Small Kitchen Renovations for Maximum Impact

September 18, 2017

•

kitchen set

Small Kitchen Renovations for Maximum Impact

Small Kitchen Renovations

 They say that the kitchen is the heart of the home and when it comes to remodeling a kitchen it can cost an awful lot of money. Some people will go through with a pricey renovation that puts them without a kitchen for weeks on end for the big payoff at the end, but what if you just can't afford a major re-do?

Luckily there are minor things that you can do that will spruce up that kitchen and pull it into the current decade. Usually, people can tell the age of your home by what's on the walls. If your kitchen is full of wallpaper and/or wallpaper border it may be time to freshen it up. Paint those walls and get creative, with that old and dated paper gone the difference will be amazing!

Small Kitchen Renovations

Change those kitchen cabinets. Refinishing just the cabinets can freshen up a whole space. Yes, it's a bit time consuming but it is way cheaper than a full renovation and best of all you can do the work yourself.

If you can't change the cabinets, a smaller fix is to change the cabinet hardware. There are literally thousands of pulls and knobs to choose from that will bring that outdated kitchen up to where it belongs. Be sure to measure the holes in the old hardware though, so you can match them up with new or make sure the new covers them up.

A new tap is a great idea to spruce up a kitchen. Get one with a veggie sprayer and you're good to go! They too come in all sorts of colours and designs that will leave you wondering why on earth you didn't change it up sooner.

Small Kitchen Renovations

If you hate your counter tops and can't afford brand new, there is always the option of having someone come in to fit new tops over the old, but if that's not an option, there is special paint you can buy just for counters. Add a splash of colour and watch that kitchen pop!

How about a new fan or lighting fixture? Those outdated ones have got to go, and there are so many new and fabulous styles out there that finding a new one will be a fun and easy experience. You don't even need to be an expert electrician to install that new fan or light, they're easy to do.

Don't keep looking at that old kitchen, spruce it up today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Amanda_J_Hales/1311545

 

READ MORE

Anatomy of a Kitchen Countertop

September 18, 2017

•

kitchen set

Anatomy of a Kitchen Countertop

Anatomy of a Kitchen Countertop

 The kitchen, being the contemporary centerpiece of every home, requires a countertop which (1.) meets the functional needs of daily cooking preparations and (2.) complements the beauty of the entire area.

Whether you are building a new house or doing a major kitchen renovation, it is important to know a few useful information which will help you decide on the final design of your countertop.

Furthermore, should you intend to have your local supplier install it for you, he or she will most likely ask some of the details which we will discuss in this article. Therefore, it is best to have a list of some of your ideas beforehand. Keep in mind that the installer will charge you accordingly based on the specifications of your project.

The Frontage, the central part of the countertop, is the working area of the kitchen. It is here where we perform mostly the various tasks, such as kneading and chopping. Moreover, it is the surface which absorbs the constant use and abuse of daily meal preparations.

During layout and design, it is important to note that a depth of at least 0.60 meters is required for the countertop's frontage to function efficiently. This figure ensures, too, that there is a sufficient area to work on while allowing enough space to accommodate the sink, the stove top, and some other small kitchen accessories.

Anatomy of a Kitchen Countertop

A countertop can either be a continuous space or a connection of two or more slabs joined at angled corners. Often, kitchens with an "L-shaped" or a "U-shaped" layout require seams to accommodate the size of the countertop. Alternatively, you may also consider using gangsaw slabs (slabs which have a depth of more than a meter) to minimize the number of seams.

A Backsplash is a vertical panel installed above the frontage of a countertop. It has three essential functions. First, it serves to protect the wall from splatters and blocks spills and drips from seeping behind the cabinet. It helps keep both surfaces clean and dry, which, in turn, prevents mold from growing inside your kitchen.

Second, it hides the gap between the rear end of the countertop and the wall behind it. Considering that most walls, almost always, are not straight, a void becomes inevitable. The backsplash, therefore, covers this particular problem fittingly.

Lastly, it provides a stunning visual treat to anyone in the kitchen. It adds depth, color, and texture in the room. Whether you prefer a 4″ high or a full-height backsplash, it surely is worth pairing with your countertop.

The countertop's base is another important factor to consider during the design process. A countertop placed over a wooden cabinet typically requires a Laminated edge profile to hide the substrate supporting the slab. On the other hand, when installed on top of a concrete base or a metal or a stainless steel frame, a Skirting is recommended to conceal the structure underneath.

Anatomy of a Kitchen Countertop

Planning the location of the sink, the stove top, and, even the wall outlets is a must, as well. Employ the concept of the Work Triangle to ensure you can move freely between each workstation of the kitchen. Once finalized, the installer identifies the position of the Cutouts based on your decision.

He or she may recommend adjusting these locations sometimes, as cutouts make the stone very fragile. There should be at least 50 mm clearance between the nearest edge of the slab and the lip of the cutout. In some cases, the installer may even require to place it with seams.

Hence, it is highly necessary for wooden cabinets and frame bases to have a substrate which supports the stone slab underneath. The underlay prevents cracks and fissures from occurring, especially around the cutouts.

Often an overlooked feature, the Edge Profile is a subtle detail which makes a huge statement. It is a design element which affects the appearance and functionality of the countertop, as well as the whole kitchen itself.

Standard designs range from Eased, Bullnose, Chamfered, etc., but the spectrum of choices are limitless. You can even create your own design. It is a great way of personalizing your kitchen with nothing more than an edging detail.

Every countertop, regardless of its material, must not only appeal in form but must also achieve its function. Thus, every little detail requires careful planning before making a final decision on the design. Finding the right countertop for your home may look easy at first, but it becomes increasingly overwhelming once you consider all the details.

Nevertheless, it is worth your every effort. The countertop, after all, is both the workhorse and the focal point of your kitchen.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Miguel_Aquino/2117975
 

READ MORE

September 18, 2017

•

plants

Decorating and Gardening Converge With Planter Boxes and Pots

Decorating and Gardening Converge With Planter Boxes and Pots

 1. Practical Matters

Some of the main reasons that stand out are as follows. Containers can be moved as most appropriate and needed; some are even on wheels, and they come in all sizes. Furthermore, they are increasingly made of sturdy lightweight modern materials. Best of all you can readily move them away from areas prone to deer and other hungry animals and place your plants in a protected spot, like a deck, patio, screened porch or even indoors.

You can avoid the need for fencing in some cases. You can move the planters according to the amount of sunlight needed. You gain flexibility of all sorts, such as planting flowers in window boxes and on railings or walls. You can easily keep changing your décor.

2. Beautifying the Outdoors of Homes

Choosing containers is a wonderful way to express your personal tastes. You can use contemporary, traditional, eclectic or contrasting styles to make a statement. This will be recognized by visitors the moment they step up to your home. This can be done by decorating the mail box, having large planters by the driveway and at the entrance of your home.

My favorite spot at my home is my deck that I surrounded with azaleas and ground covers, and on the deck I had colorful flowers that would have been eaten had they been outdoors and unprotected by fencing except for the large azaleas. One of the flowers I could and did plant, however, without the deer eating them were lambs ears, lavender. Some ferns survived also.

In the gardens of row houses and town homes, I marvel these days at how owners and renters have transformed small spaces by the very clever artistic use of planter boxes and a variety of pots some made from old objects they happened to have. These features often fit in well with decorative stepping stones or small raised garden beds. The raised beds make the task much easier both for establishing a proper soil with less digging and to reach everywhere for keeping the area tidy and lovely. In that way. they resemble planters and pots.

Decorating and Gardening Converge With Planter Boxes and Pots

 3. Spiffing Up the Indoors of Homes and Apartments

In large open spaces, usually inside contemporary homes, very large planters are sometimes used beautifully as dividers to separate living sections for beauty and privacy while maintaining an open airy feeling.

The trend in kitchens is for them to be open to the living areas. This fact makes people all the more interested in incorporating pots for both herbs and for plants and flowers to beautify their space and improve the air quality. There are many attractive and whimsical planters and stands for use indoors as well as outdoors.

House guests always appreciate a small plant or vase with flowers in the bedroom or in the bathroom. After all, bathrooms, like kitchens, have become a place that is important for relaxing and for the eyes to feast upon. I find that for bathrooms small plants or vases usually work best, but of course it all depends on the size of the space and your taste.

Decorating and Gardening Converge With Planter Boxes and Pots

These are some highlights on the topic. In conclusion, it should now be increasingly evident why decorating and gardening are facilitated and enhanced by planters, pots and vases that are to your liking.

Mimi Reed's enthusiasm for gardening and fine planters and pots, traditional and contemporary, led to the site http://www.BestPlanterBoxes.com Mimi seeks value for important purposes specific to the space. American and international innovations are incorporated in container designs to make them lightweight, durable, beautiful, safe for organic goals as well as to make gardening easier. All products are quality items that will serve you well. So do check them out.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Mimi_Reed/2438730

 

READ MORE

September 18, 2017

•

maintain

6 Tips to Get Professional Landscaping Services for Your Garden

Professional Landscaping Services for Your Garden

Most tenants are attracted by the curbside appeal. So, if you have a properly landscaped property, it will serve like a beautiful window displayed in a retail store. Since it will create a great first impression, the potential tenants will visit your property over and over again. If you want to maintain your property, you may need to hire good landscaping contractors. Given below are some tips for you to hire a landscaping company.

1. Company size

Big companies may offer lower rates. On the other hand, small companies may pay more attention to your property. But keep in mind that big companies have latest equipment because they have the required funds. Many big companies provide cookie-cutter services but smaller companies may be ready to customize their services based on your personal choices.

2. Ask for Details

If you want to gauge the efficiency and stability of the company, make sure you take into account the experience of the company, frequency of their equipment maintenance and the fee and price structure they offer.

3. Experience

The type of service is based on the type of property you own. If you want to find out whether the company can offer the type of service you need, you may want to check out the current client list of the company. This will help you find out if the company has experience with properties like yours.

Professional Landscaping Services for Your Garden

4. Delays and Emergencies

Since landscaping is based on good weather, you may experience delays. However, you may want to find out how the company is going to deal with the delays. For instance, you may ask the company what it is going to do in rain.

Apart from this, you may want to find out who is responsible to take care of the situation in case of an emergency like a fallen tree. Also, make sure you know the additional fees for handling the emergencies.

5. Maintain Consistency

You may want to find out who will come over to service your property. If the same worker will do the work, it will be a good thing. The reason is that he may be able to keep in mind a few things like using the right tools on the right area. On the other hand, new contractors won't be familiar with your property. As a result, they will have to spend a bit more time learning important things about your property.

6. Decide on the Communication Method

As soon as you have chosen a landscaping company, we suggest that you decide on the communication method as well. Aside from this, you may want to get a report from the company. The report will tell you how long the workers stayed at your property, the work done and the issues arose like an insect problem. You can then contact the company to find out how the issues can be resolved.

Professional Landscaping Services for Your Garden

So, if you are going to hire a good landscaping company, we suggest that you consider the tips given above.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Shalini_Madhav/2396631

READ MORE

Trees Trimming - Techniques & a Step by Step Guide

September 17, 2017

•

trimming

Trees Trimming - Techniques & A Step by step Guide

 

Trees Trimming - Techniques & a Step by Step Guide

Trees are the lifeline to maintain life or development; you may listen to this sentence many times. But it is actually true; Trees are very important for environment balance. They gift us with oxygen and many things that are important for development. They purify air and give an accommodation to the wild life. It is a common thing that tree is valuable but do you know that cutting down a mature tree is also a normal exercise for a developed economy. You should keep in mind if you are cutting a tree for any reason you should plant a tree on its place to maintain a balance in environment. But cutting down a tree is not an easy task. You need to keep many things in your mind before performing that task.

Safety gadgets

You need to take care of yourself for safety reasons while cutting down a tree. A tree contains heavy branches and stem that can harm your eyes or body. Let's look at following safety equipment's:

• Shatterproof glass: Flying craps from the trees at the time of cutting can harm your eyes. So shatterproof glasses can prove a regular safety guard for your eyes.

• Safety boots: If you cut the tree with the help of rope so it may fall on your leg. For keeping your legs safe use either safety covered boots or knee pads.

Tools to handle

You need to collect all tools before you start with cutting. Tools depend on the size and placement of the tree. Have a look on below mentioned tools use for tree trimming:

• Axe: It is a tool that is first need to cut a tree. Axe helps you to hit a branch or stem. Continuously hitting on a particular point can break it into pieces.

• Staircase: If the tree is tall so you first need to trim its broad branches for this you need staircase to reach the branches.

• Rope: It allows cutting of branches located higher on the tree from the ground. You need help of others to cut a tree with the help of rope. For this tie one end of the rope to the tree and its other end should be handled by a group of peoples. When all will pull the tree together it will uproot and fall. But make yourself out from the falling zone.

Trees Trimming - Techniques & a Step by Step Guide

A right procedure

If you want to cut a tree make yourself clear about a right tree removal technique. Firstly, you need to examine the tree properly which you want to cut. Clean dead and weak branches from the top of the tree. It will make the tree lighter. After that select a spot on the tree where you need to hit continuously cut straight through the branch to be removed. Finally, make a final cut through the remaining portion of the branch.

Removing a tree is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. Tree removal is not as easy as it looks so you need to follow a step to step guide for this task. Whether tree is large or small try to follow correct techniques and tools for it. Take care of your safety while performing this task. Keep in mind that tree trimming activity leaves you with a mess on ground so make sure to clean it properly.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Aman_Tumukur_Khanna/1972047

READ MORE