, we should first consider the tasks that will take place in the kitchen. Is it likely that guests will be entertained? Will there be baking and such? Once there is a clear understanding of the functional expectations, it is easier to create a design plan.
Smaller Appliances 22 7.5 cu. ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator

Making the best use of space in a small kitchen may require smaller appliances. There are several ways to save and create space in the kitchen by considering space saving appliances. Instead of a traditional stove and oven, opt for a counter top stove and a stackable oven and microwave. Some appliances, like refrigerators, are sold in smaller sizes. It is amazing the amount of space that can be saved by selecting smaller kitchen appliances.
Consider the Color
Wall paint color can make a space appear smaller or larger. When designing a small kitchen, remember to use a neutral or lighter color. A neutral or lighter wall color will create the illusion of a larger space. If a dark or warm color is strongly desired, it is best these colors are used on an accent wall only.
There are times that we have to make the best of what we have. A small kitchen does not have to be any less fabulous than a larger kitchen. Make careful calculated design decisions and you will find the perfect small kitchen design for your home.

The kitchen is a highly functional area in many homes. Although the kitchen is mainly used to cooking and preparing meals for the family, it does not have to be any less beautiful than other areas of the home. One way to enhance kitchen décor is adding kitchen backsplash.
Using a backsplash in a kitchen can benefit homeowners in a couple of ways. First, the backsplash protects walls from grease and other harmful substances as meals are prepared. Second, many kitchen backsplash designs are very attractive and instantly add style to any room. Kitchen backsplash tile is available in several materials. One popular type of tile used to create backsplash is glass tile.
A glass tile backsplash offers many advantages. As mentioned earlier, a backsplash protects kitchen walls from grease and other materials that may splash or pop as foods are prepared. With that, it is important that the material used to create the backsplash can be cleaned and maintained with ease. Glass backsplash tile is very easy to maintain. It is not very difficult to clean this type of tile. Glass tile is also very versatile in regard to décor. It can be used with several styles of home décor.
When selecting tile for your kitchen backsplash, consider the design to be used when installing kitchen backsplash. If the kitchen backsplash will feature an elaborate design, make sure the tile selected is rather conservative. Creating a backsplash from metal tile or glass tile are both great options if creating a kitchen backsplash that features and elaborate design.

Click here to view glass tile in an assortment of styles today!