Granite is unarguably a kitchen's best friend.

The sheer elegance and oomph factor that just a splash of granite anywhere in the kitchen can add is simply unbelievable.

The other advantage is that it is highly durable and comes in countless designs, styles and colors.

However, one drawback is that it is extremely expensive, which leaves little room for experimenting with this gorgeous natural stone. Compromising on granite tiles or modular granite stone slabs is a good idea for someone running on a low-budget, but the look will surely suffer. Hence, we have compiled a list of some beautiful yet inexpensive granite countertop choices that are best suited for kitchen countertops.

Uba Tuba or Green Labrador Granite

This Brazilian stone is one of the cheapest granite stones in the market since it belongs to Class A products. It is more appropriate for kitchens painted in white or lighter shades because it comes in dark bright green shade with sparkling silver, gold and tan flecks. If you are going for a DIY approach then a 1 ¼ inch thick Uba Tuba counter top slab will cost around $250 to $400 depending on the size required, and you can have it for as low as $25. If you want professional help then the whole package including fabrication and installation will cost you about $40 to $60 per square foot.

Tan Brown Granite

For those who want to have a slab in brown or earthy tones, this will be perfect. Quarried in India, this stone has an utterly elegant outlook due to the presence of black as its background color with brown spots and grey streaks. The stone comes in two different shades of brown I-e light and dark and the grey shading also depends upon the color of slab. It is one of those stones that require least amount of maintenance, and can easily blend in with the cabinets and overall ambiance of your home's earthy outlook. The price range starts from $30 to $60 per square foot. 

Silver Pearl Dark Granite or Black Pearl

It is regarded as one of the most durable stones on earth since ages. This beautiful stone will be a great choice to make your kitchen appear glamorous and sophisticated simultaneously due to its multicolored hues. It is primarily imported from Norway and some of its lower qualities are quarried in India. It happens to be a little bit high on price since it belongs to class B. It has black as its background color and streaks of blue, silver, green and gray run all around its surface. You can get it in between $40 to $55 per square foot.

Venetian Gold Granite

This stone belongs to class B, but it is on a relatively lower price range. It is honey-colored or golden with flecks and streaks of light brown and amber. The best thing about this stone is that it is suitable for almost every possible color scheme since golden shade looks and blends equally well with all. Do-it-yourselfers should know that this beautiful granite countertop slab can be bought for around $40 per square foot, but if you want professional installation, then the price will be increased to about $50.

White Kashmir Granite

This stone comes in varying shades of white, creme and off white and can provide clean and sophisticated look to your kitchen. It is imported from India, and it belongs to the class B category. The stone has streaks and spots in grey, green, and crimson shades. You can buy a pre-fabricated slab for as low as $200 to $300, whereas the package costs about $50 per square foot.

So there you have it, we went over the details of the 5 most beautiful yet inexpensive granite countertop choices for your kitchen or bath. The color you go with will largly depend on what type of cabinetry and color scheme you are trying to match. Some granite choices like the Venetian Gold seem to go well with almost any color combination, while others require you to design around them.

Either way, granite countertops will make a wonderful addition to your house and without a doubt your family and friends will compliment you for getting them.

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When builders built homes years ago, kitchens were not the big deal they are today.

Many older homes have small kitchens or just horrible kitchen layouts that seem to interfere more with the cook in the kitchen then actually permit them to cook.

When you are planning to remodel your kitchen, you should really consider the idea of completely changing your existing kitchen layout.

A good kitchen layout helps you work quickly and comfortably,  as you prepare delicious food and treats for your family. A bad layout can cause traffic jams and even cause the cook of the family to hang up their pots and pans in favor of takeout, due to the frustration the existing kitchen layout creates.

Well many of us can't throw in the towel when it comes to cooking, and eating out all the time can get costly on your wallet and health! So let's talk about the many ways we can upgrade the design of your existing kitchen layout to help you cook those delicious meals with ease and enjoyment.

The first thing that we have to consider during the planning stage of your kitchen remodeling project is the actual room dimensions. Are you willing to take out some walls and add some square footage to your kitchen, or is the current foot print going to be all you have to work with? If your kitchen is butting up against a shared wall to the bathroom (a common design), you may be forced to keep the existing room size the same. Don't worry, we can still do something about your kitchen remodeling project by doing a few design changes to the layout.

So let's consider that your existing kitchen is impossible to increase in size, unless you plan to build a kitchen addition, which can get costly fast. The next best thing to do is to get some graph paper, a pencil, tape measure, scissors, and a ruler.

Now measure all the must haves in your kitchen such as your fridge, stove, dishwasher, and kitchen sink. These items must stay in the new kitchen layout design, so we'll have to first figure out where would be the ideal place to relocate them, if need be. Don't worry about the plumbing and electrical connections at the moment. Those items can always be moved, what's really important is that you remodel your kitchen into your dream kitchen, and we'll help you figure out the layout without using any type of expensive and hard to use kitchen remodeling software!

Here's a cheap and easy method that you can use to plan your new layout.

1. Materials List

First you will need graph paper, a pencil, tape measure, scissors, and a ruler.

2. Plot The Footprint of Your New Kitchen Design

Second you will need to draw the existing room dimensions of your kitchen, using as much of the graph paper as possible; meaning that you want the edges of your room to be close to the edges of the paper. Do your best to scale the room and everything you will put in it too. In the sample kitchen layout pictures on this page, we used 4 bocks to represent 3'.

If your kitchen is really large, you can use one tiny block on the graph paper to represent a square foot. Most of us will use a set of blocks to represent a square foot. Don't go too crazy with this part, but remember that by drawing your room layout to scale, you can be sure that everything will fit in the finished project.

3. Draw Your Kitchen Appliance Cutouts

Now that you have your new kitchen footprint drawn out,  you are going to be working with drawn out to scale kitchen must haves such as your appliances. The kitchen must haves are your stove, refrigerator, kitchen sink, dishwasher etc. Here we are going to use a separate piece of graph paper and scale out the dimensions of each kitchen appliance and then cut the paper kitchen appliance out to prepare for the next phase.

4. Experiment With Various Kitchen Layouts On Paper

Now that you have your exact room dimensions of your new kitchen and your paper kitchen appliances and must haves all cut out and ready to go, place all of the paper kitchen must haves on your new blank kitchen layout. Now simply play with where you want each of the major kitchen appliances and must haves to go in your new kitchen. Remember that you may come up with several design ideas and it may help to prepare a few blank kitchen layouts and the paper kitchen appliances to compare your new kitchen designs. You can also snap pictures of each design idea, if you don't feel like making several cutouts.

5. Finalize Main Design

So now you should have at the very least a blank kitchen layout with at least one kitchen design idea that you came up with by placing your paper kitchen appliances on the paper with the kitchen footprint. So the hard part is done! You have figured out where the kitchen must have's should go in order to create this new updated kitchen design!

6. Optional Kitchen Cabinet & Countertop Design

You can stop here, or you can go a few steps further and plan out the kitchen cabinet and countertop design as well. You will follow the same exact steps we used before, except this time you will be scaling and planning the design of your kitchen cabinets and counter tops.

7. Contact Several Kitchen Remodeling Contractors for Personalized Quote

Now that you have everything designed on paper, you can call several kitchen remodeling contractors to get  you a quote based on your new kitchen remodeling idea. Use the form at the bottom of this page to get in touch with well known kitchen remodeling contractors.

Well I hope I was able to show you that you can plan the design of your new kitchen layout really easily by using some graph paper and some basic tools. You don't need expensive software that can be very hard to use to design your kitchen. All you need is a few minutes, some paper, scissors, and measuring tape. With these simple tools, you can design your dream kitchen and maybe even have a little fun at it too!

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If you're looking for a home improvement project that will give you the best return on your investment, increase your square footage and add to the overall value of your home, then look no further than a picture perfect kitchen addition.

A kitchen addition can be anything from a basic extension for a kitchen island or as complex as a adding a new pantry, breakfast nook and butler's pantry.

With so many options available and such a large investment on the table, it's a good idea to take your time and research the many options for your kitchen addition.

Use these five tips when installing a kitchen addition and you can be sure you're going to get the perfect kitchen addition for your home.

Kitchen Addition Blueprints

Whether you hire an architect to create your new kitchen addition plans or you purchase kitchen addition blueprints online, knowing what kind of layout you want (and need) for your kitchen addition is a crucial first step. Research as many different designs and kitchen addition plans as possible before committing to one specific kitchen addition layout. Using a CAD blueprint program can help you to visualize what your kitchen addition might look like and will allow you to mix and match design options on paper before actually beginning the project. Also don't forget to browse through our Kitchen Extension Designs, House Plans, and  In Law Apartment Additions Plans for more inspiration and ideas.

P.S. You can email us your hand drawings and ideas and we might just create a new kitchen extension package out of it and name it after you :)

Budget

Creating a budget is more than just choosing a dollar amount and building a new kitchen addition. It takes careful planning, plenty of research and a detailed cost breakdown list of materials and labor. Begin defining your kitchen addition budget by researching and pricing the design options and materials available for a kitchen addition. When receiving estimates from potential kitchen addition contractors, it's a good idea to ask for a cost breakdown list of materials and labor that will be used for your kitchen addition. Have them provide you with a list of the brand name materials they use, what contractor discounts they employ and if they are willing to substitute their material options for your own choices. This can help you to get the best deal possible when it comes to building a new kitchen addition.

Contractors

Hiring the right kitchen addition contractor for your project is crucial to its success. But with so many different building contractors available, it can be difficult at best to find a kitchen contractor that suits your needs and wants for a kitchen addition. When searching for potential kitchen remodeling contractors, it's best to ask for them to submit at least five references from past kitchen addition clients to ensure that they have plenty of experience in the field. Besides the right licensing and insurance, a kitchen contractor needs plenty of experience with kitchen remodeling to get the job done right. We provide a free contractor locating service, where we find your best bets in your local area. Simply fill out the form at the bottom of this article to get started.

Appliances

If you're in the market to have new appliances installed in your kitchen addition, then you can be sure you're going to have to do plenty of research before you buy. While many well respected brands are available for kitchen appliances, choosing one that suits your needs best can be a tough job. When choosing appliances for your kitchen addition, consider the options, prices and warrantees that vary between competitors before you buy. You may find that while one brand is cheaper, it doesn't have the lifespan, design features or options you need for your kitchen addition. Check out all the big box store websites as well as your small local shops to compare prices and read customer reviews. Sears, Amazon.com,  and BestBuy all sell appliances and they also provide customer reviews. You can also subscribe to Consumer Reports to see what they have to say about your picks as well.

Cabinets

Most new kitchen additions get some form of cabinetry installed. When choosing a cabinet style for your new kitchen, you'll need to know what materials will be used for the cabinets. All-wood cabinets have a long lifespan, a great look and provide a huge return on the initial investment, yet they are more expensive than conventionally engineered wood cabinets. Also be sure to ask for multiple design options when choosing a cabinet layout. This way, you can be sure you get the best kitchen cabinet layout for your kitchen addition before you commit to a contract.

Now you have more knowledge at hand to properly plan and execute your kitchen addition project with ease. You can always email us your questions and we'll post our responses online.{loadposition followbtns}

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Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy that aesthetically designs structures according to the laws of heaven and earth to create a structure that is in balance with all of the elements.

Originally used to orient spiritual buildings and monuments, over the years the philosophy has been translated to many structures and buildings.

Today, the resurgence of this philosophy in the West has created a new found popularity in designing with Feng Shui in mind.

Use these tips and techniques for adding Feng Shui and to get the most out of your new kitchen space.

Placing the Kitchen

As a kitchen space is the area of the home that sustains life through food and water, it is one of the most important parts of a Feng Shui design. Since a new kitchen addition can be put just about anywhere, it's good Feng Shui design to orient the new kitchen space toward the center of the home. Never place the kitchen near a door to the exterior of the home. This will let the flow of energy to be disrupted and escape from the home. Keep the kitchen near the center of the home and allow all rooms to easily access the new kitchen area.

Designing the Layout

Good Feng Shui design in the kitchen starts with a good layout. Because Feng Shui is controlled by the flow of energy - AKA Chi, the design needs to be open and spacious to naturally allow the energy of the space to flow. That includes the energy that you create as you move through the kitchen. If pathways are narrow and kitchen islands block traffic instead of help it flow, then you may want to rethink your kitchen layout. Keep in mind the "kitchen triangle" is a good way to help keep energy flowing while cooking. Your kitchen triangle should include easy access to the three most used areas of the kitchen - the stove/oven, the refrigerator and the sink. Laying out these three items in a triangular shape can help you to keep the Chi high in your new kitchen addition.

Feng Shui Characteristics

• Use bright and colorful colors in your kitchen addition to encourage good energy to flow through the space.
• Natural lighting can really add to the Feng Shui space. Whether it's from a small over the sink window or a huge bay window, natural lighting is a Feng Shui must-have in the new kitchen.
• Install several layers of lighting to prevent shadows and make your kitchen addition bright and well lit.
• Keep it simple and don't overcrowd the space with unnecessary appliances or home decor.
• Colors should be earth tone neutral. Yellow is thought to be good for digestion so be sure to include this tone in your Feng Shui kitchen.

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Remodeling your kitchen is a very common project for home improvement.

If you do it correctly, you can make your home worth an additional amount more in resale value than you paid for the remodel.

You'll want to get some kitchen remodeling ideas, including tips for the job, to make the project flow more smoothly.

Before you begin, set a budget for your DIY kitchen project, so you'll know what you can include in your plans. Kitchen remodeling costs vary a great deal depending on the type of flooring, cabinets, sinks and appliances you select, so make sure you have the funds for the whole remodel.

Kitchen appliances are designed to meet any need you might have, and the newest models are very attractive. Check out the various lines of appliances and see which ones best fit your budget and your lifestyle.

You may not need to do a complete redesign of your kitchen, if there are some aspects of your current plan that work well for you. The kitchen remodeling costs will be lower if you can update only what needs to be changed, and keep some of the features you have now.

The newest trends will give you some good kitchen remodeling ideas that you can carry through your entire DIY project. A green kitchen includes ideas that are more environmentally conscious, so that you can lessen the carbon footprint you leave behind. You can freshen up your kitchen with a face-lift, if you don't have the initiative - or the funds - to completely remodel the room. 

When you are looking for ideas for your kitchen, you'll find many choices available. If you prefer stainless steel appliances, for example, those will give you a modern look. Do you prefer regular hardwoods or distressed wood for the cabinets? Ask yourself all the questions ahead of time, to make the planning stage easier.

New plumbing fixtures are always a plus when you are redesigning your kitchen. New sinks and faucets will make your kitchen appear more modern, or more rustic, whichever is your choice. Be sure that the styles of sinks and faucets complement the decor of the rest of the room. You may also wish to add an island, if your kitchen doesn't already have one. This gives you a lot more work area.

If you want newer cabinets, you can keep your kitchen remodeling costs lower by simply having your old cabinets refaced, rather than by replacing them. Or replace the doors only, if the cabinets are still sturdy inside.

If you want to bring more light into your kitchen, consider installing a bay window, or another regular window. If you have the skills and the funds, this will truly make your kitchen a brighter place to work and eat. {loadposition followbtns}

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When you are preparing for a do-it-yourself kitchen cabinet installation, keep in mind that installing them properly is the main ingredient that will make a kitchen remodel successful.

Using proper guidelines will be necessary, so that your cabinets will work correctly for years to come.

Once you have finished the new kitchen walls, kitchen cabinet installation is the next step.

You will need basic skills in carpentry, but the job is not as difficult as it may seem. The most challenging part is handling minor issues like floors, corners and walls that are not quite level or square. Lay out your plan ahead of time, to make the job easier.

Mark the walls for the layout of your cabinets, before you begin a DIY kitchen cabinet installation. Put plumb and level lines so that you know everything will line up correctly. Stock cabinets won't always fit perfectly, but there should be narrow spaces provided that will fill in those gaps. Be careful not to make "dings" in your new doors when you are installing them. Masking tape numbers on the cabinets will help you keep track of which piece comes next, as you work.

When you look over your DIY kitchen cabinet installation job, remember that you will have to securely fasten the cabinets to the framing on the wall. Place them along the stud so that they will have solid support. The wall cabinets are usually installed first, so that the base cabinets are not in your way when installing the wall units.

Installing your corner units first is a good first step in your do-it-yourself kitchen cabinet installation guidelines. Then you can square them up and move to the wall center, where there is more room to make adjustments. This applies to your base cabinets, as well, when you are working with your kitchen cabinet installation.

Secure the first corner cabinet through the nailing strips found on the cabinet back. Set the next cabinet in place, snugly against your wall, and also snugly against the first cabinet side. Line the face frames up and clamp them tightly together. This is an important first step in your kitchen cabinet installation. Pre-drill through the first frame to the second and use screws to secure them. Follow this procedure until all of your new cabinets are firmly in place.

When you're ready for the base cabinets, set the first one in the corner, and line it up.

You can use shims under its back to raise it level with your reference line.

Screw into the top nailing strip and on into the studs of your wall. Recheck it, to make sure that it's level.

Set the next cabinet in, and then snug it to the first cabinet and the wall, and follow the same steps to screw it into the studs in the wall. Lining up the back and securely clamping the cabinets together is an essential step in do-it-yourself kitchen cabinet installation. Continue this way until all of your new kitchen cabinet base units are in. Once your lines of cabinets are in, use filler pieces to deal with gaps you may find, setting them and filing or planing, as needed. Then step back and admire your work. You have a beautiful new kitchen. 

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If you want to give your kitchen a fresh, new look, DIY kitchen cabinet resurfacing can help you to save money by giving your cabinets a face-lift without replacing them all.

If you have some moderate carpentry skills and even a small budget, you can transform your kitchen's look in a short time period, without the headaches that come with a complete kitchen overhaul.

You're probably wondering what all is involved in DIY kitchen cabinet refacing.

If you are confident that you can take accurate measurements, and you are reasonably skilled with a box cutter and a circular saw, then you'll be able to cut the veneer skin out and cut the end panels of your cabinets. You will also need to sand the exterior of your cabinets, when you tackle kitchen cabinet refacing.

You will want to order the supplies before you are ready to begin your project, so that you will have everything you need to complete the job, without unscheduled delays. Your new do-it-yourself kitchen cabinet refacing depends on having all the correct items before you begin. 

When you are beginning your do-it-yourself kitchen cabinet refacing, set aside all the tools, and make sure you have everything you need. Sand down the surfaces that you'll be using the veneer skin on, which includes the stiles around the cabinet box, in addition to the bottom and top rails. Rough the surface up without removing layers. You are sanding primarily to remove any grease and dirt that have accumulated on the surface of your cabinets.

After you have sanded, the next step in your kitchen cabinet refacing is to wipe the doors off with a tack cloth, which will help in getting rid of leftover dust. Lightly clean the areas with a damp cloth, and be sure that you don't saturate any wood areas. This will ensure that your veneer backing will securely adhere to the surface.

You can use door frames on your existing end panels if you want them to have a custom look, and this will also involve less cutting. If you don't have exceptional skills with a saw, you can simply substitute new cabinet doors for your end panel pieces.

After you have applied the end panels and glued or nailed them into place, you can begin putting the veneer skin on your cabinet frames. For DIY kitchen cabinet refacing, you can cut the pieces a bit larger than you need, to leave a margin for error. Start with the stiles, and only use enough backing to anchor it onto the face frames. Line it up well before you apply.

When you begin to hang doors for your do-it-yourself kitchen cabinet refacing, place the hinges roughly two inches from the tops and bottoms of the doors and then secure them to the frame. Align them so that you can use new holes, so that the old holes won't strip out. When your job is complete, you'll have a new look for your kitchen, for a much lower cost than buying new cabinets.

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When you are planning kitchen improvements, you will need to budget your money according to the layout and size of the room, the cabinets you select, and any plumbing or electrical work you want done.

The cost of appliances will add to the total, but you'll enjoy the result of the work more if you have the kitchen you always wanted.

Kitchen cabinets come in many styles and price ranges, depending on your budget and your sense of aesthetics.

You can select your cabinets from different manufacturers, and they may have special features that you will appreciate. Your kitchen remodel project can make or break the room, depending on the cabinets you select.

Countertops are also an important part of your new kitchen. You can select from quartz, granite, ceramic tile and laminates, and if you are not able yourself to install them, you can hire a contractor to do the work for you. This is one area that you certainly don't want to cut corners, since you'll be preparing food on your countertops every day. 

Laminate is a commonly used material for countertops, and you can find it in many colors, finishes and textures. It wears well and will cost the least, initially, in your kitchen improvements. You can edge your laminate countertops with wood that matches your cabinets, too.

Granite is a natural stone that is hard to match with other countertops. It will require occasional sealing, and it's hard and durable. Granite is water proof, heat proof and enduring, and always in style. If you plan to sell your home, granite will almost always pay for itself, since kitchens are a main selling point. You can select from various edge profiles and variations in color when you use granite in your kitchen remodel job, and it's almost impossible to mar, if you use it under normal circumstances.

Solid countertops like Corian counters are made from acrylic, and they have many colors from which to choose, as well. They can be scratched if you are not careful, but they can be repaired, too. They are very durable as far as heat is concerned. 

When you choose the flooring for your new kitchen, you can select from linoleum, marble, slate, ceramic tile or laminate floors. They can be easily installed by a contractor, and they'll compliment your kitchen improvements.

By the time you gather all the materials and appliances for your new kitchen, you may have spent three or four weeks planning.

The time you need for the job will depend largely on any special items you have ordered, and the time it takes for them to be delivered and installed. A contractor, if you use one in your kitchen remodel, will take out your older cabinets and make any modifications you need, like wall building or removal.

If you hire a professional for your kitchen improvements, he or she can update any electrical outlets that require work to be brought up to code, and change outlet locations to accommodate the layout you have drawn up for your new kitchen. Your supply lines for plumbing can be updated as well, and you may have new drywall installed, or painting done. When you are finished, you'll have the kitchen of your dreams, and you'll realize that it was time and money well spent.  {loadposition followbtns}

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If you want your kitchen renovations to be a success, you need to follow proper steps that start with planning.

You've probably seen on TV how kitchen projects turn out when they are not planned in advance. It's not pretty.

Understanding the stages involved will save you headaches and the wasting of money.

The first step in the process is the development of a design. If you're using a contractor, be clear about what you want. If you'll be doing the work yourself, you need to know exactly how many materials you'll need and how they will all fit together. You need a picture in your head: What will your DIY kitchen look like? What features will it have? How much room do you have, and how will you use it? What elements will be included - will you have an eat-in kitchen, or perhaps just a breakfast bar? After you have these details, you and your designer can make the first drawings of the kitchen renovations you want done.

Next, you will need to select and purchase the materials you'll need for your kitchen renovation. Speak with contractors if you'll be using one, to get their ideas and quotes. Look at samples of their work, and check their references. If you'll be doing the work yourself, you'll need to budget for the materials you'll be using. You get what you ultimately pay for, so don't cut corners on contractors or materials. Select materials that will last a long time and give the look you want.

You'll want to determine what type of cabinets you want, along with appliances, counter tops, plumbing fixtures, lights, and ceiling and wall finishes. If you will be having contractors do some of the work, and doing some yourself, be realistic about what you can and cannot do. You'll waste money and materials if you try to tackle a job you should have left to a contractor.

The average timeline for kitchen renovations is actually an astounding four to six months! But this includes the planning stages, too. If you order custom cabinets, it may take a month or more to get them done and delivered.

You need to know how long each stage of your kitchen remodel will last. This will alleviate some of the stress you experience when you are without a refrigerator, for instance. When you select the materials, review them and their cost with your contractor, if you are using one. Make adjustments if you are not inline with your budget. Don't make quick decisions on any part of the renovation, since you may regret them later.

With detailed and careful planning for this project, you will make sure not to be caught off guard. Anticipate a lot of work, because that's what a kitchen renovation takes, and you'll be happy with the end product. {loadposition followbtns}

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