According to Consumer Digest information from a National Association of the Remodeling Industry report, today’s consumers will get only a 72% return on investment when they remodel a kitchen. While a kitchen can still be one of the best places in your home to remodel, as far as ROI goes, it’s not a good idea with the housing market the way it is in 2012 to shell out thousands on a kitchen remodel.

Unless you’re planning to stay in your home for decades and can afford to remodel simply for your own comfort and aesthetics, it’s a better idea to check out inexpensive but effective kitchen makeover options like these:

1. Get a gallon of paint.

Paint is the cheapest and most versatile way to renovate your kitchen. While you may automatically think of painting the kitchen walls, don’t forget that you can also paint cabinets. In fact, this is the simplest, cheapest way to dress up outdated cabinets. Just be sure to take the time to thoroughly sand and clean them before priming and painting in a new color of your choice.

2. Install your own tile backsplash.

If your kitchen doesn’t have a backsplash over the stove and sink – or doesn’t have an attractive one – installing a new one on your own isn’t rocket science. Laminates are incredibly easy to install, though ceramic tiles will give a more upscale feel. Consider using painted or stained beadboard for a homey, country-style look, or embossed metal ceiling squares if you want an eclectic, vintage look.

3. Change the hardware.

Switching out the hardware on your cabinets is really simple, and it’s a great, cheap way to update the look of your entire kitchen. Adding hardware to outdated, hardware-free kitchen cabinets can really update their look, too. For a sleek, modern look, choose stainless steel hardware. If you like a quirkier look (and aren’t going to be selling your home anytime soon), shop for vintage drawer pulls online.

4. Open up the top cabinets.

One simple – and free – way to modernize your kitchen and give it a lighter, airier look is simply to take the doors off the top cabinets. Organize some of your prettier china or nice-looking everyday items in your open shelf space for a great new look. One fun option is to wallpaper or paint the insides of your open cabinets for a pop of color.

5. Install new countertops.

Installing countertops may take a pro if you’ve never done it before, but it’s not too hard. You can strip laminate countertops off the plywood decking pretty easily, and then replace it with $30 to $40 per square foot laminate to update the color of your counters. Another affordable option is to lay tile countertops directly on top of the plywood.

6. Replace cabinet doors.

If you have a bit more money to play with, you can replace cabinet doors instead of refinishing or painting them. You’ll probably need to paint or refinish the actual cabinets, but you won’t have to buy new ones – which saves you a ton of money. If you’re handy with a router, you can actually create “new” cabinet doors by cutting out the panels in the current ones and replacing them with glass, metal or even fabric. You can also get new cabinet doors for $100 to $400 per door.

7. Add crown molding.

If you want an elegant look in your kitchen and your cabinets don’t go all the way to the ceiling, add crown molding or a soffit around the top of the cabinets. It will look beautiful when finished in the same color as your cabinets, and is a relatively cheap upgrade.

8. Change the floor.

Upgrading your kitchen floor – as long as it’s already in good condition underneath – is as simple as putting down stick-on vinyl tiles or sheets of flooring. You can also use special flooring primer and paint the floors a color that goes with the look you want for your kitchen.

9. Organize the cabinets.

If your kitchen is driving you crazy because it’s difficult to keep organized, consider upgrading the organization systems in your cabinets. Have a lazy Suzan, drawer dividers or slide-out shelves retrofitted to your existing cabinets for about $1,000 to $3,000 for your whole kitchen. This move alone can save you plenty of time when you’re cooking.

10. Accessorize.

Once you’ve completed your kitchen remodel, make sure you take time to accessorize. Find a cute kitchen rug, or make your own rag rug with one of the hundreds of DIY tutorials floating around the web. Invest in matching curtains, and get a few accessories for your kitchen shelves that go with the theme and colors of your new kitchen.

Basic kitchen remodel tips

If you’re ready to get started on your kitchen makeover, these tips will help you get there:

a) The easiest way to get extra cash for your kitchen remodel without worries about later interest ramifications is to check out 0% introductory APR credit cards. While they won’t have a 0% interest rate forever, these cards can spread out the cost of your kitchen remodel over several months, making it more budget-friendly. If you’re looking into some of the more expensive remodels on this list but don’t have the cash in hand right now to do all of them, a credit card can help you afford to do all the remodeling at once, which is probably going to be cheaper in the long run.

b) Shop sales and secondhand. If you’re willing to do a little digging, you can save even more on your kitchen remodel by shopping sales. Many home and garden stores will offer up discontinued tiles, paints that were mixed incorrectly and even scratch-and-dent appliances at a steep discount. If you’re looking for something specific, check Craigslist and eBay first to see if you can find what you need before you pay full price for it.

c) Learn how to do it yourself. Remodeling is loads cheaper if you do it yourself, but you do need to learn how to do it right. If you’re not already handy with power tools and tile grout, talk to a friend or family member who is. For a small fee – or maybe even a home cooked meal – he or she may be willing to get you started on your DIY project. Once you know the basics, you can read up online to figure out how to do most of your kitchen remodel on your own.

These days, it’s more important than ever that homeowners carefully consider what they’re doing when it comes to home remodels.

Daniela Baker helps families find credit card deals at http://www.creditdonkey.com. If you’re ready to remodel your kitchen, make the most of your investment by getting more for your money and choosing low-cost, high-impact remodels that will really add to the value of your home.

White porcelain kitchen farmhouse sink in combination with black granite countertops and cherry cabinets. Photo courtesy of Uptownkitchenandbathct.com

Antique porcelain kitchen sinks

Antique porcelain kitchen sinks are quite in demand these days owing to their vintage/period look. Not only were they large in size, their design was also very unique. Large bowl with rimmed counter on the side (or either sides) defined porcelain kitchen sinks in olden days. Nowadays they are preferred not just for their rustic and elegant look, but also their functionality (providing large capacity for washing of pots and pans).

Porcelain undermount kitchen sinks need careful installation (owing to their weight) as compared to stainless steel sinks. As such undermount sinks need very firm and strong support from beneath the countertop; and porcelain sinks need even stronger support because they are quite heavy and the weight of pots and pans along with water can really weigh down on the clamping (if it is not done properly). It is preferable to get an expert to install porcelain undermount kitchen sinks rather than doing it yourself.

Porcelain kitchen farmhouse sinks

Porcelain kitchen farmhouse sinks are huge in size. In olden days, farmhouse sinks were meant to take heavy load of dishes, pots and pans. However, today they add a touch of class and elegance to your kitchen. Not only are they highly functional in terms of their capacities, they also come with their vintage design of a raised front side (called apron) which prevents water from spilling onto the cabinet beneath. Porcelain is often used to create similar looking farmhouse kitchen sinks. Abrasive liquids can spoil the sheen of porcelain kitchen farmhouse sinks; hence they should often be cleansed with mild soap liquid or more often with lemon. In that case they would not lose their shine and maintain the neat look.

White porcelain kitchen sinks

White porcelain kitchen sinks are the most commonly used porcelain kitchen sinks. Not only do they give a neat look to the kitchen, but also match with any kind of decor and color theme. However, they are prone to residual food stains and need regular maintenance. Mild cleaning liquids are good enough to maintain their shine and neat look. White porcelain kitchen sinks are also able to hide any cracks better than other sinks. So even if you have accidently dropped a heavy pan into your sink, chances of the crack being too visible are low.

Black porcelain kitchen sinks

Black porcelain kitchen sinks are also preferred by many people for their elegant sheen and classy look. Black is often stylish. Though rarely found in households, but black porcelain kitchen sinks are definitely preferred for their neutral and bold color. They too gel well with any color theme. Black color hides the stains and filth very nicely and hence you can be relaxed about cleaning a black sink not as often as you clean a white porcelain kitchen sink.

Whether you choose a white or black color porcelain kitchen sink, it is highly recommended that you know your requirements well. Select one that fits well into your kitchen (a large kitchen can afford an antique porcelain kitchen sink, while a small kitchen cannot). Functionality and ease of maintenance should guide your decision. Once you know what is good for your kitchen, take professional help to install, as porcelain kitchen sinks are quite heavy.

A dumbwaiter is a very old concept; it is one that has a history thousands of years in the making. A dumbwaiter is a type of lifting aid that has spent thousands of years helping homeowners lift heavy items from one floor to another through a specialized lift in the wall. In the past, the dumbwaiter was nothing more than a rope attached to a board that was hoisted up to its destination, and back down again. Today, dumbwaiters are powered with electricity and are perfect for homes with more than one floor. Typically, dumbwaiters are used to lift food trays from the kitchen to upstairs rooms, such as bedrooms and studies.

Benefits of a dumbwaiter

Installing a dumbwaiter in your kitchen is a great idea if you have a home with more than one floor. For anyone, the addition of a dumbwaiter is a great way to eliminate the need to carry heavy items up the stairs, which is a dangerous activity that could lead to a fall. For the elderly, the concept of a dumbwaiter is an even better idea. Elderly residents often have a difficult time climbing stairs due to health issues such as osteoporosis, arthritis and other afflictions. With their overwhelming need to hold on to the rails, it is difficult for elderly residents to carry their dinner trays upstairs, which means they have to forgo eating in bed, on the balcony or anywhere else upstairs. Installing a dumbwaiter is a great way to eliminate the need to carry anything up the stairs; simply placing it in the dumbwaiter and pushing a button means your meal will be waiting for you when you get upstairs.

While dumbwaiters are often used to transport meals from one floor to another, they are also good for other things. Anyone who has a house with a garage beneath the kitchen will benefit from installing a dumbwaiter as well. When you go to the grocery store and have a number of grocery bags that need to be hauled upstairs, the trip can be long. Walking up and down the stairs several times to transport groceries to the kitchen is often difficult for people who have trouble climbing the stairs, a number of bags and even small children. A dumbwaiter allows you to place your groceries on the lift, send them upstairs, and take your kids – if you have any – upstairs with minimal effort.

Furthermore, dumbwaiters can be used for just about anything. If you want to send laundry from the laundry room to a different floor, you can place it in the dumbwaiter. If you want to take a number of things up or downstairs that you don’t have room to carry all at once, place them in the dumbwaiter. It’s a great way to ensure that your belongings get where they need to go without putting you out. Installing a dumbwaiter to upgrade your kitchen can really make your life much easier. However, dumbwaiters are not meant to be used for transporting people; this is dangerous.

Adding a little class

Modern dumbwaiters add class to any kitchen. In the past, dumbwaiters were used by many, and were considered to be a helpful part of a home. While most people did not have the funds to have upgrades such as dumbwaiter in times long past, those who did have dumbwaiters were usually part of a higher class. Today, dumbwaiters add class because of their functionality and their status. Builders can incorporate a dumbwaiter into a home they are constructing, and homeowners can add a dumbwaiter to an already existing home if they choose. Finally, dumbwaiters add value to a home, meaning that it helps your home’s resale value.

Anyone looking to simplify their life, or simply to eliminate the danger of carrying items up and down the stairs should consider a dumbwaiter. Today’s electric powered dumbwaiters make transporting items in your home easier than ever, and adding convenience and resale value to your home is always a good idea.

Andrew Handley is an indoor reconstruction specialist for An Excelsior Elevator. Apart from residential, he also deals in commercial dumbwaiters.

I’m often struck by how easy it was for me to change some things in my kitchen to reflect a greener lifestyle. Believe it or not, there are ways to make your kitchen more eco-friendly beyond installing a set of solar panels on your roof (though that would totally qualify). A few minor adjustments in your kitchen could have a huge impact on the overall energy usage of your household, so it’s a task well worth your time. Allow me to share with you some of the things I did to transform my kitchen.

Greener cleaning products

This was a no brainer for me. It’s disturbing to think how countless gallons of these toxic chemicals get washed down the drains of homes across the world on a daily basis. I knew that the cleaning products that I used for the kitchen contained hazardous toxic chemicals that could seriously hurt someone if left in the wrong hands. I just didn’t know about any greener options until I took the time to look around at my local grocery store. It turns out that there are a ton of eco-friendly options out there, it’s just a matter of searching around for the right one. If you’re not sure what to look for, start with products that advertise as being free of chlorine, phosphates, and ammonia.

Wash more dishes by hand

For a while I was part of the majority of people who believe that cleaning dishes with a dishwasher consumes far less water than when done by hand. This is a claim that has more credence lately with the release of many eco-friendly (but expensive!) dishwashers that claim to use very little water during their cleaning cycles. But I’ve recently seen several videos that demonstrate the true efficiency of hand washing done the right way. It turns out that you’ll use considerably less water if you only turn on the sink in short bursts for each dish, as shown in the video. Sure, hand washing might take a little more effort than using the machine, but it will also save hundreds of gallons of water in the long run!

Invest in quality cookware

This is a tall order for people who are strapped for cash, but trust me on this one – quality cookware makes for a smart investment if you can afford it. You can spend your entire life opting for the cheaper option when it comes to that skillet or that roasting pan, but the truth is that cheaply made cooking products aren’t made to last. You have to continually buy these amalgams of plastic and synthetic metals which cost you much more money over time than if you had plopped some serious cash on quality kitchenware. Cast iron and stainless steel pots and pans should last almost a lifetime, meaning that you should rarely have to trash old cookware.

Focus on efficiency

Efficiency is the main theme of any green and eco-friendly kitchen, and there are a host of methods to increase efficiency in the kitchen that don’t require any big purchase or drastic changes. All it takes is a little attention to detail: maybe you cook food in the oven as soon as the appliance is preheated to save on your gas/electricity consumption, or maybe you cook a dish in a pressure cooker to cut down on cooking time and energy usage. Perhaps you choose to use washable kitchen towels and napkins in lieu of paper products and other disposable kitchenware. The point is that you get inventive in the kitchen, looking for potential areas of improvement among your routine kitchen habits. There’s improvement to be had in any kitchen, it’s just a matter of discovering what works for you and your kitchen.

Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education where she writes about education, online colleges, online degrees etc. for http://www.onlinedegrees.org. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.

When you begin to cook from scratch often, a food processor is one of the items that you should purchase. People who cook frequently will find uses for the food processor often enough to warrant the expense of this small appliance. When you are selecting a food processor, the most important factors are the price, cup size, design, and accessories.

Price

Among basic kitchen appliances, food processors are some of the more expensive. Even mid-range toasters cost $50 or less, but food processors start around $30 for the low-end models with Oster being one of the more popular brands at this price point. Anyone looking to purchase a mid-range food processor will spend around $100 to do so. At this price range, Kitchen-Aid appliances are a solid option. While some models are more expensive, Kitchen-Aid does make a model KFP715 that is reliable and will work for basic processing tasks. The $30 food processor will work, though it will need to be replaced sooner because the blades cannot be sharpened once they dull. The motors tend not to be as reliable in these models either, but for people who are on a budget, getting one of these food processors could work out fine for a year or more. If you plan to use a food processor more than twice a week, then budget for a nicer model to avoid the need to replace the unit quickly.

Cup size

Some food processors have cup sizes as small as 1.5 to 3. These processors are for people who are single and cooking primarily for themselves or who use the processor only for fresh herbs, onions, garlic, or other small items. Cuisinart, which generally has good products, has a number of food processors called “mini-processors” that are four-cup bowls or less. To cook for a family, a four-cup processor is the minimum that is needed, but people who are plan to make salsas or dips for larger groups should opt for at least 8 cups. The 11- to 20-cup sizes work for people who make dishes with significant quantities of vegetables or fruits or who cook for big groups. Most people will be able to use a 4- to 8-cup processor for everyday needs.

Design

Food processors usually have at least four parts: base, cup/bowl, blade, and lid. These four pieces should come apart easily for cleaning. The best designs have a locking system in place that requires each piece to snap into place on the piece below it to keep the lid or blade from injuring anyone by breaking loose during use. Be sure to examine any food processor you consider for rubber feet to keep the unit from moving during processing, especially if you are able to add food through a tube while the unit is turned on.

Accessories

Whether you need accessories with your food processor depends on what you plan to do with it. A popular option is a dough hook, which is necessary if you plan to make bread or pizza dough using the food processor.

Some models also come with bowls in additional sizes. These bowls allow the user to choose based on what he or she is making. A juicer bowl, for example, will be very small and work to make fruit juices while a small 2-cup bowl is a good choice for slicing mushrooms for a stroganoff or mincing fresh herbs as a garnish. These bowls are not necessary but can make the food processor more versatile. At the high end, the Magimix by Robot-Coupe allows users to have three bowls going at once to speed up processing multiple foods. This model, priced at more than $500, is definitely for serious cooks but can cut prep time significantly.

Heather Green is a freelance writer for several regional magazines in North Carolina as well as a resident blogger for Onlinenursingdegrees.org. Her writing experience includes fashion, business, health, agriculture and a wide range of other topics.

Kitchen remodeling and being environmentally friendly are not mutually exclusive as you might think. Some smart shopping for appliances and materials can really make a big difference when it comes to your new kitchen remodel project, allowing you to get a kitchen that not only looks great but has less impact on the environment and will save you money on your energy bills.

To start off with green flooring options for your new kitchen, you have a number of very attractive yet functional options including cork, linoleum and concrete.

Cork is manufactured with bark which is carefully harvested from cork oak trees, allowing the bark to grow back over time so that it can be harvested again in the future. In addition to the environmentally friendly aspect, cork is an outstanding material for kitchen flooring as it is very resilient, making it comfortable underfoot and resistant to damage. It also offers excellent resistance to mold and insects, plus it can be produced in a wide variety of colors.

Linoleum is another excellent flooring option which is manufactured from linseed oil, cork dust and various other natural products. It is very durable and long-lasting, can be cleaned easily and is even completely biodegradable. Linoleum flooring can be produced in just about any color or pattern you can think of, allowing for an almost endless variety of choices.

Concrete might not be the first thing you have in mind when considering new flooring for your kitchen, but it offers a number of great advantages. Concrete is produced from a variety of natural materials, is extremely durable and easy to clean, plus it can be readily stained in a number of colors or etched with patterns, allowing for a fully customized concrete floor in your kitchen.

Cabinets are another area where you can utilize green options. Green kitchen cabinet materials include bamboo and wheatboard/strawboard. Bamboo is a highly sustainable option for kitchen cabinets as it is a fast-growing form of grass, plus it offers durability and resistance to mold and insects. Wheatboard or strawboard cabinets are produced from natural waste products like straw or wheat husks. Glues and other products used to assemble green cabinets are generally non-volatile, meaning they will not give off harmful fumes that can degrade the air quality in your home and lead to health problems.

Along with flooring and cabinets, the countertops are probably the most heavily-used area of the kitchen. Fortunately, it’s possible to find countertops that are environmentally-friendly, durable and attractive. As an alternative to stone or wood, concrete countertops are a very viable option for the same reasons you might want to use concrete as a kitchen flooring material. Countertops manufactured from recycled materials such as glass or even reclaimed wood are another beautiful but green option.

If you want to save energy and water as well, you can look into high-efficiency appliances including a new refrigerator and dishwasher. The Energy Star label on major appliances indicates that they meet federal guidelines for energy-efficiency. An Energy Star-compliant refrigerator will use significantly less power while an Energy Star-compliant dishwasher is designed to utilize much less water and electricity by adjusting the amount of water needed per cycle, the placement of dishes in the racks and other refinements.

Lighting is another area where energy-efficiency and environmentally-friendly options are readily available for your kitchen. Due to federal energy standards, CFLs are becoming much more common – they can provide the same amount of light as a comparable incandescent bulb while consuming less energy and lasting much longer. LEDs are also a viable option as they can provide a great deal of light but use only a minimal amount of electricity and will last for many years before they need to be replaced.

Justin Krutz blogs on a variety of topics including kitchen remodeling for Palatin Remodeling.

Sometimes it’s a long path to realizing how much money we waste on food when we keep our freezers and pantries messy. A messy kitchen hides food items that we don’t even know we have, and by the time we find them, the expiration date has already passed. And we paid money for all that food… We keep buying things, stacking them away in some dark, unexplored freezer or pantry depths, and we find them when it’s too late.

Keeping the kitchen tidy is part of what it takes to store food properly and save money, or better said, not throw money away.

Another thing not to overlook is: food packaging. If you don’t want your food to go bad in the freezer, it’s really important to consider the packaging. Here are some options:

• Freezer bags
• Freezer paper
• Plastic containers
• Freezer aluminum foil
• Freezer aluminum dishes
• Freezer glass jars

Freezer bags are made out of high-density plastic material called polyethylene. You can store almost anything in them, but they are best for those materials that you can shape any way you want. For example, they are good for storing ground meat, because you can flatten it and keep in the freezer occupying very little space.

Freezer paper is not a usual kind of paper; it is thicker, coated with plastic and it’s often used for wrapping meat. You can also use it to wrap any dry food you want. The same thing goes for freezer aluminum foil. The only thing to worry about when using the foil is wrapping acidic fruit in it. Sometimes acids in the fruit might have a reaction to the foil, which can cause changes in the fruit’s taste. For fruits better use freezer paper, or some other type of packaging.

Plastic containers are excellent choice for storing food because they are reusable, and you can store anything in them, from liquids to veggies, fruits and dessert. They come in all sizes and shapes, and you can also find them in different colors (or at least with different-colored lids).

Freezer aluminum dishes are great for home-cooked meals. You can cook the meal in the aluminum dish, let it cool and then pack it in the freezer. These dishes withstand both freezing and ultra-hot conditions, so you can also put them in the oven to reheat your meal once it’s defrosted. They also come in different sizes and shapes, and are reusable.

Freezer glass jars are different from regular jars which crack and break easily in the freezer. These jars do not break, and you can store liquids in them. Just make sure you don’t pour the liquid all the way to the top, because liquids expand in cold temps.

One thing all of these containers, bags and foils have in common is that they do not crack or fall apart in the freezer, and they preserve your food. Of course, that does require some of your assistance – you need to make sure that NO air enters any of these food containers and wrappings. If it does, it will dehydrate the food and leave it tasteless, colorless, nutrient-less and inedible.

Once you figure out what type of food packaging best serves your food, you need to figure out what kind of labels you need. Your food items definitely need to be labeled, so you would know what you have in there, and how much time you have to use it.

Food stickers can be made out of:

• Paper
• Vinyl
• Polyester
• Polypropylene

For food stored in the pantry, it doesn’t matter whether these tags can withstand cold temperatures, but for food in the freezer you need to make sure you are using freezer labels that don’t crack or fall off.

Vinyl, polyester and polypropylene are more durable, and paper is cheaper. For food, though, coated paper is a good enough option. The more important thing for consideration when it comes to food packaging labels is their adhesive. For freezer food tags you really need a strong permanent label adhesive, while for containers, jars and bags you store in the pantry, you can use reusable stickers.

Ana Brady is a writer and a mother of two. She blogs about food-related issues, family and health. She works on a project on food packaging labels at Foodpackaginglabels.net.

If you’ve ever wanted to do something special with your kitchen but really don’t know what to do or how to make the place come alive, a great starting point might actually reside with your TV. There are numerous great shows designed to give consumers some insight to what the latest trends in kitchen remodeling are and how to make your dream kitchen manifest to reality while maintaining your set budget. That said, below are our five favorites. While some may be older than others (some even in syndication) they are all great sources to turn to for some much needed inspiration. * The shows featured below are in no particular order.

1. Spice Up Your Kitchen

Channel: HGTV
Regular programming: Varies

This syndicated show might’ve met its end in 2009, but the way host and designer Lauren Lake transforms some of the featured kitchens can still excel some of the most outdated homeowners’ kitchens well into the future. Like all the shows featured on this list, Spice Up Your Kitchen is dedicated to taking dull, lifeless and dysfunctional kitchens and turn them into something appetizing by adding some “spice”. In each episode, the homeowner is given two design plans; both naturally meet the set budget and desired elements the homeowner wants. The homeowner then chooses the design plan he or she prefers.

2. Bang For Your Buck

Channel: HGTV
Regular programming: Saturdays 3PM/2C

This show doesn’t only focus on kitchens (it branches out to other rooms in the house too) but kitchens are in fact a really popular room to tackle on the show. Bang For Your Buck is an excellent way to demonstrate that sometimes cheap items can have the same look and feel as costly items too. In every episode, three eager couples ready to renovate the same room in each respected home is given the same set budget. Experts then come in and appraise each newly renovated room, deciding which room has a higher value and which couple made the best investment decisions.

3. Run My Renovation

Channel: DIY Network
Regular programming: Wednesdays 10:30/9:30C

Run My Renovation is a really unique show because it actually asks for online viewer’s participation in each episode. Viewers vote on what renovations they would like to see completed in a chosen room—from lightening fixtures to door handles—and a contractor and interior designer then makes it happen. Like the show mentioned above, it doesn’t only focus on kitchens but they are usually the front runner.

4. Worst Kitchen In America

Channel: DIY Network
Regular programming: Varies

Ok, so this one isn’t a real show, it’s just an annual special program, but it’s still super cool—it takes months-worth of time trying to find the worst kitchen in America and then remodels it all in a neat and compact one hour special. For Worst Kitchen In America 2012, producers looked through more than 20,000 applications until they found the absolute worst. Not only do they give the homeowner’s kitchen a complete facelift, but also give cooking tips. While you can still catch the episode on the DIY network channel, times vary so it might just be easier to watch the episode online here. Last year’s contestants are featured as well.

5. I Hate My Kitchen

Channel: DIY Network
Regular programming: Tuesdays, 10PM/9C

Lastly, I Hate My Kitchen, which is also featured on the DIY network channel, is a great show that demonstrates that you can still have a beautiful kitchen and use new, innovative designs and tools without breaking the break or for the most part, the need for demolition. Some of the kitchens featured are in such bad shape that they actually cause conflict within marriages.
It’s a great show to watch so make sure to tune in every Tuesday.

This guest post is contributed by Angelita Williams, who writes on the topics of OnlineCollegeCourses.com. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: angelita.williams7@gmail.com.

An apron front double bowl copper kitchen sink in combination with white backsplashes, countertops and cabinets. Photo courtesy of Copperstore.co.uk

Do copper kitchen sinks make a good choice?

Copper kitchen sinks come in a variety of styles, textures, shapes and sizes. Some are factory finished while many are handmade too. Handmade finish is almost like adding a grand piece of handicraft to your kitchen! Besides, it won’t rust or corrode. So you can be assured that water or dampness will not spoil it. It is antimicrobial and doesn’t let fungus or mold develop easily.

However, copper kitchen sinks have a tendency to develop ‘patina’ – a greenish hue due to oxidization. This can be cumbersome to clean (rubbing the surface with a half cut lemon and a pinch of salt) considering high usage of a sink. Scratches develop easily as compared to stainless steel. Hot pots or pans can cause damage to the surface. Besides, it is a little expensive and high on maintenance.

Undermount copper kitchen sinks

Undermount copper kitchen sinks are generally better to install as they not only snuggly fit beneath the upper platform base, but also give a great finish to the entire look of the kitchen. Any water spills on the counter can be easily swept into the sink while keeping the entire counter clean and dry. Undermount copper kitchen sinks are generally lighter in weight, but would certainly require a careful installation to avoid a fall or leakage. The clamping or epoxy should be firm and tight to avoid the caulking from pulling off. It is best to consult with your hardware shop if you go DIY. Otherwise, a plumber can do it best.

Hammered copper kitchen sinks

Hammered copper kitchen sinks are a beauty – they add a rustic charm to your kitchen, just as in old era homes. It is a complete artwork (in terms of the rigorous process followed to make a single piece). Hammered copper kitchen sinks are made from traditional bonfire process which ensures the matte finish and golden brownish color. Hammered copper kitchen sinks are available in circular, rectangular and oval shapes along with self-rimming or under mounting options.

Copper farmhouse kitchen sinks

Copper farmhouse kitchen sinks are large, huge and spacious. Generally rectangular in shape, they are available in single or double bowl capacities. Beautifully crafted copper farmhouse kitchen sinks provide a rare combination of capacity, size, ease and style – all in one. Copper being anti-microbial ensures a clean surface despite the everyday wear and tear. Farmhouse kitchen sinks have an advantage of appearance, which allows them to be undermount with its front side exposed. This adds style and makes your copper farmhouse kitchen sink a showpiece rather than just another sink.

Copper apron sinks

Copper apron sinks are just another name for farmhouse kitchen sinks. With their country side appearance and large capacities, they are a deal to steal. Copper apron sinks are available with intricate and delicate designs on the front (the front side that is exposed) to enhance the look of your kitchen. They are available in thick rims to keep water from spilling out. So you can easily combine strong functionality and royal style with one of these copper apron sinks.

Though price of copper kitchen sinks is certainly higher than that of other sinks like stainless steel or porcelain sinks, you can be assured of a sturdy performance and elegant compliments for a long time to come. Both small and large kitchens can be adorned with suitable sized copper kitchen sinks, which will not only provide the functionality but also enhance the overall look of your favorite corner in your home.

Click here for the best deals on copper kitchen sinks.

A new or redesigned kitchen has many elements. There are cabinets, counters, appliances, backsplashes and so forth. All of these elements carry your kitchens look and feel and are important, but one important element that most people put little effort into is the wall coverings in their kitchen.

Custom kitchen wallpaper

Options for your kitchen walls:

1. Paint
2. Faux painting
3. Wallpaper
4. Custom wallpaper

Paint

Of course, paint is the first option when it comes to covering the walls in your kitchen. But finding an accent color to match the look and feel of your kitchen can be tricky. Try this approach: on the Sherwin-Williams website there is a color visualizing tool that is very handy for finding complimentary tones to match your kitchen. If that doesn’t work most professional paint stores have large books full of color combinations that can stimulate your creativity.

Paint is cheap, easy to do on your own and can easily be redone. It’s a great option for the kitchen with a lot of visual activity going on in the cabinetry and countertops. Having a solid tone that “pulls it all together” is important sometimes.

Faux painting

Yes, there are a lot of colors to paint your kitchen, sometimes a dizzying selection. But if your desires lean towards something beyond plain paint consider faux painting.

Even at first blush there are a ton of options when it comes to faux painting. Glazes, textures, and colors all combine to create faux marble, leather texture, or an old mission look on your kitchen walls. Although you can find abundant information online about faux painting on your own, we suggest hiring a professional. Most kitchens do not have a large amount of open wall space and the advantages that a professional brings to the table are worth the price.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is making a strong comeback. Once spurned as corny and cheesy, the new varieties of wall paper are very sophisticated. Just doing a simple search on Google reveals wallpaper of every kind. You can even search online for a color, design or even a particular scene. And unlike your mothers wallpaper, new wallpapers are easy to install and are very durable, which is important in the kitchen.

Custom wallpaper

Custom wallpaper is a new way to give your walls and spaces that personal touch that you cannot get from buying off the shelf wallpaper designs. By creating custom designs, you have the freedom to use any idea you have to make your space your own. The kitchen is a place that people often overlook when decorating their walls. Custom wallpaper can really tie a kitchen together and make it pop!

Kitchens are great for custom wallpaper designs because they usually do not have large empty walls. This makes them great for smaller, accent type of designs. The area above the counters and below the cabinetry is ideal for adding custom designs. Long horizontal designs work best in this space. Some theme ideas to consider are: flowers, shells, farm, mountain, animals, ancient sea maps, old newspaper clippings, or clouds. Any of these themes can be taken advantage of to make a kitchen design complete. Abstract designs are a great way to go as well. Geometric shapes, tribal designs, Celtic knots, mosaics, and other designs can make a fun and interesting pattern with which to decorate your kitchen. Once you have decided on a theme all you need to do is find a photo or digital image of what you are looking for. You can either take the photos yourself or buy them from an online supplier.

Once you select the photo you want to use you go to megaprint.com and upload the image. They’ll print the image to your exact specifications onto wallpaper.

Justin Gilmore is a freelance writer located in Boise, Idaho. He writes on topics of large format printing and custom wallpaper for http://www.megaprint.com.