Friday, August 19, 2011

Remodeling Your Kitchen


Things are everywhere. If you cannot find a single kitchen cabinet or drawer to put your new mug, as the kitchen seems to be filled with a variety of stuff you always need, then you probably need to renovate this room of your house before you begin placing plates near the bed due to lack of storage space. In addition, if your kitchen's floor, tiles, sink or cabinets seem old and used, or are actually damaged, perhaps it is time to perform some kitchen remodeling and find your favorite spot in the house that you have been missing. But before spending any money from your savings account, it is important to consider first a few things.


Since the kitchen is the most public-intimate room in the house, it should meet the needs of the people that live inside the house and in addition be able to accommodate those who visit it as your guests. Finding room for all the kitchen equipments you or the other members of your household own means that you have to measure in advance the open surfaces of your new kitchen design or the space you will have available with the cupboards and shelves you are about to install.- How many people you use to entertain?Forget about the usual $10,000 to $15,000 for kitchen remodeling. If you are going to replace your old flooring, tiles, sink, fridge, stove, cupboards, countertops and kitchen lighting, it is best to be prepared to spend over $40,000. Professional designs costs and remodeling your kitchen can cost less, only if you are extremely capable and wish to do some of the work yourself, you can save thousands of dollars. Of course, the cost depends on the materials you will use, but it is best to have a budget and try to find solutions that do not exceed it.If you want to save time and money, it is probably wise to think about how much food you prepare each day/week and what types of food do you need to storage. This will help you determine how much and what kind of storage room you need to add to your kitchen and if your frozen or raw food will fit in the fridge you are thinking of buying.The number of guests you usually have over for dinner can help you determine if you need space for a bigger kitchen table, extra seats or bigger cabinets to store kitchen utensils and pots. A lot of things depend upon your kitchen use so it is best if you have thought some of them before you perform any changes.The PDC is also looking for developers interested in designing, installing and operating a shared thermal energy system for the Rose Quarter, including the Memorial Coliseum. Responses to the request for qualifications for that project are due Aug. 29.Council needed to approve the expenditure because urban renewal funds can not usually be spent on public buildings. Proposals to conduct architecture design and engineering for the building project are due today at 2 p.m. The renovation, according to the request for proposals issued by Portland Development Commission, will include replacement of the building's boiler, heating pumps and piping, new lighting, upgraded finishings and upgrades to the kitchen and hockey rink.

Since the kitchen is the most public-intimate room in the house, it should meet the needs of the people that live inside the house and in addition be able to accommodate those who visit it as your guests. Finding room for all the kitchen equipments you or the other members of your household own means that you have to measure in advance the open surfaces of your new kitchen design or the space you will have available with the cupboards and shelves you are about to install.




Author: Kadence Buchanan


Portland City Council approves urban renewal expenditure for


Portland City Council voted 4-1 Wednesday to allow $2 million in urban renewal funds to be spent on plans for renovating Veterans Memorial Coliseum.


- How often and what do you cook?

The PDC is also looking for developers interested in designing, installing and operating a shared thermal energy system for the Rose Quarter, including the Memorial Coliseum. Responses to the request for qualifications for that project are due Aug. 29.




Author: Angela Webber


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

How to Fit Cornice and Pelmet the Easy Way


How to fit the cornice (the moulding on top of the wall units and tall housings). It is best to cut and fit the longest piece first in case an error is made as you can then try again with a new piece and cut the wrong sized piece up into smaller pieces.


According to our report, many states will start promoting solar water heating systems due to tariffs and initiatives offered by the Indian government. Additionally, many states have already started promoting solar water heating systems, for instance, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, etc. Further, Rajkot city has been selected to be developed as a Solar City during the 11th plan period by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. According to our analysts, many factors will fuel solar powered equipments industry in India, which will lead to more private players� participation in this industry.When the joint is properly aligned and cleaned up hold into position with 20mm masking tape and then screw the cornice into place.HALLWAY LIGHTING � You should plan to have a fixture every eight to ten feet. Use either flush or semi-flush mount ceiling lights. If your hallway is long, you may also want to consider use of wall sconces for added light. They should be about 60 inches from the floor and about six to eight feet apart along the wall.Often when the pelmet has been fitted and the lights are turned on, light can shine through the gap between the bottom of the wall unit and top of the pelmet. This can be resolved by using a dark silicone or mastic behind the pelmet where it meets the wall unit.Care needs to be taken when measuring because the cornice usually overhangs the units and doors, so this needs to be allowed for when measuring. Take a scrap piece of cornice and position it on top of the wall unit to see how much overhand you want. It may be advisable to temporarily hang a door so you can have a better idea on how it looks.Since that seems easy enough, let's briefly discuss different areas of your home and what you might want to consider for your ambient, task or decorator lighting needs.When the first piece has been fitted measure the approximate length of the next piece and cut the relevant angle on it. If it is ok go to the opposite end and mark it to length. When the cornice is ready to fit, drill holes in the bottom taking care that the holes are over the wall unit and not on the edge or missing the unit altogether.With the vast selection of beautiful and functional wall lights, keep in mind, that no matter what room you are lighting, they should all be mounted about 60 inches from the floor. Small crystal wall lights will add a designer touch to any room in your home. If your home also has stairs, it is imperative that you adequately provide lighting with wall lights or specially designed stair lights for safety.DINING ROOM LIGHTING - Your dining room chandelier should be no wider than twelve (12) inches less than the width of the table. Assuming a ceiling height of eight (8) feet, the bottom of the chandelier should be no lower than 30 inches above the tabletop. Raise the fixture three inches for each additional foot of ceiling height. Similar to your living room, wall sconces, table lamps or buffet lamps can be used to add more light and ambience. Wall lights or sconces are hung about 60 inches from the floor."The Seasoned Kitchen Fitter"To cut the cornice and pelmet it is advisable to use a good quality chopsaw. These can be hired or you can buy your own as they are very useful to have if you are practically minded. These machines, like all power tools, need to be used with care to ensure your safety and the long life of the machine. Never try to cut too much in one go. The sound of the motor will tell you if you are being too hard on it.Sometimes the screw nearest to the joint can actually move the joint when fully tightened so in that situation just back the screw off a little and tighten it later when the glue has dried.FOYER LIGHTING � To light your foyer or entry way, you need to consider both width and height of your fixture. To determine the proper width of a fixture, add the length of the space to the width of the space (L + W). Use feet to calculate the result. The resulting number, in inches, is the size of the fixture you will need. To determine the proper height of the fixture, you want the fixture to be at least 7 feet from the floor. A two or three-tier chandelier should only be used if you have a tall ceiling. If the foyer has a window above the front door, then you should center the hanging fixture so that it can be seen from outside. Additional wall sconces can be used if the area is large. They should be about 60 inches from the floor and about six to eight feet apart.BEDROOM LIGHTING � You typically want to create an atmosphere of quiet relaxation in your bedroom while providing bright spots for reading and other activities. General or ambient lighting can be provided by a combination of ceiling fans, floor lamps, recessed lighting, and wall lights. For closet and hallway lighting, recessed lighting is recommended. Track lighting works perfective to show off artwork.Do all of the tiling and grouting before trimming and fitting the returns. On some types of pelmet it is not possible to screw the returns, so these are best secured by running clear silicone along the top of the pelmet and putting a good quality adhesive on the joint and pushing it into place.When it comes to fixing the pelmet in place there are two ways to do it depending on the profile of the moulding.For FREE SAMPLE of this report visit: http://www.rncos.com/Report/IM187.htmRay BrockKITCHEN LIGHTING � Kitchen lighting should be a combination of ambient ceiling mounted lighting and task lighting such as under cabinet counter lights. To light areas such as a kitchen island or a dinette area, use a decorative fixture with two or three shades or multiple pendants. The bottom of the fixture should be no lower than 30 inches above the counter top or dining table.

"The Seasoned Kitchen Fitter"




Author: Ray Brock


Government Support to Drive Indian Solar Home Lighting Systems Market


Solar Home Lighting Systems can support small household loads and are promoted and prioritized through rural financial institutions. These systems are one way to provide electricity to non-electrified and under-electrified rural households. According to our research report �Indian Solar Energy Market Outlook 2012�, Solar Home Lightening Systems (SHLSs) will witness significant growth during 2010 - 2013 with compound annual growth of around 22%. The growth will be primarily driven by the state and central governments� support, which has already been aligned by environmental objectives and clean energy goals.


The silicone will hold the pelmet whilst the joint is properly aligned, cleaned up and taped with 20mm masking tape. The glue usually dries in 30 minutes but leave on as long as possible or until the next day.�Indian Solar Energy Market Outlook 2012� presents thorough study of Indian Solar Energy Market with state wise analysis of growth potential. The report provides current and future market scenario of Solar thermal and Photovoltaic segments including Solar Water Heating Systems, Solar Cookers, Street Lighting System, Solar home Lighting Systems, Solar Lanterns, Solar Power Plants, and Photovoltaic Pumps. The report provides regulatory developments of different states like, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal etc. The report also covers key players� analysis to provide relevant industry information to clients.Among your many other questions, one of the first might be 'how much lighting do I need?' and how does one go about calculating it? Like most things in life, there is a formula and it's really quite easy. Multiply the length of the room, in feet, by the width of the room or Length times Width. Then multiply your resulting answer by 1.5 to reach the amount of wattage you need to properly light the room for general illumination. For task lighting, use the same formula but use 2.5 rather than 1.5 to find the required wattage.Tip: If there is enough cornice try to cut a length up in the same order as they go around the units, so that on the mitres the grain matches. Obviously when you start a new length the grain on wooden cornice may not match but you can take a look at all the pieces you have and lay them end to end and swap them around to give the best continuity of colour and grain.

Check DISCOUNTED REPORTS on: http://www.rncos.com/promotion.htm




Author: RNCOS E-Services Pvt. Ltd.


Achieve Designer Grade Lighting with Beautiful Wall Lights


With so many choices available to me, do I need a lighting designer to help me understand my home lighting needs? Well not really, as most lighting design centers and suppliers can help you with the basics to get the best value for your investment. Without getting into the theory of light and design, you can get comfortable knowing the basics and some guidelines for making those decisions.


The glue usually dries in 30 minutes but leave on as long as possible or until the next day.If it's an L shape moulding the fixing can be through the extension piece of the L. Care needs to be taken when selecting the length of screws.The next job is to fit the light pelmet, which is the moulding fitted below the wall units which traditionally, as the name implies, screens the lights that are fitted below the wall units.If the tiling is being done as well as the kitchen it is best to fit the pelmet along the fronts and then cut all of the returns that go back to the wall but not fit them.BATHROOM LIGHTING needs will vary depending on the size, some modern baths are designed as retreats off the master suite while the conventional ones only offer sufficient space for the daily grooming and privacy functions. Ceiling or wall lights will provide the general lighting needs but personal grooming is best lit with specifically designed fixtures as moisture is also something to deal with in some bathing areas.If the moulding is a single profile then you have to fix down through the bottom of the cabinets.Our report reveals that, SHSs have already experienced substantial growth during the past few years. Clean kitchen lighting and better quality of light for reading and studying are some of the benefits from SHSs. Our report also find that in addition to SHSs, solar Water Heating Systems will also witness significant growth during the coming years. SWHSs are used in many industries including textile, dairy, drugs and pharmaceuticals, pulp and paper, food processing, electroplating, fertilizer, and leather industry. However, hospitals, hotels, and college hostels are the prime target segments at the initial stage of SWHS installation.LIVING ROOM LIGHTING � The main light in your living room can be a chandelier with a flush or semi-flush mount, if appropriate to the d�cor. As with the foyer, the fixture needs to be at least seven feet above the floor. Use of wall lights, table lamps, or floor lamps will add both ambient and task lighting.Check DISCOUNTED REPORTS on: http://www.rncos.com/promotion.htm

With the vast selection of beautiful and functional wall lights, keep in mind, that no matter what room you are lighting, they should all be mounted about 60 inches from the floor. Small crystal wall lights will add a designer touch to any room in your home. If your home also has stairs, it is imperative that you adequately provide lighting with wall lights or specially designed stair lights for safety.




Author: Kathryn Dawson


Light up your Kitchen with the right lighting!


The proper lighting in a room can make or break it. With lighting, you can create a soft, cozy room for reading and relaxing. With bright, brilliant light you create a sense of excitement and energy. When looking for the right lighting for a room consider what you will do in that space and what you want the lighting to do. If you plan to install lighting fixtures in your kitchen, you will want to use kitchen lighting that is bright and clean. You need to see what you are doing without shadows and haziness.


Task lighting is essential in a kitchen as it is important you can see what you are doing. Spot lights in the ceiling can work well, although even better are lights underneath cabinets that shine directly onto the work surfaces. This provides plenty of illumination in which to cook and prepare food. A light over the cooker or hob is absolutely imperative. It is very difficult to cook when you don't have a clear view of the saucepans or more specifically the contents of the saucepans. In kitchens where the main table is located, it is not just bright lights that are needed however, few people like to eat dinner with glaring lights and prefer softer or dimmer lighting. This needs careful planning. Either all but one light over the table can be switched off to provide the right type of mood lighting, or dimmer switches can be used. These are the ideal solution because they can be dimmed or brightened to whatever strength of illumination is required.Wall lights have always been used as a part of the overall kitchen lighting and there is absolutely no reason why this practice should be discontinued. These light sources produce rich ambient light and can be used to illuminate large areas with equal intensities.Kitchen lighting is one of the most important types of lighting in the whole house. There is quite a lot to think about and it can be difficult to know what type of lighting to buy. The best idea is to purchase all your lights for the house from the same shop. This makes shopping easier and it can all be delivered in one batch too. From outdoor wall lights to ceiling fan lights and more, buying it all from one online shop will save both time and money.

For all types of spaces, indoor and outdoor, there are lighting options. Consider all aspects of what you are installing though. The cost of the fixtures, the wattage they will put out and even the quality of light you will gain. Lighting fixtures can add and enhance the mood of any room. Take your time and consider all these options before choosing the lighting you want.




Author: Mike Yeager


Bring Your Kitchen the Family Hub with the Best Kitchen Lighting


Modern kitchens are now used to fulfill several functionalities. Gone are the days when they were just a space to cook the food and maybe sometimes even eat. Today, children use it as the place to finish their school work; husbands use it as a place to chat with their wives, while some owners even use this place to host dinner parties. Kitchens also enjoy the reputation of being one of those places where experimentation with colours and designs can be done. The same holds true for kitchen lighting products.


A common area that people seem to have trouble with is outdoor lighting. Again, there are many options available to choose from. Strings of lighting fixtures that push into the ground are common. Usually, these, get bumped or run over with the lawnmower if placed near high traffic areas. And, keeping the lights on all evening can become costly. Another alternative is solar lighting. These look similar to the last but are powered by the sun. During the day they charge up from the solar rays even in cloudy weather. Then, at evening, when the sun is down, they are glowing. Landscape lighting is a great way to line your driveway or sidewalks. You can also use brighter fixtures to light up your flag or just a flower bed. It makes for a great look to those approaching the house in the evening hours.� Ambient Lighting: This is considered to be the general base lighting for any room. It is synonymous with overhead lighting, unless uplighting or indirect lighting is specified. Wall lights are the chief source of this form of lighting. In the kitchen, they are mostly used in the eating area, since this way the space can also double up as a reading area.The size of the kitchen will also affect what type of lighting is used. Chandeliers or hanging lights can be used in very large kitchens but not in small ones. Although chandeliers can be difficult to clean, they can bring a wonderful effect into the room when chosen well and hung over the kitchen table. Generally speaking, the smaller the room, the smaller the lights need to be. If the room is very small then using mirrors and accent lighting can make it appear bigger. Shine lights off reflective surfaces and mirrors and the room will seem bigger than it really is!Different Types of Kitchen LightingKitchen Lighting: Using Wall LightsOne way of decorating a kitchen is with the use of dimmers. It is a great means of creating the right ambience, while still being economical. Larger kitchens make extensive use of task lighting for highlighting the countertop spaces. Dimmers will allow the user to dim down the lights of particular areas that are not currently in use.For all types of spaces, indoor and outdoor, there are lighting options. Consider all aspects of what you are installing though. The cost of the fixtures, the wattage they will put out and even the quality of light you will gain. Lighting fixtures can add and enhance the mood of any room. Take your time and consider all these options before choosing the lighting you want.Every room in a house requires a particular kind of lighting. Kitchens, on the other hand, can be a space where one can experiment with a mix of lighting types to create unique combinations. Some of the common lighting types that can be used are:� Decorative Lighting: These can be produced by using both accent and ambient lighting sources and are a must for those who want to entertain guests in the kitchen.The rising cost of energy prices means that the efficiency of the lighting is one of the first things to consider. An eco-friendly lifestyle is not just fashionable but a real money saver too. Energy saving light bulbs and sockets are a must if you want to keep the electricity bills to a minimum. Many choose to make more use of natural light too. This can be done by enlarging or installing windows or reflecting light into the room. Although there may be a slightly larger upfront cost, the reduced energy bills will make up for this cost later.Kitchen Lighting: Some IdeasIf budget is a major concern then you should focus on the important lights in the room only. These are the lights above the counter tops, the sink and the stove. So long as you get these ones just right, the rest are not that important. Of course it would be wonderful to have perfect lights across the whole room, but sometimes the budget just cannot stretch. In this scenario it is better to have 50% very good lights than 100% that are only just adequate.

The two premier varieties of wall lights that can be used in kitchens are crystal and LED based. Amongst them, LED lighting products are preferred because of their beautiful and vibrant light and also because of the huge economical advantage they offer. For instance, one LED product, called the Orbital wall light, can be placed anywhere in the kitchen to provide a very beautiful and soothing feel to the space. Food presented in this light will look inviting even if it isn't garnished too well.




Author: Kathryn Dawson