Posted by Jeff Baker on Fri, Feb 03, 2012 @ 01:07 PM
When is your kitchen, living room or bathroom re-decorating project truly finished? Small and large accents really complete your living spaces, some are functional, some are fashionable, all are important add to your shopping list.
One of the easiest ways to make a big impact is cabinet hardware, knob, handles or pulls. A style-setter for blank-slate cabinets or existing storage space and can be an affordable upgrade. Consider the best style, type, and finish for your needs. Some tips on buying the best types of knobs and pulls are as follows:
Recognize what hardware styles and finishes look best with different cabinet looks. Look through brochures or visit showrooms for ideas. Not all of the knobs and pulls have to match in finish. Consider glass knobs too, they can be an interesting accent piece.
Replace outdated kitchen lighting over the island or peninsula area with pendant lights. You can easily find stylish, updated pendant lights at a local home center or try online lighting outlets.
Consider using decorative glass on a couple of your kitchen cabinet doors. We’re seeing more and more of this since it’s fairly easy to order a pair of doors with the glass inserts. You can choose from several types of glass; clear, ribbed, bubbled or even stained just to list a few. Adding glass doors to your cabinets can add an appealing sparkle to your kitchen.
Replacing your current, clunky- wood coffee table with an oversized upholstered ottoman may just be the accent update that your living room needs. Place a couple trays with accent color pieces for display and you’ll still have room left to put your feet up at the end of the day.
Your bookshelves don’t have to just sit there holding your books. Make them interesting by decorating them. Do something daring! Paint the back of them with bold colors; chocolate, gold or even red! Or, wallpaper the back with a stipe, toile or check print.Still skeptical? Try a temporary design by removing the shelves and fitting the back with fabric covered foam core.
Simple window treatments can add a tailored elegance. Avoid heavy or fussy styled window coverings. Instead, try simple or sheer panels.
For all your kitchen cabinet projects and ideas, visit www.cabinetrestorations.com or call Kitchen Make-Overs @ (925) 753-5002. Help us, help others with their cabinet needs, “Like” us on Facebook and be sure to tell others about our cabinet or wood restoration, new drawer boxes, roll-out shelves, cabinet refinishing and cabinet restoration services.
Posted by Jeff Baker on Wed, Feb 01, 2012 @ 04:52 PM
The most visited destination in your kitchen isn’t the pantry or the refrigerator as you might imagine, it’s your sink. It’s used to prepare and clean up every meal or snack.
With kitchen faucet and sink choices as varied as kitchen designs and cooking styles, the trick is to learn what works best for you and what looks good too!
It may be worth your while to visit a couple kitchen showrooms or home centers to get an idea or a feel for what types of faucet or sink will fit your needs. Traditional double-bowl, large single-bowl or modular and corner basis are a few types of sinks available to you.
Determining a sink material may take some though. Are you looking for a certain style, certain durability, easy clean up, or is cost your priority?
Stainless steel is by far the most popular material and is very affordable. Stainless steel is also one of the easiest sinks to keep clean. Keep in mind when choosing a stainless steel sink that the lower the gauge, the stronger the metal. This also applies with copper and aluminum sinks.
For a sink with color you might want an enameled cast-iron sink or an enameled sink (weighs less than cast-iron).
If you are interested in having your sink blend in with your countertop you may consider a composite or engineered stone or granite and quartz. Keep in mind these types of sinks add class to your kitchen, more damage to your wallet and weight on your cabinets.
Style and function may complicate your choice for a kitchen faucet. Start by determining classic or contemporary style or something in-between. There are lots of styles and finish colors to choose from: warm, rustic tones of brass, bronze, copper, or iron, brushed nickel, stainless steel or the ever-popular polished chrome.
And how can you forget about the cool features and accessories that help ease our tasks. Water-filtering faucets, high-arch or gooseneck spouts, pullout sprayers and touch less models are today’s helpful options. Pot-filler faucets are another option that successfully translated from restaurant use to residential use.
For all your kitchen cabinet projects and ideas, visit
www.cabinetrestorations.com or call Kitchen Make-Overs @ (925) 753-5002. Help us, help others with their cabinet needs, “Like” us on Facebook and be sure to tell others about our cabinet or wood restoration, new drawer boxes, roll-out shelves, cabinet refinishing and cabinet restoration services.
Posted by Jeff Baker on Tue, Jan 31, 2012 @ 02:02 PM
Homeowners are looking for inexpensive ways to update their homes. Everyone knows that kitchen remodels can cost a small fortune and in these uncertain, economic times folks are hesitant to spend a lot of their hard-earned money now. But there are ways to make improvements to your kitchen without breaking the bank. Here are few helpful suggestions to upgrade your kitchen without the hassle and expense of a full kitchen remodel.
Hardware
Change your knobs and handles. This simple action can really dress-up your cabinets. Be sure to buy your knobs or handles with the same drill pattern as your existing knobs and handles. That makes for a much easier knob/handle swap-out. If you don’t currently have knobs and handles, have a professional install them for you. It may be too risky for the average homeowner to complete on their own because if you miss drill the holes, you may be on the hook for a couple of new doors! Replacing a couple doors isn’t bad cost-wise, it’s having the new doors match your existing cabinet finish. You may be opening a whole new can of worms if you decide to do it yourself.
Countertops
The condition of your existing countertop will determine what you should do about your countertop. If you currently have tile and you either like it or are content with it, you may just want to get your grout removed and replaced with a different color.
If you want to replace your countertops you have many choices; granite, quartz, laminate, stainless steel, etc. They all have pros and cons pertaining to their price, durability, color selections, stain resistance, etc. Countertop selection should be considered on price, budget, how long you plan on staying in your home and your cooking and entertaining habits.
Flooring
You know when the time is right to replace your kitchen flooring. Thank goodness you have plenty of flooring options for your kitchen. Again, the flooring material you choose should be determined by how you use your kitchen. Vinyl is best for resisting dents. They look good and last a long time and are easy to install. Wood gives a warm feel to your kitchen but costs more that vinyl flooring. You may think about saving money by shopping discount stores that offer deals on overstocked flooring. Tile flooring is for kitchens that have a bigger budget. This is a natural material and offers many options. Tile tends to resist wear and isn’t damaged easily.
Cabinets
If replacing or refacing your existing kitchen cabinets is totally out of the question, then you might want to consider having your cabinets refinished. Kitchen cabinet refinishing can save homeowners money since they are able to keep their existing cabinets and cabinet refinishing is very affordable. It is also a fast process and will give the homeowner years of life on their cabinet refinishing. The typical kitchen cabinet refinishing project takes about one day to complete but will last for many years to come. You do have an option to darken your cabinets with the cabinet refinishing process.
For all your kitchen cabinet projects and ideas, visit www.cabinetrestorations.com or call Kitchen Make-Overs @ (925) 753-5002. Help us; help others with their cabinet needs: cabinet or wood restoration, new drawer boxes, roll-out shelves and cabinet refinishing. Tell others and‘Like’ us on Facebook!
Posted by Jeff Baker on Mon, Jan 30, 2012 @ 05:49 PM
Your cabinet refinishing can look even better that when they were initially installed thanks to modern techniques and products. Cabinet refinishing is a process that is considered a specialty in the contracting world. Not many contractors are experienced in this procedure so be sure to choose a company with plenty of experience. If you don’t, you may be asking for trouble!
Your existing cabinets can be restored to their original color and luster, and the best part is your cabinet finish does NOT have to be completely stripped down to the bare wood. The cabinet refinishing process is done by cleaning your existing cabinets, applying stain to the areas that may have damage to even out the color and then lastly, applying a finish top coat which will seal and protect your cabinets.
Save yourself thousands of dollars and countless headaches with the cabinet refinishing process. It is a very economical choice over cabinet replacement or cabinet refacing and it’s a fraction of the cost.
The cabinet refinishing process can usually be completed in just one day. It’s fast, easy and affordable. There is minimal preparation required of the homeowner.
To make your kitchen truly user-friendly you might also want to consider having roll-out shelves installed too. This upgrade to your kitchen saves wear and tear on your knees and back. Roll-out shelves are a must for any kitchen. Don’t you think you deserve to treat yourself? No more squatting or bending trying to find that certain pot or pan. No more rummaging through the pantry searching for the specific item to complete your culinary masterpiece. Pull out your roll-out shelf and have easy access to your entire pantry.
For all your kitchen cabinet projects and ideas visit www.cabinetrestorations.comor call Kitchen Make-Overs @ (925) 753-5002. Help us help others with their cabinet needs: cabinet or wood restoration, new drawer boxes, roll-out shelves, cabinet refinishing and cabinet refacing. Tell others about us and like us on Facebook.
Posted by Jeff Baker on Tue, Jan 03, 2012 @ 03:39 PM
In the home improvement market or cabinet trade, there are so many procedures and ideas that can overwhelm a homeowner. Homeowners who are interested in learning about more on the subject please read on. Cabinet restoration can be a great option for you!
Cabinet Restore: Why Restore?
Restoration gives you an updated look and will give you plenty of additional years of life to your cabinetry. Cabinet restoration is a great alternative to refacing cabinets or replacing cabinets since it is so affordable!
Cabinet Restoration: What is Involved?
Cabinet restoration is usually a one day process. Cabinets are cleaned, removing any build-up of grime or grease or lacquer finish that may be flaking off. The existing cabinet finish color is matched and applied to areas with damage due to sunlight, steam or water exposure. A top coat is then applied which will seal and protect the newly cleaned cabinetry.
Cabinet Restoration: How Long Will it Take?
Kitchen sizes vary and so does the process time. An average size kitchen is approximately 48 linear feet and an average kitchen can usually be restored in one or two days! The homeowners preparation consists only of making sure their countertops are completely clear of any clutter.
Cabinet restoration is the most affordable way to protect your cabinet investment. Fora all your kitchen cabinet projects and ideas visit www.cabinetrestorations.com or call Kitchen Make-Overs @ 925 753-5002 for a free estimate. Help us, help others with their cabinet needs: cabinet or wood restoration, new drawer boxes, roll-out shelves, and cabinet refinishing. "Like Us" on facebook and tell others.
Posted by Jeff Baker on Thu, Dec 22, 2011 @ 02:53 PM
Appliances can make life so much easier whether you are cooking for a crowd or just a couple. They can determine how you spend your time at home. Set your priorities before selecting your appliances. Whether you want the basic or the best, choose one appliance as your focal point of the kitchen.
Now days, stainless steel is the kitchen appliance finish of choice. From the gas range, exhaust hood and refrigerators. You can now get a stainless steel and smudge-free appliance finish that is available in most price ranges. You can even get a stainless steel countertop installed.
Today’s appliances are quieter due to better vibration-reducing designs and insulation. They are saving us time and effort and have become customized to certain lifestyles. Some appliances showcase conveniences while others focus on capacity. Many have decorative trim panels that disguise the appliances so well that you hardly know they are there!
Know your products. Do your researches before you purchase your appliances. Ask family and friends or reference Consumer Reports magazine. Shop smarter, the right kitchen appliance can help make prep and cleanup more efficient and enjoyable. Balance the look you want with the appliances that work best for your kitchen needs.
Always visit the showroom first to see the actual fit, finish and the features in real life. You may want to time your appliance purchase just right. Many retailers flip their inventories on appliances at the end of the year. They may run deep discounts on the current year’s models.
For all your kitchen cabinet projects and ideas visit www.cabintrestorations.com or call Kitchen Make-Overs @ 925 753-5002. Help us help others with their cabinet needs: cabinet or wood restoration, new drawer boxes, roll-out shelves, cabinet refinishing or wood renewal. Like us on Facebook.
Posted by Jeff Baker on Wed, Dec 21, 2011 @ 02:16 PM
Everyone is looking to save money these days but folks still want to update and improve their homes. Here are some inexpensive ideas to spruce up your kitchen without breaking your budget. And some of these suggestions can be completed by you, the homeowner.
Just because your current cabinets are worn or dated doesn’t mean you have to tear them out and start over. Simply replace your doors and drawer fronts. You can choose a quality, solid wood door and have the doors and drawer fronts stained to match your existing cabinet boxes. The doors are your cabinets so replacing them basically, give you knew cabinets.
You may think about adding an accent door with colored or clear glass, frosted glass or stainless steel. This can be inexpensively done depending on your glass choice.
Mouldings can really add character to your kitchen at a relatively low cost. Mouldings range in styles from simple, classic, elegant and ornate. You can add mouldings to the tops, bottoms or edges of your cabinets. Moulding added along the bottom of your upper cabinets can conceal under cabinet lighting.
Under cabinet lighting is also another great kitchen update that is relatively inexpensive. This type lighting really creates nice kitchen atmosphere.
Think about adding decorative trim pieces like corbels, corner details turnings or inlays. “Legs” or feet added to the bases of cabinets create the look of freestanding furniture.
Now for the final inexpensive touch. Just like the right piece of jewelry can make an outfit, so can the right knob or handle complete the look of your custom kitchen with the cost. Be sure to choose a knob, handle or pull that can stand up to years of use. Also, consider the style of your cabinets and pick knobs and handles that feel comfortable in your hands.
For all your kitchen cabinet projects and ideas visit www.cabinetrestorations.com or call Kitchen Make-Overs @ 925 753-5002. Help us help others with their cabinet needs: cabinet or wood restoration, new drawer boxes, roll-out shelves, cabinet refinishing and wood renewal. Like us on Facebook.
Posted by Jeff Baker on Tue, Dec 20, 2011 @ 01:53 PM
When you’re remodeling your home the best place to “spend too much money” would be in the kitchen. If you “cheap out” on your cabinets or appliances you might regret it every day. You need to spend appropriately on appliances and items you will be using several times per day. You can save money elsewhere.
Planning:
Try not to make changes when the work is already in progress. Nothing can blow a budget faster than making unexpected changes in the middle of the project. Spend that extra time visiting showrooms or model homes, looking through magazines or meeting with professional kitchen designers.
Bids:
Make sure the contractors you are considering hiring give you a detailed estimate including a targeted completion date. Beware if a bid is so low is sounds too good to be true, than it probably is. As a general rule you should get at least 3 bids and throw out the lowest priced bid.
Work Yourself:
You can cut some cost by doing part of the work yourself. Focus on jobs you feel comfortable completing and jobs that don’t hold up the entire project. If you are able to remove items (Flooring or Cabinets) or even do your own finish painting. Leave the more complicated tasks, like electrical and plumbing, to the professionals. It’s way worth it in the end.
Time Your Purchases:
Buying your appliances in the month of December is one of best months for savings. Retailers often have sales on big-ticket items during the holidays. You might want to sign up for sales alerts on store websites and receive sale notices all year long.
Mix and Match:
I you are replacing all your appliances you can save money by mixing and matching different brands. Be practical. Choose function over form.
For all your kitchen cabinet projects and ideas, visit www.cabinetrestorations.com or call Kitchen Make-Overs @ 925 753-5002. Help us; help others with their cabinet needs: cabinet or wood restoration, new drawer boxes, roll-out shelves and cabinet refinishing. Like us on Facebook and tell others about us!
Posted by Jeff Baker on Mon, Dec 19, 2011 @ 12:59 PM
Designing a smart kitchen in small spaces can be quite the struggle. It’s challenging and difficult to maximize space, form and function into a minimal kitchen footprint. But it can be done.
Use nearby Space
The kitchen space needed really doesn’t have to be located in the kitchen. Think of your pantry as a dining room closet and use it as such. To make it more accessible, install roll-out shelves, deep drawer boxes or adjustable shelves. Use your empty wall space for niche shelving. Utilize your space with more style and more intelligently.
You might want to think about an appliance garage for your appliances. This makes your countertops less crowded and less cluttered. Your appliances are still just as handy, they’re just “parked” out of sight.
Put the Walls to Work
Move your cooking items to the walls. You still have access to your pots & pans, cooking oils and spices, they’re just more stylish! They now have great glass shelving sized perfectly for spices on the wall. No more searching through packed cabinets for the right pot or the right spice. These range-side items provide effortless access to your cooking gear and spices. Get creative.
Island Storage Ideas
Use your island with a combination of drawers and opened storage for a furniture-style look. It makes your kitchen look beautiful as well as functional. Use baskets in your island to keep your vegetables handy and this also gives them access to fresh air so they won’t spoil as quickly.
Lazy Susans
Lazy Susans are around spinning shelf that allows you to put items at the back of the cabinets but still with access.
Blind Corner Lazy Susans
An easy access to your ‘blind’ corners can increase your usable storage space. Blind corner lazy Susans are half-moon shaped shelves that pivot at the front of the cabinet.
For all your kitchen cabinet projects and ideas visit www.cabinetrestorations.com or call Kitchen Make-Overs (925) 753-5002. Help us help others with their kitchen needs: cabinet or wood restoration, new drawer boxes, roll-out shelves, knobs and handles installs and cabinet refinishing. Like us on Facebook and tell others about us.
Posted by Jeff Baker on Tue, Dec 13, 2011 @ 06:03 PM
Running a little short on time and holiday cash? You still have time to make some easy and inexpensive homemade gifts for your family and friends. Whether you have a big family, lots of friends or just a smaller budget this year, these suggestions can help!
Nine Bean Soup (with or without chicken)
Ingredients:
1 – Package barley (14 ounce)
1 – Package dried red beans (16 ounce)
1 – Package dried pinto beans (16 ounces)
1 – Package uncooked lentils (16 ounce)
1 – Package dried black beans (16 ounces)
1 – Package dried navy pea beans (16 ounce)
1 – Package dried great northern beans (16 ounce)
1 – Package dried green split peas (16 ounce)
1 – Package dried black-eyed peas
Combine all the above ingredients in a large bowl, making sure to mix beans thoroughly. Divide bean mixture in 2 cups per gift. Now, you can give in a decorative glass container or a decorative paper bag with a clear front, showing your bean mixture with all the colors. Just remember that presentation is everything. Whichever way you decide is fine, just be sure to include the cooking instructions as follows:
Directions:
2 cups of the Nine Bean Soup Mix
2 quarts of water
2 cups of cooked chicken, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 chicken bouillon cube
1 teaspoon of salt
½ teaspoon of pepper
1 can diced tomatoes (14 ½ ounce)
1 can diced tomatoes and green chilies (10 ounce)
Place soup mix in a Dutch oven, add water to cover and let stand for 30 minutes. Drain.
Bring soup mix, 2 quarts of water & the next 6 ingredients to a boil in the Dutch oven. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 1-1 ½ hours. Stir in canned tomatoes return to boil. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until beans are soft and tender, adding more water if necessary.
Now what busy family wouldn’t love to have dinner ready-made for them?
Another easy holiday gift idea: marinated olives. You can make these in 5 minutes but you need to allow them to set at least 8 ½ hours.
Marinated Olives
Ingredients:
Mixed green and black olives
Olive oil, to taste
Lemon zest, to taste
Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
2 Rosemary sprigs, crushed
Kosher salt, to taste
Slivered garlic, to taste
Directions:
Drain and discard olive brine. Toss all the olives together in a bowl. Toss with generous amounts of olive oil and add all the other ingredients to taste. Let mixture marinate overnight and even up to a couple week in the refrigerator, they will only get more flavorful with time!
And last but not least Cran-Almond Bark. This recipe calls for only 3 ingredients.
Cran-Almond Bark
Ingredients:
1 cup almonds, pecans or walnuts
1 pound chocolate, finely chopped
1 cup dried fruit, cranberries, raisins or sour cherries.
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350. Toast nuts on baking sheet for approximately 10 minutes. Chop nuts coarsely and set aside.
Line baking sheet with waxed or parchment paper. Place ½ of chocolate in medium saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted. Remove sauce pan from the heat and add remaining chocolate, stir until smooth.
Stir in fruit and nuts into the chocolate and pour mixture onto wax/parchment paper. Spread mixture out until it’s about ¼ or ½ thick. Let mixture cool at room temperature, takes about 2 hours.
Break bark into large, jagged pieces and wrap in holiday cellophane or pack in decorative boxes. Enjoy!
For all your kitchen cabinet projects and ideas visit www.cabinetrestorations.com or call Kitchen Make-Overs @ (925) 753-5002. Help us help others with their cabinet needs, cabinet finish repair and wood restoration, new drawer boxes, roll-out shelves and more! Like us on facebook and tell others.