Tips for Cleaning Kitchen Bar Stools
In most homes, the kitchen acts as family central and is the busiest room in the house. Not only are wonderful meals and nutritious snacks prepared there, but also some of the most endearing conversations and bonding moments take place in this space. This makes remodeling this area a great undertaking, and it can be an expensive one. However, the results are almost always worth the effort because all members of the family get to enjoy the new room on a daily basis. But, just how is it possible to save money on such a major project and still end up with a well-organized kitchen you can be proud of?
Focus on the Practical
Make a list of the changes that might make life easier for family members, especially those who spend the most time in the kitchen. Consider what will be the best use of the space available. Ideas might include the following:
• Lowering shelves in some of the cabinets to make items easily accessible.
• Adding a lazy-Susan in the corner cabinets to make this space useable.
• Putting a simple appliance garage in one corner of the cabinet top to provide neat housing for these electrical gadgets.
• Adding electrical strips along the sides of the stove or under the lip of the countertop for greater convenience.
• Adding some dividers to a deep cabinet drawer to separate cookie sheets or organize plastic containers.
• Buying faucets with two handles rather than a single lever to save a few dollars.
• Converting a kitchen closet to a pantry by adding shelving for additional storage.
Make a Great First Impression
Some of the best ideas for getting the most impact for the least dollars spent on a remodeling project can be done by the homeowner in a short period of time. Try some of the following suggestions to make this project successful:
• Using appliance paint or magnetic panels to give the dishwasher and refrigerator a new look.
• Covering bar stools and chair bottoms with fabric and making curtains to match.
• Painting the trim around the window with a contrasting color.
• Applying appliqués to existing solid colored tiles.
• Resurfacing the island with inexpensive granite tiles which are much less costly than an entire slab.
• Replacing the light switch and outlet covers with more modern versions.
• Using ready-to-assemble wood kitchen cabinets instead of buying higher priced custom made versions.
• Getting replacement doors without the need to replace the whole units, providing they will fit the base cabinet dimensions .
• Adding decorative cabinet knobs or door pulls purchased on an auction site or at the local building salvage.
The greatest savings that can be accrued during a kitchen remodeling job can be found through doing most of the labor involved. Homeowners should work on tasks for which they feel qualified, such as demolition, and seek help from friends and neighbors who might have a different area of expertise. Painting a neighbor's living area, for example, in exchange for several hours of carpentry work, could result in huge savings on a major renovation project and will only cost you your time. Shopping online may also be a great way to locate some inexpensive treasures that will make the new kitchen unique, without sacrificing appeal.
With a little forward planning and creative thinking, a kitchen makeover that doesn't break the bank is achievable.
