Going Green in the Kitchen

By Erik Braunitzer of Douglas Elliman Real Estate Company, agents for NYC Apartments.

With the cost of energy consistently rising, people are looking for ways to cut back and save money. Add to this the fact that inefficient energy usage is wreaking havoc on the environment; there is no lack of motivation to go green. Going green begins in the home with small, everyday changes. 

The kitchen is the center of the home. This is where meals are prepared and eaten. Rich conversation takes place alongside many daily tasks. All of this activity adds up to a large amount of daily energy consumption. The first step to going green in the kitchen is awareness on how to use your everyday appliances more efficiently. 

Oven: For your oven, every time the oven door is opened, the inner temperature is reduced nearly 25 degrees; this results in more time and energy needed to thoroughly cook food. Rather than opening the door, turn on the oven light to peek at the food. Try cook dishes simultaneously when possible. Preheating is actually not necessary if you simply adjust the cooking time. By the same token, shut the oven off a few minutes before the full cooking time has elapsed, allowing the remaining heat to finish cooking the dish. For smaller jobs, use a microwave or toaster oven.

Stove: When you’re using your stove, try to cook using as few burners as possible. When boiling liquids, lower the heat once the dish is boiling. Full heat is not required to maintain a boil. Try simmering on low heat as well. When you’re using the stovetop, use lids on saucepans and pots to retain heat and lessen cooking time. If you’re updating appliances at all, consider switching to a gas stove or an electric stove that uses induction elements.

Refrigerators: Refrigerators and freezers are actually the largest energy consumers. Regularly check that all doors and compartments are tightly closed and properly seal to prevent cool air from escaping. Determine everything that you need before you open the door, and take it all out at one time rather than repeatedly opening and closing the door. Likewise, do not stand with the door open deciding what you would like to eat. If your refrigerator is ready to be updated, opt for an energy efficient model, which utilizes 60 to 70 percent less energy than an older model; side-by-side models require more energy than a refrigerator with a freezer on top. Avoid cooling empty space by keeping the refrigerator and freezer well stocked or by turning the temperature up.

Dishwashers: If you own a dishwasher, scrape food into a compost bin to avoid pre-rinsing or running the rinse cycle twice. Allow dishes to air dry naturally rather than using the heated drying feature. Try to wait to run the dishwasher when it is completely full and use detergents that are phosphate-free.

Tools: When it comes to other appliances, choose energy efficiency over convenience by completing kitchen tasks by hand rather than using electrical appliances and be sure to unplug any appliance not in use.

Décor: If you’re looking to remodel the décor of your kitchen, you can be green in your choices as well.  Shop for lightly used cabinets and hardware as well as tiles made from recycled glass or aluminum.

Taking small steps to go green now will have a profound impact on both your wallet as well as the environment.

Here is a great resource: Kitchen Makeovers for Any Budget: Layout, Design, Build

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An important option in any kitchen remodel is flooring. As in all construction jobs, you want to start from the ground up.

Choosing a wooden floor, laminate or tile gives you a wide varitety of options. Remember, you want flooring that is not only easy to vclean, but will also  stand up to the heavy traffic you will be getting in your kitchen.

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Regular price: 35.00 USD
Our price: 24.50 USD

The kitchen may be the most challenging renovation project in the house, but it’s also the most rewarding. For most families, life revolves around this room, whether they’re sitting down to lunch, cooking a grand meal, or simply hanging out.

A well-designed kitchen-that looks good and works well-gives a home a center and its owners tremendous satisfaction. The Kitchen shows you exactly how to achieve this happy end. The first in a new series of practical guides that offer the best and latest solutions to interior design problems, The Kitchen contains three sections: Case Studies, Nuts and Bolts, and the Personal Touch.

Twenty-one illuminating real-life examples show how people have tackled their kitchen makeovers. Detailed photographs illustrate how these kitchens were developed and decorated, while the author describes how the owner’s desires were translated into reality.

Nuts and Bolts features in-depth information on every kitchen component, from cabinets and stoves to the sink. The Personal Touch reveals how to put your own stamp on your kitchen, whether through hi-tech cookware or antique creamware jugs.

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If you own a home, you know that most of your time is spent in the kitchen. Your kitchen is the most important room in any house. You need to look closely at your kitchen design.

It’s where friends and family gather. It’s where amazing conversations take place. There are family gatherings and celebrations. Its the firsr place kids go when they come home grom school. It is probably the last place you go when you are ready for bed.

When there is a choice to do major remodeling, the very first place to look is the kitchen. Can a kitchen remodel change your life-style? Absolutely! The truth is that you are not the only one who can benefit from a little bit of kitchen remodeling, your home can also benefit.

Perhaps, the greatest way that your home can benefit from a kitchen remodeling project is with its value. If you make the decision to have your home remodeled, you will likely find that the overall value of your home will increase. Sometimes, the increase may be hard to notice, but it can also be quite noticeable. Honestly, the increase in value will all depend on what type of remodeling was done and how it turned out. Professional kitchen remodeling jobs are the ones that tend to increase a home’s value the most. Also, the more of your kitchen you remodel, the more the value of your home is likely to increase. An increased home value can turn into a profit for you, if and when you decide to sell your home.

In addition to an increase in value, you will also find that by remodeling your kitchen, the overall appearance of your home will better. That will not only have an impact on your home, but you as well. It is a known fact that when homeowners have a decent looking home, they not only feel more comfortable in it, but they also feel more comfortable inviting guests over. By remodeling your kitchen, your home may seem more welcoming and inviting. Whether you just want to have your friends over for coffee or you want to host a large party, a kitchen remodeling project may be just what you need to get the ball rolling.

The appearance of your home, particularly your kitchen, and the increase in your home’s value are two of the greatest ways that your home can benefit from a kitchen remodeling project. Although your home can benefit from a kitchen remodeling project, it is important to note that the results are not all the same. As previously mentioned, the end result, of a kitchen remodeling project, makes all of the difference in the world. Although you may have better results using a professional contractor, you may not want to. If you want to perform your own kitchen remodeling, you can, but it is best that you first know exactly what you are doing.

If you do not have experience with home improvement projects, it may be a good idea to take a kitchen remodeling course, class, or seminar. Depending on where you live, you should have access to a number of these courses. In fact, you may find that one of your home improvement stores offers these classes for free or for a reasonable fee. If you are unable to attend a kitchen remodeling class, course, or seminar, you should at least obtain a copy of a kitchen remodeling guide or how-to book. Many of these books are available for sale online or in book stores. Depending on the size of your library, you may also be able to find a few remodeling books there.

Although it is not required that you use a guide or attend a remodeling seminar, you may want to. Since the overall value of your home, as well as its appearance depends on the outcome of your kitchen remodeling projects, you may want to make sure that your remodeling is done right.

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When selecting a bathroom countertop, you have several different choices than in a kitchen. Some of them are pretty interesting. I hope I can give you a few ideas that will help to make your bathroom unique and stylish.

Here are some suggestions:

Marbles – There are a few choices which work in bathrooms, but aren’t a good idea for a kitchen. These are cultured marble (very inexpensive, but usually pre-made to standard sizes and may not fit your circumstance); onyx (very pretty); and marble. Marble looks elegant, is functional, and comes in a wide range of colors.

These materials would not stand up to the level of use associated with a kitchen, but hold up well in bathrooms. Onyx is translucent, so light coming from one side will make it appear to glow on the other side. This could work well as a window sill or shelf near a window where it will get the light. Another way to use the translucent quality of onyx is to create a small box with a night light in it.

Woods – Most experts will tell you NOT to put wood in your bathroom since moisture can damage it. Well, if you really want wood in your bathroom, keep in mind that there are exceptions to every rule. Remember, in the 1800s they used to make boats out of wood.

You just need to know which wood to use. Teak, Rosewood and Brazilian Epi are extremely dense and oily (and expensive) woods that will hold up just fine. Even some of the harder of the common woods (like Oak and hard Maple) will work if you treat them with a coat of marine varnish.

Watch out for the Epi. I’ve seen guys try to hammer nails into it and have the nail bounce back into their chest because the wood is so dense. Pre-drill the holes, and use screws. This stuff is also very good for outdoor furniture.

Another alternative is Bamboo (although technically a grass, not a wood). Bamboo is very fibrous and prone to giving off little-itty-bitty splinters. But it’s very pretty (if you like that look), so just make sure it’s well sanded and coated with varnish after you put it in. I prefer the “satin” varnish rather than the “gloss.” Just a personal preference.

Laminates – Many people have plastic laminate bathroom countertops, but (like kitchens) they are not pretty once the moisture gets between the layers, causing expansion and separation.

So if your budget dictates that you use a laminate, make sure you use a drop-in sink and it gets caulked properly. They will also show scratches. Keep sharp things away from the kids.

Glass – Most people think of something clear and thin when they hear someone mention glass. Glass is available is various thickness, up to 1″. It could be given a rounded edge, can be cut to any shape, can be cut out for a sink, and is available in a variety of tinted shades as well as milky white. You could also layer multiple pieces to create unique coloring and edge details.

Glass could be a very interesting element in a bathroom. If you’re seriously considering a glass countertop for your bathroom, you should have a template made first so you can see what the piece will look like before you actually have the piece cut.

This will also make the supplier more comfortable, knowing that you’ve approved the size and shape before he cuts the glass. Make sure you get it “tempered” by the supplier. That way your glass will be break-resistant (but not unbreakable).

Granite (and Simulated Stone) – You have no maintenance concerns with any of these. And you will have more edges to choose from than with laminates. If you’re in this financial ball park, your decision will be based on “look” more than anything else.

The thing that sets granite apart from the simulated, or composite tops, is the graining and veins that are often seen in a natural stone. Manufacturers of the other tops might say they look like the real thing, but the uniformity of pattern makes that claim a pipe dream.

Cleaning these tops – Any of these tops can be cleaned with a mild liquid detergent mixed with water. Corian (and other solid surface) tops usually come with a kit so that if they get scratched or stained, you can restore them with the compound in the kit and a “scotch-bright” pad.

Never use anything abrasive on any tops other than the solid surface tops. I can’t think of anything else to tell you, but that doesn’t mean I thought of everything. The best idea is to shop extensively before buying.

Charles Gueli invites you to ask questions about bathroom counter tops, and take advantage of the resources on www.continuous-home-improvement-help.com, where guidance, information and support are always available – helping homeowners make better decisions.

Clickbank Products

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When it comes to creating a breakfast nook, small details, like the carved corbels and wainscoting on a bench, add elegance to the casual dining space. Comfy pillows can create a cozy seating area and large windows fill the space with sunlight.

Since these nooks are by nature relatively small, they may only fit four to six diners at most, and sometimes only two. Many people who have these already built in their kitchens also have a formal dining room.
With large families, this type of breakfast area may be too small for a whole family to dine together, but they still remain the perfect place to serve young children breakfast.

A breakfast nook adds charm to any kitchen. It is the perfect place to enjoy a small meal, sip on fresh brewed coffee, and take in the morning sun.

Many of these nooks have built-in benches and are surrounded by windows. Other nooks are simply well lit spaces off the kitchen that can be furnished as desired. It is an out of the way place to relax while still having access to the kitchen area.

Breakfast areas like these are ideal places for small shelving, plants, and other decor. A well-designed nook can spruce up a kitchen and add charm to any home.

Take some time to find just the right color for your nook, and furnish it with a comfortable table/chair set. Ensure that window treatments allow just the right amount of light in the morning to offer a warm start to your day. Then, just put on the coffee and enjoy!

There are 3 general steps to making a breakfast nook that you’ll be happy to have:
Make a small nook seem larger.

Create a roomy (if space allows) and functional floor plan.
Add character and style that reflects your tastes.

An awkward space can be transformed into the perfect location for an L-shaped banquette. An antique table and chair can be charming and graceful.
If you use a bench or banquette in your floor plan, give yourself an extra bonus by having drawers built into the bench for extra storage.
In the picture seen here, one banquette, a table, and a couple of chairs are all it took to transform a seldom-used kitchen corner into an eye-catching breakfast nook. Bright colors create a cheery atmosphere.
Sparkling white furniture and trim balances the bold greens, yellows and blues.
Bay windows are perfect for these nooks. The windows provide a view, natural light, and a bay is ideal for banquette seating. This nook is in a separate room off the kitchen, making it easy to accommodate a larger number of people.
Style in breakfast areas varies greatly. Many are located next to or surrounded by windows, so that those seated can have a nice view. It’s a good idea to garden accordingly so that you can provide a pretty view of gardens, trees or flowers.
Some people line their breakfast nooks, especially in apartments, with window boxes full of flowers, so if the view is not terrific, at least sunny flowers greet the informal diner.

Some breakfast nooks do not have windows attached, but simply provide a convenient extra space for serving some meals, and in two person homes, such nooks can provide the main dining space in a home.

You can decide how you’d like to design this space, or create space by adding onto a home, based on what your needs are. Perhaps you need an elegant space with lovely curtains, padded benches and an antique table. A less formal approach would be to add a diner-like booth with vinyl benches and a Formica table.

Before you design the space, think about who will give the nook the most use. If it’s a space to feed kids breakfast, consider an informal style that it is easy to clean. If it will be the main dining space for a newly married couple, you might want to strive for elegance and romance.

There are plenty of different furniture styles to choose from when creating a breakfast area. Simple projects might include wood tables and several benches or a single bench to surround the table.
Measure your nook space carefully, since such a small space is not forgiving if you add overly large furniture. An unusually sized space, hexagonal instead of rectangular for example, might require custom furniture, or be better suited to chairs than benches.

I hope these examples will help you to formulate better decisions when you are ready to plan your own breakfast nook.

Charles Gueli invites you to ask questions about a breakfast nook, and take advantage of the resources on www.continuous-home-improvement-help.com, where guidance, information and support are always available – helping homeowners make better decisions.

Clickbank Products

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Backyard Kitchens

Backyard kitchens (along with weatherproof upholstery, awnings, outdoor TV and stereo systems, and outdoor fireplaces) are part of the recent trend to live more comfortably outside.
There are three factors which will determine how you go about designing your outdoor kitchen: the amount of space that can be devoted to this gathering area; the equipment you want to put into it; and the size of your budget.
The earliest versions were all custom designed and way too expensive for the average homeowner. Their growing popularity has led to several less expensive versions of backyard kitchens.
It takes 2 days or more to install the full array of appliances, cabinets, and other features that are typically a part of an outdoor kitchen.
You could include a refrigerator, a sink, a dishwasher, an island, gas grill and enough storage for plates, glasses and cookware. If you scrimp on the storage, you’re going to be frustrated later. Do it right. Now you can cook in the snow if you wish.
You can carry these things to the absurd, but I have to admit that I’ve seen a few backyard kitchens that were very well done. Your design options are unlimited.
You could create a sense of casual elegance, or an old-world European atmosphere – spacious, but enclosed for privacy. What you’d think a Tuscan veranda would look like.
Okay, stop dreaming about the European thing. It’s time to get back to more mundane issues. If you can’t spend much, you can probably do an outdoor kitchen for about $5000. The average cost is around $12,000, and if you wish, you can blow next year’s salary.
Things like refrigerators have to be certified for outdoor use. This means they will be more expensive than your interior models. Sinks should be stainless steel because they will stand up to the weather.
If you’re a BBQ purist, you’ll stick with charcoal. If you have an open mind, to go along with a large pocketbook, you can have a multi-fuel grill which can use gas, charcoal, hardwood, or any combination. And there are options available that fit between those two extremes.
Size is another choice. Men usually want huge grills. If you’re planning to entertain 10 or more people several times a year, that’s probably a good idea. If not…………
It occurs to me that you can’t cook hot dogs and hamburgers on these things. It has to be fillet mignons and lobsters or it just wouldn’t seem right.

Charles Gueli invites you to ask questions about backyard kitchens, and take advantage of the resources on www.continuous-home-improvement-help.com , where guidance, information and support are always available – helping homeowners make better decisions.

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See how simple kitchen repairs and projects can make a huge difference.

You can start with cosmetic changes.

Then you want to look at counter tops, sinks and storage areas.

When the kids fly the nest, there’s no better time to finally cross off the updates jotted down on that “someday” list. We’ll show the Sarbs how a few simple projects can completely transform their kitchen into a warm space perfectly suited for entertaining friends and family

This is the most important part of kitchen remodeling which is the planning stage.

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A decorative molding can be defined as any continuous projection that is used to enhance the look of a wall. In ancient Greece, they were first used to throw water away from the wall. The contours, measurements, and projections of moldings vary greatly.

Frieze

One type of molding – the frieze (or frieze board) – was first used on the Parthenon at the Acropolis. The frieze is considered a part of the Greek architectural style.

The Parthenon was built for the goddess Athena. The frieze moldings that were used were meant to tell the story of her triumph over Poseidon in becoming the patron of the ancient city which is now Athens.

The frieze panels are a series of designed pediments which are filled with the images of Athena’s birth and rise to power. Today, a frieze board is the flat panel just below a crown molding or cornice. Often, low relief is applied to this panel for added decoration.

Today, frieze moldings are most common as a portion of a decorative molding that follows the neoclassical architecture or decorating style.

You need a pretty high ceiling (minimum of 9 feet), and it’s a good idea to paint or stain the frieze and the crown molding the same color. The frieze is a good way to visually bring the ceiling down and make the room appear cozier.

Crown Molding

Crown molding is the most popular type of cornice molding. Crown molding is generally a single-piece of decorative molding, installed at the top of a wall, at an angle to the adjoining ceiling. However, I have seen crown molding assemblies of 5 or more pieces in more elaborate settings.

Crown molding often has a profile that projects out on the ceiling and down the wall, adding a rich appearance to a room. It is often used at the top of cabinets or built-in furniture.

Introducing this type of decorative molding to a relatively simple room provides a historic character that the room would not otherwise have. Crown molding is also used in combination with other moldings to add details to fireplace mantels and shelves. (For what it’s worth, this is probably my favorite architectural feature).

Crown molding is a form of Cornice Molding. The term “cornice” describes molding installed along the top of a wall or above the window. When this treatment is made from multiple pieces of molding, it is called a “build-up cornice.” The other form of cornice molding is the Cove Molding.

Cove Molding

Cove molding is very similar to crown molding, with the same application and function. The difference between the two is in the profile. Cove molding has a concave profile (which bows inward) while crown molding has a convex (outward) profile.

While crown is most at home in traditional settings, Cove moldings are equally comfortable in country, or even contemporary settings. You don’t normally see multi-piece assemblies of cove moldings. You can occasionally see it “beaded” at top and bottom for a little accent.

Entries, formal living rooms, formal dining rooms, and master bedrooms usually receive decorative moldings with ornate or traditional patterns.

Kitchens and other more functional areas of the home might be where you will find the simpler design of the cove molding. Over the years, coves and crowns have become much smaller, but most still bear the shapes and styles of the original Greek and Roman designers.

Chair Rail Molding

A chair rail is a decorative molding that divides a wall horizontally, usually about 32″ to 36″ above the floor. They protect the walls in areas where damage might occur from people getting up out of chairs.

For this reason, the more traditional chair rails will have a nosing in the center, with curved and beveled surfaces that taper back to the wall above and below the nosing.

Today, chair rails remain a common detail in traditional interiors. They serve the decorating effect of unifying the various architectural details of a room, such as door and window trim, and fireplace surrounds.

Chair rail can also be used as a cap for wainscoting or other wood paneling. This decorative molding adds a feeling of detail and charm while achieving continuity in a room by unifying the various decorative elements.

Panel Molding

Continue reading “Decorative Moldings in your Kitchen” »

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 Although many homeowners love their kitchens, including their kitchen cabinets, there are some who are looking for a change.  If you are one of those homeowners, the ones who are looking for a change, you may want to think about remodeling your kitchen, particularly your kitchen cabinets.

When it comes to kitchen remodeling, there is a common misconception that is mistakenly believed by many. That misconception is exactly what kitchen remodeling is. Many assume that to remodel a kitchen you need to change everything, from the light fixtures all the way down to the floor tiles. While a large number of homeowners do choose to remodel their whole kitchen, there are others who only choose to remodel small portions of it.  Whether you are looking to remodel your whole kitchen, all at once, or you if are only looking to remodel a part of it, there is a good chance that you may be in the market for new kitchen cabinets; they are one of the most commonly remodeled parts of a kitchen.

Although choosing a new set of kitchen cabinets may seem like a fairly easy task, it is one that you shouldn’t make on an impulse.  Since you will be stuck with these new kitchen cabinets, at least until you move or decide to remodel again, you will want to make sure that you get your first choice.  There are a number of different ways that you can do this. For the best results, you may want to visit your local home improvement store.  When visiting one of your local home improvement stores, you should find a collection of kitchen cabinets on display; in fact, you may find a fairly large number of them on display. Viewing each of these kitchen cabinets is a great way to decide which cabinets would look great installed in your kitchen.

In addition to visiting your local home improvement store, you may also want to examine kitchen cabinets online. Although the shipping for kitchen cabinets is often considered quite high, you may be able to find exactly what you were looking for online.  It is advised that you find either an online home improvement retailer or an individual who specializes in making their own kitchen cabinets.  In fact, if you are looking for a unique set of kitchen cabinets, a set that you cannot find anywhere else, you may be able to order a custom set of kitchen cabinets. The cost may be more than what you intended on paying, but, as previously mentioned, it is important to get what you want, especially when remodeling your kitchen.

When searching for the perfect set of kitchen cabinets, for your next kitchen remodeling project, it is important to keep a number of things in mind. One of those things is what you will be using your kitchen cabinets for.  What you are using your kitchen cabinets for may have an impact on what you can and cannot have.  For instance, if you will be using your kitchen cabinets to store your food or your dishes, you will need to make sure that you purchase cabinets that can offer you the most space. While decorative kitchen cabinets are nice, they are sometimes limited on the storage space that they have.

In addition to the size of the storage space, it is also important to examine the size of the kitchen cabinet itself.  In the United States, most home improvement stores sell kitchen cabinets that are not fully put together, but they are often precut to size. It may be possible to change the measurements, but you may find it to be difficult and costly to do so.  Although you may be more concerned about the color or design of a kitchen cabinet set, it is important to remember the basics.  Even the most beautiful kitchen cabinet set will not do you any good if it cannot be installed in your kitchen.

By keeping the above mentioned points in mind, you should be able to go out and find the kitchen cabinet set that you were looking for.  Once you have found the kitchen cabinet set of your dreams, the remodeling can begin. Whether you choose to install your own kitchen cabinets or you let a professional do it for you, your cabinets could be installed in as little as a day or two.

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