A simple guide to a clear and organised kitchen

Your kitchen is often seen as the heart of your home; it’s where you gather to cook and socialise; however, keeping it organised and clean can sometimes feel as though it’s an unachievable task. With meal prep, snack time and the occasional spill, it’s very easy for your kitchen to become messy and feel cluttered. However, with a little bit of effort and some smart thinking, you can make sure your kitchen is a clean, efficient and welcoming space.

We’re going to have a look at some of the ways you can create a thoroughly clear and organised kitchen so it’s a space that you can be proud of and enjoy.

Declutter your kitchen

Before diving into the deep end of cleaning, you need to start by decluttering your kitchen. This means that you need to get rid of any items that don’t belong in your kitchen, like keys, post and books. Then, you need to go through each of your cabinets and drawers and make sure you get rid of anything that you no longer use or need. You need to be ruthless with this; if you haven’t used it in the last year, it’s probably time to get it gone.

You could think about donating old kitchen items such as pots, pans and appliances to a local charity shop or thrift store. This will help you to free up some space and it will also help somebody who is in need.

Deep clean your appliances

You use your kitchen appliances on a daily basis; therefore, they need some care and attention. You need to have a thorough cleaning of them to make them look better and last longer. Items you should tackle:

Your refrigerator: You should start by removing all the food and getting rid of anything that is no longer on date. Then, clean with a mixture of baking powder and water. Make sure you clean the seals and the outside of the fridge as well. Before you put anything back in, make sure you think about some storage solutions that are easier to use.

Your oven: This is something that people often dread; however, it is important for both safety and hygiene. Take out the racks and soak them in warm, soapy water; then, use baking soda to coat the inside of the oven. Allow the mixture to sit for a few hours, then start getting rid of all the grime. If you have any stubborn areas, then you may want to use a little bit of white vinegar to help you lift them. If you don’t want to get your hands dirty, then you may want to consider using an oven cleaning service so that you can get your oven nice and clean without all the hard work.

Your microwave: Your microwave is really. All you need to do is put water with a few slices of lemon or vinegar into your microwave and put it on high for three to five minutes. The steam created from this will help you loosen any nasty gunk and allow you to wipe it down easily.

Your dishwasher: This is another one that is easy to clean. Load a piece of copper or white vinegar and put it on a hot water cycle.

Clean the cabinets and worktops

You may be surprised by how much dust can accumulate on your worktops and cabinets; therefore, it isn’t a good idea to clean them regularly. Clear off any items from your worktops, wipe down the surface with a mild cleaner, making sure that you pay attention to the corners and edges where detritus can collect. If you have any stubborn stains, use a mixture of water and baking powder, leave it for a couple of hours, then wipe it down. For your cabinets, you can use a mix of warm water and dish soap; if they are a little bit greasy, then you may want to add a bit of vinegar to the mix. Make sure you pay attention to your handles, as they can gather a lot of bacteria. Make sure that you don’t forget your splashback when you are cleaning your worktops and cabinets, as a lot of grime can get on there without you realising it, especially if it is behind this stove or in an area where you prepare food.

Organise your kitchen space

Now that you’ve made everything clean and tidy, it’s time to organise your kitchen and make it as functional as possible. First, look at your pantry and make sure that you have similar items in it, all grouped. For example, if you’ve got canned goods, make sure they are all stacked together and easy to see. If you have containers for things like pasta, rice and cereal, make sure you put them in a place where you can easily see them and have access to them. It’s a good idea to label everything so that you can see what you need. When it comes to your cabinets, make sure that you have one cabinet for each item. For example, put your pots and pans together in one place. If you’re short on space, you could consider using shelf risers or pull-out organisers so that you can make the most of your kitchen space. Don’t forget that you can use the space under your sink for things like all your cleaning supplies and random bits and bobs. Think about adding some bins where you can put smaller items together, so they’re organised.

Getting your kitchen cleaned and organised might seem like a huge task; however, when you put a bit of planning and effort into it, you can create a kitchen that is both functional and inviting. Whether you are going to do it all in one day or you’re going to spread it out across a couple of weeks, it’s really worth getting this done. Don’t forget that it’s important to keep up to date with your kitchen cleaning regularly, but you don’t need to do a deep clean every single time.

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Installing laminate or wooden kitchen worktops

Choosing the right counter tops is crucial when transforming your kitchen into a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. Laminate and wooden kitchen worktops are popular for homeowners seeking durability, style and affordability. Whether renovating your kitchen or building a new one, installing laminate or wooden kitchen worktops requires careful planning and execution to ensure a seamless and long-lasting finish.

This guide will walk you through the steps and considerations involved in installing these versatile and beautiful kitchen worktops, helping you achieve the perfect look and functionality for your culinary haven.

1. Preparation is key

Before embarking on this DIY adventure, ensure your kitchen floor units are solidly anchored and impeccably levelled. An uneven base can complicate the worktop installation, leading to potential wobbling or misalignments.

This guide focuses on easily cuttable materials: laminate and solid wood. Professional assistance is essential if you’re considering granite, quartz or other solid surfaces. They’ll ensure the precision of your kitchen’s template and handle the off-site worktop preparation.

Before the installation, cleanliness is pivotal. Remove any sawdust or residue from your floor units. Also, the surfaces, especially the rear walls, should be smooth and even.

2. Essential tools

For a seamless installation, gather:

The kitchen worktop (laminate, wood or butcher’s block)
Joining strips for the worktop
A timber baton
Two G-clamps
A circular saw
Safety equipment: eye goggles and gloves
Measuring tools: tape, utility square, pencil
Electric or Phillips screwdriver
Sandpaper for finishing touches
Hacksaw
Electric drill with drill bits
Masking tape and scissors
Screws for securing

3. The art of setting out

Strategising or ‘setting out’ ensures you minimise cuts and optimise the factory-cut edges of the worktops, providing a neat, consistent look. Ideal installations should have minimal joints, presenting a single continuous surface illusion.

The longer worktop sections should align with the lengthier walls for kitchens with an L or U shape, while the shorter sections cover the adjoining areas. Aim to position the joining strips inconspicuously to preserve the worktop’s aesthetic integrity.

4. Measuring and precision cutting

Start with your kitchen’s longest wall. Remember to account for an overhang (around 20mm) beyond the edge of the kitchen units when measuring the worktop length. Accurately mark this on the underside of the worktop using your measuring tools.

Affix a timber baton to the worktop to guide precise cutting, ensuring alignment with your pencil markings. This strategy guarantees straight, neat cuts. When cutting, prioritise safety by wearing goggles and gloves. Maintain a steady pace, avoiding stops that could cause splintering.

Post-cutting, lightly sandpaper the edges to eliminate imperfections, ensuring you focus only on the sides and not the main surfaces.

5. Installing the worktop

Position the cut worktop over the base units, aligning it perfectly. Ensure the overhangs are uniform and rest snugly against the rear wall. Use G-clamps to anchor the worktop to the base units below temporarily.

The attachment mechanism may vary, but typically, you’ll need to drill pilot holes from the base units into the worktop without breaching the top surface. These holes facilitate the screwing process. After drilling, join the worktop and base units with screws at both the front and back to ensure stability.

This procedure remains consistent for all subsequent worktop sections.

For adjoining sections, employ joining strips to achieve a cohesive finish. Measure the required length and trim it with a hacksaw. Secure this strip to the worktop edge and slide it into its desired position. Once you’re satisfied, anchor it to the base units.

6. Finishing flourishes

Exposed edges of materials like laminate might necessitate the application of a finishing strip. Measure, tape and template this strip according to your worktop’s profile, then trim it accordingly. Apply the supplied glue (in a well-ventilated room) to the end strip and the worktop edge. Allow it to cure briefly, then position the end strip and hold it in place with masking tape until the adhesive solidifies. If any protrusions or inconsistencies appear, gently sand them for a polished finish.

With these steps at your fingertips, you can fit the rest of your kitchen worktops with precision and confidence.

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Induction cook tops: are they worth the price?

The ‘battle’ between gas and induction cook tops has been going on for a while, at least ever since you can see everyone on TikTok using induction ones. Whether they look better or are simply more efficient, we can’t tell for now, but what’s sure is that most people want gas stoves to be gone, especially since gas is no longer considered a sustainable choice.

That’s the reason why chefs on social media talk about the benefits of cooking with induction appliances. Jon Kung, for example, prefers them because they keep the air cleaner since they don’t burn natural resources to be operable.

But how reliable are induction cook tops really? And what about the costs of owning and running one? If you’ve ever wondered about these products’ efficiency, we’ll discuss some of these aspects to help you decide if it suits your kitchen and your lifestyle.

Induction cook tops: the technology of the future

Induction cook tops are fairly similar to electric ones as far as design is concerned, but what differs between them is the electromagnetic technology behind induction. The cook top doesn’t necessarily heat up, as the energy is transferred to the pan.

In the beginning, induction cook tops were merely a trend on social media. Nowadays, more people have got the handle on it and are switching from gas or electricity to this safer and more energy-efficient solution.

What’s the difference between induction and gas?

Induction is superior to gas in many ways, such as when we talk about surfaces used for cooking. However, the most significant benefit of induction is that it’s sustainable when compared to gas – for both nature and humans. Gas stoves can lead to respiratory problems due to emitting pollutants and are more dangerous to kids, who can be prone to developing asthma with prolonged exposure to gas from stoves.

Are there other advantages of switching to induction cook tops?

Besides being a sustainable and less health-damaging solution, induction is an excellent choice from many perspectives. Firstly, it’s incredibly safe since there are no naked flames resulting from the process. This means that it’s impossible to be burned by touching the surface of the hob. Also, there’s practically zero risk of the kitchen igniting. Moreover, most induction cook tops will automatically shut off after you remove the pan from it after a few seconds. Hence, even if you forget to switch it off after cooking, it’ll shut itself down almost immediately.

At the same time, induction is a more precise method than gas or electric when cooking & heating food because it directly heats only the bottom of the pan. When you switch the stove top off, the heat immediately cuts out, so your food won’t overcook. And since induction is more powerful than electric and gas stoves, it’s also more energy-efficient.

Finally, induction cook tops are extremely easy to clean, as any spilt food won’t burn or stick to its glass finish. Hence, you don’t need powerful cleaning products applied with lots of elbow grease; a simple wipe with a damp cloth and everything’s clean. If you install it in handleless kitchens, then you won’t have to worry about spots ever again.

However, induction is not for everyone because…

Induction is quite costly. Since it’s a fairly recent product on the market, only a few have had access to it so far. Prices tend to start at around £800. The cost for an electrician to install it will be an additional outlay; the electrical wiring needs to be installed safely. On the whole, induction is more expensive compared to gas and electric appliances.

The installation cost will be further increased if you’re making the switch from gas to induction. This is because both a plumber and electrician are needed as it will be necessary to remove the gas line safely, following which you’ll have to install specialist wiring. Finally, they’re required to test to ensure that the stove is properly integrated into the property’s electrical system.

In addition, as the material above the induction unit is glass, the appliance is prone to scratching with regular use. Even the edges are challenging to keep in good quality, which is why some induction cook tops come with a metal frame that helps them last longer in terms of appearance.

Finally, cooking on an induction cook top requires a little getting used to because it works in differently to regular gas and electric hobs. For instance, there’s a lot less waiting time when boiling or frying since pots & pans will reach the necessary temperature almost immediately.

You need a certain type of cookware

The thing with using induction cook tops is that you may have to replace your cookware or simply learn which one of your current ones are suitable for usage. For instance, aluminium, copper or glass won’t work because the material needs to have a magnetic pull for the induction to work.

You can successfully use anything made of cast iron and a particular type of stainless steel with an induction cook top. You can test if your pans are good for induction by sticking a small magnet to each and see if the pan holds it.

What do you think about getting an induction cook top?

Induction cook tops have been trending because they’re smooth and easy to use and clean. They don’t work with literal heat, so the cook top’s surface won’t burn you or the food that falls from the pans. At the same time, the heat is distributed better, so preparing foods may be smoother and faster than with any other stove powered on gas or electricity.

However, before deciding to purchase such an appliance, know that the financial outlay and installation can be quite expensive and the glass surface on top is susceptible to scratching.

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Why slab backsplashes are trending in our kitchens

Once a utilitarian space, the kitchen has transformed into the heart of our homes, where functionality meets aesthetics. Homeowners and designers alike are continually seeking innovative ways to enhance kitchen design, and one such trend that’s been gaining traction in recent years is the slab backsplash. Unlike traditional tiled backsplashes, slab backsplashes are large, uninterrupted pieces of stone or other materials which offer a unique and contemporary look to kitchen spaces.

In this post, we explore the reasons behind the rising popularity of slab backsplashes in our kitchens and their numerous benefits.

Reasons behind the rising popularity of slab backsplashes

1. Seamless elegance

One of the most significant reasons why slab backsplashes are trending is their seamless elegance. As a single, uninterrupted piece of material, slab backsplashes create a visually stunning and luxurious effect. The lack of grout lines, which are typically present in tiled backsplashes, adds to the sense of unity and sophistication in the kitchen. Whether the chosen material is marble, granite, quartz or porcelain, the smooth surface of a slab backsplash exudes a sense of luxury and refinement. It will make a kitchen look as fancy as those in Lottoland lottery winners homes.

2. Minimalist appeal

The minimalist design philosophy has gained immense popularity recently, and slab backsplashes align perfectly with this aesthetic. The clean lines and uncluttered appearance of slab backsplashes contribute to a sense of openness and spaciousness in the kitchen. With fewer design elements to distract the eye, the focus remains on the beauty of the natural stone or material chosen for the slab, allowing it to become the centrepiece of the kitchen’s design.

3. Versatile material choices

Slab backsplashes offer an extensive range of material options, catering to diverse design preferences. While marble and granite are timeless classics known for their luxurious appeal, other materials like quartz and porcelain offer modern and chic alternatives. Homeowners can choose from a wide array of colours, patterns and textures, ensuring that the slab backsplash seamlessly aligns with the kitchen theme.

4. Durability and low maintenance

Aside from their aesthetic charm, slab backsplashes are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements. The absence of grout lines eliminates the need for constant cleaning and resealing, which is common in tiled backsplashes. Natural stone slabs, such as granite and quartz, are highly resistant to heat, stains and scratches, making them ideal choices for a high-traffic area like the kitchen. The longevity of slab backsplashes ensures that they remain a worthwhile investment, retaining their beauty and functionality for years to come.

5. Increase in property value

Home improvement trends often align with increasing property value, and slab backsplashes are no exception. Potential homebuyers are increasingly drawn to modern, aesthetically pleasing kitchens with functional design elements. A well-executed slab backsplash can significantly enhance a kitchen’s appeal and become a selling point for the property. As such, homeowners looking to upgrade their kitchens often prioritise the installation of slab backsplashes as a means to increase their home’s overall market value.

6. Seamless integration with design styles

Slab backsplashes have a versatile nature that seamlessly integrates with various design styles. Whether it’s a contemporary, industrial or farmhouse-style kitchen, a well-chosen slab backsplash can complement the existing elements while adding a touch of uniqueness. The ability to harmonise with different design aesthetics contributes to their widespread popularity and ensures that slab backsplashes are here to stay.

5 alternatives to slab backsplashes

While slab backsplashes are a popular choice, several alternatives can offer unique aesthetics and functional benefits to your kitchen design. Here are a few alternatives:

Tile backsplash: The traditional and widely used option, tile backsplashes come in various shapes, sizes and patterns, allowing for endless customisation possibilities. From classic subway tiles to intricate mosaic patterns, tiles offer various styles to suit different kitchen designs.
Herringbone pattern: A variation of tile backsplashes, the herringbone pattern involves arranging rectangular tiles in a zig-zag manner, creating a visually appealing and stylish look. This pattern can add a touch of elegance and movement to your kitchen design.
Brick backsplash: A brick backsplash is an excellent option for a rustic or industrial vibe. Real or faux brick tiles can add texture and warmth to the kitchen, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
Pressed tin panels: Pressed tin panels can be a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a vintage or retro-inspired look. They come in various patterns and finishes, adding a touch of nostalgia and charm to your kitchen.
Glass backsplash: Glass backsplashes offer a sleek and modern appearance. They come in various colours and can be back-painted to match your kitchen’s theme. Glass backsplashes are easy to clean and maintain.

When choosing a backsplash alternative, consider your kitchen’s overall design theme, the level of maintenance required, and how well it complements your lifestyle and cooking habits. Each alternative brings its own unique charm, allowing you to create a kitchen space that truly reflects your personality and style.

Conclusion

In conclusion, slab backsplashes have emerged as a prominent trend in modern kitchen design due to their seamless elegance, minimalist appeal, versatile material choices, durability and low maintenance characteristics. Their ability to increase property value and seamless integration with diverse design styles further cements their position as a sought-after kitchen design element.

So, which kind of backsplash do you prefer and why? Let us know in the comment section below.