With the Grain » kitchen

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.

How to Change a Microwave Light Bulb

Jenn Greenleaf — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:11:41 +0000

Do you have a microwave with one or more of its light bulbs out and it’s driving you absolutely nuts? Yeah, I do too. It’s frustrating, especially when it’s a new microwave and one of the light bulbs goes out! Here are some links to help you learn how to change a microwave light bulb:

Needless to say, this will be on my list of home improvement projects to complete. I’m not saying it will be completed right away, but it is going to be done in the very near future!

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!

Repair a Leaky Faucet

Jenn Greenleaf — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:26:59 +0000

Something as simple as repairing a leaky faucet may actually not be so simple to some, after all. What is considered the simplest of tasks to some is a huge undertaking to others. Here are some links to help you solve your leaky faucet issues:

You do not have to be a mast plumber to make these repairs, but you still do need to know what you are doing. Rather than ripping the thing out and replacing it, take your time and make the repairs correctly. You will be glad you did!

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!

Where is That Smell Coming From!?

Jenn Greenleaf — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:21:56 +0000

Cooking odors tend to linger when something particular pungent was on the menu. This is particularly true for fish odors, or the like. What do you do when several days have passed and the smell is STILL there? Here are some options:

Weather permitting, air out the house by opening windows and turning on the fans.
While cooking, keep the nearest window cracked and use the fan in the stove’s hood going even after the meal has been prepared.
Clean things up immediately, including cleaning up of pans and surfaces during the cooking process.
Turn on air purifiers if the weather does not allow for open windows.

These are just some of the ways to alleviate the smells that love to linger in the kitchen, and sometimes spread to the rest of the house. You can find more tips on this topic in books containing home remedies, as well (like boiling vinegar, roasting tea leaves, etc.). Good luck!

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 Unique Spice Rack

Jenn Greenleaf — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:39:53 +0000

If you’re facing a counter space crunch in your kitchen, there are ways to bring some of your pieces up and out of the way. One of these pieces, which tends to take up a large portion or counter space, is a spice rack. Not only is this home improvement very eye catching, but it is a functional unit you’ll wish you had created much sooner.

All you need is a magnetic board, a clear acrylic container for each of your spices, a label maker, and a roll of magnetic strips. Hang the magnetic board to the wall (you may need to add some decorative molding or a picture frame that is the same size first), and clean off all of the fingerprints. Next, add all the spices to the containers and label them as you go along. Finally, add a piece of magnet to the back of each container. Arrange them on the board any way you’d like, and you’re done!

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.

Don’t Replace, Reface!

Jenn Greenleaf — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:25:00 +0000

There are a variety of ways to wake up a tired kitchen that are relatively simple home improvement projects. Among these home improvements are painting existing cabinetry, rather than gutting and replacing everything. Sometimes, just a simple coat of paint will do the trick.

If you are unsure how to do this (so the paint doesn’t chip, bubble, or peel), use these links to lead you through this home improvement project:

When you’re finished, don’t forget to replace the existing hardware. This finishing touch is like the icing on the cake. You may also want to look into adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls, or refinishing a piece of furniture when you’re finished this project. It’s amazing how one thing leads to another when these type of home improvement projects come into play.