Kitchen

Ideas for Setting up a Family Command Center in the Kitchen

A command center is a space that keeps track of all of the family’s daily tasks. The kitchen is definitely the best spot in the home to set one of these up. A few ways to create one include having a dedicated desk in the kitchen (or side table), or having a specific spot on a countertop and wall where everything is organized.

It is best to keep the countertop and desk space clear and have as much of the command center as possible fitted to the wall to keep things well organized and clutter free (just like in the pictures above).

Chalkboards! Not only are they great for keeping track of things but they add to the decor of the kitchen. Hang one up or have a wall painted in chalkboard paint. Kids can draw on it and you can create to do lists. An alternative would be to use a whiteboard.

Other things to include in the kitchen command center: a place for a telephone, a gorgeous wall clock, a calendar, hanging paper organizers and pen holder, key hooks, and a bulletin board. And don’t forget to include some decor accessories like framed photos of family and friends, a map, vintage kitchen items, or a decorative wall letter. 1/2/3/4/5/6/7

Inspiration and Ideas for Decorating Kitchen Ceilings

Here are a few ideas to get you inspired on what to do with your kitchen ceiling:

Remodeling Ideas: A drop ceiling can make the space feel cozier and allows for modern recessed lights as seen in picture (1). It also allows for cove lighting which bounces light off of the ceiling and into the room creating a grand setting (2). Instead of having a drop ceiling another idea is to have a more rustic look with exposed beams (3).

Decorative Ideas: Wallpaper can be used to decorate the ceiling, have a look at our post here: Design Notes on Kitchen Wallpaper Ideas. A cheaper alternative would be to have the ceiling painted. This can be one solid color (4) (5) (6) or you can go for a more textured look by using some unique painting techniques (7) – check out our post here for ideas: Textured Wall Painting Ideas: From Faux Wood to Linen Effects. For ideas of what colors to use and how to create an overall color scheme take a look at our post here: A Palette Guide for Kitchen Color Schemes: Decor and Paint Ideas.

Other kitchen ceiling ideas include: Fitting beams to the ceiling and have them lined with crown molding (8) (9). Another idea is to fit tiles for a more decorative look (10) (11). 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8//10/11

February 17, 2013 in Kitchen

Black and White Kitchen Ideas and Designs Mood Board

Mixing black and white kitchen ideas is a great design style because of the contrast and the sleek look. There are kitchens that keep to just the two colors, but as seen in the photos above some have mixed in some grey (another non color) and kept that clean design style.

Here are some design elements to keep in mind when designing a black and white styled kitchen.

Color Style Guide: White Kitchen Ideas and Designs

The Countertops (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

The most popular way of going about countertops is to use a black one (granite) with white cabinets and base. Vice versa, a white countertop with a black base also looks great but is less popular as it can make the space feel a bit darker and smaller.

Black and White Cabinets

Whether you use black or white cabinets, brushed steel knobs and handles are the way to go.

The Right Style: Modern Kitchen Design and Ideas

Wall Decor

White walls are the go to choice. If you plan on hanging up any decor pieces (Beautiful Wall Decor Ideas for a Kitchen) like a mirror, photo, or quote – having them framed in a black frame will keep the black and white style going.

Wall Design

White and black wall tiles as seen in pictures (6) & (7) add a textured look to a wall. Another idea is to have a wall covered in chalkboard paint like in picture (8). Use this as a command center to write shopping lists, to-dos, display a calendar, hang up a bulletin board, etc.

Flooring

Some ideas here include black and white tiles, cream marble, or light grey tiles or polished concrete. An alternative, one that takes away from the clean black and white look, is wooden flooring.

A Focal Piece

If you were to place one colored piece in the kitchen, like the wooden kitchen island countertop in picture (9) or the red lamp shade in picture (10), this will become an elegant focal point as it stands out. 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10

Here are some more kitchen posts to get ideas from:

February 17, 2013 in Kitchen

Looking at Basement Kitchen Ideas and Designs

One of the main things to consider when looking at basement kitchen ideas and photos, like the ones above, is the general layout and style you want. Since most basement kitchens are accompanied by a family room, the best designs tends to be open planned. Some ways to divide the space include using a countertop which can also double as a bar (8 Different Basement Bar Ideas and Designs) or having a small kitchen island.

Other design elements that will determine the style of the kitchen are the cabinets and the walls. When it comes to the walls you can simply have it painted or have a textured finish using stone or tiles (A Palette Guide To Basement Paint Colors), (Decorating Basement Walls: Ideas from Stamped Concrete to Chalkboard Paint).

When it comes to lighting, the same applies to any kitchen lighting design. You want to have lighting focused around any work areas. So under cabinet lights that shine down onto countertops are great, as well as pendant lights hanging over a kitchen island or bar countertop. An alternative idea would be to use track lights which can have each individual light angled to a specific area.

Side Note: If you are planning a remodeling of a basement and looking to have a kitchen installed, which will require plumbing work, why not add in laundry room (if you have space) and have all the plumbing done at once (Design Ideas For That Perfect Basement Laundry Room). 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9