Local 4th of July festivities

Thought you may find the following times and locations for your July 4^th celebrations helpful.  There is nothing quite like fireworks lakeside!  From what I can tell from the weather reports so far it looks like it is going to be a beautiful day and a clear night!

This link will show you the schedule of events for Excelsior, Wayzata,  and Chanhassen.  Take a look…there is something for everyone!

http://www.lakeminnetonka.com/lake-minnetonka-july-4th.html

Have a happy and safe holiday weekend!



Decorating Your Kitchen

Decorating your kitchen can feel overwhelming at times.  Of course if you are doing a partial or full remodel you get to think about changing things like cabinets, countertops, lighting and appliances.  I notice buyers are now asking for kitchens with clean lines and simple, open designs.  On trend items are natural finishes like stone on countertops, back splashes, or both.  There is a favorable response to glass backsplashes as well.  As far as lighting goes people are using not only overhead task lighting but more ambient light from under counter lights and pendant lights as well.  Choosing one color of appliances also creates a very cohesive look in the space.

If a remodel is not an option and you just want a fresh look, I recommend clearing the countertops of everything, taking the pictures off the fridge, and giving it a good scrub down.  Now that the space is in its raw form you can see it through a different set of eyes.

As stated before in my other posts, get rid of the clutter.  In new spaces or freshened up old ones look at the items you have on your countertop and decide if they really need to be there.  A few well placed accessories make a big impact. 

Color is another big factor.  A simple change of color can dramatically change a room.  Consider using color in unusual ways like in a backsplash or in pendant lights.  Or paint a focal wall in your kitchen a color you love and find accessories to dot around your kitchen (like towels, vessels to hold your cooking spoons and spatulas, window treatments, new bar stools, placemats) to accentuate that color scheme.  Your space will come together in no time!

Coveted Kitchen Appliances

Next in our kitchen series I will address trends in appliances and kitchen features.  As I am showing homes, nothing lights up potential buyers like a great kitchen with all the coolest appliances.  The cliché that kitchens and baths sell a house is around for a reason.  Even if the buyers are not big cooks everyone can appreciate a great appliance!

Of course, the biggest trend is Stainless Steel.  I don’t really see this trend loosing much steam.  While stainless appliances tend to cost more if you are looking for wow factor or are planning to sell in the near future they are a wise investment to consider for any style kitchen from modest to high end.  

Another trend that people like, although generally found in higher end homes, are refrigerators that have the same paneling as your cabinets.  They make a space feel very cohesive.  Not easy to add on in an existing kitchen as cabinets can be hard to match but it is something to consider if you are doing a remodel.

In my last post, I touched on clearing the clutter.  People love when kitchens have appliance garages.  They are generally located in a corner of a countertop and have a door that opens where you can then easily slide things like toasters, coffee pots, and blenders away.

Recycling is here to stay and many people enjoy a trash feature that also includes a spot for recycling.  Consider a pull out lower cabinet drawer that holds a bin for your trash and your recycling.

Microwaves are here to stay and newer home builds are featuring lots of drawer microwaves which leaves the space above your stove open for a vent/ hood.  Not possible?  Response is also strong to a microwave that matches the décor of the kitchen – like stainless.  Get it off the counter, if possible.

Finally, dual wall ovens always make a big impression.  A great alternative to them is a range with two ovens, one on top of the other and one that offers a side by side option.      

How to Work with a Small Kitchen

The heart of the home…the kitchen.  Buyers want smart kitchens with loads of storage space, on-trend countertops, and appliances that are modern and energy efficient.  I am going to do a series of posts on the humble kitchen. There will be ideas for maximizing space of even the smallest kitchens, tips on the most popular appliances, and tips and trends in decorating.

Let’s start with the footprint.  Sometimes the smallest kitchens are the most efficient.  Rule of thumb is that you want your stove, sink, prep counter, and fridge within a step or two of each other.  Even in the biggest kitchens this is true.  Space that lies beyond this triangle is perfect for pantries, storage for lesser used items.  This area is also well served by wall ovens if they are used in the space.  Just imagine having to take several steps each way to grab what you need while you are in the middle of prep.  In the long run, kitchen tasks become arduous and far less efficient.

If you are looking to maximize space in a small kitchen go for cabinets that reach all the way to the ceiling.  You will be amazed at how much stuff you can get in those upper inches of space.  Many appliance companies make more compact models which are perfect for small kitchen spaces.  Consider a narrower, counter depth fridge.  It will not stick out beyond the standard depth counter which gives you at least 3” more walking space.  The same goes for dish washers and stoves.  Smaller profiles are available in these as well and when you get them in a color that compliments your décor you hardly notice they are smaller instead the space feels fresh and full of all amenities you want in a kitchen.    

To make a smaller kitchen feel bigger, keep things light.  If you have dark walls, dark countertops, and poor lighting, your space will feel smaller and uninspired.  By all means, you can choose elements that are dark, just make sure they are balanced with light features as well.  For instance…darker color cabinets look great with lighter countertops and backsplashes.

Finally another tip for a small kitchen is to keep the clutter off the countertop.  If you can get any small appliances that are seldom used into a cabinet – do it!  In addition, pass on excessive accessories.  Lack of counter space is magnified when all that space is occupied by knick knacks and small appliances.  

Wayzata Art Experience



Sunset on Wayzata Bay



Summertime ushers in Fairs and Festivals.  Enjoy the beautiful Lake Minnetonka views as you stroll through 100 art exhibitors at the Wayzata Art Experience.  The event will be held on June 23 & 24 from 10-6 on Lake Street in Wayzata.  In addition to beautiful, unique, and original art you will also find garden art and tasty cuisine. 

You can visit the Wayzata Chamber of Commerce website at www.wayzatachamber.com/WAE.htm



The Train Depot on Lake Street