The kitchen countertop has to be able to take a lot of abuse including the heat of pots, cutting and knives and abrasive cleansers. The ideal countertop should be able to stand up to heat and the sharp edge of a knife.

Let us take a look at 7 of the most popular kitchen countertop materials being used today:

Granite
A natural stone, granite is a popular choice for it’s classic beauty and durability. Granite is the hardest and densest of the natural stones. It can create a kitchen countertop that is extremely scratch resistant and can keep its luster longer than most materials. granite slabs are the most expensive of all kitchen countertop surfaces, although it is still considered a very practical material in that it is virtually indestructible.

Marble
Another natural stone, marble is considered to be the height of elegance and will last longer than most kitchens. It is however, is very expensive and requires some care: acidic foods such as orange juice will etch the finished surface of a marble kitchen countertop.

Slate
Because of it richness and beauty slate is usually used in interior applications such as kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks or fireplace surrounds. It can be used in either modern or traditional kitchens as well as in combination with marble. Slate is durable, strong, and can withstand hard use. It is less expensive than marble.

Concrete
This is one of the biggest trends in kitchen countertops today. It is a good look for clean, industrial and contemporary kitchen designs. Available in pre formed sections or poured and formed on-site. Concrete is a good material for unusually shaped counters. Concrete kitchen countertops are expensive, require a sealant and must be treated with care. The countertop can crack if the concrete should contract. Concrete can be stained any color. The most popular color is a natural gray tone. The top layer can be finished as desired.

Corian
A solid surface material that first became popular in the 1990′s It is highly recommended by kitchen countertop experts. It is a totally manmade product and is not porous. As a solid surface it can easily be repaired if scratched or burned.

Stainless Steel
Advantages include very hygienic, easy to clean, has ability to stand up to exteme wear and heat. Stainless steel can provide a great look for an ultra modern kitchen. Some disadvantages with stainless is that it can be noisy and that scratches can develop.

Tile
Tile surfaces can be tough, hard-wearing, takes hot pans, heat and stain resistant as well as beautiful. There are many types of tiles including ceramic, porcelain, quarry, glass, natural stone and mosiac. Available in many colors, sizes and textures. It has good design flexibility. Tile can often be used for trim or backsplashes. The downside of tile is that the grouts can be easily stained. Also the tiles can become chipped or cracked.

The bathroom can be one of the most clutter filled areas of any home.  Get organized now with these simple steps.

The Medicine Cabinet

Start by taking everything out of  the entire medicine cabinet. Then give the inside a thorough cleaning.  Next, look at every item you have removed. Throw away empty containers, dried up tubes, and expired medicines.  Then, before you put it all back reorganize everything to be put back on each shelf.  For example, the dental items should go on one shelf. Makeup on another, etc.  If things are too large, store them in a smaller container or under the sink.

Shower and Baths

These areas can be more difficult to organize than the medicine cabinet. Put aside all your bathing and hair care products. Store them in a wire or plastic container that will easily fit in your bathtub or shower. If you are someone who uses a loofah or washcloth, pick a container where you can hang these products from.  Also, if you use soap, pick  unit that has a soap holder to avoid getting residue on your other products.  It’s highly recommended that you buy something that has suction cups so you can attach it directly to any area of your tub or shower.  If you have a child and toys are cluttering the tub, pick up an organizer that’s large enough to store all these items.  The container should have holes in in to allow the toys to dry out safely.  Store the bin on a mat until the toys have drained or dried out then put it away under the sink.  If you are okay with another item hanging in the tub, you can also buy a mesh toy bag with suction cups to hang from the wall.  These are great because you can throw all the toys in them at once and rinse them out, then just hang them on the wall to dry.

The Scottsdale real-estate agency Gary May Group has lots of de-cluttering ideas for all your household rooms.  Stay tuned for more!

Refurbishing your Kitchen and Bathroom to Add Value to Your Home

The way current market conditions are today, it’s a good idea to think about adding value to your home in order to get the best price possible.  Two of the major selling points to a home are the kitchen and the bathrooms.  These would be the best place to add value and make your home shine, and maximize your potential sales price of your home.

Many people feel that they need to replace their cabinetry entirely in order to make a kitchen look new.  This is not the case at all.  All you need is a little paint, and some imagination.  The first step is to decide the color palette for your kitchen.  You can create a three-dimensional effect on your plain cabinet doors by taping off a 2 or 3 inch border and painting primary color on the inside and secondary color on the outside.  Always use the lighter color to paint the inside of the cabinets.  Next, change the hardware.  Choose something modern and shiny. Knobs are an inexpensive addition and can really change the entire décor of your cabinets.  After you’ve completed your cabinetry, move on to the kitchen table and window treatments.  Find fabric that matches the color palette you’ve chosen for your cabinets.  A simple table cloth and a few curtains are sure to add an updated look to your kitchen.  Finally, the walls will need some painting.  Stick with the same color palette, using the lighter color to accent the walls.  Don’t worry about your kitchen counters.  Less attention will be spent on the counters if you add color to your walls, cabinets, and windows.  Just be sure your counters are clean.

Next is your bathroom.  Again, it is truly amazing what a fresh coat of paint will do.  Repaint the bathroom by choosing a color that represents serenity.  Blues, cream colors and yellow’s are always nice additions.  Keep your towels and rugs fresh and new.  Coordinate these items to match your paint.  If you have a window in your bathroom, add a matching curtain.  Choose accessories that freshen up the entire look of the bathroom.  Wicker or metal is always a safe bet.  Also adding a plant or antique picture can liven the bathroom.  Clean any toothbrush holders, cups and soap dishes.  Free them of toothpaste or soap scum; give them a new appearance.

Making just a few changes to your kitchen or bathroom can make all the difference in your home.  When it comes time to sell, your buyer’s will notice and it could quite possibly make all the difference in your price!

Eliminating Coffee Table Clutter

Some of the most lived in rooms of your house are your entertaining rooms.  These areas includes your family and living rooms and they can accumulate clutter quickly, particularly the coffee table.  Here are some quick tips to help keep the coffee table presentable and clean.

A coffee table is an ideal place to store and organize various items throughout the room such as the remote control or magazines.  Utilizing the shelving on most coffee tables will definitely help to keep the things looking less cluttered.  Stacking magazines underneath neatly, so they are slightly visible, yet almost out of sight is a good start.  Next, purchase a small decorative basket to store your remotes inside.  The basket can be kept on top of the table or on a shelf just below the surface.  If all the remotes are kept inside the basket, it also prevents them from being lost.

 If your coffee table has drawers, this is a good place to store games, pens/pencils, CD’s, DVD’s, and various other items that tend to accumulate throughout the room.  It’s even a good idea to keep coasters in the drawers so they are ready available when guests are around and you offer drinks.

 Large, untraditional coffee tables often have larger storage inside, and these are good for storing linens, larger games, blankets, pillows and even photo albums.

 Keep as little as possible on the tops of coffee tables.  A traditional candy bowl or candle is always nicest.  Sometimes even a family photo set on the coffee table  can bring a smile to your room and keep the focus off of clutter.

For more great household tips, contact the Gary May Group.  We have wonderful ideas to keep your home looking neat and presentable without spending hours cleaning

I was at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Tennessee last weekend and while I had a blast, I really missed the air conditioner. It was so hot that some people were abandoning their tents to sleep in their air-conditioned cars.

Since the AC was on my mind when I got back to work last week, I was surprised to see a request from the Environmental Protection Agency asking Gov Gab to clear up some confusion about the agency’s new air conditioner manufacturing regulations. It seems that many people think they have to replace their air conditioners now, but that’s not the case.

This year the EPA banned the use of the R-22 refrigerant in the manufacturing of air conditioners. Because R-22 depletes the Earth’s ozone layer, EPA is gradually reducing amounts of that chemical that can be produced. But to preserve the useful life of R-22 equipment people have already purchased, EPA allows R-22 to be used to service existing air conditioners.

If you have an air conditioner that uses R-22 you don’t have to replace it now and you can get it repaired if it has problems. The EPA does recommend that if you need major repairs you think about replacing it with an ENERGY STAR air conditioner or use an alternative coolant that doesn’t harm the ozone layer. As the EPA phases out the R-22 chemical over the next decade, the price will go up, and by 2020 there will be very little R-22 left.

What do you think of the new EPA R-22 regulation?

www.usa.gov