Category Archives: Kitchen Decorating

7 Superb Kitchen Remodelling Tips That Will Save You Money

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Make your kitchen look updated with these kitchen remodeling tips that will save you money in the long run!

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When it comes to remodelling a contemporary living space, falling into the trap of overspending is a common occurrence – particularly for those who are dipping their toes into interior design for the first time. Curating the right kitchen for you can add value to your home as a commodity, but it can also seem like a daunting task.

From appliance installation to adding your own personal flair to the aesthetic of the room, there’s a lot to consider! Whether you’re looking for professional industry insight, or simply just need to get inspired, stick around as we cover seven superb kitchen remodelling tips that won’t break your bank.

1. Create A Realistic Budget

It’s always good practice to assess your kitchen beforehand in order to devise a plan. Working together with those in your household to decide on a price that is compatible with what needs remodelling in the space can save a lot of trial and error – and a lot of cash! Knowing what works with your budget and what doesn’t is a must.

2. Utilise Reusable Resources

Remodelling a kitchen successfully doesn’t always mean that absolutely every aspect of the room has to be brand new. Repurposing old surfaces, reusing older appliances and also investing in brands that work with renewable resources is great for taking a more cost-effective approach.

3. Work With Your Current Layout

It’s important to be smart when working with the room layout itself. This can be achieved by looking for products that are realistic for the size and shape of the area   – i.e. if you’re dealing with a limited space, investing in minimalist hairpin tables could really keep the kitchen from appearing cluttered and overdone, in an affordable and accessible way. 

4. DIY When You Can 

A huge pricing issue associated with kitchen renovation is the hired labour involved in gutting a living space and building it back up. If you’re able to, it could be a good idea to look into repurposing old appliances and countertops yourself if possible – research varnishing and painting, upgrade older or slower appliances if you’re able to develop the technical know-how. This option has the potential to save an astronomical amount of money, so it’s definitely worth considering.

5. Quality Over Quantity

Many clients who are looking to remodel their home believe spending a pretty penny will help curate the desired result. In actuality, this isn’t necessarily true, especially if you’re able to discern which products are genuinely high-quality.  Rather than opting to buy kitchen appliances in excess, look for items that serve numerous functions for a reasonable price.

6. Keep Your Cabinets

Purchasing cabinetry is one of the most expensive parts of kitchen remodelling, but it truly doesn’t have to be. It is not a “must” when developing a new aesthetic, and there are tons of ways to circumvent this issue. From refacing your current cabinets, to painting them, to replacing the hardware itself – the options are endless. 

7. Prioritise Your Investments

Knowing where to invest a chunk of money and what to compromise on is also vital in terms of cost efficiency. Generally speaking, looking to spend more on durability and convenience rather than aesthetics can serve a kitchen space rather well, as the goal should always be to create a room that meets your needs as a homeowner.

10 Tips for a Clean and Organized Pantry 

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Having an organized pantry is essential to the avid baker!

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It’s important for keeping track of ingredients, finding things quickly, and not letting anything go bad. Being organized makes cleanup easier, so you can save time and avoid the stress of a mouse or cockroach problem. Here are 10 easy tips for a clean and organized pantry!

1. Decant Dried Goods

Find some clear, airtight containers or jars and use them to store things like sugar, flour, pasta, and spices. There are lots of different kinds out there – some are stackable, some are made of glass, and some have labels built into them. Decanting will keep your foods fresh and make it easy for you to keep track of what you have in stock. It will also allow you to buy things in bulk, which will save you money and reduce waste.

2. Use Bins and Baskets

Bins and baskets are great for storing loose items like potatoes, onions, and garlic. You can also use them for snacks, tea, and other individually wrapped items. They’ll be easier to see and easier to clean. Onions, for example, tend to leave paper in their containers. Simply take the bin out of the pantry and empty it in the garbage for easy cleanup.

3. Add Lazy Susans

Lazy Susans are fantastic for organizing spices and small items. Instead of reaching into a shelf and moving things out of the way, you can spin the lazy Susan to find what you’re looking for. Put a lazy Susan or two within the corners of your shelves to make better use of this space.

4. Hang Useful Items with a Peg Board

Peg boards are usually found in garages and tool sheds, but they can be incredibly useful in the pantry. The little holes in the board let you hang whatever you want, so everything is within view. A peg board will make it easier for you to grab those big pots and pans you don’t use every day, or to hang shelves and cubbies for herbs and spices. The possibilities are endless.

5. Add Drawers

Having drawers will help prevent you from losing things at the back of the pantry. It will make it easier for you to find things, saving you time and stress while you are cooking or baking. Have some drawers installed where you can reach them easily and see what’s inside.

6. Organize by Type or Usage

Think about your daily routine and what makes the most sense for your pantry. Then, organize your items to suit your needs. For example, you can put all your breakfast cereals together with tea, coffee, and everything else you use in the morning. Put what you use every day at the forefront and organize so that nothing gets lost or forgotten about.

7. Deep Clean Twice a Year

Dedicate a few minutes of your spring cleaning to take an inventory of your pantry and throw out everything that has gone bad. Then, empty your shelves and wipe them down. Vacuum out the pantry like you do the rest of the house, then put everything back. Do this twice a year or every season to ensure that no crumbs or food waste are attracting pests or creating odours.

8.  Mark Expiration Dates

Using pantry containers means that you can no longer find expiration dates. It can also be hard to remember when you bought a can of something, and if you have multiple, you might forget which you bought first. When refilling your containers, label them with a piece of tape and mark the current date or the date the product expires. Use a permanent marker to mark the date on your cans when you buy them.

9. Dedicate a Counter to Small Appliances  

Ever wonder where you should put the waffle maker, pressure cooker, or juicer? Take those appliances off your countertops and make some room for them in the pantry. They will stay cleaner, and they’ll be easy to find.

10. Pest-proof the Door

If you’re worried about pests, put a door sweep on the door to your pantry. The door sweep will close the gap between the door and the floor and help keep the smell of food from escaping. Think of your pantry like a big fridge. The better the seal, the safer your food.

Best Wall Ideas for Your Kitchen Space

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If you are searching for an easy way to make your interior space more attractive and without the stress and disturbances that generally come with it, It’s debatable that wall arts are a brilliant idea!

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By choosing a style that complements your idea, your creative vision, you are only a step closer to getting that kitchen re-modelling you have always wanted. There are varieties based on different themes with wall arts, and there is an endless supply; visit elephant stocks. Adding a minimalistic abstract painting is a good idea for a new, or rather, modern-day view or look. If the idea is to achieve a traditional look, a vintage-inspired print is advised.

The kitchen can sometimes be neglected by people when it is one of the most important sections of any home. It is a space that can inspire you, especially with the size and the flexibility, too size. 

The choice of picking wall art for your kitchen space is endless, at elephant stock, the choice is endless. It all falls on your hands to decide which goes with what you envision. While trends get made up on a daily, choosing a satisfactory wall art still heavily depends on picking a print that makes you happy.

If what you want is bright and bold, then lean more towards attractive and vibrant ideas. At elephant stock, we have a wide catalog of minimalist and vibrant ideas and we have put together expert opinions and guidelines that will help you transition well.

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A Room to Inspire

Being a perfectionist when it comes to the art of interior decoration comes in handy when choosing wall art for your kitchen. You would want to decorate your kitchen in a way that inspires you. A simple view should feel you with comfort, energy, and certainty. Create a good relationship with aesthetics, it holds the ability to transform any living space entirely. One vibrant shade to consider is teal, it goes well with white and any neutral color. This marvel of color can be used to effectively saturate your kitchen space. In addition, be bold when it comes to using bright colors in your space. You can be unusual by adding colors like yellow, rogue, and fuchsia.

Kitchen Wall Art Sizes 

The size of your canvas depends on how big your space is. Your wall art should take over 75percent of your available wall space. Measure the height and width of the wall then multiply the measurements by both 0.6 and 0.75. The result will give you a range of canvas print sizes appropriate for your space. If you have a kitchenette, with no available wall space to hang your wall art, consider placing the wall art in a corridor leading to the kitchen.

Another important step to be taken is your kitchen canvas shape. There are four namely;

  1. Classic: 1- piece classic canvas 
  2. Trendy: 2 – piece split canvas
  3. Modern: 3-5 piece multi-panel canvas
  4. Funky: 7 – piece hexagonal canvas

Kitchen Cleaning: What You Should be Doing and Why

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The kitchen is the heart of the home. For many, it is where we start the day and gather as a family!


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Taking care of it is an inevitable chore, but it doesn’t have to take a lot of effort. In this article, we will list what you should be cleaning every day, every season, and why.

The Benefits of a Clean Kitchen

Hygiene (and Mental Health!)

This one goes without saying, but it is often overlooked. The number one reason you should be cleaning the kitchen on a regular basis is to avoid illness. Kitchens are breeding grounds for dangerous bacteria. Leaving food out to spoil or using dirty dishes may result in food poisoning.

Not surprisingly, having a clean kitchen does wonders for your mental health. It frees the mind of clutter and makes cooking more enjoyable. You will save yourself the frustration of having to clean before you cook, and you will find what you need more easily.

Pest Control

Mice, ants, and cockroaches can smell your food from a mile away and they will come to the kitchen first. Kitchens are full of crumbs, grease, and moisture that we do not realize is attracting pests. Keeping the kitchen clean is therefore your first defense against a pest problem. You will be avoiding the damages of an advanced infestation and the costs of hiring a pest control company.

Savings

Staying organized means that you won’t let things spoil or buy foods you already have at home. You will know what you have in stock. Having a clean kitchen will also encourage you to make things yourself, saving on those pricey delivered meals. Your appliances will thank you, too. Regular maintenance means fewer repairs.

Daily Habits

Here are the things you should do every day. That’s right, every day! Getting in the habit of these things will make cleanup easier and save you stress.

Wash the Dishes

Washing the dishes frees up space and removes odours. Put dirty dishes in the dishwasher right away. Run it as soon as it is full. Anything that must be washed by hand should be done by the end of the day. Letting things sit for too long will make them harder to clean and they will spread germs.

Wipe the Countertops

Wipe surfaces clean whenever you do the dishes. Countertops, stovetops, and tables are covered in crumbs and spills that attract pests.

Clean the Sink

This should be done every time you do the dishes. Use a multipurpose cleaning product and scrub the sink down to remove grease. Don’t pour any oil down the drain and use a sink strainer to catch food.

Sweep the Floor

Like countertops, floors are covered in bits of food that will attract pests into the home. Sweep or vacuum the floor often. This will keep your floors in good shape.

Microwave

Don’t forget the microwave! Check if the microwave is dirty when you are doing the dishes. Remove the plate from the interior and be sure to wipes down every side.

Store Food Properly

Put food away as soon as you are done cooking or eating. Use sealed containers and organized them in a way that makes sense to you. This will help you keep track of what you have in stock.

Take out the Garbage

The kitchen garbage smells terrible and attracts pests. Use a lidded garbage can and keep it under the sink. Take it out every night or as soon as it is full. Clean the interior of the garbage can on a regular basis.

Seasonal Habits

Now for what you should do on a seasonal basis. The following lists what you should do every few months so that you avoid repairs and deep cleans that take hours to finish.

Clean the Oven

The cleanliness of your oven will affect your baking as the food inside will absorb fumes. Purchase an oven cleaner from the store and follow the directions closely. Cleaning the oven regularly will decrease the amount of time it takes.

Clean the Range Hood  

Wipe down the sides and the interior of your range hood to remove grease. Detach the filter, then soak it in soapy hot water for 15 to 20 minutes. Scrub it clean with water and baking soda, then rinse and dry. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar together and use it for a final clean.

Sweep Underneath Appliances

When is the last time you cleaned under the fridge? The undersides of kitchen appliances get very dirty with dust, food, and debris. Pull your appliances out every few months and clean these surfaces thoroughly.

Wipe the Inside of the Fridge

Take a good look inside your fridge and throw out all your expired items. Then, disinfect the interior from top to bottom. Clean every crisper and shelf.

Wash the Dishwasher Filter

There is a filter at the bottom of your dishwasher that collects food particles. Take this out and wash it thoroughly in dish soap and hot water. This will help prevent any blockages and keep your dishes coming out clean.

Organize the Pantry

Empty out the shelves in your pantry and wipe them clean. Throw out expired items and take note of what you could be using to cook. Put everything back in an organized fashion. Categorize your foods and use sealed containers for loose items.

Decorate your Kitchen for Summer with these Ideas!

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Spruce up your kitchen this summer with some of these easy decorating ideas you can do all by yourself!

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The kitchen is one of the places where we spend most of our time. That’s why it’s really important to make sure this space feels comfortable, cozy, and inviting for our family and friends. There are times though, when our kitchen can feel a little dull and like it’s in need of some color. I’ve put together a list of some easy ways you can bring in some color, light, and energy into your kitchen this summer!

Put Together a Centerpiece

Sometimes all your kitchen needs is some positive energy to set the mood and there is no better way to do it than with an easy-to-make centerpiece! A centerpiece can be made out of some fresh blooms, or from freshly picked fruit or vegetables from your garden!  Whatever you have in your garden you can create a stunning centerpiece that you can place on your kitchen island or kitchen table. Get creative and browse the internet for some ideas and you would be surprised at what you can make with zero dollars!

Purchase New Kitchen Lighting

When it comes to kitchen décor, everyone is always focused on the color of the walls, the type of backsplash, the tiles, and the color of the kitchen cabinets. Rarely is anyone focused on the lighting fixtures used in our homes. Sometimes all we need to give our kitchen a modern new look is by updating the lighting and you would be amazed at what a huge difference this can make! There are many small affordable chandeliers that can be purchased to put above the kitchen island, the dining table, or replacement of our existing lighting. 

Hang up Art Prints

Artwork doesn’t always have to be expensive, and we’ve found the perfect solution to update your kitchen. There are tons of art prints available online that you can order and have printed. Whether it’s your own custom design or photograph, or a beautiful piece you saw online, purchasing new kitchen artwork is affordable and easy. Some popular prints these days are cactus artwork prints, cute animals, and also geometrics. Whatever your kitchens style is, we are sure you will find something suitable!

Change Your Kitchen’s Hardware

An old trick to make a kitchen look instantly modernized is by changing your kitchens knobs and drawer pulls. This is an affordable and a very quick way to make your kitchen cabinets and drawers look instantly updated. You can buy kitchen knobs and drawer pulls even on Aliexpress for a dollar apiece!

There are so many endless ways that you can make your kitchen look modern and updated with these ew simple tricks. Sometimes all it takes is a little creativity, inspiration, and a free weekend to give your kitchen a whole new look for the summer season!

5 Simple Decoration Ideas to Make Your Kitchen Feel like A Super Room

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The kitchen is one of the essential rooms in the home. In fact, some people regard it as the powerhouse of the home!

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A good kitchen must be visually appealing and hygienic. Both features move hand in hand, and you can determine both outcomes. 

Nothing is appealing about bland or tattered walls. The proper arrangement of your kitchen starts with the use of suitable decorations. You can even eliminate kitchen problems like dark space, cluttered kitchen, and space management with appropriate kitchen décor. 

Are you confused about the good decorating idea for your kitchen? Don’t overburden yourself with thoughts. Here is a list of some of the best kitchen décor ideas to help you upgrade and improve your kitchen. 

1. Use Suitable Wall Arts 

Using wall arts is one of the best ways to decorate any room and wall. Your kitchen is not an exception to this case. Using suitable wall arts will make your kitchen warm and welcoming. Besides, it improves your wall’s quality and makes it more appealing.  

There are many wall art concepts and ideas you can use for your kitchen décor. Simple concepts like fruit slices, wine glass, and bottle, a cup of coffee, etc. are all good ideas. So, if you want something simple, classy, and beautiful, go ahead and decorate your kitchen wall with wall arts. 

2. Shabby Chic Concepts 

Do you know what shabby chic is? It is the use of antique and distressed materials in a decorative concept. The distressed materials are usually wood, furniture, and textiles. It also includes other elements to complement the distressed feel of these materials. 

Shabby chic décor is ideal for kitchen setup. It can boost your kitchen love with the depth it adds to your kitchen. You can add simple elements like flower vases, potted flowers, and the likes. You can also distress wooden components like wall hanger and plate racks. 

3. Canvas Wall Prints 

Canvas wall print is another viable décor idea for your kitchen. Canvas wall prints are visually appealing and warm. Besides this, they allow you to integrate various design concepts into your home. 

You can add varieties of canvas wall print concepts as long as they flow correctly. Examples of canvas wall print concepts you can consider include food maps, food image recipes, decorative fruits, etc. 

4. Use Decorative Lighting 

You can hit two birds with a single stone with this décor idea. Firstly, it will help you solve dark room problems in your kitchen. Also, it will improve your décor and add life to the entire kitchen. 

There are several types and forms of decorative lights. Feel free to choose suitable options that will suit your purpose. You can also consider one that will fit your existing decorations. 

5. Hideaway Furniture 

Furniture forms an integral part of kitchen décor and arrangement. You can also achieve dual goals by creatively selecting suitable furniture for your kitchen. Practical furniture will help you conserve space, ensure proper formatting, and improve your décor. In fact, the design of some décor is oriented to enhance your decoration. 

Conclusion

The kitchen is one of the essential rooms in the home, and you can make it a room you always want to be with good décor ideas. Kitchen designs don’t have to be clustered up or complicated. Simple, appealing designs can give you excellent results than you imagine. Feel free to try out any of the ideas above, and you can introduce your thoughts as well. 

4 Popular Layout Designs To Consider For Your Next Kitchen Remodel

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Trends in kitchen designs have changed tremendously over the past decade.

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According to a study by the  National Kitchen and Bath Association, organic and natural designs are rising quickly in popularity, and some of the traditional layout designs like the L-shaped are still ranking as the most popular design in America. However, when you decide to do a kitchen remodel, getting the right layout design is the most important factor in ensuring a functional and practical cooking area. A clever kitchen layout design will make a difference in helping you get the most storage space and enhance the comfort and safety of your kitchen. Here Are 4 popular layout designs to consider for your next kitchen remodel.

U- Shape Design

This design consists of counters flowing around 3 walls uninterrupted to create a “U” shape. It is known to be the most functional and efficient design due to its ideal work triangle. The design also provides enough open space for you to add a seating area, which helps in keeping the cooking social. According to Magnum, open layouts allow modern-style homes to shine, especially when they combine spaces that allow a natural flow of activity. Additionally, U-shaped kitchens are also designed to be user–friendly as having benchtops on three sides allows you to have ample cooking space and appliances easily accessible.

Solo Wall 

Also known as “Single line kitchen,” the solo wall comprises cabinets, countertops, and major work services arrayed along one wall. The other sides of the kitchen are always open and often facing the living area. This design is generally found in studio or loft spaces because of its ultimate space saver. The design also offers a good workflow, as all of the major cooking functions are kept within a few feet of each other. If you have enough space, an island can be used to add storage and workspace, although this may be a tight fit.

L- shaped Design

This is one of the most popular kitchen layout designs. The L-shaped design is ideal for small and medium-sized homes as it allows for maximum use of the available floor. It consists of countertops on two adjoining walls that are perpendicular, forming an “L” shape. Having this design will help you free up space and offer great flexibility in the placement of appliances and work zones. It is also a great proponent of the working triangle.

Walk-Through

Also known as a “walk-through” kitchen, this design is ideal for smaller spaces and one-cook spaces. It is characterized by two parallel countertops with a walkway in between them. With additional rows of cabinetry, the galley design offers more flexibility when it comes to storage space. It may also be open on both remaining sides, to allow your kitchen to serve you a passageway between the spaces. However, with the two sides being open, foot traffic through the kitchen can be inconvenient.
Ready for your next remodeling project? These layout designs will help you open your eyes and mind to selecting the best possible design you will want for your kitchen. Not to mention, give you a better insight into the ideal design that will suit your entire home space and layout.