Design Your Dream Kitchen
USINFO | 2013-08-09 13:39

 
With wallpaper in a haphazard print, an old-fashioned floor, and a ho-hum dining area, the Hollenbecks' sparse kitchen looks far from homey. The only positive attribute of this space is the abundant light from the two windows.
 

 
Faded cabinets, a broken drawer, and outdated countertops really show signs of wear and tear in this kitchen. Even an otherwise practical, efficient island can't make up for Eric and Kate's 1970s-style appliances.
 

 
Step 1: Replace Unflattering Lighting
No homemaker wants her kitchen to feel like a fast-food chain, so Bartolomeo took down the outdated fluorescent lighting. Tip: Selecting a fixture that has a dimmer can make a big impact on the room's feel, because it controls the amount of light in the room. When installing electrical equipment, always turn off the power at the source and never skip a remodeling box when wiring.
 

 
Step 2: Measure the Windows
 
When measuring the side of window casement — like this contractor — be as precise as possible to ensure that new windows will be the correct size for the frame. Measure from tip to tip and width to height of the exterior rough opening of the wall to achieve the best results.
 
Step 3: Use the Right Tools
 
Circular saws (like the one Bartolomeo is using) make straight cuts through a variety of materials and are portable, unlike a regular table saw. Be careful when operating machinery and choose the type of saw that best suits your skill level and contracting needs, whether it's a household model for DIY beginners or a heavy-duty version for a redesign pro.
 
Step 4: Destroy to Create
 
Sometimes demolishing a wall is necessary to achieve drastic results. Make sure the wall you want to destroy is not load-bearing — a structural wall that supports weight from above. Cut holes in the material of the wall, between the studs, to ensure that there are no electrical or plumbing wires in the wall. Secure the premises by lining the wall with plastic and wearing a mask (like Bartolomeo and the Hollenbecks), which decreases the amount of harmful dust involved in demolition.
 
Step 5: Install New Windows
 
Use a power drill to install new windows based on measurements you already took. If you live in a cold region, use double-insulated glass to prevent drafts in your kitchen during chilly temperatures. Another way to update windows without changing them entirely is to hang bright curtains to wake up your space.
 
Step 6: Install Hardwood Floors
 
Hardwood floors are worth the investment: They add polish to a room, are simple to clean, and can prevent dust mites. Measure the perimeter of the room and increase your calculation of square feet by 10-15% to ensure that you have enough material for the installation. Once you buy the material, have it on hand for at least 72 hours before installation, so that the wood becomes acclimated to your home's climate. Visualize what the floor will look like by laying out hardwood boards in advance.
 
Step 7: Build Cabinet Benches
 
Storage is a main concern for kitchens, so consider building a cabinet bench with multiple compartments. Select the same wood as your existing cabinets, so it blends with the rest of the kitchen.
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