Usually when you talk about upgrading your kitchen, you’re talking about big ticket items: a new refrigerator, range, cabinets, or floors. But sometimes it’s the little changes that add up to a big difference in the way you use your kitchen. Especially in a smaller kitchen, simple functionality-adding features are the best upgrades you can make. Better still, many of the most useful ki

Tile backsplashes have been steadily gaining popularity in recent years, both in the bathroom and in the kitchen. But while having a backsplash in the first place is trendy all on its own, the size, shape, color, and even type of tile used is constantly evolving. In fact, many of the most popular tiles are going out of vogue, while some classic designs are making a comeback, along with a few new s

The time between Halloween and New Years is probably the single worst time of year to do any kind of major home remodeling. Between guests, celebrations, tight budgets from gift-giving, and just good old fashioned bad weather, there’s a lot stacked against end-of-the-year renovations. But this is also the time of year where people that don’t usually see your home are the most likely to

Breaking news, guys! Okay, maybe just for me – but! I just found something really cool. Whitehaus has a full line of hot water dispensers. No, not like those big Sparklets jugs and not like every other faucet that you can turn to hot – these babies are beautiful, compact faucets that spit out perfect 190 degree (F) water with the touch of a button. As an avid tea drinker, sometimes coc

The days of the formal dining room are, for better or for worse, in the rear-view mirror. These days, if you do a lot of entertaining, chances are it’s in your kitchen, not in a separate room. The kitchen is becoming a larger and more open space, not one where one person cooks in isolation but an area where families and friends can talk, eat, and drink together. Of course, this shift means t

It’s fairly common knowledge that one of the fastest, easiest, and least expensive ways to enhance the appearance and value of your bathroom is to add new bathroom tiling, or replace your existing tile. But picking just the right bathroom tiles – the style, color, material, size, and installation type – can be a little confusing. Though it’s a relatively inexpensive change,

I’ll admit, I was thrilled beyond belief the first time I moved into an apartment that had a dishwasher. After years of hand drying and bickering over dish duty with numerous roommates, that one slightly undersized appliance seemed like a godsend. But having lived in several dishwasher-free places since, I realize I haven’t missed it. You see, I’m a pre-washer. Even when I had a

Debating whether or not to cut that additional hole into your granite? Deck mounted soap dispensers have their lists of pros and cons, but for the right person they can significantly improve the kitchen experience. No more sticky slippery soap bottles around the kitchen sink. No more brightly colored eyesores. The quick pump dispensers revolutionize the sink area. Many disgruntled users complain t

Once you have the right tools, installing knobs and pulls in the kitchen is a breeze. Drawers and cabinets achieve a brand new look with only a couple hours of work. Its much less expensive than replacing the counter tops or building an island. However, unless you are just replacing old knobs with new ones, you will need a power drill, a ruler and a pencil. Whether it is something as simple as pla

They are a breath of fresh air in the world of design. These Elica range hoods come in designs that tell the story of their maker’s foresight and talent. They are gorgeous, unique, efficient, and clever additions for any kitchen. In a country where we are encouraged to express our individuality, Americans often desire a style that’s a little different. Elica makes each of their range h