As technology continues to move at a rapid pace, so do efforts to negate the harmful impact that this causes to the environment.

Living consciously is becoming a way of life and not just when it comes to choosing organic food. It is filtering into many aspects of our lives, including the way we design our homes and even renovate our kitchens.

Have a look at some of the ways that you can make the heart of your home eco-friendlier.

Take your time with your design

This means thinking about how your kitchen has the potential to evolve with your style and your needs.

Ideally, you should only be doing one major kitchen renovation in your home. It doesn’t make sense to build a green kitchen only to remodel it and use more power and energy in another couple of years.

Make sure that your design is timeless and has the potential to be transformed with non-permanent fixtures that you can add or change as time goes on.

Invest in long-lasting kitchen items

While obviously convenient and cheap, plastic is not long-lasting and is, of course, hazardous to our environment.

While perhaps more expensive, glass, cast iron and stainless steel are much better alternatives. Because they are long-lasting, you won’t have to replace them which will actually save you money in the long run.

Energy-efficient appliances

From dishwashers to refrigerators, manufacturers are creating more and more energy efficient products.

Determine what your needs are and don’t be tempted by the flashiest and most expensive model that you see. In addition, only use these appliances when they’re at full capacity. This advice is aimed more at your washer, dryer, and dishwasher.

Use no-VOC paints when redecorating

A coat of paint can make the world of difference to any space giving it an almost-instant makeover. However, it is important to only use paint with low or no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

Paints with VOCs are not only harmful to the environment but also to the health of you and your family.

Go for green

Having a kitchen garden is a great way to bring the lush outdoors inside. We’re not just talking about herbs, although these are great to have in the kitchen.

Depending on your space, you can grow vegetables like carrots and even bok choy. Have a look at our blog to find out more.

 

Incorporate a recycling station

You could either put recycling bins on the floor or dedicate a long cabinet to recycling with stackable bins.

However you choose to do it, just make sure that they’re easy to access.

If you’re ready to do your part for the environment, simply contact All About Kitchens and Baths. Our team has many exciting ideas for making your kitchen as eco-friendly as possible.

 

Images courtesy of Pixabay.

References

https://www.hgtv.com/design-blog/design/make-your-kitchen-greener

https://www.hgtv.com/design/rooms/kitchens/how-to-design-an-eco-friendly-kitchen

 

As much as we know that our kitchen is viewed as perhaps the most important room in our homes, it can also be a dumping ground for long-forgotten spatulas, lidless Tupperware dishes and empty mason jars that were once destined to hold our homemade strawberry jam.

The amount of clutter that we collect in our kitchen can make the space seem claustrophobic and impractical to work in. On top of that, you may have a small kitchen, which can make finding space even more difficult. We’re here to help you maximize the space in your kitchen with some helpful tips.

Clear the clutter

This may seem obvious but you’ll be surprised at how much previously essential items you can collect in your kitchen.

Take some time to determine what you actually need and what you’re holding onto even though you know you’re never going to use it.

Open shelves

This is not only aesthetically pleasing and contemporary, but it is also extremely functional. These shelves will allow you to store what you need without taking up valuable counter or cabinet space.

Just be sure not to put your lidless Tupperware dishes on display. That’s not a good look for any kitchen.

Hooked on coffee mugs

We know how all-important that first cup of java is every morning. Perhaps you need a soothing cup of tea to get your day started. Whatever your beverage of choice, you need a mug.

As essential as they are, they can take up quite a bit of cabinet space. After hanging up your new open shelves, why not add some hooks to the underside for your mugs? They’ll be out of the way while still being within easy reach in the morning.

Using your cabinets for storage

We don’t mean in an obvious way. We mean actually using the inside of the cabinet doors to store some smaller kitchen essentials.

Invest in some narrow racks for spices and condiments. You could even use it for your baking goods like food colorings or measuring cups and spoons.

Incorporate a multi-functional kitchen island

If you have a small kitchen, this may seem counter-intuitive to saving space. For this reason, it’s important to ensure that you have enough space to add an island while still have enough space to move around.

That being said, a multi-functional island could be just the answer you’ve been looking for. If you have a look at one of our previous blogs, you’ll see just how many ways you can use an island, all of which will increase space and efficiency in your kitchen.

 

All About Kitchens and Baths are experts at maximizing spaces and utilizing them effectively. This is exactly why we’re the first choice for all of our clients here in Colorado.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our fantastic team.

 

Images courtesy of Pixabay.

 

References

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/kitchen-organization-ideas-to-maximize-storage-space

https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/create-extra-counter-space

https://www.thekitchn.com/9-ways-to-squeeze-more-storage-out-of-your-tiny-kitchen-223232

 

Ah, the joys of having children! They may drive you up the wall sometimes, but there’s no doubt that your life would be quite dull without them.

Apart from loving them with all of our hearts, we also want to keep them safe and make sure that they grow up to well-adjusted and responsible. This starts with nurturing their independence in a safe space, like your home’s kitchen.

Let’s have a look at some of the ways to encourage this.

Consider an open-plan concept

Not only will this make your living area appear more spacious, but it will also give you an uninterrupted sight line to keep an eye on the kids.

In addition, because we spend quite a lot of time in the kitchen, whether it be cooking or making school lunches, an open-plan kitchen still gives you an opportunity to chat with the kids while you’re busy.

Add an island

This goes hand-in-hand with designing an open-plan kitchen as it’s a great way to separate the living area and kitchen while still opening the space up.

However, a multi-functional island is also a great child-friendly addition to your kitchen. Firstly, it could be a space for the kids to do homework while you’re cooking. It could also act as a storage space for all of their craft items or even books. Thirdly, it gives them a bit of space to test out their own culinary creativity while you keep a close eye on them.

Kid-friendly countertops

While rustic wood and contemporary stone might add to the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen, it might not add to your child-friendly ambitions.

You need to think of easy-to-clean materials such as quartz and even stainless steel if you’re looking for something modern.

 

Take it to the floor

Easy-to-clean surfaces need to extend to the floor. Accidental spills happen all of the time in kitchens. This could become even more common once your little one starts experimenting.

Ceramic tiles are a great option and the bigger the better. Larger tiles mean fewer grouting lines which means less potential dirt trappers.

Take care arranging your cabinets

Keep your kids’ crockery and cutlery in easy-to-reach low drawers or cabinets and place any harmful items or breakables higher up.

This would also be a great time to invest in some child-proof locks for cupboards, drawers, the dishwasher, and even the fridge.

Allow All About Kitchens and Baths to design a child-friendly kitchen that takes the needs of you and your little ones into account. Enjoy safety and convenience without sacrificing aesthetics. Get in touch with us today and see why we’re the best in Colorado.

 

Images courtesy of Pixabay.

References

Counter Top Guides

Rookie Moms

 

Eating has become more than just a way to nourish our bodies. It is a way to connect with our friends and family while enjoying a delicious meal. However, this process doesn’t start with the end product of a scrumptious dish, it starts with the preparation thereof.

The kitchen becomes a hive of activity as we prep the vegetables, season the meat or fillet the fish. This is even more evident if you have an open-plan kitchen as you’ll be getting meals cooked while conversing with friends and family in the living area.

A kitchen island is a major part of this picture as this is where you’ll most likely be doing all of the above prepping. However, this increasingly popular addition to kitchens can be so much more than just a space to prepare food.

Its versatility means that it can act as a dining area or even a bookcase. Let’s look at some of the ways that you can use your kitchen island

Room divider

Open-plan designs have become increasingly popular over the last several years and with good reason. It allows those who are cooking in the kitchen to still be a part of the conversation and activity of the rest of the house.

That being said, having a kitchen island as a subtle room divider will still give this important room in your house some independence.

Dining table

This is a great option if you’re a bit short on space. Whether you have high chairs on just one side of the island or elect to have dining chairs all around it, this could be a great way to enjoy a cohesive dining experience without losing any space to a formal dining area. 

Bookcase or Storage

A beautiful bookcase adds so much character in a room and gives your guests a glimpse into your reading repertoire. However, it can take up quite a bit of space on a wall.

Instead, you can turn the living room-facing section of your island, and even the sides, into a bookcase. You can also store other items here such as colorful bowls or even some indoor herbs.

All-in-one Prep and Cook

Depending on the surface area of your kitchen island, you could use it to house your stove top, your kitchen sink, or even just a prep bowl.

This is a highly efficient way of cooking as you can cut your veggies, rinse them and then put them straight onto the stove top.

If you’re ready to transform your kitchen with a versatile island, then we can help. Here at All About Kitchens and Baths, we have the skills and expertise needed to give you a beautiful kitchen that you’ll never want to leave.

Get in touch with us today and find out why we’re the preferred choice in Colorado.

 

References

https://www.homedit.com/10-practical-versatile-and-multifunctional-rolling-kitchen-islands/

https://www.durasupreme.com/blog/versatility-kitchen-island#.XFVZmFwzbIV

https://homemademodernblog.com/2015/03/kitchen-island-with-bookcase.html

 

Images courtesy of Pixabay.

As the movement for conscious living continues to gain traction, people are looking more and more towards themselves to make a change in the environment. Eating sustainably is one way to do this.

What if you could take this one step further? You could lessen your environmental impact, save money and eat healthily all with one solution – turning your kitchen into a little produce farm, and its easier than you think.

Let’s have a look at what fruits, vegetables, and herbs you can grow in your very own kitchen.

Scallions

Also known as spring onions or green onions, this versatile vegetable can be used in plenty of dishes like pizza and pasta.

All you need to do to regrow scallions is cut off the root and a couple of inches of the stalk. Place in a glass jar with some water, set in the sun and watch it grow.

 Bok choy

If you love to make a delicious stir-fry, then you’ve probably gone through your fair share of bok choy, which may also be referred to as Chinese cabbage.

Ensure that you leave the base of the bok choy intact and simply place it a shallow dish with some water. Once it gets plenty of sun, it will start growing beautifully.

Pineapples

Now, this is going to take some time, about two to three years actually. However, during this time, you can have a lovely tropical plant to add a unique aesthetic to your kitchen.

All you have to do is cut off the green part of the fruit, put in a glass jar with water and leave it in the sun. Once the roots start to grow, simply move it to a soil-filled pot and wait until it grows.  

Carrots

Whether its a slice of carrot cake with cream cheese frosting or a delicious side dish of carrot puree, this orange vegetable is one of the most versatile that you’ll find.

Place some carrots seeds in a window box or pot filled with soil and water it. Make sure that it gets plenty of light and that the soil is always moist until it reaches the germination stage. Then, just wait for harvest time and choose that perfect dish to make with your fresh homegrown carrots.

Herbs

Vertical gardens are a great way to bring nature indoors and, of course, to have readily available fresh produce whenever you need it.

There is a range of herbs that are perfect for growing indoors. These include chives, basil, cilantro, mint, and chives. You could even get matured herb plants and then place them in a sunny space in your kitchen.

Now, if you don’t want to turn your kitchen into a disorganized version of a farmer’s market, we suggest setting aside some dedicated areas to grow your produce.

Luckily, here at All About Kitchens and Baths, we can help. We’ll be able to redesign and renovate your kitchen so that it looks gorgeous while still providing a functional space to grow your fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

All you have to do is contact us today.

References

https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/herbs-indoors/8920.html

https://www.southernliving.com/garden/foods-to-grow-in-kitchen

https://www.foodnetwork.ca/kitchen-basics/photos/vegetables-regrow-in-kitchen/#!green-onion

https://www.foodnetwork.ca/kitchen-basics/photos/vegetables-regrow-in-kitchen/#!bok-choy

https://www.foodnetwork.ca/kitchen-basics/photos/vegetables-regrow-in-kitchen/#!pineapple-sliced

 

Images courtesy of Pixabay.

Kitchen Trends for 2019

The kitchen is no doubt the hub of the home. Whether it be getting the kids’ lunches ready for school, cooking a casual weekday meal or slaving away for that all-important dinner party, the kitchen is where it’s at.

It stands to reason then that a lot of thought, energy and ideas will go into ensuring that your newly renovated ticks all of your boxes. It needs to be beautiful, stylish, and functional while still being a space that you want to be in.

If you’ve decided that 2019 is the year for you to get your dream kitchen, have a look at some trends that you could incorporate into your renovation.

Darker Tones

It appears as if bright white kitchens will be taking a break for a while as darker and richer hues come to the fore in 2019.

Earth tones like terracotta and dark green also seem to be gaining popularity. Darker blues and even grey are also great options.

All of the Lights

In order to brighten up your new darker kitchen, special attention needs to be given to your lighting choices. This could be in the form of larger windows to let in natural light or perhaps some copper light fixtures for a more contemporary feel.

Speaking of Copper

Metals like copper and pewter will make their mark this year. They are definite points of interest in any kitchen and are quite versatile.

They can be used as the hardware for your cupboards, for your taps and even for your open shelving.

Pops of Color

We know that darker colors won’t be everyone’s cup of tea and that’s perfectly understandable. A white kitchen will most likely always be classic as it gives homeowners a chance to experiment with different colors while using the white as a timeless backdrop.

We don’t mean an accent wall though, we’re talking about getting that fire engine refrigerator or even that turquoise oven to inject some color into your kitchen and to break the white.

Clean Lines

There appears to be a distinct proclivity for Scandinavian-inspired designs. This includes sleek lines with no mess, fuss, and clutter.

Another trend is minimizing the sight of your cooker hood as much as possible without losing its functionality. This includes opting for a slimmer design or one integrated into the cupboard.

There is a strong emphasis on natural lighting and a heavy reliance on wood.

Incorporating Natural Materials

In addition to wood, raw materials such as stone, concrete and even leather can find a place in your new kitchen.

Not only will you be doing your part in leading a more sustainable life but you could be saving money as well. You could refurbish many different items and reuse them in your kitchen. For example, you could sand down and repaint an old dresser and use it as your new kitchen island.

These are just a few of the trends that you can expect to see this year. However, whatever you choose to incorporate into your kitchen, we can help.

Here at All About Kitchens and Baths, we want to make sure that we give you your dream kitchen. To do this, we rely on an open-communication policy so that you’re always aware of what is going on during the renovation of the heart of your home.

Please contact us today and let’s chat about how to we can help you totally transform your kitchen.

 

References

http://www.contemporist.com/10-common-features-of-scandinavian-interior-design/

https://www.decoraid.com/blog/best-kitchen-renovation-trends-2019

https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/trends/g23693937/kitchen-trends-2019/

https://www.livingetc.com/whats-news/the-latest-kitchen-trends-for-2018-2019-197615

 

Images courtesy of Pixabay.