Kitchens

Do you remember as a child when you came home from school – opened the front door – and the smell of the evening’s meal met you? As you entered the kitchen, mom was busy enjoying the preparation. One glance to the countertop and there was the chocolate pie – there was always an evening dessert. Now look ahead 20, 30, 40, even 50 years ahead and how do we see our kitchens? Well, things have certainly changed. We have become so busy – even those who have retired – that we opt for the quick and easy meals or take-out and eat-out. But that doesn’t mean our kitchens shouldn’t be ready for those days when we do prepare the meals. But, kitchens have changed! Energy efficiency is at the top of the list for consideration. Below are a few things we can do to be energy conscious yet have a pleasant atmosphere in which to work.

Energy efficient appliances – the first place we should start. Check your appliance manuals to make sure you are following guidelines for efficiency. i.e., some dishwashers have internal heating elements that allow you to set the water heater at a lower temp. Secondly, make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Vacuum the condenser coils of the refrigerator once a year (unless you have no-clean condenser coils.)

Gas ovens and ranges with automatic, electric ignition systems save gas because a pilot light is not burning continuously.

Recycle, Recycle, Recycle – Kitchen recycling centers take the mess out of managing your recyclables. Modified kitchen cabinets neatly conceal recycling bins. Check out your local home improvement store for options. Stand alone double and triple bins can be purchased at Target.

Energy efficient task lighting and lighting controls – whole house, programmable controls that allow lighting fixtures to perform as task, safety or mood lighting can often offset the cost by the first year’s energy savings.

Always leave the faucet lever in the cold position when using small amounts of water. Left in the hot position energy is used even though the hot water never reaches the faucet.

All that said – cooking can be fun and energy efficient in a well appointed kitchen. Give cooking a try – I do once in a while!

There's More To Life Than Ordinary

I'd like for you to take a step back, look around your home and tell me what you see! Does your home look the way it did 10 years ago, 5 years ago, or how about 1 year ago? Well, maybe it's time to do something out of the ordinary!

If it has been 10 years or more since you spruced up your home, then let's start by looking at the paint on your walls. Many times we paint our walls a neutral color just to be on the safe side. Well, let's get out of that mindset! Neutrals are fine but let's get away from white and off white. Sherwin Williams has a slelection of paints called "Fundamentally Neutral." These neutrals range from Snowfall to Black Swan. Some have brown undertones, others have anywhere from pink to yellow to green to gray undertones. Pick one that will pick up the tones in your furnishings. Then, you might think about adding an accent color to a wall in one or more rooms. It is amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do for your interior.

Now, let's move on to the hangings on your walls. Is it time to replace one or more pictures? Not quite sure you can part with any of them? Well, just move them from one room to another. How about your mirrors? Mirrors can be very inexpensive and add so much depth to any room. Changing the frames on pictures and mirrors will help to refresh the look of your home. Michael's and Hobby Lobby have great half price off framing sales. Watch your Sunday newspaper for these deals.

Accessorizing can make any room look new and refreshed. New pillows and throws on sofa's and chairs add a little spice to any room. And, don't forget about decorative pillows for your bedrooms. Luxurious tassels hanging from lamps, armoires, or door knobs are always an elegant touch.

What about your window treatments and draperies? Whew, how long has it been since they were updated? With the emphasis on energy efficiency today it is important that we put thought into what we have on our windows. There are many energy efficient products on the market that help "Stop the Great Energy Giveaway" as Hunter Douglas puts it. Draperies and Valances not only help with energy savings but also add a beautiful setting in every room. Fabric of any amount on windows help to give warmth and softness to any decor.

Overshelmed by the thought of bringing your decor from ordinary to spectacular? Give Carol a call to help you pull it all together. Carol or any one of her designers can get you started or see you through the entire project. Call 940-565-8337 for an appointment and visit Carol's website at carolscustomdraperies.hdwfg.com - You'll love what you see! Happy Decorating!