Friends
Kitchen Remodels are Great for Home Entertaining
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Find Prescreened Professionals
Select a Category Additions & Remodels Appliances Appraisers & Inspectors Architects Carpentry & Cabinets Cleaning Services Concrete, Brick, Stone Decks & Porches Decorators & Designers Electrical, Phone, Data Fencing Flooring General Contractor Handyman Services Heating & Cooling Landscaping Moving Painting & Staining Plumbing Real Estate Roofing & Gutters Siding Walls & Ceilings Windows Print Email Save Text Size If you host a lot of parties, you know it's always a balancing act trying to make sure all your guests are pleased, while still having time to enjoy yourself. The problem isn't just during the party, either. Preparing for the party can leave you feeling drained before the celebration ever gets going. Paradoxically, routine can be its own obstacle in successfully maneuvering through the process of party throwing. Consider what steps you can take a day or two before the party to reorganize your home and allow things to run more smoothly. Identify and Evaluate the Party
How exactly you go about reorganizing your home will depend largely on the nature of the party. Your needs may be different if you're hosting a family holiday or a Super Bowl party.
If drunk Uncle Larry is coming for the Holidays, you should go ahead and put the liquor in storage??deep storage??and simply say you need to restock the liquor cabinet.
For the Super Bowl, you may want to go out and buy an extra cooler for drink.
For the 4th of July, move furniture outside and walk around the outside of the house, make sure all the lighting is working properly, the walkways are clear?you get the idea.
If you tend to host a lot of parties, this probably isn't your first rodeo so think about how the same party went last year and what you could have done differently to make things go easier.
The Kitchen is the Epicenter
For most parties, food and drink is nine-tenths of the law, making the kitchen the single most important room in the house. Focus on this room before the party and think about what you'll need and what you won't. Items like stand-up mixers or crock pots that you know you're going to use should be placed in a more easy-to-reach place. On the other hand, if you know you're not going to be using these items, take them out of the kitchen entirely and put them into storage. If you find you're really tight on room, consider using your kitchen pantry. Chances are a lot of stuff in the pantry can be shoveled into a box and temporarily placed in a closet. Even one extra shelf can sometimes make a ton of difference.
Make your home the best palce to entertain with a new
Kitchen Remodel
Move the Kitchen out of the Kitchen
Another way to reorganize your home to free up space and make things run smoothly is to move certain elements of the party out of the kitchen. If you're not planning on eating right away, guests will want to enjoy drinks while they wait. Move the beverages, glasses, and ice bucket to a separate room closer to where everybody will be congregating. If you have a long dining room table you might consider pushing it against the wall to create a buffet table and replace it with portable card tables. The card tables may be friendlier anyway and if you've done your job right, the spread on the dining room table will be a sight worthy of its own picture.
Kitchen Remodeling Project Guide
If you enjoyed this article, check out our free Kitchen Remodeling Guide, which features expert advice, design & material comparisons, and custom price estimates for your remodeling project.
LM
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Outdoor Kitchens: Have You Heard?
More Home Improvement Categories Appliances Architects & Builders Ask the Expert Attics Basement Bathrooms Bedrooms Cabinets Carpentry Carpet Cleaning Concrete Countertops Coverings Decks & Porches Dens Doors Driveways Drywall & Insulation Efficiency Electrical Environmental Fences Fireplaces Flooring Foundations Furniture Garages Green Building Halls Handyman Services Heating & Cooling Home Additions Home Building Home Remodeling Home Repairs Home Security Insulation Interior Design Interior Designers Kitchen Landscaping Laundry Lighting Mortgages Moving Offices Organizing & storage Outbuildings Painting & Staining Patios Pets Plumbing Real Estate Roofing & Gutters Siding Sinks Stone Swimming Pools Tile Walls & Ceilings Windows Woodworking Working with Contractors Yards
Find Prescreened Professionals
Select a Category Additions & Remodels Appliances Appraisers & Inspectors Architects Carpentry & Cabinets Cleaning Services Concrete, Brick, Stone Decks & Porches Decorators & Designers Electrical, Phone, Data Fencing Flooring General Contractor Handyman Services Heating & Cooling Landscaping Moving Painting & Staining Plumbing Real Estate Roofing & Gutters Siding Walls & Ceilings Windows Print Email Save Text Size Outdoor kitchens are not the new thing; they are the thing. Outdoor kitchens have been around for a while in the warmer states, where they can be used year round. But like every great idea, it caught, and even caught on in areas where these additions can't be enjoyed during all times of the year.
These additions have survived the fad and they are here to stay, which makes them valuable selling points for your home, not to mention valuable living points while you reside there.
What's even better is that since they have been around for a years, all the wrinkles have been ironed out, advances have been made, and now outdoor kitchens can be just as smooth as any other home addition.
Typical Outdoor Kitchen Design
If you're not familiar these home remodels, let's get you up to speed. The centerpiece to an outdoor kitchen is the fire. The fire is typically a BBQ grill of some stripe. But this addition is not just a grill, otherwise most everyone already has one. To be a true outdoor kitchen, there has to be more kitchen to it, which is why sinks counters, and a basic cooking station typically accompany this popular home addition. They are basically exactly what they sound like: kitchens that are outside. And if you have one, no more running back and forth to get anything while you are grilling, because you have everything you need right there.
Custom Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens would not be so popular if it weren't all the upgrades. Here are some that we have noticed over the last few years.
Masonry & Brick Ovens: If you have a grill, a counter, a sink, waste basket and the like, some brick or stone masonry can really keep everything together instead of looking thrown together. Some have invested in brick ovens and then just built in their BBQ grill and the rest. Very stylish approach.
Dishwashers & Garbage Disposals: You don't want the luxury of cooking outside if you have to run all the dishes back inside, not to mention the scrap food. Dishwashers are not only great for cleaning dishes, but they are also great for storing dishes as well. They are perfect, out of the way places. And a garbage disposal? If you're going to do this, do it right. The last thing you want beside you out there is a can of chicken fat and corn husks while you are entertaining guests.
Fridges & Cabinets: Many custom outdoor kitchen have under-the-counter mini-fridges for storing cold drink, wine, and those marinating meats and vegetables. Some have also installed cabinets into the masonry or simply alongside the grill to store cookware, spices, glasses, and whatever else people need when they cook.
The Big Picture Many have chosen to put their outdoor kitchens on their patios; however, the problem with this is that if you are to run water, gas, and electricity out to your outside kitchen, then you need some way to sneak in there discretely.
Many have chosen to build a deck for their kitchens. All the pipes and wiring can be run below deck and out of site. Others have chosen to install a pergola over their patios or deck, and they just run their wiring and pipes through there, down the posts, and no one is the wiser.
If you do choose a deck, or if you already have one, you'll likely need extra fortification for all of the weight that will be sitting atop the boards, but this is small potato stuff. For now, sketch out some space, pull in some good outdoor kitchen design, and get what you want. ***Remember that if you live in a cold state, you will need to winterize your outdoor kitchen come October, so make sure you have this in mind when building it.
Kitchen Remodeling Project Guide
If you enjoyed this article, check out our free Kitchen Remodeling Guide, which features expert advice, design & material comparisons, and custom price estimates for your remodeling project.
LM
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Towanda! Making a Green Kitchen a Reality
More Home Improvement Categories Appliances Architects & Builders Ask the Expert Attics Basement Bathrooms Bedrooms Cabinets Carpentry Carpet Cleaning Concrete Countertops Coverings Decks & Porches Dens Doors Driveways Drywall & Insulation Efficiency Electrical Environmental Fences Fireplaces Flooring Foundations Furniture Garages Green Building Halls Handyman Services Heating & Cooling Home Additions Home Building Home Remodeling Home Repairs Home Security Insulation Interior Design Interior Designers Kitchen Landscaping Laundry Lighting Mortgages Moving Offices Organizing & storage Outbuildings Painting & Staining Patios Pets Plumbing Real Estate Roofing & Gutters Siding Sinks Stone Swimming Pools Tile Walls & Ceilings Windows Woodworking Working with Contractors Yards
Find Prescreened Professionals
Select a Category Additions & Remodels Appliances Appraisers & Inspectors Architects Carpentry & Cabinets Cleaning Services Concrete, Brick, Stone Decks & Porches Decorators & Designers Electrical, Phone, Data Fencing Flooring General Contractor Handyman Services Heating & Cooling Landscaping Moving Painting & Staining Plumbing Real Estate Roofing & Gutters Siding Walls & Ceilings Windows Print Email Save Text Size Green is the most recent catchword in the home improvement industry, a synonym for all things new, innovative, and environmentally friendly. It's an interesting development, especially when you consider that the color green isn't exactly a stranger when it comes to kitchens. Take fried green tomatoes, for instance. This southern tradition has been around as long as the Whistlestop Cafe, inspiring a best-selling novel and a hit movie in the process! And it's exactly that juxtaposition of old and new that can make going green in the kitchen such a conundrum for homeowners. Whether you're gearing up for a complete kitchen remodel, or just want to make some eco-wise upgrades, here's what the experts are saying about going green in one of the most important rooms in the home.
Lots of Green Potential: Energy Savings
Just as the character Ruth Jamison always believed in the potential of Idgie Threadgood in the movie Fried Green Tomatoes, the reason kitchens get so much attention in green circles is because they're so full of possibility from a green perspective. According to Kirsten Ritchie, Director of Sustainable Design for the consulting and advising firm Gensler, "the kitchen is the most energy-intensive room in the house." Why? In an article for GreenHomeGuide Ritchie answers that question, noting that the American addiction to excess is often to blame. "Do we really need refrigerators that can store 12 different bottles of barbecue sauce, eight different salad dressings, 14 containers of leftovers, etc.?" asks Ritchie. "And how big do we really need that microwave to be? Are we using it to defrost 30-pound turkeys (a bad idea), or simply to reheat small containers of leftovers? Bigger is definitely not better in this area." In other words, when it comes to an area in your home where simple lifestyle changes can reap big green results, the kitchen is a great place to start.
Green Kitchens are Healthier Kitchens
Of course, vastly improved energy efficiency isn't the only place you stand to benefit by going green in the kitchen. Just like Idgie Threadgood had a sensitive side to her rough exterior in the movie Fried Green Tomatoes, going green in the kitchen has more than one face to show the world, as well. According to green remodeling consultant David Johnston, the medium density fiberboard and interior grade plywood that many cabinets and countertops are made of can release dangerous amount of carcinogenic urea formaldehyde fumes into indoor environments, while the VOCs created by paints and stains further contaminate indoor air. David Linzer, a Certified Kitchen Designer and green advocate, concurs. "Having written articles on 'Finding Responsibility,' 'Greenwashing,' and 'Green Kitchen/Bath Design,' and doing seminars to educate professionals and consumers, there needs to be a constant reminder that toxic indoor air quality contributes to asthma, allergies, attention deficit disorders, cancer and many other illnesses," writes Linzer. "While the media typically covers energy, water, light and recycling, there is little discussed about sick air syndrome. Building, designing, and living in a healthy home should be high on the priority of lists for going green."
What Can You Do to Go Green?
What is the best way for you, as a homeowner, to embrace green in your kitchen? According to Forbes magazine, appliances are the best place to start. "The typical refrigerator uses 4.6 million Btu per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy," cites a Forbes article on the rise of green kitchen appliances, a figure that adds up to "nearly 5% of total household annual electricity consumption." Contrast those statistics with a refrigerator highlighted in the same article that cuts electrical use at that appliance by over 30%, and you get the idea. Other energy-saving appliance choices include induction cooktops that can reduce stovetop energy use by 90%, new dishwashers that reduce the energy you use to wash dishes by as much as 41%, and microwave ovens that can cook food using 80% less energy than a conventional oven.
On the health front, things get a little more complicated. Green remodeling guru David Johnston recommends in his book, Green Remodeling: Changing the World One Room at a Time, that homeowners choose formaldehyde free cabinet and countertop materials, low or no VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and stains, and water based adhesives rather than those that use petroleum based solvents. He also stresses the importance of good ventilation in the form of range hoods and lots of windows, just to be safe. In short, don't let reducing energy consumption dominate your green kitchen goals. Taking steps in a positive direction when it comes to creating a healthy kitchen is equally important.
The Cost of a Green Kitchen
Finally, what does a green kitchen cost these days? In all honesty, it's hard to say. So much of it depends on whether your kitchen is a few hundred square feet, or a couple thousand, that it's nearly impossible to quote reliable ballpark estimates. Nevertheless, in her Washington Post article "Eco-Friendly in the Kitchen," Lila Guterman found that the estimates she got from contractors to build a "green" kitchen were consistently 20% to 30% more than a traditional kitchen remodel. That might sound like a hefty price tag, but when you figure in a healthier home, reduced energy costs, and eco-peace-of-mind, it makes sense why more and more homeowners are deciding that the extra 20% to 30% is well worth the money spent.
No Need to Shoot for the Moon
Finally, what if that 20% to 30% is more than youyre willing, or able, to spend? Never fear. Going green doesn't have to mean spending thousands, or tens of thousands, of dollars on a major kitchen remodel. Harkening back to our Friend Green Tomato discussion, sometimes the least complicated plans are best. After all, who can forget the fate of Ruth's abusive ex-husband at the Whistlestop Cafe? BBQ ribs anybody? Obviously, cannibalism is never the answer, but making green decisions on a smaller level in the kitchen does make a difference. Choosing long lasting pots and pans (stainless steel and cast iron), using reusable storage containers rather than disposable ones, and repainting or refinishing old cabinets rather than sending your existing set to the landfill, are all smart steps in a green direction.
How green you want to go in the kitchen is up to you. The trick is making the commitment, and then making it happen. Towanda!
Electric Grills: Shockingly Convenient
More Home Improvement Categories Appliances Architects & Builders Ask the Expert Attics Basement Bathrooms Bedrooms Cabinets Carpentry Carpet Cleaning Concrete Countertops Coverings Decks & Porches Dens Doors Driveways Drywall & Insulation Efficiency Electrical Environmental Fences Fireplaces Flooring Foundations Furniture Garages Green Building Halls Handyman Services Heating & Cooling Home Additions Home Building Home Remodeling Home Repairs Home Security Insulation Interior Design Interior Designers Kitchen Landscaping Laundry Lighting Mortgages Moving Offices Organizing & storage Outbuildings Painting & Staining Patios Pets Plumbing Real Estate Roofing & Gutters Siding Sinks Stone Swimming Pools Tile Walls & Ceilings Windows Woodworking Working with Contractors Yards
Find Prescreened Professionals
Select a Category Additions & Remodels Appliances Appraisers & Inspectors Architects Carpentry & Cabinets Cleaning Services Concrete, Brick, Stone Decks & Porches Decorators & Designers Electrical, Phone, Data Fencing Flooring General Contractor Handyman Services Heating & Cooling Landscaping Moving Painting & Staining Plumbing Real Estate Roofing & Gutters Siding Walls & Ceilings Windows Print Email Save Text Size Most of us are now familiar with tabletop electric grills; a certain heavy weight champion has made them a household name. When it comes to barbecuing, however, many people don't consider electric grills a viable outlet. Lovers of convenience will be happy to know that there are now a fair number of outdoor as well as indoor electric grills and "smokers" available that are not only easy to use, but also cook a lean, mean steak or veggie burger.
Indoor Electric Grills
Big George has set the standard for tabletop cooking, and the Foreman grill family is now expanding. His first model revolutionized the indoor electric grill; the newer models offer even more! Current Foreman grills can be large enough to cook upwards of 5 burgers at a time and come with removable grilling surfaces, which helps with cleaning. There are also outdoor models available with even more grilling capacity.
Finishing Your Basement Walls
At Home with Furring, Shims and Plumb
In the past, many homes were built with unfinished basements and the homeowner used those dark, bare, usually damp spaces for storage, laundry, or large collections of spider webs and dust bunnies. You may have bought one yourself and now, with the high price of new housing, you are looking to expand your current house to meet your family's needs (do your covenants really allow 10 story ranch houses?). That unfinished basement seems be the answer!
Want to do it yourself? I suggest you begin by evicting the dust bunnies! Next, we need to finish the basement walls. Easy, right? Just slap up some drywall and tape! Wrong. Here's how to do it correctly:
Look at the amount of moisture in your basement. Are the walls moist? Are there mushrooms growing in the corner? Is there standing water in any part of the area? (If you make the kids wear lifejackets when they go downstairs, you may have a water problem). You should call a professional for ideas on how to get rid of water seepage. It will be money well spent and will prevent many problems later.
Estimate the amount of drywall and furring strips (long, thin wood strips which enable you to attach the drywall to the concrete face) you will need. For every 4 feet of wall, you will need one sheet of drywall (we are assuming that your ceiling is less than 8 feet!) and 4 furring strips.
Screw the furring strips to the wall leaving a space of approximately ?inch from the bottom of the strip to the floor in case water seeps in. Make sure the strips are plumb (use your handy-dandy level) and drill holes about 16 inches apart into the wall (use a masonry bit). Drive in hardened concrete screws with your even-handier-dandy drill.
Shim the furring strips to create a flat plane for the dry wall. (Is this the point where the author makes a bad pun about doing the shimmy?) Start with the strip nearest the corner and use a long level to see if it's plumb. Use a shim, if needed, to bring it level. Repeat the process to make certain all the strips are plumb with the first.
Add insulation and a vapor barrier. Both are available at your local home improvement store. Placing insulation panels between the strips increases the R-value of the basement. The R-value measures the basement's resistance to heat loss. All you have to do is cut the insulation panel to size and press it between the strips. The plastic vapor barrier will help minimize moisture penetration. Staple the barrier to the strips, but try not to get overly enthusiastic with the stapler and breaking the surface of the barrier. The more holes are in the barrier, the more moisture will penetrate.
Cut the drywall. Drywall should also be placed ?in off the floor in case the floor gets wet. Use a straightedge or a T-square to mark the cut line on the drywall face. If you don't have a straightedge or a T-square, use the edge of a furring strip. Drywall is easy to cut using a utility knife. Just cut through the paper facing. The piece to be cut off is then snapped toward the back of the panel. You can then cut through the paper backing with the utility knife. Easy, huh?
Screw the drywall to the furring strips. The best way to measure where you need to screw is to snap a chalk line along the drywall at each furring strip (do you remember how far apart you placed them?) Use 1 ?inch drywall screws and be careful not to screw so deep that you break the surface of the face paper.
Finishing the wall. Ok, now for a bit of artistry! You can make the wall look really good - or really, really bad! Apply a layer of drywall compound in the cracks between the dry wall sheets. The layer should be about 3 inches wide, more or less. Then apply a strip of drywall tape and apply another thin layer of compound over the tape. Then fill in all the screw holes with compound. Try to make the surface and smooth as possible (easier said than done!). After the first layer dries (usually 24-36 hours,) scrape off any uneven ridges or lumps and apply a thin layer of compound with a wide putty knife. Sand smooth and you are ready paint!
You now have a blank palette ready for a wide range of decorating options: bedroom, play room, den, family room, game room, bonus room, office, gym, workshop or bowling alley. The choice is yours! The style is yours! Have fun!
There are a number of other indoor electric grills that are quietly expanding the market. These are more like conventional grills in that they do away with the "press" design and cook food one side at a time. People who live in apartments or condos where traditional grills are not allowed will be pleasantly surprised at how much indoor electric grills are like their gas or propane counterparts. They are available in countertop designs as well as styles that are meant for permanent kitchen placement. The only thing you'll miss is the excess smoke!
Outdoor Electric Grills
The electric grill is coming out of the box in a big way. In the same way that many people who used to swear by charcoal have switched to propane, it's likely that many others will switch to electric in the future.
Electric grills offer clean, sufficient heat with minimal effort. You just plug it in, turn it on, and in a few minutes, you're ready to cook. There is no charcoal or wood to wait for, and no propane tank to replace. Some are available with an optional rotisserie, and all will cook anything a conventional grill can cook in a similar amount of time. While purchasing one can sometimes be a little more expensive than a propane model, electric grills are still competitively priced.
Why stop with just a grill? Use this link for a complete
Kitchen Remodel
Electric "Smokers"
The term "smoker" can mean different things to different people. Barbecue purists reserve the term "smoked meat" for things that are made in a smokehouse. The rest is simply good barbecue. That being said, an electric smokehouse (not unlike a traditional one) is less likely to be purchased than it is to be built.
Most "smokers" on the market are basically grills that are designed to cook meat slowly and to let the smoke of burning wood (often pecan, hickory, or mesquite) logs or chips enhance the flavor of the food. In this respect, electric, gas, and conventional smokers work the same way. The meat is actually cooked by the heat of the grill; burning chunks of wood add additional flavor.
Electric smokers are available either in small grill form for outdoor barbecue fun, or in a "refrigerator" style for cooking many pounds of meat at a time. There are also commercial size electric smokers available for restaurant use.
Make the Most of Your Kitchen with a Food Pantry
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More Home Improvement Categories Appliances Architects & Builders Ask the Expert Attics Basement Bathrooms Bedrooms Cabinets Carpentry Carpet Cleaning Concrete Countertops Coverings Decks & Porches Dens Doors Driveways Drywall & Insulation Efficiency Electrical Environmental Fences Fireplaces Flooring Foundations Furniture Garages Green Building Halls Handyman Services Heating & Cooling Home Additions Home Building Home Remodeling Home Repairs Home Security Insulation Interior Design Interior Designers Kitchen Landscaping Laundry Lighting Mortgages Moving Offices Organizing & storage Outbuildings Painting & Staining Patios Pets Plumbing Real Estate Roofing & Gutters Siding Sinks Stone Swimming Pools Tile Walls & Ceilings Windows Woodworking Working with Contractors Yards
Find Prescreened Professionals
Select a Category Additions & Remodels Appliances Appraisers & Inspectors Architects Carpentry & Cabinets Cleaning Services Concrete, Brick, Stone Decks & Porches Decorators & Designers Electrical, Phone, Data Fencing Flooring General Contractor Handyman Services Heating & Cooling Landscaping Moving Painting & Staining Plumbing Real Estate Roofing & Gutters Siding Walls & Ceilings Windows Print Email Save Text Size There are few additions to a kitchen remodel that make more sense than a food pantry. A food pantry is simply an extra room or storage space dedicated to housing everything from cereal boxes to canned goods. And when it comes to saving cabinet space, and making your kitchen a more convenient area to work in, a pantry can be an absolute godsend.
Food Pantry Design
If you are in the middle of a major kitchen remodel, or are just looking for a way to maximize space and increase organization, installing a food pantry is one of the wisest decisions you can make. Where a lot of homeowners go wrong, however, is in the conceptual phases of designing their kitchen pantry. Too often, the pantry is relegated to a cramped closet, out of sight and out of mind. While that might be your ultimate goal, incorporating a few more innovative designs into your food pantry design can be the difference between a dark, cluttered, storage area, and an accessible and attractive kitchen addition.
Accessibility is Key
When designing a pantry, remember that you shouldn't just be thinking storage. If that were the case, a closet stacked with shelves would do the trick. An ideal pantry makes organizing your food-stuffs and other kitchen items easy, and makes accessing them a breeze as well. That being the case, think about a more open and accessible food panty for your new kitchen.
Avoid a Cave
One of the biggest pantry mistakes is building a deep, narrow, pantry space. These might be great storage areas, but they are unattractive and inconvenient when it comes to preparing meals and putting away groceries. Sure, you want your pantry to be hidden from sight, but you also want to be able to get what you need, when you need it. Incorporating a narrow, accessible pantry into your kitchen, covered with attractive sliding, or folding, slatted doors, is the perfect solution. Your food storage items will be hidden from sight, but all you'll have to do is slide open the doors, peruse the narrow shelves, and you'll easily find what you're looking for.
Don't stop with just the pantry! Use this link for a custom
Kitchen Remodel
Better Yet, Utilize Custom Cabinetry
A narrow closet covered with folding closet doors is a fine solution for many kitchens, but if your kitchen remodel is of the dream variety, consider installing a pantry designed of customized cabinetry instead. A full wall, custom cabinet design, fitted with rotating shelves, storage shelves on the cabinet doors, and covered with the beauty of custom built cabinetry, will serve you well and look great at the same time.
Saving Space
Of course, not everybody has the space to incorporate a full food pantry into their kitchen design. Not to worry. For those homeowners struggling to optimize the space they do have, think about adding cabinetry that doubles a food pantry. Lazy Susans, rotating cabinets, and pull out shelving, can add tons of space to an otherwise cramped kitchen. No matter what your food pantry needs are, there's a solution out there for you. Talk to a kitchen remodeler, or other contractor, about designing the perfect set-up for all your food storage needs.
Kitchen Design Ideas
More Home Improvement Categories Appliances Architects & Builders Ask the Expert Attics Basement Bathrooms Bedrooms Cabinets Carpentry Carpet Cleaning Concrete Countertops Coverings Decks & Porches Dens Doors Driveways Drywall & Insulation Efficiency Electrical Environmental Fences Fireplaces Flooring Foundations Furniture Garages Green Building Halls Handyman Services Heating & Cooling Home Additions Home Building Home Remodeling Home Repairs Home Security Insulation Interior Design Interior Designers Kitchen Landscaping Laundry Lighting Mortgages Moving Offices Organizing & storage Outbuildings Painting & Staining Patios Pets Plumbing Real Estate Roofing & Gutters Siding Sinks Stone Swimming Pools Tile Walls & Ceilings Windows Woodworking Working with Contractors Yards
Find Prescreened Professionals
Select a Category Additions & Remodels Appliances Appraisers & Inspectors Architects Carpentry & Cabinets Cleaning Services Concrete, Brick, Stone Decks & Porches Decorators & Designers Electrical, Phone, Data Fencing Flooring General Contractor Handyman Services Heating & Cooling Landscaping Moving Painting & Staining Plumbing Real Estate Roofing & Gutters Siding Walls & Ceilings Windows Print Email Save Text Size Before you can start a kitchen remodel, you need to have a firm grasp of what you're shooting for, not only in terms of specific countertop and cabinet installations but your new kitchen's design and layout. You may want to retain the layout of your old kitchen or you want to reorganize the three main kitchen stations (oven, sink, and refrigerator), also known as the kitchen triangle. Knowing what you want in your general layout, specific fixtures and installations, and a decorating theme are all critical in enabling the kitchen remodel to go off without a hitch.
Kitchen Planning and Design
Kitchen planning is important, whether you're talking about layout or decorating ideas. Kitchens can be U-shaped, L-shaped, or a galley. Galleys can be one wall or two wall galleys. Each shape has distinct advantages and disadvantages involving cooking convenience, foot traffic, and storage space. Unless you're undertaking a major kitchen remodel, you're probably locked into your kitchen shape. Even if you're thinking about a major overhaul, the kitchen spaces tend to point toward a limited number of options. Square kitchens spaces lend themselves to U-shaped and L-shaped kitchens. Longer, narrower spaces usually mean galley. Large kitchens lead to island kitchens.
Kitchen d??cor and kitchen planning is usually a combination between the existing decorating themes in the home and what your tastes are. Don't install a bunch of metal appliances, counters, and walls if you live in a country style home. Still, replacing the floral wallpaper from the 60s or 70s is a good kitchen design idea regardless of the look in the rest of your home. Make a list to create effective kitchen planning. Include large ideas for your kitchen layout and specific ideas for decoration and storage. Each item in your list should be priced and figured within the confines of a predetermined budget.
Kitchen Design Ideas
The best kitchen design ideas are usually sensible ones. More than trying to create the perfect kitchen, the best kitchen remodels first make sure to avoid common mistakes. Don't outspend the value of your home and your neighborhood. Kitchen remodels can add significant value to your home, but if you're spending $25,000 on the project when the top home in your neighborhood is only selling for $100,000, you're probably not going to see much return on your investment.
Spread your money around. Don't completely redo your kitchen if the rest of your home is falling apart. Spruce your kitchen up and get the rest of your home in good working condition as well. Likewise, don't spend over half your budget on one area of your kitchen and neglect the rest. Naturally, revamping your old flooring may cost quite bit more than fixing up your old kitchen cabinets, but spending a couple thousand dollars on a high-end countertop isn't the best choice if you can't implement some of your other kitchen design ideas.
Find the right balance between daring and classic. Some homeowners have become afraid of color and end up with a drab kitchen. On the other hand, as much as you love the combination of lime green and tangerine orange, it's probably not coming back in style any time soon. Your new kitchen shouldn't look like a blank palette, but it shouldn't run the risk of making guests or potential home buyers cringe at the sight, either.
Plate Racks to Dry For
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Find Prescreened Professionals
Select a Category Additions & Remodels Appliances Appraisers & Inspectors Architects Carpentry & Cabinets Cleaning Services Concrete, Brick, Stone Decks & Porches Decorators & Designers Electrical, Phone, Data Fencing Flooring General Contractor Handyman Services Heating & Cooling Landscaping Moving Painting & Staining Plumbing Real Estate Roofing & Gutters Siding Walls & Ceilings Windows Print Email Save Text Size While many modern homes are now equipped with that most wonderful invention, the dishwasher, a dish rack is still necessary if you want to keep your kitchen as clean as possible. Though a plate rack is generally a very simple apparatus, finding the perfect one can be a bit more complicated.
Though many inexpensive models will hold a few plates at a time, a dish rack for a large family might be harder to find. In addition, many models aren't set up to accommodate silverware or mugs and glasses. The amount of space in your kitchen and the style and number of sinks in it will all come into play when choosing the right rack for you.
Plate Racks for Small Kitchens
If you've already got a cramped kitchen, adding another item could seem like a bad idea. There are, however, some interesting dish rack designs that could be just the right fit. To start off, those with a fair amount of mugs or stemware should really consider an under cabinet drying and storage system. These are incredible space savers, creating extra room in the plate rack, as well as in cabinets. They are usually not very expensive and only require the most basic skills to install. Those who are looking for something even more interesting could try a custom plate rack above the sink. This will save space during drying time, but can also serve as a permanent storage space, too.
Dish Racks in Larger Kitchens
In a big kitchen, the problem is less about space to put a rack and more about space in the rack. While the simplest solution is to have multiple plate racks, it is often not the most appealing. Larger racks are difficult to come by in many department stores, but can be found online from the manufacturers.
Use Plate and Dish Racks as part of your
Kitchen Storage Plan
Those concerned with spotty dishes should take a look at electric drying plate racks. You simply pop the dishes in, and the rack uses warm air to dry them and leave them with no water spots!
Sometimes it seems like the more room you have, the more room you need. Homes with large kitchens also tend to have storage space issues. A high-capacity, wall-mounted rack, though probably not the best place to dry dishes, can free up cabinet and counter space for food storage or small kitchen appliances.
Drawer Dishwashers
Though they're not meant to be used as storage spaces, many of us have fallen into the bad habit of turning the dishwasher into a semi-permanent home for clean plates and the dirty ones, as well. As we all know, habits are difficult to break. A double-drawer dishwasher is a useful tool for those with this particular ailment. It has two separate storage areas for dirty dishes that can be run individually. This means, while you're still living off of the clean dishes in one drawer, you can run a load of dirty pots and pans in the other. A dishwasher is a very expensive way to solve storage problems, but if you're in the market for a new one anyway, a double drawer model could be a convenience that's worth having.
Home Improvement Projects That Really Pay Off
Many of us watch TV shows and see the miraculous transformation of homes and gardens by professionals and amateur do-it-yourselfers. Is it really that easy, we ask ourselves. Could I do it? Where do I begin? What improvement projects will generate the biggest increase in the value of my home?
What Do You Want and What Can You Afford?
There are several good reasons for wanting to redecorate or remodel your home. If your residence no longer reflects your changing tastes and lifestyle but you don't want to leave a desirable neighborhood, maybe all you need to do is make one or two basic changes. Altering a color scheme, converting a bedroom into a home office, or upgrading the kitchen and bathroom are practical home improvement projects that add esthetic appeal and really pay off. If a move is in the future, you want home improvement projects that will give you the biggest bang for your buck when it?s time to sell.
Whatever your motives for improving your home, make a wish list with three categories:
Must have
Would like to have
Dreams can come true
When your list is complete, consider the amount of money you have available or are prepared to borrow. Unless you have unlimited funds, make a realistic estimate of what you can afford. Are you planning major renovations that will require the services of an architect or a contractor? Will you need an electrician, a plumber, a carpenter, a painter, or all four? How much work can you do yourself? All these factors must be taken into account as you pare down your list into affordable home improvement projects.
How Do You Begin?
Every project starts with a plan. Itemize everything you want and think you can afford, and include a design of rooms to be remodeled. If you are going to require professional help, now is the time to talk to contractors, plumbers, and other tradesmen, and to ask for estimates. Comparison-shopping is a must. If you are an accomplished do-it-yourselfer, price materials and tools needed. If you can't afford to do everything on your list, reassess your prime needs and make a new plan.
What Projects Are Key?
The best projects for improving the value of your home are, happily, the most affordable and the easiest to do yourself, even if you are a super klutz. Ask any real estate agent for tips on how to prepare a home for resale and you will be told that the house and yard should be cleaned and all clutter removed. Creating suitable home storage facilities and cleaning and painting the interior and exterior of your house, therefore, are the jobs that top the list of desirable improvements. The premium projects that usually require professional help are kitchen remodeling first and bathroom remodeling second. These particular upgrades will provide the best return for your money, and the real estate industry has statistics to prove it.
Clean Everything in Sight
Cleaning your home and yard is a great improvement project, and if you are remodeling, it will be the final step after the dust has settled. You will need something heavy-duty like tri-sodium phosphate or its equivalent to wash most surfaces inside and outside the house. There are also special cleaners for glass, tile, porcelain, stainless steel, and wood, and for getting rid of unpleasant molds and mildew. Visit your friendly hardware store and read labels. There are cleaners for almost every material and for solving almost every cleaning problem. Make sure rooms are well ventilated whenever you are cleaning, carefully follow directions, and wear gloves and a mask.
Removing clutter is another worthwhile project and requires adequate home storage with a combination of cabinets, shelves and bins, and sufficient strength of mind to discard all junk, no matter how much you love it. You can buy easy-to-assemble shelving and cabinets in a great variety of sizes and materials at affordable prices. Small, decorative containers can be used to organize and conceal the ongoing accumulations of such items as incoming mail. In the yard, removing clutter means getting rid of dead trees, dead branches, broken slabs and stones in patios and walkways, and tidying up the garden and lawn. When faced with clutter, ruthlessly throw it out, recycle it, hold a garage sale, donate it to the charity of your choice -- get rid of it.
Interior painting and exterior painting should be next on your list of preferred home improvement projects. Fresh paint helps make your home look clean, bright, and spacious. When selecting colors for the exterior, don't forget to do something about that bland front door. Have fun! Fresh, harmonious colors add beauty and personality to your home both inside and out.
Put Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling High on the List
Although remodeling a kitchen seems like a daunting task, a complete overhaul pays great dividends if and when you sell your home. Purchasing new cabinets and appliances are worthy goals, but you can also make minor changes that will create impact. If you can't replace the kitchen cabinets, replace the cabinet doors at least. If that is also beyond your means, add molding to the cabinet doors, paint them, and replace the hardware. It?s not that difficult or expensive to replace an outdated sink, and if you can't afford a new stove, fridge and dishwasher, don't hang on to those gold or avocado monstrosities -- buy attractive reconditioned replacements.
Bathroom remodeling is the next most important improvement and the biggest dividends come from installing a new sink, bathtub, toilet, and shower stall, as well as attractive tiles and custom cabinets. Again, if you can't manage a complete makeover, replace the tired old taps, faucets and shower head; add shelves; and paint and redecorate the cabinets.
Other Projects to Consider
After you have decided on and planned for the most important home improvement projects, new window covering and upgraded flooring should receive your attention. You can choose from a large array of window dressings and styles, or simply buy fabric, turn hems with iron-on tape, and dramatically drape the material over attractive curtain rods. Shutters are another possibility and lend themselves to many different decorating styles.
Your choice of flooring is limited only by your taste and budget. Rip up the old carpet and replace it with contemporary hardwood flooring or laminate flooring. If you already have hardwood, simply sanding and re-staining it or giving it a clear finish may give your rooms the lift they need. Other flooring replacements that can transform a room include tile, vinyl, linoleum, or textured rubber.
Finally, save a little energy and money to improve the appearance of your yard. Maybe all you have to do to improve the landscape is trim, mow, weed, and then plant a few flowers. Adding or upgrading an existing patio, deck, or walkway can also be very worthwhile.
Choosing the best modeling and redecorating projects will not only increase the long-term value of your home, they will also provide satisfaction and pleasure for you, the smart homeowner.
Budget Friendly Home Decor
"The best strategy in budget decorating is to always inventory and use what you have on hand before buying decorating supplies... so before you go shopping for bargains at your favorite thrift store, shop in your own home first!"
As the seasons change, many times your local thrift and consignment stores will have a change in inventory. So, be sure not to miss out on decorating supplies, furnishings, accessories, paint, wallpaper and fabrics that can be found at many thrift stores. But, before you go shopping for bargains, make a plan that incorporates items you already have into your decorating task.
The best strategy in budget decorating is to always inventory and use what you have on hand before buying decorating supplies. Be sure to check out the garage, attic, and/or basement for useful materials or furnishings that can be recycled into a new decor.
Shop in your own home first! Consider moving items from one space to another. Sometimes pulling items from one room to another and simply re-organizing, fixing up, or just using an item in a different way can be enough to jazz up a room. Add a fresh coat of paint, different window dressings and rearrangement of furnishings, and WHA LAH! You have a new room.
Need some paint? If you can be flexible about color, check the mis-mixed table at your local home improvement, hardware, or paint stores. You can find high quality paints for a fraction of the original retail cost when colors don't turn out exactly as they should have. Sometimes you can find a slight variation of just the color you've already picked that will work just as well with your selected color scheme and save you lots of money.
I buy these mis-mixed paints (usually for $2-3 per gallon or less) throughout the year and store them appropriately for later use. This way I go shopping in "my own" paint department first to see if I can accommodate the decorating plan I have chosen. Planning ahead and grabbing these types of decorating supplies when they're a bargain is a great way to maximize your home decorating savings.
Collecting fabrics for future use is also another great idea. Even unwanted clothing can be used to create small window dressings, pillow covers, and accessories. Many people give away scraps of fabrics or sell them at yard sales. Be sure to check clearance and end piece items at sewing and fabric shops. It's really so simple to make a curtain or a pillow. Usually only requires sewing simple seams.
For more complicated tasks, if you can't figure it out for yourself, you're sure to find a how-to book at any library or search on-line for free information.
I've found some excellent ideas for decorating on a budget, do-it-yourself projects, and decorating theme ideas from television, how-to books, and online sources like Designing Online. Benefit from some of the wonderful ideas and projects offered by professionals. You can get some great ideas for areas of your home that you just don't know what to do with.
Before you make your plans, check out several books at the library on home decorating. You will find no shortage of books on the subject of do-it-yourself home decorating. Glance through them and grab ideas to incorporate into your own decorating task.
If you have a specific challenge to overcome, likelihood is someone else has already encountered it, conquered it, and written a book or web page about it. Use their knowledge! It will save you time and frustration of figuring it out.
Learn to make swags and wreaths. Swags and wreaths bring texture and color into a space and can be fairly simple to create. A simple how-to book is all you need to create a few decorative pieces. Wreaths can easily be adapted to suit any theme or color scheme. And, handmade ones are a fraction of the cost of those purchased already made.
Tip: Some people grow to love the craft of wreath making and it becomes a useful hobby. They make great gifts!
Swags are sooooooo easy to make once you have the right supplies and tools. Like wreaths, they have a basic structure that can be adapted to suit your theme or color scheme. Once you become an experienced swag or wreath crafter, you can whip together an accessory for any decor in a matter of minutes.
Don't over accessorize. If you have collections, group them together for the best displays. Your trinkets and treasures will look less like clutter and more like valued collections.
