Keep electrical switches, plugs and lighting fixtures away from water sources and wet hands. Building codes require that every electrical receptacle be grounded and protected with ground-fault circuit interrupters, which shut off the room’s electric current if there is a power surge or moisture is present.

Think about traffic flow. If your kitchen is anything like mine, there will be a lot of foot traffic flowing through your kitchen. With that in mind, it is important place key appliances in areas where that foot traffic will not interfere with your cooking. Locate microwaves conveniently above the floor to avoid reaching to retrieve food. Slide-out trays and bins in base cabinets make storage items more accessible and eliminate bending. Avoid putting a range near an entrance or exit. And lastly, avoid sharp corners on the ends of countertops, especially islands and peninsulas, by having them rounded.

Regulate water temperatures. This is particularly important if you are going to have children using the faucets in the kitchen. Install faucets with anti-scald devices that prevent water temperature from rising to dangerous levels, or buy pressure-balanced valves that equalize hot and cold water. Faucets are also available that can be pre-programmed to your desired temperature setting.

Use proper lighting. Good general lighting, supplemented with proper task lighting that’s clearly focused on a work surface, can greatly decrease your chance of injury while preparing a meal. Also, the lighting should not produce any glare or shadows on the surface.

Keep a fire extinguisher within reach. While it is best to have a fire extinguisher within plain site, it is not always going to fit in with your decor. If that is not an option, keep it under the sink or in a pantry that is easily accessible from every point in the room. Never store an extinguisher near or under a cooktop or range. If a fire is to occur, those areas will likely be the cause and make an extinguisher stored in that area unreachable.

Find a safe cooktop. Avoid being scalded by steam from a boiling pot by staggering burners on your cooktop or have one straight row of burners. Choose a unit with controls along the side or in the front. When children are around, it is also important to install knob guards on the stove to prevent a child from accidentally turning on a burner and severely burning themselves, or even worse.

Use slip-resistant flooring. The dangers of slipping and falling, especially when you may be carrying hot food, is pretty obvious. A slip-resistant material on your floor, such as matte-finished wood or laminate, textured vinyl or a soft-glazed ceramic tile, will do the trick. If you select tile or another smooth surface, try using a throw rug with a non-skid backing as an added precaution, especially around areas that get wet.

The codes vary from state to state and in some cases, city to city, so it is important to consult a professional if you are not 100% sure of the building codes. There are many free resources out there that can guide you through some of the industry standards if you do a quick search on the internet.

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Find out where the experts go to get all of their kitchen cabinets and accessories. Learn how to save thousand on kitchen cabinets by buying them where contractors and builders shop.

Article Source: Populate.net

1. Green Design- With the alarming rise in gas prices and building materials, eco-friendly products are now a stable of any kitchen design. The kitchen and bath industry is at the forefront of green design with the development of new technologies and products, such as bamboo and recycled materials including glass, plastics, paper, and metals.

2. Aging-in-Place- More and more manufacturers are catering to the aging “baby boomer” market. New products feature accessibility and ease of use to accommodate boomers through the years, while still offering stylish design. From dishwashers accessible from a wheelchair to cabinet drawers that open automatically, manufacturers are recognizing the importance of universal design.

3. Organization- To keep paperwork and projects from piling up, many companies specialize in home organization. Put your client’s mind at ease with the upgraded additions of cabinetry dividers and custom storage solutions. With companies now specializing in after-market products, you can find a wide range of products that will customize any stock cabinets that you will find on the market.

4. Multiple Layers of Lighting- Accent lighting placed at various heights, under-cabinet lighting, interior cabinet lighting, and above cabinet lighting combine to create a warm and inviting kitchen. Task lighting adds drama and function, while dim accent lighting softens and soothes a room. Each layer of lighting serves a different purpose, which can enhance the room.

5. Compact & Efficient Appliances- One of hottest trends in 2008, is the incorporation of compact and efficient appliances. Horizontal dishwashers, French door wall ovens, two-tiered ranges, and power boil options on cooktops can ease the day-to-day cooking tasks, while maintaining the desired beauty and resourcefulness of your designs.

6. Expanded Color Palettes- Today’s contemporary designs allow for vibrant splashes of color in the kitchen and bathroom. Through bright and bold colored backsplashes, countertops, appliances, and cabinetry inserts and overlays, homeowners can incorporate the newest and hottest colors into any design. A wide range of color is now being used to evoke emotion and set the tone for your next projects.

7. Tile Murals- A trend that is increasing in popularity is using custom murals in the kitchen. Color, form, and design combine to create varied patterns ranging from modern graphics to soft floral patterns. A wide variety of patterns offers a look that’s sure to suit any client’s taste.

8. Integrated Electronics- By integrating wires, speakers, control panels, and flat-screen TVs directly into your design, you’ll allow the surroundings of the room to flow seamlessly around any audio/video equipment that you may want. Planning ahead will allow you to conceal the wiring and give your kitchen a truely custom look.

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Find out where the experts go to get all of their kitchen cabinets and accessories. Learn how to save thousand on kitchen cabinets by buying them where contractors and builders shop.

Article Source: Populate.net