You've Opened Escrow, Now What?

Congratulations, you are on your way to owning your very own home!

Follow these suggestions (and your realtor's advice) so that escrow and settlement with go as smooth as possible.

• You will be asked for a down payment on the home you are purchasing.  You can choose to put down as much or as little as you want (depending on your mortgage), but remember, the more you put down toward the total price of your home, the less time it will take you to pay off and the less your mortgage payments will be every month.
• During this period of purchasing your home, you are going to need an escrow or settlement company to act as an independent third party so that you know when and who to give your money to get the deed to your new home. The escrow or settlement company will hold your deposit and coordinate much of the activity that goes on during the escrow period.  This deposit check may also be held by an attorney or in the broker's trust account. Make sure that there are sufficient funds in your account to cover this check.
• The deposit check will be cashed. Assuming the sale goes through, this money will be applied to the purchase price of the home. If for any reason the sale is not consummated, you may be entitled to receive all of your deposit back, less standard cancellation fees. In certain instances, the seller may be able to retain this money as liquidated damages. Prior to executing a purchase contract, it would be wise to speak with your counsel regarding whether or not it is your best interest to have a liquidated damages clause as part of the contract.

The period that you are "in escrow" is often 30 days, but may be longer or shorter. During this time, each item specified in the contract must be completed satisfactorily. By the time you have opened escrow, you have come to an agreement with the seller on the closing date and the contingencies. Each contract is different, but most include the following:

1. Inspection contingency: this should be completed as soon as possible after the contract to purchase is signed as unsatisfactory results of the inspection may mean that you will want to cancel the contract.
2. Financing contingency: once the contract is signed, you have a period of time to secure funding. If, for any reason, you are unable to secure funding during the period of time granted to you by the contract (and the seller will not provide a written extension of time), you must decide whether you want to remove the contingency and take your chances on getting a loan. You may choose to cancel the purchase contract.
3. A requirement that the seller must provide marketable title.

With an attorney or title officer, review the title report. The title must be "clear" to ensure that you do not have legal issues regarding your ownership.Check into local and state ordinances regarding property transfer and make sure that you and/or the seller have complied with them.

Secure homeowner's insurance. This will probably be required before you can close the sale. Due to such requirements as special fire and earthquake insurance, obtaining this insurance may require a lengthy period of time. It would be in your best interest to apply for insurance as soon as possible after the contract is signed.

Contact local utility companies to schedule to have service turned on when you close escrow.

Schedule the final walk-through inspection. At this time, you should make sure that the property is exactly as the contract says it should be. What you thought to be a "permanently attached" chandelier that would come with the property might have been removed by the seller and replaced with a different fixture entirely.

You've made it! Once the sale has closed, you're the proud owner of a new home. Congratulations!

The Hottest Home Design Trends for Spring

The Hottest Home Design Trends for Spring | by Courtney Soinski

Now that we’re coming out of Winter and into Spring, get ready to celebrate warmer weather through hot new home designs with bright colors, beautiful bouquets, and a light, spacious style.  If you want to give your home a new look this Spring, here are some of the most buzzed-about home design trends to incorporate into your next home project.

Embrace Spring Colors!                                      

A hot trend this Spring is the use of color in a light and airy design.  You can keep the room light and airy by combining blue and yellow along with some white.  Also, using spring-inspired hues like turquoise and red can also liven up a room in the most colorful way.  These bright accents will give your room all the energy it was missing in Winter.

  Wood is the New Neutral.

  This season’s trend toward wood textures pairs the warmth,  richness, and     texture of real wood.  Installing engineered wood  ceilings and wainscoting can       bring the unique look of wood into  any environment.  Think wood-textured   textiles, tree-printed  wallpapers and embossed soaps that have the  appearance of wood.

Bring the Shores to your Front Door.

If you’re inspired by the lifestyle and environment of coastal living, Spring is a great time to bring the beach shores to your front door.  Weathered and white-washed wood ceilings are a subtle yet stunning addition.  They are especially great when coupled with interior accents like decorative shells and drift wood furniture.

The Power of Texture.

 Color is a great addition when it comes to spring home design trends,  but even more popular in 2014 is the use of texture.  So put down your  paintbrush and add interest to your home with high-gloss finishes,  metallics, sequins, and mirrors.  Textured tile walls draw visual interest  and can have an even greater impact on the senses with contrasting  high-gloss lacquer or low-gloss matte accessories.

Manipulated Metals.

The use and versatility of manipulated metals is a great addition to any home.  Ranging from hand-crafted artisan to contemporary high-gloss, these metal designs are very popular this Spring.  The use of copper, pewter and nickel can be styled in many different ways, including hammered metal sink basins, tin-look ceiling times, antiqued copper light fixtures and brushed stainless steel cabinet hardware.

Using these home design trends this season, you can easily make a stunning impact on your home’s style.  Watch out Spring, here we come!

Source:  http://www.armstrong.com/residential-ceilings

Kitchen Backsplash Designs

Once you've decided what materials and colors you want for your backsplash, it's time to determine how to put it all together. If you choose tile, do you prefer a consistent pattern (say, square or diagonal) or will you mix it up in some way? Here are some kitchen backsplash ideas and designs to spark your imagination.

Range Backsplash Ideas

Breaking up the tile pattern behind the range is a great way to add interest and a focal point to the room. This can be done with a simple border tile to section off a rectangular area below the hood, or by changing the tiles altogether. Purchasing a tile mural or mosaic design is another way of highlighting this part of the kitchen.

Sink Backsplash Ideas

If your sink happens to be in front of a wall instead of a window, you will want to decide whether to keep the same tile pattern as the rest of the kitchen or to mix it up. The same general design principles apply behind a sink as they do behind a range, so you can change the backsplash here with an easy-to-clean stone slab or add a design feature with a border tile or mural if you wish

Kitchen Tile Murals

Depending on the style of your kitchen, an artistic mural can add both a point of focus and a conversation piece to the room. It's one of the most popular kitchen backsplash ideas for Tuscan, country, and French country kitchens. With an appropriate period design, a tile mural can be used in Craftsman kitchens as well.

Abstract Tile Designs

An artistic mural is not always appropriate in a modern or luxury home, so to spice up the look, you might consider kitchen backsplash tile designs that are more abstract. These are often available pre-packaged from specialty tile stores, although it is possible for a creative artisan to design one from scratch for your home.

                     

Backsplash Tile Patterns

From a simple rectangular tile design to multi-tiered bands of varying shapes, the sheer number of backsplash tile patterns is staggering. For any given material, there are often dozens of possible sizes and shapes to choose from, and near infinite ways in which to combine them. While it's easy to over-complicate things, I often recommend starting simple and then adding some variation as needed.

Mosaic Backsplash Tiles

Sometimes smaller is better. Mosaic backsplash tiles are usually 1-inch or smaller, and typically come in 12x12-inch pre-formed sheets to make installation much easier. The tiles can be all of the same material, or can be ordered in randomized patterns from specialized tile retailers. Arizona Tile's Custom Blend Tool allows you to generate your own special-order mosaic pattern online.

Other Decorative Backsplash Options

A growing trend in backsplash design is the customized look, be it with screen-printed tiles or photographic glass backsplashes. A number of companies now offer custom large-format printing on the back of glass panels that have been custom fit to your walls. The result is a unique design that is entirely your own.

Read more: http://www.kitchen-design-ideas.org/kitchen-backsplash-ideas.html#ixzz2lErEUw17

Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

Choosing from a variety of kitchen back splash ideas can be an enjoyable and visually rewarding experience. From natural stone tile to mosaic marvels to photo-printed glass, the possibilities for your kitchen are virtually endless.

Miles of Tile

From man-made ceramic tile to quarried natural stone tiles such as travertine, marble, limestone, and slate, tile back-splashes are by far the most popular option for today's kitchens. For extra character and dimension, consider a tumbled travertine or tumbled marble backsplash in which the tiles are worn down with sand to create a softened, less uniform appearance.

Stone Slab Fab

For a perfectly smooth surface that can practically be hosed down when cleaning, a full granite backsplash is a top choice. In this case, the backsplash is cut from the same slab as the countertop so the pattern flows continuously from the counter on up. Silestone and quartz are also common, while slabs of marble, soapstone, and onyx are more exotic backsplash choices.

Classy Glass

If you're looking for fresh, cutting-edge kitchen backsplash ideas, look no further. Glass tile and glass mosaic backsplashes have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, either as accents in a mixed-material backsplash or occasionally as the entire surface. For modern kitchens, an easy-to-clean solid glass backsplash can be custom shaped to the wall. The pane can be mirrored or back-painted glass, or even printed with a photo or mural!

Majestic Metal

For the pro chef, nothing tops a stainless steel backsplash behind the range. It's fireproof, sanitary, and easy-to-clean. Decorative metal is also a growing trend in today's backsplashes, with copper, tin, and metal tile picking up steam. Decorative metal backsplashes often come with pressed patterns or in a dramatic patina, so it's advisable to step back and consider the overall effect to keep them from visually overpowering the room.

                                                               

Plastic Perfection

For kitchens with solid surface countertops (Corian) or laminate (Formica), a matching Corian or laminate backsplash is an option. Vinyl tiles, available at home stores, mimic the look of stone and ceramic tiles and are often self-adhesive for DIY installations. For a faux metal backsplash, look for thermoplastic products that resemble pressed tin and copper.

Knock on Wood

While wood is not fire safe to use behind a cooking surface, there are often other areas in a kitchen where a wood backsplash can provide a warmer appearance. For country and cottage style kitchens, a beadboard backsplash looks terrific behind a built-in hutch or open cabinetry. Even a painted backsplash can work for any area away from sinks or cooktops.

Rustic Renaissance

In a timber frame, log home, or rustic kitchen, sometimes a "normal" backsplash just won't cut it. Depending on the desired look, a brick or stone kitchen backsplash can add serious impact. For an "outdoor" ambiance, a cobblestone or stacked stone backsplash can be installed on an entire wall or along the back of a kitchen island or peninsula.

Ten Home Staging Cover Ups

Just about everyone is familiar with home staging.  Home staging is successfully used by many realtors and is a great tool in helping to sell just about any type of home.  However, what most people don' t realize is that there are some sellers who utilize staging as a way to cover up the things they don't want you to see.  Here are a few home staging cover ups that when seen, should make you stop and pay attention.  Not to what is right, but to what is wrong.

1.  It seems like just about every home has at least one small room that the homeowner doesn't quite know what to do with.   If you see a small room that has small furniture in it, this generally means the seller is using small furniture to trick your eye and to make the room look bigger than it really is.

2.  Many homeowners use scent as a nice way to make a good first impression of their home.  However, some sellers use various scents to cover up or mask any lingering smells that may be in their home.  If you come across a home with air fresheners, pay close attention to anything your nose might detect other than the air freshener.  Do you smell pets or pet urine?  Do you smell mold or mildew?  Put your nose to the test.

3.  Often times music is used to distract you from hearing a noise problem.  When you hear music while viewing a home, you should turn off the music and listen.  What do you hear?  Does the neighbor have a dog that never stops barking?  Do you hear an excessive amount of street noise?  Are the airplanes flying overhead louder than you would expect?  Do the neighbors fight all of the time?

4.  If while touring a home you notice that all the blinds are closed or the window coverings are pulled, you should take a minute to open every window covering to see what might be hiding behind that curtain.  This is something that most people don't do.  Not doing this one thing could cost you thousands of dollars if it isn't discovered before you close on the home.  It may only be a broken window pane.  But it could be that all the window seals are broken and all of the windows are fogged so badly that you can't see outside.  Or it may be that the neighbor is a hoarder and their home is in complete disrepair or perhaps they have an auto mechanic shop in their back yard.  Needless to say it's very important to look through every window and check the view.

5.  Never assume that behind every door is a reasonable space.  You should open every door and cabinet as you tour the home.  Sometimes closed doors are closed for a reason.  Just think how you would feel if you moved in only to discover that none of the cabinets have shelves in them.  Or that the pantry you so desperately need was only a few inches deep.

6.  Area rugs are sometimes used to cover up carpet stains, a flaw in the flooring or some foundation cracks.  You should lift up every area rug and inspect what may be hiding underneath.

7.  Pay attention to each door of the home.  Are any of the doors missing?  Sometimes a seller will remove a door that doesn't function properly.  A door that doesn't open and close like it should may be an indication of foundation problems.  Or it may just be that the seller is trying to make the room look larger, etc.

8.  Look behind all the pictures.  Are the pictures covering up any holes in the walls?

9.  Check all the countertops.  Do you see any placemats or decor that could be an attempt at hiding a flaw?

10.  Look around, do you see anything that could potentially be covering up a flaw in the home?

Now you are aware that staging is sometimes used as a cover up.  You're now better equipped to address any possible issues before you commit to buying a home.  You should also talk to your realtor about assisting you in identifying any additional staging cover ups that weren't covered here.  Your realtor has multitudes of experience and can immediately spot a staging cover up that could cost you thousands of dollars if not caught before you actually purchase the home.  Your realtor truly is your best defense when it comes to buying a good quality home.

Contemporary Kitchen Cabinets

Contemporary kitchen cabinets are generally composed of minimal ornamentation and flat surfaces. The cabinetry style is intentionally non-traditional, avoiding decorative moldings in favor of simplicity and function.

This black and white kitchen features contemporary cabinets by ALNO, AG. [+] More Pictures

Historic Influences: Contemporary kitchen designs date from the 1940s to the present, and trace many of their stylistic origins in Europe.

      

Elements of Style: For a clean and spacious look, contemporary kitchen design typically avoids excess ornamentation. Crown molding, wood carvings, and raised panel door styles are almost never used. Small spaces can be made to feel bigger if there is less visual stimulation. Therefore the relatively flat surfaces found in contemporary kitchens can be of benefit to smaller modern homes.

Materials: Most materials in contemporary kitchen designs are man-made, including metal, plastic, concrete, glass, and recycled goods. While these man-made materials can often feel cold and sterile, many designers like to incorporate natural elements such as wood veneer and natural stone to bring some warmth back into the room. Simple decorations such as a potted plant or a bowl of fruit can also give your kitchen a more natural ambiance.

      

Color Schemes: Many contemporary kitchens have monochromatic color schemes, featuring various combinations of black, white, and gray. These kitchens tend to look very modern and sharp. Some contemporary designs, however, incorporate unique colors or exotic wood in order to create a visual impact and showcase the homeowner's favorite materials or hues.

Kitchen Design Photos: Below are some pictures of kitchens featuring contemporary cabinets. If you enjoy the beauty and simplicity of these kitchens, be sure to take a look at our galleries of European, Asian, and Modern kitchens as well. Enjoy the photos!

     

Read more: http://www.kitchen-design-ideas.org/contemporary-kitchen-cabinets.html#ixzz2iaPib6pn

California Pending Home Sales Drop in August

By Andrew Khouri

LA TIMES

Buyers signed fewer contracts for homes in California last month, as higher mortgage rates hampered demand, according to a new report.

Pending home sales fell 5% in August from July, the California Assn. of Realtors said Monday. The group’s pending-sales index dropped 9% from last year. The index represents contracts signed but not yet closed -- a sign of future market activity.
“Rising interest rates over the past several months at the specter of a tapering of the Fed’s stimulus program sent buyers to the sidelines in August,” the association's chief economist, Leslie Appleton-Young, said in a statement.

IN DEPTH: Five key takeaways on America's housing market 
Still, Appleton-Young said the Federal Reserve’s decision last week to maintain its massive bond-buying program should send mortgage rates lower, helping out prospective buyers.

Freddie Mac’s survey of lenders -- taken before the Fed’s announcement -- showed the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage dropped to 4.5% last week, from 4.57% a week earlier.

Though mortgage rates may take a breather for the moment, economists predict that the Fed’s announcement will only delay an eventually rise to 5% or higher.

The Realtors group also said inventory expanded slightly in August, although it remains extremely tight. The supply of non-distressed homes for sale inched up to 3.1 months in August, from three months in July.

A supply of six months is considered normal.

Minor Kitchen Remodels that Make a Huge Difference

Giving your kitchen a makeover doesn't have to be a huge project. In fact, there are a number of low-budget ways to give your kitchen a brand new look without investing too much dough.

Here are just a couple of minor projects you can undertake that will breathe new life into your kitchen's tired aesthetic:

Install New Light Fixtures

If your current kitchen is lit by one central fixture, you might have an off-balance ambiance. Consider adding a few more fixtures to break up glare and create a perfect blend of decorative and functional lighting. Bar lights, under-cabinet lights or other ambient lighting will help give a new feel to your kitchen. 

Cabinet lighting has been a hot trend recently, and for good reason: Beautiful lighting can make an ordinary space shine.

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Change the Colors

A fresh coat of paint or a bright accent wall can really make your kitchen pop! Alternatively, consider creating a mosaic tile backsplash or using vintage or colorful decorative accents for visual interest. 

Bold color stripes create an eye-popping accent wall in this kitchen. Visit our color schemes guide for more ideas.

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Upgrade the Countertops

Changing out countertops is a great way to give your kitchen an all-over new look without too much investment. You can choose stone materials, like marble, slate or granite or, if you're really on a budget, just change out colors on your laminate counters and add a new color or pattern to the room.

New countertops can add value and life to a kitchen without requiring an entire remodel.Click here for a plethora of granite colors to spark your imagination.

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Revamp the Cabinets

In most kitchens, cabinets cover a large amount of real estate. Because of this, updating or changing them out can have a huge effect on the overall look of the room. If you can't afford to completely replace your existing cabinets, try revamping your old ones. A popular trend lately is glass-front cabinets. Simply remove your cabinet doors, cut out the front panel (leaving a two- to three-inch border around it), and insert clear glass panes. This gives your kitchen an open and airy look.

If replacing cabinets is outside your budget, you can always repaint cabinets or stain a light wood darker for a whole new look and feel. Even updating the cabinet handles alone can make a big difference!

Painting old cabinets and adding glass panels can be an inexpensive way to revamp the look of your entire kitchen. [+] More Pictures

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Add an Island

If you have the space, adding or upgrading an island not only transforms your room; it may also give you more space to cook, chop and serve up food. You can choose to get an island installed professionally - and have it match your countertops - or you could opt for a roll-away island, which you can typically find at any major furniture store or outlet. Most feature underside cabinets and drawers, giving you additional storage space. 

If you enjoy DIY projects, you can try refinishing an old work table into a beautiful and functional island. Source: Vintage Kitchens Gallery.

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Create a Bar

If part of your kitchen is blocked off by a wall, consider knocking half of it out and turning the lower half into a bar. This can open up space between rooms and create a better space for entertaining. You can even get bar stools to match your décor to really pull the room together. 

Designer Kitchens LA updated this small kitchen with a cutout in the wall for a small bar.

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Are you tired of your kitchen's look, but just don't have the funds to do a full-scale remodel? Give your kitchen a facelift with one of these minor, low-budget projects.

Read more: http://www.kitchen-design-ideas.org/minor-kitchen-remodels-make-huge-difference.html#ixzz2f6PXpQym

Luxury Kitchen Designs

Luxury Kitchen Design: Today's expensive homes are only as luxurious as the kitchens they contain. Luxury kitchens call for extraordinary details along with the use of rich materials and colors. Scroll down to see the complete gallery below.

Everything about this kitchen exudes elegance, with its the high coffered ceilings, antique white cabinets, decorative stained glass, and a contrasting wood island topped with gracefully shaped granite.

Ultimate Investment: As the most valuable room in any house, a luxury kitchen adds tremendous worth to a home. Unlike an expensive car, which can depreciate quickly, an expensive kitchen is an investment that creates value over a longer period of time.

Price Points: In my experience in the kitchen remodeling industry, I'm convinced that the old adage "You get what you pay for" holds true when it comes to building kitchens. Luxury appliances and expensive kitchen cabinets will last much longer and retain their value far better than mid-range and low-end options. I've seen mid-level cabinetry crumbling and falling off the walls after only 10-15 years. Cheap import cabinetry may "look" luxurious today but will end up in a dump in a very short time. Your best bet is to buy it right the first time. Considering a luxury kitchen design is a great place to start. A luxury kitchen can cost you anywhere from $30,000- $60,000.

Luxury Kitchen Cabinets: Cabinetry is the largest and most important investment in any kitchen remodel. Luxury kitchen cabinets often feature high-end American woods like Cherry and Walnut with rich, dark stains. Exotic woods such as Sapele Mahogany or Brazilian Cherry can take it to another level. Specialty painted and glazed finishes can also make for a luxurious kitchen. For a downright opulent look, some cabinet finishers use gold leaf to accent cabinetry details. High-end kitchens often feature flush inset, frameless, or beaded inset cabinets with deluxe undermount soft-closing drawers.

Luxury Appliances: To create a beautiful focal point in the room, an artfully crafted wood hood makes a stunning design statement. For extra elegance, luxury appliances can be framed in with decorative carved posts or fluted columns. Occasionally the appliances themselves are panelized with wood. Luxury kitchen sinks can be crafted of heavy gauge stainless steel, polished or hammered copper, or even marble or granite.

         

                





Read more: http://www.kitchen-design-ideas.org/luxury-kitchen-design.html#ixzz2ecWoLHcF

10 Great Kitchen Appliances for Entertaining

Kitchen Appliances for Entertaining: Looking forward to hosting family, friends and guests at your home? Then you'll definitely want to know about the top appliances that are fantastic party tools for any special event.

These devices -- from basic food prep gadgets to larger catering-style machines -- help you save time in and out of the kitchen, so you can get back to the important task of enjoying your company.

A built-in ice maker is a great help if you entertain frequently.

1. Ice Maker: It's always a pain to run out of ice in the middle of a party, so why not make your own? A dedicated ice maker does that for you, so you'll never have to step out to grab ice from the store. Unlike your fridge, an ice maker has more than enough capacity to make enough ice to satisfy guests and then some.

2. Wine Fridge: For those who entertain guests frequently with the finest wines available, a wine fridge is definitely a must-have. In addition to quick access, your wines will stay at a cool pre-set temperature. Dual-zone units are available for keeping a wider variety of wines around.

Available in various capacities for unique storage needs, a wine cooler makes a great addition to a kitchen island, if you have the space for it.

3. Food Processor: It takes time to slice, chop, knead and shred those ingredients you need for party appetizers and the like. Why waste time on that when a food processor gets the job done in a fraction of the time? A food processor with a strong motor will last you through countless special events while the variable speeds let you chop, slice and mix almost any food you could think of.

4. Meat Thermometer: Okay, the last thing you want to do is poison your guests! Take all of the guesswork out of cooking chicken, beef or pork with an accurate and highly reliable meat thermometer. The most popular types of meat thermometers include the "ovenproof" thermometer, which remains in the food throughout the cooking process and the instant-read thermometer with a probe that measures internal temperatures quickly.

5. Blender: While food processors deal with chopping, grinding and mixing foods, a blender is the perfect tool for making delicious fruit smoothies, margaritas and even condiments like salad dressings. Don't be afraid to have the two side-by-side during dinner parties.

6. Stand Mixers: When you have guests coming over, prep time is in short supply. Having a mixer in the kitchen makes for a great time-saver, plus it saves you from having to wrestle with a whisk or a spoon. You can use a stand mixer to your advantage for whipping potatoes, beating batter and kneading dough or use a portable hand-held mixer to fluff eggs and mix lighter foods. Don't be afraid to have both types around, as each one has its own set of advantages in the kitchen.

Save time and elbow grease with a stand mixer. This one is built onto a mechanized cabinet lift.

7. Crockpot: Having a crockpot on hand is a quick and fun way of cooking those delicious appetizers. From nachos to chili, beans and meatballs, you can whip up a wide variety of appetizing dishes for your guests in little to no time at all. As a bonus, crockpot cooking gives your dishes that delicious slow cooked taste. At our family parties, a triple crock pot server is a huge hit, and a consistent source of compliments.

8. Fondue Pot: A fondue pot is a fancy and fun way to serve up desserts, entrees, and hors d'oeuvres. Make delicious cheese dips for bread sticks, or try decadent chocolate dessert fondues. If you're going all out for a wedding reception or fancy gathering, take desert a step further with a chocolate fountain!

9. Electric Griddles: No report on appliances for entertaining is complete without mention of the wide array of specialty electric griddles, from full-sized grills to specialized quesadilla makers, hot dog machines, pretzel makers, and waffle irons. You can leave these out on a table or countertop for friends & family to informally serve themselves, or use these griddles in advance to more quickly mass-produce your party food.

10. Ice Cream & Popcorn! It's not just the kids who love a good old fashioned ice cream for dessert. You can wow and impress friends, family and guests by making your own homemade ice cream or frozen yogurt with easy-to-use machines. The best thing about having your own ice cream machine is the boundless creativity; you can make any flavor of ice cream you want in as much quantity as your dinner guests desire. For kids' summer parties, a snow cone maker is a fairly popular choice. 

If you're going all out, give your guests the full Disneyland Main Street experience by also adding a cotton candy maker or popcorn maker to the scene. From simple countertop models to old-fashioned carnival style circus carts, nothing makes a party hop like a popcorn machine. While they aren't exactly appropriate for a formal dinner gathering, carnival-style popcorn machines are perfect for kid-friendly summer parties and wedding receptions.

Get the Party Going

It's not always easy to keep friends and family entertained during those special events. Fortunately, these appliances really make the difference when it comes to throwing that perfect brunch or dinner party. These and other catering-style food prep machines are surprisingly easy to find at various department stores and specialty cooking outlets.

What do you think? Can you suggest any more great appliances for entertaining? Let us know in the comments below, or shoot us an email on our contact page. With a little prep, and a great tool set, your home can be host to some fantastic gatherings!

Read more: http://www.kitchen-design-ideas.org/kitchen-appliances-for-entertaining.html#ixzz2dDPvfm00

7 Steps to a Kitchen Color Scheme

Choosing from an infinite number of kitchen color schemes can be both exciting and daunting. How do you decide?

From a simple black and white kitchen to every other grouping of possible hues, picking the right combination will be easier if you follow our step-by-step guide.

There are seven essential steps to take when selecting colors for your kitchen remodel. While often helpful, it is not necessary to follow these steps in order.

1. Choosing cabinet colors: Kitchen cabinets typically take up 50% of your budget and occupy about 40% of the visual space in your kitchen. For these reasons, it's best to start out by choosing a cabinet color that fits your personality and your home's style before deciding the other colors in your kitchen.



2. Choosing appliance colors: Your cabinetry order cannot be finalized until you know which appliances you intend to buy. As focal points, your sink and appliances can have a big impact on your kitchen color scheme.



3. Choosing countertop colors: Your kitchen countertops are close to eye level and will occupy a large portion of your visual space. Be sure to bring a sample of your cabinetry color to help you choose a coordinating countertop color.



4. Choosing flooring colors: When selecting a kitchen floor color, be sure it coordinates well with the cabinets, countertops, and appliances, as well as with the floors in adjoining rooms.



5. Choosing a backsplash color: By now your kitchen color scheme is nearly complete. There are many backsplash options that can either coordinate or clash with your color scheme, so if you need extra help, don't hesitate to enlist the services of a designer when selecting a backsplash.



6. Choosing a wall color: Often the forgotten backdrop to an overall color scheme, your walls can still play a vital role. While the walls are often obscured by cabinets, pick a color that balances well with the floors, cabinets, and backsplash.



7. Choosing hardware colors: Your faucets and cabinet handles are installed later, after the cabinets and granite have been completed. While it is common to coordinate the faucets and handles colors, it is not required.

Read more: http://www.kitchen-design-ideas.org/kitchen-color-schemes.html#ixzz2c5JUj39a