Houston House

Archive for the ‘Kitchen Improvment’ Category

We spend a lot of our time in the kitchen, it is the hub of family life, you can eat, cook and chat. It is a room in which many functions are carried out.

The kitchen requires a higher level of home lighting as it is a place where safety is key. With hot liquids, hot surfaces and electrical appliances the better the light needs to be.

To achieve a more even distribution of light a central light is ideal or even a multi headed halogen spotlight can achieve this. Another idea would be halogen downlighters either used on their own or in conjunction with a central light.

The use of home lighting to illuminate work surfaces is another good idea. It is very important though that these lights run cool, especially when the storage of food is concerned. Ensure though the light falls on the work surface there is nothing worse than working in your own shadow.

If your kitchen is also used for dining then it may be a good idea to have separate lighting for this area as the kitchen lighting may be a little startling. Or alternatively if you are able to turn the main body of lights off and just have a subtle blend of downlights. Either way your home lighting in the kitchen can be implemented to suit both your lifestyle and your budget.

Another idea for a kitchen is the use of a ceiling fan. It can light your kitchen and also keep the surrounding air nice and cool. Available in various different styles and finishes there is a fan to suit everyones style. Available in 36”, 42” and 52” blade sizes there is also a fan to suit all kitchen sizes from the small to the larger end of the scale. When choosing a fan it is more efficient to run a larger fan on a slower speed than a smaller fan on a higher speed.

Installing a fan is similar to installing a light but you must ensure that the fan blade tips are at least 20cm away from any obstruction. If you have a high ceiling a drop rod and a conversion kit may be required.

If you are ready to sell your condo or townhouse and want to make it stand out in the sea of properties on the market, consider updating your kitchen to make it a focal point of your home.

The kitchen is often a central gathering place for any type of entertaining, or it can be a relaxing room for preparation of a favorite meal. When you are in selling mode, you will want it to be welcoming for all prospective buyers that tour your home. You don’t have to spend a fortune on a complete renovation to bring a sense of freshness to the kitchen. Here are some tips to get your kitchen move-in ready for the next owner:

Paint options
One of the simplest and least expensive ways to give life to a tired kitchen is a coat or two of paint, preferably in a neutral color for a faster sale.

You may also want to paint the cupboard doors and drawers to update an older wood look. This will take a few days to remove the doors, take off the hardware and begin painting the primer coat. Two more coats of the chosen color should be applied for the best finish. If you are changing styles of hardware and need to drill new holes, this is the time to fill and sand the old connections to the doors or drawers.

Painting the inside of the cupboards is optional. If you leave them as is, be sure to take everything off the shelves and do a thorough cleaning before replacing the doors.

Note: Paint kitchen doors and drawers in a well-ventilated area such as a back yard, balcony or room where there is access to plenty of fresh air.

Lighting counts
Having proper lighting in a kitchen is essential. If your kitchen has an old style, single light fixture in the ceiling, or has outdated fluorescent bulbs, speak to a lighting expert at your local home improvement store for updating ideas. New halogen track lighting gives great light to working areas, and recessed lights under cupboards adds a touch of elegance.