Tips for Creating More Kitchen Storage

Many similarities exist between homeowners and renters when comparing some of the common issues that both groups face. One of these problems is the difficulty in finding a way to organize everything so that it properly fits within the home. This is especially challenging in a room like a kitchen that constantly has items filtering in and out with such regularity. Here are several tips for creating more kitchen storage.

Use Hooks

Hooks are good for hanging more than coats in the kitchen. They can be used to hang things like potholders and mugs to allow for additional storage in the drawers and cupboards where they would otherwise reside.

Built-in Cutting Boards

The inclusion of a cutting board into the countertops can be a great addition for many homeowners. Not only does it allow for a much simpler storage solution, but it also adds functionality to a space that might be otherwise underutilized.

Add a Spice Rack

A spice rack is a great addition to any kitchen because it performs three important roles. The first is that it creates additional room in your cabinets. The second is function because it is easier to find your spices. Lastly is the aesthetic appeal of the spice rack.

Use Risers

You can use risers on your counters and in your cabinets to add vertical storage. Risers make it easier to keep items separated and easier to grab from a stack.

Baskets and Bins

Baskets and bins work great for decoration and function within a kitchen. They keep items organized in the pantry and on the countertops, helping to reduce clutter.

Use Countertops

One of the most common kitchen mistakes people make is not taking full advantage of their countertops. Try to remember the “work triangle” compromised of the sink, refrigerator, and oven, which is where we spend most of our time when working in the kitchen.

Door Hangers

Door hangers can be added throughout the kitchen to add storage to the back of the cabinet and pantry doors. These can hold things like pans or lids in your cupboards as well as providing additional storage in your refrigerator.

Lazy Susan

The addition of a small lazy Susan to your pantry or kitchen table does everything from keeping spices from overtaking an area to allowing easier access to your drawers. It can also be used under the kitchen sink to make finding cleaning products easier.

Throw Things Away

No compilation of tips for creating more kitchen storage would be complete without advice on throwing items away. Stay on top of expiration dates for the food in your kitchen. The same goes for any medication that is kept in the room. Lastly, pitch any cooking or baking materials that appear cracked, broken, or that are no longer being used.

New Plumbing Features You Can Add to Your Kitchen to Increase Value

As you know if you’re at all familiar with real estate, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms when it comes to determining the value of a home. Today’s buyers are looking for convenience, aesthetic appeal, and modern features. While countertops and cabinets get a lot of attention, plumbing fixtures are just as important aspect of a contemporary kitchen. From washing dishes to cooking a meal, all the typical tasks in a kitchen require water and proper drainage. That’s why, if you’re looking to create a more valuable kitchen, these plumbing features are a great place to start.

A Drain in the Floor

Kitchens are subject to plenty of spills, and sometimes it can be a real pain to clean up a mess. When your kitchen has a drain in the floor, you’ll no longer have to get down on your knees to wipe up a spilled liquid. All you’ll have to do is splash some water on the floor and then use a mop to push it down the drain.

A Stop Tab Beneath the Kitchen Sink

You never know when something could go wrong with your dishwasher or pipes. When a sudden problem arises, it’s nice to have the option of shutting down the water to your kitchen. A stop tab might not be a flashy improvement project, but it will undoubtedly increase the value of your home.

A Retractable Hose Within the Sink

Cleaning pots and pans becomes a lot easier when you’ve got a retractable hose with a high powered sprayer. This is a basic amenity that many buyers will expect your kitchen to have. Once you’ve gotten accustomed to using one, no kitchen sink will seem complete without it.

A Food Waste Disposal System

Whenever you’re cleaning up after a meal, a decent amount of food waste winds up in the drain. In a typical kitchen, this waste must be scooped up and thrown in the trash, lest it block the plumbing system’s narrow pipes. A disposal system is an awesome feature that seriously changes the equation. It’s a major project that often requires the installation of wider drainage pipes, but it makes cleaning dishes a whole lot easier.

These projects will make your kitchen more functional and increase the value of your home. Call in a local professional in residential plumbing, and you’ll have a revamped kitchen in no time.

4 Ways You Can Open Your Home Up to Invite More Natural Light In

With the cost of electricity not getting any cheaper, it helps to look for other ways to illuminate your home. Natural light is a great way to bring natural brightness inside. Accessed appropriately, sunlight is beneficial in helping to kill germs, enhance immune function, and of course lighten dark spaces. Here are some ways to let natural sunlight brighten and warm your house.

Repair or Replace Windows

Any windows that are cracked or loose should be repaired if you want to keep using them. Otherwise, you might prefer getting a quote for a new window installation in certain rooms of your home or throughout. Some types of newer windows can filter outdoor light to let in more as needed to brighten your home without letting in harmful UV rays. Certain windows come with built-in filters that you can operate with a smart device or a manual lever to adjust the amount of light that is let in. You may want to get windows with screens so that you can admit fresh air as well as sunlight on nice days.

Adjust Window Coverings

In addition to upgrading your home's windows, consider improving your window covers if needed. Lightweight curtains or draperies allow light to pass through more readily than heavier fabrics. You could also forego window drapes and install decorative valances instead. If you use window blinds, get the type that are easy to maneuver for more light when desired. Retractable awnings outside the windows are also helpful to use as they can be closed against rain and wind when the weather is bad or retracted to let light in on sunny days.

Open the Doors

Have your home's entrances fitted with storm doors that let sunlight into the house when the heavier door is kept open. A patio door can also be fitted with a vertical blind that opens and closes as needed, so you can keep the blinds open for added sunlight in the rooms with the patio doors.

Install a Skylight

A skylight in one or more rooms of the house is ideal for reducing electrical energy usage to light your home as well as admitting more natural light for increased illumination as well as some health benefits. A skylight cover is also useful for particularly bright days as they can help block out heat and keep your home cool. These covers still let light in, so you can enjoy the sunshine.

Make the most of your area's sunlight by letting it come into your home to naturally warm and brighten the interior. You can lower your utility usage and reap health benefits by taking advantage of cost-free sunlight outdoors.

How to Make a Bouquet for Home Decor

Looking to make your own bouquet? Going the DIY route is not only fun but saves you money if you’re looking to cut down on costs. Plus, making your own bouquet allows you to customize and make it unique to you!

Whether you want a bouquet for a special occasion or to spruce up your home decor, Read more to learn how to make a bouquet in five simple steps. 

1. Gather Materials 

• Flowers: Pick out your favorite flowers from your local shop to use for the bouquet. 

• Scissors: These will be needed to clean up the stems as you create the bouquet handle. 

• Floral tape: This helps keep the flowers in place after arranging them.

• Decorative ribbon: Placing ribbon of your choosing around the bouquet will give it a special. 

Picking Your Flowers

Picking out flowers that are in-season and from your local shop will ensure that they will be fresh — plus it gives you an opportunity to support small businesses! Additionally, flowers that come from local shops are usually more budget-friendly. 

Make sure to order your flowers two months before to ensure the exact flowers you want are in stock! Also, we recommend ordering more flowers than you might need in case you make mistakes while making your bouquet. 

2. Prep the Flowers

After gathering your materials and picking out the flowers, you’re ready to begin. Place everything on a tabletop and make sure the extra foliage has been taken off the stems. 

3. Cut Stems 

The next step is to trim the leaves off where you’ll be tying the bouquet together with floral tape. This will make it easier to either carry the bouquet or put it into its vase. 

4. Putting Together the Arrangement

After prepping, decide how to arrange the flowers. Begin by choosing up to four flowers that will look great as the base or focal point of your bouquet. Make the bouquet bigger by adding more flowers around the base.  Do this by turning the bouquet continuously and adding stems until your arrangement is at your desired size. 

5. Securing the Bouquet

Once your flowers are arranged as desired, secure the stems tightly just below the blooms with your floral tape. This will ensure that everything stays in place and gives your bouquet the extra support it needs before placing it into a vase. If your bouquet has any excess stems at the base, feel free to trim these until the length is to your liking. 

Place the finished bouquet in a vase with fresh water and add it to your favorite spot in the house! 

Congratulations, you’ve learned how to make a bouquet! Have fun with it — experiment with different flowers and decorative ribbons to get the perfect look. Whether you’re making one as a gift or for your home, these five steps will help you create a unique floral bouquet with ease.