Holiday Home Decor Ideas for 2019 [Infographic]
Home is where the heart is, and when the holidays roll around, it can also be where lots of family and friends come together. This year, put your creativity to the test by decking out your home with traditional Christmas decorating ideas—or those that are a little bit outside of the box. We've found a few ideas to help give you some inspiration.
Christmas Decorating Ideas 2019
Be Blue
Forego the traditional reds and greens of Christmas in favor of blues and silvers. This year, homes all over the world will look like their own winter wonderlands, with silvery flecks of shine that bounce off bluish backgrounds. Think midnight blues with aquamarine hues. Bring in a touch of the cool side of the crayon box, accented by whimsical shades of brilliant whites and silver-coated focal points.
Go Au Naturale
Bring shabby chic into your Christmas decor by inviting the outside into your home. Utilize pine cones, bark, feathers, moss, and other elements Mother Nature already provides. You can find plenty of DIY tutorials online to help bolster your inspiration, or if you're feeling crafty, you can go it alone and create your own innovating decorations.
Don't Skimp on the Lights
Lights are a magical part of the Christmas season, and this year, people will expect to see them just as much inside your house as they would outside. Light up your home with candles, Christmas tree lights, and glittering messages that make people feel welcome as soon as they walk in the door.
Christmas Window Decoration Ideas
Whether you're saying hello to passersby, or giving your guests something to look at when they're looking outside, your windows offer a great opportunity to spread a little Christmas cheer. Here are a few window decorating ideas you might not have thought of:
Put Up the Plaid
Plaid curtains offer a fun, spirited approach to everyday living spaces. Red, green, and gold plaid plays well against the traditional colors of the season. However, if you're opting for the blue Christmas we noted above, consider going for blue and silver plaid curtains to draw out the whimsy of this magical season.
Place Poinsettias on the Sills
Poinsettias are a quintessential Christmas item. You're probably used to seeing them as centerpieces on tables, but if you give them the responsibility of showcasing their beauty from the comfort of their own window sills, your home will be instantly filled with Christmas delight.
Make Miniature Presents
Wrap tiny boxes in an assortment of wrapping paper and bows, piling them into the window when you're done decorating them. You can use all sorts of household items to hold the shape so your window sill holds a bit of intrigue and excitement when people pass by. You can wrap empty toilet paper rolls, empty juice boxes, and plenty of other items you'd otherwise toss or recycle.
Outdoor Holiday Decorating Ideas
The outside of your home is just as important as the inside, especially when this special time of year arrives.
Create Lantern Garland
Lantern garland is a fun way to illuminate your outdoor space in a way that doesn't detract from the other decorations you might have around the house.
Bring Rudolph Along
A chalkboard buck head might seem silly at first, but think about the conversations it'll start when someone walks up to your door. Since it's a chalkboard, it's super simple to change the messaging depending on your mood or the events you have going on at the moment.
Make Faux Moss be Boss
Use fake moss to spread a message of joy or kindness across your front door.
At RWC Windows, Doors & More, we want to see your holidays succeed. Reach out to us if you need to spruce up your doors or windows before the busy holiday season gets under way!
Window Replacement Options: Energy Efficient Windows for Older Homes
Although older houses can be quite charming, they often need renovations to meet modern expectations for function and efficiency. It doesn't take much thought to replace appliances with new ones of a style you like, and you probably have an idea of what modern bathroom renovations the house needs, but replacement windows for old homes can be a more difficult decision. Fortunately, there are plenty of window replacement ideas and options available so you don't have to choose between either the most energy efficient replacement windows or windows that look great in the context of how well they suit the home.
Window Replacement Options
Energy saving replacement windows come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. They can be custom fit for older homes that may not have what is considered modular sizes by today's construction contractors. Styles include the most common double hung window, which can have either a center rail or three quarters split in order to meet the cosmetic intention of the house's original design. Although vinyl is the most common material, wood sashes are available and might be a better choice for some houses as they can appear more in line with how the original windows were built while providing the insulation needed for heating and cooling efficiency. Other types of windows are available as well, such as emergency egress windows as local code might require, block windows which allow natural light in while blocking vision can be great for a bathroom, or windows that crank open on hinges rather than lifting were common in certain types of older homes and might maintain the style of your house.
Interior Storm Windows
If you just can't part with the old windows because they continue to look great and function properly, another option to consider is adding an interior storm window to raise the window's efficiency without disrupting the exterior view of an older home. These windows are custom-built to fit your existing windows and are hardly noticeable once installed. They include several layers of heat reflecting glazing to raise the R-value of the window by keeping heat outside in the summer or inside during the winter months. They aren't going to be as efficient as a triple pane replacement window filled with argon gas, but they maintain the appeal of the older windows while lowering your monthly heating and cooling expenses.
Choosing New Windows
There is further consideration needed when choosing the best replacement windows beyond the look you want to maintain and the efficiency you hope to achieve. Windows can be relatively inexpensive, or they can cost as much as you're willing to spend. Although price is always something a homeowner has to be aware of, the cost to replace windows in old house shouldn't be the only basis for the final decision. There are two perspectives toward window cost. One, if it's an investment home you're flipping, or a house you plan to live in for a few years before moving, the amount you spend on the windows will repay itself in the home's resale value and curb appeal when the house goes on the market. On the other hand, if you plan to live the rest of your life in the home you want the windows you'll never have to replace again because you didn't cut corners the first time.
Takeaway Points
- Consider what options are available when it comes time to replace windows.
- Think about whether you have to replace the windows or can upgrade them with interior storm windows.
- Take the time to choose the windows you're going to be happy with, even if it winds up costing a little more than you had hoped.
- Replacing windows in an old house is a specialty of RWC. We’ll help you discover ideas for the right window design for your home!
Conclusion
If you're ready to update your windows and want to know more about energy efficient window replacement, give us a call at RWC Windows, Doors, and More. We'll be happy to swing by at your convenience to discuss your home window replacement options and handle all installation of your energy efficient replacements!
Functional Kitchen Layouts for Holiday Hosting
Introduction
Your kitchen is probably setup according to how you and your family use it throughout the year. Unfortunately, that might not be the best plan as the holidays approach if you plan to entertain guests. There are simple things you can do to prepare the kitchen for hosting friends or a dinner party as kitchen update ideas, but it's also a great time to conduct renovations you may have been postponing in order to have a functional kitchen for holidays which also serves your daily needs throughout the year.
Making a Kitchen Functional and Efficient
The first step toward making a kitchen functional when guests are coming is to remove the excess clutter. As an example, you might enjoy television when preparing food on a daily basis, but that TV is just going to take up space when friends come by. That space might be better used as a place for drinks and snacks so people don't have to get in the way of food preparation to refill their glass or get a plate of prepared hors d'oeuvres to take to everyone else. Depending on the layout of the kitchen and countertops, you might want to remove the kitchen table you eat at daily to allow for the heightened traffic, or you might want to add an extra table to provide more food prep areas.
Kitchen Renovations
Planning to host a holiday party or to have overnight guests during the season is a great reason to have certain renovations you've always wanted. You certainly don't want an “older but still working, barely” fridge, oven, or dishwasher to have a major failure while friends and family are there. Likewise, if you've always wanted new counter tops or a floor, why not have it done in time to impress your friends before you continue to enjoy it throughout the years?
You might also realize it's a good time for pricing on such renovations. Summer outdoor construction projects are winding down and contractors are finding their indoor winter work. Contractor employees want the work, so they can buy presents and prepare for their own holiday festivities, so you're actually helping them out by hiring their services at this time of year. It's a winning situation for everyone involved.
Kitchen Updates on a Budget
There's more than one way to upgrade kitchen for holiday entertaining; nobody would suggest you conduct a full kitchen renovation with new floors and cabinetry to entertain guests. As a matter of fact, you probably won't be a good host if you take on more than you can be expected to handle with a major construction project while planning a holiday party. There are fairly simple things you can do to update a kitchen, perhaps a new paint job and cabinet hardware, or perhaps adding some lighting, or changing out the faucets to look new and provide better performance.
Takeaways
- Consider how your kitchen functions for you and your family on a daily basis and how that might be different when hosting guests.
- Think about what kitchen renovations would make the area more pleasant and efficient to work in, both on a daily basis and when friends and family are visiting.
- Don't take on too much at a time. Be realistic about what upgrades you can make to your kitchen and still be ready to host guests.
Conclusion
If you need to upgrade your kitchen in preparation for the holiday season, give us a call at RWC: Windows, Doors, and More. We'll be happy to come talk to you about what renovations you want for your kitchen and how we can fill those needs. We understand the holidays can be hectic, so we're willing to work with your scheduling needs and get your kitchen in tip-top shop so you have one less thing to worry about.
How Often Should You Replace the Weather Stripping on Doors?
Everybody understands the importance of maintaining an energy efficient home in today's world, both to save money on electric bills and to be environmentally responsible. New homes are built to code and therefore meet energy efficiency requirements, older homes night be updated by adding insulation or replacing windows to lower power bills and become more efficient. One thing homeowners tend to overlook is the importance of replacement weather stripping for exterior doors as a means of preventing drafts and the use of excessive heating and cooling to counteract their effects.
How Often to Inspect and Change Weather Stripping
Inspecting weather stripping is a simple enough task to be conducted several times throughout the year, or at least in the autumn as the weather turns cold and again when it begins to warm up in the spring. The inspection shouldn't wait until there is a noticeable draft coming in around the door. You can regularly feel around the door to check for any air leaks. Check both sides, if you feel outside temperatures coming inside or if you feel inside temperatures leaking to the outside, it's time to replace the weather stripping for a front door. An even better way to inspect the weather stripping is to light a candle, or perhaps a piece of incense, and move it around the edges of the door. Even the slightest of drafts you are unable to feel will blow the smoke either into or away from the door.
Different Types of Weather Stripping
Over the years, there have been different styles of weather stripping according to the technology of the time. The best weather stripping for old doors might be to replace it with the exact same as what was there originally, or there might be a newer style made of a better material for that particular door. There are going to be different sizes, shapes and contours, and attachment systems for different doors, so make sure you know what you need before purchasing the replacement if you plan to do it yourself. Speaking of doing it yourself, it's a fairly simple task most homeowners are capable of, but a reputable local contractor will be happy to do it as well if you don't enjoy such activities or don't feel comfortable with it.
How To Replace Weather Stripping
Again, there are different types of weather stripping, so the first step is to cut off a small piece of the old with either a razor knife or scissors so you can take it with you to the store and purchase a compatible replacement. Most styles have a mushroom shaped ridge which wedges itself into a kerf in the door frame, a “kerf” being a small groove the width of a table saw blade cut into the door frame. Simply pull out the old to remove it and you'll see how to install the new by cutting it to length pushing it back into the groove.
Another style of weather stripping is simply a piece of foam with an adhesive backing. The advantage is that it's universal, but it isn't designed for any particular door style and therefore doesn't fill all the gaps and eliminate drafts. It's better than nothing as a quick fix, but if your door is so old that's all you can find your door is old enough to start considering a new one.
Takeaways
- Check your door regularly for drafts, and at least twice a year conduct a thorough inspection.
- When replacing weather stripping, make sure to use the right kind for your door.
Conclusion
If you need help with weather stripping or any other maintenance and remodeling projects, give us a call at RWC Windows, Doors, and More. Our representatives will be happy to meet with you and discuss any concerns or needs you might have for your home.
How To Choose The Right Appliance for Your Kitchen [Infographic]
Have you been assessing your kitchen appliance budget recently? If you’re wondering how to choose kitchen appliances that are ideal for your home interior, you might feel stuck between price, brand, quality, and size. These four attributes can make a major difference when you’re choosing kitchen appliances, but some elements are more important than others. With this in mind, explore the best appliances in 2020 for your kitchen (and what you need to consider before you make a purchase) with our kitchen infographic below!
Fridge & Freezer
Do you keep a lot of groceries, or do you only buy food when you're ready to cook? This could be the determining factor for many different questions you'll need to answer when you're shopping for a refrigerator and freezer.
- Dual-compressor units are best for people who keep a lot of groceries. Although these units cost more, they're more likely to keep food fresh longer.
- Single-compressor units are the most affordable option.
- French-door models are a very popular styling decision, as are French-door refrigerators (on top) with freezers down below. Both of these modern kitchen ideas tend to be wider than refrigerator-freezers that only have one door for each unit. The most costly options have completely separate refrigerator and freezer areas. Be sure to measure your space before you go shopping! You don't want to fall in love with a model that won't fit in your space.
- Water & ice dispensing can come with or without water purification. The units that offer purification are more expensive than those that don't offer this feature, but they're also more in-line with what shoppers are looking for these days.
Dishwashers
If you're tired of doing your dishes by hand—or if you simply don't want to be forced into this habit—dishwashers can be a lifesaver.
- Doors versus drawers. Traditional dishwasher doors are still the most popular, but dishwasher drawers are becoming more common because they're more efficient and can handle smaller loads without wasting water or energy.
- Kitchen versus elsewhere. if you're installing a dishwasher in your kitchen, you'll probably want a full-size unit, up to the space you have in your kitchen, of course. In bars, basements, and other places where you might be doing dishes, consider installing an economy-sized dishwasher to handle your glassware.
- Size. As with all other major appliances, make sure you've measured your space before you go shopping. Dishwashers won't leave a lot of wiggle room once you get it home, so you want to make sure it fits right the first time.
Stoves & Ovens
Whether you cook all the time, or just a few times a year, your stove and oven will be your best friends in the kitchen—but only if you're choosing appliances wisely.
- Gas, electric, or induction? The choice is personal, but many people who cook on a regular basis prefer gas. That is, of course, if their homes or condos can accept gas hookups. Gas loses about 40% of the heat when it goes from the burner to the pan, however, which is something to take into consideration. Induction burners, on the other hand, lose the least amount of heat of all the options, making them the most efficient.
- Gas Ranges: BTUs. If you're shopping for gas ranges, talk to the salesperson about the BTUs of the ranges you're interested in. Chef-quality ranges start at around 9,200 BTUs and go up from there, but you may not need that much power if you're just cooking for your family.
- Gas Ranges: Flame. Ask how long you can maintain a simmer without the flame going out.
- Ovens: Conventional or Convection? Convection ovens circulate heat with a fan, enabling food to cook more evenly so you can get dinner on the table faster. They're not always great for baking, though. If you do a lot of baking, you might want to stick with a conventional oven. Pricier models will enable you to enjoy the best of both worlds, either side-by-side or stacked on top of one another.
Are you renovating or remodeling your home in New Jersey? If so, our team of modern kitchen remodeling experts at RWC Windows Doors & More will be happy to help you pick the best kitchen appliances for your money. Reach out to us so you can tap into our expertise and love for all things home-related, we have over 60 years of experience with kitchen remodeling in NJ!
A Contractor’s Guide to Custom Windows
Custom windows and doors can make your house look elegant and inviting. If your home needs new windows and you are less than thrilled with your choices when it comes to prefabricated windows, custom house windows should be considered. You'll have choices when it comes to the materials used to build your windows, and you will get exactly what you want with your custom windows installation.
Pricing Your Custom Windows
How expensive your custom windows are will depend on the materials you choose and whether you use single, double or triple pane windows. The most traditional window materials are wood, aluminum, vinyl and fiberglass, with wood being the most expensive material you can choose. Talk to your custom windows company about the different components of your windows and what design will work best for your home.
Glass Makes a Difference In Price
When you are considering energy efficient windows, the more panes your windows are, the more insulation there is. The type of glass used is also important, as high performance glass we be more expensive. In general, the more money you spend on your window glass, the more energy efficient your windows will be. You'll save money on energy costs over time, that make up for the additional cost.
Choosing Materials that are Right For Your Home
While wood windows can look amazing, they are expensive and require consistent maintenance. Wood windows will swell and shrink depending on the humidity, and can become warped over time. Wood windows will look great for a short period, but vinyl windows are a better alternative when you are looking for custom house windows that don't require a ton of maintenance.
Installation Costs and Construction Work
The cost of installation will have a direct impact on how expensive it is to have a custom windows installation on your home. If the home needs to be renovated to make room for the new windows, you'll spend more money on the installation. If repairs are necessary on the existing window casings, this is factored in to your costs for custom house windows.
Choosing the Elements of Your New Windows
Once you choose your material, such as wood, vinyl, fiberglass, or aluminum, you will then need to decide what grade of glass you want to use. For larger windows, it is recommended to use at least two pane glass to keep your home properly insulated. One pane windows are only recommended for small windows where insulation isn't much of a factor. Talk to your custom windows company about the different elements of your new windows to come up with a final product for your home.
Custom house windows can look great on your home and give you exactly what you want to improve your home. When you go with custom house windows, some advantages are:
- You aren't stuck with prefabricated windows that leave you with minimal design options.
- Choosing exactly what you want for your custom windows
- Budget friendly options are available when it comes to materials
- Energy efficient windows can help you save money on utility costs
Custom windows can give you a great looking home. RWC Windows, Doors & More has been serving homeowners in West Caldwell, NJ and the surrounding area for more than 25 years. To learn more about custom window installation and your home renovation options, it's time to give us a call today to set up an initial consultation at 973-227-7123.
Budget-Friendly Kitchen Cabinet Options for Your NJ Kitchen Remodel
Whether you need corner kitchen cabinet options, or you are looking at budget-friendly custom kitchen cabinet options, it's time to see what RWC Windows, Doors & More has to offer. We can help you choose from the best kitchen cabinet drawer options, giving you a great looking kitchen at a price you can afford.
Choosing Stock Cabinets for Your Kitchen
The easiest way to save money on your kitchen cabinets is to choose cabinets that are standard and pre-made. While the construction may not be as good as with custom kitchen cabinet options, they can fit into a tight budget. Choose white and you are going with some of the most basic cabinets available. You can go with stock cabinets, and then change out the hardware to give your cabinets a more unique look.
Reface Your Existing Cabinets
If you already have solid cabinets in your kitchen, refacing the cabinets is a great way to save money and recycle what is already there. You can use the existing cabinets and put on new cabinet doors, or even sand down and stain the current doors to a new shade. Use new hardware, and you will have updated kitchen cabinets without spending a lot of money. When the color of your existing cabinets is already the right choice, you can simply change out the handles and give your cabinets a fresh look.
Customizing Your Kitchen Cabinets
When you have a tight corner where you want to have a cabinet, you can get a customized kitchen cabinet for that area that matches the rest of your stock cabinets. If you prefer customized kitchen cabinets for your kitchen and you are on a tight budget, you are going to have to cut from other aspects of your kitchen design to meet your cabinet goals. Work on your kitchen design with your contractor, and you will be able to find the right kitchen cabinets that meet your budget and design goals.
Ready to Assemble, Stock, Semi-Custom, or Custom Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets come in four ways, ready to assemble, stock, semi-custom, and custom. With stock cabinets, you have limited choices when it comes to the color and style of the kitchen cabinets available to you. If you choose to go with semi-custom kitchen cabinets, you'll have more choices as to the style of your kitchen cabinets, the colors, and the materials used in the construction. With custom kitchen cabinets, you'll spend the most money, but you will also get exactly what you want for your dream kitchen without having to make any compromises. If you are looking for the most budget friendly option, ready to assemble cabinets are generally the answer.
Standard cabinets are affordable, but come in limited designs and colors
- Reface your existing cabinets or simply change the hardware
- Custom cabinets are more expensive, but you may be able to save money in other areas
- Ready to assemble cabinets need to be put together, but can give you more choices when it comes to designing your kitchen on a budget.
To learn more about the best kitchen cabinet brands to renovate your kitchen, it's time to contact RWC Windows, Doors & More at 973-227-7123 and talk to one of our kitchen renovation specialists. We provide services to homeowners in West Caldwell, NJ and the surrounding area.
Signs It's Time to Renovate Your Bathroom: A Guide for NJ Homeowners
If you are wondering how often should a bathroom be renovated, the real question to consider is how long does a bathroom last. Deciding when to renovate your bathroom can be as simple as you don't like the look of it anymore. If you are looking to sell your home, you may be asking yourself should I update my bathroom before selling. There are a number of reasons to remodel your bathroom, and it's time to begin your new bathroom design.
Choosing to Remodel Kitchen or Bathroom First
If you are looking to complete a renovation on your home in preparation of selling it, both a kitchen and bathroom renovation can have a big impact. When you want to increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers, a new kitchen and a new bathroom are both beneficial. It may depend on your budget or how much time you have before you want to list your home for sale, which one you choose first. If you choose a bathroom renovation first, you can make big changes quickly to your bathroom.
When Your Bathroom Is Falling Apart
A great reason to renovate your bathroom is when you have problems with the plumbing, tiles are loose, or you have issues with the appliances. In a bathroom with mold issues, you probably need a good renovation to clean out the mold completely. Bathrooms should be a comfortable place where you can escape and unwind in a comfortable bath. If your view is of water stains on the ceiling and you are looking at mold you can't scrub out of your tile grout, it's time to renovate your bathroom.
If You Don't Like Your Bathroom
There may come a time when your bathroom no longer fits your style. If you are tired of pink tile surrounding your tub, or you just want a change, it's time for a renovation. You don't have to make huge changes to your bathroom to have a renovation that improves the look and feel of your bathroom. Update your fixtures, consider a new tub surround and invest in new flooring to give your bathroom an updated look.
The Bathroom Layout Doesn't Work
Your bathroom may have a layout that is awkward and doesn't flow for you. You may need a new bathroom renovation if you now use an assistive device to move around and it doesn't fit in your current scheme. You can have your bathroom renovated to change the layout and make it more accommodating for you.
Bathroom Odors are Present
If you clean your bathroom thoroughly and there are still odors, it's probably time for a renovation. The seal on your toilet may need replacement and new ventilation may be required. There might also be some unlying mold issues that can be causing an odor. Take care of bathroom odors that are difficult to manage by updating your existing bathroom.
You should invest in a bathroom renovation when:
- You want to improve the value of your home
- You are tired of your existing bathroom
- There is damage to your bathroom throughout the space
- The layout no longer works for you
- You have odors
Contact Us Today For Your Bathroom Renovation
To learn more about bathroom ideas and renovating your bathroom, it's time to contact RWC Windows, Doors & More at 973-227-7123 for an initial consultation. We have been in the kitchen and bathroom renovation business for more than 25 years, serving homeowners in West Caldwell, NJ and the surrounding towns.
How Much Does it Cost to Install an Exterior Door?
Your home's exterior door could use an upgrade, but you have a set budget to spend and really don't know a lot about how to pick the best door. You could give your door a makeover or a fresh coat of paint, but there are few things that bring a new personality to a home like a nice exterior door. The average cost to install an exterior door can be anywhere from $1,500-$8,000, but there are numerous factors that can help determine the end cost.
The Type of Door You Choose
The type of door you choose is naturally going to make a drastic difference in how much you spend. Doors can be made out of metal, fiberglass, or wood, and all of them have different price points. Wooden doors can sometimes be a little more costly than something like steel, but wooden doors can also have higher long-term maintenance costs. Steel tends to be the least expensive of all the door types, but many homeowners prefer the decorative look of wood over steel, especially for a front entry door. Fiberglass exterior doors fall in the mid-range somewhere, but they can be less resilient than steel.
Pre-Hung or Not Pre-Hung
A pre-hung door is a door that is already affixed to a frame. These doors tend to be more expensive because they have the components and hardware attached already. If you go with a slab door that is not pre-hung, your costs can be substantially lower, but the installation costs can be more. Therefore, it can be more affordable to go ahead and invest in a pre-hung door to save money.
Whether Glass Panels or Windows Are Implemented
Having windows or sections of glass added to an exterior door will bring up the cost between $300 and 1,200. Glass panels and windows are valuable if you want more natural light in your home, so the extra cost can be well worth it.
The Door Frame Size
Naturally, the size of the door you need is going to make a difference in the price. Standard door sizes are going to be the most affordable. Doors that are larger or smaller than usual or have to be custom-made to suit certain size specifications are going to be more expensive. Standard door measurements are widths of 30, 32, and 36 inches, and the standard door height of 80 inches. Anything smaller or larger, or thicker than the typical 1 3/4-inch thickness, is probably going to be higher.
What's Included in the Cost of a New Exterior Door Installation
When you are given an estimate for an exterior door installation, you will get a breakdown of the labor cost to install exterior door and the materials. Most pros will include removal of the old door, installation of the new door, and installation of the new knobs, locks, and hardware in the price. The cost to install exterior door in wall where no door existed will naturally be higher, so that is another factor to keep in mind.
Takeaways to Remember About Exterior Door Installation Cost
- Some doors cost less initially but require more upkeep expenses for the long term
- Standard-size doors are the most affordable and off sizes are more expensive
- Picking doors with windows or glass panels means a higher cost
- It can be financially logical to have the door you buy professionally installed
- Pre-hung exterior doors have more components and can be more expensive
Choosing the exterior door that fits your home's style and functionality the best can take some doing when you have a specific budget in mind. Reach out to us at RWC Windows, Doors & More for professional guidance finding the perfect door for your price range.
What to Consider Before Installing Open Kitchen Shelving
From hanging and floating shelves over the main food prep area to freestanding shelves situated on the wall in place of cabinetry, open shelving in kitchen design has truly come alive in the last few years. Once implemented into kitchens as the bare beginnings of kitchen storage solutions, open shelving is more tied to farmhouse-style kitchens and minimalist design ideas these days. As attractive as these modern open-storage solutions may be, they are not a good fit for every kitchen or every kitchen user. Here are a few things to consider about open kitchen shelving and whether or not they are the best kitchen shelving option for you!
Closed Cabinetry Does Have Its Perks
Things evolved from crude shelving to closed cabinetry over the years for good reasons. With closed cabinets, you can tuck away all the clutter and keep the kitchen looking tidy. For the most part, regular cabinets are a logical shelving concept. Before you start thinking about how to style open kitchen shelves in your kitchen layout, it's best to consider if you really want to eliminate all your cabinets or just a few.
Open Shelves Require a Bit of Forethought
You know how you currently unload the dishwasher quickly and slap everything in the cabinets? If you are going to be using open shelves for something like storing dishes, some old habits will have to change. Everything that you place on your open shelves will have to be carefully considered and organized. Otherwise, your kitchen wall shelving could end up with a mess of clutter that makes your entire kitchen look messy. Some people like the idea of using open shelves to display things like pasta and ingredients, such as flour, sugar, and spices. This can look nice, but, again, you'll have to be careful with what you choose to have on open display.
Open Shelving Must Be Properly Installed
This is a huge thing to consider. If you have picked up a DIY kit and are wondering how to install open shelving in kitchen areas, you may want to reach out to a professional to get the job done right. There are all kinds of ways shelving can be installed, but the shelving has to be completely stable, anchored securely, and capable of holding heavy weight. Consider just how many pounds a shelf full of glasses would weigh and now think about how easy it will be for such weight to strip a good screw right out of the wall. With this in mind, installing shelves is better left to the experts.
You Must Pick the Best Location
Houzz provides a good list of open shelving kitchen idea locations, but the real good options are going to change according to your kitchen layout or design. For example, open shelving over the sink may be nice for some homes, but a lot of kitchens have a window over the sink, so this placement might not work.
Takeaways to Remember Before Installing Open Kitchen Shelving
- Closed cabinetry will always have its perks; a collaboration of open & closed shelving is always a good mix.
- Open shelving installation is usually not a DIY task.
- Picking the best location will make all the difference in how happy you are with the end result.
- Once installed, your open shelving becomes a design element of the space, along with everything on the shelf.
Open Shelving Installation in NJ
Many people are perfectly happy with the unique open shelves they have installed in their kitchen, but this is a major change to make and should be carefully considered. For more help with how to pick open shelving or cabinetry for your kitchen remodel, reach out to us at RWC Windows, Doors & More.