Posts

While this kitchen was up-to-date and functional when we started, there were a few areas where small improvements would make a big impact. For instance, the builder-basic, over-the-range microwave was functional but it crowded the range area. By simply removing the microwave from the wall (and replacing it with a practical vent hood), the kitchen feels more open and the vent hood looks like a high-end custom cabinetry piece. The classic subway tile backsplash gives a subtle contrast to the pure white cabinets....

1. Watery Blue and Sandy Beige Soft shades of blue naturally evoke calm feelings associated with the sea. Partner light blues with a sandy-colored neutral or light-washed wood for a feeling reminiscent of the seashore. Repeat both tan and pale blue with fabrics, bedding, and furniture to create a relaxing retreat in a master or guest bedroom. 2. Denim Blue and Bright Orange The kitchen is one of the main gathering spots of the house, so it warrants a color scheme the entire family can live with....

3 passion fruit ¼ cup whipping cream 1 teaspoon sugar Prepare and bake custards as above. Cool, then cover and chill in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours. Serve as directed.

10 medium Bartlett or Comice Pears (about 4 pounds 6 ounces) 2 750 milliliter bottle light bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir, or 6-1/4 cups cranberry juice 1 ¼ cup sugar ½ cup fresh cranberries Vanilla Cake 2 large eggs ¾ cup sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla ½ cup milk 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt Hazelnut Cream 8 ounce mascarpone cheese 1 cup whipping cream 2 tablespoon sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla ½ cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted...

The information below will walk you through a number of tile installation projects, such as installing backerboard, cutting tile, and marking layout lines. Heed our expert advice to help ensure your next tiling project is a success. Tile Project Planning Tips If you are starting a ceramic project for the first time, practice each step before applying it to your floor, wall, or countertop. Create a practice station with a couple of pieces of backerboard....

These are the best steaks for grilling: Chuck: Most cuts in this section are considered a bit too tough for grilling. One exception: flat iron steak.Rib: This section offers tender, full-flavor cuts, such as ribeye and prime rib steaks.Short loin: Some of the most tender steaks for grilling come from the short loin, including porterhouse, T-bone, filet mignon, and top loin (strip) steaks.Flank: This is the belly area, which produces flank, skirt, and hanger steaks....

After the walls are painted, the floors are laid, and the cabinets are installed, baseboard moldings are installed and play an essential role in how a room looks and feels. Thoughtfully chosen baseboard moldings go a long way toward emphasizing design styles that range from streamlined modern to old-world to traditional. Installing baseboard molding is a job for anyone comfortable using power tools, making a few specialized saw cuts, and who has a knack for accurate measurements....

Their durability and non-flammable nature make epoxy-coated floors a good choice for garages and basement workspaces. They are strong enough to withstand dropped power tools, carry the weight of rolling and parked cars, and stand up to spills of all kinds. In fact, when properly applied, epoxy floor finishes can endure for as long as 20 years. How to Choose the Right Epoxy Epoxy floor paints are tough, resin-based paints that come in two separate parts mixed together before applying....

If you’re replacing an old ceiling fixture and feel comfortable working with electricity, opt for a triple pendant cord set. Cut a hole in each jar lid and tuck a light into each jar. Then hang from hooks. Materials 3 pint-size Mason jars with lids2×4 board2 clamps1-1/2-inch bimetal hole sawMetal file3 socket lights (We used IKEA’s Hemma.)40-watt equivalent LED bulbs Secure Mason jar lid to a 2×4 board with clamps....

If you’ve ever made pom-poms before, you know it can be tedious work. However, we’ve got the ultimate time-saving secret to making a handful of pom-poms all at once. Check out our tutorial to learn how to make a pom-pom garland below. Step 1: Wrap String Flip a chair or a stool upside-down to make a large batch of pom-poms quickly. Begin to unravel your skein of yarn and bring one end of the yarn against a chair leg....

Meanwhile, soak the root ball of each plant in water. Squeeze the soil gently to release excess water. Tuck each root ball into a planting hole so that each plant’s stem is at the same depth is was before in its pot. If necessary, use a spoon to dig out a little space to fit all the roots into your sphere planter. Use your fingers to firm the soil around each plant to hold it in place....

How to Make Angel Food Cake Follow along step-by-step to perfect this classic cake recipe. Step 1: Separate the Egg Whites Separate the yolks from the whites immediately after taking the eggs out of the fridge (cold eggs separate more easily). An egg separator ($7, Bed Bath & Beyond) makes easy work of this. Carefully separate each egg white into a small bowl, such as a custard cup. If any yolk gets into the egg white during separation, refrigerate that white for another use—even the tiniest bit of yolk can affect the beating quality of the whites....

How Many Cups in a Can of Pumpkin, Really? Fifteen ounces of canned pumpkin is just shy of 2 cups (16 ounces would be 2 cups). By comparison, a 3-pound pie pumpkin will likely give you enough puree for a recipe that calls for a can of pumpkin. After cooking and draining a pumpkin, this is about what to expect from a typical cooking pumpkin transformed into fresh pumpkin puree:...

What You’ll Need 3-in-1 or 5-in-1 toolHammerNailRubber malletStir stickPaint bucket Step 1: Remove Lid Use a 3-in-1 or 5-in-1 tool to gently open the paint can. Place it in-between the lid and the lip of the can and slowly pull down on the tool’s handle. The lid should release itself easily. It’s common for homeowners to use a screwdriver for this, but we do not recommend that. The screwdriver is strong and will bend and distort the lid shape, making re-sealing the paint can difficult....

Consider the Finish and Material When choosing new baseboards, consider the finish. Whether it will be painted, stained, or left natural determines the material selection. Wood is the traditional choice, but it’s not your only option. If you’re planning to paint the trim, manufactured materials such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and plastic moldings (including urethanes and other synthetics) are good-looking, budget-conscious alternatives. To save money when staining, select wood based on the appearance of the grain, and stain it to your personal preference....

How to Paint Shutters Before you begin, give your shutters a good scrub with a degreaser or all-purpose cleaner. This will help remove dirt and allow new paint to better adhere to your shutters. Supplies Needed Drop clothShuttersDrill#10x3-inch drywall or all-purpose screws2 sawhorsesSpray paint Step-by-Step Directions Before you begin painting shutters, check for chipping or peeling paint. If your shutters are in good condition, you can skip priming. If not, sand, wipe with a tack cloth, and prime your shutters before spray painting....

How to Select Fresh Fish Before you buy any seafood, our Test Kitchen relies on recommendations from Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch. Another way to make sure the fish is top quality is by seeking out a knowledgeable fishmonger that can speak to the origin and variety you’re buying. When you’ve arrived at the store or fish market, here are some ways to tell if your fish is fresh. Check the Label Determining the freshness of fish starts with what’s on the package....