Spring Cleaning Tips for a Long-Lasting Kitchen
- At April 13, 2017
- By catherineschager
- In Uncategorized
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Finally, warm weather is on the way! You are probably in the midst of your annual spring cleaning activities. A freshly clean home is always a favorite way to welcome spring. Here are some tips for spring cleaning your kitchen that you might not have considered and will help extend the life of the heart of your home.
Hood Exhaust Filter
Undoubtedly your range hood will get scrubbed and shined, but remember to check the filter on the exhaust too. (This is the metal mesh covering the exhaust fan.)
A functioning exhaust is one of the best ways to keep grease and grime from depositing all over your kitchen, so you want to keep ypurs in prime condition. If your filter looks grimy, try soaking it in a mix of hot water, baking soda and liquid dish soap. After a soak, it should clean up nicely.
Refrigerator and Oven
When you clean your refrigerator and oven, take a few minutes to check for issues that could lead to a repair bill later. I recommend having your appliances serviced by a professional on a regular basis to extend the life and efficiency of the working parts.
Check the rubber seals on the doors. If they are getting dry, cracked, or caked with grime, they won’t seal properly. They might need cleaned and lubricated, or they might need replaced. Bad seals will cause the appliances to overwork to replace the heat or cold they are losing at the seal.
The coils and condenser fan on your fridge needs to be cleaned annually as well, especially if you have pets, and dust and pet hair can clog up the back of slide-in ranges.
Cabinets and Countertops
Your countertops get cleaned regularly, but at least once a year be sure to move any countertop appliances, canisters, or other items that “live” on the surface all year and check the surface underneath. Only use cleaning solutions approved for your countertop type. If you have granite, check to see if it is time for your countertops to be resealed. Don’t let this go if it is needed. If you have tile, check the grout for damage.
Cabinet surfaces don’t get cleaned as regularly and can accumulate a lot of grease and grime. Cabinets are often beautiful furniture pieces and since they are exposed to kitchen grime, they need to be cleaned annually. Be sure to only use cleaners approved by your cabinet manufacturer. Often a tub of mild soapy water and soft sponge is recommended, but always check first. For deeper grime, your installer or manufacturer can recommend the right product to use as well.
Windows, Curtains and Lights
What better way to let the bright spring light in than freshly washed windows? Like everything else in the kitchen, your windows are exposed to cooking grease and will get a build up on the inside.
Some curtains are machine washable and their is no better time to toss them in the laundry. Many must be professionally cleaned. Take them down annually and drop them at the dry cleaners, or have a professional come to your home depending on the time of window treatments you have. Blinds can usually be wiped with a damp cloth but in the kitchen, grease may make an appearance here too. Use cleaning solutions recommended by the manufacturer.
Don’t forget your lights! Dust bulbs with a dry cloth. Take down glass shades and globes and wash in soapy water. Metal shades and casings can usually be wiped with a damp cloth. Again, the manufacturer can recommend cleaning products depending on the type of metal.
After you’ve done all that cleaning, be sure to celebrate by bringing in some fresh, spring color! Visit our pinterest board to get some inspiration. Happy Spring!
New and Unusual
Meet the Dyson Airblade! Yes, this futuristic looking thing is actually a faucet AND dryer all in one!
Here’s how it works: Its sensors detect when you have your hands under the faucet part and the water comes on – no need to touch anything. When you’ve finished washing, you put your hands under the two “T” arms which are the blowers. The blower is so powerful that it only takes 14 seconds to dry your hands. Imagine, no more dirty towels because your children don’t wash properly! Now if only they could make a full-body dryer, we’d never need to pick wet towels up off the floor again.
Check it out: http://airblade.dyson.com/hand-dryers/airblade-tap/airblade-tap.aspx
Snazzy Storage Solutions
I felt that our discussion of cabinetry and kitchens in general would be incomplete unless I showed you some really functional ways that you can store your stuff! Most of these items are definitely not in the “stock” category for cabinets, but they present good reasons for choosing custom or semi-custom cabinets.
First up are what’re called “magic corners”. You know how you usually have some sort of dead space if you have cabinetry that turns a corner? Yes, you can go with the standard lazy-susan type of cabinet which works ok but doesn’t make the most use of space. A “magic corner” utilizes the entire space very well as it is usually a series of 2 rectangular units on a slide mechanism that allows both units to be pulled out when you open the door. One unit slides all the way into the dead space and the other unit is attached toward the front where the door opens. Ok, here’s a picture:
See how it works? This is one style but I've seen others.
Pretty cool, huh? Can you tell I’m a big fan of the Container Store?
Next up: Pull-out pantries. These are great vertical storage units that make all those small things very easy to find. There are many different versions of these, but here’s one for an idea.
Tall pantry; note the great storage on the doors
This next solution is great for those of us who are “vertically challenged”- like moi! It’s also great for people who have any kind of difficulty reaching items. The cabinet actually pulls down to you!
Talk about accessible!
These are pretty common but worth mentioning: vertical spice and storage drawers. They’re great for making the most use of tight spaces as they’re usually only a few inches wide, and you can keep things handy right where you use them. I designed a kitchen that had a very small footprint and we utilized a couple of these flanking the range.
I think this person bakes! Isn't that a gorgeous oven?
I thought this was a great idea
One last picture of a very clever idea from apartmenttherapy.com, a secret hiding place!
I don't think I'd hide spices here, but maybe some secret recipes!
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Trash and recycling chutes- they can be cut into the backsplash in kitchens that have a garage or mud room next to them. Saves on having to devote storage space in the kitchen for trash, and saves time because your trash and recycling goes where they’re supposed to end up!
- Pull-out chopping blocks- these generally look like a drawer front, except that when you pull it out it’s a wooden chopping block. Great for having next to the sink and trash.
- Pull-up mixer shelves. If you have a stand mixer you know that they’re not lightweight! There are shelves that store in lower cabinets that can hold your mixer and with very little effort raise the shelf out of the cabinet and to counter height. An interesting concept except when your mixer spits its contents all over the place!
Have you seen any interesting storage ideas out there, or have any really great storage in your own kitchen?
Countertop Confessions
When it comes to picking out great products for your kitchen, bath or built-ins what do you think about when it comes to countertops? Many years ago your choices were whatever colors and patterns of Formica were available. Now, there are a multitude of choices of surfaces, colors, and patterns. You’re limited only by your imagination!
When choosing countertops, like any other product, it’s good to know the good and the bad and also how it will be used. Here’s a brief overview of some of the popular choices:
- Granite- Still a very popular choice for countertops because of its durability and beauty. It’s a very hard stone so it will stand up to almost any use. There are also many different colors and types of granite, so there aren’t a lot of limitations as far as aesthetics go. When it comes to the surface treatment, you can choose a polished (shiny), honed (flat or dull) or even flamed (pebbly textured) finish. Each of these gives you a different look. I’m told it needs to be sealed, but I’ve had polished granite countertops for years that have never been sealed and see no difference.
White Paradiso Granite
- Marble – Beautiful but soft. If you don’t like the look of scratches and stains (the patina of years of use) don’t get this. That (in my opinion) is part of its beauty and charm. There are also many colors of Marble. It needs to be sealed and polished on a regular basis.
Marble Counter
- Soapstone – A metamorphic stone, like Marble, it is soft and scratches easily. It is somewhat impervious to stains, but does need to be treated with oil often. Kinda high maintenance.
Soapstone
- Quartz – These countertops are usually under trade names like Cambria, Silestone, Caesarstone, etc. This is actually a man-made countertop using natural quartz chips bound together with a binder under heat and pressure. Quartz countertops are very hard, (harder than granite!) impervious to stains and anti-bacterial because they’re non-porous. They’re also maintenance free and come in a wide range of colors- some even looking like granite.
Cambria Quartz Countertop
- Concrete – Hard, but fairly porous. It comes in any color, shape, and texture you can imagine. Needs to be sealed so that it won’t absorb water and stains.
Concrete countertop w/ built-in drain board
- Corian – A solid surface material that comes in many finishes and colors, can have integrated sinks of the same material. Not heat resistant like most of the stones, can crack, but is fairly maintenance free. It may stain, but the stain can be buffed out in most cases.
Corian Countertop
We can look at some other options for counters in the next post but for now- tell me what you like and dislike about any of these! Have any personal experiences you’d like to share???
Creating Your Dream Kitchen- Part 4
I hope that you all had a moment to remember and reflect on that tragic day 9 years ago this past Saturday. Like most people, I’ll never forget where I was and who I was with when we got the news. I pray that we shall never again know the pain and anguish of that day and that someday we can achieve world peace.
I love my country!
Ok, now back to our kitchen. Today I have some tips on selecting cabinetry from Justin Oliver, owner of Vision Built Custom Furniture- a craftsman in the highest sense of the word! Here’s what he has to say about choosing cabinets:
Take a walk through any cabinet show room, and you will be confronted with an array of styles and choices, but what makes a really good cabinet? To answer this we need to break the cabinet down into some simple parts.
1. Carcass- This is the body of the cabinet, the sides, bottom, top and shelves.
2. Door/ drawer arrangement- The parts you see from the outside.
Let’s start with the carcass. We’ll discuss 3 common options here. The one most people are familiar with is stock, carcasses that are mass produced, and available in only a few set sizes. Stock cabinets tend to be simple in finish, not allowing for customization in any way.
Semi-custom is similar to stock, but tends to be available in a wider array of sizes and finishes, and allows for a little more choice and customization.
Custom cabinets are built to suit, and offer infinite choices regarding size, materials and finish. Custom cabinets are normally made with the best materials, and will stand up to use much better than stock cabinets.
The door and drawer arrangement is where things get really interesting. There are two principle styles, face frame, and euro or frameless.
Cabinet types
With a face frame cabinet, a frame is fixed to the carcass, and doors and drawer fronts are then hung to the frame, either inset into it, or over laid.
The other option is euro, also known as frameless. In this instance, the doors are hung from the cabinet carcass, and the drawer fronts mounted to the drawer boxes giving a very sleek, more modern look.
As for how to pick, a lot depends on the size and space available to you, your ideas on design, and your budget. If you are not too worried about the inside of the cabinets, and can find sizes that work for you, then stock is the way to go. You can use the stock doors, or get custom doors if you cannot find something stock that you like. If you have an interesting space, or some design ideas that are not available off the shelf, then custom is the way to go.
Traditional style custom cabinets
It is most important to find the look, style, size and quality that you like, and that fits in your budget. Don’t be afraid to explore options. Cost effective stock cabinets can transformed into a stunning kitchen if you, or your designer, have a great idea for door and drawer fronts, and can get them custom made. You can get the custom look of very high end, unique kitchen for a fraction of the cost. -My addition- Sometimes you can even combine stock and semi-custom or custom for a kitchen that will suit your needs for a special size, finish or look while not blowing the budget.
Thanks for your expertise, Justin!
To see some of Justin’s work visit:http://www.custommade.com/by/justinoliver and check back here to see the beautiful bathroom vanity, dresser, and night stands he created for my client!
Creating Your Dream Kitchen – Part 2
First of all- I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day weekend. It sort of signals the end of summer no matter what the weather. Everyone begins to focus on fall activities and holidays. Happy New Year to all my Jewish friends and family! We start to think about spending more time indoors- perfect timing for creating that dream kitchen!
In part 1 we discussed thinking about how everything in the kitchen works together and assessing what doesn’t work and why. Today we’ll look at what you do in the kitchen, how you do it, and we’ll make some lists.
First, let’s look at kitchen activities. In your kitchen, do you:
- Socialize? Does everyone usually end up in your kitchen?
- Cook frequently or infrequently?
- Is there generally one cook or does more than one person share cooking tasks? Do you cook together or take turns?
- Use the computer- to look up recipies, or just in general?
- Watch TV?
- Have an eating area, or do you go elsewhere to eat?
- Have to keep cell phone chargers?
- Pay bills, or do other desk work?
Now let’s think about how you cook.
- Do you use your microwave often?
- Do you cook more frequently on your range/cooktop?
- Do you bake or broil often?
- Do you use a steamer?
- Do you often cook for a crowd, or for small groups?
- Do you have caterers bring in food, or do you prepare the food yourself and just have serving help?
Now for the lists (the fun stuff!) First list; all the must-haves.
- Fridge (obviously)
- cooktop or range
- sink
- garbage disposal
- trash storage
- oven(s)
- microwave
- you get the idea!
Next list; your dream kichen would have….
- steamer?
- warming drawer?
- wine cooler?
- wine storage?
- larger refrigerator?
- more than one oven?
- more than one dishwasher?
- a second sink?
- this is the time to dream big! What would you really enjoy using or what would make your preparation easier? Put it down! If you know what you’d like, you can find ways to fit them in.
The more you think about the possibilities, and what you’d really like to have, the better- remember you don’t remodel your kitchen often so it’s best to do a lot of planning beforehand. If I were planning a new kitchen today I would look into induction cooking, and would choose a French-door refrigerator. What are your dreams for your kitchen?
Could this be your dream kitchen?
Creating Your Dream Kitchen Part 1
I recently spoke to some people who are planning to re-do their kitchen, so I naturally thought it would be a good topic to talk about here. Kitchen and bath remodels are the best investments that you can make in your home- both for your own comfort and the added resale value that they bring.
So, just how does one go about creating this dream kitchen? It starts with identifying the areas in your kitchen that are frustrating because they don’t work correctly or make things more difficult for you. You might think about traffic flow- does your kitchen allow for good flow, or are people always bumping into each other? In our kitchen (pre-remodel, of course) some genius decided that the best place for the refrigerator was right smack-dab in the main traffic pattern through the kitchen! Not great for people moving through the space, or a busy cook trying to get to food in the fridge.
How about storage? Do you have enough of that? (Does anyone, ever?) When you open your cabinets do you need to practically empty them if you want to find one thing?
Then there’s counter and work space- how’s that working for you? Do you have to lug all of your recipe ingredients someplace far away from the sink and the fridge- and the trash can?
Does your kitchen look like this?
How about your cooktop/stove, sink, dishwasher and fridge? Are they older than the hills? What about their placement to each other? If you want to fill a pot with water, do you have to walk far from the sink to the cooking area? Does it cross a major traffic pattern?
What about those small appliances- toaster (or toaster oven), microwave, mixer, blender, food processor, etc. Where are they and are they convenient and neat- or just all over your counters?
Taking the time to really identify what doesn’t work in your kitchen is the first step in creating a beautiful, functional new space. Sometimes, you know immediately why it doesn’t work, and sometimes you’re just so used to dealing with it the way it is that you don’t even think about it. If it’s really hard to identify what could be better, try a little outline of the steps needed to create one of your favorite recipes; let’s say brownies.
Ok, for those of you who use a pre-made mix, this’ll probably be somewhat easier.
- Step 1. Assemble your ingredients:
- eggs, butter, flour, vanilla, chocolate, sugar, salt, baking powder or soda (depending upon your recipe!)
- Step 2. Assemble the necessary utensils:
- mixing bowl, spoons, measuring spoons and cups, spatula, baking pan, double boiler (if melting chocolate)
Ok, now how much time did it take to find and corral all this stuff? Was it more time than it’s worth? Hmm, that might mean that your storage areas don’t work together well. How long would it take you to get everything back to where it belongs? These are the things to think about when planning out that dream kitchen!
What’s your main kitchen complaint?
What do you think of this work space?
Bewitchin’ Kitchen
Today we’re going to take a little break from the design project diary. We’re almost finished there, which is kind of bittersweet. It always feels good to finish up and see the completed project but kinda sad to have to say goodbye for now to the client. Especially the ones that are fun to work with.
The friend of a friend called me and asked if I’d take a look at her kitchen and offer some advice on a space that has been challenging to work with. There’s a rather large gap between her upper cabinets and the corner. I’m not really sure what the original intent was for that space, but can understand why it is a challenge. Your attention is drawn to the vacant space because your mind wants to fill it and link those cabinets to each other. As there isn’t anything there it’s unsettling and appears unfinished.
Challenging kitchen space
I’ve come up with three options for the space which will connect the two cabinet runs together and make the space more interesting.
Option 1: This one is the least expensive option, but done right it could be kinda cool. Find a paint color that is darker than the wall color, but lighter than the cabinet color. There’s a whole range of colors to work with but what we’re looking for is an accent color. Paint the corner space between the rows of cabinets in that color. Paint only the space from the top of the cabinet to the bottom of the cabinet- in other words, you’re completing the cabinet runs visually. In this space, you can hang some cool artwork, or decorative plates or something like that. For repetition, use the accent paint color on another wall in the kitchen- just not either one of the walls in the picture. You can pick up random decorative plates at places like Pier 1, and Home Goods for very little money. Once you’ve collected them, lay them out on your table or an area that’s marked off to be the same size as what you’re working with and arrange the plates to your liking. Take a picture of them and then use that to guide you when you put them on the wall.
Decorative plates
Option 2: Install some stainless steel or metal shelving in the space. You’ll need at least two shelves, and put them so that they fall between the top and bottom of the cabinet. Again, you’re visually connecting the space between the cabinet runs. Use the shelves for decorative items such as vases, decorative bowls, cups, etc. Not an inexpensive option, but one that allows for some additional storage.
stainless steel shelving
These would also require that you size them as close to filling up the space as possible. If you’re using the type of shelving shown here, you could probably get away with just one row instead of two. You would need to have one shelf on each wall and you’d have to make sure they line up at the corner. I found this one online at www.kitchensource.com
Option 3: Find some decorative mirrors that are similar in height to the cabinets and are nicely framed. The closer they can be to the width of the wall space, the better. Place them so that their frames touch in the corner, creating a sort of window in the space. It’s a little “fool the eye” trick. Again, you can find interesting mirrors at places like Pier 1, Home Goods, World Market and many places online. I went to Ballard Designs www.ballarddesigns.com for these.
Mirror that looks like a window
Another option for window-like mirrors
I’d love to hear other ideas and have you vote on which of these the client should adopt!
