Storage

When trying to maximize the amount of storage in your house think of going up. The project below of a linen hall closet uses the height of the tall ceilings. The space had 12' high ceilings. So I stacked three cabinets to maximize the space. I used an 88" high pantry cabinet with shelves (this model also has pull out shelves); but for my purpose, I wanted shelves for linens and other household items so stationary shelving was used. I then had a 30" high cabinet hung above the 88" and secured it to the wall and the cabinet below. Then I topped it off by adding a 15" high horizontal cabinet on the very top. The cabinets are then trimmed out with fillers on all sides and scribed to the ceiling.

 

Toiletries, extra toilet paper or feminine supplies can be stored in wall cabinets hung above the toilet in a bathroom.

Shelves above the garage door and on the wall across from garage door makes great storage space  for your holiday decorations.



 

Back Splashes for Kitchens

Back Splashes for Kitchens

A friend asked me about backsplashes for her kitchen. She had had a leak and found that the previous owner had painted wood for a backsplash (not recommended).

There are many choices out there for kitchen back splashes:  tile, stone, ceramic, glass, granite, quarts, marble, and metal are some of the most popular. You also can use 3M products made of resins and sheet metals in many textures and finishes.

I'm seeing a lot of metal subway tile used in more modern kitchens. This look ties in the stainless steel appliances that are very popular. This is the option my friend has decided upon. While doing some research for her, I found that they do make peal and stick stainless steel tiles. This is a good alternative if you want a quick and inexpensive way to update your backsplash, especially when you know that in a few years you will be redoing the kitchen.

(Found on the Home Depot web site)

 

I also see the more traditional ceramic tile in a variety of colors, textures, and shapes for kitchen backsplashes. Below is an example with a linen pattern that makes for a more modern look.

 

(from the Contempo tile web site Linen Series Lines Grigio)

 

Stone tiles like slate, sandstone, travertine

 

(Found on the Lowes  web site)

 

Glass tiles are also great for backsplashes

 

(from the Ann Sacks website)

 

With all backsplashes you want something that can be easily cleaned. Especially around the stove area where grease and splatter will collect on it. I suggest something with a smooth surface.