Olden Coldies

February 28, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Kitchen Remodeling 

Planning a kitchen remodeling project but lost for ideas?  Antique kitchens are very much in vogue.  Discuss with your New Jersey remodeling contractor how you might incorporate the look into your home. Here we’ve supplied some tips on having antique appliances restored, as appliances provide the cornerstone for any kitchen design.

Antique appliances that have been restored are brought back to like new condition. The “new” refrigerator will come with either a new refrigeration system, or if the old system was in good working order it would simply be overhauled and most likely converted to an environmentally friendly refrigerant.

If you opt for a new refrigeration system over a restored system, this does make the appliance less of a collectors item and more of a novelty item. A new refrigeration system will be more energy efficient though.

You may remember the old refrigerator your grandmother or grandfather had sitting in the garage -  you know -  the ones with the round or square shaped tops. Well if they still have those oldies, then you can get those restored and back to like new working order. There are a number of places that do this type of work.  If you can find a local antique appliance repair shop it will save you a ton of money on shipping.

On the other hand, if there isn’t a local shop capable of doing this kind of work it still may be advantageous to have it shipped to repair shop. Some antique appliances are worth quite a chunk of change. Some, believe it or not, are worth as much as $15,000 when fully restored. I would get an appraisal from a reputable restoration company such as AntiqueAppliances.com. Why get an appraisal beforehand? Well some antiques are more than others and the price paid for a complete restoration may not be worth it, but in most cases, a complete restoration is well worth it.

If you don’t already have any antique refrigerators or antique stoves that can be sent out to get restored, you can purchase already restored appliances. These appliances are ready to ship, worldwide in most cases.

Do keep in mind these appliances are heavy and the shipping costs alone will be substantial, but nothing beats the look of an antique. Plus, if you’re trying to get the look and feel of an antique kitchen, one of these antique appliances is a must have. So it would be best to have your appliance restored in the New Jersey area if possible.

Just be careful when buying an unrestored unit as you will most likely have to get it restored on your own. This will increase the total cost. Also be sure the appliances come with ALL of the original parts, or as many as possible, as this will also increase the restoration costs if the parts need to be made or taken from an already dwindling inventory of replacement parts.

Antiques will always be a hot commodity, and antique refrigerators and antique stoves are no different. With the supply of these beauties getting less everyday, the prices will continue to go up. Like with most antiques, the value of these appliances will always be high. So why not at least consider restoring or buying one of these beautiful additions to any period New Jersey home.
Article Source: http://www.dream-kitchen-ideas.com/antique-refrigerators.html

If you’re looking for a professional New Jersey kitchen remodeling contractor, then give us a call today at 800-734-3737 or complete our request for a design and budget consultation.

Tips That Will Make You Love Your Kitchen Even More

February 24, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Kitchen Remodeling 

The kitchen is considered a woman’s domain, thus to fill the kitchen with all the accessories will be a delight to her. What would you want for your own kitchen?  You don’t have to throw away those antiques hanging around. All you need to do is organize your own cutlery to display those antiques. You don’t have to use them, but they would be a nice collection in one corner of your kitchen. New Jersey Remodeling ideas for your kitchen don’t need to be expensive as well. You can mix and match the little things such as small tray for pepper, salt, cooking oil, etc. Another tray for creamer, coffee, tea, sugar and cocoa, and a rack for your cups & saucers would be great.

A well arranged cupboard will make your kitchen more spacious. You can beautify your old cupboard by simply replacing its covers. You may choose closet doors such as louvered, sliding, bi-fold or single paneled. More closets and drawers are practical kitchen designer ideas to make a spotless kitchen with added dish drawer, dishwasher and kitchen islands. It would be best if you keep your silverware in a closed drawer to avoid crawling insects that could be harmful to your health. A hanging place for your cookery will be a fine idea to make your kitchen utensils orderly and neat looking.

Countertops can provide very important kitchen designer ideas in making your kitchen more attractive. You can choose marble, granite, corian, faux-granite, laminated or concreted. Just measure the size and shape of your countertop when you make your orders. The company will cut the stones according to your specifications. They will install the countertops for you. A hardwood on another side of your countertop just enough for your rolling pins will be good for your baking ideas. You can plan for all-stainless platforms for your kitchen accessories. A spotless kitchen will tend to make the kids more careful in preparing their snacks.

Food processors, blenders, toasters and mixers are best displayed on your countertops. Microwave ovens as well as cooking grills are necessities you ought to display on your countertops for easier access while cooking. A stainless steel sink will be a good match among your kitchen accessories. A water heater would be an added factor to keep a well sanitized kitchen. It is advisable to adjust your thermostat to 140˚F to prevent incubation of microbes called legionella bacteria. A regular size refrigerator would be an advantage so you can replenish your stuff weekly. Don’t forget to put up an exhaust fan in your kitchen to avoid accumulation of carbon dioxide and to keep your household well ventilated.

Finally, uniformed table utensils will make an elegant look on your dining table with matching table napkins. A set of glass drizzle bottles for olive oil and vinegar with dip saucers will make a good starter to complement your special menus. Hanging pendant lights with matching kitchen wall decors will complete your kitchen design ideas. Change your kitchen motifs according to season and occasion. These are practical kitchen design ideas everyone would love to implement for their New Jersey kitchen remodeling project.

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