Farmhouse Dining Table: Perfect for the large family

Posted on March 28, 2011 by admin

Nothing brings a family together like a meal. Sunday family dinners are a long standing American tradition that is fast falling it disuse. Modern life with all its distractions does not seem to provide a time for family to get together and interact like they used to. This must change. It’s time to bring back Sunday dinner. It’s time to bring back heaping platters of food, pitchers of lemonade and sweet tea, fun and actual conversation. It’s time to turn off the tv and let everyone gather round for food and fellowship. The first step in making this happen is a table large enough for the family to fit around. A traditional farmhouse dining table is ideal.

Farmhouse Dining Tables are traditionally rectangular and can either be mounted on a pedestal or the standard four or six leg configuration. At least five foot by three foot, they can comfortably seat a family of six. When a leaf is inserted this can be increased to eight or ten people. This is ability to collapse and expand the dinner table is invaluable when unexpected, but no less welcome, guests show up for dinner.

Traditionally farmhouse style dining tables are constructed of hardwoods such as: cherry, oak, or maple. Pine and cypress are also commonly used. This along with their thick and heavy design makes them remarkably durable, this is especially important as they are intended to be used not just showpieces.  The type of wood chosen can greatly impact both price and the finish that you are able to choose.

There are a variety of finishes available. There are stains, paints, rubs, two-tone rubs and glazes. Mix and match to your heart’s content. It is almost certain that you can find one to suit your personal style.  The “distressed” finish has become very popular in home furnishing recently. The heavy design of farmhouse tables make them ideal for this type of finish. A dark stain with a medium distress finish is quite an attractive piece. Add in a rubbed two tone paint job on the lower half of your table, and you have a functional piece of art in your kitchen.

The cost of a farmhouse style table varies according to the type of material used in its construction, size, and finish.  One can be found at a trade day for little to nothing and you can spend hours lovingly refinishing it and making it perfect. It is a great project for the do-it-yourselfer. Or you can order one built to order straight from the manufacturer. Be aware that a quality custom table is far from cheap. They can typically cost upwards of a $1000.

Farmhouse tables are everything a kitchen table should be.  They are big, sturdy, and can fit a family of eight easily. Bring your family back to the dining room. Turn off the TV and hide the remote. Make them turn off their cellphones, unplug the landline (if you still have one), and enjoy each other’s company. It’s time to bring the family back to Sunday dinner.

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Keeping your kitchen hardwood floors beautiful and bright

Posted on March 25, 2011 by admin

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It is where your family gathers for meals, where birthdays are celebrated, bills are paid, and morning cups of coffee are shared. You want it to be beautiful and appealing. That is why you decided to invest in a hardwood floor for your kitchen. However, hardwood floors can quickly become an eyesore if not properly maintained. They must always be kept clean and dirt free, use a soft bristled brush and vacuum for this. Dirt can quickly become sandpaper when it comes between a shoe and the finish of your floor. You can keep your floor shiny and bright by periodically using a wood floor cleaner.

Steps for maintaining your new hardwood floors:

Keeping your floor shiny and bright starts when you move in.

Don’t drag your furniture across the floor. Whenever you move anything on a hardwood floor, make sure to pick it up and place it. Table legs, chair, refrigerators, etc can gouge a floor in a heartbeat.

It is also a good idea to take this time to install slip glider pads on the bottoms of all your furniture. This will prevent you from inadvertently scuffing your floor at a later date.

Install throw rugs in front of the stove, sink, dishwasher and any doors leading into the kitchen. The rugs in front of the sink, stove and dishwasher will prevent your floor from being damaged by any spills that might occur. The rugs in front of the doors prevent people from tracking any dirt into your kitchen which can like sandpaper on a new hardwood floor.

That leads us to the next topic: make sure to keep your hardwood floor clean and use the proper cleaning solution for a hardwood floor. Any dirt and grime left on a floor can quickly ruin the surface of a high traffic area. Keep your dust broom handy. Wipe up any spills as soon as they occur. Only use hardwood specific floor cleaners. Any other cleaners are likely to have acrylic waxes that can make a floor look hazy and dull.

Never wet mop your floors. Water and hardwood floors do not mix. Allowing water to stand on your hardwood floors can lead to warping and cracking.

Leave the waxing to the professionals. Sure you can find a guide on the internet that will tell you how easy it is to wax your floors, but is it really worth it. Improperly waxed floors can look worse than they did prior to you putting in all that hard work. A coat of wax must be applied evenly. Some areas experience significantly less traffic than others. Pay someone to do a great job and save yourself the head and heartache. Buffing, however, is something the average homeowner is fully capable of doing on their own, and it is highly recommended that you do so at least once a year.

Hardwood floors are a big investment, and they are something that should be maintained. Following these guidelines will insure that your hardwood floors last, stay bright and smooth for years to come.

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Stainless Steel Countertops perfect for the modern kitchen

Posted on February 15, 2011 by admin

Stainless steel countertops have long been a staple within the commercial kitchen. Now, they are making their way into the home kitchen. For a modern sleek look, there is no other countertop choice than a stainless steel countertop. Even if you do not want to go full out on the stainless steel and do your whole kitchen, there are other options and stainless steel should definitely have a place in your kitchen. A stainless steel prep or washing area makes a great accent to a classic marble or tile countertop.

Stainless steel is not just about looks. It is also about functionality and durability. There are few other surfaces that can honestly say they will not scratch, dent or tarnish. Stainless steel can. Stainless steel countertops are also one of the most hygienic and easily cleaned surfaces available for the kitchen. It is a non porous material. So, dirt, grime, and bacteria have no place to collect and linger. It is easily cleaned with a wet cloth and anti bacterial soap. That’s why they have been and are so popular in commercial kitchens. Another added benefit is the fact that stainless steel is heat resistant. You can set a pot or pan on the countertop straight off the stove with no fear of harming your steel countertop.

Stainless steel countertops are also customizable. Virtually any shape, size, configuration and finish can be made. Unlike granite or marble, there is no paying for an entire piece only to cut it down to fit. Your countertop is uniquely your own, and often built to exactly your specifications. An added benefit to a one piece countertop/sink set is the seamless construction. Without seams there is no place for water and food particles to collect making cleaning a snap.

Stainless Steel Countertops come in a variety of style and finishes. You are not confined to one simple flat finish. There are a variety of matte, satin, and embossed finishes. The possibility for patterns and swirls are only limited by your budget and imagination.

Durability has been mentioned, but deserves to be mentioned again. The life expectancy of a stainless steel countertop is over a hundred years. It will outlast the home it was built for in most cases. It is steel.

One does not think of steel as being a particularly green option but it is. Most stainless countertops are made from 100% recyclable and renewable resources. The fact that last so long also adds to their reputation as eco-friendly.

Stainless steel countertops should certainly be an option to be considered when building or renovating a kitchen. They add a certain flair to the open floor plan of the modern kitchen and can be an excellent accent to a traditional marble or granite countertop. If well maintained and cared for your new countertop will outlast you.

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So many kitchen flooring options. Which one is right for you?

Posted on February 15, 2011 by admin

The flooring options for your kitchen are numerous. You could go with quarry tile, finished concrete, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, or linoleum. That’s right linoleum. Linoleum is making a comeback, especially among the green crowd.

Three factors should rule your choice of flooring for your kitchen.

Obviously, appearance is a big deal. You want your kitchen floor to look good. After all, the kitchen is the heart of the home. You want a warm comfortable inviting place for your family and friends to gather. With the open floor plans of most modern kitchens, the appearance of the kitchen floor is even more important today than it was 20 years ago.

Secondly, you should consider comfort. You’ll be spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Most of that time will be on your feet standing in front of the stove or the sink. You want to choose the flooring option that is comfortable. Most people don’t think of comfort when they think before, but some floors are just more comfortable than others.

Thirdly, durability should be a consideration. Kitchen floors experienced much more wear and tear than the flooring and the rest of the house. They get wet. They get things dropped on them repeatedly. They are walked on much more than the rest of the house. It’s a good idea to choose a very durable and easy to clean kitchen flooring material.

There are several options to choose from when considering a kitchen floor. Each have their benefits and drawbacks.

Wood floors:

Wood floors are classic and warm. They’re very comfortable underfoot, but their durability and appearance varies depending on the type of wood used in their construction. Wood floors can always be sanded and refinished if they start to show too much wear, but keep in mind that this is often an expensive process.

Laminate:

Laminate is essentially synthetic wood. It is finished and the factory and extremely easy to install. It can be put down over an existing floor with little problem. It is more durable and easier to clean than a real wood floor, but it is synthetic and lacks the warmth and appeal of a true wood floor.

Ceramic tile:

Ceramic tile has become very popular lately. It comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. So, it is very easy to customize. The tile portion is also very easy to clean, but the grout around the tile is difficult to clean. Most homebuilders recommend large tile squares which minimizes the grout area. Tile is not the most comfortable for you options. It is a good idea to place runners in areas where you plan on standing for extended periods of time to lessen the strain on the legs and lower back.

Vinyl:

Vinyl is the go to option for those on a budget who wish to update the look of their kitchen. It is cheap, customizable, and easy to install. It comes in a variety of colors and styles. It does wear out and has a tendency to curl at the edges, but if you are on a budget it is a great option.

Green Options:

There are several new and old green options for flooring on the market. One of the older flooring options is making a comeback is linoleum. Since it is made with mostly waste products it appeals to the environmentally minded.

Another option is bamboo. It is an easily renewable resource that makes excellent flooring.

Corkwood has also been making an impact on the flooring market. Since it is a harvested (it’s made from cork oak bark) resource and renewable, it is eco friendly. It is extremely quiet and durable.

As you can see there are many options to choose from. Take into account all three factors and include your own individual budget and choose the right flooring option for you.

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Granite Tile Countertops are a cheap and effective way to update your kitchen

Posted on February 15, 2011 by admin

Granite is one of the hardest and most durable stones found in nature. It is virtually impervious to heat and so hot pans can be put directly on the countertop from the stove. It is also beautiful and comes in a variety of natural patterns and colors. This coupled with its naturally stain resistant properties make it ideal for kitchen countertops.  Granite countertops are found in most upscale homes. Granite has replaced almost all other materials when it comes to countertop construction. There’s only one problem. Granite is expensive. Whole piece granite countertops can cost several thousand dollars and are not as customizable as some other options.

So you are on a budget, but you still want the look and feel of a granite countertop. Your option is a granite tile countertop. Made from smaller pieces of granite joined together, granite tile countertops are a great deal and option for those on a budget. Offering the same benefits as a whole piece granite countertop, granite tile countertops are a fraction of the price.

New grout sealing methods and technology have eliminated the one big drawback to granite tile countertops: the seam. New grout material has allowed tiles to be placed close together. So close that there is virtually no seam. New blending methods make this seam even harder to notice. No longer will you have to break out the toothbrush to scrub food particles from the grout lines.

Granite tiles are typically 12’ X 12’ and come in a variety of colors and patterns. You can even mix and match for a truly unique look. A substrate of ¾’ plywood is laid over the existing counters and then topped with 1/2 ‘ thick cement backer board. Then the tile is simply cut and glued to the backer board.  Once the tile is glued and butted into place, you apply the unsanded grout.  A little polish and sealant, and you have a granite tile countertop that looks great.

Just because you are on a budget does not mean you have to sacrifice aesthetics. A granite tile countertop gives you the look, feel, and durability of a solid granite countertop at a fraction of the price. It is definitely something to consider when building or remodeling a kitchen or bathroom. Granite tile can also be used to make a unique backsplash or as a unique and durable flooring material. Shop around and you are sure to find a great deal.

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Create a unique kitchen with unique kitchen island designs

Posted on February 15, 2011 by admin

Kitchen Islands are a great idea. They are an integral part of the modern kitchen. Kitchens are no longer closed in dungeons where food is prepared and then brought forth into the dining room. Modern kitchens are open and are considered the heart of the home. They are a place to gather and catch up as food is prepared. Kitchen Islands provide a focal point for people to gather around that is out of the cook’s way.  For the small kitchen with limited counter and cabinet space the Kitchen Island provides much needed service area and storage space.

Kitchen Islands might be viewed more as furniture than a cabinet or integral to the kitchen, but they must be functional as well. They must serve a purpose.  There are really 4 purposes a kitchen island can serve: cleanup, informal dining, cooking, and food preparation. Kitchen Island Designs can incorporate one, two or all of these functions.

Cleanup:

A Kitchen Island can be designed to incorporate a dishwasher, a garbage bin/compressor, as well as storage for kitchen utensils, silverware, and dish towels. An kitchen island can be used to put aside dirty dishes and free up room to cook.

Informal Dining:

Add a few counter height bar stools and you have an informal place to grab a bite with the kids or friends.  Dining can be a pleasure with a warming bin, a counter pass, and good friends.  Add in a wine storage space and you have a party.

Cooking:

Your island does not just have to be for storage. If you incorporate a cook top into the kitchen island design you suddenly have a space to rival any commercial kitchen.  Add a copper of stainless hood above the range and cook up a storm. With a dual height counter, you can serve your guests right off the stove.

Food Prep

Add a small sink, a refrigerated lo-boy, a butcher’s block, and a garbage and you have all you need to prep your ingredients in a flash.

With a variety of countertop materials, accessories, add ons, and configurations, the possible kitchen island designs are almost limitless. One factor that should and will always be limiting is space. You must have enough space in your kitchen to accommodate your kitchen island. Too little space and the island stops being a help and becomes a hindrance. At a minimum, your kitchen should be 8 feet deep and 12 feet wide.  You need to be able to move freely around your island to enjoy it.

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