Photo: lebaroninteriors.blogspot.com

Everyone knows the backsplash is an important element in kitchen design. What you may not know is that, considering its high degree of visual impact, tiling a backsplash is surprisingly easy for DIYers. Before you start, here are five points to consider:

1. Choose Tile Carefully
Think long and hard about the type, size, design and color of your backsplash tile. Fads and trends come and go; consider colors and patterns with classic, assured appeal. Make sure that you buy a sufficient number of tiles by carefully measuring the backsplash area. (This is especially important if you are purchasing discontinued designs.) It’s smart to buy a little extra, knowing that what you don’t use can be stored for use in future repairs.

2. Plan Before You Place
No matter how simple your backsplash design, take the time to lay out the entire project on the floor before putting it on the wall. (Alternatively, draw the planned arrangement of tiles on a sheet of graph paper.) Doing so enables you to determine whether you have enough tiles to complete the job and whether any tiles require cutting. Photograph and print out a copy of the layout so that you have a visual reference to consult as you work.

Photo: shutterstock.com

3. Prepare for Every Stage
A backsplash project involves more than simply buying and placing tile. Make a list of all the supplies you need to get the job done from start to finish, then secure and organize those tools and materials in one place. Having everything required for the project before you begin will save time and reduce stress.

4. Consider Cleanup
Protect surfaces in your work area from dents, dirts, and scratches, using a roll of wallpaper from the thrift store. Fasten the wallpaper sheets with painter’s tape, so they can be easily removed later. Once you’ve finished, simply shred the paper and compost or recycle it.

5. Time to Tile
Leave yourself enough time to get the results that you want. If the experts’ two-day timeline makes you feel anxious, then allow an extra day or two. A holiday weekend is an ideal interval during which to take on a backsplash. DIY supplies will be on sale, and you won’t feel rushed to bring about your kitchen’s beautiful new look.

For more on backsplashes, consider:

How To: Tile a Backsplash
11 Backsplashes for a Unique Kitchen
The Backsplash: A Kitchen’s Most Underutilized Real Estate

Top Tips for Tiling a Backsplash Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: ellentuckinteriors.com

Banquettes have a nostalgic charm about them, whether you sat at one in your grandmother’s kitchen or you shared a diner booth with friends in college. But is this distinctive seating right for your home?

For insight, we reached out to kitchen and bath designer Susan Klimala, CKD – CBD and owner of The Kitchen Studio in Glen Ellyn, IL. “Banquettes allow for a cozy, intimate dining experience with a casual feel, but they’re not for everyone,” says Susan, who has designed numerous banquettes, including one in her own kitchen. She cites several good reasons to consider a kitchen banquette.

Related: Trending Now: Banquette Seating

Efficient Use of Space
“From a design standpoint, banquettes offer a very efficient use of space. You are eliminating the need for some of the clearances you would require with a table and chairs. This makes seating possible in areas where a table and chairs would just be too tight.”

Perfect for Casual Dining
“Banquettes are ideal as a casual dining spot for a small group. They are better for breakfast and after-school snacks than they are for formal dinners.”

Photo: kitchenstudio-ge.com

You Can Repurpose Out-of-the-Way Places
“Alcoves, bay windows, and corners are all good spots for a banquette. Another option—if you are planning to build or remodel—is to think about repurposing the space that might have been planned for a walk-in pantry. I did this in my own kitchen and was able to design a large island, plus plenty of storage, while still having enough room for an eat-in kitchen.”

There are, however, situations where banquette seating may not be the perfect solution, among them:

Not for Big Families
“I would not recommend banquette seating for a very large family. If someone needs to get out for another serving, a glass of water, or what have you, then everyone has to scoot over to let them out.”

Finding the Right Table Is Challenging
“It can be tricky to find an attractive table to service a banquette. The table has to be a pedestal of some sort. It cannot have legs at the four corners, because you would bang your legs every time you got in or out. Most times a banquette necessitates some type of custom table.”

They Can Be Hard to Clean
“Banquettes can get a little grungy, especially the parts tucked away in the back, so ideally you want a movable table that you can pull in and out when you need to clean or change the tablecloth. We did a banquette where the table was on casters for this exact purpose.”

Related: 12 Outstanding Kitchen Island Options

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

MB Wilson Interior Design / Photo: Beth Singer

If you are thinking about putting a banquette in your kitchen, heed Susan’s advice: Ideally, you need a minimum of 27 inches of space for each person to sit comfortably. The depth of the benches should be at least 24 inches, because you will want to leave space for an angled back or upholstered seating. The table should overlap each bench by three inches or so.

If you are designing a banquette in front of windows, be sure that the windows are a good 24 inches off the floor to allow for a seat height of 15 inches (not counting the height of the cushions).

When it comes to upholstery, opt for something washable. Fabric-upholstered cushions are never a great idea, especially with children. Choose an upholstered banquette in leather or pleather, just like the seating you would find in a restaurant. Such material can be easily wiped clean, and you won’t have to deal with the cushions falling off the benches. Your local upholsterer should be able to help you pull this together.

For more on kitchen design, consider:

Kitchen Design Trends for 2013
12 Outstanding Kitchen Island Options
Planning Guide: Kitchen Remodeling

Is a Kitchen Banquette Right for You? Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: excelconstructiontx.com

Thinking about giving your dated kitchen a new appearance? Fortunately, there is a cost-effective alternative to replacing your cabinets completely—you can reface them. Refacing is a quick and relatively inexpensive way to achieve a refreshed aesthetic with minimal disruption to your kitchen and daily life.

Cabinet Boxes and Trim
As part of a refacing project, the cabinet boxes and frames are usually kept, while the cabinet doors and drawer fronts are replaced. (The size and layout of your cabinets remains unchanged.) Assuming your cabinet boxes are are in good condition, the next step is to decide on the look you wish them to have.

Painting the boxes is one option. If, however, you desire traditional stained wood or a smooth, glossy, and modern finish, a veneer layer will need to be added. Veneers are available factory-finished or unfinished, the latter of which may be stained.

Note: Applying the veneer requires care and precision. Prefinished veneers are difficult to touch up, even if you make a minor mistake during installation. Unfinished veneers are very thin but can be touched up more easily.

Doors and Drawer Fronts
Standard cabinet door styles and sizes will be appropriate for most cabinet openings, and the same is true of cabinet drawer fronts. To reface older or custom cabinets whose dimensions are not standard, you can always opt to have specially sized doors or drawer fronts manufactured, but doing so can significantly cut into any savings you gain by choosing to reface.

Like veneer, cabinets doors and drawer fronts are available unfinished (which you can paint or stain) or prefinished. Given the wide selection available, it should be easy to find a standard factory finish to your liking.

Photo: buzzle.com

Measuring
When shopping for new cabinet doors and drawer fronts, accurate measurements are of the utmost importance, particularly when purchasing online. To minimize error, provide your cabinetmaker with an old door and drawer front in each size that you will need.

Hardware
New hardware is an important part of refacing. If possible, coordinate your choice of knobs or pulls with the hinges of your cabinet doors. Remember that, because re-hanging cabinet doors can be tricky, the smart move is to use adjustable hinges, which allow for adjustments and fine-tuning to be done with a screwdriver.

A Final Thought
Refacing cabinets with new doors and drawer fronts is a straightforward project for the experienced do-it-yourselfer. But even if you decide to hire a contractor, the cost remains significantly less than a complete kitchen cabinet replacement.

Most impressive of all is the fact that you can have a new kitchen within the space of only one or two weekends!

For more on kitchen cabinets, consider:

Kitchen Cabinets 101
How To: Refinish Kitchen Cabinets
5 Creative Alternatives to Kitchen Cabinetry

Cabinet Refacing: Should I or Shouldn’t I? Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: ceholt.com

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Listen to BOB VILA ON CLEANING STAINLESS STEEL or read the text below:

For daily cleaning, wipe with a damp sponge and a little liquid dishwashing soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately, rubbing in the direction of the stainless’s grain. To take care of fingerprints, wipe with a little undiluted vinegar, then rinse and dry. For baked-on foods, use a nylon scrubbie, or rub in a paste of baking soda and liquid dish soap. Always remember to rinse and dry thoroughly afterward.

Remember: many cleaning products can scratch or damage stainless finishes. Avoid steel wool and abrasive cleansers and pads. Never use bleach. Even water can leave deposits that spot and stain, so always dry the surface immediately. And don’t use excessively hard water.

There are plenty of stainless cleaners and polishes on the market. But before using any cleanser, check your owner’s manual. Even if the manual says a product is okay to use, first test it on an inconspicuous place.

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

For more on cleaning, consider:

Top Tips for Cleaning Grout Lines
Top Tips for Keeping Countertops Like New 
7 Surprising Pantry Items Naturally Clean and Freshen Your Home

Bob Vila Radio: Cleaning Stainless Steel Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: thecopperworks.com

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Listen to BOB VILA ON RANGE HOODS or read the text below:

The venting capacity of a range hood is measured in cubic feet per minute, or CFMs. How many CFMs you need depends on a lot of variables, including the length of the ductwork. But as a general rule you need enough CFMs to handle the strength of your range. To figure out what you need, add up the BTU output for each of your range’s burners and divide by 100. A 60,000 BTU range top will require a range hood of at least 600 CFMs.

Take your cooking style into consideration, too: If you do a lot of frying, you’ll want more CFMs.

You’ll also want to consider the range hood’s noise rating, which is measured in sones. The lower the number, the quieter the hood.

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

For more on kitchen appliances, consider:

10 Smokin’ Hot Range Hoods
Selecting Appliances
How To: Clean an Oven

Bob Vila Radio: Range Hoods Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: jacksonelectricinc.com

Under-cabinet lighting can vastly improve the workability and appearance of your kitchen.

For starters, under-cabinet lighting facilitates cooking tasks, such as chopping veggies or reading from a recipe book. Aesthetically, it helps balance the room’s ambient light, eliminating shadows in parts of the kitchen that would otherwise be dark.

An added convenience is that under-cabinet lighting can serve as a nightlight if equipped with a dimmer.

Installation
A plug-in fixture may be used for short runs of under-cabinet lighting, but for an entire kitchen, hardwired fixtures are the best option. For the latter, you’ll need a code-compliant source of electricity that is not already dedicated to the refrigerator or counter appliances. Avoid any circuit at risk of becoming overloaded.

You may be able to run the circuit from a junction box in the basement or an adjacent room, assuming you have the requisite knowledge and experience to work safely with electricity. Don’t know what you’re doing? Hire a licensed electrician to run a new line from the electrical panel.

The new junction box for your under-cabinet lighting can be located behind cabinetry or in a nearby wall. Cables for the fixtures will be run inside the wall; if run through your cabinets, the cables will be metal-clad.

When mounting any fixture under a cabinet, position it to the front. If there is a lens, face it toward the backsplash. The bottom-front rail of the cabinet should hide the fixture from your line of sight, whether you’re standing or seated. If it doesn’t, consider extending the rail with a narrow board or trim piece.

Photo: americanwoodworker.com

Selection
Operating on either low voltage or 120-V, under-cabinet fixtures may be classified by form (spot, bar, strip, tape, etc.) or by light source (incandescent, fluorescent, or LED). Spot and bar fixtures may be incandescent, fluorescent, or LED; strip and tape fixtures use LEDs.

Some things to keep in mind when choosing under-cabinet lighting fixtures:

• Spots, also known as puck lights, create pools of light that if spaced too far apart, may leave some areas in the dark. Bars, assuming you mount them end to end, will provide even light along the counter.

• Because they’re so narrow (less than an inch), LED fixtures are easy to hide. Their impressive length also appeals; while strips and bars are available in three-foot lengths, LED tapes are available in lengths up to 16 feet and can be cut to fit your installation.

• Incandescent under-cabinet lights are typically equipped with either halogen or xenon bulbs. Halogen bulbs are more expensive, emit more heat, and use more energy than other sources, but they produce a nice light and are dimmable. Xenon bulbs give off less heat and are more efficient, plus they last longer.

• Fluorescent under-cabinet lights are cool to the touch and efficient. Newer fluorescents neither hum nor flutter, and the light they produce is warmer than that of earlier incarnations. The bulbs are inexpensive to buy and use very little electricity, and when they burn out, it’s easy to replace them. Many fluorescent fixtures, however, cannot be put on a dimmer switch.

• LED lights last the longest—10 to 20 years or more—although their output fades over time. And when an LED bulb goes out (or breaks), the entire fixture must be replaced.

• If you opt for LED, choose a warm-light fixture, not a harsh, bright white one. Also, bear in mind that the number of lumens produced by LED fixtures tends to vary. Though LEDs have a higher purchase price than either incandescents or fluorescents, the technology’s energy efficiency keeps down long-term costs.

For more on lighting, consider:

Pendant Lighting 101
Bob Vila Radio: Types of Lighting
How To: Save Money and Electricity with Fluorescent Light

How To: Add Under-Cabinet Lighting Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: lowes.com

If you’ve ever designed or remodeled a kitchen, you know there are an overwhelming number of decisions to make with regard to cabinets. Keep the old, or buy new? Reface or repaint? Adjustable or fixed shelves? Even once you’ve made what may have seemed like a million decisions, there’s still one more consideration: the hardware.

Slideshow: Cabinet Hardware: 10 Styles to Invigorate Your Kitchen

Cabinet hardware is the ultimate accessory that can impact your room style. It’s the hat, shoes, and handbag of the kitchen (or any other room for that matter). The knobs and pulls you choose can send the design of your space in one direction or another, or they can bring styles together to make them work.

Photo: studiocreativejuice

For instance, the simplicity of Shaker cabinets allows them to work well within many different design styles. Oversized, tubular hardware in a brushed nickel finish makes a white Shaker-style cabinet feel distinctively modern, while glass knobs would give very similar cabinets a vintage flair. Pair white Shaker cabinet doors with oiled bronze pull cups and knobs, and you might as well be in a Tuscan villa.

Your hardware selection or selections can help bring mixed styles together, a very popular move in contemporary kitchen design. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see different hardware types and finishes side by side. Brushed nickel bin pulls complement gold-patterned and mercury glass knobs for a fantastic modern-vintage mix in a painted gray-and-white kitchen makeover. Modern farmhouse chic comes alive with a combination of nickel-finished straight pulls and black iron barn door hardware.

Photo: cabinetpullsnknobs.com

While you’re making your decision, make sure to attend to practical matters as well as aesthetics. Traditionally, knobs are used for doors, pulls for drawers. But a beautiful knob is useless if it doesn’t fit in your hand so that the door opens easily. Make sure the hardware feels good. And if knobs just won’t work for you, don’t be afraid to use pulls on everything. Also, keep in mind the type of maintenance your hardware will require. Textured pieces are more difficult to clean, and some finishes (e.g., brass) require more upkeep.

So pull out the catalogs and start surfing the internet; choices abound, and there’s nothing to hold you back. Whether you’re buying new cabinets or sprucing up old ones, your hardware can do a lot of design work for a considerably small amount of your project budget. If in two years your tastes change, you can always switch your hardware out for something that gives you a different look—a new hat and handbag for your kitchen!

For more on kitchen cabinets, consider:

How To: Paint Kitchen Cabinets
10 New Ways to Store Kitchen Necessities
5 Creative Alternatives to Kitchen Cabinets

Style Your Kitchen with Cabinet Hardware Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Formica's 100th Anniversary Collection

Formica, the colorful laminate used in American homes for generations, turns 100 this year.

It was back in 1913 that Daniel J. O’Conor, a young research engineer at Westinghouse Electric, first discovered that layers of resin-coated fabric, when pressed together, made a laminate that worked well as an electrical insulator.

O’Conor partnered with fellow Westinghouse associate Herbert A. Faber to start a new business, Formica, named for the insulating properties of the new material that acted as a substitute “for mica,” a mineral often used for electrical insulation.

Although Formica laminate was used mainly in an industrial capacity during the company’s early years, it would prove to have other uses as well. Foremost among them, it made an attractive, easy-to-clean surface for countertops in homes, hospitals, and businesses across the country.

By the early 1950s, one-third of all new homes built in the United States used laminates, much of it the Formica brand.

Red Elipse from Formica

The company hired designers to keep the look of its products in step with modern tastes. Formica colors reflected the most popular hues in home decor, such as Sea Mist and Cameo in the 1950s, vivid Grape and Raspberry in the 1960s, ubiquitous Avocado and Gold in the 1970s, and so on. Simulated texture, too, became a signature detail in Formica’s appeal to American homeowners. Patterns that replicated the look of wood grain, fabric, and marble were especially popular.

With each passing decade, up to and including today, Formica has created colors and patterns that reflect the aesthetics of the era. Now, to celebrate a century of innovative design, the company is introducing twelve new patterns in their Anniversary Collection. “The patterns and colors of the Anniversary Collection acknowledge the brand’s past but without delving into nostalgia,” says head designer Abbott Miller. “The collection offers surfacing design that is unique in the market.”

Dot Screen from Formica

Each of the four fun patterns—Ellipse, Endless, Dotscreen, and Halftone—has three color options ranging from neutrals like White and Gray to brights like Blueberry, Citrus, and Mint. According to Renee Hytry Derrington, Formica’s Group VP of Design, “the Anniversary Collection is just one example of our commitment to continue the joint exploration with the design community to define the future of Formica for the next 100 years.”

For a closer look at the Anniversary Collection or to find a dealer near you, visit Formica.

For more on countertops, consider:

Laminate Countertops: A Buyer’s Guide
Kitchen Countertops 101
Top Tips for Keeping Your Countertops Like New

Formica Goes Retro Upon Turning 100 Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: HometownDumpsterRental

Now that the new year is in full swing, it would be easy to lose the resolve with which we started 2013. But let’s keep up the momentum and train our thoughts (within reason) on cultivating better versions of ourselves… and our kitchens.

Few things are more satisfying than having a place for everything and keeping everything in its place. Right now—before it suddenly becomes 2014—revolutionize life in the busiest room of your house with these simple kitchen organization tips.

 

Easy Access

Photo: IKEA

You may think space constraints mean that you can’t get the organization you want in your existing kitchen, but even small switch-outs can make a big difference. Many home stores offer wood or metal vessels with integrated compartments for taming cutlery, linens, and the inevitable kitchen “junk drawer.”

Think Vertical

Photo: Martha Stewart

The most common waste of space within cabinets is not using their full volume. Wire racks, like those shown in this Martha Stewart kitchen, create tiers allowing kitchen users take advantage of vertical space—without making it difficult to access stacked items.

Play Tetris

Photo: LifeHacker

Decanting storebought items into clear canisters helps you answer the ever-present question, “What am I running out of?” Make the most efficient use of available space with rectangular containers whose shape allows for easy stacking. Good options abound at places like The Container Store and The Brooklyn Kitchen.

Go Deep

Photo: Chez Larsson

Consider using deep, pull-out drawers in place of traditional base cabinets with hinged doors. The latter are fine for large pots and pans, but what about smaller items? Outfitting pull-outs with plastic bins is a great way to tame loose kitchen essentials, such as batteries and garbage bags.

Awkward Spaces

Photo: Chef's Catalog

Cabinets that house plumbing are always difficult places to establish order. Rolling shelves and baskets can help you steer clear of the pipes that make this area so troublesome for organization fanatics.

Clear the Counter

Photo: freehomedecoratingideas.com

Having a clutter-free kitchen workspace makes all the difference when preparing meals. Mounting paper towel rolls under the cabinet, adding a magnetic knife holder, and wall-mounting racks for spices and oils are all great options for keeping counters clear.

By carefully considering the best use of cabinet interiors, utilizing some innovative inserts, and implementing sound strategies for organization, you can make much better use of the precious space you have.

For more on kitchen organization and storage, consider:

5 ‘Upcycled’ Pot Racks and Cookware Storage Ideas
DIY Spice Racks and Kitchen Organizing Solutions
5 Creative Alternatives to Kitchen Cabinetry

Top Tips for Better Kitchen Organization Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: goeltom.blogspot.com

Your kitchen gets a lot of use. So it doesn’t take long to begin seeing signs of wear and tear on wood cabinets. Soon you may decide that some changes or updates are needed. And sometimes the simplest remedies are the best—and the most budget-friendly, too.

If your stained or painted kitchen cabinets are in need of a facelift, you can give them a fresh new appearance with only a minimal investment in tools and materials.

How to Restore Cabinets with Stain

Photo: Pedantique

If your stained cabinets are still serviceable but have worn-out surfaces, or if you decide on a different look, then applying a new stain is easy.

• If you like a darker tone: First clean your cabinets with a mix of TSP and water. Once they’re dry, sand the cabinets lightly and use a tack cloth to remove dust. Then apply a polyurethane varnish (tinted to whatever tone you find appealing). This varnish-stain combo is likely to do the job in one application.

Photo: homeguides.sfgate.com

• If you like a lighter tone: Remove as much of the old stain as possible with paint remover or, if necessary, chlorine bleach (or an aggressive stripper). Opt for elbow grease and a scraper if your cabinet doors feature crevices or contours. Before sanding to create a smooth surface, take the opportunity to apply wood filler to any dents, cracks, or deep scratches. After applying the stain you’ve selected, let it dry before adding a coat of protective wood sealer. Rub surfaces dry with 000 steel wool and clean with a tack cloth.

How to Restore Cabinets with Paint

Photo: cliqstudios.com

Just as you can restore cabinets with stain finishes that have tired out, you can also restore cabinets whose painted surfaces have seen better days.

• First, remove as much of the old finish as possible with a paint stripper. Then use a sharp scraper, where needed, to remove all traces of the old finish.

• Next, use wood filler to repair any dents, scratches, or other forms of surface damage.

• When newly smoothed surfaces are dry, finish off with sandpaper—100 grit, then 180 grit, and finally, 220-grit.

• Paint in whatever color you like; before applying sealer, clean surfaces with a tack cloth.

• When the sealer dries, rub surfaces lightly with 000 steel wool and use tack cloth to remove residual dust.

For more on cabinet finishes, consider:

A Glassy Smooth Enamel Finish for Old Kitchen Cabinets
Painted Cabinets: 10 Reasons to Transform Yours Now
Bob Vila’s Guide to Kitchen Cabinets

How To: Restore Cabinet Finishes Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com