Choosing the Right Countertop

This past week, I was on vacation in North Dakota for a couple of family reunions. From my previous post Aging in Place: UniversalDesign, you found out my grandmother is doing a little remodeling to help her and grandpa get around the house. This past winter grandma decided it was time for new countertops. This upgrade may not help them get around easier, but it does boost the spirits and make the house more livable. The previous countertops were an old white laminate with gold flecks throughout the top.

With this light surface, it was very easy to see any crumbs or drink stains that were left behind. I will never forget those white tops and all the memories made in that kitchen.  It was time for a change!

Grandmas choose a laminate surface again, but with a lot more color and movement. The color blends well with the cabinets and surrounding materials. This is a color that will not show scratches easily or those drink stains. It is amazing how much the kitchen changed with just new countertops.

When I saw the tops for the first time, I immediately asked grandma how she liked them. This is what she said, “Oh they are very nice, but I can’t see the crumbs.” So the debate is on, to see or not to see the crumbs. What do you think?

Lori's Weekly Bella Bling-Island Spice Storage

How many of you out there still have a spice rack nailed on the wall? Or, spices in various places throughout your Kitchen? Time to be current and get organized. Last week we rated the Spice Drawer Insert a 1 carat due to its lack of flexibility in fitting larger spice jars in the drawer. This week and next we will concentrate on spice storage in the base cabinets.

On the left you will see my 2 carat rating this week – the Island end caps that Dura Supreme offers. The island has become almost a standard in today’s kitchen.  It is the area where a lot of the prep and work tasks are done. Spice storage in the island is definitely convenient especially when it is facing the cooking surface. When looking at spice storage in the island end cap unit, we can order the cabinet with or without doors.  Do you want your spices exposed (organized and easy to get to), or hidden away? This unit has 3 1/8” deep shelves. The middle two shelves are adjustable. Got a lot of spices? Order more shelving loose with your order and pop them in. The end posts come in 2 sizes and MANY design styles to go with any kitchen style you prefer.

This unit gets a 2 carat rating. The flexibility is great for spices and oils, but it can only be placed on an island end or cabinet run. It makes the spices and oils accessible near the work/prep area. Take the time to alphabetize your spices in this unit and you will never be searching for a particular spice again.

Lori's Weekly Bella Bling: Drawer Spices

Item: Drawer Spice Kit       Rating: 1 Carat

Here is my choice for the 1 carat rating of spice accessories in base cabinets. The drawer spice kit. It can be factory installed when placing the order – or – it can be ordered later, as an accessory. Each angled “shelf” is loose and is placed into the drawer. Because they are removable, the shelves can be taken out of the drawer box and wiped clean.

The photo at top shows the unit as it is opening and the photo below shows the drawer fully extended, so spices in the back are easily accessible. I have this accessory in one of my drawers next to the cooktop. I also store nuts and dried fruit in glass jars and place them horizontally on a “shelf” in order for the drawer to close. The nuts and fruit are quickly accessible when I am making my summer salads.

But, think outside the box (in this case outside the drawer box). This accessory would be a great organization aide in the craft room storing ribbon, glitter bottles, paint tubes, the list is endless.

This accessory has ease of cleaning BUT only certain size spices and jars fit and thus gets only a 1 carat rating.

Lori's Weekly Bella Bling

Item: Spice Pull-Out Wall Unit

Rating: 3 Carats

The picture to the left shows the pull-out spice unit closed, giving the view as it is shown attached to a hood mantel unit. This is a great focal point in the kitchen. The pull-out unit can also be placed as a standard wall cabinet that does not need to extend down to the counter top.

However, the application in the picture gives better access to the spices than if they were placed 54” off the floor. Notice how the center shelf is adjustable – great flexibility for oils or taller spice bottles. Shorter spice tins and bottles can be placed at the top and center shelves, while oils rest on the bottom shelf. The mechanism on which this unit operates is sturdy and glides with ease. If located next to the cooking surface, the unit can remain open for ease of accessibility as I cook.

I have shown all the available wall spice storage options and can not wait for next week as I move onto options for spices below the counter top.