Due to a series of unfortunate events, we had the opportunity last year to change some things in our kitchens. The first thing on my opportunity list was to free up some countertop space by getting a microwave drawer. There are a few things you need to know if you are considering buying one and want to do it right.
Here are some tips on adding a microwave drawer to your kitchen so you can be happy with your choice for years to come.
Measure the space available for the microwave drawer before purchasing to make sure it will fit into your kitchen.
You don’t want to buy a microwave drawer only to find out that it won’t fit. Measure the width of your space, as well as its height and depth. Having this information at hand before you go shopping will help ensure that you get what you need. In our case, we were getting cabinet bases built so the carpenter used the manufacturer’s specifications to build a custom cabinet.
KITCHEN DECOR/ACCESSORIES
Consider the wattage of the microwave drawer.
Firstly to ensure it is powerful enough to cook your food properly. Also, most microwave drawers have to be on their own circuit, which may require additional wiring that would need to be completed by a licensed electrician.
Under-counter microwave ovens can be installed in a kitchen where there is adequate space.
If you are installing a microwave drawer, make sure there is adequate clearance at the top of your cabinet. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for minimal placement guidelines.
Cabinet Paint Color: Sherwin Williams Naval 6244
The microwave drawer may seem like a luxury item, but it really can help to save you space. If you have the counter space and storage, it’s worth considering. Definitely give it a try if you are growing tired of your current kitchen setup! Be Well-Omniley
If you are looking for a beautiful, durable, and unique countertop material, then quartzite countertop is the right choice. Quartzite is a natural stone that comes in many different colors and patterns. No two slabs are identical because this is a natural stone. Although it is a natural stone, it is very hard and durable.
It has the hardness of granite and marble combined, which makes this a great choice for your kitchen countertop. Quartzite can be installed in any type of setting—from an island to traditional cabinetry.
After looking at numerous granite and quartz slabs, I stumbled upon the quartzite selection, and I was amazed at the uniqueness and beauty of each slab. It didn’t take me too long to lock my decision on Yosemite Falls Quartzite it is such a beauty.
Now the truth about quartzite countertop…
Quartzite is a very porous material and is not naturally stain-resistant. The best way to maintain your quartzite countertop is by sealing it with a special sealer. This will help prevent stains from penetrating the stone and make cleaning easier.
The initial seal is usually performed by your installer or fabricator. They will use a heavy-duty sealant that likely requires a professional. You can test your countertop to see if it has been sealed by placing a drop of water on the countertop. If it beads up like Rain-X on a windshield, it’s sealed; if it completely disappears and permeates the stone, it likely has not been sealed.
I use TriNova as a daily cleaner, polisher, and sealer for my quartzite countertop. This is a great product to have on hand as it does a good job of cleaning and polishing granite, marble, and other natural stones.
You should avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these can scratch the surface of quartzite. If you have a spill or stain on your quartzite countertop, use a soft cloth to wipe off any food particles, then rinse with water and dry it off completely.
If you have a deep stain on your quartzite countertop, it’s best to use a special stone cleaner to remove the stain. I use Stonetech Oil Remover for any stain that doesn’t come out with regular soap and water. If you don’t have a similar product, try using a poultice made of baking soda and water. Remember to reseal the countertop after using the oil stain remover as it removes all the existing sealant.
Quartzite Slab Thickness Variation
If you are replacing an existing countertop, it is important to know that quartzite is naturally occurring, and the 2 cm and 3 cm are just a guide if you need a certain thickness to measure your countertop. We, unfortunately, didn’t know this and replaced our 3 cm quartz with what we thought was 3 cm quartzite, and we ended up having to have our backsplash re-done because of this variation.
The reason for the variation is that quartzite is naturally occurring and mined from the earth. The stone is formed in layers, and sometimes there are gaps between those layers. This can make it difficult to get a uniform thickness throughout your quartzite slab. You can see in our photo the issue with our countertop.
We’ve only had our countertops for about 3 months, so I am still in the beginner stage, but the beauty of the countertops gets me every time I walk into my kitchen.
When considering what would best suit your needs, there is a plethora of options to choose from. The material, thickness of the stone, and color should all be taken into consideration when selecting your new countertop. You can confidently make the right decision that will last you a lifetime through patience and research. Be Well-Omniley
Greetings, I hope this post finds you well. If you follow me on my Instagram stories, you may know that we are in the middle of a mini kitchen remodel. I adored my kitchen the way it was, but life always happens, so I am taking advantage of upgrading some items. I also decided to get rid of some things that I never use. This leads me to share my top five kitchen must-haves for any kitchen. Whether you are revamping your kitchen, decluttering, moving into your own place, or helping that recent graduate move into his/her new place, these top five kitchen items are a must-have in any kitchen.
I guess the saying old saying, “With age comes wisdom,” is true. I have finally come to appreciate some key must-haves in my kitchen and realize that quality is of most importance, or you will continue replacing these frequently. I guess the saying old saying, “With age comes wisdom,” is true. I have finally come to appreciate some key must-haves in my kitchen and realize that quality is of most importance, or you will continue replacing these frequently.
CAST IRON SKILLETThis is one of my favorite items in my kitchen. It’s perfect for searing a steak to making your favorite casserole dish. From oven to table, it is ready to go. I must admit I wasn’t super impressed with my cast iron skillets when I first got them. It took some time to get them seasoned and ready for use. I now have 3 in varying sizes, and I use one at least once a week.
INSTANT POT This is by far a game changer. I have been the owner of an instant pot for almost 4 years now, and it has proven well work the money repeatedly. There have been times when I didn’t think about dinner, and the instant pot has saved the day. These can be used for numerous things. I typically use mine for any meats that I would normally slow cook for hours; this thing will cut your cooking time in half.
MIXING BOWLS What is a kitchen without mixing bowls? I actually have 3 sets of mixing bowls. These definitely come in handy when you are baking or following any recipe. I recommend a set that comes with lids, so if you have to refrigerate it or leave it for some time, your food or ingredients are protected.
CHEF’S KNIFE This is my go-to knife in my kitchen. I’ve learned that a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp knife over the years. This knife is an all-purpose cook’s knife and can be used for chopping, mincing, slicing, and dicing. If you have the budget, I recommend investing in a great set of knives. Also, be sure to care for your knives according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
COOKING UTENSIL SET Every kitchen needs a great set of cooking utensils. Whether you are frying, baking, or mixing the perfect utensil is always needed. I have two sets; please don’t judge. You know my favorite colors are blue and gold, so I have a set in each color.
You can find all of my kitchen must-haves HERE. Please be sure to let me know your favorite item too. I’m curious if great minds think alike.
♥ Items currently on my wishlist ♥
Follow:
This post contains affiliate links. I receive a commission from purchases made via the links in my blog.
Greetings. Can you believe it’s almost August? I surely can’t…This year has been eventful, to say the least. I got so many requests and comments on the Instagram post of my kitchen window makeover that I decided to go more in detail on the project. If you’ve been following me for a while, you will know I’m an avid DIYer; not just because it saves us money, but I’m also somewhat of a control freak. We have dealt with numerous contractors since the purchase of our home, and every project seemed to have its own ups and downs. For that reason, I always try to do any project myself.
I remember when I did my 1st viewing of our home, the realtors and I were so impressed with all the natural lighting that came through the house. Well fast forward… little did I connect all the dots–natural lighting, windows, electricity cost, and the window treatments cost. I recall vividly getting my first estimate for window treatments for our living rooms; it was ~$5000, and I thought immediately I was in the wrong field of work. Now, if that was all that I needed to do I probably would have taken the deal, but will all the windows I wanted to cover I set out on a mission to make my own window treatments.
Our kitchen window treatment was one of the eyesores on the list of windows to redo. It still had the original 1979 window blinds from when our home was built. How do I know??? The owners left us the original house plans along with a box of files, and the receipt to the blinds was in it. This window was high on my list to revamp, but unfortunately, it took me almost 4 years to tackle.
Designer Tip: For a window larger than 48” wide, I would opt for multiple Roman shades.
Here’s to another project down during COVID-19. Follow below to see the work and transformation. What project will I tackle next? Please follow along with me see by subscribing to my newsletter or channels (@omniley).
