Author: James

 

 

Owners of small kitchens know all too well the challenges associated with trying to work in a cramped space. You may find yourself paging through websites, fantasizing about knocking out a wall and doubling your kitchen space. Certainly, that’s one way to go about it, but you can maximize your space, and save money by working within your kitchen’s existing footprint.

 

Here are some clever tricks to help make the most of a small kitchen.

 

Pull-out Counter Space

One of the biggest complaints in any tiny kitchen is a lack of counterspace. Counterspace is necessary for food preparation, workspace, and small appliances. A great way to increase the amount of counterspace you have without knocking down any walls, is to have a remodeling contractor install pull out counters.

 

This clever design installs a second counter just beneath your existing counter. This way, you can slide it out when you need extra space to work, and slide it back in when you need the space for walking.

 

Undershelf Racks

Storing an entire household’s cooking gear into only a few kitchen cabinets can be truly challenging. A great customization option is to install small racks on the undersides of your cabinet shelves. This gives you room to stack things up on the bottom shelf, and to sneak a few small items into the rack as well.

 

 

Backsplash Shelf

A sprawling kitchen may have the luxury of using a backsplash for nothing more than an artistic statement, but in a small kitchen, you have the option of putting that backsplash to work. Something as simple as installing a small shelf along the length of the backsplash can add a lot of much-needed storage space for utensils, small appliances, spices, or cookbooks.

 

Replace Shelves with Slide out Drawers

Static shelves in cabinets or pantries can cause a lot of problems in smaller kitchens. Every square inch of storage space is needed, and shelves tend to get easily overcrowded. This means items often get shoved way to the back and lost or forgotten.

A great alternative is to replace static shelves with slide out shelving or drawers. This way, you can see everything that is in your cabinets or pantry, and you don’t have to worry about something getting lost in the way, way back.

 

 

Movable Island

A kitchen island is a great way to increase not only storage but also available counterspace. The problem is, where on earth are you going to put one in a small kitchen?

 

One great solution to this problem is the movable Island. You can roll it into the kitchen when you need the extra workspace, and you can roll it away when it is not in use.

 

Custom Cabinetry

Small kitchens have to make good use of every tiny bit of space. You may be amazed to discover that a tall narrow cabinet with slide-out storage can fit in the space between your refrigerator and the wall, or that extra shelving can be added up above your top cabinets.

 

You can speak with a kitchen remodeler about what they might suggest for you. With custom cabinetry, you can get extra storage to fit anywhere.

 

Smart Corner Cabinets

Many small kitchens have the dreaded corner cabinet. Cabinets situated on the corner can lead to lost items, and can be very clumsy to work with. You can install slide-out, half-moon shaped shelving, or rotating lazy susans to help keep all your gear front and center.

 

Small kitchens don’t have to be big headaches. Really all it requires is a creative use of space, and a keen eye for organization opportunities. So, don’t go knocking down that wall just yet. See if you can work with what you have first.

 

 

Author Bio

Niv Orlian is an online marketer and the Co-Founder of DO Online Marketing, a Chicago based company that helps local businesses such as Planet Cabinets, acquire, manage, and retain local customers online

Looking to spice up your life? Your bedroom is the first place to start! Redesigning your personal sanctuary is the key to living a more fulfilling and relaxing life. If you don’t know how to start, you’ve come to the right place. There are countless ways for you to spruce up your bedroom. With the right bedroom accessories and tips, you can say goodbye to your room’s bland state because it’s time for a makeover!

 

1. Minimalist
   Declutter your room with this simple yet enticing design concept. After all, less is more. It’s the latest go-to design for people who want to live simply without materialistic burdens!
2. Use monochromatic tones
   Pick your favourite colour and use different shades of it to design your bedroom. For instance, use different tones of yellow for a bright and sunny-themed bedroom.
3. Multiple accent pieces
   Ever fancy a museum-like room? Decorate your room with different notable sculptures or artsy accent pieces. This works well with a simple backdrop to bring out the objects’ design.
4. Vanity table
   If you’re into makeup, set-up a vanity table that will give you easy access to all your beauty products. And what better way to pull off this station but with a classic Hollywood-glam mirror.

5. Murphy beds
   Need more space? A hideable bed can do the trick! You can do more things in your bedroom if the bed isn’t in the way. If not a Murphy bed, get a foldable, sofa-bed instead. 
6. Posh rugs
   You can’t go wrong with stylish sheepskin rugs. Whether you have a minimalist-themed room or an overly-decorated one, rugs may be the finishing touch you need to complete your room’s look!
7. Fancy lamps
   Usual fluorescent lamps are boring. Try creative lamp sculptures to spruce up your bedroom’s design. They’re eye candy as much as they’re practical.

8. Dramatic canopies
   A DIY bed canopy is actually possible! With this project, you’ll be adding a whole new element to your bedroom. You’ll notice how more dramatic and cosy your room will be.
9. Book nook
   Pick the comfiest place in the room and make it your little book stop. It’s like having a mini library in your room. The books would serve as your decor. The key is to find a really comfortable chair where you would spend hours in.
10. Decorative shelves
    Art isn’t just exclusive to paintings on the wall. Your shelves can serve as artistic sculptures and excellent storage solutions. That’s hitting two birds with one stone!

11. Cork board wall
    Personalise your room by pinning your favourite pictures on your very own freedom wall! You can always change what’s on the board. When someone visits your room, you can always have your friends leave you a message too.
12. Indoor plants
    You have to put a little green in your room to give it a fresh look. Miniature potted plants are the way to go without worrying about too much maintenance. Most of these little plants need only minimal watering.
13. Home theatre
    Are you a movie buff? Set up an efficient sound system for your room by setting up the speakers around the room. Then, keep one side of the wall clear from clutter and you can use it as a clear screen if you invest in a mini-projector. Movie-themed rooms are fun to create because of the endless possibilities!
14. Hide gadgets
    On the other hand, if you need quality sleep, maybe you should decorate your room with little storage solutions to hide your gadgets. For instance, you can place your flat TV inside a cabinet with hinges. As for your phone, keep it hidden in a small box that’s far from the bed to keep you from getting your much-deserved rest.
15. Skylights
    Want to bask in the glorious light of the sun every morning? Skylights is for you. Natural light from the sun can give your room that bright ambience it needs by day and a starry-night sky wonder at night.
16. Room dividers
    An eye-catching addition to your room, portable dividers are very practical, especially if you’re sharing the room with someone else. You can also place it right between twin beds if you and your roommate need privacy.
17. Zen corner
    De-stress after the long day in your very own comfort corner. You can do your yoga there or get lost in the scent of relaxing aromatic therapy oils. Remember: no gadgets to make room for more meditation!
18. Hidden Mini fridge
    Another “hidden mystery” you can add to your bedroom is a hidden mini fridge! No need to wander in the dark at night just for a glass of water.
19. Stand-alone tub
    Want a temporary getaway in your own bedroom? Taking a long soak in your own tub after a long day is just the perfect de-stress remedy! It’s also a very romantic design.
20. New beddings
    One thing you can’t miss when you’re revamping your bedroom is changing your bed sheets! Beddings can change your room’s look altogether. For utmost comfort and relaxation, choose something easy on the eyes. Neutral-toned beddings will definitely give your room that homey feel.

There are so many tips to try to improve your bedroom! Make a big difference to your bedroom with these small changes. There’s no limit to what you can do! Happy redesigning!

 

Most people tend to ignore their garage, or simply use it as an extra external storage space for their home. Have you ever wondered what your garage would look like if you transformed it into something useful? Your garage can be more than just a bland, cold and dark storage cupboard. Take a look at some of these funky ideas below and explore your unused garage.

 

Turn it into a gym

If you visit the gym regularly or are a fitness fanatic, why pay expensive membership fees when you can build your own gym and save money in the long run? Even if you don’t visit the gym, what better motivation than having your very own gym just outside your door. Your garage is usually quite a large space and if this is not currently being used for anything, what better way to use it than as a gym.

 

Turn it into a games room

If the temptation of a gym is something that doesn’t float your boat. Why not build a games room in your garage instead? A games room is a fantastic way to put your garage space to good use and will be the centre piece of your gatherings with family and friends. Installing a simple pool table, games console or ping pong table can instantly give this dull and boring room a lift in usefulness.

Obviously, if you are looking to use your garage for a games room I would advise decorating and installing some wall insulations/heating appliances. This will make it cosier, warmer and will also enhance its appearance when compared to previously.

 

Install a TV

If you are going down the games room route, why not also install a projector or large screen TV in your garage? This will give the appearance of a cinema and will also give you more activities within this previously dull and boring space. If you are looking to have friends and family over or if you are simply looking to unwind after a long week at work, a cinema is the perfect addition to relax with.

 

Think about security

If you are investing in your garage and want to make it more useful in your day to day activities, remember not to bypass how secure this space is. You wouldn’t want to invest hundreds of pounds of your hard earned money into your garage and then this all be taken away before you get a chance to put it to good use. Security is an important factor around every part of your home and your garage should not be an exception from this. Your garage door is generally the only entrance to your garage, so if this is becoming old and worn you may want to look into garage door repairs. If however, you need to replace this then there are a huge selection of garage doors on today’s market. This includes roller garage doors, up and over garage doors, automatic garage doors, wooden garage doors and many more. Finding the perfect one depends on how much space you need and the design you think would suit you best. If you are looking to maximize space and use your garage as a games room, I would recommend a roller garage door, sectional garage door or side hinged garage door (these open out so would save loads of space).