Kitchen and Bath Trends: Part 2

Have your mind’s wheels been spinning since last week? Today we will look at some other kitchen and bath trends in 2011.

 

Espresso:

            No, not the beverage, the color. Chocolate and espresso colored cabinets is found in styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Whether incorporated into just the island, an accent piece or the entire kitchen, all ranges of the mid to dark brown family of colors is seen. It is also picked up in the hardware, wood floors, light fixtures, faucets and countertops.

 

Walk in Pantries:

            With open floor plans comes less wall space for cabinets and storage. That is why a separate walk in pantry is so important. It can be for storage only or more of a working pantry with the bulk of mixing and food prep occurring there. Maybe that is where the toaster oven or microwave is kept allowing the counter surface in your kitchen to remain uncluttered. Sinks, a second refrigerator and dish storage can also be found in today’s walk in pantries.

 

Detailed Ceilings:

            Higher ceilings allow for more detailed ceiling treatments that provide a warmer and cozier feel. Ceiling treatments are seen in the application of traditional painted coffers, rough hewn beams, reclaimed wood flooring applied to the ceiling, pressed tin and detailed trim packages. All of these treatments provide dimension and texture to an otherwise plain space.

 

2011 has been a great year and I can’t wait to see what the trends in 2012 are!

Kitchen and Bath Trends

We all like to stay current on the latest trends and ideas. Maybe you aren’t able to implement them all in your home but if you are like me, you at least like to know about them. Over the next 2 weeks we will learn about some of the current kitchen and bath trends.

 

Commitment:

            No, not in relationships, to your diet or your exercise plan. Commitment to color! Color can be introduced to a room through backsplash tile, wall color, pillows or furniture pieces. Don’t be afraid of color. It’s easy to start with a neutral background and large pieces and then add color through accessories. Then when the trends change or you get tired of that color, it is easy to change. Hot colors right now are carrot orange, tangerine and mango.

 

Freestanding tubs:

            Large, freestanding tubs are becoming the centerpiece of the master bathroom. They are a great focal point becoming like a piece of art. Soaking, jetted or acoustic. Copper, wood, fiberglass or porcelain. Is your tub the centerpiece of your bathroom?

 

Glass:

            Incorporated into venthoods, glass backsplash tile, glass in cabinet doors, glass countertops and shower doors. It’s more than clear glass. There is seedy, antique, frosted, reeded. And have you seen the selections of glass backsplash tile???!!! Limitless!

 

Next week we will take a look at some other kitchen and bath trends in 2011. Expand your horizons, stretch the possibilities and dream!

The next big thing

We all dream of starting our mornings off quietly and calmly. Enjoying a cup of coffee or hot tea. Or perhaps we like to end our day with a glass of wine or cup of coffee. Maybe your dream can become a reality. The next big thing in home design is a breakfast/coffee/wine bar. A small space designated for coffee, tea or wine drinking.

 

These spaces are typically found in or near the master bedroom or bathroom, right outside the kitchen or in an upstairs bonus room for guests to use. It can be a built in space with custom cabinets, built in refrigeration, sink and storage, a closet turned  coffee bar with storage and a coffee maker or simply a piece of furniture that houses a coffee maker, maybe a microwave and the associated accoutrements.

 

Whatever the space you may have to work with here are a few essentials you need to include.

• Coffee maker-full size or mini
• Coffee
• Cups
• Sugar and creamer
• Tea bags
• Spoons
• Napkins

 

Want to get more elaborate? How about including a microwave, popcorn, undercounter refrigerator, sink, bottled water and soft drinks. If you are including the space in your master bedroom, consider adding some details to make it look more like a piece of furniture instead of utilitarian cabinets stuck in a corner. The ideas are limitless and maybe this was just the piece of “calm” you were looking for.

Under cabinet lights: A must do!

Whether you are getting ready to do a complete kitchen remodel, build a new house or add a tile backsplash, now is the time to think about under cabinet lights. Mounted on the bottom of wall cabinets, these small fixtures add an amazing amount of task lighting and ambiance at night.

 

Xenon, LED, halogen, florescent. Puck, strip, rope, tape. The style, sizes and light color are endless. Florescent is old school and the bulbs and ballasts are not very reliable. Halogen is popular but can get hot. Xenon is newer and does not produce as much heat. LED is the new kid on the block. While expensive, the technology is improving and the cost is coming down. Look at each of the options and decide what will work best in your kitchen and for your budget. The hard part is getting the wiring in the right spot. The fixtures can be changed down the road.

 

The best way to install them is to have one switch to control all of the under cabinet lights. That requires a wire under every wall cabinet that is controlled by one switch. When you are building a new home, remodeling your kitchen or before you add a tile backsplash, that is the time to wire for it. Once that tile is on the wall, you don’t want to tear into that to get the wires in the right location.

 

            Yes, they may be nice but how much do they cost? Depending on the type of lights you use, how many fixtures you need and if you decide to do it yourself or hire someone to install them for you, you could be looking at a couple hundred dollars or a couple thousand dollars. Didn’t budget for this? Take my word for it and spend the extra money to include this. Maybe that means saving up for a couple more months before you begin your project or going with a less expensive range. Just do it. You will not be sorry.

Kitchen Fires

It’s that time of year. With cooler temperatures and holidays, baking and cooking are at their peak. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 41% of home fires start in the kitchen. Here are a few tips to avoid becoming a statistic this holiday season.

 

            -Keep items that could catch fire away from the cooktop. Pot holders, paper or plastic

              bags, towels and food packaging.

 

            - Wear short, tight fitting or rolled sleeves. Loose, dangling sleeves can dangle into

               stove burners and catch fire.

 

            -Pay attention! The leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking.

 

            -Stay in the house! When simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food, check it regularly

             and use a timer to remind you that you have something cooking.

 

            -Keep a fire extinguisher nearby-and make sure everyone in your family knows where

             it is and how to operate it.

 

            -Change the batteries in your smoke detector.

 

            -Never throw hot grease in the trash can. Let it cool and then dispose of it in an old

             coffee can.

 

Stay safe and enjoy your company and the delicious baked good coming out of your kitchen!

Tile Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Guests are coming and you really need to deep clean that guest bathroom. The grout is looking a little dingy and you just can’t seem to get the scum off of the tile. Here are a few easy tips and tricks for getting that bathroom sparkling clean.

 

·         Looking for easy? Stone and Tile Cleaner by Dupont, available at Traditions in Tile, is a multi-purpose cleaner that works on all polished marbles, porcelain and ceramic tiles and natural stone. Simply spray, lightly scrub and rinse.

 

·         For a little deeper clean to help with the soap scum, try a porcelain and ceramic tile cleaner. Test a small area on polished tiles first to make sure it does not affect the finish. As always, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

·         Has your grout cracked at the corners and around the top of the tub? A common occurrence as walls expand and contract, but simple to fix. Cut out the grout in those locations and fill with a sanded caulk that matches your grout color. Allow to fully dry before using the tub or shower. Traditions in Tile is a great source. Always be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

 

·         Once you have gotten your grout or natural stone freshly cleaned, seal it to help prolong the life and keep it looking like new. Most stones should be resealed every 1-3 years.

 

Nothing feels better than a sparkling clean bathroom. Your guests will thank you.

Plan Now for Holiday Projects

Fall weather is setting in, football season is in full swing and it is time to start thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. Only thirteen weeks left till Christmas. Yes, I really did just say that. It may seem like a long time away, but we all know that it will be here before we know it and probably before we are ready.

 

Do you want a new kitchen or bathroom before Thanksgiving? Maybe you can’t redo the entire room but want to make some small changes. Or maybe you just want to finally get the dining room repainted. Now is the time to start thinking about it and making plans. If you begin now, you will have plenty of time to get your project done before Thanksgiving hits and then you can enjoy your new space all throughout the Christmas season.

 

Some people have said to me “But it doesn’t take that long!” Well, let’s look at that.

                                    -Tile: 4-6 weeks

                                    -Cabinets: 4-6 weeks

                                    -Wood Flooring: 4 weeks

                                    -Granite: 1-2 weeks

                                    -Painting: 2-3 weeks

                                    -Appliances: 2-4 weeks

Yes, if you choose an in stock item, the lead time might be less than that, but better to prepare for the worst and the best happen then vice versa. Make sure you clearly communicate your deadline to the contractors you work with to ensure an on-time project. That way there will be no surprises and everyone is on the same page.

 

We all know that the holidays can be a stressful time. Endeavor to enjoy this season and all of its wonderful food, people and events by planning ahead. You can thank me later.

7 Uses for Rubber Cabinet Bumpers

Cabinet Bumper- cab∙i∙net bump∙er – noun- typically a round rubber adhesive disk for use on wood, vinyl or metal cabinet doors to significantly reduce the noise of cabinet door closings and other uses. Can be purchased at any big box hardware store.

 

1. Quiet Cabinets-Place bumpers on the corners of your cabinet doors and drawers to allow them to close a little softer instead of slamming.
2. Square Pictures-prevent marks on your walls by placing a bumper on the four back corners of the frame. This will also keep it from sliding around and stay securely square on the wall.
3. Vases-Avoid scratches on your table by putting a couple of bumpers on the bottom of a vase. It won’t slide around and no more scratches.
4. Laptop- Place bumpers on the bottom corners of your laptop to prevent it from moving around on a desk or table.
5. Cutting Board-To steady a cutting board while you are cutting it, place a bumper on all four corners.
6. Stacking Glass-To keep pieces of glass from sticking together when in a pile or stored, place rubber bumpers between them.
7. Angled Plates- Do you have a plate or frame standing upright in your china cabinet or on a shelf? Keep it from sliding down by placing 2 bumpers on the shelf to capture the plate or frame in that location.

Spice it up!

            Do spice bottles come tumbling out when you open a cabinet door? Do you even know what is in the back of that cabinet? How old is that spice? Spices are one of the most difficult items to store in an organized fashion in your kitchen. Each brand has their own size bottle and some spices you just don’t use that often. What is a person to do?

 

            There are several solutions for storing spices in a more organized and easily accessible fashion. If you are considering new cabinets, there are dedicated pull out spice racks that can be incorporated in the base or wall cabinets, most commonly near the range. If you are working with existing cabinets, you can mount narrow racks on the inside of your wall cabinet doors. This may require cutting off some depth of the shelves inside that cabinet. Another solution would be to use a 10” round, plastic, lazy susan turntable, found at Target or Wal-Mart. This low profile contraption is great to put on a wall cabinet shelf and place your spices on it. Simply spin the turntable to find the spice you are looking for. If you want to get really organized, place them in alphabetical order on the turntable.

 

            Don’t despair! There are several ways to make your life a little more organized and your spices a little easier to find. If you have a unique storage solution for your spices, I would love to hear about it. Shoot me an email or call me. Best of luck on your path to better organization.

Chalk It Up!

Reader, Amy, asks, “I would like to paint the back of a cabinet that faces my breakfast room with chalk board paint to write out my children’s spelling words, verses and other reminders. My husband doesn't think I will end up liking it, doesn’t believe chalk paint really works and thinks it could permanently damage the cabinet. Please advise!”

 

Well, Amy, I have used chalk board paint on several occasions and found it to work well.

RustOleum makes a paint that can be found at Lowes, Home Depot and Walmart.

It should not permanently damage your cabinets, but you may have to paint over it a couple more times to cover up the black, if you decide to switch back to white cabinets. Make sure your read and adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations on how many coats are needed and how to properly apply it.  Chalk board paint can also be mixed in different colors. Consider a soft gray or even red! Martha Stewart and Real Simple always have unique ideas for different ways to use chalk board paint.

 

While you are at it, consider using a magnetic paint as well underneath the chalk board paint. RustOleum also makes this product. Multi-tasking at its best! As always, you want to check the manufacturer’s recommendations and perhaps even try a sample board first.

 

Can't wait to hear how it turns out!

The Cart Before the Horse

Have you ever gotten the cart before the horse? Your cabinets were in fine shape, maybe not what you dreamed of but would work for several more years. Your countertops were a different story. So you decided to keep your cabinets and just put in new countertops with a new tile backsplash. That looked great for a while, but then you started to wish you had replaced your cabinets before you put those expensive granite tops on. Do you have to live with that decision forever?

 

Thankfully, the answer is no. Perhaps the long term result was not thought through entirely, but if the layout of your kitchen suits you, you can have new cabinets without wasting the brand new countertops. The countertops can be removed, new cabinets installed under them and the existing tops reinstalled. There is always the possibility that the tops could crack or break or some tile backsplash may chip or break. Before you jump into this project, do your homework.

 

Do you have extra backsplash tile that could be used to replace any chipped or broken pieces? Or can you still purchase it? What about grout? Is your countertop material still available in the same color in case you need another piece cut? Keep in mind that this is not an easy project and some people may balk at doing it, but it can be done. Don’t let one backwards decision keep you from enjoying your kitchen.

The “Good” Ice

How many times have you gone through the drive thru of a particular restaurant just to order a drink so you can get the “good” ice? Can you name all of the restaurants in town that serve the “good” ice? The formal name for the “good” ice is nugget or pellet ice and it is now available for your household consumption.

 

Scotsman is the first manufacturer of a residential under the counter ice machine that produces nugget ice. The Brilliance model will fit in a 15” opening and is outdoor approved. It can produce over eighty pounds of nugget ice in 24 hours. That is enough “good” ice for all your consumption needs! Before you run out to buy one, check the price tag. This gem comes in at about $3,000. Small price to pay for the “good” ice, right?

 

If this model is not a viable option, keep your list of restaurants that serve the “good” ice up to date. It’s nice to dream about on a hot summer day, though. If this is an appliance you would consider, you can learn more information at www.scotsman-ice.com Stay cool and enjoy the small things in life, like the “good” ice!

A Project in the Life of a Kitchen Designer-Week 4

We have progressed through three weeks in the life of a kitchen designer. Let’s wrap it up with week 4.

 

Day 16: All of the numbers and selections have been finalized and today I am meeting with the homeowners to go over everything with them. We talked about their budget at our first meeting so they are prepared for the bottom line number. Thankfully there were some rebates on the appliances that were a welcome surprise. We also discuss timing and they are ready to begin.

 

Day 17: Call all of the trades and give them the go ahead. Order tile, faucet, cabinets and other supplies. We know it will be about 4 weeks before all supplies are in hand and cabinets are ready. We do not want to demo their existing kitchen until everything else is ready. This will help shorten the time they are without a kitchen.

 

Day 18: The faucet was an in stock item so I pick it up and will store it at my office where we are stockpiling things.

 

Day 19: The tile arrives and I pick it up and make sure I have a copy of the design with it to simplify and clarify communication with the tile setter. This is also stored at my office.

 

Day 20: Free Day! I am headed to the mountains with some girl friends for a little R&R. See y’all after the 4^th!

 

The design process is winding down but some would say the real work is just beginning. While the work is actually being completed, I will spend considerable time at the jobsite making sure each item is delivered, laid out and installed correctly. Being onsite also allows me to answer any questions that arise and keep the process moving along. As always flexibility is key! This should be a fun experience. Roll with it and enjoy the ride!

A Project in the Life of a Kitchen Designer-Week 3

Last time we took a look at the behind the scenes events that occur in the second week of a kitchen remodel. We are getting close to the end with week 3.

 

Day 11: A new week starts off with a bang. It is off to the tile showroom to make selections for the backsplash. I have brought the cabinet and granite samples with me so we can coordinate these finishes and colors. The homeowners have brought a few pictures of things they like. This is helpful in narrowing down our options. One could very easily get overwhelmed walking into this showroom. Everywhere you look there is another color, style or design option. After experimenting with several design layouts and different tiles, a decision has been made and the homeowners are thrilled with their selection.

 

Day 12: Paperwork day! Send layout of countertops to granite fabricator for estimate. Figure square footage of tile backsplash and send to the tile showroom. Contact other trades to get estimates. Begin compiling numbers for the cost estimate.

 

Day 13: Most of the new lighting in the kitchen will be recessed can lights, but we do have two pendant lights over the island. Normally we would begin our search at Lowes and then go to Progressive Lighting in Atlanta, but the homeowner has fallen in love with a fixture from Pottery Barn. Layout the placement of the can lights. Make copies for the homeowner and electrician. Order lights from Pottery Barn.

 

Day 14: Answer questions from the granite fabricator on details for the countertops. Follow up with trades that still owe you an estimate.

 

Day 15: Finish compiling and collecting estimates. Schedule a time to meet with the homeowner to go over final numbers.

 

The selection process is winding down and now we are into the detail collection and estimate gathering stage. If there is one thing I have learned by being in this business, it is that flexibility is key! Things may not go the way you planned or happen as fast as you would like. Be flexible and willing to roll with the punches and it will make the process so much more fun.

A Project in the Life of a Kitchen Designer-Week 2

Last time we took a look at the behind the scenes events that occur in the first week of a kitchen remodel. Let’s dive in to week 2.

 

Day 6: Meet trade contractors at project site. Allow a 2-3 hour block of time for this and stagger the times of when each person is coming. Everyone there at one time equals chaos and the potential for missed details.

 

Day 7: Meet homeowners at local granite yard. Get samples of potential selections. Look at stainless steel undermount sinks. Chose an edge profile for the granite tops. The homeowners are not completely satisfied with the granite selection at the local yard. Schedule a time to meet them in Atlanta to walk through a granite slab warehouse.

 

Day 8: Meet homeowners at the granite warehouse in Atlanta. I have made sure to wear comfortable shoes. This is going to be a long day walking on concrete. Wow! There are hundreds of colors of granite, marble, onyx and travertine. Up and down the aisles we roam, pausing to look at many slabs that catch our eye. After an initial once-over, we walk back through to narrow down the most promising slabs. We have narrowed it down to two colors. Thankfully they have small pieces leftover from another slab we can take with us. They will not break a chunk off of a whole slab for you. This will be helpful in choosing tile and finalizing the cabinets.

 

Day 9: Meet homeowners at plumbing supply house to choose a faucet. The technology in faucets these days is amazing!

 

Day 10: Day off!! Well, not really. I am working on remodeling the bathrooms in my office. Today I will nail down selections and design for these spaces. And of course, I am still answering the phone and responding to emails.

 

Making these decisions and selections is fun, but could be overwhelming if you didn’t have a plan. I hope that this insight is helpful to you if you are considering a kitchen remodel and is a look in to the time that is required and the value a professional can be in walking through this process with you.

A Project in the Life of a Kitchen Designer-Week 1

Ever wondered what exactly goes into a kitchen design? I mean, how much work can it really be? Today you will get a behind the scenes look into the first week of a kitchen remodel and what it really takes to pull it off successfully.

 

Day 1: Meet with homeowners and discuss their needs and wants. This meeting is a fact-finding trip and a great time to gauge their color likes and dislikes. Take careful measurements and pictures. Return to office and begin drawing plans for the space.

 

Day 2: Finish drawing plans and gather samples of cabinet finishes and door styles, tile and granite samples, paint colors and inspiration photos.

 

Day 3: Present plans and ideas to homeowners. Schedule a time to return with subcontractors to begin preparing a price. Return to office and revise plans. Schedule meeting times with plumber, electrician, trim carpenter, cabinet builder, painter and tile setter. Make appointments to meet homeowner at different trade showrooms.

 

Day 4: Meet homeowners at the cabinet shop and discuss and select cabinet colors, styles, wood, hardware, trim and interior details.

 

Day 5: Meet homeowners at appliance store. Look at different appliance models, compare brands and pricing and make selections.

 

Whew! Are you tired yet? This is what could be accomplished in one week. Typically the drawing stage takes a little longer and it is rare if not impossible to be able to meet with the client that many times in one week. Most people’s schedule simply won’t allow it. I hope that this insight is helpful to you if you are considering a kitchen remodel and is a look in to the time that is required.

Box vs. Custom

            A question I am frequently asked is “Are “box” or premanufactured cabinets less expensive than custom cabinets?” After doing some research and cost comparison, I was surprised to find that many times custom cabinets were about the same or even less. My perception that because something was made in mass, in a factory, with sometimes lesser quality materials would cost less, was challenged.

 

Don’t get me wrong. Box cabinets have their place. They work great if you have a very straight forward layout, are not trying to maximize space or need something very utilitarian, like for a laundry room or garage. In my experience, it is when you start customizing and adding unique features to a box cabinet that the price begins to climb.

 

With custom cabinets, all of the space can be utilized since you are not limited to 3” increments in cabinet widths and having to fill in space with fillers. Also, variations in height, depth or size of drawers really does not affect the price, but allows for greater customization and utilization. Custom finishes, paint colors, materials and trim profiles are always an option with custom cabinets. This may not be the case with box cabinets. Another benefit of using custom cabinets is that you can often times actually see your cabinets being built, moving through the cabinet shop.

 

Word to the wise-the next time you consider purchasing cabinets, do your homework and compare both box cabinets and custom cabinets. You may be in for a pleasant surprise!

Frequently Asked Questions

A question I am often asked is “Can you match my existing cabinets?” Maybe you have purchased new appliances and your cabinets need some modifications or maybe you want to add a little more storage by adding cabinets on top of your existing wall cabinets. Maybe you want to increase the size of your island or add cabinets to an unused wall. Whatever your situation, the answer is YES! It is usually possible to match your existing cabinets.

 

            With time, wood, stain and paint age and change color, This presents an opportunity when trying to make a change or add something to an existing cabinet. While it is not impossible to match a cabinet with age, it does require a special touch, time and patience. Have a professional look at it to tell you what is and is not possible. If is turns out not to be very economical to match your existing finish, consider incorporating an accent color on the new parts that are installed. It could be an accent stain or paint color.

           

So before you scrap the entire cabinet and start from scratch, reconsider, knowing that it could be possible to match what you already have.

Spring is Here!

            Spring has officially arrived. Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping and the pollen is falling. This is one of my favorite times of the year. Thankfully, I don’t have allergies so I can enjoy the beauty without all of the side effects.

 

The arrival of spring, warmer weather and longer daylight hours always draws out of me the desire to get organized, clean out the clutter from winter and gain a new bounce in my home’s step. Maybe for you it is as simple as washing the windows and putting an airy, linen runner on your kitchen table. Or maybe you need to go a step further and really organize your refrigerator, pantry or cabinets.

 

One way I have found to really utilize my refrigerator and cabinets best is to install a turntable. You can pick up inexpensive, small, plastic turntables in various sizes at Target. They are great to put in your refrigerator for all of those small items that get lost on the shelf. Simply give it a whirl and you have what you need right in front of you. This small gadget is also helpful in your spice cabinet. Instead of digging through every spice to get to the one you need in the back, turn the turntable till you find the spice you are looking for. If you really want to get fancy, you can alphabetize your spices. This also works great in a bathroom or linen closet for all those medicines and vitamins. For a very small financial investment, you can enjoy a less stressed kitchen or bathroom.

           

Tackle your organization project now before summer and all of its activities get here. After all, you have got to get ready for grilling, pool parties, homemade ice cream, lemonade and fresh strawberries.

Divide and Conquer

            Party platters, cookie sheets, cutting boards, muffin tins, cooling racks, serving dishes. They seem to multiply and they are so hard to store. Do you currently have yours stacked in a cabinet and you brace yourself for falling items whenever you open it? Don’t worry. You are not alone but there is a relatively simple solution if you have the space.

 

            Tray dividers are one of the best utilizers and organizers of space. They can be added in the deep space over your built in oven, a base cabinet with the shelf removed or a pantry cabinet. Why allow those spaces to be cluttered when you could have more order and organization. This is certainly something you could do yourself with minimal tools or experience and any handyman could handle this project without trouble.

 

Typical construction is one quarter inch, half inch or three quarter inch plywood vertical dividers affixed in a deep cabinet. The space between each divider can be customized to fit your needs and space or evenly spaced to allow for more flexibility. We typically allow three to four inches between each divider. Dividers could also be added to a deep drawer to allow you to pull them out and access them from the top, similar to a spice pull out.

           

Enjoy a more organized kitchen!

Pull It Out

            Have you had to virtually crawl into one of your base cabinets recently to access the items in the back? Do you even know what is in the back of your pantry cabinet or base cabinets? Are you afraid to know? A pull out tray or drawer may be just what you need.

 

            Pull out trays or drawers are just like a drawer, but hidden behind a door. These are commonly utilized in a pantry cabinet so you can pull all of the food items out in front of you for viewing. They are also a great fix for base cabinets that store pots and pants, plastic containers, cleaning supplies under the sink and a myriad of other things.

 

Let’s look at a typical cabinet. You have a door with a full or half shelf behind it. To install a pull out tray or drawer, remove the shelf, add blocking on either sides of the opening so that the tray front will clear the hinge when it pulls out, install your drawer slides (while you are at it, go all out for the full extension drawer slide), install your drawer box and enjoy the new found space at the back of your cabinet. In a typical base cabinet, one tray can be installed at the bottom and another one halfway up. If you have lots of little things, install more trays closer together.

           

Enjoy the new found space at the back of your cabinet!

Maxed Out

            Are your cabinets maxed out? It is time to de-clutter and re-organize to be able to start this year out fresh. As you are cleaning out your kitchen, bathroom or living room cabinets, you might wonder if there are things you can do to maximize and utilize your space better. The answer is a resounding yes!

 

Do you have a useless corner cabinet that hides long lost platters and never used appliances in their deep dark recesses? You know, the one cabinet you have to send your child into to get anything out of.  There are solutions! If this cabinet is in a peninsula, consider cutting a door in the backside for ease of access. This is often a great storage area for placemats, napkins and other table related items since the peninsula is often closest to your breakfast table.

 

Another option for this dead corner would be to install a half susan that pivots and pulls out of the corner, allowing you to easily access and store items. For several options and sizes, check out www.revashelf.com This product is also called a blind corner susan. Installation is relatively simple as long as you follow the directions. You will be amazed at how much you can actually store in this space once it is accessible.

 

Never worry, this is not the only solution to maximizing the space in your cabinets. Next time we will explore another possibility. If there is a specific area that you have and you wonder how it could be better utilized, email me at Jessica@thecabinetman.net and let’s see if we can’t find a solution to your problem.

Brass is Back!

            Polished gold, champagne bronze, polished brass, brushed bronze, brushed gold. Call it what you may, but brass is brass and it is back. Maybe you have said to yourself, “I am never having brass again.” For those people who cannot get the traditional polished brass removed from their home fast enough and replaced with stainless steel, chrome or oil rubbed bronze, you might want to think again. Brass is coming back.

 

It may be in the form of brushed bronze cabinet hardware or a polished gold faucet or maybe it is a brushed gold vessel sink. Used in the right way, these items carry with them a very classic, refined look. A brass finished faucet or cabinet hardware piece lends warmth to a space that stainless steel and chrome cannot touch.

 

Now it may be time to go ahead and swap out those 15 year old brass knobs, but before you resign yourself to stainless steel, you can reconsider brass. Not sure if or how you want to use the “new” brass in your home? Take a look around, look at some magazines, stop by a plumbing supply store. You are bound to find some ideas that will work in your home. Moral of the story: Never say never. Because our mom’s always taught us that what goes around, comes around. And that sure rings true with brass.

A New Year

            2011 has started off with a bang! For me the start of a new year is always a time of reflection, goal setting and getting rid of clutter from the previous year.  A time to look back at the previous year and assess what I want to accomplish in the upcoming year.

 

The start of a new year is a great time to take a look around your home and decide if there are some projects you want to tackle or some changes you would like to make. If you are like me, this recent snow storm has given you plenty of time in your home to really look around and see some areas you would like to improve. For me, the list is long or should I say ambitious. Add curtains in my breakfast room, recover a recently purchased antique sofa, find that perfect rug for just inside the front door, decide if I am going to repaint my living room and if so, what color.

 

So grab a cup of coffee or tea and take a real, honest look around your home. Is it time to find new hardware for your vanity? Maybe a new set of towels. Maybe you need to clear off your kitchen counters and start over. Whatever your project may be, big or small, gather your ideas, get estimates for the work if need be, then work it into your plan for an awesome 2011.