Washing knives in the dishwasher

Dishwashers are a modern luxury most of us get to enjoy, however, there are some things they shouldn’t be used for. Sharp knives are important for cooking and safety while cooking. A dull knife is more likely to slide off of whatever you’re cutting, rather than cut through it. Chefs don’t put their expensive knives in the dishwasher. Dishwasher detergent, which contains alkaline compounds, can dull the edges of your knives. So if you want your knives to stay sharp, hand wash them only! 

 

Cleaning glass shower doors with chemicals 

It is unfortunate that a space we want to use to get clean, gets dirty. All grocery stores have chemical based products that promise to keep your shower sanitary, but big surprise, chemicals are, more often than not, bad for you! To keep yourself, your kids, and your pets safe, try cleaning your shower with white vinegar. Gets rid of soap scum just as well and is generally cheaper than traditional products! 

Duvet Covers

Duvet covers can be tricky. I remember walking into the bedroom one day and saw my fiance struggling to get the comforter insert into the cover. He looked at me and seemed appalled by my laughter and asked for my help. There is actually a much easier way than just shoving it in there and hoping for the best. Most Duvet covers have ties or buttons in the corners (If yours doesn’t, use safety pins). The trick is to flip the duvet cover inside-out. Once you have the corners secured on one side, pull it through so it is no longer inside-out. Secure the other end and zip it up! Takes me less than a minute to get my king size one all ready to go! 

 

Overloading the washing machine

While it may be tempting to do one giant load of laundry, overfilling it actually does more harm than good. Not only does it add extra stress to your washing machine, your clothes doesn’t get as clean! The space at the top of the washing machine is essential for getting detergent and water to all your clothes. If your clothes as no way to move, it won’t be able to get all the soapy goodness mixed around in the fibers! If you’re in a pinch, just was essential items first and do a second load when you have the time. 

Cleaning windows on a hot day

Cleaning windows on a nice sunny day may seem like a good idea. You can see the dirt easier, right? Well that is true, doing so causes the windows to dry too quickly, causing streaks along the way. Wash your windows on a cloudy day instead! 

 

 

The 1920’s were full of white kitchens, a lot of detail, and fun patterns. A lot of the kitchens had glass cabinet doors, as well. Adding texture on your kitchen doors can create the vintage feel without much effort. This particular kitchen has those touches, and tops it off with black, white and red accents to really keep the retro feel going.

In the 1950s, there were no wasted steps in terms of color. One of the more popular colors for the 50’s were pastels, such as teals, yellows, and pinks. Sometimes paired with bright appliances. This is a more, vintage farmhouse spin on the popular 1950’s color. Adding a bright color and with more modern appliances can create a great, lived-in, feel without compromising on convenience.

As the 1960’s and 1970’s rolled around, wood was a fan favorite. Generally the cabinets were flat, and plain. This kitchen takes the warmth of a kitchen from this era but uses shaker style doors to keep it up to date.

The key to adding vintage charm to any kitchen is the small details. Rustic, weathered cabinets, glass doors, bright colors, and fun accessories can pull it all together. Wanting to go one step further? There are new, retro style, appliances available in almost any color imaginable. Go out there and get there and build the vintage kitchen of your dreams!

---

1. Cabinet refacing

---

Of course one way to update your kitchen is to just reface it! Adding new doors to any kitchen can dramatically change whole design feel of a kitchen. Especially when there are so many selections and colors to choose from.

---

2. Lining the inside of your cabinets

---

Open cabinets are definitely ‘in’ right now. But instead of looking like every Pintrest kitchen out there, why not make it special by laying in some fabric or wallpaper to create a unique look and have a color/pattern that you absolutely love.

---

3. Contrasting island

---

Having a two toned kitchen is definitely still holding strong in the design trends of kitchens. And there is a good reason for it. Contrasting islands create a more dimensional and unique space.

---

4. Beverage area

---

Using a small section of your kitchen or a small nook in your living or dining room to create a beverage station. Installing a mini-fridge or wine cooler can create easy access to help host guests. Add a dedicated space for cups, beer or wine classes for convenience.