interior-decorating-ideas.com

Coffee is hot, in more ways than one. Every day, millions of people pick up their lattes or cappuccinos as they rush between tasks or when they need a moment to relax. However, have you ever paused to wonder “What’s in my latte?” or “What exactly is espresso?”

DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker

List Price: $140.00
Buy New: $94.61
You Save: $45.39 (32%)

• 15-bar pump-driven espresso machine with durable stainless-steel broiler
• 2 thermostats for separately controlling water and steam pressure
• Self-priming operation; accommodates E.S.E. pods and ground espresso
• Adjustable swivel jet frother; removable 35-ounce water tank; “on/off” switch
• Measures 7-1/2 by 9-1/2 by 11-1/8 inches; 1-year warranty

Ordering an espresso beverage should be fun, not intimidating. And you shouldn’t need a degree in coffee studies.

So what is espresso?

The term espresso was first coined in Milan, Italy in the early 20th century and literally translates to “quick” in Italian. While many of us think that espresso is a bean, it’s not. An espresso “shot” is pulled by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans in an espresso machine.

In a recent survey sponsored by Starbucks Coffee Company, only a third of Americans are aware of all beverages that contain espresso. Although many coffee house enthusiasts don’t know espresso is a flavor that they already enjoy, it has become the core of limitless beverages around the world. The popular coffee house Starbucks relies on the consistently dense, caramel-like sweetness and smooth finish that the Espresso Roast brings to keep the intense coffee flavor lingering once you take your first sip.

To help make ordering espresso simple, Dave Olsen, the creator of Starbucks Espresso Roast offers tips to ensure you know “what you drink:”

* Know the Beverages. The menu board can be vast at most coffeehouses, so keep these essential espresso beverages in mind as you order: caffè latte, caffè americano, caffè mocha, macchiato and cappuccino.

* Hot or Cold. Espresso doesn’t always have to be enjoyed warm. Perfect for the hot summer months, any espresso beverage can be ordered “iced” (or served over ice as most coffeehouses refer to their cold beverages).

* Add Flavor or Substitute. Not all beverages match everyone’s tastes. If you want a little more flavor in your beverage, simply ask your barista to add a “pump” of flavored syrup (think caramel, vanilla or hazelnut) or top it off with a little spice, such as nutmeg or cinnamon. Vanilla is the most popular item that espresso drinkers report typically adding when they drink espresso, according to the 2008 Starbucks survey. You can also substitute 2 percent milk for nonfat or even soy.

* Wet or Dry Cappuccino. For the cappuccino fan who likes a little more milk or a little more foam, you can ask for a “wet” cappuccino (more milk than foam) or a “dry” cappuccino (more foam than milk).

* With Room, Please. Eight in 10 Americans who drink espresso report that they typically add items to their espresso. If you like to add your own milk or sweetener from the coffee station bar but find your beverage filled to brim, ask for “with room” and your barista will gladly leave enough space in the cup for added extras.

* Ask a Barista. Still undecided about a beverage? Don’t be afraid to ask a barista for recommendations or suggestions. They will be more than happy to match your taste preferences with the perfect beverage.

Making one or two cups of really good coffee is exceptionally difficult with a full-size coffee maker. Even the best coffee maker cannot do it consistently. The solution is a one cup coffee maker. The Senseo Single Serve Coffee Machine works for lots of people, if you are OK with coffee pods. The ProctorSilex 42114 Single-Serve Pod Coffeemaker is priced right and uses both coffee pods and ground coffee with its convenient permanent filter.

Senseo HD7832 Supreme Single-Serve Gourmet Coffeemaker with LCD Display, Silver

List Price: $139.99
Buy New: $109.00
You Save: $30.99 (22%)

The patented Senseo single-serve gourmet coffee maker lets you savor a single serving of fresh gourmet coffee at the touch of a button, in under a minute. The result is always a delicious cup of fresh gourmet coffee, with a frothy layer that only Senseo Brewing System can make at home. Now you can have one cup of gourmet coffee the way you like it, every time anytime. You choose the volume size! Multi-beverage system capable of brewing coffee, cappuccino and tea. Coffee volume selection for 3oz., 4 oz., 5 oz. cup and 6oz., 8 oz., 10 oz. Mug. Interactive LCD Display to highlight water level. Adjustable spout allows for use of your favorite coffee cup, from small cup to a mug. 33% Larger Water Reservoir (32 oz.) - dishwasher Safe.

If you are a no-holds-barred, buy the best available kind of person go with the Bunn MCP My Cafe Professional-Grade Single-Serve Coffee/Tea Machine. For pure value you cannot beat the Black & Decker DCM18S Brew ‘n Go Personal Coffeemaker. The Black & Decker DCM18S dumps the brew right into a travel mug. You don’t even have to be awake to use it.

If you think that a one cup coffee maker is beyond the reach of current technology then stop thinking coffee maker and start thinking microchip beverage system, Take a look at the Keurig B60 Special Edition Gourmet Single-Cup Home-Brewing System and the Braun Tassimo Hot Beverage System.

Well Equipped American Kitchen

Winsome Wood Single Drawer Storage Cart

List Price: $164.99
Buy New: $149.95
You Save: $15.04 (9%)

Perfect for small kitchens where every space has to serve double duty, Winsome Wood’s single-drawer storage cart packs a lot of multi-task potential into its compact dimensions. The roomy top counter offers a large work area with a towel rail on the side for easy access. Just underneath sits a wide drawer for utensils and tools, while two lower doors open to reveal storage space with a shelf. Perched on lockable casters, the solid beechwood cart goes wherever it’s needed, then slides away when not in use. The simple, clean style suits any decor and features large handles that are easy to grasp and pull–no matter how busy, cramped, or distracted the chef is! The cart measures 25-1/2 inches wide by 19-1/4 inches deep by 34 inches high. –Kara Karll

By Julie Morgenstern

Shopping, wrapping, prepping, cooking and cleaning are time-consuming activities any time of year, but these tasks reach a new level of intensity as harbingers of the holiday season. The very thought of the hubbub that approaches with cooler weather and Halloween treats and ends with the remnants of New Year’s confetti is enough to put even the most prepared and placid among us on edge.

Pyrex 18-Piece Storage Set with Lids

List Price: $39.99
Buy New: $24.99
You Save: $15.00 (38%)

Features:
• Includes 2 7-cup round, 2 4-cup round, 2 3-cup round, and 2 1-cup round storage pieces
• Made of nonporous glass that won’t warp, stain, or absorb odors
• All pieces come with seal-tight plastic lids for secure food storage
• Oven-, microwave-, refrigerator-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe
• 2-year warranty on glass pieces; stackable design; made in the USA

But, if you get a jumpstart now, devoting a day or two to preparing your home, you’ll ease into the celebratory cycle with a lot less stress than ever before and enjoy the festive mood that permeates the atmosphere October through January.

First thing first: Get started by creating specially designated activity and storage areas. If you set aside space in the kitchen, dining room or mudroom, you’ll be guaranteed easy access to your holiday wares. Consider the following zones:

Wrapping Zone

Stock with wrapping paper, cards, tape, scissors, ribbons, etc. so you’re ready to present gorgeous presents after a big trip to the mall. Also, consider stocking up on last-minute hostess gifts such as books, journals, stationery or gourmet goodies in case you receive and need to reciprocate an unexpected gift. You can store them, along with any used wrapping paper and ribbon from received gifts (for future use), in this area.

To Do Zone

Convert your regular desk/media area to seasonal record keeping and storage by updating with appropriate organizers, holiday stamps and lists. Keep a copy of your master shopping list of everyone you want to buy for, complete with interests, sizes and styles, in this zone. Record what you gave each person directly onto your master shopping list, including how much you spent, so you’ll have something to reference next year.

Place a copy of your final address list in a holiday cards file. If you receive cards this year from people not on your list, toss their return addresses into your file and blend them into your current list for next winter. Keep track of expenses by using one credit card for all purchases. Be sure to hold on to all receipts and confirmations of gifts purchased online.

Cooking and Baking Zone(s)

Once, you’ve stocked up on seasonal ingredients including dry baking goods, decorative sprinkles, candies, herbs, spices, nuts and more, get ready to play chef and pull rarely-used items such as roasting pans, gravy boats and serving platters from your dusty cupboards, wash them, and get them ready to go. Get your favorite recipes out and place the cookbook with the first recipe you plan to prepare on Diamond Cabinet’s Logix Cookbook Recipe Organizer.

Also, pull baking items such as cookie cutters, rolling pins, stand and hand mixers and other utensils and place them within easy reach. Next, stash flat items (like cookie sheets as well as trays and cutting boards) in Diamond Cabinet’s Logix Rollout Tray Divider to keep them standing at attention.

Easy Entertaining Zone

First, set the mood for festivities by displaying favorite holiday photos in cute frames on your breakfast bar or island. Next, set this space up as a gathering spot for friends and family and stock it with little bowls and trays of dried fruits, spiced nuts and candies. Keep everything fresh in airtight containers prior to parties, and display snacks right before company arrives.

As guests arrive, fill your home with an inviting scent by microwaving popcorn or even cooking a casserole in Amana’s newest convection microwave, which cooks foods evenly and quickly. It’s like having a second oven at your finger tips.

Finally, create a serving station set with plates, utensils, glasses and napkins. If you intend to serve more sophisticated nibbles, pull your special holiday china and feature it on the buffet. Last but not least, you may also want to make decorative vases, clippers, and other flower-arranging tools easily accessible in case you receive bouquets/seasonal plans from visitors, and display your seasonal vases and bouquets in this zone.

Clean Up Zone

Once the party’s over, make clean up a cinch by designating spaces for washing dishes and fabric. Stack dirty, delicate china and flatware in a handwashing area for special treatment. Place soiled holiday ware (ties, dresses, even festive linens including tablecloths and napkins) on or near Maytag’s Epic Z front-load washer and dryer pair for home laundering or to take to the drycleaner. The Maytag Laundry 123 system includes special work surfaces, drawers and places to hang items for ultimate organization.

Seasonal Storage Zone

At the end of the season, reflect on what a great time you had with family and friends, and start gearing up for next year. Put away all holiday goods, from decorations (spooky knick knacks, Advent calendars, menorahs, Christmas lights, etc.) to special cookware, cookbooks and more. Unexpected storage solutions, such as Diamond’s Logix Base Toekick Cabinet, provide a smart and unique way to store these little-used items and ensure you make the most out of every nook and cranny your home has to offer.

In the end, the point is to remember that keeping calm and remaining collected during the holidays is all about you. If you personalize your zones to fit your needs and taste with storage accessories that play to your preferences and personality, happy holidays are practically guaranteed. And, if you set aside another couple of days post-holidays in early January to organize, clean up and take stock of your home, next season’s prep work will be a snap.

When you think of a “contemporary” kitchen, what enters your mind? A sleek and contrasty Euro-style loft kitchen? A soothingly balanced Asian-inspired kitchen? What about a ‘50s throwback kitchen with colorful appliances, pastel walls and a starburst clock?

According to kitchen industry experts, all these kitchens could be called “contemporary” because of a 21st century desire to blend clean modern lines with a whole new world of influences.

“We’ve shrunk the oceans,” says Andy Wells, head of product design for Decora Cabinets, an Indiana-based manufacturer of semi-custom cabinets sold through 1,000 kitchen dealerships nationwide. “Contemporary used to be about achieving a particular fashionable look. Now, since people are exposed to more international culture, we’ve lost our inhibitions about mixing different styles together. Even America is developing its own different subcategories of modern looks.” .

Asian Contemporary: It’s a Zen Thing

While America’s Asian population is increasing, you don’t have to be of Asian descent to appreciate the clean, serene lines and fine-tuned proportions of an Asian contemporary kitchen. Designers describe this burgeoning kitchen style as emphasizing low, strong horizontal lines in the cabinetry. Cabinets are usually flat front, and often in dark woods with very dark finishes.

When designing kitchens, some people will even consult the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui, a process of placing furniture and accessories to be in harmony with the environment.

What makes a space truly Asian contemporary, however, are the details. “We’re seeing more kitchens with Japanese Tonsu-like storage systems, sliding doors, watercolor drawings, natural surfaces like bamboo flooring, or river stone backsplashes,” says Mary Jo Peterson, kitchen designer, educator and writer for “Kitchen and Bath Design News.”

American Versus European Contemporary

While contemporary kitchens share many of the same design principles, American and European styles are often worlds apart. European kitchens tend to be focused more on exceptional product design, smart storage and bright colors, like bold reds and deep cobalt blues. European kitchens tend to be more futuristic, and smaller, too, so no space can be left underutilized.

American contemporary kitchens, however, have less metals and glass. “American contemporary is warmer, with lots of rich woods, stone flooring and even the occasional antique shaker table,” says Ellen Cheever, columnist for “Kitchen & Bath Design News,” and kitchen designer at her own dealership in Wilmington, Del.

“There may be hints of some traditional elements, like a raised panel door for the cabinets, but they are far more sleek and understated,” she says. “And some kitchens feature a very carefully edited collection of modern plates or family photos too. It all works, because the design is still based on very simple, clean lines.”

Cottage Contemporary: Life’s a Beach

With so much of the Northeast surrounded by rivers, bays and lakes, it no mystery why Connecticut developed its own contemporary style. But you don’t have to live by a lighthouse to enjoy the casual, pared-down 1930s inspired look these kitchens bring.

“Once you’ve lived in an ornate, traditional room, you know how much upkeep it is,” Cheever says. “The cottage contemporary look is one way to simplify while still straddling the line between contemporary and traditional.”

She notes that cabinets in this kind of room tend to be a very, very tailored recessed panel white or a very dark cabinet, with very few embellishments like corbels or columns. But what makes this kitchen different is its sense of line. Lines in this kind of space can be very vertical, with extra tall upper cabinets, or very low and horizontal. Fabrics tend to be muted, using soothing earth tones and natural textures for a pattern-on-pattern look. Floors tend to be natural surfaces, like cork or hardwood. And lighting is often a very playful, sculptural looking mid-century modern chandelier.

Retro: A Blast from the Past

Whether you’re looking for a taste of ’70s mod, ’50s atomic age design, or ’80s industrial, there’s a little bit of something for everyone in today’s retro kitchen designs. Unlike many other contemporary styles, cabinets play a secondary role to the details in the room. Pair any contemporary looking cabinet with lighting fixtures, accessories or color palates from another era and you have a fresh twist on kitchen design history.

Peterson is quick to advise, however, that the retro look is not about pure imitation. “We’ve taken these historic looks and updated them for the 21st century,” she says. “For instance, that famous avocado green from the 1970s is now a grassier, more natural shade. Robin’s egg blue is similar, but more silvery and sophisticated. And we’re pairing them differently. In the 1950s, you might have had an entirely pastel room of blue, pink and mint green. Today, that blue is paired with deep browns and grays.”

So, with the right classic contemporary cabinetry, grandma’s starburst clock, blond wood dinette or chrome chairs might look right at home. “Don’t be afraid to mix and match,” Peterson says. “It’s all part of making your home your own.”

Years ago, the kitchen served a very utilitarian function – a place to prepare food and clean the dishes. Today, it’s truly the nerve center of the house where families eat meals, discuss the day’s happenings, plan calendars, check e-mail and even entertain.

As a result, more homeowners than ever seek ways to make their kitchens work harder so they can re-focus their energy away from cooking and cleaning, and put it more on their family and friends who have gathered.

High-tech faucets and appliances, expanded work surfaces and carefully thought-through floor plans are just a few elements that have emerged in kitchen trends. But one of the most noticeable differences in today’s kitchen is the demand for multiple sinks and various water sources.

According to Jeff Pratt, of Danze, a manufacturer of decorative plumbing products, many homeowners are using multiple sink areas to increase efficiency. However, they don’t want to sacrifice the ability to showcase their personal tastes and eye for design.

“Homeowners and designers place a lot of emphasis on a sink’s role when planning a kitchen remodel,” says Pratt. “While convenience and functionality have always been concerns, today’s homeowners also want to enhance the room’s ambiance and décor they’ve worked hard to achieve. Style can’t be sacrificed for function or convenience any more.”

According to Pratt, the countertops you surround the sink with and the faucets you place on them, can add much of the design a homeowner seeks.

If you’re looking for ideas on how to make your kitchen more functional and stylish, consider integrating these options into your kitchen remodeling plan:

Main Sink – An all-purpose station primarily used for clean-up duty, the main sink often features a deeper, single basin to handle dishes and oversized pots and pans. Pratt suggests pairing these sinks with a high-rise pre-rinse faucet or pull-down faucet. These faucets improve functionality of the sink area by allowing users to literally “take the water to the work,” but are noticeably fashionable.

In addition to the primary functional faucet, many kitchens feature a water filtration faucet or tap as part of their main sink configuration.

Second Sink – Often located in a center island, this sink helps avoid congestion at the main sink and is a great way to increase a kitchen’s workflow. Many refer to this sink as a prep sink, which quite literally is one of its primary uses. Homeowners commonly use this extra workspace for cutting vegetables, chilling wine or washing hands before a meal. Choosing a faucet style and finish that complements the room’s décor can add an eye-catching decorative piece to an otherwise “ho-hum” island.

Bar Sink – Also referred to as a convenience sink or a beverage center, this area is traditionally used for entertaining purposes. It’s occasionally located on the center island, but is often placed on a separate countertop in the kitchen or adjacent room (if space allows). Make sure to choose a faucet that matches the other kitchen faucets. Danze offers several types of bar faucets including high-arc options, small-scale faucets and pull-down faucets. Choose a style that will make this space “entertaining.”

Looking for another water source without a full sink? Try incorporating a pot filler faucet at your stovetop. These faucets provide a convenient, safe way to add more water to boiling pots or sauté pans. Danze offers a variety of wall mount and deck mount pot fillers in traditional and contemporary options.

As you plan your kitchen remodel or look for ways to maximize your work areas, don’t be shy about making your sinks, work surfaces and water sources work hard for you. But don’t forget that style is just as important in today’s kitchen.

“I know it’s in here somewhere!” Does this sound like you when you’re trying to find something in your kitchen cabinets? If you find yourself on bended knee with a flashlight, or perched on a rickety chair to locate a favorite pie pan or a certain spice, it may be time to get organized. Thankfully, with a few tricks up your sleeve, you can have everything within reach — and sight — without worrying about keeling over on the kitchen floor. Here are Julie Morgenstern’s top 10 tips for organizing your kitchen:

1. Have a plan of attack. Start with a strategy based on how you want to function in your kitchen. Prioritize by identifying the frequently used “must have” items and the things you use only occasionally.

2. Declutter in chunks. If it seems overwhelming, start with the most visible items first, such as what’s on the countertops. You’ll get a feeling of instant change and gain motivation to do the next chunk.

Pyrex 10-Piece Storage Set with Lids

List Price: $21.99
Buy New: $13.90
You Save: $8.09 (37%)

Features:
• Includes 2 2-cup round, 3-1/2-cup rectangular, 4-cup round, and 6-cup rectangular storage piece
• Made of nonporous glass that won’t warp, stain, or absorb odors
• All pieces come with seal-tight plastic lids for secure food storage
• Oven-, microwave-, refrigerator-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe
• 2-year warranty for glass pieces; stackable design; made in the USA

3. Seek treasures instead of trash. Focus on searching for hidden treasure versus ditching the unwanted. This will allow you to transform organizing into a positive experience.

4. Banish flimsy dividers. Pitch pitiful plastic trays and replace them with sturdy wooden drawer organizers. This will help you create a happy home for spoons, whisks and what-nots.

5. Lay out a landing strip. Designate an official “drop zone” for car keys, cell phones, etc. For example, Diamond Cabinets’ Mini Message Center has hooks, shelves and a write-in message board, all concealed behind a door, creating a perfect solution for on-the-go organization. It can be found on the Diamond Cabinet Web site at www.diamondcabinets.com/.

6. Cubbies aren’t just for kids. Containerization is the name of the game, so create your own kitchen ”cubbies” wherever you can. Stash wire baskets or transparent storage boxes on shelves so you can see and grab things quickly.

7. Create eye-level storage. Make items easier to see by adding eye-level shelves or a tall pantry unit to put small jars of spices or tall bottles of oils and dressings within easy reach.

8. Let there be light. Proper lighting ensures a comfortable environment for a variety of activities, so consider installing dimmers. The Diva dimmer from Lutron allows you to set light levels to full brightness for meal prep and art projects, for example — and to lower levels for others, like mealtime and late-night tea. Visit www.lutron.com for more information.

9. Divvy it up in drawers. Kitchen drawers need not be junk drawers. Use them to store items that can be folded or stored flat, such as cloth napkins or candles. Some drawers even come with wooden pegs to hold stacked dishes in place.

10. Make organization part of your life. Schedule a time for organizing into your daily routine, such as after the kids get home from school. Even a daily 10-minute dose of it can keep your kitchen in check.

(ARA) – Can’t buy a home with the kitchen of your dreams…then remodel your current home and express your personal style in every design element!

According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, business is booming for contractors and others in home improvement businesses. In fact, a recent study conducted by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies estimates Americans will spend $160 billion on repairs and home improvements in 2007, a 3.2 percent increase over the previous year. The five most popular remodeling projects will be kitchens and bathrooms, additions, and changing the paint, floor and wall coverings.

If you’re planning to do one of the most involved remodels, a kitchen renovation, you’re in good company. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) is predicting there will be more than 7 million remodels this year involving the room where people spend the majority of their time these days.

It wasn’t long ago that the majority of kitchen remodels featured static elements that made the room look fancy but not necessarily lived in. The stainless steel appliances and engineered stone countertops actually sparkled.

Nowadays, the latest trend in kitchen design is to embrace the home owner’s individuality. People are mixing and matching materials in the kitchen. They are choosing cherry and maple cabinets rather than the standard oak. Decorative tiles are being installed on countertops and backsplashes instead of engineered stone and granite. Antique brass handles, copper sinks and decorative fixtures are being put in; and instead of linoleum or tile, wood floors have become the hot design trend.

“Wood floors have traditionally been installed in bedrooms and living rooms. However, since they add so much warmth and comfort to a space and are so easy to take care of people want them in the room where they are spending the majority of their time as well,” says Chris Sy of Carlisle Wide Plank Floors.

Whether you’re going for a traditional, contemporary or retro look in your kitchen, Sy recommends a wide plank floor. They offer a more natural look and are easier to install, not to mention once down, they offer an overall sense of simplicity. Plank floors lend themselves to a variety of decorating styles, from elegant and formal to comfortable and casual, depending on the wood species, grade, and stain you choose.

The Eastern White Pine flooring offered by Carlisle retains the original character of wood floors seen in 18th and 19th century farmhouses. It works well whether you’re trying to create a traditional, formal, or contemporary looking kitchen. A more rustic feel can be achieved by using distressed barnwood – typically a mix of Eastern White Pine and Hemlock – reclaimed from old barns. “Another way to put your personal stamp on a kitchen redesign is to mix and match wood applications. You can really dress up the space by choosing a dark wood for your cabinets and applying tung oil to keep the pine floor light in color,” says Sy. “The possibilities are endless.”

Carlisle sells planks ranging in width from four to 20 inches. They offer floors made from pines like Eastern White and Southern Heart Pine; hardwoods including Ash, Birch, Cherry, Maple, Hickory, Red and White Oak and Walnut; hand-sculpted woods; and antique woods reclaimed from old barns and buildings. If you decide to go with a recycled wood floor, you can rest assured the it is the real deal. Carlisle floors carry the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Chain-of-Custody (CoC) certification for their entire line of Post-Consumer Reclaimed Antique Wood. The FSC certification ensures that the antique wood is processed through a continuous Carlisle chain-of-custody, from original structure to customer, and that the Carlisle product contains 100 percent FSC certified wood.

Recycled wood offers a rare and beautiful floor. It is also a great way to demonstrate your personal commitment to the environment while at the same time achieving a distinctive look for your kitchen. Every antique, recycled floor from Carlisle comes with information about its origin which can create an interesting dinner conversation.

So don’t be put off by the flat housing market, convert your existing kitchen into the one you’ve always dreamed of with a unique wide plank wood floor. For more information about Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, visit www.WidePlankFlooring.com or call (866) 595-9663.