There’s something about bar stools that attracts attention. Perhaps it’s their graceful stature, their inherent charm or their mysterious allure. For some reason (and clearly for many reasons), both adults and children love bar stools. I am just one of their millions of fans.

Bar stools are not just for bars anymore. This is quite lucky for me, as I can’t honestly remember the last time I had time to go to a bar. I can, however, remember the last time I sat on a bar stool. It was last week - I was peeling potatoes at a cousin’s house, perched on a cushy and perfectly-sized bar stool that enabled the potato peelings to fall directly into the trash can below. It was a comfortable working arrangement to be sure- so much more enjoyable than peeling hunched over the garbage like I do at home. The interesting thing was that my cousin doesn’t even have a bar height table or counter to give that bar stool a proper home. She just has the stool floating around her kitchen, so that she can use it wherever she needs it- at the counter, at the sink, or even in front of the garbage if she so desires. She may not be able to tuck her legs under the counter, but she can definitely make her workspace a bit more comfortable- and a lot more stylish. (And, of course, when the stool is not in use it can be tucked comfortably into the corner of the kitchen).

I happen to love the look of bar height counters in kitchens. They are elegant and sophisticated in a way that standard height counters can never be. Likewise, bar stools, with their elongated forms, add an ‘oomph’ to kitchens that typical kitchen chairs can seldom provide. Bar stools, in this sense, turn an ordinary kitchen into a bitchen kitchen.

Bar stools are available in a variety of styles which enables them to fit into kitchens with country styles, European designs, antique flairs, contemporary themes or kitchens of any other style. Some of my personal favorites include leather bar stools (easy to clean, comfortable to sit on), swivel bar stools (just plain fun) and high-backed bar stools (for extra back support). So if you’re looking for an easy way to add class to your kitchen (and perhaps a bit of comfort too), consider finding bar stools for your kitchen- you’ll be glad you did!

Whether or not you have a dishwasher, much time is spent bent over the kitchen sink. It’s a vital part of the kitchen to be sure- not only for washing kitchen utensils (especially those that don’t fit into the dishwasher), but also for cleaning your hands and food prior to preparation. Many a mother has even given her baby a bath in the kitchen sink. When purchasing a kitchen sink, thought must be given not only to the size of the sink, but also to the best kitchen sink material. Peruse the following options to help you determine not only which kitchen sink material will look the best, but which one will serve you well for the life of your kitchen.

Stainless Steel- With its classic appeal and reputation for durability, stainless steel is one of the most for kitchen sinks. Having recently changed from porcelain to stainless steel, I can speculate that perhaps stainless steel really is the best kitchen sink material. For me, the most important benefit of stainless steel sinks are that they don’t cause dishes to break when they are accidentally dropped in the sink (I can’t tell you how many glasses I broke in my porcelain sink while I was washing them!). Most stainless steel sinks are coated underneath to reduce noise and enable better heat retention. Stainless steel is known for being resistant to chips, cracks, scratches and rust, and its silvery finish will not fade or stain. Stainless steel sinks can be mounted flush with the counter, providing a smooth, integrated look that looks lovely in any contemporary kitchen. And, because it is a timeless metal, stainless steel sinks will never go out of style.

Enameled Steel Sinks- Enameled steel sinks are true to their name- they are fashioned with an enamel coating over a steel base. These sinks range from inexpensive to moderately priced, and they are designed primarily for above-counter installation. Inexpensive enameled steel sinks are notorious for chipping easily and having a noisy finish, while more expensive models are often quieter and more durable.

Enameled Cast Iron Sinks- This type of sink generally has a deep enamel surface over a solid cast iron base which makes it significantly heavier and more durable than enameled steel sinks. Because they are exceptionally heavy, enameled cast iron sinks are almost impervious to structural damage and provide good heat retention.

Copper Sinks- Copper is the best kitchen sink material if you’re looking for a unique look inspired by Spanish style or with an antique European flair. Most copper sinks are built with thick and resilient copper that is hand-hammered for a distinct appearance. Copper is resistant to bacteria and its finish improves during usage, giving it a beautiful and hygienic finish that will last a long time. The copper casting process also allows makes the sink resistant to dents and scratches. Copper sinks are generally expensive, but many homeowners will agree that their stylish design is well worth the price.

Manmade and Solid Surface Sinks- One of the most popular kitchen sink materials for contemporary kitchens is manmade sinks, which is also known as engineered stone or Corian, one of the more popular brand names of this material. These sinks provide a smooth, easy to clean surface that makes time at the sink enjoyable. Available in a wide range of colors to match any kitchen, manmade sinks are designed for a seamless installation right into the countertop. Choose a color that matches the counter for a uniform look or a contrasting color that will surely be noticed. The color and texture of manmade sinks runs throughout the material and does not wear away. Any accidental chips or nicks in the surface will be less noticeable because of the deeply rooted color.

Fireclay Sinks- With a porcelain finish on a ceramic base, these sinks are known for their high gloss finish and are often considered the best kitchen sink material for country themed kitchens. The shiny, germ-resistant finish is available in a wide range of colors (including hand-painted designs), creating a wonderful match for any kitchen décor. Heavy items can potentially damage the sink’s finish if accidentally dropped in the basin.

Now is the time to transform your kitchen. Redoing a kitchen is like any other major decision; there is always an excuse not to do it, and always a reason to say, “Let’s just wait a little longer.” But, what does waiting longer really accomplish? With the right tips and direction, these ideas for kitchen make-overs can create a quick and easy transformation for you. Here are three easy ways to give your space a quick face lift without spending a fortune to do so.

Start with the basics. Rather than giving your kitchen a complete overhaul, use kitchen cabinet hardware to create a new, fresh look. The possibilities are endless with cabinet hardware. If you’ve always used cabinet knobs, try branching out and using pulls or handles instead. These items often make it easier to access your drawers and cabinets, enabling you to work more efficiently in the kitchen. Choose pulls that match your existing décor, with selections in iron, brass, oak, nickel, ceramic, and so much more. Or, create a completely new look. If you’ve always had silver colored, plain knobs, select a brushed nickel pull cup or a dark rubbed bronze oil pull. Whatever you decide, this is one of the easiest ideas for kitchen remodeling. It will add a splash of color, a new design, and a new look to a kitchen.

Organize, organize, and organize. A kitchen make-over doesn’t always have to concentrate on the aesthetic items. Most of us spend a great deal of time in our kitchen. Kitchen cabinet accessories rejuvenate a kitchen’s functionality and make it a much more enjoyable place to cook, socialize and function. From the hidden trash cans to the tip out trays and drawer organizers, these cabinet accessories clean up the kitchen and create a refreshing and invigorating look and feel in your space. Spice racks keep your spices within easy reach for convenient cooking, and yet organized and ready to use. Wicker baskets add that decorative look to the kitchen, and invite you to store your fruits and vegetables with flair. Whatever your needs, these ideas for kitchen organizers transform the usability of your kitchen space – without having to break down walls, build a larger kitchen, or hire an architect!

For a beautiful new look in the kitchen that will add space, organization and pizzazz, nothing beats new kitchen furniture. Kitchen islands today allow you to vastly expand your usable kitchen space without remodeling! These islands offer drawer space, counter top work space, extra shelves, hanging towel racks, and even hanging space for pots and pans. Similarly, kitchen storage cabinets invite organization and order in the kitchen, while offering a practical and elegant place to store your kitchen items. Finally, enjoy a new look in the kitchen with a new kitchen table and matching chairs or counter stools. Whether you have a small space or a large one to fill, the right kitchen table invites family and friends to gather and creates the perfect look for your style.

With these ideas for kitchen make-overs and your own creativity, your kitchen should be looking grand shortly. Concentrate on changing a few key items; you’ll be amazed by the difference that these small additions make to the look and feel of your kitchen space.

I spend a lot of time in my kitchen. A LOT. First off, I’m an insane workaholic, and my computer is located in the kitchen (a conversation for another time, I’m sure). Then, of course, there’s all the time I spend cooking, eating, and (unfortunately) cleaning the kitchen. All told, I definitely spend the majority of my day in this versatile room. Because the kitchen serves as both my office and my personal restaurant, I want to make sure that it’s nice. And not just satisfactory—if I’m going to spend so much time in a place, I’d want it to be fabulous. I’d want a really bitchen’ kitchen, if you will…hence the purpose of this blog.

In this blog, I plan on discussing creative ideas about how to make any kitchen spectacular, whether it’s with trendy style strategies, environmentally-friendly kitchen design ideas or products that will improve the beauty and functionality of your kitchen. At some times, I may reserve the right to bitch about my kitchen- and of course, I’d welcome to hear your own complaints- perhaps together we can come up with some really cool solutions!

As you’ll see, having a fabulous kitchen (or even having a few fabulous things in your kitchen) doesn’t have to cost a fortune, nor does it always require a complete construction job. Sometimes all it takes to turn a dumpy room into a dream kitchen is a couple of new touches or a fresh coat of paint. So stay tuned for practical proposals, sophisticated suggestions and inspiring ideas that will help you turn a kitchen worth bitching about into a truly bitchen’ kitchen!