Space saving designs give you more room to relax
Brabantia Kitchen Accessories
Remodeling your kitchen doesn’t have to be the most difficult thing you’ve ever done. Simple put, remodeling doesn’t mean a complete kitchen makeover. It’s not going to be done all at once, nor should it. This isn’t Kitchen Nightmares. But you can still have the space that you want with some adjustments.
Instead, go about your remodeling piecemeal. It will take longer, but you will have more control over the final product and you may even spend less money than you hoped for. So what should you do when upgrading your kitchen? Let’s find out:
Shopping Around is a Good Thing
Look around for deals. That’s step number one. You never know where you could find discounted tile or a slightly dinged stove with hundreds off the sticker price. Finding deals is like a sixth sense and the more you use it, the more honed it becomes. Before starting any project you need a budget. If you shop around the smart way, you can find deals that allow you to come in under budget.
Finding the Right Contractor
Don’t just go with the first contractor you come across. Once again, shop around. Be smart and get multiple estimates. Some contractors will embellish what kind of work you need. Estimates keep the cost low and allow you to focus on other aspects of your remodeling – such as how you want your kitchen to look.
Space Saving Kitchen Designs
If you’re remodeling your kitchen, chances are that you will need new appliances, cooking utensils and decoration. There are some options that stand above the rest. Brabantia and Viking Appliances make some of the the best kitchenwares on the market. Brabantia offers space-saving designs that eliminate clutter, making your kitchen a model of usefulness and beauty. Viking ranges are some of the best available. They offer designs that are elegant and fit in with any kitchen design, but the only downside is that they tend to be very expensive.
Choosing your Look and Feel
How do you want your kitchen to look, how much space do you need and how much space do you have? These are the questions you have to ask in order to capture the right look and feel. Creating a throwback kitchen of the 1950s sounds like an excellent idea, but how will that fit in with the rest of your contemporary household? If you want to have an eclectic home, then go for it, but most people find that the same décor throughout the house works best. It creates harmony between rooms and allows the kitchen to stand alone as the focal point of entertainment and cooking. People entertain in their kitchens, that’s no secret, the secret is creating the kitchen that you want.
Enjoy the Process
It’s not going to be complete in one night. So don’t try to make it all come together that quickly. You will get frustrated. There will be dust, grime and workers. Go with it. Don’t fret, but be thorough. You want the kitchen that’s right for you, so make sure that you get what you deserve.
Keeping your pets cool this summer
Coolaroo Pet Bed
Massive heat waves across much of the United States has crippled our ability to enjoy the good ol’ days of summer. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 63 percent of Americans are pet owners. This includes many of you reading this right now. You know that you and your family are not the only ones trying to stay cool this summer. But, that’s hard to do when you want to enjoy the backyard. Same goes for your pets. See your dog panting over there, it’s because he’s hot. So, short of keeping your pets locked up throughout the summer, what can you do to keep them, and yourself, cool?
1. Keep hydrated – both indoors and out
When you’re outside grab some water for you and Rover. Keep water dishes available so that your pets can have a drink. Cats are more independent but still need easy access to water, so put a small dish outside for them as well. Depending on your dogs size, find a dish that will hold enough water for them without it overflowing or being tossed out due to dogs splashing it out. Inside, make sure that there is plenty of water when you head back in.
2. Keep an eye on your pets
If your dog is panting heavily or taking breaks during their walk, it may be a sign that they are too hot and need to cool down. Get them indoors and hydrated quickly. You never want to leave your animal in the car while you run into the store. Too many people have experienced the pain that comes with not taking proper care of their animal.
3. Add shade to the yard
You can add different sun shade types to your yard that will create a safe haven from the sun for both you and your animals. Shade can be erected in many parts of the yard. Coolaroo offers different shade clothes that will fit over patios, over trees and even offers specialty pet shading. Shade can keep an area up to 10 degrees cooler and offers a break from even the most intense heat waves. Thanks to the different shade designs, you can maximize the effective area of shade. Take some dimensions of your yard and see what shade options you have.
No matter what type of patio or yard you have, you need to keep your pets and yourself cool through the summer. It’s easier to look for the warning signs of heat exhaustion than it is to drive to the vet or hospital. Make sure you keep plenty of water for your pets and you, watch over them and keep them in areas where they will not get overheated.
Summers about having fun and with the right combination of sun shade, hydration and a watchful eye, your backyard summer will be one to remember.
Upgrading your kitchen – do it the smart way
Brabantia Kitchen
Kitchens are often the room people obsess over when redoing their home. Cabinets are one of the biggest and most sought after investments that people make about their homes. People want their kitchens to be aesthetically pleasing and inviting to guests. After all, the kitchen is the most social room in the house. You eat meals there, you entertain, you cook for your family and guests, the kitchen is where families congregate. The good news is that your kitchen additions will lead to a more functional kitchen.
The best kitchen remodels are often not based on costs. They typically become about using your creativity, planning and working with the right budget for your home. If you need help, a team of experienced design professionals, along with a talented artist, can help bring your desired visuals to life. This adds up to a kitchen that is your design, through and through. If your kitchen blends style with the era of the home or adds a new fresh look, it will add value to your home.
Scale of your Remodeling
Once you’ve decided to redo your kitchen, you come up with a dilemma, what do you do about your cabinets andkitchenwares?
Look at the areas you use the most. You don’t have to overbuild to get the kitchen you want, instead, take a look at what the neighbors are doing or look through interior decorating books to find ideas. Look at your existing appliances, cabinets and utensils, are you using your living space to the full advantage? If not, you can always remodel certain areas to give yourself more space and think about how long you want to remain at this residence. Will you get value out of the remodel?
Finding your Budget
The first thing to examine is how much you can afford. It’s a delicate balance between the potential kitchen of your dreams, the value of your home, and the funds you have available. The best advice is to establish a realistic budget that allows you to accomplish your kitchen goals. Borrowing money or using credit may seem like a good idea, but it’s best to spend the money you have. Some people spend over $75,000 for a complete kitchen remodel, and that takes up to two years before they even recover their investment.
Don’t panic though – that doesn’t mean that you have to spend $75,000 in order to have the kitchen you want. You can actually update your kitchen on just about any budget. Sometimes the small improvements, such as new appliances, can bring about dramatic results. Like other rooms, your kitchen needs a prominent feature, something that guests, and yourself, can identify with and enjoy. One example is to add decorative art to your kitchen or add signature appliances to create a unique look. Stress efficiency and focus on storage in order to maximize your space.
It doesn’t cost an arm and a leg but it helps to go in with a well-thought out plan.
What are you paying for with cheap knives?
John Boos Cutting Boards
Chances are you have a kitchen knife that you stand by and probably have had for 10+ years. You probably didn’t buy it on the cheap either. Quality kitchen knives, such as Henckels, MAC and Shun are known for their quality. You pay for what you get with high quality knives.
One good thing about chef-inspired cookware is that you know you will be getting a product that last. If you pick up a Dorktorp knife set at IKEA for $3.99, chances are that it will not stand the test of time. The same goes for that inexpensive cutting board – another cutting board choice, the chef choice, is John Boos cutting boards.
Cheap knives tend to rust, bend and lose their sharpness after a relatively short period of time. The same goes with all cheaply made household items. If you don’t mind sacrificing quality for price, then these items may be the right thing for you, but if you something that will be with you for a long time – then go with the higher quality kitchenwares.
One well known brand of knives is Henckels. They have knife sets that range in price from $80 to $1000. But all of their products are made of much finer materials than the cheap set you find at Wal-Mart. Henckels does not recommend that you clean their cutlery in automatic dishwashers. And like anything that you spend a lot of money on, if you take good care of it, it should last a life time. Harsh modern detergents break down cheaper knife blades, which are commonly a lesser steel quality such as in the Soligen range, reducing the effectiveness of the blade over time.
Chefs trust high quality knives, such as Henckels, and cutting boards, such as John Boos, because they know they will get quality products that will last.
With cheaper knives, dishwasher detergents will damage the blade due to acidic chemicals that break down the Nickel contained in these knives, which results in rust and the loss of stain preventative defenses within the knives. Knives that contain a much lower level of Nickel are not subject to the kind of break down seen with higher quality knives constructed of Magnesium. Magnesium has shown the ability to withstand modern washing detergent, resulting in longer lasting knives that maximize cutting ability and keep their beautiful look.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for top quality knives or the best cutting board to go along with them. You want the two pieces to work together, and some people choose a certain surface to work with. Wooden cutting boards and very sturdy and hold up well to repeated use. Unless you’re a chef, you probably will not need the $1000 knife set, but a sturdy cooking board should be part of any kitchens arsenal.
Look around and make sure you find the knife set and cutting board that meets specific needs. Good luck and enjoy the next meal.
What are some ways to improve your patio
Keep cool outdoors with Coolaroo Patio Umbrellas
Patio umbrellas are a fairly simple, inexpensive, yet effective piece of lawn and patio furniture. A good patio umbrella makes it more comfortable to be outside in the summer months. Patio umbrellas are available in different styles from the standard to the Cantilever type and are available in different colors. But, if you are looking to change it up, you might consider adding a shade sail or a even an awning for your patio. Channel in those creative talents of yours and with the right patio furniture, you can change a simple patio setup into a one of a kind outdoor masterpiece.
To successfully bring back your out of style umbrella, you need to follow two rules: do not spend any more on it than you have to and do not go overboard on your budget. You may not know it, but many of the materials used to produce patio umbrellas make them inexpensive and longer lasting. But, besides changing your patio umbrella, what are some other things you can do to improve your patio?
Brighten up your patio with paint
Paint your deck or paint your patio table, just paint something, you can even paint your house – if you have the time. A fresh coat of paint is a great way to change the look and feel of your patio. It provides an activity for you and the family as well. Most paint jobs can be done in a matter of days, with proper taping, color matching and outdoor sealer they will last for years. If you know your way around paint, you can try out a few different ideas.
Textures
Try to change up the texture of your patios furniture or flooring. You can sand the deck to get a different finish or you can change up the patio furniture with wood or metal patio furniture. Adding cushions that match your patio umbrella is a nice way to make your patio more comfortable. If you have a concrete patio, you can use stamped concrete to imprint designs or give the look of brick or stone.
Lights
To change up the mood and setting of an outdoor patio, add some lighting or change your existing lighting. Back light helps to accentuate gardens, while overhead lights can be used to notify in the event of intruders. Some people will install LED lights on their patio umbrellas or wrap them in Christmas lights during the Holidays. It might not be a great idea to leave your Christmas lights on after the New Year though, some of your neighbors might find it a little tacky.
Patio Accessories
You certainly do not have to become the Master of the Garden Gnome to spruce up your outdoor patio, a few simple alterations will allow you to change up your patio and not go overboard. It’s not that garden gnomes are a bad thing, but there are so many more things to do to your patio. Try adding some new plants or trees to the yard. Bird feeders and other accessories can add some flair as well. Doing gardening work is a great way to change up your patio and create a whole new yard.
When you have outgrown your kitchen
Brabantia Tools for Kitchen Organization
Have you outgrown your kitchen? Is there no more room for you to put your appliances or are the cabinets so full that you can’t shut them fully? If the answer is yes, then you have probably outgrown your kitchen. If you have the time and money to redo your kitchen, then that is one option, but you there are also a few others that don not include remodeling your home.
You may not be able to enlarge your kitchen, but you can still make it feel spacious with the right kind of tools. Kitchens can become the busy hub of your family and reflect a hectic lifestyle. Often there is so much traffic in the kitchen that other items start getting left in there as well. So what are some things you can do to make more space in your kitchen?
Do you have too much stuff?
Do you have too much because you are disorganized? Well if that is the case, all you need to do is find more space saving features. Brabantia makes an excellent assortment of products that will help you reduce space and are stylishly built. Having too many things in your kitchen is a problem, as you are probably always losing something or placing it in another area. By using space saving kitchen tools from Brabantia, you can solve that problem. Too many kitchen appliances, tools, and utensils means that you need to get organized. It is time to shrink that kitchen with some organization.
Do you not have enough time to organize your kitchen?
Don’t hide behind on this old saying. You are just procrastinating if you think that your kitchen is just going to miraculously arrange itself. You need to take the first step and start planning out how to address the problem. Make a list of items that you do not need, a list of things that could be arranged differently, then start to work on making these problems disappear. If you do not have enough room for your silverware, then maybe you don’t really need to keep all of it in the silverware drawer. You could put the excess utensils, pots and pans in storage until you need them. Besides, it helps to get organized and it is good to give yourself peace of mind and relax knowing that your kitchen is in order.
Do you not have any storage space?
This problem is easily corrected with helpful storage containers made by Brabantia, or you could invest in an island or an overhead pot and pan storage unit. These are great because it gives you more cabinet space while giving the kitchen an open, culinary feel. Most kitchens will have adequate storage for the right sized home. A bigger house might mean it has more people in it so it requires a larger kitchen. One thing you should consider is having the right storage to make the best use of the available storage space you do have.
Take a look around your kitchen and see what space saving ideas you can come up with. Creative solutions will give you extra storage and peace of mind.
Teak Outdoor Furniture
Teak Outdoor Furniture at www.CornerOne.com
What a wonderful thing for any homeowner to use on their deck or patio—teak outdoor furniture. Available in any number of different styles and sizes, teak furniture can please anyone’s eye, and budget as well.
Homeowners who want to create an outdoor living room are easily able to do so with the help of Anderson Teak Furniture, and the Brianna set of teakwood furniture. Using a long teakwood coffee table and round side table, in addition to a deep loveseat and two deep armchairs, Anderson Teak provides homeowners with teak furniture that is solidly built using a mortis and tenon structure technique.
For those who want the fun atmosphere of a bar sitting out on their deck, there is the option of Anderson Teak Furniture’s Bar Furniture. If a more permanent option is what is desired, then consider the Safari Bar Table. With plenty of storage, a bucket, and a built-in sink designed to be hooked up to water lines, this bar table is great looking, and will fit right in.
Another bar table option that is quick and easy is the Altavista Folding Bar Table with 4 Folding Bar Chairs. Customers can simply unfold the bar and chairs when they are needed for a party, then simply fold them back up again when finished. Also made with beautiful teakwood, using the mortise and tenon joinery method, there are also beautiful brass finishing holding the table and chairs together for a striking effect.
Whether a homeowner chooses to have a dining room on their patio or out in their backyard, using an oval dining table such as the Anderson Teak 87” Oval Extension Table with 2 Armchairs and 6 Folding Chairs will provide a great space. Elegance is the name of the game here—teak wood is makes a pretty picture for any dinner or picnic outside. Put an umbrella into the table for some shade, set the table, and enjoy the company of up to ten people, and have fun!
Chilling out on the back porch with a cool drink after a long day’s work is the ultimate in relaxation, and why not do it in one of the Anderson Teak Garden Benches? Fun can definitely be found by sitting down and gliding back and forth in the Anderson Teak Del Amo 4 Foot Glider garden bench. Who doesn’t want to sit in a comfortable bench and slide back and forth like a little kid with the breeze in their hair relaxing? Take advantage of the superior workmanship by Anderson, and relax.
Occasionally, lying out in the sun is the only plan for the day, so why not make full use of the Anderson Teak Capri Sun Lounger? Able to adjust to a variety of positions, with a sliding tray underneath it so that users are able to keep a drink with them at all times, the Capri Sun Lounger provides comfort and beauty at the same time. Take the time to find the right teak outdoor furniture, and your comfort level will soar!
FlowerHouse Greenhouses
FlowerHouse Green House
Winter has come and gone, spring is in full bloom, and summer is on its way. And with those changes in seasons comes the need for not places to grow seedlings and plants, but storage as well. Thanks to the line of FlowerHouse Greenhouses this is easily accomplished—and they are portable, too.
Deciding what type of greenhouse is needed is purely an individual decision, but looking at the different options available from FlowerHouse Greenhouses should make the decision a lot easier. Take into consideration whether or not the greenhouse will need to be portable, or if it will stay in one place to begin with.
Another thing to factor into the decision making process is what type of things will be put into the greenhouse itself. Will the greenhouse be more just a storage unit for tools, or will it house orchids or seedlings? If the greenhouse is portable, how easy is it to put up and take back down again? Some people are truly challenged in that area.
Finally, what is the greenhouse made up of—especially if it is going to be portable? FlowerHouse Greenhouses use a UV resistant, water-proof material called Gro-Tec. Constructed of polyethylene, it lets in 80% of light, and makes the greenhouses extremely lightweight.
After having thought about these things, buyers should take a serious look at the FlowerHouse Greenhouses line of Portable Green Houses. One of the most popular greenhouses that is carried by FlowerHouse Greenhouses is the Orchid Greenhouse. Large windows and a door give free and easy access to plants, with enough room to move around in, and to store equipment if needed.
Home chefs will be pleased to use the Hothouse Green House. With 2 doors in it, and braced right up against the home for storm drainage, the Hothouse Green House will provide home chefs with all the home-grown vegetables, and herbs that they desire. Simply open the back door of the house, walk into the greenhouse, and open the other door to get the house or tools when needed.
Taking advantage of 100% of the sun’s rays is possible with the Conservatory. One of only a few greenhouses made by Flowerhouse Greenhouses that is constructed of clear PVC, the Conservatory allows gardeners to grow plants, and start seedlings at any time of years—even during the winter. Still easily movable, the Conservatory is great to use anywhere, and will still protect the plants from birds, insects and other potential problems.
Seriously think about one of the Storage Houses that Flowerhouse Greenhouses carries in their product line—either the XL or the XXL will serve the purpose quite well. Both are made up of the same material as the regular greenhouses, and need just a little bit of assembly. However, the Storage Houses are weather-proof, and can be used on either soft or hard surfaces—such as soil or concrete respectively.
Taking the time to check out the line of Flowerhouse Greenhouses will truly be a great benefit to you, especially if you are a gardener—so check it out!
Keep Pets and People Cool in the Summer with Coolaroo
Find All Coolaroo Products at www.CornerOne.com
Thanks to the use of an unusual fabric that is specially knitted, Coolaroo Shade Sails are able to provide a wonderful cooling effect no matter how hot the weather is. Because of their ability to block out UV rays, the Shade Sails will protect even the fairest of people from the sun, and the sails will provide an elegance to any back yard due to their unique shape.
Of course, Coolaroo makes far more than just the Shade and Party Sails for the backyard. Consider taking a look at the both the cantilever and aluminum umbrellas. Both of these umbrellas would be great additions to a picnic table, or even a poolside table during the middle of summer to help beat the heat.
Pet products also are a part of the Coolaroo line—pets are an important part of almost everyone’s life. Any pet owner certainly wants to give their pet the best, and to keep them comfortable as well, so why not let the pets take advantage of Coolaroo’s pet beds?
Available in both steel frames, and in foldable frames, the pet beds have replaceable covers that breathe easily so that pets don’t overheat—preventing heatstroke, something that happens easily to pets. Coolaroo also carries a shade for kennels that will keep insects and flies out, yet provide a cooling effect because of the open weave material.
Looking for an actual shelter to use, yet take advantage of Coolaroo’s UV blocking fabrics? Check out the gazebos that Coolaroo makes—stylish, and large, the gazebos are a beautiful addition to anyone’s backyard. The Victorian Hex Gazebo is a six-sided gazebo that not only has netting to keep out those nasty insects, but side panels to help block sun exposure, especially the UV rays.
Protecting the windows of a house cannot be forgotten, either—it is one of the most important things in keeping a house cool, and energy costs down for any family. Coolaroo’s Classic Window Shades are able to block out almost all UV rays up to 90%, keeping the area/room much cooler. Best of all, these shades hardly come apart at all, due to the close knit of the fabric.
Next in the line of window shade by Coolaroo are the Premier Shades. Although they only block out 80% of the UV rays, the Premier Shades are constructed of a material that is constructed to be useful in all types of weather, meaning it won’t mold or mildew, crack or anything else. Temperatures stay nice and cool inside, and outside activities can be easily viewed as well.
Last but not least are the Select Sun Shades, which can be used on a multi-purpose level. Either use them indoors or outdoors, but thanks to the unique fabric that Coolaroo uses, 90% of the UV rays are blocked out, and the homeowners will remain cool. Just enough light will come through though, so that outside activities can be seen.
Green Houses To-Go
FlowerHouse Greenhouses at www.CornerOne.com
Even if you have a green thumb, gardening is no easy task. For those who take it seriously, it is actually quite like a form of art. But whether you’re just getting into gardening or you’re a seasoned professional, not everyone has the money and time to spend on a full-blown greenhouse to store and cultivate their green-leafed creations. Or maybe you do have the money, but just don’t want to make the commitment. We’ll blame it on the times, nobody’s ever able to commit anymore, right?
To look on the bright side of these non- committal times, the good news is that manufacturers have heard your cries for less permanent products, and if you’re into gardening, you won’t be left out. I know this because I was recently in the market for a temporary greenhouse myself, and was very pleased to see that not only are there some great ones out there, but that there are also several varieties of home garden greenhouse with a number of different functionalities at www.CornerOne.com.
If you happen to be in the market too, I highly recommend the Flower House brand of temporary greenhouses and storage sheds, both for their variety and their high quality. In terms of quality, all greenhouses (minus the clear ones) are made with a very durable Gro-Tec material, which is not only UV resistant, but also completely waterproof and also features rip stop protection for extra rough conditions. In order to allow you to truly test the incredible quality of their products, Flower House has built in a one year warrantee to all of their products, giving you a chance to try them out in all seasons of the year to make sure they’re tough enough for your needs. And if they don’t make the cut, Flower House will give you your money back (although taking the products’ durable construction into consideration, I’m guessing this won’t be necessary).
There are home garden greenhouses and sheds in all shapes and sized to fit a large garden you’ve been working on for years, to a just-getting-started urban garden on a patio if that’s your need. In addition, for the great product you’re getting, they are very reasonably priced and all of them can be assembled in minutes with no tools required.
The Clear Conservatory Green House is one great option. Made of PVC, the conservatory design is not only aesthetically pleasing with a classic gazebo feel to it, but also compact and lightweight for easy transport and set up. Screen vent openings allow for great air circulation and the design includes straps to hold these vents open while you garden or work within the space.
The SeedHouse Green House is another great portable hothouse. This little guy is optimal for home gardeners who want to keep their perennials protected in the harsher conditions of winter weather, providing an effective way to shield these smaller plants from undergoing serious harm, whether kept outside, on a deck, or even in the home.
The DreamHouse portable greenhouse shed looks large, but features a pop-up design allowing for unbelievably quick assembly. It has several vents and 2 screened doors, with zip up design to promote and maintain high humidity levels for optimum growing environment.
