Photo: Boss Design Center

This problem is common due to the lack of kitchen space available in every household. You just cannot make extra space when there is no space available, right? Well, you can do that but for that, you need to follow some simple steps elaborated below.

Ways to Increase Space in the Kitchen

You can either try these DIY methods given below or get help from Creative Cabinets and Faux Finishes. They offer extensive services in remodeling kitchen space. For now, check out these quick and easy hacks:

1. Adjust the Kitchen Shelves

There is a huge problem for all of us when we don’t adjust the kitchen shelves. It is very important to adjust them to make space for utensils and other belongings of the kitchen to keep. When you don’t adjust them, you waste a lot of space in there. Moreover, never keep bottles in the kitchen shelves as they take up lots of space and blocks the area. It is recommended to shift them somewhere else in the room.

2. Kitchen Rollouts

If you are having trouble to adjust space between the kitchen shelves then the best option to increase space in the kitchen rollouts. The kitchen rollouts are drawers or pull-out shelves which are used to keep kitchen items. These are cabinet-like structures which have a rail system to pull out the drawers. The drawers have ample space for you to keep utensils, crockery, etc. You can also store heavy items of the kitchen like a mixer, juicer, etc. A rollout cabinet can increase the space three times of what was initially available. Further, you can also call a carpenter and instruct him to build a rollout cabinet made of plywood. This, in turn, will help you get your desired shape and size of the cabinet.

Rollouts are also used for keeping kitchen trash as you can fit in the container in the cabinet. This makes the kitchen look neat and clean. Rollout cabinets are not at all expensive. The prices vary according to the size and number of chambers available in the cabinet.

3. Use File holders

File holders are an important item in the office. They help in keeping the files in proper alignment and you can draw out the files when required. Have you ever thought that these file holders can come handy in the kitchen? If not then think about it. File holders can be a great kitchen item to keep the pan, dishes, chopping board, etc. You can store them the way you want, vertically or horizontally.

4. Portable Kitchen Island

The kitchen island is a portable item which eases up the requirement for lots of other things. You just need to bring them out, use when required and then set them aside. They do not consume any extra space in the kitchen. Further, the portable kitchen island is also known as a utility cart. If you are searching over online stores, the utility cart is the name by which you need to search.

5. Use an extra dish rack

Always keep an extra dish rack in the kitchen so that you have enough space to keep the dishes and they don’t need to pile up on the kitchen. Further, dish racks can also be used for keeping chopping board, pan, platter, etc.

4. Utilize the bottoms of your cabinets

When there is less space available in the kitchen, you need to make space. To make extra space in the kitchen, you can use the bottom side of the cabinet to keep things. Simply attach magnetic strips which can bear a certain amount of weight and hang all the items you wish to keep it there. You can also hang small jars filled with dry fruits, sugar, tea leaves, coffee, etc.

5. Ceiling Pan Rack

The ceiling is the space which most of us simply don’t think of using, but you can. Install a ceiling rack in the kitchen and you will find a lot of free space to keep other things. The ceiling rack hangs certain items like frying pan, knives, cooking utensils, etc. it also makes the kitchen look quite modern and clean too.

6. Master Grill Station

The master grill station is one thing which will eliminate the use of other items of the kitchen. When there are fewer cooking tools, you get a lot of free space in the kitchen. Further, you can use this master grill station for cooking at a bonfire or picnic. It is portable but a little heavy. Use it according to your convenience and enjoy a lot of space in the kitchen. 

Now you have all the solutions to increase your kitchen space and declutter it. It is time you try out these methods or hire expert services for professional care.

Photo: Kathy Ann Abell Interiors

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. This is because most families gather there and some of the most important decisions are made at the kitchen countertops. If the room is this important it is essential that you don’t overlook creating the right environment. You don’t need to replace the entire kitchen although there are certainly some excellent commercial joinery firms he can help you create the bespoke kitchen of your dreams.

All you actually need to do to create the perfect kitchen is replace the doors and countertops. But how do you install new countertops? You may be surprised by how easy it is.

What You Need

• Your new worktop or tops.
• A belt sander
• A scribing tool
• Tape measure
• Screwdriver
• Jigsaw
• Masking tape

Step 1 – Get the countertops

You need to measure the countertop area and then purchase either custom made countertops or the pre-cut and formed ones. Make sure you have enough to cover all the kitchen cupboards; allowing for corners.

Photo: Paper Moon Painting

Step 2 – Fill the gap

If you look at the bottom of the new countertop you may find that they have a recessed area. You’ll need to cut some wood to fit into the gap and make it all level. This won’t be seen so doesn’t need to be a perfect cut.

Step 3 – Prepare the top

You need to measure accurately from the wall to ¾ inch in front of the kitchen cupboards. This is unlikely to be the same width for your entire kitchen. This is important to ensure your countertops fit snugly against the wall and overhang the cupboards properly.Once you’ve measure create the countertop template on paper or card. You can check this fits snugly. Now you have to put it on your countertop and mark the cut line.

Step 4 – Cut the countertop

Before you start cutting run some masking tape across the cut line on the finished side. This will help to stop it cracking as you cut. You can cut the counter top with a handsaw, jigsaw or any other power saw you’re comfortable with. Take your time with this step.

Photo: Pickell Architecture

Step 5 – Check It

Put the countertop in place to make sure it fits correctly. A small gap is not an issue as this can be covered with the backsplash you’ll add after the countertop.

Step 6 – Allow For Corners

The most difficult part is making the miter cut for the corners. This is something you may need professional help with. The alternative is to use the preformed edges and joining strips.

Step 7 – Sink And Stove

You’ll need to cut these holes into your countertops before you finish installing them. It is easiest to put the worktop in position and then place the sink on top of it. You can then mark the position and use the sink template, a drill and your jigsaw to cut the required hole. You only get one chance at this!

Step 8 – Finish

With everything ready you can slide the countertop in place and then tighten the miter bolts for the corners. You can then screw through the top of the base units and into the countertop from underneath. This will ensure it does not move. Now admire your handiwork!

These will be the best French fries you’ve ever had! They’re double-fried and super crispy! Serve them up alongside some juicy hamburgers, and don’t forget the dip! We highly recommend Tzatziki dip, because it’s light, although delicious, and won’t overwhelm the fries. The secret to crispy fries is soaking them in water beforehand. Now that you know this trick, you’ll never want to go back to the old way of making French fries again! Take a look at the recipe below!

Crispy Double-Fried French Fries

Photos: Cooking on the Weekends, Damn Delicious, The Epoch Times.

We’ve got 3 easy ways to get your burnt pots looking new! We’ve all been there, not knowing what to do when our nice stainless steel pots are caked in burned food. Try one of these simple solutions to getting rid of burned food off of your pans with little to no scrubbing!

Solution #1: Baking Soda and Vinegar

Fill the bottom of the burnt pan with a little bit of water and add in 1 cup of vinegar. Bring the pan to a boil and add in 2 tbsp of baking soda. You should start to see little bits of black lifting off the pan. Empty the pan and use a scouring pad to get rid of any black bits that have been left. You should be able to scour them off easily. If you have any stubborn spots left, make a paste from baking soda and water and apply it to the spots. Leave the paste on for as long as you like and the burnt spots should lift easily.

Solution #2: Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

Pour a generous amount of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda into your pan. Use a spoon to mix the ingredients. Allow it to sit for 4-6 hours and you’ll notice all the burned bits have been lifted off the pan!

Solution #3: Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap With Tea Tree

Pour soap into your burnt pan and allow it to sit. The burnt parts should lift easily with a scouring pad.

Photos: iHerb, Green Idea Reviews, Apartment Therapy.

If your brass knobs aren’t shining like they used to, and you’re not sure how to clean them, we’ve got a simple solution. All it takes is some salt, flour, and vinegar to make them sparkle again! Here’s how!

Step 1:

Remove the handles from the door using a screwdriver to remove the screws.

Step 2:

Add 1 tsp of salt to 1/2 cup white vinegar in a bowl and stir until dissolved.

Step 3:

Add in flour, 1 tbsp at a time, until the mixture thickens. The mixture should be thick enough so that it can coat the back of a spoon without dripping.

Step 4:

Place your knobs into the bowl and allow them to sit (completely covered in the solution) for at least 10 minutes.

Step 5:

Rinse the knobs in warm water and buff them using a lint-free cloth.

Step 6:

Screw the knobs back onto the doors and admire their new shine!

Photos: Simplified Bee, Style Carrot, Juxta Post.

If you’re want a new look for your kitchen, try updating your kitchen cabinets! Save money by using paint and new hardware to update your existing cabinets. We’ve rounded up 7 ideas to get you started!

1. Bright Colors

Add a pop of color by painting the inside of your cabinets and removing the doors. Open cabinets and glass-front cabinets can give your kitchen an open and airy look.

2. Open Shelving

Remove some of your existing cabinets and add shelves. This gives your kitchen more of an open look, and make sure to use shelf brackets that match your kitchen’s style.

3. Distressed Look

For an aged look, try distressing your cabinets. We love these Victorian-style distressed cabinets!

4. Details

These gingerbread appliques are too cute! They come in many different styles and sizes to match your kitchen’s look, and you can find them at home centers. Glue them on with wood glue and give your cabinets a coat of burnt umber glaze (wipe off with cloth while still wet) for a vintage look.

5. Hardware

Change up the hardware on your cabinets for an instant makeover. We’re in love with these vintage fork handles!

6. Add Feet

Add feet to your kitchen cabinets buy purchasing them at hardware stores, or make your own using scrap wood. We love how these cabinets look like they’re built-in, and it was all made on the cheap! Tutorial here.

7. Wallpaper

Add wallpaper to the inside of your cabinets to brighten them up. Try a geometric pattern in a color that subtly contrasts with the rest of your kitchen.

Photos: BHG, Flickr, Ate My Tauntaun, Hometalk, Interior Design Blog.

If you’ve ever had trouble cleaning your oven door glass, you’re not alone! We know what a pain it can be, and no one has time to scrub it! Save your hands and put your mind at ease with this easy cleaning solution!

Ingredients:

– water

– baking soda

That’s it! Mix equal parts baking soda and water until it forms a paste. Spread the paste over your dirty oven glass and leave it to sit for 30 minutes. When the 30 minutes are up, simply wipe away!

Here is the dreaded before picture:

With the baking soda and water paste:

And after! Squeaky clean!

Photos: DIYHSHP, Ikea Fans.

The right mop is what will decide if your floors are going to be left sparkling or not. Choosing the right one is important if you want to get your floors clean, and make them stay that way for as long as possible. Using the wrong mop only cleans the surface grime, making dirt accumulate much faster, but the right mop will get all the way down to the floor and scrub away any trace of grease or dirt.

Everyone should have at least 2 mops:

1. Wet mop – to clean up spills and wash hard-surface floors.

2. Dry mop – to collect dry dust, dirt, and pet hair.

When you choose a mop for wet cleaning, remember its purpose. Not only should it dissolve dirt, but it must remove it from the floor. For this reason, avoid string mops. They’re too heavy to lift when wet and impossible to rinse clean. Instead, get yourself a large-headed wet mop with a swivel base and removable terry covers. This mop will do dual duty; a dry cover quickly picks up spilled liquids, while a cover immersed in cleaning solution dissolves and lifts dirt easily. When the cover gets dirty, simply wash it and replace it.

Sponge mops are also efficient in cleaning spills and floors. Larger cleaning heads get the job done faster, and make sure you get one made of metal – a plastic one can’t stand up to the tough job and can break.

Dry mops come in many forms. Small disposable mops slide easily into tight corners, but they’re flimsy and replacement pads are too expensive. Microfibre mops are a great choice because they’re inexpensive, and can be washed, dried, and reused. Use them to pick up dry soil and crumbs in the kitchen. As with the wet mop, make sure you get one made of metal, and with a swivel base.

Photos: Housekeeping.about, Cleaning Services College Station, North Tryon.

We love using spices and herbs! From simple oregano and basil to nutmeg and saffron, there are many to choose from. There are spices and herbs that are common in every day dishes that we use almost every day. If you’re wondering which to stock up on, read our list!

1. Oregano

Oregano is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, and it’s mostly used on pizza, as well as tomato sauce. Due to its strong flavor, oregano is best paired with other bold flavors to keep it from dominating the dish.

2. Basil

Just like oregano, basil is a staple spice that’s added to sauces and topped on pizza. Basil goes best with tomato dishes. Basil can also be paired with meats, fish, and salads.

3. Rosemary

Just as you would with oregano, rosemary is best paired with bold flavors since it has a bold flavor itself. You can remove the leaves from the stems and just add them like that to your dish, or you can chop them up to release the oils and thus more flavor.

4. Cinnamon

Cinnamon can be used as a natural food preservative due to its ability to stop mold from growing. It can be used in savoy and sweet dishes like chili, beef brisket, or pumpkin pie.

5. Black Pepper

Black pepper is the most widely used spice in the world. Dishes with a cream sauce may require white pepper, which is a milder version than black pepper. Black pepper is usually added after the dish has been cooked.

6. Sage

Because of its minty taste, sage is often used in sauces for meant entrees like pork chops, chicken breasts, and turkey. It also goes well with squash and pumpkin.

7. Bay Leaves

Bay leaves were used by the ancient Greeks, and it’s commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine. Bay leaves can be used in soups, meat stews, seafood dishes, and vegetable dishes.

8. Paprika

Paprika is a common spice used in the Balkans, Morocco, and even South Africa. It can be used in stews such as goulash, and it is also used in preparation of sausages. Paprika also goes well with tomato dishes, and in chili.

9. Onion Powder

Onion powder is simply ground onion with salt. You can use it in pasta dishes, pizza, and on grilled chicken.

10. Nutmeg

Nutmeg goes great in stuffings and sausages. It also pairs well with lamb, veal, and pumpkin.

Photos: Wikimedia, Evo Marketplace, Gourmandistan, Rhinobutt, Jones Garden, Free Food Photos, Amoils, Gujarat, Cooks.ndtv, Your Med Guide.

The Tim Horton’s bread bowl may be back, which is great news for us! We can’t get enough of the bread bowl, and we’re impatiently waiting for it to come back! If you’re impatient like us, there is a way to make your own! For this bread bowl, a thick, hearty soup works best. We especially love thick chicken noodle or potato soup! We used white flour in this recipe, but you can substitute it for dark for a healthy alternative. You don’t just have to put soup in these! How about cracking an egg inside mini bread bowls and baking it? You can also fill it up with some tasty mac and cheese! The possibilities are endless!

Tim Horton’s Home-Made Italian-Style Bread Bowl

A thick, hearty soup goes best with these bread bowls! Try beef stew or potato soup! These bread bowls can be frozen for up to a month.

Ingredients

• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 2 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F)
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 7 cups flour
• 1 tbsp cornmeal
• 1 egg white
• 1 tbsp water

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Leave it to sit about 10 minutes until creamy.
2. Add the salt, oil, and 4 cups of flour to the yeast and beat well. Stir in the remaining flour, about a 1/2 at a time, and beat well with an electric mixer after each addition.
3. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it until it’s smooth.
4. Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough in the bowl. Turn the dough around to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and leave it to rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size. (About 40 minutes.)
5. When the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a 4 inch round loaf. Place the loaves on slightly greased baking sheets that are sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover the loaves and let them rise again in a warm spot until they’ve doubled in size. (About 30-40 minutes.)
6. Preheat your oven to 400 F.
7. In a bowl, beat together the egg white and 1 tbsp of water, and lightly brush the loaves with half of the egg wash.
8. Bake for 15 minutes, then brush with the remaining egg wash. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden. Cool on a wire rack.
9. To make the bowls, cut a 1/2 inch thick slice from the top of each loaf and scoop out centers. You should be left with 3/4 inch thick shells.
10. Fill the bread bowls with hot soup and serve immediately.

Photos: The Poch Times, Pillsbury, That Was Vegan.