<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Four Ways to Add ‘Wow!’ to Your Kitchen</font></h2><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">(ARA) – As you start to build your new home, or remodel an older house into the comfortable and elegant retreat you’ve been dreaming about, one of the main rooms to consider will be the look, feel and use of your kitchen.</span></p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Let’s face it. No matter where you try to entertain in your home, guests always end up in the kitchen. The kitchen is the heart and soul of any home and the main congregating point for families and friends. Whether you are empty-nesters or parents with children running through the house, the kitchen is your home’s center for entertaining, gathering, communicating and cooking.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">When designing your dream kitchen, here are some ideas you can work in to create the "wow" factor:</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>1. Plan around your cooking style.</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">How you and other cooks in your household use the work triangle — the area between the sink, the stove and your refrigerator — will help you determine the ideal layout. If you entertain a lot, consider adding an extra sink for food preparation, on a side counter or a center island. This will allow you more flexibility as you whirl around concocting marvelous meals and snacks — especially if you have more than one chef in the kitchen.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/2b.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/2b.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>2. Design your cabinets with function and style and make a statement with your finishes.</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Custom cabinetry is a perfect way to show off your style and implement a custom design while maximizing your kitchen’s space for socializing, cooking, and storage. Cabinets by Graber crafts and builds wood custom cabinets using only the finest hardwoods available, matching wood grains on all pieces for consistency and color. The company will personally measure your space to make sure the final product fits exactly the way you want it to — customized to within 1/16 of an inch — taking responsibility off you and your contractor.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Wood cabinets and countertops from Cabinets by Graber also can include architectural wood carvings for all styles, creating the details you need for the "wow" factor in your kitchen. Visit www.cabinetsbygraber.com for ideas on how to make your new or remodeled kitchen a beautiful room.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>3. Include space for the luxury appliances.</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">What would your dream kitchen be without that indoor grill, built-in espresso machine or wine cooler tucked into an alcove? As you plan your kitchen, remember that custom cabinet makers can design around your appliance needs. Keep in mind traffic patterns through the kitchen space and the frequency you will use such appliances.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>4.<span>  </span>Light it up</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">If you have a gorgeous kitchen, you need to illuminate it so everyone can admire the work, style and craftsmanship. Consider installing recessed canned lights or a simple chandelier or pendent lamp over the island. Built-in cabinet lighting and under cabinet lighting adds drama to the space and highlights areas like your countertops or special dishes.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/2a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/2a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">As you begin to design your dream custom kitchen, keep these simple ideas in mind to create the perfect space for you.</p>  <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">Courtesy of ARAcontent</span></p></span>