Kitchen Power Point Planning

Clients often ask us how to go about planning power points placement in a kitchen. Here are some kitchen power point planning tips just for you!

Start with the big stuff

People often forget that you need to start planning where to put your power points when you're planning the kitchen. Start thinking about your major kitchen appliances - dishwasher, fridge, microwave and rangehood are some that come to mind.

Then little stuff

Think about your benchtops and where you'd want your kettle and toaster (maybe a sandwich toaster or blender) to be. Aim for at least three powerpoints for your small benchtop appliances.

 Plug Points on Island Kitchen Bench

These are usually placed on the side of the bench, which can be a hazard if you have little kids who might be tempted to stick their fingers in there. Consider getting some plug protectors or covers if this is a concern. Some island benches have "pop up power points" which are super  handy, but remember these will also need to be placed away from the sink (if the bench has one)

Quad Powerpoints

Considering the use of iPads, iPods and other devices in the kitchen it might be worth considering a corner quad powerpoint if you've got the space. Three is usually enough, but if you like to bring your devices in the kitchen with you then we recommend the quad powerpoint.

Hidden Power Points

Appliance drawers are becoming super popular. Placing a hidden power point in there is good way to keep you counters cord clutter free!

Safety First

Make sure you don't place any powerpoints close to a sink or stove top. You can read more about water and power point distance here 

Semi-Permanent Decor Ideas for Your Outdoor Area

Decorating your outdoor space can be challenging. It's a challenge to keep up to date with design trends but also tricky to maintain decor pieces that are left outside. We've come up with some semi-permanent decor ideas that you can try in your home - giving it a trendy look without the permanence and upkeep!

Chinese Lanterns

These are a great way to freshen up your outdoor area's decor. It's cost effective and suits any occasion. Choose white or beige for something neutral or mix it up with some bright colours! The lanterns come in all shapes, sizes and designs as well. Here's a handy video on how to string the lanterns yourself. Our favorite semi permanent decor idea!

Drapes and Make Shift Canopies

Create an exotic look by draping material. It's a really easy way to create an intimate atmosphere. Drapes are also versatile as material comes in all different colours and designs.

Rugs, Throws and Pillows (and lots of them!)

A really easy semi-permanent decor idea to brighten up the area and make it nice and cosy for your guests!

Hammock

Okay, so this may not be something you'd put up for decoration but they do add an awesome chilled out vibe to outdoor living areas. Plus it's extra seating!

Rusted Wall Hangings

If you've got the wall space it's worth throwing some wall hangings up on them. We recommend materials that gain character as they weather. Corten is a good example of a material that gets better with age. It's a really versatile material that can be lasered into virtually any shape or design.  Corten gives your outdoor area a warm rustic look and be a point of interest. This could be permanent or semi-permanent.Have you got some semi-permanent decor ideas? We'd love to hear them. Leave a comment below!  

Must Have BBQ Accessories for your Outdoor Kitchen

Every outdoor kitchen should be equipped with BBQ accesories. Here are our top five must haves for your outdoor kitchen...

Barbecue Tool Set

If it's one thing an outdoor kitchen can't go without it's a barbecue tool set! The price range can vary between AU $12 to AU $200. A basic grill master set usually has tongs, a spatula and fork. A deluxe barbecue tool set can contain up to 24 utensils including a bottle opener, basting brush, skewers and a grill brush. Stainless steel is a recommended material for a set but they do also come in aluminium.

BBQ Grill/Cooking Thermometer

For perfectly cooked steak we recommend a thermometer. The doneness of the meat all comes down to internal temperature. So use a thermometer to ensure you're not over or under cooking your meat. You can buy digital thermometers or leave in oven proof thermometers. When your meat is done the internal temperature of the meat will be:

• Rare 60ºC
• Medium rare 60-65ºC
• Medium 65-70ºC
• Medium well done 70ºC
• Well done 75ºC

BBQ Firelighter

Whether you're using it for lighting a fire, your BBQ or candles, a firelighter is a very handy accessory to have in your outdoor area. Long stem lighters are generally safer to use as you keep a safe distance from the flame. These lighters are refillable and can be bought for as little as AU $3, however we suggest spending a bit more for a quality lighter that'll last.

BBQ Pizza Kit

The alternative BBQ. Grilling pizza is a popular barbecuing alternative. These are usually pretty low in  cost and typically consist of a pizza spatula, pizza wheel cutter and a pizza rack.

 

Non-stick BBQ Grill Mat

These aren't for everyone, but if you're looking to protect your BBQ these non-stick BBQ grill mats are a great solution! Avoid scrubbing and scraping your barbie after a cook up and use these re-useable non-stick mats. Using these mats is also a healthier way to BBQ. The non-stick surface means you use less oil. They can also be used in the oven. 

Kitchen Layouts - What's the Difference and Why Does it Matter?

G-Shape? Galley? One wall? What's the difference between these kitchen layouts and why does it matter? Here are some key points to know about the most popular kitchen layouts...

One-Wall Kitchens

• Suitable for smaller homes
• There is no working triangle concept with one-wall kitchens, the sink is usually installed between the fridge and oven
• Finding work space can be tricky, consider a pull out work space drawer for extra work space!
• This layout can work well in larger homes if you are looking for an open plan feel

Galley

• Very efficient for cooking
• This style was designed for tight spaces and is common for restaurant kitchens and bars
• Building material for cabinets, splashback and counters needs to be selected carefully; selecting materials that are light to create the illusion of space work well
• A galley kitchen is usually open on either side which can make for a busy kitchen!

U-Shape

• Common in medium sized apartments and suitable for 'one-man/woman cooks'
• The difference between galley and U-Shape is that the U-Shape is closed off at one of the ends which reduces chaotic foot traffic for busy house holds
• Home planners often opt for a fridge outside the 'U' so there is more storage space
• Pull out drawers are handy as a storage space solution!
• If the space is big enough a kitchen island increases your kitchen's interactivity

G-Shape

• For medium sized houses (can work in small homes but tends to look cramped)
• Kitchen bars are often added to G-Shape kitchens which allows for interactivity or cooking collaboration in the kitchen
• A kitchen bar also doubles up as extra work space
• Suitable for families

L-Shape

• Common for outdoor kitchens
• One of the more popular lay out designs
• Suitable for medium or small homes
• Perfect for the working triangle
• Can have multiple entry and exit points as it's open both ends
•  Good option if you are looking to make use of corner space

Picking the Right Kitchen Sink

Finding a kitchen sink is easy. Finding a kitchen sink that's designed for the way you like to do dishes - not so easy. Here are some tips to help you pick the right sink for your kitchen...

Size

It's annoying trying to wash large oven pans and trays in a small sink. If you are low on space and can't afford to have a large sink, opting for a small one is fair enough but if you have the space, a decent large sink is the way to go! Think about your largest cooking tray and use that as a measurement guide.

Double Sinks

Double sinks are great for washing and rinsing so you aren't left with soapy dishes, but if you don't have the space single sinks will do the job. Consider getting a spray tap for rinsing. They are really handy for rinsing dishes and food as well!

Triple Sinks

This is a luxury but if you have the space three basin sinks are awesome for multi-tasking (washing, draining and rinsing)

Shape

This comes down to personal preference. A round shaped sink is good for kitchen tasks but is not very practical for cleaning dishes (particularly if you are cleaning large rectangular pans and trays.) Generally we install rectangular sinks for this reason. They are also more space effective.

Material

Stainless steel sinks are the most popular. They're durable, easy to clean and look good in any kitchen! It may get scratched but scratches aren't as noticeable on stainless steel as what they are on white porcelain for example. It's  also much cheaper than porcelain, granite and marble.

Above or Below

Top mount or drop-in sinks are a good DIY option. They're  easy to install and cheap, however they aren't as sleek and stylish as some other sinks. Top mount sinks can also collect soap scum between the sink lip and counter.

Under mount sinks are mounted beneath the counter. They collect less scum and dirt than the top mount sink and tend to look better too. They are a bit more costly to install as it needs to be glued to the counter.

Farmhouse sinks are specially designed so that the sink actually replaces part of the counter. They are generally quite deep and tend to look good in a more traditional style kitchen. Obviously installing a farmhouse kitchen is a lot more challenging than a top or bottom mount sink as it has to be fit to the counter.

Do you have any tips for picking the right kitchen sink? Leave a comment with your thoughts or ideas below!

Outdoor Kitchen Lighting Tips

When it comes to lighting for your outdoor area you need to think about more than just ambiance. Design, style, the right light for preparing food and bug control are just some of the things one needs to consider. We're here to help! Here are some outdoor kitchen lighting tips...

Task Lighting

A bright light above your preparation or task area is really important. White lighting with a low or high voltage is suitable, although high voltage lighting is better for a range of temperatures. You could go for a simple light fixture on the wall or under your cabinet. OR you can get stylish and choose from a selection of designer task lights, like this one...

Dimmers

We always recommend getting dimmer lighting. Dimmer switch lighting allows you to control the light intensity, which helps set the mood. They're also good for weather dependent lighting control.

Bug Control

Bugs are attracted to ultraviolet light so having a yellow LED bulb is a good option to keep bugs away! Yellow LED lighting also tends to emit less heat which keeps them away. We recommend yellow LED lighting rather than zapping the poor bugs away!

Quality Stainless Steel

We often hear stories from clients about how they splashed out on an awesome kitchen but then bought budget lighting. Stainless steel is a common material choice for outdoor lights but people don't always check the grade of the stainless steel , which means, soon enough they have rusty lights. Check the rating before buying stainless steel lights!

Rangehood/ Fan Lighting

Most rangehoods these days come with lighting. If it doesn't - rethink your decision and opt for one that does. The bulb options vary from LED to fluorescent, halogen and incandescent. They're all effective, but emit different heat temperatures. The colour, quality, lifespan and intensity also vary. Be sure to find out details from your lighting provider.

Ambiance Lighting

There are so many brilliant ambiance lighting ideas around. Candles, oil lamps, mason jars and fairy lights are just some options that are great for ambiance lighting. Fairy lights should come with a driver or transformer which brings down the voltage. Check that it does before you buy it.

Alternative Lighting

There are an increasing number of light styles and designs and a lot of them are DIY! Light fixtures made from buckets, egg crates and twigs are just some materials you can use to make a unique home made light for your outdoor kitchen. Check out these awesome DIY ideas.

 Be sure to check the IP rating to ensure your lights are safe!

8 Kitchen Storage and Organisation Must Haves

Everyone wants a neat and tidy kitchen, here are 8 great kitchen storage and organisation must haves...

1. Wine Bottle Storage

Wine rack designs have come a long way. Having a wine rack mounted to the wall is a huge space saver and it looks awesome!

2. Hanging Pot Rack

Putting up a simple shelf on your kitchen wall is another great way to store your kitchen ware (particularly your pots and pans) This is a good option if you're looking to get an eclectic look in your kitchen.

 3. Cutlery Drawers

We posted a blog about drawers being the new cupboard when it comes to kitchen storage space. You can have the drawer custom made or, for a more cost effective option, buy a cutlery organiser and pop that into the drawer space.

4. Sauce/Oil/Vinegar Bottles

Dried up tomato sauce bottles are something we've all had in our kitchens at some point! Decanting your sauces and/or oils is an easy way to make your kitchen look organised. These bottles range in price but essentially do the same thing.

 5. Hidden Paper Towel in Drawer Space

Tuck your paper towel into a drawer space. The best thing about this idea is that it keeps the benchtop clear, but the paper towel is still accessible.

6. Wine Glass Shelf

There's some really creative options when it comes to wine shelves. Including the use of an old garden rake. For a sturdier option we recommend something like this. You could double up a the wine rack and wine glass holder, which will save you even more kitchen storage space.

 7. Grocery Bag Holder

This is one of those versatile kitchen storage space ideas as you can DIY or buy a fancy one and it does the same thing.

8. Spice Drawer

Keep your spices organised in a spice drawer. Depending on how many spices you want in your kitchen you could compartmentalize the drawer or just have something basic.

 Got any tips to keep a kitchen neat and tidy? We'd love to hear them in the comment box below.

Custom Made Furniture

Rickety tables, wobbly chairs, faded cushions, moudly wicker - all these things might ring a bell if you have furniture in your outdoor area. It's easy to fall into the trap of getting a cheap patio furniture set but how many times a year do you have to replace it? You want something that can handle all weather conditions, looks good and is built to last...

More and more people are investing in custom made furniture and here's why...

Custom Made

The main benefit of having custom made furniture is that it's made especially for you. This means it's designed and manufactured to suit your style, needs and space. You can spend hours in a furniture store looking to tick all the boxes you have for an outdoor suite but often people don't find exactly what they want.

One of a Kind

Having furniture custom made means that there is no other piece of furniture like it. A customer is treated as a unique customer rather than one of the masses. It's a lifestyle choice to buy a piece of furniture that is not only strong and durable, but has been made just for you!

 Quality

Custom made furniture is not only made to your desires and preferences but built with care by experienced crafts-man or carpenters who use only the best materials.  Reclaimed timber, polished concrete and corten or weathering steel are just some of the materials we use in our custom made furniture. Our building procedures and attention to detail give our furniture a quality finish.

Supporting Local Community

We've seen more and more people take great pride in supporting the local community. Supporting small and local businesses starts a cycle that has a positive effect on society culture, the environment and the local economy.

Environmentally Friendly

Typically, furniture designers and carpenters are environmentally conscious and endeavour to only use materials that don't exhaust the environment. We use salvaged or reclaimed timber in a lot of our custom made furniture, giving our pieces a unique and timeless look with a story to go with it.

Why not save money and buy something cheaper?

As home owners this is something that ofen crosses our minds. The answer is simple. Mass produced items of furniture are generally made with weak materials and constructed for the masses. The lifespan of discount furniture is short and often needs to be replaced as parts of the furniture come apart. Custom made furniture is something that becomes a special part of your home that can be passed down for generations. It lasts that long!

Take a look at some of our custom made furniture on our Showcase page or on our Houzz Furniture project page. See something you like? Leave a comment with your favourite custom made piece!