Okay, so in my last video clip I talked about putting matboard up. For me, matboard is an alternative to refrigerator frames with magnets. I thought it was a better option to tape the matboard on my fridge to highlight memories or just showcase pictures that will accent my kitchen.

I just worked with arranging the matboard on my fridge the other day and I think I’ve got the look I want. I’m still not sure just yet, but here’s the arrangement that I’ve got at the moment (see above photo).

I keep thinking maybe I should remove the two frames with the oval shapes in the center. I’m not sure if they’re too much. Maybe less is more in this situation or I need to add other types of decoration in their place. I have to admit… something’s bothering me about the arrangement. Maybe I’m being silly, but we’ll see.

Anyway, I haven’t printed any photos yet. Right now I’m just working with the look and feel and once I’m sure how I like how they’re arranged I’ll put up photos of friends and family or print off some great photos I like from the web.

This is just to tease you for the time being and give you an idea of where it’s all going. More coming shortly….

Bookmark this page...

More »

Now this looks really crummy right now, because my kitchen is trashed and this is a project in progress. However, I got excited and just wanted to toss this idea out there in case it helps you out.

The idea is to use hanging plants to create intimacy and warmth in your kitchen–and to divide the kitchen from the other part of the house. This works if you have a small opening in a kitchen that overlooks the living room and you want to add a bit of plant life to your home and have a bit more privacy at the same time.

And of course, let’s not forget decor… plants add astounding beauty to an otherwise plain home.

For me, all of the above applied. And also because I just adore plants. When I go shopping I love to buy new plants and when I dream of the finishing results of my redecorated apartment, I always dream of having a lot of plants around.

Anyway, the goal for this project is to hang plants all the way across my cupboards or add one more along with a decorative wind chime or two. I only have 2 plants hung at the moment but I will keep you posted on the results as I go along or show you the finished results once I’m done. I’ll create a small DIY one how to do this once I’m finished.

But in the meantime maybe this served as inspiration to you?

Bookmark this page...

More »

Here are some great space saving kitchen tables if you’re limited on space. All convertible tables that fold away or fold down. Get for temporary or semi-permanent dining.

The Table Top Extender also made our Cool Picks list because you get both a square and round table in one, which can do a lot for a small place if you’re entertaining a large party. It means you can squeeze in about twice the amount of people with the extender on top.

Pretty cool, huh?

Bookmark this page...

More »

The Worktop Sink is a collection of space saving sinks. This small space sink allows you to save precious countertop space for other necessary items in the kitchen. This collection of sinks comes in a range of sizes to fix any home’s sink needs.

These small space sinks are made with stainless steel and are easy to clean. The 16% gauge steel is 25% stronger than the normal 18% gauge steel, for better chip resistance and to block out more noise. Sound pads are installed to help reduce noise and maintain water temperatures longer. The perfectly brushed finish will match any other stainless steel appliances in the home.

These small space sinks are featured with either tilt-out or front storage drawers, rearward and corner drains, and a backsplash. The stainless steel is mixed with chrome-nickel which provides good corrosion protection. The designers of the Julien collection will even custom make a sink for your project if none of the ones available meet your specific needs.

Bookmark this page...

More »

When it comes to dining tables, round is recommended over other sizes because you can squeeze more people in. This space saving table might do the trick for you since it comes with a round table top extender. You can then fit more people at the table when you’re entertaining a larger group.

Initially, the square table can seat up to 4 people but with the round table top extender you can seat between 6-8 people. The table top extender folds as well as the table which allows for easy storage when not in use.

Although this is meant to be a card table, obviously it can be used for many occasions. Not just for entertainment purposes but also for temporary, permanent or semi-permanent dining purposes in smaller homes like studios, lofts and dorms. Link >>

Bookmark this page...

More »

Fridge in a Drawer

The CoolDrawer, by Fisher and Packel, is the ultimate answer to your refrigeration needs. When entertaining, this system allows easy access to all your food and beverage needs. The CoolDrawer is an energy efficient appliance and contains the energy star logo.

This cool drawer features, full extension runners, sub trays and bins, full height bottle storage, and removable spill proof bins. The superior design includes seamless cabinetry installation, custom or refinished skin options, and aluminum trim. The CoolDrawer is the world’s first temperature controlled drawer.

It has superior temperature control features, and can maintain a variety of temperature settings as well. It also features touch command controls, LED lighting, and an alarm that tells you if the door is left ajar. There is a two year comprehensive warranty included with your purchase, as well as a five year warranty on the sealed system.

Bookmark this page...

More »

Toaster for Small Kitchens

The Roller Toaster, a toaster for small kitchens, is a innovative way to take toasting bread to the next level. The design was created by Jaren Goh in 2006 for the Meiban Group LTD. The design won the Reddot Design Award in 2006. This small kitchen toaster is designed much like the power strips used today. The concept is to place your bread horizontally into the toaster.

As the bread is pulled through the toaster it is toasted, then drops down onto your plate. The design was created as a way to save countertop space, as the Roller Toaster is much smaller and compact than its counterpart.

This new design would also be much easier to clean then the conventional toaster since there is basically no room for crumbs to fall in to. The small kitchen toaster would be perfect for toasting a lot of bread, and would definitely be an asset to any home or hotel room. The designer has not stated when or if this concept will go into production.

Bookmark this page...

More »

The first problem that you may face when trying to select a can opener isn’t finding the one that saves the most space, but trying to find an electric or manual one that opens cans properly and remains in working condition long enough to satisfy your appetite.

So we’re going to go over some ideas that might help you out on your quest to find the can opener that works for you. But first, let’s mention the different types of can openers available.

The Different Types of Can Openers on the Market

Besides your basic manual and electric can opener, you’ll also have the option of choosing from wall mounted can openers, handheld can openers, countertop can openers, under the cabinet can openers and clamp base can openers.

Wall Mounted Can Openers

Usually manual. Sometimes these are not only useful for the wall but can be mounted under the cabinet as well. The space saving advantage is that it can be pulled out when needed and hide away discreetly when not in use.

If you want one of these, then you’re likely to find the Swing Away Can Opener dominates the market in this area. And luckily it’s got pretty good reviews so you can be confident you’re getting a good product if you decide to purchase it.

Handheld Can Openers

Usually manual. The real bonus with these is not only that they can easily hide out of sight in drawers, but that they don’t require electricity to work. So when the power is out, you still have your can opener!

The bad news is some may not work well for you if you have arthiritis. So you’ll want to be aware of that if you decide to get one.

If you do decide to get one, the easiest way to keep it simple with handheld can openers is by letting the majority rule. Seek out one in which the majority of consumers have good things to say, but also be sure to look at the bad reviews as well since those are the ones that tend to pinpoint the often, overlooked details.

Countertop Can Openers

Usually electric. These are your basic electric can openers. The advantages only come if you can find one that isn’t a countertop hog, or if you can find a crafty spot to place it out of sight when it’s not in use—like in your cubbards.

When you’re looking to buy an electric countertop can opener, this is another circumstance in which you could put the idea of the “majority rules” into practice. You could go with something almost everyone has good things to say about if you want to play it safe.

When I shop for a product I always look at the negative consumer reviews first and then move on to the positive ones. This then gives me a balanced outlook and keeps me from making a rash purchase and later having to deal with buyers remorse or having to return it.

Under the Cabinet Can Openers

Usually electric. The advantage with these is that they don’t take up countertop space, which is a biggy when you have a small kitchen and very little space to go on.

The bad news is when you’re trying to find an under the cabinet can opener, just about all of them have a bad report. Negative reviews usually outweigh the positive or coincide with them.

So, a lot of under the cabinet can openers just don’t make the cut. Personally I would avoid them at all costs because manufacturers haven’t quite mastered how to make a good product line of under the cabinet can openers just yet.

However, if you do decide to go with one, take it slow and do your research. I also recommend that you follow suggestions (below) under the topics Manual or Electric… Which is Better and Put it to the Test. This will offer you a simple safety net if things don’t work out with your under the cabinet can opener.

Clamp Base Can Openers

Usually manual. These are professional/commercial, restaurant quality type can openers that clamp onto the countertop or tabletop. And they aren’t cheap. They usually range around $200-up.

However, if you want something really reliable that will last you a long time, the clamp base can opener might be for you. They are fairly compact but keep in mind since they clamp on the countertop or tabletop, complete discretion is unlikely.

And now that you know what’s out there, the question still stands. Which type should you choose?

Manual or Electric… Which is Better?

Quite simply. With can openers I always say, if you can’t decide which one to get, get both. Neither type of can opener takes up much space.

And you can bet if your electric can opener is a little bulky, you’ll have absolutely nothing to worry about when it comes to the manual one. They are so small, that you barely notice they’re there.

Put it to the Test…

But the question is, why would I recommend two? Well, besides the obvious, if you can’t make up your mind, getting two will allow you to put them both to the test. The truth is a lot of people have had problems with both so they get nervous when they’re trying to figure out which one to get.

So owning both would allow you time to figure out which one works best for you and it will allow you to test them properly. Especially since there are so many different brands out there and each one works a little differently.

Not to mention, if you have more than one person living in your household, chances are good one of you might prefer manual and the other, electric.

The good news is also that manual can openers come in use when the power is out–so if your electric one is useless you can turn to the manual one. You may remember me saying that a little earlier.

And there’s one more important detail to consider…

Sometimes manual can openers open some cans better than electric ones and vice versa. If you pair them off, you might find that owning both takes care of your problem with opening all kinds of different can types and sizes. Especially if you’ve had a history of bad luck with can openers.

But now that I’ve said all of that, keep in mind you don’t have to keep both indefinitely, you could just simply buy both until you’ve tested them out and then donate the other one if it hasn’t died on you by the time you’ve decided to get rid of it.

Bookmark this page...

More »

Sliding Towel Bar

You can get a space saving hidden sliding towel bar for your kitchen. It’s by Rev-A-Shelf. It’s great because it hides towels and wash clothes and gets them out of sight–rather than hanging your towels on the stove bar or elsewhere in the kitchen where they are visible and sometimes aid to a cluttered look.

You have the choice of choosing a two or three prong version and chrome or white. I decided to choose the white sliding towel bar with 3 prongs because it was a bit cheaper than the silver version and I figured it didn’t matter what it looked like since it was hidden anyway.

You can see it in action here. I made a quick video clip of how the sliding towel bar operates…

If you like the looks of it, then you can get one through Amazon. Remember you’ve got the choice of a two prong or three prong sliding towel bar. It takes only a few minutes to install. Installation is really easy.

I installed my slide out dish towel rack between 15-30 minutes. The hardest thing you’ll face is just trying to get a good grip on things. In my case, my pipes got in the way and I had to get a little clever with positioning myself under the sink. So you’ll want to keep that in mind if you get one.

Bookmark this page...

More »

If you’re not loaded with money and you want a simple, yet effective trash can, use mug hugs, cup hooks or curtain rod holders in combination with a grocery store bag.

Simply place the hooks where you’d want them and hang the bag up on it. It makes for a good wall-mounted trash can or an under-the-cabinet trash can. You may not want these all over your home but they work great in a place in which you don’t throw away trash frequently–like under the bathroom sink.

Bookmark this page...

More »