With the Grain » kitchen design

Making Kitchen Countertop Choices

Jenn Greenleaf — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:12:46 +0000

To some, choosing a countertop is the least of their worries. To others, though, it’s a process as complicated as choosing windows and flooring. Here are some questions to ask when making kitchen countertop choices:

Are you looking for something that isn’t easily scratched?
Do you need a surface that handles heavy cooking and other food preparation?
Is your idea of heavy cooking ordering out, and then cleaning up?
Do you have a large family to accommodate?
Do you do a lot of entertaining?

If your kitchen isn’t used frequently, choosing a countertop that is stylish rather than functional is easier to get away with. However, if a lot of food preparation and entertaining occurs, you are going to need something that withstands scratches and staining.

Need to Hang Cabinets?

Jenn Greenleaf — Wed, 06 May 2009 14:57:20 +0000

Whether you are remodeling your kitchen for future selling opportunities, or just because you are tired of what it looks like (or because things are really worn out and damaged), you are going to eventually need to learn how to hang a kitchen cabinet.

For those DIY’ers who want to learn how to do this one their own (while some others would rather hire a contractor!), here are some links to lead you:

This home improvement project can be a bit tricky to work on alone, so it’s best to enlist the help of a friend or family member throughout the process. Be sure to follow the steps carefully so you do not end up with cabinets landing on your countertops or flooring! Good luck!

Cabinet Refinishing

Jenn Greenleaf — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 22:12:57 +0000

A great way to save time and money when refinishing and doing a cabinet reface is to combine painting with staining. The contrast between the paint and the stain will help make the wood grain pop in the cabinet doors:

Remove the cabinet doors, remove the hardware, sand, stain, varnish, and replace the hardware with something more up to date.
Paint the remaining cabinetry with a color that matches or is complimentary to the paint on the walls. Roll it on so brush strokes don’t show. You may have to prep the surface first with sanding and priming.

See how easy that was? Once everything is dry, hang the cabinet doors back up. You may want to mix it up further by only staining the top cabinet doors and painting the lower cabinet doors. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Open Up Your Kitchen

Jenn Greenleaf — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:06:04 +0000

If you are living in a space that seems to cramped and closed in, particularly in your kitchen, it is not impossible to create an open and airy feel without doing a major renovation. Let’s face it, the economy is not what it once was so home improvement projects have to take on a more frugal approach.

Open up your kitchen by creating open cabinetry. Consider removing your cabinet doors, organizing what is inside your cabinets so everything is aesthetically appealing, and store the cabinet doors somewhere until you grow tired of this look. Adding shelving to bare walls for additional storage, rather than adding closed cabinetry, is another way to create an open space without breaking the bank.

Create a Unique Kitchen Window Valance

Jenn Greenleaf — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:22:27 +0000

Sometimes, there just isn’t enough storage space. Other times, window treatments are just too boring for words. Why not combine these two issues with the same solution? Create a valance that allows for additional storage, and some eye candy as well.

Measure the width of your window, or the distance between your cabinets (whichever will allow for the most length)
Cut a piece of wood that matches your molding or your window frame
Attach hooks that are the same finish (nickel, iron, etc.) as the rest of the fixtures, pulls and knobs in your kitchen
Hang this piece of wood directly above the window frame, or so that is level with your cabinetry (experiment with placing prior to hanging)
Hang pots, pans, and utensils from the hooks

That’s all there is to this project. If you have painted surfaces in your kitchen, you may need to take the extra step of matching the paint color and finishing off the piece of wood prior to attaching the hooks. Be sure to use carpenter’s level to make sure everything is straight. Have fun!

Create a Kitchen Island Using Dressers

Jenn Greenleaf — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:34:00 +0000

You know what they always say, “one person’s trash is another’s treasure.” And, in the case of creative country design, there are numerous opportunities to exercise this fact. Today, we’re going to talk about kitchen islands.

Have you always wanted a kitchen island, but believed it was beyond your budget? Experienced do-it-yourselfers can complete this home improvement project with no problem. Those who are less experienced should ask for help.

First, find two dressers similar in size. You may Have to adjust the height by either removing the feet or adding a small framed base. Next, prime and paint each piece to match the kitchen. Attach a sheet of pine to the top of the dresser once they’ve been attached together. Dress the edge with trim, and oil the surface with a food safe oil.

You’re finished! You may want to change out the original hardware so it matches what exists in the kitchen, or keep it a miss-matched country design. You may also want to consider adding gliders to the drawers so they’ll open and close easier.