The Kitchen Consultant: a common-sense guide to kitchen remodeling Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Over the past two years, my wife has purchased about every kitchen remodeling book there is (at least a dozen) and I've read every one. "The Kitchen Consultant" is clearly the best of the bunch if you're looking for practical, useful information about the many options and decisions that come with kitchen remodeling.
This book is NOT a kitchen design book and it is NOT loaded with beautiful kitchen photos (there are some drawings), and it is NOT a do-it-yourself remodeling manual, but it does what none of those kinds of books (at least that I've seen) do---it clearly explains how to find and work with a good kitchen designer, how to find, evaluate and work with a professional remodeler, and how to make informed choices about things like lighting, ventilation, cabinets, countertops, sinks, flooring, and appliances (there are chapters on each of those categories).
This book is obviously written by someone who knows his subject intimately (the author is a professional kitchen remodeler with 20 years of experience) and is able to present all the information it in a clear, organized, and easy to read manner.
Reading this book is like having a friend who is an experienced contractor come over and help you not only sort out all your options, but also give you his professional opinion and point out some things you may not have considered, but should.
The Kitchen Consultant helped us to make a lot of decisions. For example, it settled a long standing dispute my wife and I have had about the kind of refridgerator we should buy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Kitchen Consultant: a common-sense guide to kitchen remodeling

Readers will find an expert guide through the kitchen remodeling jungle in The Kitchen Consultant. This book contains the wisdom of seasoned kitchen remodeling contractor Herrick Kimball and the input of more than two dozen kitchen consultants from across the U.S. Readers will find advice on design, products, prices, suppliers, contractors and work specifications. Written in an engaging, conversational style with friendly, rendered drawings, this book makes the kitchen remodeling process flow smoothly. Helps readers:-- Decide how much remodeling they can do for themselves and what to leave to the professionals.-- Determine the cost vs. payback of a kitchen remodel in home resale value.-- Save money by avoiding common kitchen remodeling pitfalls.-- Choose the best appliances for a budget and compare common kitchen materials.-- An informative resource for the homeowner and a valuable reference for the professional.

Click here for more information about The Kitchen Consultant: a common-sense guide to kitchen remodeling

Read More...

Kitchen Idea File (Better Homes & Gardens) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this book to start getting ideas about remodeling a kitchen. I think the book is fantastic because it helped me figure out the types of things that I like and the types of things that I don't like. It's a great starter book for someone looking to remodel their kitchen. It becomes additionally helpful when you hire a contractor because you can point out specific likes and dislikes and let their expertise take care of the rest! (Provided you have a good contractor who has remodeled many kitchens.)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kitchen Idea File (Better Homes & Gardens)


The all-new edition of Better Homes and Gardens Kitchen Idea File offers ideas and insight to make your dream kitchen a reality, without the costly mistakes.

Updated photography, inspiring case studies and tips and side bars tackle all aspects of kitchen design, planning and decorating.

Click here for more information about Kitchen Idea File (Better Homes & Gardens)

Read More...

Architect's Pocket Book of Kitchen Design Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a great little book with lots of useful information packed into a clear and concise format. Note to American buyers: The book is published in Britain and contains metric units, EU energy efficiency ratings, and a bit of regional information about the UK.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Architect's Pocket Book of Kitchen Design

Click here for more information about Architect's Pocket Book of Kitchen Design

Read More...

Kitchens: A Design Source Book Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I checked this out from the library hoping to find some good ideas for a kitchen remodel. This book is full of showy kitchens that no real cook would tolerate. If you want you kitchen to look pretty, modern, or authentic, this may help you. If you want to use your kitchen instead of just dressing it up to look nice, buy another book.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kitchens: A Design Source Book

The kitchen is increasingly recognized as the heart of the home. No longer simply a place for cooking and storing food, the kitchen is also where meals are served and family and friends congregate, so there is every reason that it should be as stylish, comfortable, and functional as any other room. Vinny Lee opens with a chapter on planning, to help you identify your own needs and priorities, and then provides a survey of the four principal styles--Traditional, Simple Country, Simple Modern, and New Professional. She then takes a comprehensive look at the elements, such as lighting, countertops, sinks, appliances, and storage, with a multitude of creative ideas for decorating and adding colour. "Kitchens: A Design Source Book" is the one book you'll need to achieve a great-looking kitchen in which you can comfortably cook, eat, live, and work.*Revised and updated edition of this bestselling title.*Whether you are remodeling an existing room or starting from scratch, this invaluable guide will help you create your ideal kitchen.*With stylish photography by James Merrell.

Click here for more information about Kitchens: A Design Source Book

Read More...

A Complete Guide to Kitchen Design with Cooking in Mind Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Don Silver's book was a well anticipated arrival, but alas much of a disappointment. As one who is designing a kitchen at present for a house to be built in the next few months, I was a let down by the book's content.
Let's start with the good stuff. The first chapter on design basics is great, though Silver's makes a big deal about "breaking free of the kitchen triangle". As one who has lived for the past seven years with an island in the way of the refrigerator, I would have welcomed the "kitchen triangle"! While there are other workable solutions--and he introduces them--the old triangle has survived for a good reason and it is not as bad as he indicates, and is certainly necessary in some cases particularly where kitchen size is an issue or limitation.
Silver introduces some great concepts such as the 30" deep counter, two sinks, etc. but spends far too much time on silly mundane issues like a cursory review of cabinets (visit a Home Depot and or pick up a few cabinet catalogs and you'll get much better and more detailed info) and a tired review of pots and pans (!) which should be very old hat for anyone going so far as to buy this book.
More annoyingly, Silver consciously avoids mention of any brand names! It would be worthwhile to review some, particularly when he has such a penchant for separate "char-grills" (which I have yet to see in ANY appliance store). For example, I'd like to see a review of issues like flame spread and cleanability. My own homework revealed that while a Dacor gas cooktop looked great, the flame spread was too big for normal pots and pans; Viking's non-sealed burners looked "cheap", made out of stamped stainless and would be difficult to clean.
Lastly, the illustrations for the most part looked amateur.

Click Here to see more reviews about: A Complete Guide to Kitchen Design with Cooking in Mind

This book is the first guide to kitchen design from a cooking perspective.As the only book for the homeowner who wants a kitchen that is beautiful and that cooks beautifully, it takes the most complex room in the home and addresses its function as well as its form. With forty years of experience in the design and cooking fields, Don Silvers has discovered that most people have no idea of the pleasure that can be added to cooking in the right kitchen. This book will add new joy to cooking for every reader, even those who have previously disliked cooking.

Click here for more information about A Complete Guide to Kitchen Design with Cooking in Mind

Read More...

Open Kitchens: Inspired Designs for Modern and Loft Living Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this book as I am planning a major kitchen renovation and wanted some innovative ideas and design. It was an interesting book to flcik thrugh though low on details and the photographs were lovely but did not show the kitchens to advantage. For me, a disappointment.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Open Kitchens: Inspired Designs for Modern and Loft Living

Shows ideas and inspiration for modern kitchen design with 40 project profiles.Reflection of the house and its inhabitants, modern kitchens still incorporate the genuine soul of a living space. Open Kitchens features a selection of some of the best kitchen designs produced over the last years all over the world. Almost forty projects and more than 200 images illustrate the multiplicity of trends that can be incorporated to a common basic concept, regarding diversity of materials and lighting, surface or presence within a space in fluent communication with the house to which it belongs.

Click here for more information about Open Kitchens: Inspired Designs for Modern and Loft Living

Read More...

Kitchen Culture: Re-inventing Kitchen Design Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm addicted to coffee table books on home design, and I usually love kitchen design books- my all-time favorite book which I took on vacation and also recommended to my book club was "Great Kitchens". I think that this book overpromised. Johnny Grey stated that he's "reinventing kitchen design". The reinvemtion is his trademark style of semi-circle curved cabinets and round and oval islands. The workmanship on these curved units is amazing and the photographs do them full justice. I was wondering where in the world a person would have curved cabinetry custom made...and lo! The cabinetry is available through "The Grey Guild". Johnny Grey is the only kitchen designer featured in this book, which is terrific is you're an ardent fan. I found that I was not a fan (yawn), seen one and you've seen the unique, all of the rest is style differences. The book, to me, was a shameless sales job for Johnny Grey and his organization. I would have given the book a "2" rating, but the section on kitchen ergonomics at the back redeemed this book a little, in my opinion (finally something useful!). I do design, build, and live with new kitchens, as my husband and I are owner builders and rennovators. His kitchen designs would be a pleasure to cook in (for the most part), but the curved cabinetry would blow up my largest kitchen budget before appliances were purchased. These kitchens belong in multi-million dollar homes and they aren't a reasonable design choice for even a million dollar home building budget. The money spends quickly in homebuilding, and a large part of the house budget is gone before the house is finished enough for kitchen purchases. In my expereince the kitchen budget receives the most scrutiny and is the source of most budget arguements. These "Grey" kitchens would pass muster only in a project where money was no object and the budget had no ceiling.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kitchen Culture: Re-inventing Kitchen Design


An inspiring design guide and practical resource.

The kitchen is the home base for any family to prepare meals, eat, interact, read the paper, listen to the radio, watch TV, relax and more. No other room is used for so much by so many.

Kitchen Culture is a beautifully illustrated reference for creating the home's busiest and most important room. The book explores how the kitchen influences sociability, family life and relationships with food and also examines how changing attitudes towards family life are changing kitchen design. Each generation invents its ideal kitchen -- reflecting personal views, lifestyles and the latest design concepts and technology.

Kitchen Culture provides critical design advice for maximizing the role the kitchen plays. The book offers fresh ideas and fascinating possibilities for using the kitchen as a lounge, retreat, library, art gallery, playroom, activity center and hospitality zone. Topics include:
Effective kitchen storage
Working triangles and ergonomics
Cooking, small appliances and tools
Facilities for cooking
Lighting, floors and work surfaces.


Practical tips on materials and craftsmanship are also included along with a source list of suppliers and manufacturers.

Kitchen Culture is the ideal reference for anyone designing a new home or remodeling a kitchen.
(20041203)--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Click here for more information about Kitchen Culture: Re-inventing Kitchen Design

Read More...

Joan Kohn's It's Your Kitchen: Over 100 Inspirational Kitchens Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am re-doing my circa 70's kitchen and didn't know where to start for ideas. Most magazines don't have enough examples of full kitchens. Joan Kohn shows all types of kitchens, big, small, upscale and practical. The photos are great too. She shows many materials and finishes that I hadn't even thought of. It's like having 50 magazines in one book - only better!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Joan Kohn's It's Your Kitchen: Over 100 Inspirational Kitchens

The star of HGTV's "Kitchen Design" helps readers plan their dream kitchens.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Click here for more information about Joan Kohn's It's Your Kitchen: Over 100 Inspirational Kitchens

Read More...

Stone : Designing Kitchens, Baths & Interiors With NaturalStone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was quite surprised at all the material this books covers. Anyone planning a custom designed home or remodel could certainly find great inspiration and clever ideas not usually seen in homes in the USA. Additionally, the in-depth info on various natural stone products is a real education. The last part of STONE has a helpful photo index of illustrations of the various types of stone. Since many ceramic tile products attempt to emulate natural stone, this book and especially it's fine examples of mosaics would be quite inspirational for those who work with manmade tiles as well as natural stone. I find the elegant pared down interiors in this book quite refreshing, a breath of fresh air. As a fan of classic, enduring architecture, I am pleased that this book promotes the idea of a home as a structure expected to last centuries--an unusual concept in the States.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Stone : Designing Kitchens, Baths & Interiors With NaturalStone

As a building material, natural stone is unrivaled in warmth, unyielding strength, and lasting resilience. From the earliest marble and limestone slabs, to the most detailed mosaic tiling, stone has played a vital part in construction, architecture, and interior design throughout history. Today, many people believe that only the extremely wealthy can include stone in their decorating schemes, but using modern technology, one can easily cut the costs of stone purchase and installation without compromising quality or design. Whether used to create a new bathroom shower, a kitchen countertop, a tiled floor, or fireplace surround, stone adds impact and can last a lifetime. The authors break down the pros and cons of each type of stone to help you make the right decisions, discussing everything from slippery when wet conditions to avoiding scratches and stains. Whether it is a slab of slate or a single tile of travertine they guide you through browsing, purchasing, and contracting the installation of natural stone in your home. Special instructions for ambitious do-it-yourselfers are included as well.--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Click here for more information about Stone : Designing Kitchens, Baths & Interiors With NaturalStone

Read More...

Kitchen And Bath Idea Book Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This book is very helpful when it comes to picking the right products for both the kitchen and the bath. The pictures are amazing. I own several books with decorating ideas and I must say that this is one of the best.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kitchen And Bath Idea Book

Filled with more than 500 inspiring photos, the Kitchen & Bath Idea Book is the ultimate source of design ideas for creating the kitchen and bathroom of your dreams.Today's leading designers and architects offer inspiration for everything from cabinets and countertops to faucets and fixtures, lighting and flooring, and storage and built-ins.The kitchen is the true heart of the home, and homeowners spend a lot of time and money to make older kitchens less utilitarian and more creative, a place where people can congregate as well as cook and enjoy good food. This book helps you figure out what you really want and how to get it, whether it's a contemporary, brushed-stainless workroom worthy of an upscale restaurant; a rustic, farmhouse-style great room with wood flooring and a couch; or an elegant, streamlined space for a small city apartment. For every style, for every budget, it's all here: new appliance technology and cabinetry, fixtures and faucets, doors and counter materials, sinks, pulls, built-ins, and bookcases. Using this idea book, you can create the kitchen of your dreams - regardless of style or budget.The bathroom today is getting more attention than ever for its value as a personal retreat and resale enhancer. Gone are the days of garish tile and fuzzy toilet seat covers. Now bathrooms are as much about taste and style as the rest of the house. Homeowners want bathrooms to be both beautiful and functional, and manufacturers have responded with many more choices in materials and fixtures.This book covers them all, with ideas for tiny half-baths, medium-size his-and-hers, and large luxurious home spas. Specifics on ventilation, waterproofing, faucets, showers, tubs, and more give you the knowledge to create a bathroom with all your favorite features. Two books in one, Kitchen and Bathroom Idea Book gives homeowners hundreds of ideas on how to make the hardest-working rooms in the house the most beautiful.

Click here for more information about Kitchen And Bath Idea Book

Read More...

Ultimate Guide to Kitchens: Plan, Remodel, Build Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had already seen this book in person at the book store and had looked through it to find a book that contained a little bit about everything when it came to remodeling a kitchen. If you're looking for a book that hits on everything but doesn't go into too much detail about each project, you'll like this book. It has lots of colorful pictures and ideas on how to do things along with 'how-tos' on cermaic tile to hardwood flooring to picking out lights.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Ultimate Guide to Kitchens: Plan, Remodel, Build

Ultimate Guide to Kitchens guides the reader through the process of designing and doing the work involved with remodeling a kitchen or building a new one from scratch. Homeowners will find inspirational information on layout and design, but most of the book covers step-by-step instruction in installing sinks, faucets, countertops, appliances, and floor and wall finishes. General construction projects, such as building walls, adding windows, and completing electrical and plumbing work are also covered. Homeowners can use the book to do the entire project or pick the parts that interest them.

Click here for more information about Ultimate Guide to Kitchens: Plan, Remodel, Build

Read More...

The Smart Approach to Kitchen Design, Third Edition Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had to use this book for my Kitchen and Bath Design class and I love it. It is easy and fun to read, the pictures are amazing and point out how the different elements look when used in the space. It is very truthful in the pros and cons of different materials and walks you through each aspect of kitchen design from choosing a layout and style to the materials that are available. I would recommend this book for anyone who is interested either in a career in design or if you want to look at remodeling your current space. I also have the Bath Design and will be purchasing the Small Spaces book from this series very soon.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Smart Approach to Kitchen Design, Third Edition

The Smart Approach to Kitchen Design showcases the latest trends and technology and explains how to design a kitchen like a professional.

Click here for more information about The Smart Approach to Kitchen Design, Third Edition

Read More...

Great Kitchen Ideas (Better Homes & Gardens) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We have a small kitchen that is being remodeled and this book had plenty of ideas to help us get the most use out of a small space. Great ideas on helping to select cabinets and gadgets as well as appliances.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Great Kitchen Ideas (Better Homes & Gardens)

If you're getting ready to freshen up a tired kitchen design or totally remodel, look no further.With beautiful photographs of more than 60 stunning kitchens that showcase all the current design trends, as well as a number of suggested floor plans that make the most of every inch of space, this is a must have before you begin any new kitchen project.

Click here for more information about Great Kitchen Ideas (Better Homes & Gardens)

Read More...

Design Ideas for Kitchens (2nd edition) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The kitchens in this book are something to be jealous of. Not only are there beautiful ideas offered in this book, but practical tips are also included to make for a more functional kitchen that's not just aesthetically pleasing. Great ideas on cabinetry are supplied, along with information on surfaces, countertops, and lighting. Also, interesting ideas to include a washer and dryer. A lot of great information comes in one book. Before you go ahead and plan out how you're going to do your new kitchen, pick up this book. You'll be glad you did.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Design Ideas for Kitchens (2nd edition)

Design Ideas for Kitchens, 2nd Edition, presents a range of ideas for creating an attractive, up-to-date kitchen. Homeowners will find many excellent examples of kitchens of all sizes and shapes, including the traditional U-, L-, and G-shape; one-wall; and galley configurations. It discusses the re-thinking of the classic work triangle and illustrates the new way kitchens are planned around zones. Ever-popular kitchen islands and peninsulas are amply represented, along with the latest cabinetry and storage options. The book also contains a complete reference for sinks and faucets, and a multitude of ideas for flooring and countertop treatments, including granite, tile, solid-surfacing material, and more. What's more, an entire chapter is devoted to kitchen appliances and offers a look at the most recent technology in food preparation and storage. Additional helpful information explains how to make design decisions and product choices based on lifestyle needs.

Click here for more information about Design Ideas for Kitchens (2nd edition)

Read More...

Country Living 500 Kitchen Ideas: Style, Function & Charm Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Many, many ideas in this book. Took a long time to get through but is a great style idea reference. Many of the pictures have been published before but for once that did not bother me because it put them in one spot that was easy to find rather than going through all of my old magazines.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Country Living 500 Kitchen Ideas: Style, Function & Charm

Country Living steps into the kitchen with 500 new and exciting ways to transform the heart of the home. Packed with winning photographs of warm and inviting rooms, this inspiring guide covers color and pattern, floors and walls, storage, appliances, sinks, work surfaces, windows and lighting, and other charming accessories. A stunning image accompanies every tip: see how a small kitchen becomes cozy when it's filled with warm tones and natural materials; how a checkerboard backsplash brings black cabinets and white walls together; and how a modern refrigerator can work in a retro room—if it's hidden by a rustic door. Mix surface styles, add an archway to create a separate eating area, and turn an antique cabinet into an attractive place to store and display dishware. There's an innovative idea on every page…and a design solution for every kitchen.A Dual Main Selection of the Homestyle Book Club.

Click here for more information about Country Living 500 Kitchen Ideas: Style, Function & Charm

Read More...