accessories Archives - Simply Trini Cooking

Fun Ways to Display Your Favourite Photos

March 2, 2015 by Felix Leave a Comment

You can add a touch of flair and personal style to any room with your photos of family, friends and favorite places. You can make this project a personal one by creatively displaying your treasured pictures. Here are six fun ways to display your favourite photos.

1. Consider the vibrancy of the image. One of your favorite photos might be a large group picture, but it may not actually display well when hanging on a wall. Save that one for the scrapbook. Look for pictures that have vibrant images that convey a message or a thought.

2. Bring older photographs to life with the advances in photographic reproduction technology.

3. If you have a favorite old photo that’s fading, or has been damaged or crinkled through the years, take it to a photo shop to have it restored and reprinted. You might even be able to do this yourself at home with photo imaging software. You might want to consider added a special effect, enlarging or cropping the photo differently to add a new perspective to a familiar photo.

4. Mix frames of different styles and sizes. It will add a fun look to the display; however this will take some planning and forethought. Lay the framed photos on a tabletop or the floor and rearrange until you find a workable arrangement, then employ a friend or family member’s help when measuring and preparing to mount on the wall. Have your level ready to be sure that a picture that looks straight actually is straight.

5.Photos don’t have to be limited to the walls. Tabletops, desktops, bookshelves, and your family entertainment wall unit are all great places to add a picture frame. Even a dressing screen can make a clever and unique backdrop.

fun ways to display your favourite photos

photos courtesy www.photobucket.com

6. You can even decoupage photos onto a table lamp base or mirror frame for an added jazzy effect. And by using fabric transfer sheets, you can even transfer a favorite photo onto a pillowcase or wall hanging. Photo collages of friends or family members make great placemats. Simple arrange and laminate. This is also a great way to hang a collage on the wall or corkboard above your desk or in your office. Individual laminated photos can be affixed to magnets to put on the refrigerator and other metal surfaces in your home.

5 Kitchen Appliances You Must Own

April 9, 2014 by Jane Leave a Comment

A functional kitchen is a joy to work in. Even better when the kitchen is stocked with a few good kitchen appliances that make working in the kitchen easier. These kitchen appliances can also help make a simple kitchen look modern. Now, you don’t have to own all, but a display of one of these attractive modern appliances can really boast the look of any kitchen. Here are five appliances you must own to get that modern look in your kitchen.

1. Food Processor. A food processor can be a very handy tool in the kitchen. It chops, minces,shreds, slices, dices, and purees in seconds No need to cut up the vegetables on a cutting board. If you like cooking for a party, preparing the meal could take forever. A food processor can save a lot of time. They also come in a variety of sizes and speeds. You will not have trouble finding a food processor to suit your needs.

The amazing Black and Decker 10-cup food chopper.

2. Smoothie Maker. This small appliance can definitely replace the blender for making drinks. The are compact and offers convenient servings. Most smoothie makers can mince, dice, chop, blend and puree uniformly. Some come in attractive colours that could go with your decor.

Two different brands of smoothie makers are the Back to Basic and Oster blender. They come in lively colours as well.

3.Automatic Coffee maker. Get rid of that old coffee percolator. The latest coffee makers can turn on in the morning automatically. You can wake up to the rich aroma of freshly ground brewed coffee. Coffee makers such as the Cuisinart Grind and Brew are a beautiful addition to any kitchen and are graceful looking. Generally, coffee makers come in many different sizes, from a four cup to a twenty-cup capacity. They also come in various colours (red, blue, pink and stainless steel) to match your decor. Now you just have to remember to buy the coffee.

4. Ultra Mixer. You can now replace that tiny hand mixer and get the ultimate stand mixer. One of the best in the market is the KitchenAid mixer which comes in a a rainbow of hues and thus can complement any decor. They are the ultimate mixer with a lot more capacity and power than the regular hand mixers. You would be glad to know that they are getting more and more affordable making it possible for more households to own an ultra mixer.

5. Bread Machine. With so much less time on our hands these days a bread machine is one that you cannot do without. Today’s bread machine can help you make the most delicious bread, pizza, and even cake. It is convient and can help you save a lot of time so you can do other things.

The Zojirushi bread maker is one of the most popular breadmakers.

A Greener Home

March 4, 2014 by Felix Leave a Comment

We all would like to live in an eco-friendly home where we live in harmony with the enviroment. In the home we can begin the drive for an environment where we can begin to contribute towards achieving an ecological balance with the earth. The kitchen is a great place to begin.

The kitchen is the place where most of our wastage begins. So it is a great place to begin the “Reduce Reuse Recycle” principle. From there, you can progress to the other rooms in the homes. When it comes to interior decorating you can first consider the various energy-saving practices. There are lots of energy efficient appliances you can use in the home.

Next you can consider using materials (including chemicals) that are eco-friendly and toxin free. Purchase materials that is eco-safe, easy to clean, and use eco-friendly home cleaners to keep them looking good. Amazingly you will soon notice that an eco-friendly home is a cost efficient home. Yes, initially it can be a bit costly, but in the future the cost falls. You can save as much as 40% when it comes to your electricity bill, 50% on water consumption, and spend less time doing activities that requires you to maintain and repair your home because fixtures and plumbing is very efficient.

Next you can add a little plant life to your living space. It can be very motivating and attractive as well. Many herbs can be place in attractive pots and placed on window stills or close to windows on the counter.

An eco-friendly home has lots of beneficial effects. It can improve the overall health and well-being of families. It is also a very financially sound idea. However, above all, eco-friendly homes are more secure and safe.

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Allowing as much light into the room can help you save on electricity. Take advantage of daylight to light up your kitchen. A sun roof in the kitchen is also a brilliant idea.

Window treatment can also be used when privacy is an issue.

There are natural and beautiful options for countertops Above, is granite. Other options are wood, concrete and ceramic tiles.

Choose flooring that help conserve natural resource.

Tiles for backsplashes can be made from recycled materials. The ideas for your whole kitchen can be durable, can make them functional, eco-safe, and beautiful.

Bamboo Kitchen Accessories – The Love of all that’s Natural –

January 31, 2014 by Felix Leave a Comment

I love the look and feel of bamboo. It’s use for many kitchen accessories have transformed many kitchens into functional, beautiful and Eco-friendly spaces. Bamboo is a natural alternative for wood, it is widely available in the tropics, it grows fast and it requires no special care to help it grow. This hard word is a natural and ideal material. For third world countries, it is definitely a plus towards encouraging an Eco-friendly environment and promoting a responsible use of natural resources.

Today, you can find a wide assortment of kitchen accessories in bamboo. Many companies, such as Totally Bamboo, have made it their its goal to produce the highest quality bamboo products. The material is safe, easy to keep clean, durable (stronger than even stainless steel), and attractive. Wood is prone to growing bacteria; but the impervious nature of the surface of bamboo makes it resistant to heat, absorbing water, fat from meat and thus would not harbor bacteria. Also, unlike wood, Bamboo would not crack or change colour.

Your food is kept safe with bamboo spoons and spatulas. They are used to make dish racks, storage boxes and organisers, serving ware, plates, dishes, kitchen tools and utensils, and even chopsticks. The range of bamboo products now available is remarkable and totally encourages everyone to become environmentally conscious. So, if you are searching for new kitchen accessories, consider the beauty, safety and durability of bamboo.

Here are some bamboo products for your kitchen.

Kitchen Floor Mats: Beautiful and comfortable displays

November 24, 2013 by Felix Leave a Comment

Inspiration can be shown in many ways and in the most unlikely of items, such as the kitchen mat. Kitchen mats can be very useful in interior decoration. It can help transform a simple or even unattractive kitchen into a memorable one, and at the same time offer comfort to all who use the room. If you want to improve the interior of your kitchen, this is one inexpensive way to do it – just add a kitchen mat.

A kitchen mat can accentuate and enhance a simple kitchen. There are many gorgeous, colourful, and intriguingly textured floor mats that can create a central focus in a kitchen that is lacking one. You can always find a mat that can match your decor and wall color. Kitchens have a lot of hard surfaces that can make it look dull. The colour and texture of a mat can help you add a unique personality to your kitchen space.

A mat has the additional benefit of making a room feel comfortable and safe. The flooring in a kitchen is usually one that can be cold and hard to the feet. A kitchen rug place at certain task areas can make the use of the kitchen more enjoyable. Mats can also help keep the space clean and prevent spills on the kitchen floor from spreading, even into the dining room. Thus, a kitchen mat place near a task are can prevent injuries to use. It also prevents the wear and tear of the floor in high traffic areas of the kitchen, such as near the sink and at task areas.

Anti-fatigue mats can protect the feet from cold floors. It also ensures safety in the kitchen.

A bamboo mat i(above) s perfect for protecting the floor in high-trafific areas in the kitchen.

Photo:amazon.com.

There is a wide assortment of floor mats to choose from. Many have stunning patterns. They may come in sets as well as single. When you choose a kitchen floor mat, you must choose one that does not keep dust and dirt and can be cleaned easily. For this reason rugs are not ideal, but if you do wish to place a rug in the kitchen make sure it is washable so you can spend less time cleaning it.

There are many affordable mats available. Some have a traditional theme or modern unique pattern. Some are resistant to stains. Mats are available in many colors to go with your interior decor. For this reason a kitchen mat should not be overlooked when you are upgrading your kitchen.

The softness and beauty of a mat can transform a room. It cal also be used to create your focal point.

Shelving for Style and Personality

May 13, 2013 by Felix Leave a Comment

Shelves are primarily used for storage and are a good substitute for cabinets. As a matter of fact, open selves are an inexpensive option if you wish to change the look of your kitchen drastically. Simply by removing doors of frameless cabinets and refinishing the shells, you can drastically improve the aesthetics and efficiency in your kitchen. You can then then use this space to showcase your favourite decorative wares in ways that would reflect your personality.

The New Vogue

Like above, strong shelves can be used to display
brightly coloured dishes to add aesthetic interest to a simple corner.
All Photos: courtesy Photobucket.com

Open shelves not only made to store items in an accessible manner, it can offers beauty which can compliment any design styles by displaying the owners decorative and timeless item. It also encourages you make use of wasted spaces in the kitchen. The shelves can be painted any colour – to blend in with the wall or serve as a focal point. They can be in a number of areas in the kitchen – above doors, in open spaces, above task areas, above cabinets, etc.

Shelves in a small room can make it seem open and well organized.
Here, a number of handy heavy shelves make this small apartment kitchen seem welcoming.

Open spaces above workstations should allow for comfortable reach.
Thus, the open shelves should be about 16 inches to 18 inches above a countertop
and no deeper than 12 inches.
The bottom shelf could conceal a task light.

Here, a simple kitchen which shows how efficient and stylish thick open shelves can be.
Above shelves hold a few storage jars and baskets that contains smaller items,
and the below shelves hold the pots and pans.
Also, objects that cannot be place to stand in a shelf is hung
The open shelves above help make food preparation convenient and easy
because of the open storage spaces for pots, pans and kitchen wares..

Open selves can also be made to keep a kitchen clean, neat, and well organized. The simple shelves make it easy to find things, put back things, and make items more visible – at a glance you can see what you have in a shelf. When open shelves are used, it encourages everyone to also maintain this neat and simple look. Thus the whole family can participate in clean up.

Above, open shelves offer a place used wares or dishes are easily stored at hand.
If you’re one for neatness, open shelves can help prevent excessive stacking.

Types of Open Shelves

There are three types of open shelves:

Freestanding shelves. These shelves can be moved around and so work best in a kitchen space is significant.
Built-in shelves. These are the most common, but must be kept simple and clean looking. Built-in shelves are similarly used like shelves in a cabinet or pantry.
Wire shelves. These shelves can be used to store wide or flat objects. They especially go great with other steel accents designs in the kitchen. However, it is not suitable for tall thin bottles, wine glasses, etc. They can easily tip over and end up making the kitchen look more unorganized. The best material for wire sheves are wrought iron or stainless steel.

Here are some ideas:

Above, the stainless steel shelves hold a number of task related items conveniently.

These wire shelves fit in just right in this space. It is sturdy enough to hold a number of broad wares,
but handy for hanging some items that would stand awkward on it.

Here, everyday dishes and ceramic arts offer a horizontal visual focus within the kitchen area.
The items are nicely proportioned on the shelves.

A kitchen designed with shelves that are built into a far wall or island cabinet, as above,,
provide an area for a few used items. such as, cookbooks, decorative plates, heirlooms, ceramics, or bowls.

Shelves can be used to display your decorative collectibles or your own craft.

Glass shelves can also be be very handy. They can make the open space bright and elegant,

Shelving in the kitchen is therefore determined by your needs. However, experience has shown that the best shelves are adjustable and should be narrow enough to display or store the objects that should be kept on it. Also, the colour or grain of wood should match the furnishings used in the kitchen. Another thing, you can mix and match open selves with closed cabinets for a retro-style look. However, please remember that open shelves can get dirty or dusty looking easier. Try not to place too much open shelves in your kitchen. And do stack items neatly in open spaces. The key is to avoid the clutter look so cleaning is easy.

The Bar Stool

June 24, 2011 by Felix 1 Comment

Today, the kitchen must satisfy generational needs by completing a number of multifunctional needs. This means a kitchen will have to have a comfortable breakfast area or just an area where guests may sit.

These bar stools are made comfortable with cushions that match the kitchen decor.
photo courtesy www.photobucket.com

If this area is part of the kitchen island or remote counter area, it will most likely need a bar stool. Bar stools are perfect at these areas. Bar stool also makes the kitchen more welcoming. However, you should also ensure the bar stool helps make the kitchen look more like a living, dining, or eating area and not lab-like. There are also many bar stools styles for you to choose from that will complement you kitchen deco.

Here are some bar stools for your viewing pleasure.

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Five Brillant Modern Faucet Looks

June 23, 2011 by Felix 1 Comment

Want that modern contemporary look? Here are five ideas that are simply brilliant.

1. Euro modern contemporary swivel kitchen faucet

The single hole design has always been a simple design, but with this modern look, it becomes stunning in the kitchen. If you are looking for a well constructed faucet, but with the graceful waterfall effect, you will certainly be pleased with this Modern European inspired kitchen faucet. It is also practical and functional in the kitchen.

2. Single Handle Pull-Down LED Kitchen Sink Faucet, Chrome

What do you think of this “sleek gooseneck design” for a faucet? Awesome! How about its temperature sensitive functionality and its LED lights. Brillant! It’s a modern look you would certainly never get over.

3. KOHLER K-6227-C11-CP Karbon Articulating Deck-Mount Kitchen Faucet, Polished Chrome

This one looks like a joystick! Very intriguing (I must say). It looks strong, and it is; it looks reliable, and it is; it looks functional in the kitchen, and it is. This faucet could be after the very heart of the “game lovers”. Thanks to the brilliant minds of engineers we now have a faucet that even encourages teenagers to help in the kitchen. Someone is definitely thinking.

4. BATHTECH Contemporary Chrome Kitchen Sink Faucet (Magic-Flow II, Model 9600-24)

Well, the future is definitely here with this unique looking faucet. It does not look like a faucet at all, but when placed next to the sink would certainly be one. Could you think: time to wash wares with this faucet?

5. La Toscana 78CR568 Elba Pull-Out Spray Kitchen Faucet, Chrome

This faucet has such an sleek elegant look, even your mother-in-law will be jealous. Who would not like this faucet for any modern kitchen?

Five of the Most Popular Kitchen Faucets

June 19, 2011 by Felix Leave a Comment

Over every sink there is a kitchen faucet. Faucets can add style to your kitchen because of their shape and design. As a matter of fact, you should be able to find a faucet that will suit your style and taste in the market. However, before you choose your faucet, consider the amount of holes there are on your kitchen sink or counter top, so as to ensure proper installation of this important accessory.

Once you know this you can choose the type of kitchen faucet best for your sink. Here are the various types of faucets according to their handle options: the single handle kitchen faucet, the two handle kitchen faucet, the pull-out or integral spray kitchen faucet, the wall-mount faucets, the pot filler faucets, and the bar sink/entertainment/prep faucets.

However, not all faucets are made equally. Here are five of the most popular kitchen faucet already accepted by many consumers. If you are looking for a new kitchen faucet you could try one of these styles.

Five Popular Faucets

1. KOHLER K-10433-CP Forte Single Control Pullout Kitchen Sink Faucet with Color-Matched Sprayhead and Lever Handle, Polished Chrome

This faucet is number one because of its simple beauty, ease to use and ease to clean. Above all this faucet is strong with a finish that could resist corrosion and thus have greater durability. The Kohler Forte Single Control Pullout kitchen Sink Faucet has a sprayhead that is perfect for both single and double-basin sinks. Cleaning larger pots is easier with its 6-inch spout height. Also, the temperature can be controlled with its single lever. How convenient is this? There are other Kohler brands; most are ergonomically inspired.

2. Delta Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet with Touch2O

This faucet does not look like your normal faucet or move like your normal faucet. This faucet also comes with a handy soap dispenser. Technology has certainly revolutionize this stainless steel faucet: the wand head has soft rubber nubbins; the wand’s hose is 59-inches long fed by gravity and retracts easily, and a powerful magnet that helps keep pull the wand into place gently; the electronic valve has a diamond coating for durability, and a touch technology feature that makes it easy to turn on or turn off the faucet with just a simple touch of your hands. All these features helps increase its convenience. All these features are wrapped up in this naturally beautiful, stong and durable faucet. There are other Delta Single hand pull down faucet that you may be interested in.

3. Brushed Nickel Kitchen Faucet with Sprayer

If you are looking for an economic, yet “nice-looking” faucet this is a faucet you will not be disappointed with. It is easy to install, and once installed, makes washing larger dishes quiet easy. This faucet is liked not just for its simplicity but its functionality in fullfiling the basic task of washing the dishes. It has an excellent sprayer and it comes in stainless steel. This faucet is a classic beauty.

4. Danze D455158SS Parma Single Handle Pre-Rinse Faucet, Stainless Steel by Danze

Are you looking for an inexpensive modern look? The Danze faucet can help you create a well-coordinated kitchen as it comes in two finishes: stainless steel and chrome at little cost. You will be surprised to know that this inexpensive faucet also has two versatile spray modes that is great from heavy-duty cleaning or washing and everyday cleaning.

5. Pegasus 67136-2016 Lyndhurst Series Two-Handle Kitchen Faucet, Oil Rubbed Bronze

This faucet is ideal for those who insist on a traditional-looking faucets with a classic finish and matching side spray. The faucet also comes in a brushed nickel finish, a brushed bronze finish, and stainless steel. However, the oil-rubbed bronze finish mates the modern granite sink and counter. It functionality is exceptional as well; you will have no problem getting your large-size pots under this faucet. Also, Installations is simple, so if you have made up your go ahead for that classic look!

So, that was our 5 most popular kitchen faucet. Good luck in your kitchen makeover!

Broan Allure II Under-Cabinet Range Hood

May 2, 2011 by Felix Leave a Comment

If you are looking for a range of vent hoods that offer style, beauty, and high performance at a reasonable price, the Allure series would interest you. The Allure II , from the Broan company (all its Allure models are HVI 2100 Certified), is one of the most popular of the under-cabinet range.

The Allure II under-cabinet range hood has a Dupont Teflon button pan which is fully enclosed with micro-mesh filters which are dishwasher safe and makes it easy to clean. The Allure hood has a three-level light setting for bright or nighttime illumination and it is designed to hold dual halogen 50-watt bulbs. It also has a 3-speed fan; however, the delay button helps control the level of fan speed.

At its lowest speed it has a whisper sound, and you could forget it is on: it is quieter than other fans. It gets a little louder at its higher speeds. Its highest speed is powerful enough to suck in the vapors from two boiling pots with no lids. The Hood is available in 30-inch, 36-inch and 42-inch widths.

The Allure II model like all other Allure models offer four-way convertibility 3-1/4 x 10″ (horizontal and vertical), 7″ round (vertical) and non-ducted. You would have to purchase non-ducted Clean Sense filters separately. The Allure II model also includes a 3-1/4 x 10″ damper/adapter.

Most customers are pleased with the Allure II model, because of its functional and physical features. The Allure II Hood is a welcome design element in any kitchen; the hood comes in five colours: almond, biscuit, black, white and stainless steel. The stainless steel model is considered the most attractive.

The main criticisms of the Allure II Hood are: the halogen light bulbs becomes hot, and the blower on the left side does not blow a much as the blowers on the right.

Here is what one customer has to say about the Allure II under-cabinet Hood:

Bella:

“The Allure II Hood has an attractive appeal over my gas stove. It provides excellent illumination over my stove top and it is not noisy. It is also great that you can configure it to your needs.”

Review paraphrased: view original review here.