Grandma’s Kitchen Remodeling Tips

Turns out that the modern trend sweeping kitchens throughout the country are things Grandma always told us to do.  The warm weather we’re experiencing in Virginia this summer makes it the perfect time to start taking Grandma’s old-fashioned, advice for simple, cost-effective living. Combining the self-sustainable lifestyle encouraged by older generations, with modern equipment, creates an eco-friendly, affordable kitchen remodel.

It was normal for our grandparent’s generation to live on a farm, planting, feeding, growing, everything they needed to survive. Even though most live in suburban areas now, there has been a noticeable increase in America’s urban farming. Even if you have a small back yard, these kitchen remodeling tips will allow you to grow your own produce and herbs, cooking from scratch and canning and freezing the excess is a healthy way to live.

Urban Gardening Kitchen Remodeling Necessities

• Large Counters:  A six-burner cooktop is a big help for large families and for completing food preservation chores such as canning, blanching vegetables in preparation for freezing, and making homemade sauces from your homegrown tomatoes and vegetables. It is also a great place to keep glass jars of herbs for easy access, as well as decoration.
• Convection Ovens: More homeowners are discovering the convenience and timesaving benefits of convection ovens. Convection ovens offer several conveniences for cooks. Advantages of a convection oven include, cooking food up to 25% faster and lower temperatures, more evenly cooked meals, and the convection heat allows food to retain internal moisture while forming a nice crust on the outside. If you do a lot of baking, consider installing two ovens.
• Spacious Pantries: Grandma had a pantry that she kept well stocked with her homemade goodies. If you have the room, a separate pantry will give you lots of space to store your food items. If you can, have your general contractor include a specially ventilated drawer or two to house your root vegetables. A standing freezer will hold frozen fruit and vegetables from the summer’s bounty as well as any meat if you raise chicken or cows or happen to purchase a side of beef.
• Recycling Bin: For your next home improvement project, install a recycling bin in your cupboards or pantry. If you keep an outdoor compost bin, purchase a special container to hold your indoor vegetable and fruit scraps and other recyclable food scraps that you can empty outside every few days.

Grandma knew what she was talking about when she stressed the importance of self-sustainable and eco-friendly living. Having your own garden, space for long-time storage for food and up-to-date cooking appliances can help you save money while going green. Contact the kitchen remodeling specialist at MasterWorks Painting and Remodeling, in Virginia, for more cost-efficient home improvement tips.