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Simplify Your Life, Organize Your Kitchen

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The Kitchen is the busiest room in the house. It is multifunctional,: from cooking and entertaining to a place for your kids to do their homework, play board games or work on their arts and crafts projects.  Thus, it can be easily overrun with art supplies, scrap paper, scattered cook books, old mail, outdated spices and unused or damaged utensils. This could make a kitchen look very untidy.  Tidying up is quite easy if you follow the following steps.

1. Keeping the kitchen neat could indeed be a chore.  However, it is quite easy to tidy up.  Go through your kitchen and discard anything you don’t use, along with any food, spices or medicines kept in the kitchen that are beyond their expiration dates. Then take everything out of your cupboards and drawers, and wash the insides with warm soapy water. Rinse, let dry and replace cupboard and drawer liners with fresh, new ones.

2. Next, organize your pots, pans and cooking utensils.  Pots, pans and cooking utensils should be stored together near the stove for ease of access and to conserve space. Make sure each one you choose to keep has a matching lid. Do make sure that the handles are securely fastened, so keep a screwdriver handy to tighten down skillet handles or pot lids if necessary.

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3. Next, keep your dishes and silverware near your eating area or your dishwasher to shorten meal preparation or cleanup time. Plastic storage containers should be inventoried to ensure each has a matching lid and that they are free from cracks or other damage. Store them near your refrigerator to ease meal cleanup time.

4. Alphabetize your spices and keep them near the stove on a spice rack or in a nearby cupboard on a revolving rack.

5. Store food items that you use on a daily in a place you can easily grab them when needed. Organize your pantry so that similar canned goods are in the same place and can be found easily when it’s time to cook meals. Make sure your children an easily reach items they use on a regular basis, and make sure items such as knives, scissors, and household chemicals are out of reach and secured in a locked cabinet. Utilize airtight food storage containers to lengthen the shelf life of your foods.

6. If you have small appliances on your kitchen counter-top that you don’t use on a regular basis, remove them and store there in a nearby cupboard or pantry. A counte-rtop storage cabinet for those appliances that are used on a regular basis keeps them out of sight and helps reduce the counter top clutter.

Less is More; The joy of Simplicity

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A simple lifestyle is echoed in a minimalist design style. This style is not fussy but can be quite pleasing to the eye when the right natural textures and colours are combined.

minimalist kitchen

I find this style encouraging for those who are de-cluttering or like order.  It is also ideal for the cook who likes simple and down to earth food.  Since this style is very natural and focuses on functional elements.  It is also considered therapeutic.

A room that has clean lines; calming colours and textures on the walls, cabinets, and furniture; a simple window that brings the outdoor in can be very calming to babies, children (especially those who suffer from ADD), and “shut-ins”.  The minimalist style of decorating is perfect for those who look forward to winding down at home after a hard days work.

Therefore, this style is not for the collector.  The person who would buy, every week without failing, a new wall piece for the kitchen wall.  The elements in this style are focused, uniformed in appearance and the aim is simple, but elegant.  This means that there are few well placed ornaments; a few basic geometric shapes; and textures and colours are clean.  All the cooking utensils are stored in the cupboards.  The style imitates nature and is therefore perfect for the outdoor kitchen as well.

Some people think that this style, with its detail use of natural materials such solid timber, can be a bit expensive to pull off.  It is like a contradiction, but with a good design plan a minimalist style can be possible. It is also possible when you consider first these .

Some designers suggest that open cabinets can be used.  However, uniformity is important.  For instance a space is used for a collection of cookbooks, a uniform paper cover can be used on the books.  Displays are singular as well.  That means if you must group items they must similar and place in an area where balance is maintained.

What You Need To Know About Granite Kitchen Tops

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Every kitchen needs strong, stain-resistant counter tops. All counter tops have to endure  the rigors of everyday cooking and the unexpected mishaps that can occur in the kitchen.  At the same time it must be attractive and fit well with vertical surfaces in the kitchen. A favourite food-preparation surface is granite because of its durability, stain resistance and ease of maintenance. This type of counter top is therefore most likely to not burn or chip.

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Granite is widely known for its beauty and durability.

Granite counter tops are expensive and come in the form of slabs, squares or tiles with a variety of edges, such as bull nose, blunt cut, and knife edge.  Their polish look are attractive and can therefore bring elegance to any kitchen.  On the other hand, granite, being a natural stone product is also known to likely to get stained and bacteria growth, most possible if tile granite is installed and would require regular sealing as it can harbor bacteria.

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Granite counter tops are expensive and can range from $30 to $100 US per square foot.

Still natural granite is one of the best materials for counter tops, along side stainless  steel. Here is another reason for choosing natural granite when it come to cleaning it and keeping it free of bacteria.  Natural granite counter tops can be cleaned and free of bacteria better than any other surface counter top with a simple soap, and cleaner with vinegar.  The only other surface that is cleaned better with vinegar is stainless steel.

No wonder granite counter tops are most preferred by homeowners who take pride in a clean and functional kitchen.  The beauty and durability of natural granite is the added bonus.

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 Granite is perfect for the outdoor kitchen as well.  It beauty, durability and functionality is extended to outdoor cooking.

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Planning and Designing Your Kitchen Floor

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All remodeling projects require some care in planning and designing. Whatever the purpose of the flooring or the complication of the flooring, planning is important. For more information to help you plan and design your new floor, you may also want to visit the photo gallery, and search by category for other articles on colour, style, and pattern.

Good Ideas on Flooring

If you plan to do the entire flooring project yourself, here is a number of suggestion that could be helpful for you. You can browse magazines and visit floor retail stores to get a good idea of your flooring options. You will therefore learn the cost of the flooring, specific needs and conditions for installation, the feel of the flooring, and its durability. You should approach the kitchen project in a predetermined manner. So, work out a logical work sequence for your overall project. Ensure that walls and ceilings are finished before you start the floor installation. Finally, protect your new floor with heavy paper as you progress in your kitchen remodeling.

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With these points in mind, you should have a checklist for your floor project. Here is a prepared one you can use.

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CHECKLIST FOR PLANNING A FLOORING PROJECT

Measure the total square footage of the kitchen area carefully.

 

Create a floor plan with your measurements on graph paper.

 

Use tracing paper to sketch your desired patterns for the new kitchen. (Place pattern over the graph floor plan to help you visualize the various patterns).

Identify areas where floor covering will change for transitional purposes and choose the best threshold material.

 

Estimate the amount of preparation and installation materials you will need, such as underlayment sheets, grouts, screws, and adhesives.*

List the tools needed for the project and determine whether you will buy or rent them.

 

Estimate delivery cost.

 

Estimate the cost to remove debris from home.

 

Estimate the total cost of the project. Use the previous information to help with this. To keep the cost of the project down, check around.

Finally, plan for the temporary displacement of furniture and appliances.

 

*Notes:

  1. This information can be found at building centers or on the labels of the materials needed.
  2. When estimating the cost of materials always add an extra 5 to 10% of material cost to cover any waste that could be incurred during the installation. Save the extra material for future repairs.

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Suitable Kitchen Flooring

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There are many flooring options suitable for your kitchen and which can fit your many flooring needs. They are flooring made from exotic hardwoods, traditional woods, ceramic, stone, vinyl, and cork; plus you can combine two or more of these coverings .

 Wood flooring

 

 

Wood flooring offers a lot of warmth and beauty to a kitchen.

Wood flooring are considered the best choice for kitchen floors. They are durable, would last a minimum of 20 years; some hard wood flooring are known to last up to 100 years. However, wood flooring needs care in order to keep it looking good. Daily care involves sweeping and mopping, but occasionally some waxing, stripping, sanding, and refinishing work would ensure it keeps looking immaculate. A major advantage of wood flooring is that wares are less likely to break when dropped to the ground. Wood flooring is also a good choice as it does not collect molds and mildew, or absorb dust.

Resilient floors

 

The vinyl flooring in this kitchen stimulates the beauty of stone tile.

 


The vinyl tiles above looks like stone tiles which helps create a unified look with the kitchen and dinning area.

 

Sheet vinyl offers a practical and attractive option to liven up a kitchen.

 

Resilient floors, such a vinyl flooring, are also popular because it comes in a variety of patterns, it feels soft under the feet, and it is reasonably priced and economical to install. It requires no sanding or finishing. They can also be install over previously installed flooring by the homeowner with just a utility knife. However resilient floors are not as durable as ceramic tiles.

Laminate Floors

 

Laminate floors looks like wood and therefore offers the warmth and beauty that wood flooring offers.

 

Another type of floor that is increasing in popularity is laminate flooring, like laminate countertops. It is made to replicate wood and ceramic tiles. It is also scratch resistant and would not fade or dent. It is even inexpensive to install. It is laid down in panels and joined by tongue-and-groove joints. Laminate flooring is installed according to what is referred to as a floating system (the laminate flooring is is not fastened to the sub-floor it rests on a foam pad).  Laminate flooring looks like wood and therefore offers a warmth and beauty as well.

 

Ceramic Tiles and Natural Stone Foors

 

The stone tiles provide earth tones that are natural and the irregular shape tiles help create a rustic look in this kitchen.

 


 
Ceramic tile floors help create a look or mode. In the picture above, the floor provides a subtle background for a light and natural look. A combination of square and rectangular shape tiles can also create a sleek contemporary look.

Ceramic tiles floors and natural stone floors such as granite, marble, and slate are popular due to its durability and broken tiles can be easily replaced. It price varies but is generally more expensive than resilient flooring. The tiles feel hard under the foot and wares can break easily on them. They need to be installed on firm and stable floors.

Cork flooring offer a unique natural beauty to a kitchen.

Another type of flooring suitable for the kitchen floor is cork. Cork is attractive and comfortable to walk on. It is stain and moisture resistant.  It is available in natural, tinted, and vivid colours. If your are environmentally conscious, you will be be pleased with this type of flooring as it does not off-gas or shed microfibers. Another type of flooring that is considered green is bamboo flooring.

Cork originates from the bark of the cork tree (the bark splits from the tree naturally every 9-15 years). However, cork flooring, which comes in tiles, planks, and sheets of various sizes, fades in direct sunlight and gets yellow as it ages. Installation is similar to laminated or vinyl tiles.

 

This is another green option that can add beauty and holds well like hardwood flooring.

Your choice of floor covering should reflect you and your family needs and affordability. Select the kitchen flooring after much thought (such as practicality, affordability, use, beauty, and the type of mood you wish to create in the kitchen). Certain floors can withstand high traffic flow such as concrete and stone tiles floors. However, comfort will be an issue, and thus wooden floors and like-wooden floors offer better underfoot comfort. Finally, some floor covering are favored by the environmentally conscious household owners. These floors add a natural beauty to your kitchen.

All photos courtesy www.photobucket.com
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The Kitchen Floor

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Your kitchen floor is an important element in designing, because flooring must be practical to fit the needs of the household. Also you can liven up your kitchen, even an outdated one, just by changing the flooring. All flooring, including the kitchen, can make use of colour or patterns of  colour which can help produce a contrast or complement with other surface material in the kitchen. The ideal flooring will therefore help you create a simple or elaborate kitchen; or one that can unify adjacent areas with just the flooring.

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Therefore, a kitchen renovation may involve you making a decision as to whether you should keep your present flooring or get new flooring. It is most convenient to keep the old floors, but you may have do some simple patch work on certain areas. Generally, a wooden kitchen floor is easier to patch. However, floors that are in a poor state are impossible to renew and you will eventually have to remove it.

Now,  whether or not you choose to replace your old kitchen floor,  it could take a lot more abuse during a remodeling project. Damage done to the floor can be easily spotted by everyone.  So, much planning is needed to ensure a successful remodeling.  Also, planning  helps you choose a floor that is long-lasting, besides just being visually appealing.

Finally, your kitchen floor should be, to some degree, stain-proof, abrasion-resistant, easy to clean and kind to your feet (it should prevent skidding and feel warm). Unfortunately,  no type of flooring measure up perfectly to these characteristics.  So the flooring you choose should be one that fits your needs.
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Choosing the Right Kitchen Sink Size

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You cannot ignore your kitchen sink if you are remodeling your kitchen. The kitchen sink is another work station for the cooking process.   So select the right fit after a little thought. Now, you have three options when it pertains to the size of the kitchen sink.

 

Three Optional Size for a Kitchen Sink

 

 

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1. The single basin kitchen sink. This is the standard-size kitchen sink with one bowl for washing. They come in a variety of shapes. Its basic measurement is 33×22 inches. You should choose a size that would accommodate the deepest pot in your kitchen. Single basins are suited for small spaces, but it is also used as a second sink in larger kitchens.

2. The double basin kitchen sink. This one is common in many kitchens because it allows for multitasking. One bowl can be used to wash vegetables and the other for cleaning pots.


3. The triple basin kitchen sink. This size of kitchen sink offers a lot of possibilities for the cooking enthusiast. Generally, two of the basins are deep and the third is a smaller bowl.

 

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The Stainless Steel Look

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Today, we have a heightened awareness of germs. The easiest surface to keep clean are smooth. For countertops, solid surface countertops and stainless steel countertops fit this bill. However,the smoothest textures is stainless steel. Stainless steel is also low maintenance material.

 

A Professional and Timeless Look

 

 

Stainless steel throughout the kitchen has a professional and timeless look, however, a kitchen done in stainless steel can look cold and clinical. This is certainly not the most aesthetically pleasing solution. However, the stainless steel look is expensive, it has the tendency of retaining smudges and scratches easily, and stainless steel sinks made of thinner gauge material can make quite a racket with clanking dishes.

Needless to say, if you really like this professional look, you will be pleased to know there are a wide variety of pro-style stainless steel range, cooktops, vents, and refrigerators. Also, today’s models are being built with a thicker steel gauge. For this reason, stainless steel appliances are heavier than the standard residential ranges. Some stainless steel models also have additional safety features. You should note that stainless steel from different manufacturers don’t match. It is best to buy your stainless steel appliances from one source or check out the appliance before buying.

 

The Stainless Steel Look with Textures and Colours

Stainless steel, when paired well with other textures and colours can enhance the look of your kitchen. It can complement the colour of wood-stained or painted cabinet. It can also go well with a rougher stone and concrete texture. As a satin finish, stainless steel can be too shiny, so when matched with other textures and colours offers a great transition.

 


In this kitchen, the door knobs and handles match the stainless steel appliances, the refrigerator and range. If you are unable to find stainless steel knobs or handles for doors, an excellent substitute is brushed chrome or satin-finish nickel. You will also find lighting fixtures, curtain rods, and faucets made from nickle with a satin-finish. Another, is earthy bronze which has a classic appeal and can add warmth to a room with stainless steel appliances.

Stainless steel can definitely enhance the look of your kitchen too many degrees. The best thing about it is that the material is long lasting. Most manufacturers emphasize their stainless steel products are easy to keep clean, resist heat and ordinary household chemicals, and are fire and water proof.

All pictures courtesy www.photobucket.com

 

 

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Lighting and Wiring

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Lighting in the kitchen will most likely come from more than one source. You may have lights brightening the entire area of the island and  where you prepare meals.  Then these areas could be brightened with natural lights from a skylight or a window.  Good lighting ensures safety in the kitchen when performing tasks.

The picture below shows a combination of lighting in kitchen.

 

Source photo: www.photobucket.com

In this kitchen, task lighting is obvious. Matching frosted pendant lamps brighten the entire length of the island (but also draws the eye towards this area of the room, making it the rooms central focus). Matching metal pendant lights brighten the sink area. There is ample natural light from the window and the glass-fronted cabinets help bounce light throughout the room. In other areas of the room there are several recessed lights and surface-mounted spotlights.

These different light sources can be wired to the same switch or different switches as well. They can be switched on or off when needed; they can also be dimmed to soften the light.


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10 Common Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes To Avoid

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Many times when the job is done, the mistakes immediately become obvious. Here are 10 common mistakes made when remodeling the kitchen:

1. Placing appliances on the opposite side of the kitchen.

2. Placing the refrigerator or freezer next to a wall so the doors would not open fully.

3. Placing the ice maker or under-counter beverage refrigerator within the kitchen triangle.

4. Placing the microwave to0 high. (Pay attention to the height specified for the microwave. It might be difficult to read the controls on a microwave below the counter , and bending over to read it would certainly be difficult for seniors. A microwave placed too high may pose a danger when removing hot items from within.)

5. Placing the faucet too low.

6. Positioning appliances where the doors will collide if both are open at the same time.

7. Storing heavy items (pots, pans, or dishes) in very wide , deep drawer. (The weight would strain the drawer glides and eventually cause it to malfunction. It would be better to use two medium-sized drawers rather than one extremely large one.

8. Reserving a space too small for a dishwasher. (Check the standard size of appliances before building cabinet space, especially if the space will be converted to hold an appliance later).

9. Using light -coloured grout on floors. (The floors usually end up looking dingy over time)

10. Building deep cabinet spaces to hold more things. (In the end it is difficult to reach).

Preparing for the kitchen remodeling project

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Kitchen remodeling is a major task which needs much planning and preparation. There is never too much planning when it comes to a kitchen makeover.

 

Preparing the Space

So here are some helpful ideas to prepare the space for work, whether it is a minor or a major task:

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  1. Declutter your kitchen.
  2. Set up a temporary kitchen away from all the chaos. In this temporary kitchen, you can place a refrigerator, a good-sized table, a stove or a gas grill (if it is not convenient to have one there), a microwave, and a toaster. You would have to stock up on plaster plates and cups and organize a number of canned foods in the area. You can also store in the refrigerator some frozen meals.
  3. Expect that the entry in the kitchen may not be always accessible. You may have to use other entry ways to get around your house.
  4. Try to have the job completed in the shortest possible time. Most renovation professional suggest no more than 5 years for major remodeling jobs, beyond which could be very annoying for your family. Also, don’t coincide your project with major holidays and visiting guests.
  5. Get familiar with building code requirements, especially if you are doing a major renovation. You may get some good ideas on designing from building inspectors as well to help you make sure you meet building code requirements. However, you would need to be specific when consulting them.
  6. In order to test what works best for you, you may need alternative drawing layouts for your kitchen space.
  7. Make sure you have the necessary tools and materials for the job, such as, screwdriver, hand sander, brushes. Make sure you buy the highest quality brush. Use synthetic-bristle brushes for latex paint (they should be soft and flagged); natural-bristle brushes for oil-based paints; nylon brushes for fine work; and angled sash brushes for painting face frames. Other materials you may need for the job are TSP or other degreaser, sandpaper, masking tape, primer, enamel paint, etc..

Organizing these things before hand helps you ensure less interruption for the work and the job being done on time. These are some of the things you will need to do before remodeling the kitchen, any variation will depend on the job you have set out to do. So take some time and determine what you need to do and the things you will need to get the job done.

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