SANDRA'S NOTEBOOK | Sandra Forbes Interiors |Making Homes as Individual as You Are

February 18, 2025February 18, 2025

Economical Ways to Update Honey Oak Cabinets for a Fresh, Modern Look

Old honey oak cabinets can give a kitchen a dated look, but with a few economical updates, you can transform your space and increase your home’s perceived value. Here's how you can refresh your cabinets and create a bright, inviting kitchen without breaking the bank.

Paint Your Cabinets a Neutral Color

Painting your honey oak cabinets is one of the most cost-effective ways to give them a new lease on life. Choose a neutral color, such as a soft white, warm gray, or beige, to create a modern, clean look. Neutral colors not only brighten up the space but also appeal to a wide range of potential buyers.

Steps to Paint Your Cabinets:

Remove the cabinet doors and hardware.
Clean the cabinets thoroughly to remove grease and grime.
Sand the surface to create a smooth base for the paint.
Apply a primer to help the paint adhere better.
Paint the cabinets with a high-quality paint in your chosen color.
Reattach the doors and hardware.

2. Update the Knobs and Pulls

Swapping out old hardware for new, stylish handles and knobs can make a big difference in the overall look of your cabinets. Opt for hardware that complements the new color of your cabinets and adds a touch of elegance. In this kitchen we opted for an antique gold.

Hardware Ideas:

- Brushed nickel for a sleek, modern look.

- Oil-rubbed bronze for a classic, timeless feel.

- Matte black for a bold, contemporary vibe.

-Antique gold for a classic look

3. Add Crown Molding

Adding crown molding to your cabinets can bridge the dreaded gap between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling. This simple addition gives your kitchen a polished, custom look.The crown molding lifts the eye and makes the kitchen feel larger.

Steps to Add Crown Molding:

Measure the gap between the cabinets and the ceiling.
Cut the crown molding to fit the measurements. We added a straight board on top of the cabinets first and then the crown to make the crown larger.
Attach the molding to the top of the cabinets using a nail gun or adhesive.
Fill any gaps or seams with caulk and paint to match the cabinets.

4. Replace Upper Cabinets on the Peninsula with Suspended Shelving

Removing the upper cabinets on the peninsula and replacing them with suspended shelving is a great way to open up the space and let in more natural light from an adjacent room. The open shelving creates an airy feel and allows you to showcase decorative items or frequently used kitchenware.

Steps to Install Suspended Shelving:

Remove the existing upper cabinets on the peninsula.
Use the existing brackets or suspenders from the ceiling to support the shelves but cover them with rods that match your decor.
Attach the shelves to the brackets or suspenders. To make it even more economical, we used the wood from the cabinets we removed to make the shelving and then painted them in a complimentary color to the new cabinet color.
Arrange decorative items or everyday essentials on the shelves.

Conclusion

Updating your old honey oak cabinets doesn't have to be an expensive or complicated process. By painting the cabinets a neutral color, updating the hardware, adding crown molding, and replacing upper cabinets with suspended shelving, you can achieve a fresh, modern look that enhances your kitchen's appeal and increases your home value. These economical updates can make a significant impact and create a space you'll love.

February 15, 2025February 17, 2025

Preparing Your Home for Sale: What to do With Your Belongings

Selling your home is a significant undertaking, and one of the key aspects of preparing it for sale is managing your belongings. Properly sorting, organizing, and sorting your items can make your home more appealing to potential buyers. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process:

Step 1: Sorting Your Belongings

The first step in preparing your home for sale is to sort through all of your belongings. This involves making decisions about what to keep, what to give away, sell, throw out, or pack.

Here's how to approach it:

Assess Each Item: Go through each room and assess every item. Decide whether it will be kept for staging but disposed of before moving, kept for staging and want to keep for the next house, given away now, sell now, thrown out now, or packed now.
Categorize Items: One way to do this is by simply putting a colored sticky note on each item or group of items to denote whether they are to be given away, sold or packed and make a plan to sort them on a day in your calendar. Designate a color for each category. For those items you want for staging buy plan on getting rid of after the sale of your home, make a list of those items so you can easily keep them apart from the items you will be packing to move to your next house.
Make a Plan: Make a plan to pack your house up room by room. You have already done the work of categorizing your items. Now, make a plan to actually do the work of packing and sorting. Perhaps designate one room and closet each day or more than one room based on the time you have to prepare.

Step 2: Staging Essentials

When it comes to staging your home, less is more. You want to create a clean, clutter-free space that allows potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Keep only the items that enhance the appearance of your home.

Let me know if you want help deciding how to stage your home for sale. We can do a video call and you can show me what you have done and I can suggest what more you may want to do. Click here to Schedule a call with me if there is a way I can help.

Select Staging Items: Choose furniture, decor, and other items that will make your home look its best. Focus on pieces that highlight the best features of your home.
Store Non-Essential Items: Items that aren't used for staging should be stored away. This includes personal items, excess furniture, and any decor that may not appeal to a wide audience.

Step 3: Managing Essential Living Items

If you are still living in your home while it's on the market, you'll need to keep essential items for dailing living. However, these items should be stored in a way that keeps your home looking tidy:

Hidden Storage: Plan areas where essential living items can be stored out of sight. For example, store your everyday toaster in a cabinet and pull it out only when needed.
Minimize Visible Clutter: Only keep the seential out in the open. Everything else should be neatly tucked away to maintain a clean appearance.

Step 4: Storing Large Items

Large items can be challenging to manage, especially if they aren't needed for staging. Here's how to handle them:

Offsite Storage: Consider renting a storage locker to keep large items that won't be used for staging. this helps free up space and keeps your home looking uncluttered.
Garage Storage: If renting a storage locker isn't an option, store large items in the garage. Buyers expect to see a few stored items in the garage, so this won't be a major issue.

Conclusion

Preparing your home for sale involves more than just cleaning and fixing up the space. Properly managing your belongings is crucial to creating a welcoming and attractive environment for potential buyers. By sorting, staging, and storing items effectively, you can make your home stand out and increase its appeal.

Remember, the goal is to create a space that potential buyers can see themselves living in. With a little effort and organization, you can make your home shine and sell it quickly.

February 14, 2025February 20, 2025

Solving the Powder Room Hand Towel Dilemma: A Simple and Beautiful Solution

It's the little things that often cause the most frustration, isn't it? One of my pet peeves has always been the hand towel in my powder room never staying on the hook. It is one of the most used rooms in our house. No matter how carefully I hung it, it would always slide off and end up crumpled on the floor or look a mess. Not exactly the look I was going for.

I finally came up with a method that not only works but also adds a touch of charm to the room.

Here's how I solved the hand towel dilemma once and for all:

The Problem

Hand towels are essential in any powder room, providing guests with a convenient way to dry their hands. However, the problem I encountered was that the towel would rarely stay in place or it always looked messy. I wanted a solution that matched my decor style and wouldn’t look disheveled after use.

The Discovery

I had this idea. What if I could find a way to secure the towel more firmly? My design style loves detail. In my mind's eye, I saw an antique chain draped over the towel somehow securing it to the hook but I wasn’t sure how to do it. One day I saw a chain at the craft store that had the antique look I wanted so I just brought it home to see what I could come up with. I could use the chain not just as a functional solution but also as a decorative element that enhances the room's aesthetic.

The Solution

Here’s the step-by-step process of what I did:

Find the Right Chain: I chose a chain that was both sturdy and decorative. Itneeded to be strong enough to hold the towel securely but also match the decor of the powder room. I chose a chain with an antique finish.

Twist the Chain on the Hook: I twisted the chain once around the hook pulling the loop upward.

Drape the Towel: Next, drape the towel over the hook with the towel hanging evenly on each side.

Twist the Chain Again to Secure: Then, I let each side of the loop drape over each sideand twisted the end of the loop over the end of the hook as pictured. The result was a chain that hung on the hook with a droop on each side through which the towel could be fed.I could easily dry my hands on the towel and it stayed in place perfectly. The chain held the towel securely, preventing it from sliding off.

The Result

Not only does this method keep the towel firmly in place, but it also adds a unique and stylish touch to the powder room. The decorative chain acts as an elegant accessory, complementing the rest of the decor. It’s a simple, practical, and beautiful solution to a problem that had been a constant annoyance.

Conclusion

Sometimes, a creative solution is necessary to solve a practical issue for a design to be effective and functional. The best solutions are the ones that combine functionality with your aesthetic. By thinking outside the box and using a decorative chain, I was able to solve the hand towel dilemma in a way that’s both effective and looks beautiful too.

I encourage you to try this method if you’re dealing with the same issue. Choose a chain or even a ribbon that matches your style! It’s these small changes that makes a big difference.

October 25, 2024October 25, 2024

Guide to Choosing Countertops

Choosing countertops is often a daunting task because of the many choices of materials. I am going to break it down for you so you have all the information you need to make a wise decision. Knowing the pros and cons of each material will help you narrow down the choices to fit your specific needs and limitations.

In my research I found that information from different sources are often conflicting. I recommend that you confirm the following information with the manufacturer so you can care for your new countertops correctly.

The following characteristics will be compared to help in choosing countertops:

Heat Tolerance
Stain Resistance
Disinfecting
Scratch Resistance
Fade Resistance
Maintenance
Ease of Repair
Edge Options
Thickness Options

This post will be updated periodically if there is new information that would be helpful to include. Last updated 10/15/2024

Here are my notes….

Finishes

Honed – A honed surface appears matte or is non-reflective because it has been ground smooth. It has a velvety and satin-like feel.

Polished – surface offers a beautiful glossy shine

Choosing Countertops for Heat Tolerance

Marble – Good heat tolerance but not as high as granite. begins to crack at 329 degrees

Granite – Very high heat tolerance but trivets are still recommended

Soapstone – Good heat tolerance up to around 450 degrees. Take care to use mats, trivets under hot objects.

Natural Quartzite – Very high heat tolerance like granite. Heat will damage if high % resin. Take are to use mats, trivets under hot objects

Quartz – heat will damage if high % resin. Take care to use mats, trivets under hot objects

Solid Surface – low heat tolerance. Use trivets and pads under hot objects.

Dekton – high heat resistant but use trivet for hot items

Butcher Block – will char. Take care to use mats, trivets under hot objects.

Porcelain – It can handle freezing and thawing temperatures as well as high temperatures. High heat tolerance.

Concrete – high heat tolerance but a sudden temperature change can affect the sealer.

Laminate – very low heat tolerance. Take care to protect against heat.

In summary, most countertops benefit from using protection against hot objects. The natural stone materials have better heat tolerance where materials that have built in polymers and resins could scorch and get damaged from heat. Laminate is the lowest tolerance being made of paper and resins. Porcelain and Dekton which is made from porcelain and stone are very high heat tolerant.

Choosing Countertops for Stain Resistance

Always check with the manufacturer before applying any kind of stain remover. The following are common solutions that can be applied to countertops to remove stains. Removing stains can be trial and error.

Vinegar is an acid and works on stains like coffee, tea or juice
Baking Soda and water paste is effective for oil-based stains
Hydrogen Peroxide and baking soda paste is effective to remove wine stains. Let it sit overnight and then wipe away.
Hydrogen Peroxide and dishwashing liquid mixture. Let sit overnight and then wipe away.
Diluted Bleach for cola and fruit juices
Salt
Baking Soda
Club Soda
Rubbing Alcohol is a nearly neutral pH and is a great homemade cleaner
Dishwashing Liquid
Bar Keepers Friend Liquid
Ammonia products are alkaline and good for grease, oil and coffee stains

Marble and Granite are natural stone which tend to be porous. Oil-based products and acid liquids can cause stains. Acidic substances like wine, coffee, vinegar, tomato and lemons can dull the surface. Avoid acidic cleaners that contain the following: ammonia, citrus, bleach, vinegar. These may damage or dull as well. So, what is best to use to clean stains? The number one way to fight stains on natural stone surfaces like marble and granite is to avoid them and wipe up right away with a mild soap and water solution. If a stain occurs, use a poultice or paste to draw out the stain. A pH-neutral, non-abrasive cleaner is best to be used. Hydrogen peroxide is often used or a baking soda and water paste for tough stains. Sealing the clean stone is a good preventative measure to make it easier to wipe and clean stains.

Soapstone is non-porous and will not stain from coffee, milk, wine, tomato and other common liquids that stain other types of countertop materials. If a liquid causes a discoloration it will fade over time. Soapstone doesn’t allow liquids to penetrate the surface. It will not be damaged by harsh chemicals but the cleaner you use may affect the mineral oil sealant that is giving it it’s beautiful leather texture. It can be easily maintained with mild cleansers. Avoid abrasive cleaners to avoid damaging its soft surface.

Natural Quartzite – is a natural stone which tends to be porous. Please don’t confuse this with “quartz” which is an engineered product. Both oil-based and water-based foods may cause discoloration. To remove these stains, one must draw the stain out of the pores of the stone through the use of a poultice or paste. You are in luck if you like to use vinegar or lemon juice to clean because generally, the surface of quartzite isn’t damaged by common acids but some slabs can react with acids if they contain calcium carbonate. Therefore, I recommend that you should avoid cleaners that contain acids like ammonia, citrus, bleach or vinegar which may dull the surface. Hydrogen peroxide is often used or a baking soda and water paste to draw out the stain. Sealing the stone with a water-based seal

Quartz – White quartz is notorious for getting stained. Wipe up colored liquids as soon as you can with soap and water. Liquids that sit on the surface like from dirty dishes, a stain may form. If a stain does form, use a baking soda and water paste and let sit for a few minutes and then wipe away. Avoid abrasive cleaners and both harsh acidic and alkaline cleaners to prevent damage to the surface of the countertop. Acids like vinegar, lemon juice can damage the resin within it. Even though quartz isn’t as porous as natural stone, the resins within it can be damaged by harsh chemicals.

Solid Surface is stain-resistant but not stain proof. Soap and water works for most cleaning needs. Countertop cleaners like Bar Keepers Friend or an ammonia-based cleaner like glass and multi-surface cleaners work well too. A possible solution that is an effective cleaner is the following mixture: ratio 1:24:1 rubbing alcohol: water: dish soap

Dekton is non-porous and very stain resistant. In the case a stain is created, avoid harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia to prevent damage.

Butcher Block can stain easily therefore care should be taken to wipe up spills immediately. A warm soap and water solution is used for daily cleaning and vinegar is a good solution for cleaning and sanitizing. Use pads to protect from moisture rings and burns from hot objects.

Porcelain is non-porous with superior stain resistance and moisture proofing. Cleaners with oil can leave a residue. Daily cleaning with warm soapy water works for normal cleaning. Porcelain can handle harsher chemical cleaners like but they will dull the surface over time so use sparingly.

Concrete is porous and will absorb liquids therefore it is vulnerable to stains like wine, citrus and vinegar. A method to remove mild stains is to sand stain out and then re-seal and wax. A mild soap and water is the best daily cleaner.

Laminate is resistant to stains. It is safe to use warm soapy water solution with vinegar for daily cleaning. Avoid scrubbing to avoid dulling the surface. A baking soda and water paste soak is a good stain remover. Do not use bleach which will cause damage.

Choosing Countertops for Bacteria Resistance

Rubbing alcohol (hydrogen peroxide) can be used daily to kill germs. Spray it on and then wipe away with a wet cloth. This is safe for all countertop materials.

Marble, Granite and Soapstone have a natural resistance to bacteria growth. A good antibacterial soap and warm water is a good daily solution. The polished surfaces can be damaged by hydrogen peroxide, bleach and vinegar so is not recommended for daily cleaning and disinfecting.

Natural Quartzite is bacteria resistant so antibacterial soap and water solution is sufficient for daily cleaning. Hydrogen peroxide can be used as well to kill germs.

Quartz – bacteria resistant

Solid Surface – relatively bacteria free. Use isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol 70-90% concentration) to kill germs or diluted household bleach.

Dekton can be disinfected with a variety of products like vinegar and water, hydrogen peroxide or warm soapy water.

Butcher Block harbors bacteria and needs to be washed with vinegar daily to kill bacteria or use hydrogen peroxide for 10 minutes, wipe and let air dry.

Porcelain is not porous so highly bacteria resistant. Wash regularly with antibacterial soap and water solution.

Concrete countertops can be cleaned with a soap and water solution for daily cleaning. Isopropyl alcohol is a good disinfecting solution.

Laminate can be disinfected safely with an isopropyl alcohol spray and then wiping clean with a dry rag. Vinegar and water solution is also a safe solution and of course, a warm soapy water solution.

Choosing Countertops for Scratch Resistance

Marble can scratch and etch easily

Granite chips easily

Soapstone will dent and scratch

Natural Quartzite resists scratches

Quartz is durable but not completely resistant to scratches. Take care to use mats, trivets to avoid scratches. Quartz can be damaged from the impact of heavy objects if dropped on it. Avoid abrasive sponges

Solid Surface resists scratches. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

Dekton is fabulous against scratches but is brittle and prone to cracking and chipping

Butcher Block is prone to scratches but high impact resistant

Porcelain will scratch, chip and crack with impact. It may show etching or metal marks if using metal pans and utensils.

Concrete will scratch and even chip with high impact.

Laminate can develop scratches, gouges and chips.

Choosing Countertops for Fade Resistance

Will any part of your countertop be exposed to direct sunlight? This is especially important in the case of outdoor kitchens and patios. Consider whether the material will fade over time.

Marble is fade resistant but dark colors may fade over years

Granite fades over an extended period if in direct sunlight

Soapstone is fade resistant. It darkens naturally with time.

Natural Quartzite is fade resistant. Natural light won’t darken or fade it.

Quartz may fade if exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time due to the resins within it.

Solid Surface dark countertops will lighten in direct sunlight and whites will begin to yellow over time. Protect against direct sun.

Dekton does not fade in sunlight.

Butcher Block – may fade with direct sunlight

Porcelain is fade resistant

Concrete countertops with pigment may fade in the sun

Laminate does fade over time if exposed to sunlight

Choosing Counteretops for Maintenance Needs

It is important to consider whether you realistically will keep up with the required maintenance of your countertop to keep it looking beautiful.

Marble – Only use soap and water. Do not use chemicals including vinegar. Wipe up spills immediately. Needs to be sealed yearly

Granite – Wipe with isopropyl alcohol regularly and use a sealing product yearly to protect.

Soapstone – Recommend daily cleaning with soap and water. Apply mineral oil every month or two and rub in to build a protective layer against stains.

Natural Quartzite –Use only soap and water or a stone cleaner made for natural quartzite. Do not use harsh chemicals. Needs to be polished monthly and sealed yearly to help repel liquids

Quartz – Use soap and water or isopropyl alcohol solution to disinfect. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners which may weaken the bond between the materials

Dekton is easy to clean and maintain.

Solid Surface is easy to clean and maintain. Use soap and water. Safe to use ammonia-based cleaners. Avoid abrasive cleaners on glossy finishes

Butcher Block – Protect against standing water. Apply tung or mineral oil monthly to preserve the wood from drying out and cracking. Oil increases the water resistance as well.

Porcelain – is easy to clean and maintain. Use soap and water and avoid abrasive cleaners.

Concrete can tend toward developing hairline cracks over time. Seal yearly to create a protective layer to stains and damage.

Laminate is easy to clean and maintain. Use soap and water and avoid abrasive cleaners.

Choosing Countertops for Ease of Repair

If you have an active family and your counter tops take a beating, there is inevitably going to be a chip or crack. How easy is it to get repaired?

Marble – resealing and repolishing can make like new

Granite – repair by professional with granite dust and epoxy resin

Soapstone – scratches can be sanded out with fine sandpaper.

Natural Quartzite – chips can be repaired with an epoxy resin that matches the finish

Quartz – There is an epoxy resin that can be used to fill chipped areas and then sand and polish. Here is a link to a step by step how to repair a quartz countertop from graniteselection.com

Solid Surface – scratches and dents can be sanded out and repaired by contacting a certified installer

Butcher Block – easy to sand scratches, wax and finish

Porcelain – Chips and cracks are difficult to repair if patterns are on the surface. But solid colors may be repaired using color matched epoxies by a fabricator.

Concrete – contact a professional

Laminate – there is a laminate repair paste that can be used to fill in holes and broken edges. Then paint to match surface.

Choosing Countertops for Edge Options

There are really many, many options but here is a selection that I grabbed from Deavita.net. Ask your fabricator if you have a special one in mind.

countertop edge options — marble-concepts.com

Marble – multiple options

Granite – multiple options

Soapstone – multiple options

Natural Quartzite – multiple options

Quartz – multiple options

Solid Surface – multiple options

Butcher Block – generally straight edge

Porcelain – limited edge styles /only square or mitered edges

Concrete – more limited in the options based on the forms available

Laminate – more limited in the options

Here is a link to an article How to Choose Your Edge Profile from Granite & Marble Specilties if you want to learn more about the options.

Choosing Countertops for Thickness Options

Dekton Thickness options — cosentino.com Dekton

Marble – standard options are ¾” and 1.25” (2 cm or 3 cm)

Granite – standard thickness is 1.25” (3 cm)

Soapstone – standard thickness is 1.25”

Natural Quartzite – standard options are ¾” and 1.25” (2cm or 3cm)

Dekton – 8mm, 12mm, 30mm and 30mm

Quartz – standard options are ¾” and 1.25” (2cm or 3cm)

Solid Surface – the thicknesses is dependent on the Brand

Butcher Block – the standard thickness ranges from 1.5” to 2” thick

Porcelain – standard options range as thin as ¼” to ½” creating a very modern, sleek look

Concrete – standard is 1.5” but can be as think as 1.25” and as thick as 3”

Laminate – standard options range from .6” to 1.25”

July 31, 2024July 31, 2024

The Elements of the Modern European Style

There is a strong architectural statement in this style. This style blends old world European charm with modern elegance and finishes. It emphasizes clean lines, minimalism and functionality.