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KBIS 2011: What’s New, Who’s There and What It Means For Your Kitchen

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 02:08:40 +0000

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath , Big Projects , Products & Materials Today marks the last day of the 2011 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, where builders, designers and home enthusiasts take to Las Vegas to preview everything you’ll want for your home in the next few months. KBIS, for the uninitiated, is like Fashion Week for kitchens and bathrooms. Companies are presenting their new and best wares, looking to impress and inspire designers and design fiends alike. But while Fashion Week is all form, KBIS is heavy on the function. Every year, the companies introduce products that aim to make your life easier through Jetsons-style technology. Here’s what’s happening so far: The Builder Buzz At KBIS 2011… The winners are announced ! The winners of the “Best-Of” awards, that is. 500 entries came in across 19 categories, ranging from the simple “Best Kitchen” to more specific ones like “Small Bathroom.” That’s one of the winners in the above photo — Best Bathroom by Holly Rickert of Ulrich, Inc . in Ridgewood, NJ. At KBIS 2011… The stars are out: Great kitchens deserve great chefs, right? The Food Network’s “Cooking for Real” host Sunny Anderson and “Top Chef Masters” winner Rick Bayless are at the show, along with celebrity chef Curtis Stone . Yum! Also attending: Designer Jeff Lewis of “Interior Therapy With Jeff Lewis”, “celebrity carpenter” (who knew that was a title?) Ed Sanders of ” Extreme Makeover: Home Edition ” and the always charming Eric Stromer . Lastly (and perhaps, most surprisingly): Mariel Hemingway , who will present on keeping families healthy through the best local food and products. At KBIS 2011… New product introductions, galore. There’s the NanaWall Kitchen Transition , a custom window-door combo that has the ability to turn your kitchen into an indoor-outdoor paradise. NanaWall Also new, Dacor’s new Distinctive Series , which focuses on affordable luxury in appliances. LG also has announced the new Studio Series a line of energy efficient appliances, from microwaves to dishwashers. And Arne, over at Useful Spaces , has been blown away by a SileStone sink made of a single piece of quartz and the new Hybrid line of outdoor grills from Kalamazoo . Grill with gas, charcoal or wood and have designated areas for fish, beef, chicken and pork. Genius! And just in time for good weather… Want more? Keep checking in on KBIS’s Twitter . And if you want more kitchen trends, check out… 2011 Kitchen Trends – Shelterpop 5 Kitchen Trends We’re Pretty Sure You’ll Regret All DIY Info | All DIY Info | Linking Blogs | All DIY Info

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KBIS 2011: What’s New, Who’s There and What It Means For Your Kitchen

Kitchen Utility Cart for Storage

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 18:26:14 +0000

Carts and baskets are convenient for storage purposes. Plus, when you have a cart on wheels, you can always whisk it away to the pantry or a closet to keep odds and ends out of sight when guests arrive. The Rubbermaid White Kitchen Utility Cart is perfect for entertaining, because you can use it to transport drinks and appetizers. However, you can also keep it as a semi-permanent fixture in the kitchen for housing bowls, small appliances and other things that you use frequently. Or, you can keep your pets food, dishes, treats and other accessories on it so you can have access to it more easily. This cart has two shelves and a bottom cabinet to conceal supplies. Plus, it’s on wheels and has two handles for easy maneuverability.

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Kitchen Utility Cart for Storage

On Location at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (K/BIS)

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 19:51:53 +0000

We’re headed to Las Vegas for the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (K/BIS) which is the largest kitchen and bath trade show in the country. There are enough sinks, cabinets and appliances to make your head spin. You can follow our experiences at K/BIS on Twitter and Facebook as we’ll be updating at a fast and furious pace, and if you are at the show you can find us tomorrow April 26th at 1pm at the Multimedia Lounge where Timothy will be speaking on the Design Blog panel that includes Susan Serra of The Kitchen Designer, Chris Phillips of Apartment Therapy, Megan Arquette of Beach Bungalow 8 and Erika Powell of Urban Grace Interiors. This is a new panel for K/BIS and they are making a point to embrace social media and blogs so you can follow everyone’s show updates on Twitter using the hashtag #KBIS.

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On Location at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (K/BIS)

How to Make your Kitchen More Multifunctional

admin — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:56:19 +0000

If you think your kitchen is only for cooking, think again. In most households the kitchen has become the center attraction of the home. Whether it is because cooking tends to bring people together, or because the kitchen area serves as a meeting, dining, task and multifunctional area on most days. Depending on your entertaining lifestyle the kitchen may be where you meet with friends over cooking Friday night appetizers or help your teenagers with homework. Here are tips for making your kitchen more multifunctional for you and all of the 100 others functions you’d like to do. Preparation and serving: One of the best uses of a multifunctional kitchen is where food can be prepared, and well as served within the vicinity to maximize effort and space. Especially in small homes, and apartments, maximizing kitchen space is essential. Try and find kitchen counters that can double as task area for food preparation and plating dishes. For larger kitchens, an adjacent counter may be able to double as dining space with adjacent bar stools or chairs. Versatile meets functional: With the onset and popularity of modular furniture and household components, kitchens are no exception. Work spaces housed on casters, or rollers, along with dining room tables that can double, as areas for home office work are great suggestions for the versatile household. Having a multifunctional kitchen also means sharing of space, and function. If you see a great looking work desk in a self-assembly catalog, use it for a dining room table or for a kitchen island. One piece of furniture, can serve many needs. Combine education and leisure: Who says the kitchen has to be only about cooking? Why not incorporate open shelving for cookbooks, leisure and coffee table books for great place to be inspired as well as catch up on the latest recipes and fabulous interior kitchen ideas? Pair up your countertop with handy book shelving and display area below with chairs for enjoying conversation or taking in your favorite novel as you wait for dinner to cook. Combine your intellectual enjoyment with mindless entertainment, all in the comfort of your kitchen. Let your finishes be multifunctional too: When you consider function, also think about multiple ways to make your interior finishes look and perform beautifully together. Add a personalized style into your kitchen with rustic touches like exposed overhead beams, wood floors, or weathered cabinetry. For a modern touch, sleek European cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and glossy lacquered look countertops can make a multifunctional kitchen have new meaning. Your kitchen just got the needed boost you were looking for. By combining form, function, versatility, and leisure areas in your kitchen, cooking may become no longer a chore but a treasured experience. Look at your kitchen and invent ways to incorporate these tips into your home. You never know how much time you spend in your kitchen until you lose track of time and hours are gone. Why not enjoy the experience while you’re waiting for your meal? Life’s too short to wait around! Freshome readers do you have a multifunctional kitchen? Let us know what ways you take advantage of it. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Multifunctional Design Series X Multifunctional Furniture Falb Chair Multi Functional Furniture – Tao by Colico Design Multifunctional Leather Furniture : The Cayman How to Layout an Efficient Kitchen Floor Plan Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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How to Make your Kitchen More Multifunctional

How to Make your Kitchen More Multifunctional

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:56:19 +0000

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How to Make your Kitchen More Multifunctional

DIYing This Weekend? Be Careful!

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 18:38:13 +0000

Easter weekend is peak time for getting started on spring maintenance. And according to a new study, getting hurt in the process. Here’s how to stay safe this holiday. Careful, guys! Photos: Getty Who knew that Easter could be scarier than Halloween? A new study from Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals shows that there have been 16% more patients admitted during the holiday weekend than any other day. Why? Well, it’s easy to see. People are home with their families, the weather’s improving — isn’t it the perfect time to stretch your legs and say “Why yes I will go on the roof and try and patch up that mysterious leak!” If you’re one of the many that will be taking the plunge this weekend, listen up: Aside from all the other reasons to stay safe, you’ll really want to pay extra attention. Who wants to end up in a crowded emergency room? Instead… Practice DIY safety by: Always double-checking that appliances are OFF when you plug them in. Otherwise, your machine — like one writer’s drum sander — might take off across the room (and maybe head after you, if you’re especially unlucky!) Practice DIY safety by: Keeping the right gear on hand. Safety glasses? Check. Work gloves? Check. Dust mask, face shield, helmet, sound muffs? If you don’t have them, get them! If you need to stock up, get the full equipment 101 first. Practice DIY safety by: Never disable safety devices. Yes, we can hear you. “I don’t need the blade guard, I’ve done this a million times!” Don’t. Just don’t. When operating a table saw or any other extremely sharp tools, please take the extra few seconds to work within the safety constraints. Practice DIY safety by: Having a plan. Not just “Run!!”. Only two-thirds of American households have a fire escape plan and while we’re not implying that you’re going to set your house on fire this weekend, it wouldn’t hurt to be prepared just in case… someone else sets your house on fire. Practice DIY safety by: Brushing up on ladder safety . Don’t just hop on — remember to place it carefully so that if you do fall, it won’t be backyards onto a staircase. And for goodness sakes, wear the right shoes and check the locks. Looking for more? Check out these videos: Fire Safety Tips for Your Home Video Electrical Safety Tips Video How to Prevent Hot Water Burns Table Saw Safety Tips All DIY Info | All DIY Info | Linking Blogs | All DIY Info

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DIYing This Weekend? Be Careful!

How Much Can You Save with Green Remodeling Tax Credits?

admin — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 18:23:07 +0000

Staying on top of the latest remodeling tax info is tough, but you can still take advantage of every federal tax break available before they expire. Some federal incentives have ended for 2010, some have been extended through 2011, and certain credits last all the way to 2016. Tax Credits for Basic Home Improvements Many of these projects are also pretty standard for home upkeep. Things like installing new windows , insulation, and a better air conditioning or heating system all qualify for federal tax credits. For upgrades made in 2010, you can get $1,500 back, or 30% on the first $5,000 spent. For improvements in 2011, the credit decreases to $500, or 10% of the first $5,000 you spend. This requires IRS form 5696 and receipts from your purchases. State rebates may also be available. Find out what improvements cost in your area by clicking here . These credits will be available in most cases until 2016, and most apply to both first and second homes. In the Non-Business Energy Property Credit , the overall credit caps at $500 for approved energy-efficient improvements, but within that blanket cap, certain green remodeling projects have their own caps, such as more efficient windows and doors, better insulation, and roof improvements. Homeowners can still deduct 10% of the purchase price of materials, but the cap is set at $200 for these types of deductions. Certain appliances, however, such as an upgraded hot water heater or an energy-efficient heating and cooling system , can earn a $300 tax credit. Solar Panels, Wind Turbines and Geothermal Rebates The second green tax break for homeowners is a big one. The Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit is a 30% credit off the cost of clean energy systems, including home solar panels , wind turbines , geothermal , and fuel cell systems . There is no cap on this credit, and installation and labor charges are also included in the credit, except for fuel cell upgrades. To qualify for the credits, homeowners would be wise to get estimates quickly before they expire, and to investigate what rebate programs currently exist in their state. Important Information on Green Tax Credits Keep in mind that for any green home improvements , you should do careful research to verify a manufacturer’s tax credit certification statement before purchase and installation of certain appliances or energy technology systems. When it comes to replacement windows and HVAC , only certain Energy Star products and appliances are approved for qualification. Other eligible home improvements include certain window films, duct sealants, pigmented metal roofs, and asphalt roofs with cooling granules. New additions to the tax credit plan are biomass stoves and ground-source or geothermal heat pumps. A solid source for more information is the Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) website, and the Department of Energy offers a helpline, at 1-800-dial-DOE, for consumers with questions about green tax incentives. Most states have their own incentive programs in place, but with many states experiencing severe budget shortages, much of what was previously available in rebate programs has been reduced or cut completely. In 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act was put forth to stimulate energy efficiency practices in the green economy with expansion of existing home energy credits, which directly increase refunds or reduce a total tax bill. Photos via Flickr

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How Much Can You Save with Green Remodeling Tax Credits?

Elmira Stove Works Antique Ranges – Vintage Look for the Modern Cook

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 12:12:57 +0000

I enjoy a good buzz cooking and fancy myself quite the chef. But, even if I hated to cook, after seeing these antique ranges by Elmira Stove Works, I’d never leave the kitchen. Elmira Stove Works, a family owned business located in Ontario, has been producing cook stoves since the 1970s. Their custom ranges are Related posts: Gaga for the AGA Cooker One of the most recognizable scenes in movie history is…

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Elmira Stove Works Antique Ranges – Vintage Look for the Modern Cook

Sorting Paper Before Recycling: Do I REALLY Have to Do This?

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:58:31 +0000

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath , Storage & Organization , Essential Skills , Know-How There are so many ways to go green for Earth Day. But that includes a lot of things that eco-skeptics can whine about. In our new series, we ask experts to weigh in on the most annoying, hotly debated eco-tasks. This week: Separating different papers before recycling. Gary Chun’s Album , Flickr We’ll admit — at times, we’re lazy enough to be bothered by separating glass from plastic from paper. So when it comes to taking it a step further band separating newspaper from wrapping paper from printer paper…it sounds hugely overwhelming. Do we need a filing cabinet just for recycling? We turned to Michelle Drenckhahn from Spacial Adaption and asked: Do I REALLY have to do this? Michelle Drenckhahn: It depends. I recommend checking with your local recycling pick-up company. Each city/county will have different rules depending on the facilities they own or access. DIY Life: Are there any general rules for paper recycling? MIchelle Drenckhahn: Well, my city, for example, uses a private service which only requires two bins, one for all papers and cardboards and one for all glass and plastics. They have high-tech machines that do the separating at their facility. They even send us a spreadsheet to remind us of how and what we can recycle. DIY Life: What about in the office? Michelle Drenckhahn: As a general rule, household paper trash is together. Offices, on the other hand, may require more strict rules due to the volume. Thanks, Michelle! Looks like this is one step we may have the luxury of skipping. Any other eco-chorse driving you crazy? We want to know! Share them on Facebook . Want more “Do I REALLY Have to Do This?”? — check out our feature on unplugging appliances ! All DIY Info | All DIY Info | Linking Blogs | All DIY Info

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Sorting Paper Before Recycling: Do I REALLY Have to Do This?

Where to Store Belongings when Preparing to Sell your Home

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 07:00:03 +0000

When faced with the challenge of trying to sell your home, while you still live in it, any advice that will help your home show better will help, right? Many home sellers forget that you aren’t supposed to “look’ like you live in an overly cramped home! The only way to look the part is by storing your belongings in areas that will not look obvious and therefore unappealing. If you are preparing to sell your home, use these tips to help you put your belongings out of sight… and therefore out of homebuyers minds. Start packing what you don’t need: When you are trying to sell your home, you have two focuses: the house you are selling, and where you are moving. A good way to store belongings is to start packing up items that are not needed for this home, and store boxes neatly in a garage or off site storage rental building. This process will help you purge and throw out what you don’t need at your next home, while clearing up open and appealing viewing space for homebuyers to see. Packing up sections of the kid’s playroom, basement, and closets are a good place to start. Store and organize beautifully: For many rooms of your home, you may still need to utilize items, for example home offices, kitchens, and bathrooms are all heavily used rooms. The trick in these spaces are to store items in decorative baskets, totes, bins, and utilize container store organizers to beautify your shelves and closets. This exercise will help you get organized in these heavily trafficked areas, and will help you quickly clean up and have a place for everything when its time to show your home to potential homebuyers. Ask friends and family for help: Every homeowner has a different reason for moving. Whether it is for a job relocation, to be closer to family, or to downsize due to budget constraints. If you have a lot of large furniture and belongings, ask local neighbors, friends or family to help you store, or even sell your items. Determine if these items will really be needed, and if donating or selling them may be a more viable option. This will help you prepare for your next chapter in your home living, and may put extra money in your pocket! Look at your competition: While this tip isn’t about storage, it is about looking at what your competition is doing about their storage. Often times home sellers get so involved in the “sell sell sell” mentality that you forget to go and look at who your competition is. Even if this means looking at images on the internet, research how clear and clutter free their homes are. If you have developer home sites in the area, take a look at the model homes – they can give you inspiration of how open and inviting you want your home to feel like. Once you return to your home, you will have a clear image of what to strive for! Storing belongings in your home while selling can be a challenge, but using these helpful tips will help you get a clearer idea of your goal. Declutter your home first and start making a plan for each room of your home. Start with rooms that have the most “stuff” and dive right in. By time you are ready to put your home on the market, homebuyers will be ready to see a welcoming home, and you will feel ready to accept offers! Freshome readers do you have any tricks for storing items away while selling your home? Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! 4 Helpful Tips for Downsizing From Your Home How to Prepare your Home for Sale Before the Spring How to Prepare Your Home for Guests 10 Home Staging Tricks to Help Your Home Sell Quicker 10 Tips to Stage your Home like a Professional How to Save Money when Buying Home Appliances Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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Where to Store Belongings when Preparing to Sell your Home