Whether you are a messy cook or have just allowed your kitchen to get a bit out of hand, here are few organizational tips that will whip your cooking area back into shape. When counters, pantries and cabinets are cluttered, it makes the task of cooking harder than it has to be. Clean up your area with a few tips from this list of ideas.
Spice It Up:
Storing spices close to the stove is the best idea in helping a cook stay organized. Keeping them in cabinets or on the walls right by the main cooking area will lessen the clutter on counters while cooking. The spices can easily be located and put back in place when not in use.
Leftovers:
For the best storage ideas for leftovers, only use clear containers. Keep the plastic wear close to the front of the refrigerator to avoid losing track of them. Using leftover vegetables, rice, potatoes, broths, meats, and other items can be great compliments to the dish you are cooking. Knowing exactly what you have on hand will save time and money.
Vegetables on Display:
Put vegetables and fruits out on display on top of your counters. Use racks that will help to stack them on top of one another. This provides you with a great way to decorate your home and keep those fresh ingredients handy.
Cooking Utensils:
Putting a utensil holder and knife block right next to the stove is helpful when cooking. You can easily grab these helpful utensils while you are making a meal. Having them out on the counter will keep them handy at a moment’s notice.
Whether you are an experienced chef or just starting out, keep your kitchen tidy with these organization tips.
A great do it yourself project that could add value to your home as well as give it some unique charm is adding window boxes to the outside of your home. First you will need to decide on what type of wood you would like to utilize. A good choice would be pre-treated Cedar planks as this type of wood can withstand the drastic environmental changes outside. Cedar planks also give your house a natural rustic look.
To begin this project, you will need to measure the length of the window you will plan on building the box under. This will determine the amount of wood needed as well as determined length needed to complete this project. Below you will find the dimensions and amount of wood needed:
(2) ¾ inch cedar planks measuring 8 inches x the length of the window
(2) ¾ inch cedar planks measuring 11 inches x 8 inches (this is for the sides)
(1) ¾ inch cedar plank measuring 11 inches x the length of the window (bottom)
(1) Pre-treated 2 x 4 cut to the length of the window.
Now you are ready to assemble your box.
First take the two 8 inch x window length planks and the two 11 x 8 inch sides and assemble them together portray a box using wood glue and clamps along with 1 ¼ inch exterior wood screws (ensure you secure them together well). Next take the 11 inch x window length plank and secure it to the bottom once again using wood glue and exterior wood screws. Ensure the wood glue is fully dried and all exterior screws holding your box together are tight – this will help increase durability.
Once window box is fully assembled and dried it is now time to mount your window box under the desired window. This can be difficult depending on how you mount it as the window box can become quite heavy depending on what you may plan on putting inside. I have found the best way to accomplish this is by using a cleat. In order to use a cleat, first determine where the bottom of your window box will sit outside of your window. This will help to keep it steady and secured to your home. Take the pre-treated 2 x 4 that is cut to the length of your window and mount it to the wall where the bottom of your window box will be by using ¾ inch concrete screws. Ensure that your cleat is leveled and in the desired position before mounting it.
Once your cleat is mounted set the window box directly on top of ensuring it is flush with the wall. Secure the window box to the cleat using exterior wood screws, screw from the inside of the window box into the cleat. (You may have to use a number of screws to be sure that the window box is securely mounted to the cleat).
Your window box now can be decorated and filled. If you are planning on using soil inside your window box, it is a good idea to use plastic planters or line the window box with plastic as this will help with durability as it will be exposed to soil and moisture which can damage the wood. Your window box can be filled with anything you desire; from plastic plants to pinecones or even sand and sea shells. You can customize your window box any way you choose. You are only limited to your imagination so enjoy!
When you are about to spend a vast amount of money on renovating your most valuable asset it is wise to take time to think about the project before you start. And as most of us only undertake renovations a few times in our lives we don’t always know the pitfalls that we might face.
Our ‘Top Ten Tips’ will help you prepare and being prepared is the best way to avoid the most common problems that are encountered in a renovation.
Ask yourself the vital question, “Why?” The answer to that question will help you choose the type of renovation and set your budget. If your answer is to increase the value of your property then take into account the items that will add most value.
Have your property given a full health check before you even start to plan your renovations. This will let you know of any problems that have to be addressed before you start your renovations, such as problems with the subfloor or underpinning of your property and will inform your planning.
Check with local realtors about the potential value of your home once you have renovated. Take that into account and ensure you don’t overspend on renovations that are not going to pay you back when you eventually sell the property.
Decide how you are financing your renovations. Using the equity of your home is one option, while taking out a loan is another. But make sure that you won’t be overextending yourself.
Take into account that your renovations will increase your home and contents insurance. Set that insurance in place as soon as your renovations get underway.
Set your budget. Be aware that costs can spiral if you don’t keep a tight rein on them, so set your budget and have an amount set aside for unforeseen situations. And once you start the renovation monitor your budget carefully.
Have all your paperwork and permits to hand when you are approaching a lender. It will push the loan application process through much faster.
Buy the best quality materials you can, and cut costs in other ways.
Choose the contractor very carefully; check references and set up both a proper contract and planned progress reports.
Only do things yourself if you are competent. Fixing incomplete or unsafe work later always costs more. Leave it to the professionals unless you are certain that you can do it yourself safe and to code.
As we all know, when you are making renovations to your properties there are many ways to go wrong. But by being ‘street smart’, making sure that you have all of the proper permits and hiring the right contractor you are on the path to success!
As with all things in life the old cliché “Failing to plan is planning to fail” holds true. So, start off by doing your research!
And very importantly, when planning your renovation, keep in mind the potential resale value of your property and what appeals most to buyers.
Considering that the average renovation is valued at around $100,000, there are at least one hundred thousand reasons that you should make sure that you know what you are getting into.
When setting your budget remember that about half of the cost will go to materials, with the remaining money going to labour and permits, fees and taxes.
Here is our ‘Top Ten List of Renovation Mistakes’:
One – Being the best house on the street.
Realtors say that three things matter when buying a house; location, location, location. So, being the best house in your neighborhood isn’t going to give you the return you might expect. Bear in mind your neighbourhood and plan accordingly.
Two – Cheap and Cheerful.
Make sure that your renovation blends in with the original structure. One article in a June 2013 British newspaper showed a renovation of a mobile home literally stuck onto the side of the house. Cheap, yes. Cost effective and adding value to your home, no! Make sure that your renovation is sympathetic to your current home to add maximum value.
Three – Illegal additions.
If you don’t have the correct permits before you start work you might find that the local authorities make you take down all of the work that has been done, wasting all that cash and time. Get the right permits before you start. A reputable contractor will be able to guide you, but do your own homework too. Check with your local authorities before you start work.
Four – Do it Yourself.
This can seem like a great way to save money, but faulty wiring and plumbing causes big problems and safety concerns down the line. And having to re-do the work is always more expensive than having it done correctly, and safely, at the time.
Five – Bringing the space indoors.
People want outdoor space, so if your renovation uses up all of your outdoor space you could be in a quandary when it comes to resale value. Make sure that you have an attractive outdoor area where people can enjoy summer barbecues and relax. Also, bear in mind that removing trees is not always a good choice. Mature trees on a lot add value to a home.
Six – Personal choices
You may be sure that those solid gold taps are worth every cent, but the chances are that future buyers won’t share your taste and won’t be prepared to pay for the over the top finishing touches you added to your renovation. Spend the finishing touches cash on items that future buyers will want, such as quality tiling in the bathrooms and kitchen. Luxurious showers never go unnoticed. And going open plan and adding a space for a personal office are always great additions to any renovation.
Seven – Stuck together with spit and glue
The major problems that are caused when extensions are not attached to an existing structure correctly are overwhelming. Make sure that your current building is sound, and that the extensions are structurally matched to the existing building, ensuring they are not impacting negatively on the integrity of the foundations or causing cracks in the building in the future.
Eight – Building your house on sand.
Check your subfloor for soundness! Otherwise you could discover that your beautiful new kitchen or bathroom is destroyed in just a few years. A sound subfloor is essential in successful long term renovations.
Nine – Blocking the Light.
One of the top selling features in any house is the amount of natural light that big windows let in. When planning your renovation make the most of the garden and natural scenery. Put in large windows that let in lots of natural light and consider using French doors instead of windows in downstairs rooms, especially the kitchen were access to the garden is always a bonus. And a bathroom with a garden view window; always a winner.
Ten – Check references.
This should probably be top of the list. But just to make sure that you remember we put it at the end. This is vital. Check every reference that your contractor provides and ask the references for the references that they checked, too! All reputable contractors are happy to provide you with references, and those who don’t want to give references are not the contractors you want to work with.
And as a final point, remember that curb appeal really matters!
Spruce up the front of your home with a fresh coat of paint and some well-planned planting. Spending a few hundred dollars on the first impression that potential buyers will have of your home is money well spent!
This Valentine’s Day, take some time to build unity with your sweetheart by tackling a fun home project. Working together to create something new is a great way to spend the holiday. Check out some of these simple DIY projects that can be accomplished in one day.
1. Revamp the Bedroom
Take a look around your bedroom and tackle a project or two that will bring new life to your getaway spot.
Picture Collage- Use an old wooden shutter to create a picture collage of special moments from your relationship. Paint the shutter a complimenting color and arrange the pictures in a decorative way.
Wall Art- Glue small wood letters onto a blank canvas into phrases of love or endearment for your loved one. Spray the entire surface of the the canvas and letters with a light color, such as off white or yellow.
2. Ambient Lighting:
Hanging ambient light around your home can cast a romantic glow on your Valentine’s Day weekend.
LED Picture- paint a canvas board with a dark solid color. Use an ice pick to poke holes into the canvas in the shape of your desired design. With white LED lights, poke the bulbs through the holes.
Bulbs- Change the bulbs out in table lamps to red or blue to cast a beautiful shade onto the wall.
3. Spruce up the Entryway:
Make the front doorway of your love filled home inviting and completely stand out to the neighborhood.
Paint- Pick a bright color to paint your front door, such as red or blue. Paint crossbars white for an added dimension.
Plant Stand- If you have a covered entryway, paint a bookcase with the same paint as the door, and use for a potted flower and herb stand.
If you would like to add a little charm to the outside of your home, a great DIY project is making your very own Stepping Stones. Stepping Stones can be used just about anywhere on your property. They can create a unique path that can lead to a shed or other building, they can be used to highlight a garden or even create a small patio or sitting area. Making your own Stepping Stones will set your home apart from many others.
Making your own Stepping Stones might seem a little complicated, but in reality they are a fun easy project that even the whole family can get involved in. Stones are relatively inexpensive to make and can be done in one day, making a perfect weekend DIY project that the whole family will enjoy.
To start you will need Mortar or Ready Mix Concrete. The size of your Stepping Stones will determine how many stones you can achieve out of a single bag of Mortar or Ready Mix Concrete. Next you will need to create a mold or form for your Stepping Stones. These can be made out of wood depending on the size in which you would want your Stepping Stone to be. The amount of wood needed will also depend on the size of the Stepping Stone as well. A good starting point would be a stone approximately 12 X 12 in dimension and about 2 inches thick. Sizes can be adjusted depending on the size you would need or desire.
To build the mold, you would take 4 pieces of wood and create a box with 12 x 12 dimensions on the interior, using a piece of plywood for the back and nail it all together. You now have your mold. A good idea is to “grease” the interior of the mold using non-petroleum grease as this would make it easier to remove your stone once it has dried.
Using the Ready Mix Concrete or Mortar (using manufacturer instructions on mixing and preparing as well as safety equipment such as gloves and goggles) fill your mold until it is approximately 2 inches thick – this can be adjusted to be thicker if desired but should be NO less than 2 inches. You can ALSO use other household items to make your mold such as baking pans, hub caps, Frisbees – this list goes on and on – get creative as long as it is approximately 2 inches thick.
Now that you have your Stepping Stone poured in the mold, it is time to bring out your creative side and decorate it! Color glass or stones can be added to the top of the Stone while it is still wet. Other ideas would be to take a small stick and scratch in family members names, dates, handprints, footprints and such, making it like a virtual time capsule that can be seen and enjoyed for years to come! Once again, you are only limited by your imagination.
Once the Stepping Stone is dried, remove it from the mold. The mold or form can be re-used for more Stepping Stones if needed. When placing your Stones in the desired location (play with different sites), dig into your dirt about ½ to 1 inch deep and ensure that it is placed in a leveled area. Your neighbors will be sure to notice your professional looking Stepping Stones that will be the highlight of conversations in your neighborhood. Let the envy begin!
Small spaces need decorating. It’s just that they need a different approach to maximize the space that they have. There are many different decorating ideas that work well for small spaces that are not only pleasing, but can actually increase the appearance of space in that particular room.
What follows are just a few ideas for improving the appearance of small spaces that can add considerably to your home.
Choose Light Colors: Adding light colors to a small room helps it to breathe and open up more. Even though you have not added to the size of the room, it simply appears larger and more comfortable. This is especially true in apartments where space is at a premium.
Wall Storage Shelves: Putting your storage shelves on the walls can save a considerable amount of space in the room, particularly kitchens and bathrooms which tend to be on the small side. In addition, many of these open shelves are attractive and even decorative depending on what is stored. Floor to ceiling shelves can save a considerable amount of space when used properly.
Fill that Nook: In many bedrooms, apartments and condos, there are nooks generally found between closet spaces which often go unutilized. However, by filling them with a home office, perhaps a desk and shelving you can add more function to the room while taking up little in the way of usable space. The nook makes the perfect desk area that gets used, yet still leaves plenty of open space to get to the bed or other place in the room itself.
Hidden Storage: Placing storage units under tables, sinks and other places can add considerably to the available space in your home while utilizing the areas which go to waste when it comes to storage. Imagine placing a storage area under the bathroom sink where you can place all the necessary items which helps clear up the clutter is a brilliant idea.
Curtain Dividers: If you need a way to make one small space into two small spaces, curtain dividers are the way to go. Curtains are very thin and take up little room, yet they create the division needed that can add to the illusion of a completely separate room. For example, in many apartments the living room and dining room are together, but a curtain can effectively separate them.
A Lamp on the Counter: For many small apartments where space is at a premium, creating a more intimate atmosphere is relatively easy to do by combining different areas of the room with common items. When you place a lamp on the kitchen counter, you are creating a more intimate area that combines existing spaces.
These are just a few smart ideas to help create the illusion of more space in small places. By keeping things practical and light, you can make the most out of the room available in the space that you have. Plus, all of these ideas are cost efficient and can be done quickly to create a better use of space.
With the New Year on the horizon, turn the last night of the year into a spectacular evening. By using a few simple decorations, you can create an inviting and exciting atmosphere for your celebrations. Use creative and simple decorations to make the night a time to remember with your loved ones.
Walls:
Decorate a featured wall with sparkly and elegant themes to celebrate the coming of a New Year. Try some of these ideas to create your theme:
Party favors- String up 20-30 gold or silver party favors in a row. Hang on a focal wall.
Banner- Write the phrase, “Happy New Year”, on brushed silver paper in black lettering.
Lights- Use several strands of white LED lights strung across curtain rods to bring ambiance.
Table:
Get your tables and counters festive with some of these brilliant decorations:
Party hats- Spray paint party hats with silver or gold paint and dip the edges of the hats in glitter. Set out on your table or counters.
Trees- Use tabletop silver Christmas trees to bring brilliance to your theme. Set the trees on top of black material for a stark contrast.
Tinsel- Snag the tinsel off the tree and sprinkle across the table cloth or counters.
Food:
Even your food is able to serve as decorative pieces. Arrange your snacks in some of these ways:
Serving trays- Pull out your silver serving platters to display finger foods. Consider sprinkling white powdered sugar on the trays for contrast.
Champagne glasses- Hang shrimp or cut cucumber slices over the rim of champagne glasses.
Jars- Wrap a gold or silver festive mask around the outside of a jar. Fill the jar with cookies or other desserts for your party.
Cake- Spread all white icing over a chocolate cake. Stick four or five silver party favors into the top of the cake.
Make this New Year’s Eve an amazing blow out to the year and ring in the New Year with excitement. For added beauty in your home, leave these unique decorations up for a few days.
Kitchen islands have become one of the most requested features for home buyers when on the lookout for new homes. Kitchen island not only provide a very modern looking design aesthetic but also helps save space by incorporating an open plan living and dining space. Even though these are a recent development, this allow two to three people to cook together, makes the stove accessible from all the sides of the space and make its counter top a good surface for serving meals. However, one must choose wisely, as not only does it add a new aesthetic effect to the kitchen, but also has many functional benefits.
Here are a few ideas that might help:
Firstly, decide Where to put it. The obvious place is at a central point in your kitchen. Before you plan a kitchen island, make sure (whether in a showroom or a builder) whether you actually have enough room for the island at your expense. Equally, shoehorning in a wide island that steals unnecessary room beyond it will make the kitchen appear smaller.
Secondly, what to put in it. Go with your own ideas. If you are a keen cook an island that houses the hob will allow you to face the dining room where your crowd will be gathered. However, it will also require it to be deep enough to allow some worktop space at the back of the hob for safety reasons, if not practical ones.
What goes beneath really depends on your kitchen space. Extra drawers are a plus if you otherwise lack storage in your kitchen. However, if you already have enough space, indulge in luxuries.
If you do not want or have a built-in kitchen island, there are a variety of options to choose from freestanding ones. The market is flooded with these and also adds the same aesthetic appeal as their more solid counterparts.
You may also incorporating seating into your island, using bar stools, and/or chairs of your choice. But you must work around the size of your kitchen for this. If you have a long and narrow kitchen, make seating arrangements at the end of the island. This feature does not have to be made permanent to your prior arrangements for an island.
Lighting comes in next. It is important that the lighting blends in. You want the light to come straight down on the island. The most common choice is recessed lightings. Another option is pendant lights, which hang from the ceiling. However, be careful with these. It’s easy to end up with them at wrong heights. Also make sure you opt for lightings which can be relatively dimmed when you are no longer in need of maximum illumination for working. Make sure everything blends in with the surroundings, though.
Islands should mimic the rest of the kitchen, typically by using the same finish and from the same manufacturer, and don’t call attention to themselves.
A well-designed island is a great place to congregate while at the same time separating those involved in cooking and cleaning from those who are just hanging out. After all, “Like it or not, everybody ends up in the kitchen”.
There are many different renovation projects that can transform the style and versatility of your home. The kitchen area requires design elements that yield distinction and function. There are many different kitchen remodeling design trends that combine contemporary, modern and traditional styles into one cohesive theme. It is simple to update your home through renovation and remodeling projects that are designed to match you preferences. Here are 10 easy design trends that are growing in popularity and are the perfect kitchen remodeling idea.
1. Transitional inspired kitchens have become the latest trend among homeowners. Transitional style combines both traditional and contemporary design elements to create a unique look that is set apart.
2. Transitional style also involves creating sleek and modern looks that make your kitchen more than just ordinary culinary space. By concealing appliances using cabinets and doorways, your kitchen becomes more functional an visually appealing.
3. A growing my kitchen trend that continues to be constantly changing is the color palate that is used to transform this space. Pops of color among neutral shades are a growing trend among individuals remodeling.
4. Although color is an important aspect of your kitchen, light is a critical element in every room. Modern light fixtures of the desired preference add elegance and style with ease. Installation of modern light fixtures is relatively easy and there are many different selections to choose from.
5. Modern light fixtures are the preferred choice of the primary light source in your kitchen, but recessed light fixtures are also becoming a design trend. These recessed lights can be placed above appliances or in cabinetry to make your kitchen areas more functional and enhanced with ambient lighting.
6. Along with lighting, flooring is also a key style component. Popular flooring options range from patterned and detailed tiles to more neutral and modern tile options. These flooring tiles can create a look that is set apart from other areas within your home.
7. Apart from flooring and lighting elements, the focal point of your kitchen is most likely your kitchen island. Throughout the past decade, kitchens islands have only become increasing popular and larger in size. You can use your island to prepare food and as a functional space that can also be used to display flowers or other appealing decor items.
8. Modern appliances are also growing in popularity, because they improve both the style and function of your kitchen. Sleek appliances are often found in both white and black options that blend well with existing kitchen decor.
9. Countertop kitchen remodeling trends have also been revolutionized in recent years. Glass backsplash tiles have become a growing design trend. These glass applications create a cohesive and distinct look match with traditional countertop tiles.
10. Therefore, the last kitchen remodeling trend refers to the traditional and neutral tile shades that are selected as the countertop option. These tiles complement the glass backsplash appropriately and add to the overall style.
