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Everyone has one. A list of all the fancy features and gadgets and really cool (and useful) things we want for our kitchens. Some items on our lists might be just for show, something fancy that we might never really use, but it’d look neat in our kitchen. Others probably have a purpose, something that would make your time cooking or clening up easier and faster.

My list certainly has both. On the impractical side, I would love to have one of those refrigerators that looks just like your cabinets. The room would just flow so much better without a big, metal box in the middle of our wall. A dishwasher that looks like a cabinet drawer and is so quiet your baby can sleep while it runs is on my wish list too, for pretty much the same reason. Dishwashers are definitely workhorses (especially at my house) but not much to look at.

A fancy backsplash is another of my impractical needs. You know, the impossibly intricate mosaic kind made of thousands of tiny pieces of glass. Maybe it could even be arranged in a fussy picture design, like an underwater motif or a nod to the southwest complete with a cactus and a kokopelli?

On the more practical side, I’d simply love a kitchen with more counter space. Who couldn’t use that? Better lighting (okay, and more stylish light fixtures) is another thing I could actually use. And a pantry, a real walk-in pantry, with spacious shelves and floor space, would also be on my list.

It may be awhile before I get the cabinet dishwasher or my fancy backsplash, but being able to get some of the items on my wishlist, like the lights we’re installing this weekend, helps me feel better about the place where I spend a good chunk of time each day (also known as “my office”). So, dish,  what things top your kitchen wish list? Can’t wait to hear your ideas, practical or not. Regards!

If you’ve ever redecorated or remodeled a room or house, you know the decisions are endless. This shade of white or that shade of white? Wood floor or carpet, or tile? Valances or blinds for the windows?

Choosing countertops is no different. If anything, I think it’s gotten harder to choose the perfect countertop for your home. There are so many choices now. There’s the standard laminate (which, if you watch any redesign show on HGTV, is always the first thing to go in the kitchen). Granite countertops are immensely popular right now, a must if you are trying to sell your home. There’s butcher-block counter tops (my favorite) that allow you to cut and chop right on the counter.

Fancier (and pricier) options for countertops these days include quartz, stainless steel, lavastone and even paper composite! So when it comes to countertops, how do you decide which is right for you? There are a few key things to consider. Price, first and foremost. You don’t want to spend weeks eating noodles just so you could afford the fancy countertops.

Durability is another thing to consider. If you’re the type that’s constantly cooking, something that stands up to the test of time is essential, whereas those who cook by ordering takeout can go with something a little less durable. Ease of cleaning is another factor to consider.

Below are several links that can help you decide what things are important to you when it comes to counters, and which type of counter best fits your needs.

http://www.kitchens.com/products/countertops/materials.aspx?ekmensel=c580fa7b_226_502_btnlink

http://interiordec.about.com/od/kitchencounters/tp/tp_countertops.htm

Around the office, the sales people like to condense everything into a 60 second video. I actually found a kitchen remodel in 60 seconds on YouTube, but it didn’t have any valuable information. I did, however, come across this video from Ask the Builder. The kitchen was pretty outdated, but it looks like they did a nice job with the upgrade and changed a few other elements (like removing wall sections) to make it appear bigger. Even more impressive, they did this without losing any space. This video shows how a little “outside the box” thinking can net some very nice results. Sure beats a new countertop and refinishing the cabinets.

Hello all! I am excited to get my blog started to share some of the great items I have found over the years which may help you get started on your next decorating project. I will be covering items inside and outside the house and hopefully providing valuable decor ideas. Some of the upcoming posts will include items such as contemporary kitchen designs, living room decor and even kitchen remodeling. But before I get too far, one of the next posts will hopefully be very valuable to you - a few of the best places to buy high-quality housewares and decor on a budget. I look forward to interacting with the readers of this blog and sharing great ideas.