4 Tools for an Organized Kitchen
Doesn’t it seem like Canadian kitchens are getting smaller? Whether you have a tiny one in your condo or just lack organization in general, these are some of our favourite tools for organizing your cooking and eating space. Pretty BasketsIf you’re low on cabinet space, chances are you might find yourself storing items on open shelves, or on your counter. One way to make your visible items a little more aesthetically pleasing is to invest in some Instagram-worthy storage baskets. Whether your style is beachy wicker or rose gold mesh, these are much nicer to look at and more likely to get used. Airtight Glass JarsA set of cohesive containers for storing things like grains, beans or dry pasta is not only easier to manage, but much prettier to look at. Not only do they keep your goods accessible and fresher, but some of them are stackable, which makes them easier to store in small spaces. As a bonus, the clear glass makes things easier to identify. LabelsA major key to an organized kitchen is not just knowing exactly where everything is, but what it is. Tackle this by systematically labelling all your jars and containers, using label templates easily found online. Not only does this score major organizational points, but it gives things a more cohesive style, which looks much nicer if they’re displayed outside the cupboards. LightsA well-lit kitchen makes almost everything easier! If you can’t invest in under the counter or inner-drawer lighting, it’s easy to find LED lights that attach to the inside of cabinets using adhesive. Many of these are motion-sensing lights, which helps conserve energy. A small kitchen doesn’t have to be dysfunctional! Spend a bit more time and money on some key tools and you’ll be on your way to a Zen—and totally gourmet-ready—cooking space in no time.
7 Ideas for Designing a Stunning Entryway
The entryway of your home is the first impression you leave with guests. Taking the time and effort to make it cheerful will help visitors to feel welcome. You won’t necessarily have to empty your pockets to create a memorable entryway. Sometimes all it takes is a little creativity and effort. Here are seven ways to give the entrance to your home a new look. Create a theme. Decide on what type of look you’re going for. Is it rustic? Beachy? Shabby chic? Maybe you want to pay homage to your Canadian roots and centre on a red and white colour scheme. Whatever you decide, use something as your focal piece like a storage bench and build from there. Add a throw rug. An indoor/outdoor rug might be the wisest choice for an entryway or mudroom. A rug is the perfect accessory to add a pop of colour to otherwise neutral décor. It will also help to protect the floors in one of the most-travelled parts of your home. Storage. Every entryway or mudroom should be outfitted with storage to keep clutter at bay. If you have enough space, a storage/seating bench always looks great in an entryway. The more hooks and spaces to store things, the better. Use light. Most entryways are small spaces and layering light creates a warm ambience. You can use different lighting like sconces and table lamps to create different moods. Go for a big, bold fixture if the area is on the larger side. Decorate to scale. If your entry or mudroom is on the smaller side, you don’t want to make it seem even smaller by including oversized items. On the other hand, if you have a huge entrance with only a small table, that wouldn’t look right either. A larger space might look great with some seating, mirrors, wall sconces and perhaps an umbrella stand topped off with a grand chandelier. Wow with wallpaper. Having made a comeback in recent years, wallpaper comes in about every texture and print imaginable. You’re sure to find one for your entrance area that ties into the décor of the rest of your home. Wallpapering one wall may be just what your front area needs. The outside to inside transition. To make stepping into your home from the outside more seamless, you could add some plants and greenery to your entry. Using stone or slate on the floor—or other natural materials—may also add a nice touch. A piece of rich wood furniture might also tie in nicely.
Kitchen Upgrades Buyers Can't Resist
In most Canadian homes, the kitchen is a place where the action happens. From lavish, lingering dinner parties to quiet mornings with a freshly-ground espresso in-hand, it’s a place where people spend a significant amount of their home life. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, consider some of these elements to make your space irresistible to the upscale buyer. High-End AppliancesIf you swap out only one thing in your next renovation, make it the appliances. After all, they get daily use and many buyers love the idea of being able to cook and prepare food with appliances that not only inspire culinary greatness, but allow them to entertain in a sleek, upscale setting. Lines like Jenn-Air, Miele, Viking and Wolf are great for introducing that luxury kitchen element. Waterfall CountertopsA waterfall countertop is characterized by the way it runs vertically down the sides of an island or cabinet instead of stopping at the edge. It gives fixtures a natural flow and is a great way to give a striking marble countertop more impact. It’s almost like a piece of art. Upscale HardwareDrawer pulls or cabinet knobs are a deceptively simple way of giving a kitchen a high-end touch, if you pick the right materials. Sleek, oversized pulls in a gold or chrome finish can really make an impact, as can cabinet knobs with ornate designs. Extra Tall CabinetryIf you have the space, installing upper cabinets that reach all the way to your ceiling is a dramatic way to open up the room. Not only do they give extra and more functional storage, but they draw the eye upward, making your ceilings seem higher and the kitchen airier. Oversized, Undermount SinkEven the pickiest buyer will likely spend at least some time using their sink. Instead of the traditional two-basin sink, try a single basin sink that’s extra wide and extra deep. The spaciousness amps up the luxury vibe while still being utilitarian.
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