ReportWire

Tag: team:kitchen

  • 6 “Smart” Kitchen Upgrades You’ll Regret Not Splurging on, According to Realtors

    6 “Smart” Kitchen Upgrades You’ll Regret Not Splurging on, According to Realtors

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Unlike in other parts of the home, when it comes to smart tech in the kitchen, there can be a fine line between utility and gimmick. Several designers and real estate pros were quick to point out their least-favorite smart “upgrades” in the kitchen for everyday use, and as Laura Chappetto, principal designer at Element Design Network, sums up, “Much like anywhere else in life, some tech can bring ease and convenience … but too much can be overwhelming and remain unused.”

    So what’s the sweet spot? What appliances can you add to your kitchen that will actually enhance your aesthetic, simplify your life, and possibly increase your home value? I talked to design experts, Realtors (and real home cooks!) for the best kitchen upgrades you’ll regret not splurging on.

    “Hands down, smart lighting is the most popular and accessible smart upgrade,” says Angelique Kreller, an interior designer with Australian brand Yabby. Sebastian Jania, owner of Ontario Property Buyers, adds that there’s great bang for your buck on this investment, since “it’s relatively inexpensive and the kitchen experience can be greatly enhanced by this. Dimming, color adjustments, scheduling, and other capabilities are available with smart lighting, which can consist of switches, fixtures, and light bulbs that can be operated via voice commands or applications,” he says. 

    Ariel Baverman, a top Realtor for Coldwell Banker Realty, says she puts smart bulbs in regular fixtures so she can turn on all or some of the lights in a room without even getting up. “Also, I can turn them on and off remotely or by command, meaning if my hands are full carrying things at night, I don’t have to put them down and won’t be stumbling around in the dark.”

    While technically not a kitchen or cooking appliance, the washer and dryer can often be found in the kitchen due to the convenience of sharing a water line. If this is the case, having smart laundry appliances can add a lot of appeal and usefulness to its nook in the kitchen. 

    “The big draw on those is a remote start and being able to see if the cycle is complete,” Baverman says. “App connectivity lets you know where it is in the cycle. And if you go to work all day and don’t want your clothes to sit there wet, you can load it up in the morning and start it remotely to sync with the time you get home, then put it in the dryer immediately. Or, if you’re one of those people who just forgets that you put a load in the wash, the app will remind you!” Goodbye, mildewy rewashes!

    Built into your range or wall, smart ovens are conventionally sized ovens that allow you to control and monitor their functions through an app. Chappetto says they’re even the “most-loved smart appliance in our clients’ homes.” Sell My House Fast Owner and Founder Daniel Cabrera adds that the preprogrammed settings common to them “facilitate better results for home cooks — it’s an investment you’ll never regret, especially when the situation requires precision and convenience.” 

    Kreller confirms that preprogrammed settings can be particularly valuable for home cooks, taking the guesswork out of cooking by adjusting the temperature and time based on the dish. “It’s nice to be able to put your dish in the oven and trust it will be hot and perfectly cooked when dinnertime rolls around,” she says. Jania adds that it’s especially nice to be able to control and keep an eye on your cooking while running errands or being elsewhere. 

    Additionally, Baverman adds a spiritual note to the value of smart oven functionality. “Some people also like having a Sabbath feature on their wall ovens or ranges because depending on how observant you are, these settings can help you have hot food during Shabbat and other holidays where turning on and off a ‘fire’ or power is prohibited.”

    4. Countertop Smart Ovens

    If you don’t want to splurge on a high-end built-in smart oven, no worries. They come in countertop sizes, and Braverman says she “loves” hers. “They often have an air-fryer setting, and if you’re cooking for just one to two people, it’s the perfect size for my Le Creuset stoneware baking dishes for cooking or reheating.” She’s used the programs for chicken, fish, steaks, burgers, cookies, and mini pizzas, yet is impressed that “there are still dozens of settings I haven’t even yet explored on it, even though I’ve had it for years!”

    5. Digital Pressure Cookers

    “Anything with a timer to delay start is really great, especially for people who can prep the meal ahead of time like an in-appliance mise en place,” Baverman says. And best of all, they’re useful investments you can take with you into any home.  

    For instance, slow cookers do all the work of making dinner for you while you’re out during the day. You can program micro computerized rice cookers to start cooking or steaming your meal to be ready at a specific time, and digital pressure cookers cover nearly any kind of cooking. “There’s nothing better than setting things up in a cooking appliance so that it starts later in the day, and I can come home to a freshly cooked meal,” she says. 

    Some of us can’t go without our morning joe, and programmable coffee makers have been around for quite some time. Kreller enjoys the freedom of being able to have fresh-brewed coffee “before you even step into the kitchen,” and advanced technology has made it possible to go far beyond your old-school drip. For instance, different models like the KitchenAid KF8 fully automated espresso machine or the Spinn coffee maker can make espresso, Americanos, cappuccinos, cold brew, and a medley of other barista-level concoctions using centrifugal brewing tech via one tap, or even directly from an app.

    Making Your Kitchen “Smarter”

    Other than lighting swaps, some of the brightest “smart” choices you can make for your kitchen are ones you can take with you, making them a doubly beneficial investment. For big buys, smart ovens might be the only major built-in kitchen appliance worth splurging on, unless your washer and dryer are also located in the kitchen and you plan on leaving them behind, according to the pros. Either way, the most important thing to keep in mind is how often you plan to use the features these appliances offer to justify the upgrade.

    Do you have a favorite “smart” kitchen upgrade you swear by? Let us know in the comments below!

    [ad_2]

    Su-Jit Lin

    Source link

  • This Forgotten Detail Instantly Dated My Newly Redone Kitchen Cabinets (But the Fix Was Easy!)

    This Forgotten Detail Instantly Dated My Newly Redone Kitchen Cabinets (But the Fix Was Easy!)

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Painting cabinets and swapping out the knobs and pulls are always the easiest first steps when it comes to a no-demo kitchen reno. And fortunately, it’s a (relatively!) affordable and approachable way to dramatically change the look of your kitchen. With only swapping wall paint and one fixture, my 1950s kitchen got a whole new look by trading a black-and-white paint job on the cabinets for a dark green. But as soon as I was done, I realized I’d made a mistake. 

    These were the original cabinets, and I had failed to notice one little detail: The hinges were a shiny finish and style that screamed out-of-date. Now, if I were beholden to all things original all the time, I’d want to keep them as is. But in an effort to bring the kitchen into 2024, with just some fun nods to the era (hello, vintage pink wall oven!), my plan was to add some contemporary hardware to the cabinets. Realizing anything I liked would clash with the vintage chrome hinges stopped the plan in its tracks. 

    And I stayed frozen — until talking with a cabinet refinishing specialist. I wasn’t sure if it would be a huge lift to replace the hinges, as I was sure I wanted something hidden, or something that better matched the rest of the kitchen. Brandon Butler owns Louisville Cabinet Rehab here in my city, and he was kind enough to talk me through how to replace those old, dated hinges (which is easier than it sounds!). 

    He said what we most likely have here is chrome. Thanks to an electroplating process that made it easy to mass produce hardware, that was incredibly popular in the 1950s, and although it may not be quite as simple as popping off a knob or a drawer pull, it’s a simple enough project to DIY, Butler said. (Although preferably, it would have been done at the same time as painting the cabinets, but I digress.) 

    How to Replace Outdated Kitchen Cabinet Hinges

    If you’re an avid DIYer, you should have no problem making the swap. He recommends using a drill to carefully loosen the screws on each hinge, then remove the screws and hinges. Be sure to keep your cabinet doors in order, or even stick a piece of tape on each one along with the opening it goes to, identified with numbers so you’ll know which one goes to which when you’re done.

    It’s easy to find replacement hardware hinges; a quick search turned up a slew of options like these at Lowe’s, or these on Amazon, and for anyone with a heftier budget, these beauties at Rejuvenation. Just be sure you’re getting the same style, i.e. surface-mounted (although if yours are hidden, this may not even be an issue!). And remember to check that the size will more or less match up with the ones you’re replacing. 

    What’s even better news? The holes don’t actually have to line up — which would really narrow down your hinge options — according to Butler. His tip if they don’t: Get some thin, double-stick tape, place it over the hole you’re going to use to mount the new hinges, drill through it, and put your screw in. You might have to tap out new holes for the others, he says, but the plate will cover the old ones. 

    And that’s it! I wish I’d done it when the cabinets were being painted, but I feel confident enough now to pick out some hardware, then find hinges that will match and make the swap. Before long, without too much of a time or money commitment, we’ll have beautiful, original cabinets that don’t scream 1957.

    Buy: Berta Full Overlay Frameless Soft Closing European Hinges, Set of 6, $12.88

    [ad_2]

    Dana McMahan

    Source link

  • Jennifer Garner’s Double-Stacked Kitchen Cabinets Are Ingenious

    Jennifer Garner’s Double-Stacked Kitchen Cabinets Are Ingenious

    [ad_1]

    They solve a classic kitchen storage issue.
    READ MORE…

    [ad_2]

    Olivia Harvey

    Source link

  • Before & After: “Lackluster” White Kitchen Cabinets Get a Gorgeous Pink Makeover

    Before & After: “Lackluster” White Kitchen Cabinets Get a Gorgeous Pink Makeover

    [ad_1]

    There are countless shades of pink.
    READ MORE…

    [ad_2]

    Cullen Ormond

    Source link

  • My Grandma’s Fruit Fly Trap Works Every Time and Costs Basically Nothing

    My Grandma’s Fruit Fly Trap Works Every Time and Costs Basically Nothing

    [ad_1]

    How to Make a DIY Fruit Fly Trap with Apple Cider Vinegar

    To create a easy, low-cost fruit fly trap, you’ll need a jar or bottle, some dish soap, apple cider vinegar, and plastic wrap. To make the trap, you’ll add apple cider vinegar and dish soap to a jar, wrap plastic wrap tightly around the top, and poke a few holes. The fruit flies will be attracted to the apple cider vinegar and get trapped inside the jar.

    [ad_2]

    Meg Asby

    Source link

  • The Simple Appliance Cord Solution We’re Using Everywhere

    The Simple Appliance Cord Solution We’re Using Everywhere

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    When you’re buying new kitchen appliances (especially ones that are as beautiful as they are functional), it makes sense that you’d want to keep them on display. After all, who has time to delve into the backs of their cabinets every time they want to make some toast or brew a cup of tea?

    However, one less-than-ideal thing that comes with having lots of appliances is that they come with cords that can quickly look messy. To solve this, a TikToker shared two creative hacks on how to keep them in order and (mostly) out of sight.

    TikToker @ash.tho often shares home and lifestyle content with their 267,000 followers. In a series called “Everything Has a Place,” they share small changes that can make a big difference when it comes to apartment living. In one clip that now has over 206,000 likes, they show how you can easily keep your countertops tidy for free with cable ties off of bread packaging, or for just a few bucks, cord holders that can easily be stuck onto the side of appliances.

    “You already know I love hiding things behind other things,” they began. “So that I never have cord showing, I’ve spent my whole life using these, like, twist ties that you get on bread.”

    While that’s a genius method in itself, it can get a little bit fiddly. In an upgrade from their twist tie hack, they have begun using special cord holders that make things so much easier.

    “They’re backed with adhesive, you can put it on the actual item or the outlet itself, “and you just wrap the cord around,” they explained.

    [ad_2]

    Emma Kershaw

    Source link

  • The 5 Easiest Ways to Make Your Kitchen Look Expensive, According to Designers

    The 5 Easiest Ways to Make Your Kitchen Look Expensive, According to Designers

    [ad_1]

    They’re so simple!
    READ MORE…

    [ad_2]

    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson

    Source link

  • I Can’t Stop Thinking About Painting My Kitchen Ceiling After Seeing This Dramatic Transformation

    I Can’t Stop Thinking About Painting My Kitchen Ceiling After Seeing This Dramatic Transformation

    [ad_1]

    It’s such a fun way to add drama to a room.
    READ MORE…

    [ad_2]

    Cullen Ormond

    Source link

  • I Used a Shoe Rack to Organize My Kitchen Bakeware and I Feel Like a Total Genius

    I Used a Shoe Rack to Organize My Kitchen Bakeware and I Feel Like a Total Genius

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    I’ve been in an organizational groove for a while now. Tackling closet clutter, turning an awkward pantry into functional space, and making surfaces sparkle (instead of overwhelmed with stuff) has been my jam lately. But there’s been one category in my home that’s consistently eluded me: kitchen bakeware. 

    What’s a lady to do with all those baking dishes, pie pans, muffin tins, and roasting pans? I scoured the internet and scrolled relentlessly on Amazon trying to find bakeware organizers that fit my needs. None fit the bill. I even purchased a couple racks and storage solutions and ended up huffing and sending them right back to the supplier. They felt flimsy, didn’t fit the space, and honestly just didn’t look that great. 

    I gave the conundrum some space for a bit, and then it hit me one day while organizing another area of my home: the shoe rack! A light bulb went off in my head as I realized that this might just be the perfect solution. It was the right size, had multiple shelves, was super sturdy, and looked clean. 

    I did a few quick measurements and then snagged this Bamboo Three-Tier Shoe Rack Bench. The day the product arrived I eagerly put it together, which wasn’t difficult at all. It came with the necessary Allen wrench, parts, and simple instructions. The whole process took about 15 to 20 minutes. 

    Once built, I pulled everything out of my lower cabinet — where bakeware dishes teetered dangerously on top of each other — and got rid of duplicates or unusable items. Then I popped the bamboo rack into the space and began giving every item its own place. I actually ended up only needing the lower two shelves (I repurposed the top shelf in another cabinet).

    Larger pans and dishes fit beautifully on the two shelves and underneath. The shoe rack was so effective at organizing my bakeware that there ended up being some additional space in my cabinet to the right side of the rack, which allowed me to set up an additional small shelf that I had lying around. 

    [ad_2]

    Wendy Rose Gould

    Source link

  • The $25 Makeover That Completely Transformed My Dated Oak Kitchen Cabinets

    The $25 Makeover That Completely Transformed My Dated Oak Kitchen Cabinets

    [ad_1]

    Rachel OteroSocial Media Director at AT Media

    With 10 years of experience in social and content creation, and a lifetime passion for storied vintage and architectural charm, I spend my time at AT Media running the social media department. I joined the Apartment Therapy team in 2019 to manage their social media, expanding to The Kitchn soon after, and Cubby and Dorm Therapy social in the years to follow. Previously, I served as the social media editor at InStyle Magazine.

    When I’m not on social media, you can find me at my local antique market hunting for new treasures to bring home. I’m passionate in my belief that every piece in your home should ignite a conversation, whether that’s a memory, its history, or why it’s so special to you. It’s the personalized touches that really turn a space into a home.

    [ad_2]

    Rachel Otero

    Source link

  • Home Depot Is Selling a 288-Square-Foot Tiny Home for Under $6K

    Home Depot Is Selling a 288-Square-Foot Tiny Home for Under $6K

    [ad_1]

    It has the potential to be a quaint tiny home or a dedicated office or hobby space.
    READ MORE…

    [ad_2]

    Noella Williams

    Source link

  • The Best Time to Shop at Goodwill, According to TikTok

    The Best Time to Shop at Goodwill, According to TikTok

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Experienced thrifters know that thrift shopping can feel like an art form. But even the pros can find it tough to scour stores and land upon a good deal, especially if you don’t have a specific strategy in mind as you shop.

    TikTok has discovered the single best tip to finding the best deals at Goodwill, and it’s all about when you visit the store. Turns out that your optimal chances for finding killer items at seriously slashed prices will be on Monday and Tuesday mornings, and it’s all because of the influx of donations that Goodwill locations receive over the weekend days.

    On their official blog, Goodwill notes that regular shoppers prefer to browse early in the day early in the week, since “homeowners tend to drop off garage sale leftovers on Sunday nights, making for new finds. Plus, the weekends are more crowded shopping days, so employees look to restock early in the week,” they add.

    Furniture flipper Christina (aka TikTok’s @flipdaddie) recently gave two thrifty thumbs up to this technique, showing off some of the incredible deals she found in her local Goodwill after the weekend rush.

    “Mondays and Tuesdays are the best days to shop at Goodwill and let me prove it to you,” she boasted. She stumbled upon a wooden dresser “in fantastic condition” for just $30, two matching wood nightstands with cabinet doors for $35 each — with Christina noting that “matching sets go quick so you gotta get there early” — a cherry wine rack for $100, a side table in “really good condition” for just $8, an outdoor rattan chair with cushions and an ottoman for $75, and a unique lamp in fair condition for $12.

    Goodwill also recommends shopping after holiday weekends, as there’s a good chance people will have the time to clean out their homes and bring items in for donation. “While holiday weekends tend to be busier shopping times, people also have more time to go through their closets and homes,” they note. “Spring cleaning that’s been put off can easily get done on the three-day Memorial Day weekend, which can mean more Goodwill donations later that week.”

    With Labor Day around the bend, you might want to pencil in some post-holiday shopping the morning after your celebrations are complete.

    This post originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it there: The Best Time to Shop at Goodwill, According to TikTok

    [ad_2]

    Arielle Tschinkel

    Source link

  • See How a Stager Used Paint to Transform a 1950s “Jarring” Living Room (Instantly!)

    See How a Stager Used Paint to Transform a 1950s “Jarring” Living Room (Instantly!)

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    No matter how many room makeovers and professionally staged spaces we see — and we’ve seen a lot — we never fail to be impressed by the power of a simple coat of paint to breathe new life into a home. “Paint is the most transformative tool,” agrees professional home stager Daniel Coffman of Staged Spaces in Monrovia, California. “I always say, ‘new paint … new house!’” And that was certainly the case with this three bedroom, two bathroom home that Coffman and his partner Jacen Crehan took from dingy and dated to fresh and welcoming.

    Realtor Jack Harriman of John Hart Real Estate brought the project — a 1957 Southern California Rambler Ranch in Arcadia, California that he was selling for a family member — to Coffman and Crehan for their makeover expertise because the home was in need of a significant amount of help. “This place needed work! The owner had smoked in the house for over 20 years and had left the walls thick with smoke stains,” says Coffman. Adding to the challenge was the fact that the sellers had only a limited budget to improve the space. That’s where paint — the least expensive yet most impactful decorating tool — came in. 

    The living room, which Coffman envisioned as an updated hang-out space for relaxing at the end of the day, got a new, warm gray color scheme on the walls and fireplace. The walls were painted with Benjamin Moore’s “Coventry Gray”, while the trim was freshened up with Benjamin Moore’s “Chantilly Lace”, a classic white. The biggest paint transformation was the fireplace. “The fireplaces in these homes are quite large and always take up space in a dark, ominous way. And the contrast of the original red brick and the yellowish wall color was jarring!” says Coffman. “A smoother connection from wall color to fireplace — which was painted Benjamin Moore’s “Temptation” in a matte finish — left it looking like a connected piece of the room and a welcome focal point.” Completing the new color story, the floors were refinished with a darker stain. “Even after sanding, lighter was not an option with the amount of wear,” says Coffman. 

    With the painting finished, the staging team layered in furniture and decor to show potential buyers how the living room — the first space anyone visiting the house sees — could be arranged. “Since this house was built in the 1950s, we wanted to keep the furnishing mid-Mod inspired,” says Coffman. In addition, dated vertical blinds and too-short drapes were taken down and replaced with longer dark blue drapes that echo the color in a pair of chairs positioned opposite the sofa. The design relied on mostly solid fabrics with some pattern just on the sofa throw pillows. A neutral, textured rug added warmth and the space to the left of the fireplace became a stylish moment with a console, mirror, lamp, and vases.

    [ad_2]

    Kristen Finello

    Source link

  • Here’s When T.J. Maxx Restocks, So You Never Miss Out on the Best Deals

    Here’s When T.J. Maxx Restocks, So You Never Miss Out on the Best Deals

    [ad_1]

    Turns out, there is a perfect time to visit the store.
    READ MORE…

    [ad_2]

    Arielle Tschinkel

    Source link

  • I Tried the “90/90 Rule” and Fully Decluttered My Closet in an Hour

    I Tried the “90/90 Rule” and Fully Decluttered My Closet in an Hour

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Every morning, I spend way too much time standing in front of the bedroom closet, flipping through my clothes and trying to decide what to wear. I have a selection of shirts I love but never wear, several pairs of pants that might not fit anymore, and a dress that I don’t like but keep because I spent money to have it tailored — among all the other stuff in the closet, of course.

    This weekend, I decided it was time to clear out my closet clutter so I could spend less time pondering my outfit every day. It was the perfect time to try the 90/90 rule.

    The 90/90 rule was created by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, who run The Minimalists together. It asks two simple questions: Have you used this in the past 90 days? Will you use it in the next 90 days? If your answer to both is no (with the exception of things like seasonal clothes, holiday decorations, or anything used only for a specific part of the year), it’s time to get rid of that thing. The 90/90 rule does not care about your feelings or the grand thoughts you have to enjoy more fondue parties or eventually wear that old T-shirt you love. It’s black-and-white. Did you use it? Will you use it? If not, say goodbye.

    I needed that kind of uncaring clarity in my closet. My husband and I set to work, going through each item of clothing and deciding what to donate. We tried on everything that maybe fit; we went through all the drawers of socks and underwear; and we nitpicked everything sitting on the shelves and hanging on the doors. Any belt that was tearing or too big got tossed. Dress shoes my husband hadn’t worn in two years went in the pile. Shirts missing buttons, shirts that got pushed aside, pants that didn’t fit — all of it went.

    The whole process only took about an hour, and we ended up with two huge trash bags full of clothes to donate. Now, our closet is much more organized. We can both find things a lot quicker, and we both let go of delusions that one day we’d wear certain clothes again. And on the plus side, I found a stack of skirts I’d stuffed in the back of the closet that I forgot about, and I’m excited to wear them again.

    On another day, while in a waiting room for a doctor’s appointment, I tried the 90/90 rule again, but on my phone. I cleared out any apps and games I haven’t used. And I have to say, I feel much lighter after the fact! It’s nice not to scroll through 10 pages of apps just to find the one I want.

    I do have one small piece of advice for anyone trying the 90/90 rule, though. If you’re cleaning out a closet with your partner and they try to toss a shirt you like, don’t take it from them. My husband had three or four shirts to get rid of (including this fabulous warm and thick flannel button-down), and instead of putting them in the donation bag, I put them right into my side of the closet. The point of this exercise is to lose clothing, not gain clothing.

    In the end, though, we do have a sizable new gap in our closet from unworn clothes going to the thrift shop. We also have fewer caps littering the closet doors, emptier drawers inside the closet, and a smaller pile of unpaired socks. In the next few weeks, I’m going to use this method to declutter the rest of the house.

    This post originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it there: I Tried the 90/90 Rule and Fully Decluttered My Closet in an Hour

    [ad_2]

    Jennifer Billock

    Source link

  • This Costco Cabinet Is “So Pretty,” You’ll Want 1 for Every Room of Your Home

    This Costco Cabinet Is “So Pretty,” You’ll Want 1 for Every Room of Your Home

    [ad_1]

    The blue color is phenomenal.
    READ MORE…

    [ad_2]

    Olivia Harvey

    Source link

  • I Tried the “60/40 Rule” to Lay Out a Room, and I’d Absolutely Use It Again

    I Tried the “60/40 Rule” to Lay Out a Room, and I’d Absolutely Use It Again

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Decorating a room can be a daunting task, whether you’re starting from scratch or you just want to spruce up a space that’s already in progress. That’s why I love a good shortcut or design rule to follow, which is not to say that I never go rogue when pulling a room together. For me, it’s more about having just a little bit of design help  — think a principle or a place to start from that makes the process just a little bit easier.

    So when I set out to design the small sunroom in my newish house, which I use as a home office, I was a bit stumped. It’s not a large area, but it’s completely open to the living room, and its three other walls are essentially covered in windows. I’d need a desk in there, but what other furniture could or should fit? Questions like this ran through my mind, and I wasn’t sure where to begin. So I decided to take it back to basics: I’d use the “60/40” rule to lay out and furnish the space, and honestly, it provided such a helpful benchmark, I’d 10/10 use it again!

    Chances are you’ve heard of the “60/40 rule” by one of its other names: the golden ratio, the golden number, or the golden mean. It’s technically a mathematical sequence (~1:1.618) that occurs in nature, from proportions in humans and plants to the spirals of seashells. The ratio is said to be visually pleasing to the eye, so it’s also pursued in architecture, art, and other crafts. Turns out it’s also something that can be used for interiors, too, especially when it comes to layout. And if you’re wondering how 1:1.618 became “60/40,” well, again, even designers love a shortcut. Plus, 60/40 is much easier to visualize and remember.

    So how did I put this rule into practice? The “60/40 rule” here comes down to furniture and floor space. Instead of overstuffing a room with pieces or going way too minimal, you should aim for about 60% of the room to be filled with furniture and 40% of it to be clear to give your eye a visual break from stuff. This breakdown actually helped me hone in on the right desk. I had set up the one I used in my last apartment, which was modern and fairly minimal, as it had occupied a small nook in my bedroom (see above). And it just felt, well, a little too small in the tiny sunroom, even when paired with a more substantial desk chair. The rug was a bit too small as well.

    I searched for a desk that’d be a bit bigger and offer more storage, since I knew I couldn’t really bring much else into the space, like a file cabinet for example, and still have it look balanced from the 60/40 perspective. Ultimately, I found an amazing vintage desk that was larger and just has more presence, paired it with a more delicate chair, and I’m much happier with the result. To hit the 60/40 ratio, I added in a few plants in stands and on a pedestal, as well as a side table, and I’ve called it a day in terms of furniture (though I would like a built in-bench at some point for strategic storage). And I brought in a rug that just fits a bit better in the room, too. The irregular lines of the faux hide I had in there just didn’t fill the space enough.

    What’s amazing is you can use this breakdown for other surfaces, too. Not sure how big to go with your gallery wall? The “60/40 rule” can help you out. For an arrangement that looks full but not overly so, pick pieces that, when considered altogether, won’t cover more than 60% of a given wall.  

    The ratio can help with the breakdown of items on tabletops and shelves, too. It can be, again, as simple as not filling more than 60% of a tabletop with items so you have what feels like appropriate breathing room. Or you can think of the 60/40 rule as a way to balance out the individual items in a tableau. In this scenario, you’d want to reserve 60% of a coffee table’s top, say, for an anchor piece like a decorative tray, and then 40% of it for a couple of smaller decorative accessories, like a small stack of books and a candle. Of course, these pieces don’t have to fill the entire 60% and 40% of the surface, respectively; it’s more about proportions here — the idea that your larger pieces should command up to two-thirds of a surface and then the smaller ones are reserved for that remaining one-third. 

    So the next time you’re struggling with a decorating project — and laying out a room or surface in particular — remember the 60/40 rule. It’s a great place to start if you want to create a sense of balance in a room.

    This post originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it there: I Tried the “60/40 Rule” to Lay Out a Room, and I’d Absolutely Use It Again

    [ad_2]

    Danielle Blundell

    Source link

  • The One Thing I Always Do Right Before I Leave the House for Vacation (It’s a Decades-Old Trick!)

    The One Thing I Always Do Right Before I Leave the House for Vacation (It’s a Decades-Old Trick!)

    [ad_1]

    It guarantees peace of mind when you’re away.
    READ MORE…

    [ad_2]

    Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal

    Source link

  • The Kitchen Hardware That Makes Your Home Look Instantly Dated (and What to Do Instead!)

    The Kitchen Hardware That Makes Your Home Look Instantly Dated (and What to Do Instead!)

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    The kitchen isn’t just a place for cooking and eating — it’s the central hub of the home and a great place to show off your personality. However, outdated hardware can easily tarnish the aesthetic, both metaphorically and literally. From worn-out cabinet handles to old-fashioned faucet designs, these seemingly minor details can make a big impact, turning a once-trendy kitchen into a very dated space.

    To be sure your kitchen is up to date (and stays that way), I talked to top interior designers to learn about which kitchen hardware will stay on trend for years to come — and, just as importantly, which ones make your space look instantly dated.

    Outdated Kitchen Hardware

    I hate to break it to you, but crystal knobs are out. According to Joyce Elizabeth Huston, cofounder and lead designer at Decorilla, “not only do they look dated, but they look out of style and cheap at the same time.” While these kinds of knobs were once loved for their glamorous appeal, they’ve fallen out of favor. Most have intricate designs that often clash with the sleek, minimalist style that characterizes contemporary kitchens. 

    2. Highly Decorative Cabinet Handles

    As the saying goes, less is more, and highly decorative cabinet handles can be too much for the space. Their elaborate patterns and ornate detailing don’t complement kitchens like they used to. “Handles that have intricate designs can look beautiful, but they will also make your kitchen feel and look less contemporary,” explains TileCloud interior designer Courtney Cole.

    Plus, practicality plays a role in why they aren’t as popular; the complex designs can make them hard to clean, letting dust and grime accumulate in the crevices. As Huston says, “They definitely were used in the 1800s, but not anymore.”

    “If you want your hardware to be modern, then ceramic knobs are out,” Huston says. Their colorful and unique patterns, while adding a touch of rustic or vintage charm, now seem out of place in modern kitchens, which more often highlight clean lines and minimalist design. “[Ceramic knobs] are pretty common in older homes, but because they were so popular decades ago, they’ll make your home feel a bit stuck in the past,” Cole adds. What’s more, ceramic knobs can be fragile and prone to chipping or cracking, making them less durable than other hardware.

    4. Overly Industrial-Themed Hardware

    Overly industrial-themed hardware was once a top choice when it came to adding a rugged, edgy flare to kitchens, but it has started to feel dated in recent years. “While it became popular during the ‘farmhouse’ era, the pieces will instantly date your space,” says Will Zhang, director of design and product innovation at Emtek. “With the kitchen being a place we spend so much of our time, it’s better to avoid anything too trend-focused and instead opt for timeless pieces.”

    These overly industrial hardware pieces often feature heavy, bulky designs with raw finishes like exposed screws, dark metals, and rough textures, which can make a space feel more like a factory than a home kitchen. While industrial elements can add character, when overdone, they can overwhelm the space and make it feel less warm and welcoming.

    Timeless Kitchen Hardware

    Don’t worry, I also asked the experts what you should opt for instead of the dated features above. “If you want your kitchen to look more contemporary and modern, you should look for products that are more streamlined and polished in the way they look,” Cole says.

    “When it comes to kitchen hardware, the simpler the knob or the pull the better,” Huston explains. “This Kela Matte Black Metal Cabinet is a great option because it has a sleek, simple, contemporary design. Black is my favorite because it’s sophisticated yet very versatile.” Additionally, one of the best things about simple knobs is that they’re minimalistic, making them timeless even if other parts of your kitchen change. “This Center to Center Bar Pull is another classic yet modern option that is great for the more traditional person but also has a very sleek aesthetic,” she adds.

    2. Brushed Nickel Hardware

    Without a doubt, brushed nickel hardware has a classic appeal. “Hardware in a brushed nickel colorway will make your kitchen look timeless and elegant, but without the dated feeling that sometimes comes with timelessness,” Cole says. Plus, brushed nickel can seamlessly hide fingerprints and smudges.

    “Another modern option is to go for chrome hardware,” Cole says. “The shine of chrome makes a kitchen look more clean, and because it reflects light, will make the space look more open and warm. This is one of my favorites in the kitchen, particularly if you want an über-modern aesthetic.” What’s more, the polished surface of chrome hardware creates a clean, contemporary look that complements a variety of kitchen styles, from minimalist to industrial. 

    The Final Verdict on Kitchen Hardware

    ​​“When making selections, it’s important to ask yourself if this is a decision you will still agree with in five-plus years,” Zhang says. “Additionally, I always recommend considering if the hardware works outside of the kitchen by taking into account the home’s theme and architecture. Finding continuity between your kitchen hardware and the home’s overall aesthetic typically leads to decisions that work better and last longer.” With all of these considerations in mind, now you’ll know exactly what to pick when you opt for kitchen hardware.

    [ad_2]

    Lauren Harano

    Source link

  • I Swear By This Dish Washing Trick My Mom Taught Me as a Kid (She’s Been Doing It for Over 40 Years!)

    I Swear By This Dish Washing Trick My Mom Taught Me as a Kid (She’s Been Doing It for Over 40 Years!)

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    I have vivid memories of sitting on the floor of my childhood home watching my mom wash dishes by hand. (To this day, my parents still don’t own a dishwasher.) I never knew how she did it; my mom juggled two rowdy kids and a full-time job as an overnight nurse. How did she have the energy to not just cook dinner, but also clean a mountain of dishes every single night? That was until recently, when it finally clicked. 

    As I was washing some dishes by hand after dinner one night, I looked down into my sink. In it, just like my mom’s sink, was a bowl of ready-to-go, warm soapy water, complete with a sponge. Because it’s already sudsy, all you need to do is scrub your dish, then dip the sponge back in the bowl before washing your next item. My mom’s clever trick — which she’s been doing for over 40 years! — makes washing dishes so much faster and easier. You don’t need to constantly keep putting soap on a sponge or to fill up an entire sink with soapy water. 

    Nowadays I have a dishwasher, yet I still do the same because, between the two kids, two cats, and a full-time job, the dishwasher is often overloaded — and every little bit helps when you’re just trying to get through the day. 

    [ad_2]

    Kristina Razon

    Source link