Design Guides

While it’s more common for people around the world to design their kitchens in the typical U shapes , L shapes or galleys, there are not the only options for designing your kitchen.

Be it the shape of your kitchen, personal preference or any other reason, the design appropriate for you might be a single-wall kitchen. In this article, we will try to tell you all there is to know about the single-wall kitchen, before you get past the planning phase, and start actually setting it up.

While the single-wall kitchen is rapidly gaining popularity, many people still consider the more traditional kitchen layouts to be the only ones viable and practical. Nothing further from the truth – a properly designed single-wall kitchen can be just as good, or even better than the classical U-shaped one.

Remember, however, that to make your experience with such a shape of the kitchen as good as it can possibly be, you have to approach the subject in a smart way. It’s not something you can just try out and ditch if you don’t like it – changing your decision later will require a complete overhaul of your kitchen, so think ahead – better safe than sorry.

Okay, enough with the scares. All you need to do is read this article, and after you’re done, you will be more than prepared to design your very own, unique single-wall kitchen – so let’s get started.

Pros

Let’s start by looking at the assets of a single-wall kitchen – after all, who doesn’t like to read about the positive stuff, right?

• Ergonomy – the single-wall kitchen is very ergonomic, above all else. Because it demands more planning ahead and effort from you when you design one, the final result is usually highly thought-out and ergonomic kitchen. As such, it teaches you a more efficient way of working in the kitchen, which pays off later.
• The efficiency of space – another thing about the single-wall kitchens is that they are very space efficient when it comes to your overall house space. While giving you some trouble, when you try to make it all work, after such a kitchen is done, your interior has a lot more free space than it would otherwise have in the case of a standard kitchen layout.
• Design – single kitchen walls, when designed properly, add a very modern and chic look to your house, which is a very desirable outcome. After you’re done with setting it up, the result will offset the effort.
• Social values – with this kitchen type, your close ones won’t be getting in your way when you prepare food. No more clashing with each other, trying squeeze through, like it happens in a closed, U-shaped kitchen. While a single-wall kitchen is usually designed to allow only one person to prepare food at a time, it actually leaves plenty of space behind said person for others to stay around and behind and socialize. As such, the social values of a single-wall kitchen are indeed tremendous.

Cons

The cons of a single-wall kitchen are pretty self-explanatory – it’s a more demanding type of the kitchen, and requires more planning than a standard kitchen.

• Extra measures – well, if they weren’t necessary, this article wouldn’t exist, right? Some people see it as a drawback, and some as a challenge – but still, remember that it’s a demanding type of a kitchen, even though the result pays for the effort.
• Special appliances – sometimes, to make such a kitchen fit your interior, you have to look for smaller and perhaps more expensive appliances and furniture. Again, it will be worth it, but that certainly is a bit of a trouble at first.
• Requires knowledge to be used efficiently – you will have to change your kitchen habits and the way you normally move around a kitchen. Not that much of a problem, but still something you have to learn and get a hang of.

Storage

Preparing a proper storage zone in your single-wall kitchen is different than in the case of an ordinary kitchen. After all, there is only one wall available for you to place your cabinets on, so that’s naturally less convenient.

Because of that simple fact, you have to get creative with your storage, as well as try your best to use the entire space available to you, all the way from the floor to the ceiling.

In the case of the single-wall kitchen, completely filling the wall with cabinets is often a must, unless your walls are really big, so you can fit everything without a drop of sweat. However, if your house is of a more standard size, leave only a cutout for the countertop – which, by the way, should be as versatile as they come.

Countertops these days come equipped with some really smart features, designed to make your life easier but at the same time to be as ergonomic as possible. The bottom of your countertop should have drawers and shelves installed, not to waste even an inch of space. Most likely, such a countertop will be at the same time the place where you cook, wash and prepare food, so when choosing one – think about kitchen islands. Your countertop should basically be as multipurpose as the best of the kitchen islands, only it won’t be an island, but stay near your wall. I hope that makes sense to you.

If filling your wall with cabinets isn’t your cup of tea, then think about setting up a spacious and capacious pantry somewhere in your house – ideally connected with the kitchen, but that depends on the shape of your house. Be it as it may, with a proper pantry you will be able to store all your food, cookware and kitchen tools inside of it, which means you won’t have to keep all that stuff near your cooking zone. If that’s an option for you, your single-wall kitchen can be really light and free of clutter, which is always good.

Floating shelves also work really well when designing a single-wall kitchen. You can get rid of your cabinets and install them above your cooking zones, just remember they can’t be too high up or else they won’t be very convenient to use.

Workspace

Especially in the single-wall kitchen, it’s mighty important that your work surface can fit the precise space available. If for some reason you just can’t make it work, or want something to serve you as an additional work space on special occasions, there are ways to bypass the inconveniences. What are your options when it comes to providing a desk to prepare food on in a single-wall kitchen?

• Kitchen island on wheels – some people rarely cook anything substantial, or live alone and because of that don’t need a very spacious countertop. It’s fine if you don’t need all that much space for preparing your food, but what about the times when you throw parties? Well, that’s what kitchen islands on wheels are for. You can keep one of these stored wherever it is that you store items you don’t use at times when you need your kitchen to be free of any clutter, and roll it out only for special occasions when you’ll be preparing more food. A modern, fancy and overall cool way of getting the workspace you need.
• Kitchen tables – just because your kitchen cabinetry and appliances are designed to occupy just one of your walls, it does not mean you can’t have a kitchen table, right? Pick one that’s cohesive in style with the rest of your kitchen furniture. If you don’t want to install a spacious countertop, such a kitchen table can serve you well when you need additional space to prepare your food on.
• Countertops – as mentioned earlier, so not much to add. Just pick one that comes equipped with enough of additional features to satisfy your needs – bottom shelves and drawers can be very handy when you need to store things that otherwise would have to be stored somewhere else.

Appliances

As stated before, it’s a bit more complicated matter to make everything fit your single-wall kitchen, than it is in the case of the standard one. Because of that, it is also your appliances which need to be picked appropriately.

These days it’s possible to get kitchen appliances in every shape and style, but one thing is for sure – the newer ones aren’t as huge as they used to be back in the ancient times. Therefore, look around for minimalistic, simple appliances. Don’t worry, they won’t be less efficient – thanks to the new technological solutions, they are both small and very powerful at the same time.

It’s also a good idea to hide your appliances behind the cabinet fronts – this will make your single-wall kitchen look more cohesive in style, as nothing will stand out. The goal here usually is to make the kitchen wall look as if it was the actual wall, so it’s good if it has a single texture and color all over it.

If your single-wall kitchen will be connected with the living room or the dining room, it’s also very important that you pay attention to the noise your appliances will emit. Invest some time into looking for the quieter ones, not to disturb all the house inhabitants during their daily routine, such as watching TV, for example.

Design

Enough with the boring, practical stuff – let’s talk a bit about ways to make your single-wall kitchen as impressive and beautiful as possible. We’ve prepared a few ideas for you, so read on.

It’s best you decide whether you want to make the kitchen wall the focal point of your interior, or if you prefer to keep it more subtle and in the background. Depending on your answer, there are two main options:

• Highlighting one spot – if you want your kitchen wall to kinda blend with the wall and not be the ” in your face” kind of a kitchen wall, it’s a good idea to make one feature of it stand out – let’s use the oven as an example. Consider using the same color and texture of cabinet fronts all over the wall, with every other appliance hidden behind such a front as well. Now, leave the oven exposed by not covering it with anything. This way people will still notice your kitchen cabinetry, but their eyes will be sliding off them because of the distraction. Basically, they will just see your practical oven and take note it’s a kitchen, but not much past that.

• Highlight the entire kitchen wall – if you want your kitchen wall to really be impressive, think about something that forces people to look at it. Usually, your best bet is some fancy illumination system or a stylish, bold backsplash. A kitchen wall with white cabinetry and a yellow, illuminated backsplash which screams ” look at me” is not something you can overlook, right?

This sums up our guide to single-wall kitchens. Now you should understand what such a kitchen is all about – don’t rush it, and take your time to decide whether it’s something up your alley or not. However, if you decide to design a single-wall kitchen with enough commitment and determination, we’re sure the final result will be well worth it.

These days a refrigerator plays a vital role in our kitchen.

One can easily claim it is an irreplaceable item. Not only it maintains freshness of the groceries, but also allows freezing a large amount of food for the later use. My buying guide explains that fridges, freezers, and fridge freezers vary in sizes and additional features. While you browse my article, think of the layout of your kitchen, how much storage do you need for daily groceries and how much extra food do you typically freeze? My through guidance let you think outside the box and find the most suitable refrigerator for your needs. It does not matter whether you are considering switching to a latest model or only you are filling up a brand new kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, I am here with a fridge-by-fridge guide. My principal is to highlight the best features of each model and show the disadvantages of some, showing their real abilities.

A quick guide to measuring

Before you set foot in the store, you need to measure height, depth and width of the place where the refrigerator will ideally fit. The size of the fridge is the most significant factor when deciding on the model. Not only the dimensions of the new buy but also you need to take into consideration the door opening place, ventilation area, and mounting hinges.

Hot tip: Think of the entire way your new fridge will have to travel from your doorway to your kitchen. If you are tight on space, measure each doorway and your front door entrance. Sometimes there is a need to dismantle the entrance door’s hinges to place the refrigerator in perfect position.

Groceries’ quantity

Since you started off with measuring the accurate size of your fridge, now there is a real question up front “What are the needs of your family for storing food?” You need to take into account the number of your family members. Are you thinking of new offsprings? Do you often throw parties for a lot of acquaintances? With those questions answered, look at the cubic feet (cu.ft.) of fridges for your food storage needs:

• a typical family with two children need at least 24 cu.ft.,
• a couple who rarely cooks at home will be satisfied with 10-12 cu.ft.,
• each adult person needs 6-8 cu.ft.of refrigerator space;

Hot tip: If you like often shopping for fresh items, then pay extra attention for spacious storage on shelves. On another hand if you live on frozen goods, like pizzas, and merely set off on a shopping spree, then look for bigger freezer capacity.

Top Freezer and Bottom Freezer

It is a traditionally looking fridge, a common choice for an average family two adults plus two children. As the name connotes in Top Freezer, the freezer compartment is positioned above the fresh food storage and in Bottom Freezer the design is similar, but the freezing unit sits underneath the refrigerator.

• Capacity: up to 20 cu.ft.,
• Dimensions: height 64-68 inches, width 28-30 inches, depth 29-31 inches, door opens 90 degrees 60 inches,
• Cost range: from $400 to $800
• Downside: if you are looking for an ultra-tech design and entertain often, find more suitable fridge for you, with bigger capacity;

Side-by-side refrigerator

This model is the most sought after model on the market. A side-by-side fridge features a pair of tall and sleek doors which give access to 2 equal spaces, the freezer on one side and the fridge on the other. This model especially suits narrow kitchens with islands as slender door requires less space.

• Capacity: 22-26 cu.ft.,
• Dimensions: height 68-72 inches,width 32-36 inches, depth 29-31 inches,door opens 90 degrees 45 inches,
• Cost range: $700 to $2,500
• Downside: tall and relatively slim freezer compartment do not allow enough place for family-size pizzas;

French door refrigerator

Highly traditional model, a combination of a side-by-side refrigerator with a bottom freezer. That means that you have a full capacity of storage on the drawers, waist-high with a large freezing unit below the waist. Top-of-the-line models feature separate humidity and temperature adjustability while most of the French door fridges have water and ice in-door dispensers.

• Capacity: up to 30 cu.ft.,
• Dimensions: height 70 inches, width 34-38 inches, depth 29-31 inches, door opens 90 degrees 46-50 inches,
• Cost range: $1,500 -$3,000
• Downside: the model itself is above the price range, with extra features makes it even more expensive;

Four-door refrigerator

It is an ideal model for big families with growing capacity potential.

This one consists of a French-door unit on the top, a spacious middle shelf for items of everyday use and a bottom freezer. Four-door fridges typically have many compartments for keeping groceries fresh. Many models available on the market are equipped with temperature controller and water/ice dispenser.

• Capacity: 28-30 cu.ft.,
• Cost range: $1,500 – $2,500 ,
• Downside: 30 cubical feet of cooling space takes up also loads of kitchen room;

Compact refrigerator

Having a home bar, an entertainment room or a game room makes you realize the need of a small fridge. It is a miniaturized version of a traditional fridge with a small built-in freezer unit.

Built-in refrigerator

This fridge is a customized model is widely known as a cabinet or counter-depth fridge.Built-in refrigerator often comes in French door, side-by-side or four-door style. Freezer unit is situated at the bottom which gives lots of storage space for frozen and fresh goods.

Capacity: from 25 to 28 cu.ft.,

Cost range: from $1,200 to $3,500

Downside: these models are a little bit in top price range;

Wine refrigerator and beverage cooler

Nowadays technique allows for a temperature adjust in different compartments. Therefore, such models are perfect wine storages. You can get a compact unit for a home bar or a kitchen island but if you are a wine connoisseur than opt for an elaborate, full-scale wine fridge to keep a selection of different wine varieties. Humidity control is also featured in those modern models.

Which colour suits your kitchen?

Before you decide on sprucing up your newly renovated kitchen with new appliances, double check if you have an overall vision of what your new kitchen shall look. I am positive that you have planned your space and storage needs, so the time has come for choosing the colour of your fridge. Make sure it fits the existing layout and decor of the cabinets. There is a huge variety of available shades:

1. stainless steel,
2. black stainless steel,
3. black,
4. slate,
5. grey,
6. white,
7. off-white,
8. wood colour;

Hot tip: If you insist on the eye-catching spot in your kitchen, browse the net for refrigerators mimicking 50s and 60s style. Those models are sold in bright, vivid colours like orange, yellow or green. They are pricey, though, and the cost ranges from $2,000 to $4,000.

Must-have functions and additional features

• Flexible storage options and multi-storage compartments allow for rearranging shelves to suit your daily changing needs. Splitting and adjusting drawers is an essential feature these days, allowing better access to storing functions,
• Quick access door bins slide and adjust, creating an easily accessible solution for snacks or soda cans. We should take into account that leaving milk or butter in external notch can cause its fast deteriorating; milk goes sour quickly.
• Humidity control is a star high quality not only for wine aficionados. If you like sneaking on crunchy green leaves of your salad, humidity control is right for you. It keeps veggies stay fresh longer and keep wine in perfect condition;
• Door alarm goes off each time the refrigerator’s door is not closed properly. It is a fantastic feature preventing extra energy costs and what is highly likely with open doors, food waste.
• Wi-Fi display gives you a touchscreen with applications or even a TV. You can read recipes, make notes and plenty more.
• Smudge-resistant surface prevents from exterior smears and dirt. Children like ‘hands on experience’ so special external coating to shield from leaving fingertips is a necessity.
• LED lights save dollars and maximize your fridge efficiency. Place energy saving lights in the corners and over shelves to compromise durability and performance.

Ice and Water Dispensers

This is the feature that most customers value most when setting their minds on a new model of fridge.Ice dispensers can be divided into three categories:

• The in-door freezer is often found in French door designs and side-by-side models. The ice maker compartment is built into the fridge’s door with a spot for a glass. There is a button to press on the external panel too.
• in-freezer is an actual part of the freezer unit. So the downfall is that every time you need ice, you must open entire freezer compartment. For frozen pizzas fans, it is an unconvenient option as in-freezer takes up valuable space in the freezer drawer. I must add it is cost-efficient and energy saver, though.
• The dual ice maker is a combo of in freezer with an in-door ice dispenser. When given all three options, I would choose dual ice maker and start bartending course to prepare delicious cocktails on rocks.

Water dispensers are divided into four categories:

1. hot water
2. sparkling water
3. in-door
4. in-refrigerator

Being a teetotaller makes you grab a cuppa now and then. Hot water dispenser allows you to make a quick cup of tea instead of boiling a kettle for five long minutes. Having teenagers in the house makes you realize the rising need for soda. The idea of homemade soda beverages, prepared right before kids’ eyes sounds truly appealing. With such stunning option as sparkling water dispenser is, everything is possible. You can reach for carbonated water, always sparkling and fresh. Most people purchase in-door water units for avoiding the hassle of the door opening each time they are thirsty.

Should you be hesitant about choosing the right fridge for your kitchen interior, all your doubts will disappear in two shakes after going through our guide. Are you ready?

If you have ever been a first-time buyer of cookware for a new kitchen or just made an effort of upgrading existing kitchen equipment, there is a prominent chance that you faced a common question.

That question is: “ What exactly do I need to stock a functional yet minimalist and modern kitchen these days?

The selection of utensils, tools, equipment, cookware and appliances available on the market is tremendous. The best way is to start small, with basic must-have kitchen tools. As your skill level of cooking and needs rises, stock up in more quality utensils. A provide simple kitchen essentials for any kitchen minimalist user.

People who just start a cooking path, do not seem to notice the importance of the quality kitchen appliances. I remember myself at the beginning “ A cooking pan is a cooking pan, no difference from a brand new one.” Unfortunately, it is not as directly as I used to think. Well-equipped kitchen with smart appliances allows us to fulfill our potential as cooks. For our working comfort and the recipe’s outcome, we need to use quality utensils to comprehend what the famous chef wanted to convey through the recipe. Therefore, I decided to make our lives easier and solve this apparently rising problem once and for good. Here I prepared a list of how to stock a minimalist kitchen in high-quality cookware without going overboard.

Essential Preparation Tools:

Chef’s Knife.Acquiring a perfect knife could be an intimidating task due to a vast number of choices on the market. Manufacturers race head to head offering us a variety of Chef’s Knives which differ in brands, sizes, and styles. I noticed, however, that most cooks are wholeheartedly happy with 8” or 9” Chef’s Knife. Since you will use it this knife every time you cook, it is an excellent idea to upgrade in a  high-quality Chef’s Knife. You will quickly notice the difference how much sharper and easier cutting becomes. These days Chef’s Knives come at reasonable prices and the design, aesthetics and quality will not disappoint.You cannot do wrong with a well-chosen Chef’s Knife.

Paring Knife is a multifunctional knife with a short blade. You can easily spot one with German engineered quality at a good price. It is a fantastic purchase, superb for chopping, peeling and with coming strawberries season, it is a desirable knife for coring small seasonal fruits.

Knife Sharpener is a no-brainer purchase. Having high-quality knives in the drawer makes you realize of sharpening time. You can buy one on a budget, cheap and efficient, while still in a beautiful design.

Honing Steel is used to refine the edge of Chef’s Knife. The honing steel is usually 10-inch long, sometimes made of ceramic. It is not intended to sharpen the blade but to add a new edge to your knife’s blade.

Cutting Board is next to Chef’s Knife the most essential tool you are going to need in the kitchen. You need to pick one that is inexpensive and durable, no less than 12×15 inches. Some of them are equipped with grip handles on the side and are dishwasher safe. Nowadays most cooks sport plastic, fancy designed cutting boards and do not splurge on bamboo or teak boards. The latter is not very handy in the kitchen, as germs tend to stay on them and with a sharp knife, there is a possibility of sawdust.

Mixing bowls are perfect for storing leftovers in the fridge, mixing salad’s dressings, or meats marinate. During a barbecue time, smaller containers can hold sauces, herbs or spices.  Sometimes they come handy for decorative purposes to show an array selection of fresh fruits. There is a no-winner choice between stainless steel or glass bowl variety. In each set, there are 5 or 6 dishes of varying sizes. Both materials are durable, stain and odour free.

Measuring Spoons are needed each time you must precisely measure a small quantity of liquid or solid ingredient for a recipe. Very often a measuring cup is too big for such precise measurement.You can find lots of them in stores though  I highly recommend the traditional set. I like to keep things simple. This time, you will exactly know how much ¼ of a tablespoon is, and you can measure up to 1 tbsp.

Measuring Cups are one of each cook’s essentials in the kitchen preparation tools. Most favorable are those stainless steel with thin edges and additional pouring lip.

Can Opener is a ridiculous pleasure to use. Brings enormous amount of satisfaction every time I successfully open a jar lid. It is a multipurpose piece, usually features 4-in-1pulls. You can unscrew tops, open jar lids and cans with it.

Whisk is perfect for whipping cream for desserts or for beating eggs for an omelette. Whisking infuses air into a dish, so cooks widely use it in the kitchen. For avid party throwers, the whisk will be of use for salad dressings or sauces. You can find budget-friendly whisks, in ergonomic shapes, with a good grip handle. Best opportunity buy is 8 to 10-inch with a stainless steel or a plastic handle. Buy wise and seize the chance of one which is dishwasher secure so you will not worry about getting the dirt off it.

Greater is another fantastic example of efficiency in the kitchen. Purchasing a multifunctional 6-in-1 box grater prevents from unexpected costs.That is why it is also called shredder in some places. Having such a multi-purpose tool gives you a  freedom of shave, slice, coarse, ultra-coarse, even you can grate citrus skins with it or grate ginger or nutmeg,

Shears are extremely helpful for cutting herbs or stripping whole meats. What is more, a friendly florist gave me a generous tip of cutting the stems off flowers before placing them in a vase for longer lasting lives. Make sure to buy shears with good grip and stainless steel blades for easy clean.

Potato Masher is a fantastic tool used by generations for mashing potatoes. We all get used to its bulky and inconvenient shape that does not fit in any drawer and causes open lid of many shelves. Therefore, a hot tip is to find a potato masher that has a flip end to give it a good hiding in the drawer.

Vegetable Peeler removes the skin from many well-known veggies like potatoes, carrots or parsley. A vegetable peeler is not only ergonomically designed but also speeds up prep of dishes in a click of fingers.

The colander is another essential must-have tool for a minimalist kitchen. It usually comes in a bowl-shaped container and is widely used for draining vegetables like salad leaves or draining cooked pasta. Buy one with ergonomic design, not-slippery base, and good grip handles. Opting for a stainless steel gives you a timeless tool for generations.

Citrus Juicer makes squeezing juice a joyful action. No dirt, no juice on your palms, no seeds in your liquid! With this handy extra tool pouring a freshly squeezed glass of orange juice seems like a no hassle at all. During the evening, prepping lemons or limes for your cocktails will not longer be a nightmare. Purchase one with printed measurements so you would know how much liquid you have just pressed.

Saute Pans, also known as frying pans vary in sizes and materials. We can divide them into three categories:

8”, 10” and 12”. The best choice is the one with sides that angle outward for practical reasons. We can find vast possibilities of purchase on the market:aluminium saute pans,

1. aluminium saute pans,
2. stainless steel frying pans,
3. copper pans,
4. cast iron pans;

 

The former choice, aluminum saute pans, is a relatively good opportunity. Their biggest quality is a reasonable price and moderate heat keeping. However, the side effect of using aluminium frying pans is a tendency of the material to dent easily. Thus, not only it deforms quickly but also can react oddly to some cooking ingredients and give a strange taste.

Pans made of stainless steel does a good job in our minimalist kitchen. It does not come into reaction with cooked food and is heatproof. Moreover, the durability of stainless steel is unbeatable so far. It is a good choice to invest in stainless steel frying pan.

Copper pans are relatively safe with heat conducting and very robust. Unfortunately, they come is unreasonably high prices so you must watch for bargains.

Cast iron saute pans are an incredible buy. Their only downfall is weight because of the material they are made. On the other hand, they are sturdy and robust built. Therefore, their lifespan is timeless.

Pro tip: When given a choice, opt for a non-stick pan with a wide, flat bottom. If you remember to use a wooden spatula with this pan, it will last a lifetime. It provides cooking without using fats, and its surface remains scratch-free.

Buy wise and consider a set of appropriate size lids to go with your pans.

Pots and saucepans

The same differentiation in sizes and material as in saute pans. Aluminum pots are most affordable while copper is the most expensive out of the many opportunities on the shelves. The best buy is stainless steel ones so that you can splurge in many different sizes. Kitchen essentials are three basic sizes: 1 ½; 3 and 5 quarts. For large quantities of pasta or soup invest in a big 10 quarts pot.

Roasting pans are also known as baking pans. It is one of the essential must-have in the modern kitchen. Go for such sizes:

• 9×9” square pan, or
• 9×13” rectangular pan;

If you have a sweet-tooth and favour indulging in home-made cakes and pastries, you ought to buy:

• a loaf pan,
• 9” glass pie plate,
• 11” glass pie plate,
• 9” round cake pan;

If you dream forever of becoming Nigella Lawson and never stop trying preparing excellent double chip chocolate muffins, purchase:

• 6 cup or 12 cup muffin tin;

Read carefully my advice of supplying your kitchen in baking sheets which prevent dough from sticking to the bottom and sides of the tins.

I hope you will find our research on tools and utensils very helpful. I have dutifully separated them in ‘must have’ and ‘essentials’ categories to help you browse freely. Enjoy your cooking!

 

Having a proper home bar is a necessity these days, along with a movie theatre room, game room, and home office lot.

Creating a perfect modern home can be narrowed down to an exquisite design and incorporation of every little detail to suit everyone’s needs. Even if you are a teetotaller you should have a collection of classy spirits to offer your guests. On the other hand, being a party crasher makes you think of creating a space to entertain your guests in home domesticity. Why browse surrounding pubs for a bit of fun if you can get intoxicated at your own residence?

First of all, I want to guide you through the arrangement of a perfect home bar. There is a large variety of bar furniture, from classic to modern design, as well as additional accessories like tall bar stools and proper wine racks on the market. Finding an appropriate location within your house perimeter is second on my agenda. Even if it is a simple built-in bar or a separate party room I will show you an exact guideline. Moreover, I will explain all the essentials that you should have on hand. It does not matter whether you start from a scratch with a ‘Cocktails Book’ in front of you, or you are an advanced player, mixing spirits for years, you are going to set up an amazing Home Bar that would work best for your occasions.

Home Bar Solutions

Entertaining a lot means that you will benefit powerfully from having a proper home bar.

To begin with, you can easily host numerous gatherings, with an extra seating plan accompanied by an additional counter. It is a common sense solution to store spirits, liquors or glasses within reach. By adding a practical serving cart to your collection you can throw a garden party during an exceptionally hot summer. Well chosen accessories double act as focal points for guests. Your invited friends linger around the home bar, reaching out occasionally for a home-made cocktail. On daytime basis, a bar spot is ideally used for serving meals to the family as well as a snack bar.

Types of bars:

• standard home bar,
• free standing bar cabinet,
• wall mounted cabinet,
• serving bar cart,
• bar unit with bottles and glasses storage,
• entertainment cart with a serving tray,
• a microwave cart with storage on wheels,
• buffet/server,
• kitchen cart,
• drop-leaf kitchen cart,
• kitchen island cart,
• utility bar cart;

A standard home bar or a wall mounted cabinet consists of a table or a dresser with plenty of space for glasses.

Unfortunately, there is limited storage for spirits and wine bottles. It is usually a medium-height bar that comes with two bar stools. If you want to own a home bar with all the extra equipment, buy a sophisticated one with a wooden counter, plenty of stools and additional storage containers for glassware and the wide selection of spirits bottles. You may be only in need of buying additional, fancy appliances to make up the whole look. A refrigerator, an ice maker or a wine chiller do not come usually in a set. There is also a choice between a ‘dry bar’ and a ‘wet bar’. The former means there is no sink, so it must be situated near kitchen utensils. The latter, on the other hand, is equipped with an elaborate plumbing system, therefore, it can be positioned anywhere literally.

A bar cabinet is a very convenient component. You can keep all the necessities close-at-hand without the need to reach out somewhere else.

As I listed above, you can spot in stores units equipped with microwaves, countertops or serving trays. They are well-planned and suitable for everyone’s needs. Glasses and bottles are attractively displayed; there is enough room for snack preparation and the exterior surface allows mixing elegant cocktails.

The most efficient and sensible way to entertain guests provides a serving cart.

It is a lightweight appliance, with wheels to manoeuvre between small gatherings of people. During most times they work as a buffet/server or a kitchen island cart. A serving cart presents a great sight at parties, with a drop-leaf counter for a preparation of sublime drinks. With friends at bay, it changes its main purpose to a plain looking furniture with an extra possibility of locking wheels.

Essential Accessories

• bar tables,
• bar stools,
• pub sets,
• wine coolers,
• wine racks,

Placing a bar table is an impeccable solution for hosting parties.

Not only it preserves much-needed space but also offers a commodious opportunity for guests to hang around and chat freely. A typical Bar Height Table measures between 40” – 42” Tall and is widely used with home bars. They are tall and sleek in shapes so can perfectly fit in corners where a traditional table could not. Buying two or more bar tables creates casual seating opportunity for simmering down in the amiable atmosphere.

Height is the differentiator between bar stools. You can find three main kinds of these:

1. counter stools,
2. bar stools,
3. stools with a back;

A counter stool is between 22” – 24” tall at the seat which allows putting an elbow on the top surface.  Remember to buy one with a footrest because of the unusual seat height. They are the fantastic addition for a kitchen island unit.

A bar height bar stool is commonly 28-32 inch from the floor to the seat. Ideally pair bar stools with 40 – 42-inch bar tables. Those are exactly the same stools you come across in pubs and behind the counter in restaurants. It is easy to notice that they are few inches taller than the average Table-Height Stools. The most common use of Bar Stools is for standard home bars.

Our third choice is a stool with a back. Maybe it takes a little bit of extra space but comfort is the most important factor here. The swivel option allows guests to turn in the desired direction of a host or a television.

Bear in mind the seat width too. Maybe it is going to take up some space but you make it up in comfortability. Your main goal is to arrange a leisure area for your guests. Most stools have from 15 to 17 inches in width. For best snuggle leave approximately 8 inches between each stool.

A pub set is the most common choice for a home bar.

A pub or a bar table softens the line between a mundane table and a special place for unwinding with a beer after a stressful day at work. Having such a casual luxury creates a feeling of actually sitting in a pub around a typical bar table. You can also use it for a morning coffee with your spouse and a drawing table when spending quality time with your children. When deciding on a bar set, think carefully about the design and material it is made of. If you are going to place the pub set outdoors, glass is a perfect choice; waterproof and easy to clean. For indoor use I recommend wood, rattan or metal; it ages with grace and you do not need to worry about the weather conditions.

If you are keen on sipping wine during a party then a wine cooler is the great recommendation for you!

It is designed to keep wine at the perfect temperature. On the market, you can get either a single or dual zone wine cooler. Single Zone is first of all much cheaper than the other one. If you are a moderate drinker, sticking to just white or mostly red wine, it is the best option to go for. Being an avid drinker of both type of wines makes you turn your attention to Dual Zone Wine Cooler. It is a little more expensive but still a good investment. The latter is for those fans of wine who know exactly that  various wines must be housed in different, but stable temperatures.

Once you made decision to set up a gorgeous Home Bar, sooner or later you will have to answer a question ‘Where am I going to store all the wine bottles?’

It can be a challenging task as there is a large variety of options on the market to browse. At this point, I am sure that owning a wine rack will exceptionally enhance the value of your wine collection. To add to that it is easy to assemble appliance which appears astonishingly magnificent. Surely your guests will look with an appraisal on your newly bought Wine Rack.

Browsing over the selection in stores, your choice will become obvious. Apart from deciding on the material it is made from, there is a huge variation in prices, depending on the size of a wine rack. Being a wine connoisseur makes you opt for a large one with additional room for storing wine glasses. You can find some amazingly designed wine racks made from wrought iron or wood.  Choosing a small unit, think of one with a small counter top attached to the top surface. That will give you a possibility to keep an open bottle in hand for serving purposes.

Mastering the art of bartending

Having a Home Bar makes us invite friends over for a drink.

Here comes the obvious, you want to show off your newest purchase, and mastering basic bartending will make you stand out among your buddies. These days no one gets excited about a shotgun of standard vodka. You can get literally all the booze you dream of in any store. The basics are that any of your acquaintances can fix themselves Rum off the bargain with Diet Coke. Therefore, you ought to master numeral recipes of fancy drinks, based on Champagne, Gin, Rum, Tequila and Vodka. Given enough practice, you will become a perfect bartender in no time. On the top of that, having a well-stocked home bar makes you a perfect host. Start imaging guests waiting in anticipation for their favourite off-the-top-shelf cocktail, gazing admiringly with eager eyes at you…

Home Bar Rules

#1 Impress your guests with a well-stocked bar. Having a wide selection of spirits is a must!

• Champagne
• Gin
• Bourbon whiskey
• Scotch whiskey
• Tequila
• Rum
• Beer
• Sodas

#2 Till now you must have crafted the art of a few cocktails so depending on those, stock up on favourable mixers:

• Tonic water
• Coca-Cola or Pepsi
• Fanta
• Sprite
• Orange/ Tomato/ Apple /Pineapple juice

#3 I am sure that you can be creative when the time needs. Garnishes give something for the eyes as well to nibble on while enjoying the artfully created drink. Different beverages require all sorts of small punches. A cocktail laced with Tequila must be followed by a lemon or lime. In Gin-based tonics, you can often find olives.

When you start to entertain, your beautifully set home bar transforms into a focal point. Guests mill around the Bar, laughing and enjoying themselves; In general, have fun! I hope that my guide has truly inspired you to get started with setting up your own Home Bar as soon as possible.

Guests mill around the Bar, laughing and enjoying themselves; In general, have fun! I hope that my guide has truly inspired you to get started with setting up your own Home Bar as soon as possible.

Bar stools are one of these kitchen decor elements that shouldn’t be neglected but may be extremely difficult to fit into your interior.

They can make a strong statement when combined with the contemporary trend to paint backdrops with neutral colors and tones.  There are three main qualities you have to consider before buying bar stools: the number of items, their size and the material they are made of. Covering these three essentials will ensure a comfortable set of seats that are adjusted to the size of the island and the general space.

Let us take a look at several materials you will face when trying to find the perfect fit for your kitchen.

Materials

• Metal. This is a great material for counter stools, as it is easy to clean and cheap in maintenance. Moreover, metal bar stools come at relatively accessible prices and are made to suit more contemporary, modern interiors. If you have wooden flooring, the metal will contrast with the rest of the kitchen.

• Wood. This style of bar stools will fit most narrow kitchens. In addition to that, you ought to seek backless stools, for they are less visible and easier to hide under the island. Wooden chairs that provide greater convenience for their users are usually comfy curves in the seat. It is also more back-friendly because you are forced to sit up straight.

• Wood and metal. This combination is often represented in modern thrust in bar stools design. They are sculptural, so they can add more pizzazz to the neutral interior of one’s kitchen.

• Molded plastic. It’s one of the first choices when it comes to practicality and style. You can clean them up with a couple of sweeps with a wet duster. If you your kitchen is kept in rather dark tones, you will go for white plastic chairs – they will enlighten the kitchen and add a pinch of contrast into the room.

• Leather. Leather bar stools usually come along with metal base. Thanks to their minimalistic nature and the comfy leather upholstery, they are not only solid and modern, but they create the feeling of surrounding warmth throughout the kitchen. If you are a pet lover, though, forget about leather stools, as there will be nothing left after you let your pupils sharpen their claws on the brand-new upholstery. In this case, we’d recommend buying some cheap yet aesthetic material (cotton will be a perfect choice) and make your own DIY fabric to embrace the chairs with. All you need for creating such covers is a tacker, a couple of upholstery nails and an hour of free time.

Size

Before you start to choose the right bar stool, you will have to make accurate measurements. All details ought to be adjusted to the location and use of your chairs. Moreover, if one wants to feel comfortable in his/her own kitchen, one has to choose chairs that are not only of the proper height but also ensures enough space for your feet under the counter. Here are some facts about the bar stool’s height:

• The average bar height varies between 40 and 42-inches.
• For an average barstool, you will want a seat with a 30-inches height.
• The scat height should circle around 24 and 26-inches.
• For small kitchens, it is recommended to buy a 10-13-inches stool.

Apart from ensuring you’ll have enough room for your legs, you have to allow for adequate elbow room, as well. The optimal spacing of 26-30-inches from the centers of each seat. However, if you have a stool that is equipped with arms or turns on a swivel, you will need more space, approximately 30 inches.

Placement

When it comes to the placement of your bar stools, you have to decide on the focal point of your kitchen. If it’s a table, then place the stools accordingly with the table area. On the other hand, if you are an island owner, your stools will be hidden under the island in order to be exposed only when you are hosting guests. Wooden stools placed near the table in a well-lit area will make them vulnerable to showing any stains or imperfections on the stool, so if you want a chair that is more flexible for every sitting area, you will want high-quality wooden stools or metal ones.

Mechanics and back types

There are three no-brainer options that come to our mind, when we speak of bar stools: backless, swivel mechanism, and stools with arms.

• Backless: One of the advantages of buying backless bar stools is, without a doubt, the weight. They are light and easier to move, plus they require less space. If you hide them under your kitchen, you will create an uncluttered sightline right from the very entrance. On the other hand, backless stools offer less support, so do not place them in areas where people like to chit-chat with one another for hours.

• Swivel mechanism: They are so-called rotary stools. The most mobile version of a bar stool allows a turning range of 180-30 degrees, which makes them easier to maneuver. They also let their users move from one area to another, if you suddenly turn into a social animal. Higher-quality swivels will automatically return to the front-facing position after you’re done swinging. The sad part is that they are less handy for elderly people and children; for the latter, swivel mechanism bar stools may even be dangerous. Finally, they require more space, so you can exclude them from the remodel plan if you have a small kitchen.

• Stools with arms: Apart from the additional support, comfort, and style, stools with arms require additional space; given this, you have to make sure that they fit along and under your countertop or table. They are children-friendly, as they sit in a firm, straight-up position – a perfect fit if you want to keep your child’s physique healthy.

Bar stools may make a dent in your budget… But they will bear fruits in the long term

With that said, it seems clear that better-made products are more expensive. However, one that buys cheap has to buy twice. Following this gold sentence, look for products with longer life expectancies, higher prices, and better warranties. If you fancy design independence, you may turn to those manufacturers who offer custom options (usually you will have to pay for the upgrade). If you need a custom size, fabric or finish, get yourself the best deal.

Speaking of quality, you will have to find out as much as possible about the materials, when you compare products. If you want to purchase bar stools with leather upholstery, check if it’s all leather or just the seat, and the rest of elements are made of synthetic stuff, such as ecological leather or vinyl.  If you are in search for oak stools, see if the pieces are glued together, or are their solid oak? For metal stools, the gauge of the tubbing will be of paramount importance. Lower gauges are better since the heavier tube will help you achieve a better quality of weld without burning holes in it.

When you are looking for the best online retail, found out about the manufacturer. The Internet is full of scam and unprofessional entrepreneurs who favor fast income over the quality of their services, so you’d better look for different opinions about popular retailers in your city. If their policy towards clients is clear and they offer relevant customer service that is praised for its reputation, you know that you’re home. Never shoot blinds – otherwise, you may shoot yourself.

Let’s have a drink

Although insignificant at first glance, bar stools are actually your “to be, or not to be” kitchen decor element. You have to adjust the right type of a bar stool set in order to allow your guests have a comfy time while sipping their favorite drinks as appetizers before the dinner. Make appropriate measurements, adjust the style, the back, and the upholstery to the overall interior mood, and spend a few minutes on thinking about the right placement of your brand-new stools.

Remember not to buy too comfortable stuff – you don’t want any of your party’s survivors to slumber overnight behind the bar.

When we look at these items, we imagine this little story… once upon a time someone said to the manufacturers of these pretty bar stools: “You can create some really interesting things with wrought iron” and they treated it seriously. Well, if it is true – we don’t regret that they did! We are totally in love with these bar stools, and what about you?

Mesmerize yourself with this lovely stool. It is designed in a secession style, which was invented in Austria in the 1890s and featured curved lines. The intricate backing of the stool will catch your eye – it is romantic and sophisticated. The cushioned seat is upholstered in fabric and is made with love for good quality furniture. The frame of the stool is crafted of rigid metal and the four legs have plastic glides for protection of your floors. This stool measures at 46″ in height by 16″ in width and 19″ in diameter. The overall product weight is 44lbs.  [Read more…] about Wrought Iron Bar Stools

Spend your time in the coastal area of Florida without moving from your house. Does it sound appealing? If it does, we assume that you will be interested in transforming your house into a real hut standing by the seaside! Our collection of the best coastal bar stools may help you to arrive at conclusion that it is the thing you should do.

Transform the look of your house with this set of two unique stools. Each stool has a woven water hyacinth seat which adds a mesmerizing look to the construction of the stool – the construction is crafted of pine and finished in a natural brown color. Each piece from this set measures at 26.5″ in height by 14″ in width and 14″ in diameter. The overall product weight is 24lbs. The maximum weight capacity of each stool is 250lbs. A footrest has been included.  [Read more…] about Coastal Style Bar Stools