Seven Tips for Entertaining in a Small Space

Posted by: Merillat Marketing on 05/17/2012 | Permalinks | Trackbacks

Photo found at http://bit.ly/LKMBUh

 

With summer right around the corner, there are many upcoming events to celebrate: Memorial Day, the first day of summer, the Fourth of July, birthdays and really, just beautiful weather! If you want to entertain guests but feel limited by a small living space, check out these helpful hints below. Because, as Apartment Therapy tells us, “Have lots of dinner parties. People socialize better in small spaces and social homes are better kept up.” Reason enough, right?

Prep Work

Getting ready for guests doesn’t need to be difficult or expensive—check out these ways to make the room work well and keep things budget-friendly.

  • Before your guests arrive, move furniture to the edges of the room to allow maximum movement for guests (She Knows).
  • Post a sign directing guests where to find mugs so they can help themselves to coffee. For other beverages, provide paper cups and a permanent marker—this way cups will hopefully be reused throughout the evening, cutting down on waste and maintaining your budget (She Knows).
  • Fill your kitchen sink with ice and store beverages there to free up space in the refrigerator for food and other items (She Knows).
  • Make the room temperature comfortable. Remember that even though your home may feel nice to you, it may be wise to adjust the thermostat or open windows prior to guests arriving to ensure a comfortable temperature throughout the party (Simply Stated).
  • Put things away! Even if that means putting a few things in a closet or under a bed temporarily, eliminate clutter while your guests are present (Simply Stated).
  • Make it clear where the garbage and recycling containers are located—this makes it easy for guests to dispose of items and makes cleanup easier for you following the party (Menuism). For a great trash solution, check out one of our Base Wastebaskets.

Seating

Worried about having enough space for people to sit? Be creative!

  • Make use of the living room! Place pillows or foot stools around a long coffee table, have guests sit on couches and pull in chairs from the dining room or kitchen. Then, use the kitchen table as a buffet where guests can serve themselves. This makes the meal casual and fun and keeps everyone in the same space (Apartment Therapy).

Most importantly? Remember to enjoy your party! Don’t get caught up in all the details and enjoy sharing your space with friends and family. For cabinet solutions, visit Merillat.com.

 

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Merillat Classic® Collection Is Growing!

Posted by: Merillat Marketing on 05/09/2012 | Permalinks | Trackbacks

We have exciting news—today we are expanding our Merillat Classic® collection by adding in fun, decorative elements and cabinets that fill out and spice up the product line.

Decorative additions to the line include fluted bases, wall column accents, frame cabinetry, spindles, Roman spindles and posts, raised panel and Shaker-style valances, and wood wall hoods.

In addition, the launch includes base microwave cabinets that can be built into the base or island cabinetry, freeing up valuable counter space and placing the microwave at an ideal height for users of all ages.

Three- and six-inch filler pullouts are now available to fill those tight spaces between cabinets to keep spices, marinades, oils and other small items close at hand.

Another exciting addition is the inclusion of bookcases that match our cabinetry finishes, creating great spaces for displaying treasured dishes or a favorite cookbook.

For more information on the Merillat Classic collection and these new products, visit Merillat.com.

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Five Ways to Organize Your Bathroom Using What You Already Have

Posted by: Merillat Marketing on 04/26/2012 | Permalinks | Trackbacks

In an effort to save money, conserve resources and keep your home put together, we found a few ways to get and keep your bathroom organized using everyday items that are already in your home.

Photo found at: http://bit.ly/ICCTSl

  1. Repurpose glass jars (mason jars, spaghetti sauce containers, etc.) to store items like cotton balls, bobby pins, hair ties, buttons and other miscellaneous items that often end up scattered throughout junk drawers and bathroom cabinets. A perk—colorful items, cotton balls, cotton swabs, etc. display nicely and can be grouped on bathroom counters for easy access or stored in closets and out-of-sight.
  2. Small crates or window boxes are the perfect size for storing items like extra towels and toilet paper in the bathroom. Plus, they add a little vintage vibe to the room.
  3. Choose a small glass or cup to store items like mascara, makeup brushes, toothbrushes or small pieces of jewelry—pretty for display or convenient for tucking into drawers and cabinets.
  4. Use an antique saucer or a small plate as a soap dish on your counter.
  5. In a rush to leave but hair tools and appliances are too hot to put away? Simply stick them inside an oven mitt and store them.

Need more than a few, quick fixes? Make sure to visit the Merillat Step-By-Step Bathroom Planner to start designing your dream bathroom today. For more organization solutions, check out Merillat.com.

What are your best unconventional organization tips for the bathroom?

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We Want to Hear About Your Morning Madness!

Posted by: Merillat Marketing on 04/18/2012 | Permalinks | Trackbacks

We get it – mornings can be challenging! Whether it’s topsy turvy toiletries, drawer disorder or hamper headaches, we want to know what organization challenge makes your morning crazy.

Stop by our Morning Madness promotion on Facebook and enter for a chance to win a $500 VISA® gift card. You can enter once a day per Facebook account through May 16. You also can learn more about Merillat’s organization solutions featured at Merillat.com.

 

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Making Your Kitchen Work Smarter

Posted by: Merillat Marketing on 03/22/2012 | Permalinks | Trackbacks

 

As you welcome spring into your home, what’s on your spring-cleaning list to tackle? For many of us, the change of the season is the perfect time to reenergize and reorganize our home. If jam-packed cabinets, unorganized shelves and catchall drawers are tops on your to-do list, maybe it’s time to think about a storage upgrade! Incorporating optimal storage into your kitchen design—especially in tight quarters—will make life less hectic and allow you to make the most of the space you do have.

Get a Grip on Pots & Pans

Storing large pots and pans can be a pain even for the most dedicated chef. To get a grip on cookware, check out the Merillat Masterpiece® Base Deep Drawer Peg Board Kit or the Merillat Masterpiece Base Cookware Storage Roll Out here.

Spiced Up Storage

With so many other items to keep organized in the kitchen, storing spices is often an afterthought. In many kitchens, spices end up scattered throughout cabinets and drawers. Merillat has several solutions for keeping spices visible and within reach such as the Merillat Classic® Base Spice Tray Insert or the Merillat Classic Base Pantry Roll Out here.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

While corner cabinets add more storage space, items can easily disappear to the back of the cabinet leaving them out of sight, out of mind. Corner cabinets like the Merillat Classic Base Blind Cabinet with Lazy Susan and the Merillat Masterpiece Base Blind Corner with Swing Out will keep whatever you store there handy at all times. Check them out here.

For more space-maximizing solutions for the kitchen and bathroom, visit Merillat.com.

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We Want to Hear About Your Kitchen Challenge!

Posted by: Merillat Marketing on 03/07/2012 | Permalinks | Trackbacks

Let’s face it – considering the traffic, use and wear-and-tear the average kitchen sees – we could all use some help in the organization department. Whether you suffer from cluttered cabinets, a sloppy spice rack, problematic pots and pan storage or unruly rubbish, we have some great options to restore order in these all-important areas.

Stop by our Organization Overhaul promotion on Facebook and enter for a chance to win a $500 Visa® gift card. You can enter once a day per Facebook account through this Sunday, March 11. Share your organizational challenge and learn more about Merillat’s organization solutions at Merillat.com.

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Building Women Kitchen Remodel Tips

Posted by: Merillat Marketing on 02/09/2012 | Permalinks | Trackbacks

Today’s homeowner demographic has shifted across gender lines, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors. In what may be a surprising statistic for some, “20 percent of all home buyers are single women” (Building Women, Winter 2012).

(Sarah Reep, Design Expert)

In an effort to call attention to these findings, Merillat cabinets and Masco Cabinetry (Merillat’s parent company) teamed up with Building Women magazine for the article titled, “What today’s woman wants from her kitchen and how builders can best deliver it” for the Winter 2012 issue. The tips below serve as a handy checklist for kitchen design remodels to ensure your wants are met in your home, and especially in your kitchen.

  1. Start Off on the Right Foot. First impressions are everything. Look for a designer who is professional and organized, and ready to help answer your questions.
  2. Kicking Things Off. After first impressions are made and you’ve chosen a designer, set up an interview with them to determine basic things like preferences, style, taste, trends and other fundamental elements you are looking for in the design.
  3. Prioritize. Then, define what the kitchen needs. Make a list of the “must-haves” and include things that will make your life easier and fit your lifestyle. Consider questions like: Would a double sink be helpful? Do I prefer to wash dishes at an island facing into the home or at a window so I can look out?
  4. Build the Roadmap. Next, commit your ideas to paper to ensure all communication is clear between both parties. Tools like the Merillat Kitchen Planner and the IdeaFolio can be helpful in completing this part of the process.
  5. Time to Focus. Finally, after all of the ideas and preferences are captured, narrow down the options into one solid final design plan.

Next step? Begin designing!

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First-Time Homeowner Remodeler’s Checklist

Posted by: Merillat Marketing on 01/30/2012 | Permalinks | Trackbacks

So, you’ve purchased your first home—how exciting! Now, it’s time to really make it yours, which means you might be doing some remodeling. As you make improvements and updates, keep in mind that remodeling doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Break the process down into a checklist and you’ll be surprised how quickly you can manage each project.

In February, home improvement expert Danny Lipford will start a new project to help first-time homeowners get a handle on home remodeling. The project will span six episodes of his television show, Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford (check your local listings) and follows his daughter, Chelsea Lipford, as she remodels her first home. Danny and Chelsea will use with these five tips to navigate the remodeling process.

1. Assess the Space

Understand exactly what you have to work with in your space, and be realistic about the changes you can make. Learn tips and tricks to take advantage of useful resources that help you visualize the space’s potential.

2. Identify Your Style

Look through magazines, blogs, store catalogs and other visual resources to find things you like and capture them in a single location like the Merillat Ideafolio. This includes furniture, accessories, cabinetry and more.

3. Determine the Scope of the Project

Consider time line, budget and design needs when beginning a project.

  • Time line: As exciting as it is to start a project, keep in mind that the process takes time. You may have limited use in certain areas of your home until it’s finished.
  • Budget: Set one and stick to it. Don’t be tempted to spend more than the money you’ve allotted.
  • Make two lists: Make a list of “must haves” and a list of things that would be nice to eventually add. Focus on the “must haves,” and over time, add the other pieces to your design.

4. DIY vs. Professional

Certain projects can be completed on your own, but others should be left to professionals. If you aren’t an expert plumber, hire an expert to do it correctly. Hiring a designer can also be a very helpful resource, as he or she can help you figure out how to make your space work well and assist you in determining your personal style.

5. Make Time for Fun

Remember that this is an exciting time! Celebrate each step of the process, especially when the details become overwhelming. This is your house and you’re making it your own home!

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Setting a New Design Standard for Our Country’s Wounded Warriors

Posted by: Merillat Marketing on 01/11/2012 | Permalinks | Trackbacks

We recently teamed up with Clark Realty Capital, Michael Graves & Associates and IDEO on a project to support injured military members with homes that offer easier living for service members and veterans with debilitating injuries. Through the Wounded Warrior Home Project at Ft. Belvoir, Va., Merillat has provided cabinetry for two concept homes that set new standards for accessible or universal design.

Both homes include Merillat cabinets designed for ease-of-use in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room. We installed adjustable height countertop surfaces that allow access to anyone, regardless of age, height or mobility. These include deep toekicks that better accommodate wheelchair access and height differences.

Pullout and rollout drawers and shelves eliminate the need for the homeowner to reach into the back of deep cabinets, while larger hardware made knobs and handles easier to grasp – important in designing for all needs. Our local dealer partner, Reico Kitchen & Bath, pitched in to install the cabinetry in the homes.

We’re always considering new ways to incorporate universal design, while increasing functionality and maintaining style. For more information, visit www.Merillat.com.

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How to Design a Cottage Kitchen

Posted by: Merillat Marketing on 12/19/2011 | Permalinks | Trackbacks

What makes cottage kitchens so charming? Is it the relaxed feel? The cozy sense of space? The invoked memories of cookies in the oven or a big pot of soup on the stove? Whatever it is, the cottage look never goes out of style, and it’s not as hard to achieve as you might think. Here are a few tips for getting the cottage kitchen look.

Go white.

Many, though certainly not all, cottage kitchens are built around white cabinets. White is traditional, looks fresh and clean, and gives you maximum flexibility for changing up accessories either seasonally or whenever the fancy strikes.

Details matter.

Plate racks, glass doors or open cabinets and shelves that show off bright dishes and heirloom treasures add color and a sense of history. Cabinets are often accented with corbels and crown molding, and hardware is more likely to be door pulls rather than knobs.

Gather around.

Even the tiniest cottage kitchens often have a breakfast nook or a couple of stools pulled up to an island or peninsula, because cottage style is all about welcoming friends and family.

Incorporate nature.

Because cottages are on the small side, cottage life often extends to the outdoors with patios and flower and vegetable gardens. Bring the outdoors in with fresh flowers, houseplants, dried herb bouquets or bowls of fruit.

Layer comfort.

Rag rugs or other floor coverings add color and warmth, as do curtains or Roman shades. Top chairs and barstools with cushions, and prop a pillow in the breakfast nook or windowseat.

 

That’s all it takes to start your cottage kitchen makeover! Leave a comment and let us know what you love about cottage style.

 

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