kitchen – Housing Concierge

Adding a Cork Board to the Side of Your Fridge for Kids’ Artwork

As a proud parent, you know how quickly children’s artwork can accumulate. From colorful drawings to imaginative crafts, their creations are filled with joy, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment. Instead of having them hidden away in drawers or scattered around the house, why not create a dedicated display space for your little one’s artwork? We had the idea of adding a corkboard to the side of your fridge, turning it into a gallery where you can proudly showcase your child’s masterpieces.

Convenient and Versatile Location: The side of your fridge provides a convenient and highly visible location for displaying artwork. It’s a space that is easily accessible and always in view, allowing both your child and the rest of the family to appreciate their artistic endeavors on a daily basis.
DIY Cork Board Installation: To create a designated art display area, consider attaching a corkboard to the side of your fridge. Measure the available space and purchase a corkboard of a suitable size. Use adhesive strips or strong magnets to secure the corkboard to the fridge’s side. Ensure that it is firmly attached to prevent any accidents or damage.
Personalize and Decorate: Make the corkboard area visually appealing by adding a touch of personalization. Paint the corkboard frame in your child’s favorite color or use washi tape to create a fun border. You can also include your child’s name or a positive message using colorful letters or stickers. Encourage your little one to participate in the decoration process, making it a joint creative effort.
Rotating Artwork: Since kids are constantly producing new artwork, consider rotating the displayed pieces regularly. This ensures that their latest creations are showcased and encourages them to keep exploring their artistic talents. Use push pins or colorful clips to attach the artwork securely to the corkboard, making it easy to switch out and rearrange pieces.
Celebrate Milestones and Achievements: The cork board provides an ideal platform not only for displaying drawings and paintings but also for celebrating your child’s milestones and achievements. Showcase certificates, awards, and special projects alongside their artwork, creating a gallery that tells the story of their artistic journey.

By adding a corkboard to the side of your fridge, you create a dedicated space to proudly display your child’s artwork. This simple and accessible solution not only showcases their creativity but also boosts their confidence and creates a sense of pride in their accomplishments. With a personalized and versatile display area, you can rotate their masterpieces and celebrate their milestones, creating a living gallery that reflects the joy and imagination of your little Picasso.

Thick Cork Roll

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Blue painter’s tape, it’s not just for painting

Blue painter’s tape is a versatile tool that many people underestimate. Sure, it’s great for taping up walls before painting or protecting surfaces during a renovation project, but did you know it has many other uses? Here are some of the many ways you can put blue painter’s tape to work:

Labeling: Need to label something but don’t want to make it permanent? Write on a piece of tape and stick it on the item in question.
Cable management: Use blue painter’s tape to keep cords and cables organized behind your desk or entertainment center.
Jar opener: Can’t get that pesky jar open? Wrap a piece of blue painter’s tape around the lid for extra grip.
Temporary hemming: If you need to hem your pants or skirt temporarily, use blue painter’s tape instead of sewing.
Clothing repair: Use blue painter’s tape to temporarily fix a torn hem or keep a bra strap in place.
Removing pet hair: Wrap some blue painter’s tape around your hand, sticky side out, and use it to remove pet hair from furniture and clothing.
Game night: Use blue painter’s tape to create a makeshift game board on any surface.
Decorating: Create temporary wall art by using blue painter’s tape to outline shapes or designs.

ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painter’s Blue Tape

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The Best Kitchen Island Size

The kitchen is often considered the heart of a home, and a well-designed kitchen can enhance your lifestyle and add value to your property. When it comes to kitchen islands, finding the right size and proportion can make a big difference in the functionality and aesthetics of your space. In this post, I’ll guide you through some important considerations for determining the ideal size of a kitchen island in proportion to the room’s footprint.

Firstly, let’s discuss the minimum size for a built-in kitchen island. A kitchen island should be at least four feet by two feet, with an average of 36 to 42 inches of clearance all the way around. You can stretch the surrounding space to 48 inches or shrink it to 30 inches, but it’s crucial to check building codes on accessibility. If your kitchen is less than 13 feet wide, it is unlikely that a built-in island will be possible.

Secondly, it’s important to consider the height of the kitchen island. The standard height for a kitchen island is 36 inches, but if your island will also be used for dining, you should raise it to 42 inches. This height is ideal for bar stool seating and offers enough space for a breakfast bar, where you can enjoy simple meals and snacks. Make sure that bar stools have at least two feet of clearance for access and comfort.

Lastly, it’s a good idea to refer to resources like The Thirty-One Kitchen Design Rules, based on standards set by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, to ensure that your kitchen meets building codes and functional design rules. This guide offers comprehensive advice on all aspects of kitchen design, including layout, storage, and safety.

Thinking of moving or investing and need a referral for a Real Estate Broker, we can help: email us at TEAM@McDanielCallahan.com, fill in the form below or call 925-838-4300. Terry McDaniel DRE license #00941526

Increasingly Popular…Open Shelving

Picture from Houzz, Covenant Kitchen & Baths, Inc.

Open shelving has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. It adds a stylish and modern touch to any kitchen, and it’s a great way to display your favorite dishes and cookware. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of open shelving and provide tips on how to make the most of this trend in your own home.

First, let’s look at the pros of open shelving. One of the biggest advantages is that it can make your kitchen feel more spacious and open. With no cabinet doors to block your view, your kitchen can feel brighter and more inviting. Open shelving also allows you to display your favorite dishes and cookware, adding a personal touch to your kitchen decor. It can also be a great way to show off any unique or antique pieces you may have collected over the years.

However, there are also some potential cons to open shelving. One of the biggest concerns is the need for constant upkeep. With no doors to hide your dishes and cookware, you’ll need to keep them organized and tidy at all times. This can be a challenge if you have a lot of items or if you’re not naturally neat and organized. Another concern is that open shelving can be a dust magnet, which means you’ll need to clean it regularly to keep it looking its best.

So, how can you make the most of open shelving in your home? Here are some tips:

Use it strategically. Instead of replacing all your cabinets with open shelving, consider using it in a specific area or as an accent. For example, you could install open shelves above your sink or around your range hood.
Keep it organized. Use matching or coordinating dishes and cookware to create a cohesive look, and arrange them in an aesthetically pleasing way. Consider using baskets or containers to corral smaller items.
Mix it up. Don’t be afraid to mix open shelving with closed cabinets for a more balanced look. You can also mix and match different types of shelving, such as wood and metal, for added visual interest.
Embrace the imperfections. Open shelving is meant to be lived in, so don’t worry too much about minor scratches or scuffs. They can add character and charm to your kitchen.
Have fun with it. Experiment with different ways to style your open shelves, and don’t be afraid to switch things up from time to time. It’s a great way to express your creativity and add a personal touch to your kitchen.

Open shelving can be a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. By following these tips, you can make the most of this trend and create a kitchen that’s both practical and beautiful. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how open shelving can transform your space!