Storage solutions to dream off

Why choose an insert for your kitchen.
                                                                    By
                                                                           Gerhard.G@easylife.co.za

If you are the person who prefers to have all objects to come out toward you when you open your kitchen cupboard doors then read this.

There is a large amount of inserts that can be found for kitchen cupboards. I have selected a couple of solutions that I work with allot to discuss today.

The carousel is an all time favorite, They come in Many shapes and designs from Wire, to plastic, to a solid wooden based unit with a beautifully stylish chrome finish.
The plastic version is Very cost effective and it serves its purpose. Just be careful how cost effective the plastic is that was used. Generally try and see if you can find one in the store that you will be purchasing your kitchen from.
https://www.cleverstorage.com/tripodlazysusan/

Then you have the corner drawer solution. Magnificent technology. Although you still have the dead corners , the space that is usable in the drawers is really functional. Ant to put the cherry on the kitchen , the motion on these drawers is to die for. The nice part of having drawers in the corner is that each section comes out to you and you can organize the space much more efficiently. If price tags is not an issue for you, then this is your solution.
https://www.blum.com/aa/en/01/80/20/

Blind corners

And then there is the blind corner. The part that normally is easy accessed is the front of the cupboard by the section that is at the door. Then comes the word “blind”. Try and get to the back of these and before you know it you will soon find yourself saying the type of words that is frowned upon.

The inserts available for these blind corner units is amazing. There is a Butterfly unit that swings out of the corner and elegantly comes out of the cupboard. This unit is allot like the upmarket, standard corner cupboard Carousel.
https://www.cleverstorage.com/lemans/

Another unit on the market is a wire mechanism that is split in two parts. When you open the door of the unit, tier one comes out toward you first. Then the further you open the cupboard door the rest of the unit comes from the back to the front. This is a real nifty solution in my opinion. Although you loose an bit of space with the installed blind corner unit , the usable space is an real pleasure to work with.
https://www.cleverstorage.com/magiccorner/

Grocery solutions.

There are some Magical solutions available in this area. The standard well known unit is a big larder that moves from the back to the front. You will find allot of companies that tries to manufacture these inserts. The emphasis lies in tries. Only a selected few companies makes an unit that is effective in motion and longevity. The first hint on quality with these units is that they are flimsy and rocks like an boat on rough waters.
https://www.cleverstorage.com/dispensa/

There are specialized units that works allot like the blind corner solutions. Two tiers that folds out of the storage unit. Although these units carry a high price tag, they are a treat to work with. You will also find that the upper class products have different selections of baskets. MY personal favorite supplier is Kessebohmer .
https://www.cleverstorage.com/tandempantry/

Then you have grocery units that has drawers inside of them. The only one comment that i have when you do this is to work with Blum's space tower.
https://www.blum.com/aa/en/01/80/10/

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Follow these links to find out more.
www.cleverstorage.com

www.blum.com

www.easylifekitchens.co.za

For more information on beautiful designer kitchens Contact me on (+27) 078 270 3456 or email me at gerhard.g@easylife.co.za / gerhardjgoosen@gmail.com

Your kitchen has a style, whether you want it to or not. While there are many factors that go in to styling a kitchen, the larger features, such as a kitchen countertop, can set the look for the rest of the kitchen. If you love your countertop or are dreaming up something new, you should know what this large feature says a lot about your style.

If you’re ready for a new look for your kitchen, it might be time for a countertop replacement. Contact a kitchen remodeling contractor and receive up to four quotes from pros in your area for free.

Kitchen Countertop Costs

Countertops are a vital part of your kitchen. Not only does it play a role in the overall look of your kitchen, it also must be functional as well as a space to entertain guests. With so many jobs to do, no wonder homeowners invest so much into finding the perfect countertop. If you’re ready to change up your look it could be time for a countertop replacement. The average cost to replace countertops is R 25 000, with most homeowners spending between R 25 000 and R 100 000. Much of these costs depend on size and material, so carefully consider your choices as you budget.

1. Granite Kitchen Countertops

Granite is a top choice for homeowners who want a timeless look. It’s durability and low-maintenance care lends itself well to many homeowners. In addition, granite comes in a variety of colors to match with kitchen styles. Often, you’ll see granite countertops paired with other classic looks such as a neutral kitchen. However, more daring homeowners choose a black granite that they can work into a beautiful black and white kitchen.

If you’re thinking about changing it up to granite, the average cost of a granite kitchen countertop is between R 15 000 and R 50 000.

2. Concrete Kitchen Countertops

A countertop material that is growing in popularity, concrete can be found in contemporary and rustic style kitchens. It’s incredibly durable but does take some upkeep. It’s great for homeowners who desire a natural and minimal look. It’s a countertop that’s supposed to be a focal point, so if you like to keep your kitchen tidy, this is the countertop for you.

3. Tile Kitchen Countertops

Are you the creative type? Tile countertops might express that in your kitchen. Because tile countertops can come in an array of colors and shapes, you have the ability to mix and match what you’d like to get the look you’ve always imagined. It’s also a great way to show off your DIY expertise, as many homeowners choose to install themselves.

4. Quartz Kitchen Countertops

Homeowners with quartz countertops often want a naturally beautiful look that will last. They are looking for a unique focal point in their kitchen and quartz is the answer. Because it’s a natural stone, you’ll have a look all your own. And, it’s growing in popularity, making it a great kitchen investment.

5. Laminate Kitchen Countertops

If you like variety in your home décor, laminate countertops are an affordable way to dress up your kitchen for less. Laminate countertops are great for homeowners who pay attention to detail and enjoy having a myriad of options, while keeping to their kitchen remodeling and decorating budget.

6. Butcher Block Kitchen Countertops

For the home chef, a butcher block countertop is a must for their dream kitchen. Not only do butcher block countertops look great, but they are also helpful in the cooking process as an extra surface to cut and chop vegetables. Butcher block countertops do take regular weekly maintenance, so if you own this style, you probably work hard to keep your kitchen looking great.

Conclusion

Your countertops are one of the most important features in the kitchen. They can enhance your overall look and help you express your personality. If you’re remodeling your kitchen, be sure to pick the countertop that best fits your style.

If you would like professional advice regarding your kitchen remodel Contact Gerhard @ +27 082 330  8384 / +27 078 270 3456    email @ Gerhard.g@easylife.co.za / gerhardjgoosen@gmail.com

The magic of building your dream kitchen.

A kitchen is the place were you spend a great deal of your precious time.

Its the place where you dream up the most delicious meals, The kids sitting at the kitchen nook or the island doing homework or playing on the tablet. Your husband popping in smelling the taste tantalizing aroma of the masterpiece that you are putting together like a work of art. Once you have completed the glorious meal you serve it and have a nice family gathering , sharing all the happenings of the day. The meal is done and the cleaning starts. You wash the dishes , pack the dishwasher or use the sink. Pack all the utensils and cutlery back to where they are supposed to go and you do the surface cleaning. Before you know it 2 hours of your day is gone.

The big question is how was the experience in the kitchen during these two hours. Did you waste time struggling to open drawers or finding the utensils in the untidy drawer. Was the extraction unit a noisy beast. Did you walk back and forth, Back and forth in the kitchen. How many times did you have to bend and scratch for the spices, Tupperware , plates and groceries?

In most cases the fault does not lie with you, The kitchen just was not planned correct. There was no specialized organizing units, no planning went into the workflow. Space allocation was not discussed . In most cases you did not even know of all the solutions available.

It is a proven fact that when a kitchen is well thought out and designed through good communication with your design consultant and careful planning that you can save allot of wasted time. It really makes working in the kitchen a pleasure.

By keeping in mind your left or right handed habits, your flow of the kitchen can be taken in one direction if you have a small kitchen and if it is a massive kitchen you could have a triangular work flow that works in either a clockwise for right handed people or a left handed anti clockwise direction.

Once the flow is worked out you need to have your 5 zones allocated. Storage of consumables, non-consumables , Prepping , Cooking and naturally the cleaning area. If these are well fitted in your workflow you will be astonished how much quicker the daily routine goes.

Did you know that there is hundreds of hinges and Drawer runners on the market. Most companies sells you the cheapest that you can find and sure they work well for a while but then you start realizing that the doors and drawers just doesn't close as nicely as when you bought it a year ago. In some cases you hear squeaky noises and the doors just seem to always touch each other because the adjustment that you had to make last week has changed again. Sometimes it feels like you are going to the gym pulling and pushing that darn utensil drawer 15 times in one night. The Crux is that you must make sure what hardware you will be paying for. The names that should be putting your heart at ease is Blum "Check the spelling on the hinge" , Grass and Hettich. They have a 15 year guarantee !

There is a multitude of drawer systems available from these suppliers. Starting with a ordinary Metabox drawer that works with a specialized nylon "Not plastic" wheel and has metal side members that is mounted to your wood base , all the way throught to a gear operated , electronic drawer that you touch and it opens it self. Brace yourself though , Ka-Ching for the Latter end . Soft closing functions is available in all of the drawer systems if you request it. My recommendation is that you do request it. When you carry plates in your drawers the soft closing touch just takes the silence of opening and closing to a glorious new level.

The hinges also comes with soft closing options, some of them is built into the hinge and others is a attachment. My preference is Blum's integrated blumotion hinge. Masterfully crafted workmanship.
I once saw the amount of components that goes into one of these hinges. I was stunned that so many little pieces goes into one hinge.

If you are a person who loves containers to store everything in then have a look at cross and vertical dividers that is available in almost all these brands.

The Exterior of a kitchen is what everyone experiences the most. Make sure that you are being sold a-grade materials.
Choose wisely when you decide on the type of worktop surface that you will use. Remember most actions happens on a worktop surface. There is Manufactured stone , Granite surfaces that you get out of the earth, Solid Wood surfaces , Formica surfaces and the big no, no for a kitchen . . .  Melamine worktop surfaces.

Melamine is great for doors and deco fillers though. In the modern world the colors that they brew up is truly astonishing .
The next step up would be a Micron foil surface, also known as a wrap. On these doors you are able to choose a selected range of patterns. Make sure what micron value your doors will be or soon you might have peeling doors .
Then you get Acrylic doors. These doors is stunning. The colors is very much focused on a more modern designed kitchen.
My personal favorite is the painted surfaces. Basically anything can be done when a door is painted.
Be it pattern or color the world is your oyster , that is if you have money .

A big modern trend is Gloss surfaces. These can be done in paint , Micron foil surfaces and acrylic surfaced doors. Stay away from Micron foil if you are very focused on smooth surfaces. With close inspection you will find that the surface is slightly wavy. This is called orange peel.

When you are planning on having a kitchen installed put a little homework into it and create a dream book filled with pictures , drawer inserts , notes of what you like and dislike in your current kitchen and if you have the time wright a bit about your family habits in the kitchen. This will enable you to envision the dream and to word the dream better to your designer.

And people remember if the quote is low then there is a reason for it.

Quality comes at a price.

If you are interested in more details regarding kitchens feel free to contact me at
gerhardjgoosen@gmail.com or at gerhard.g@easylife.co.za.
+27 78 270 3456