New to the idea of natives...feeling overwhelmed.
AdamM321
19 years ago
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Elaine_NJ6
19 years agolast modified: 9 years agojoepyeweed
19 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
New here--overwhelmed with choices!
Comments (7)I've been reading for a long time, but will probably be doing my remodel in Jan/Feb along with you. :) I'll try to give you my opinion on your questions since I'm planning to do a black and white kitchen myself. 1. I think the angled cabinet in your inspiration kitchen is that way so as to not impede a walkway area. If you want a 24 inch wide utility cabinet, I'd put it in and then do shelves at the top for your cookbooks if that's what you want. In my opinion, a 9 inch cabinet wouldn't be worth the money...just wasted space. 2. I've seen quite a few drawer base cabinets with containers in them. I think they would work quite well for your non-traditional pantry items. I "think" it's remodelfla who showed pictures of her containers in a base cabinet drawer where she stores flour, sugar and the like. A similar arrangement would probably work very well for you. 3. You could do a couple of different things over your range to give you a different look. Glass doors on the cabinets over the range would add some oomph, or you may be able to get a custom cabinet door that allows display of something like a plate directly in/on the door. Or, you could do what I want to do above my sink..I'm installing a 42 inch tall cabinet with a shorter door. The bottom shelf of mine will give me a place for baskets to hold produce, but yours could act as a mantel type space if you like. 4. I'm reusing my double-bowl stainless steel sink since it's in excellent shape. I don't think that an undermount sink is worth the money in my extremely tight budget and I prefer two bowls rather than one. 5. I think your inspiration picture has either white or gray countertops. Basically, almost any color looks good with white cabinets (in my opinion). I'm planning on either chocolate brown or black counters if I can't afford my first choice, which is Uba Tuba granite. If you like a light brown color, I think it would look gorgeous. My best advice on choosing a quartz color is to take a color sample in when you choose the countertops and find one that's close to your sample. Good luck. I can't wait until we're both posting pics of our finished kitchens! :)...See MoreOverwhelmed - ideas thoughts please
Comments (13)Thanks for the responses - and the link; very helpful. I have been visiting the site for some time, and have seen some gorgeous kitchens! Also think it's wonderful how ideas, suggestions, experiences and help are shared! The current though is to replace the cabinetry on the fridge wall - this is where we are thinking of adding the double ovens. There is a window above the sink, yet the lighting is poor - we do indeed want to add lighting. I really like the idea of adding a couple of doors with glass doors - I hadn't thought about that - have considered simply replacing all the doors. The cabinets are solid oak, custom made, and I'm ok with them -sturdy pullouts, etc. Not in love with the soffits, but removal adds to the budget and I'm not sure I want to spend the resources that way. I'm also quite short and have to 'climb' the way it is! :) Extending the cabinets on the wall where the table is has always been a priority, as the current design makes it difficult to have a chair on the kitchen side and still open the cabinet door. If we keep the current cabinet color (honey oak?), what are thoughts on counter top color and wood flooring? The flooring will be carried out throughout the entire level. Sink? Any opinions on style, brand, color? In addition to the kitchen update, I am in the planning stage of 'repurposing' our back closet and pantry along with a bit of the garage, into a laundry/mud room. The washer and dryer currently share space with a bathroom - NOT a good situation - especially with four sons, and any foster children we may have at any given time. I appreciate the dialogue and welcome the ideas!...See MoreOverwhelmed by new homes
Comments (7)Not sure how to comment back to individuals- so I will try this: Thanks to everyone for their excellent advice. It certainly has given me food for thought. In response to above comments- Yardvaark: I did hire a Landscape Designer- her plan was outlined above. I wasn't able to scan it- seeing it would certainly be easier to visualize. I had a second Landscape Designer/Nursery Owner come out and give me advice- plant a mix of arborvitae, cryptomeria, and Carolina Sapphire at the back of my yard, in front of the ark. (no-fence approach). I have not had any landscapers come out yet. I have a DIY attitude- research, hire professionals for advice and big work (planting big trees, for ex), and get my hands dirty for anything I can handle- budget also influences my actions. Funny you mentioned Tea Olives- they are the 1st plants I planted. I put them alongside the deck, too! I like the idea of planting tree form shrubs/trees (crapes/hollies, Viburnums, etc.) in front of a fence. I'm thinking of Hollies- If I put a Foster or Savannah in the corner, will it be too much to put a dogwood near the deck or would that overwhelm such a small space? I like your idea of vines on a trellis- quick cover.... and pretty, as well! THANKS ALL!...See More(Video) I'm overwhelmed by my yard and could use some help/ideas
Comments (4)Hi Jon, I feel like I just took a ride on your lawnmower around your house. The unfortunate thing about your video is we only get a few seconds here and there when the camera points up from the ground to show the house and shed. Landscape design is intended to pull the house and garden together in a complementary fashion. We saw the problems that are most on your mind, but not the big picture. Weeds -- there are several weed killing products on the market. Use one of them that has glyphosate. If you read the label and follow instructions, you can use it safely and be rid of the weeds. Repeated use will rid you of the Japanese knotweed, too. Persistent treatment until weeds are under control is essential. A common mistake is to spray, then let the next crop of weeds grow and go to seed before treating again. If a weed is allowed to grow and produce seed, the cycle is perpetuated. Kill kill kill! Then you're done. About moving the garden -- veggie garden, right? It should be located in the sunniest spot in the garden -- south facing, no trees overhanging, no tree roots to compete with your plantings. (In the video we only see the base of the trees -- whatcha got there?) I hope this won't come off as too harsh, but simply removing debris would really make a difference. The scattered bricks and wood planks, pots and whatever make it look like a yard sale after a hurricane. (yes, I exaggerate) But a tire? Come on Jon. :-) Rent a pickup or a dumpster and haul it all away, or put it away in the shed. Firewood, okay, I get that, but split the logs and make a neat stack along the fence with the firewood and nothing else. No random "parts" of this and that. Imagine yourself putting along on a ride-on lawnmower with nothing hidden in the grass, just relaxing and cutting the grass, enjoying your green space. Nice!...See Moreahughes798
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