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Benefits of a Galley Kitchen

October 30, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Apartments and smaller homes often have galley kitchens. These narrow spaces are called galley kitchens after the galleys on boats. A small and narrow footprint can in reality be a highly functional kitchen space if the appliances are laid out in a proper work triangle.

The benefit of a galley kitchen is that there are very few steps between the stove, fridge and sinks, the work triangle of any kitchen. It may not be possible to open the fridge and the oven at the same time, as in this kitchen, but when does that ever really happen.

Galley kitchens can work if you have one chef in the family.  Getting two or more people in a galley kitchen can be tricky. Having enough counter space can also be tricky. Having a microwave built into a cabinet or above the stove is a good way to save valuable counter space in a galley or any small kitchen.

When placing flooring in a galley kitchen, don’t fight against the natural narrowness of the space. Wood floors should be installed with the planks running the same direction as the counters.  Emphasize the length of the kitchen to make it feel larger.

In smaller kitchens, the total amount of materials will be less than in a larger kitchen. This means you can splurge on the granite countertops, the more expensive cabinets and the better quality floors. The bulk of your budget will still be on the appliances. To save space, use a counter depth refrigerator. Every inch counts in a galley kitchen.

If you need help choosing the right products for your galley kitchen, ask us for help!

Filed Under: Kitchen Tagged With: appliances, decorating, decorating advice, design, galley kitchen, galley kitchen decor tips, home, Kitchen Appliances, kitchen decor, small kitchen tips, small kithchen, small space, tips for small kitchens

A Healthy Kitchen

August 19, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Creating a healthy kitchen can be about making healthy meals for your family, but it can also be about creating a healthy environment. Cooking at home is great on the budget and can also be great for the waistline and overall health. Making sure your kitchen is as healthy as it can be is just as important as the healthy food that is prepared there.

New materials for countertops and floors can help keep kitchens healthier. Anti-microbial properties in natural stone and composite materials mean these materials will be less likely to harbor harmful bacteria or contagions. Stainless steel sinks, counters and appliances are good choices for their resistance to penetration by bacteria and germs.

Even more traditional materials like butcher block cutting boards can be healthy if they are cleaned and maintained properly. Using a specific cutting board for meats and poultry rather than placing these products directly on counters will limit the spread of bacteria.  A mild solution of bleach or vinegar and water can be used on most counter surfaces to keep them clean. Always check before using any new chemicals on your floors or counters.

Healthy kitchens are clean kitchens. Regularly cleaning out the fridge, (that includes wiping down all of the shelves) freezer and cupboards reduces clutter and gets rid of food crumbs. Keeping pantry items in sealed containers will help prevent these crumbs which can prevent unwanted pests.  Check your pantry regularly for signs of these critters.

Being healthy begins with a healthy kitchen.  A clean kitchen may even inspire more cooking and healthier family meals! If you like to cook healthy meals, share some of your favorite dishes or recipes with us in the comments!

Filed Under: Kitchen Tagged With: an organized kitchen, healthy kitchen, home, home maintenance, keeping your kitchen healthy, Kitchen Appliances, kitchen maintenance, kitchen organization, kitchen tips

Remodeling for Beginners: During the Project

March 13, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Last month, we focused on remodeling for beginners, and we discussed how to start your project. This month, we wanted to focus on what to do during your remodeling project. Let’s get started!

Prepare Your Space

Before any home renovation or remodeling project, it is imperative to prep the space for your workers. However, the amount of work you do entirely depends on the type of project. If you are just having your floors redone, you will need to remove everything off of the floors. But if you are doing an entire kitchen renovation, you will need to take everything out of the room, much like you would do when you move houses.

Also, remember to be courteous of your workers’ time and schedules by preparing the room one or two days before their arrival. If there are large appliances that you physically cannot move on your own, mention the items to your workers and see if they can assist you. Otherwise, items in drawers and cabinets should be fully boxed up before their arrival to ensure a quick and easy transition.

Be Flexible

While it is important to have a timeline in mind, it is also essential to be flexible. Unfortunately, manufacturer delays and unforeseen circumstances can disrupt timelines; therefore, try to roll with the punches.

Create a Secondary Kitchen & Bath

If you are having your kitchen or bathroom remodeled, it is crucial to create some sort of “backup” room. For instance, when your kitchen is out of commission for several weeks, you should capitalize on another spacious area of your home to hold your backup kitchen. For example, you may have room in the corner of your living room for a small table. This table can house your microwave, toaster, and convection oven during the remodel. Plus, having this area will allow you to still eat meals at home during the renovation.

Communicate Kindly & Effectively

Whenever possible, try to be a nice boss by communicating your thoughts, ideas, and feelings kindly and effectively. If you are frustrated by any hold-ups, kindly let your contractor know your concerns. You do not want to build any unneeded tension between you and your workers because remodeling should be a fun experience.

Set Aside Extra Money

Lastly, when budgeting for your project, it is important to set aside a little extra money. This money will help be a cushion in case any unforeseen circumstances or additional costs arise. Plus, if you do not end up needing/using it, you have extra money saved for a rainy day.

We hope that you found these five ideas helpful, and be sure to check back weekly for more expert advice. Thanks for reading!

Filed Under: Remodeling Tagged With: home, project, remodel, remodeling, renovate

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