Posts tagged ‘Kitchen Sink’
From Galley to Gourmet: Efficient Galley Kitchens
Having a galley kitchen does not mean that you need to sacrifice style, efficiency or dreams of gourmet bliss. While a galley kitchen can be short on space, when laid out correctly it can meet all of your needs and exceed expectations. Because a galley kitchen is small on space, using high end products can be accomplished at a smaller price than a larger kitchen. Always dreamt of a farm style sink but never thought it was something you could fit into your budget?? Having a galley kitchen with a smaller space to update might be the key to your dream sink, backsplash and tiles.
Photo credit: plumbtile.com
USING THE TRIANGLE
The triangle (fridge, sink and range) is the most important factor in any kitchen, but more so in the galley style. To maximize space a great trick is to use a microwave on top of the range instead of the typical hood which can be aesthetically pleasing but not a necessity when a microwave can double as a hood. The ideal triangle will place the range and fridge on one wall with the sink being on the opposite wall. Another way to “add” space is to choose a full range instead of a cooktop and wall ovens.
Photo Credit: blog.kitchenviews.com
In a galley kitchen having “zones” for prep, cleaning and cooking will change the functionality and efficiency of your tight space. Having your prep and cooking area close to each other will cut back on the amount of time that you are moving about in a tight space.
STORAGE, OH STORAGE
Storage in any space is key but more so in a kitchen where gadgets can number high. A trick to expanding space is to have cabinets that reach to the ceiling so that there is no wasted space. Keeping clutter to a minimum in a galley kitchen will also ensure that the space looks its largest and functions at its highest capacity. Choosing sleek cabinets with simple lines will also make the area appear to be larger than it is, increasing the efficiency in the space.
TO USE COLOR OR NOT
Like any room choosing the right color and accessorizes can make or break your space, the kitchen is no exception. Choosing a lighter or even brighter color tile will allow for the space to appear larger than it actually might be. Accessories in a galley kitchen should be kept to a minimum to increase the efficiency and function of the tight space.
Cooking Up Big Ideas for Small Kitchens
Who hasn’t been there, the dilemma of a small kitchen and how to utilize the little space that is available? Whether it’s your first apartment or you are buying in a city where space comes at a higher price, here are some great ideas to transform the small space into a kitchen that you will love and have great pride in.
Photo Credit: Los Angeles designer Sarah Barnard, LEED AP
SPACE SAVERS:
This kitchen was lacking in space so by making a simple change of using a 24” (counter depth) fridge versus a standard 30”, the homeowners were able to maximize space and style by keeping everything sleek and in line. 
Another quick and easy space saver is using a deeper sink instead of a wider sink. This will help to increase counter space without losing the ability to have a sink that meets all of your needs.
Utilize all space floor to ceiling in areas like a pantry where items that are used less can be placed at the top and accessible by a foot stool. Vertical space in a kitchen can add not only functionality but also style by using a glass front and displaying decorative dishes.
Each of these ideas will help to increase the square footage of your small kitchen without having to do any demolition work!
COLOR CHOICES:
Color in a small space can mean the difference between feeling blocked in and not realizing how small a room actually is. Using cooler colors such as blues and greens (light) will make a space appear to be larger, whereas warmer tones such as dark red will make the space to appear smaller.
STORAGE OPTIONS:
There are multiple ways to ensure that storage is properly used in a small kitchen. Keeping the kitchen divided into 3 areas (prep, cooking, cleaning) all like items will be together and easier to find and use. The use of open shelves or a ceiling mounted pot rack can use space that would otherwise be rendered useless. Also the use of modernized accessories 
like a Kitchen Counter Trash Chutes would eliminate using up space for a trash can that needs to be set in the kitchen.
Small kitchens can be difficult to work with but with a little imagination, great design and the right materials you can transform a tiny kitchen into the heart of your home.
Photo Credit: Trina via A Country Farmhouse
The National Kitchen & Bath Association’s Trend Study
Looking to find out what’s hot and what’s not in the world of kitchen and bathroom design? If you are still in the planning stages of your remodel, you might want to check the latest National Kitchen & Bath Association’s trend study: 300 member designers were polled for the latest trends and news about bath and kitchen designs and remodels and below are the results.
Curious to see what’s HOT this season?
GRAY COLOR SCHEMES – that’s right, shades of gray are growing in appeal for both the kitchen and bathroom, and been growing in popularity since 2010.
“Among the overall trends identified for this year, gray color schemes in both kitchens and baths have witnessed a dramatic escalation since 2010, particularly over the past year, according to a written statement about the study. “Used currently in 55 percent of kitchens and 56 percent of bathrooms, shades of gray are growing in appeal, creating chic, sophisticated spaces that many consumers desire.”
The appetite for sleek shades of gray in kitchens and baths might be linked to the colors popularity in fashion over the last few years. NKBA stopped short of linking the color’s popularity to the steamy best-seller “Fifty Shades of Grey” by E.L. James.
Despite gray’s recent appeal, white and off-white are still most popular, used in 73 percent of kitchens and 71 percent bathrooms. The neutrals of beige and bone come next in popularity, followed by grays and browns, according to NKBA.
View full article.
QUARTZ – second most popular counter-surface material used in kitchens and baths last year, and is closely gaining popularity to granite on the top spot.
WHITE CABINETS – this is a popular trend for kitchens, it has been a top choice since last year.
GLASS BACKSPLASH – this trend has grown in popularity in the last 3 years, it’s no surprise.
TOUCH-ACTIVATED FAUCETS – at Plumbtile you will find many of these trendy faucets, we love them!
For the complete trends for the bath and kitchen, you can view the full list here. Call 1-866-758-6284 and ask your friendly Plumbtile consultant about the latest trends, they’re always ready to help!
Updating the Most Used Kitchen Item – The Kitchen Sink
It is Remodel Thursday and we have a great tip for you. Today, we are all about the kitchen sink. Are you ready?
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The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but the sink handles most of the daily chores. That’s because it’s the only working area used to both prepare meals and clean up after them. Although quality sinks can last 15 years or more, they do wear out. Their finishes start to dull or chip, and annoying leaks appear mysteriously around the rim and drain.
When replacing the kitchen sink one could get overwhelmed with so many options — single bowls to multiple bowls of different sizes, shapes and depths — you need to consider the size of the room and how you’ll use the sink. Large multi-basin models, which are popular right now, will overpower a small kitchen.
The National Kitchen & Bath Association, an industry trade group, suggests a standard 22X24-in. single-bowl model for kitchens less than 150 sq. ft. For larger kitchens, you can consider the added convenience of double and triple bowls that allow you to stack the dishes in one bowl while you rinse off vegetables in the other.
Many designers specify one main sink and a smaller bar sink for large kitchens. The added smaller bar sink, like the Cordial Cast Iron Sink by Kohler, works out well when there are 2 cooks in the household. It also works well if there are children in the home.
Whatever size and bowl configuration you choose, you’ll also need to select the type of mounting you want. This is both an esthetic and a practical decision as described above.
You’ll also need to specify the number of holes in the sink deck. This number will range from one to five, depending on the faucet and the number of accessories you will have like spray hoses and soap dispensers you add.
Call us at 1-866-758-6284 and we will have one of our specialists speak with you. We are now accepting PayPal. For any orders that are over $99.00 you can choose to “Bill Me Later” and get 6 months interest free. We look forward to assisting you with any of your kitchen needs here at Plumbtile.
Stylish Kitchen Sinks
When you think of a kitchen sink, your first though is not likely style. Quite often, the sink simply blends in with the rest of the architecture and decor. But your can set aside your bland stainless steal or ceramic sink and make way for more stylish kitchen sinks from Plumbtile.
Check out these great options:
How to Replace Your Kitchen Sink
The kitchen sink sees constant use on a daily basis, and eventually will need to be replaced. Sometimes, you may want to replace the sink simply to upgrade, or to conserve more water. Whatever the reason, it is good to have a few tips in mind before you replace your sink. Here are some of Plumbtile’s top tips, as well as a how-to video for replacing your kitchen sink.
Continue Reading August 26, 2011 at 8:06 am plumbtile Leave a comment
