Making Your Dream Kitchen a Reality

What’s the toughest part of renovating or remodeling your kitchen? For most people, it’s knowing where to start. Bringing your dream kitchen to life sounds great in theory, but taking the steps to actually make it happen can often seem overwhelming and discouraging.

Worry not; we’re here to help. If you can dream it, we can help you build it! So where do you start with such a huge project?

Think About What You Need

Before you dive into designing your dream kitchen, think about what you need from your kitchen setup. Kitchens are usually high traffic areas for most families, so it’s important to always remember how your family utilizes the kitchen. Is the kitchen strictly for cooking or are meals shared here? Is it homework central or is a chef’s paradise? These are all important questions to ask so that your dream kitchen goes beyond just being pretty.

Decide On Your Budget

When remodeling or renovating any room, it’s important to think long term. Renovations shouldn’t be looked at as an expense but rather as an investment in both your home and your quality of life. After you’ve asked yourself important question that helped you determine what you need from your dream kitchen, deciding on a budget is the next step. Consider how much you’d like to spend versus how much you can spend. Get quotes from contractors. Do research. The more you learn about the process, the easier budgeting will be.

Visualize Your Dream Kitchen                                                                                           

Once know your budget what you need from your kitchen, the fun part begins! Hop over to our website and check out our dream kitchen design tool. It allows you to design your kitchen by changing the appliances, colors, and cabinets. This tool gives you the ultimate control of your dream kitchen before you actually bring it to life. Feel free to build and rebuild as needed until you find the combination that’s perfect for you. With so many unique colors available, deciding on one or two may be the toughest part of your pre-renovation journey.

Consider Quality Materials

When renovating your kitchen, keep your budget in mind, but remember that the materials and appliances that you decide on will have a long term impact in your life. When you purchase an Elmira appliance, you do so with the peace of mind that you’ll be getting a product of the highest quality with an exceptional warranty, and customer service representatives who treat you like family. The same thought should also apply to other products and materials in your kitchen. For example, when deciding on countertops, considering using natural stone. Natural stone’s timelessness couples well with the retro kitchen design, and its durability ensures that it will last. When your dream kitchen has a foundation of quality appliances, materials, and products, you can be confident of your investment.

Ready, Set, Go!

It’s time to make your dream kitchen a reality! You’ve thought long and hard about what you want, what you need, and how to make it happen so all that’s left is bringing your dream kitchen to life. Visit a local Elmira dealer for your appliances, decide on a contractor or do it yourself, and get ready for the exciting journey ahead. When your dream kitchen is finished, make sure you send us a picture and share your story via Facebook, Twitter, or leave comment below.

Ready? Go make your dream kitchen a reality!

10 Useful Kitchen Hacks

There is no room more central in any home than the kitchen. The kitchen is more than just a room where meals are made; it is now the heart of a home where families come together to do everything from sharing meals to homework. With so much activity in the kitchen, keeping the kitchen organized and clean is essential for a happy home.

With that in mind, we’ve searched far and wide to find the top ten kitchen life hacks to make your time in the kitchen even more enjoyable.

10. Tissue Boxes for Storage
    

    Source: architecturedesigns.com

Plastic bags are a staple in every kitchen, but storing them often provides a challenge. If you’re looking for an easy and cute place to store your plastic bags, look no further than empty tissue boxes! Tissue boxes are great for storing plastic bags because they’re
small, easy to access, and come in various colors and designs so you can pick out a box or two that look great in your retro kitchen.

9. Boiling Water for Clogs

The kitchen sink probably gets used more often than any other sink in the house. It’s inevitable that sometimes things that don’t belong down the drain find their way down anyway. An easy way to avoid clogs is to pour boiling water down the drain every so often. This easy hack will ensure that your kitchen sink is always in good shape.

Source: lifehack.org

8. Binding Clips for Sponges

There are few things grosser than grabbing a sponge and having it be wet, stinky and dirty. A sanitary sponge is important, and an easy way to keep it clean is to use a binding clip to hold it straight up. This prevents the sponge from absorbing bacteria.

7. Damp Paper Towels & Cutting Boards

Is there anything more annoying than cutting something on the cutting board only to have the board slip? It’s frustrating and dangerous, but putting a few damp paper towels sheets underneath the board will keep it in place. Quick, simple and effective – this life hack is a surefire way to save you some frustration.

6. Hang Pots and Pans
   

   Source: homeremedyhacks.com

Not having enough storage space in the kitchen is a universal struggle. No matter how big your kitchen is, more storage is always welcomed. A convenient way to free up some space is to hang your pots and pans. Not only will they be easy to reach and organized, they’ll also add some flair to your kitchen, especially if you have a designer cookware set.

 

5. Tension Rods under the Sink

Source: diply.com

Keeping your kitchen spotless is a top priority that often requires various cleaning products. With so many bottles, the cabinet under the sink is usually pretty full and tough to keep organized. You can gain some space and keep everything organized by adding a tension rod and hanging the bottles up. This simple trick is a great way to keep even the messiest cabinets in tip-top shape.

 

 

 

 

4. Mason Jars

Mason jars are so versatile and a must-have for any kitchen. A good  way to de-clutter your pantry is to use them storage. Remove items from their original packaging, put them in a mason jar, label them if you’re feeling extra crafty, and appreciate all of the extra space.. Mason jars come in all sizes, making it easy to find some that fit your needs.

3. Shoe Rack Storage
   

   Source: lifehack.org

If the mason jars didn’t free up as much space as you need in your pantry then consider using a shoe rack for extra storage. Re-purpose a shoe rack by hanging it on your pantry door and using it to store things like snacks and miscellaneous items that are scattered throughout the pantry. While not the most stylish solution, shoe rack storage will free up space, help keep your pantry organized, and make life a little easier.

2. Command Strips and Baskets

Another quick and easy way to get a little more storage in your kitchen cabinets is to use Command strips and baskets. This hack is perfect for small, miscellaneous items. A small basket will keep items in one easy to access location as well as free up some much needed space. With this trick you’ll never have to worry about misplacing small lids, plastic straws, or can openers again.

1. Magnets
   

   Source: Buzzfeed.com

Did you know magnets can be used for much more than adding a personal touch to your fridge? Magnets can be used to help you de-clutter your kitchen. You can make a magnetic rack to house your spices, knives, and even mason jars. Your imagination is the limit when it comes to finding creative ways to use magnets to keep your kitchen tidy.

 

 

Stay Cool Summer Cocktails

Summer is here in full blaze! Our team wants to help you keep cool, refreshed and happy with a few summer-appropriate cocktails. Just for giggles, we’ve also added an Elmira Stove Works refrigerator options to really keep cool. Let us know which ones are your favorites on our Facebook and Twitter pages!

Watermelon-Tequila Cocktails with Northstar Model 1950 Refrigerator in Pantone’s Rose Quartz 

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 8 cups diced seedless watermelon (1 pound)
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 3/4 cups blueberries
• 3/4 cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves, plus 8 sprigs for garnish
• 1 1/4 cups silver tequila
• Ice

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a simmer with the sugar and stir over moderate heat until the sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute; let the sugar syrup cool.
2. In a blender, puree the watermelon until smooth. Set a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and strain the watermelon juice, pressing gently on the solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the pulp.
3. In a large pitcher, combine the sugar syrup with the lime juice, blueberries and mint leaves. Using a wooden spoon, lightly muddle the blueberries and mint. Add the watermelon juice and tequila. Refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours.
4. Pour the cocktail into tall ice-filled glasses. Garnish with the mint sprigs and serve.

 

Sweet Tea Sangria with Antique Model 1896 Refrigerator in Black & Copper Trim

Ingredients:

• 1 750-ml. bottle white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
• 4 c. sweet tea
• 1/4 c. triple sec
• 2 c. sliced frozen peaches
• 2 c. raspberries
• Fresh mint, for garnish

Directions:

1. In a pitcher, combine wine, sweet tea, triple sec, frozen peaches and raspberries and stir until combined. Refrigerate until chilled.
2. Serve garnished with mint.

 

Orange-Ginger Margarita with Northstar Model 1958 Refrigerator in Yellow Orange

Ingredients:

• 1 can frozen orange juice concentrate
• 10 oz. tequila
• 6 oz. ginger liqueur (like Domaine de Canton)
• 1 tsp. Grated Ginger
• 4 c. Ice
• 2 tbsp. kosher or margarita salt
• Crystallized ginger, optional

Directions:

1. Place frozen orange juice concentrate (reserve 1 tablespoon), tequila, ginger liqueur, ginger, and ice in a blender and mix until ice is crushed.
2. Place reserved tablespoon concentrate on a small plate and salt on another small plate. Dip rims of 4 glasses in concentrate and then in salt. Fill glasses, garnish with crystallized ginger if desired, and serve.

 

Elderflower-Wine Cocktail with the Antique Model 1898 Refrigerator in Bisque & Copper Trim

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle Fumé Blanc (such as Robert Mondavi Private Selection)
• 4 oz. elderflower liqueur
• 4 oz. vodka
• sprigs of fresh mint
• Ice
• Club Soda

Directions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine first 3 ingredients and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour. To serve, muddle a few mint leaves in each glass. Add ice, fill two-thirds with wine mixture, and top with club soda. Garnish with mint sprigs.

 

Strawberry Daiquiri Jell-O Shots with the Northstar Model 1950 Keg Refrigerator in Candy Red

Ingredients:

• 25 large strawberries
• 3 oz. box strawberry Jell-O
• 1 c. water
• 1 c. rum
• Juice of 3 limes
• sugar, for rim

Directions:

1. Slice off the tops and tips of strawberries (making sure to not create a hole in the bottom!) Using a small melon baller, gently scoop out inside of strawberry, creating a “shot glass.” Discard insides.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together Jell-O and boiling water until completely dissolved. Add rum and lime juice and whisk to combine.
3. Carefully pour Jell-O mixture into strawberries. Refrigerate until firm, 3 to 4 hours.
4. Dip tops of strawberries in sugar. Serve.

 

 

The “Stash It in the Oven” Purse Giveaway!

As an expression of our appreciation to our enthusiastic fans, Elmira Stove Works presents the “Stash It in the Oven” Purse Giveaway! We are giving away the designer purse pictured below to the Facebook user who “likes” the giveaway photo and leaves the most creative comment explaining what they would “stash” in the purse if they won. The comment with the most “likes” from fellow Facebook users at the close of the giveaway contest will win. The giveaway will run from June 13, 2016 at 10 a.m. EDT and end on June 24, 2016 at 10 a.m. EDT.

Click here to go directly to the post to enter… and good luck!

Summer Antique Markets in the U.S.!

The spring and summer bring about yard sales and flea markets, which are often some of the best places to find one-of-a-kind decorative items for your home. Country Living and House Beautiful have compiled lists of the best places to in the States to purchase antique furniture and accessories, and we have selected a few of our personal favorites below. If you have ever traveled to one of these places, let us know how you enjoyed your experience!

Adamstown, Pennsylvania

Promoted as the “antiques capital of the United States,” Adamstown’s main industry is antiques with dozens of shops and thousands of individual vendors. Pictured below is Stoudt’s Antique Mall with over 15,000 square feet of antiques for purchase!

Country Living Fairs

Taking place in Nashville, TN; Rhinebeck, NY; Columbus, OH; and Atlanta, GA, the Country Living Fairs attract over 200 vendors and hundreds of visitors to listen to music, eat great local food and shop, of course!

Brooklyn Flea

The Brooklyn Flea happens every Saturday and Sunday in Fort Greene and the DUMBO district of New York City featuring hundreds of top vendors of furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles and antiques, as well as a tightly curated selection of jewelry, art, and crafts by local artisans and designers; plus fresh food at the smorgasbord.

Photo credit: Kate Glicksberg

Snohomish, Washington

The “antiques capital of the Northwest” has more than 175 dealers in multi-vendors marketplaces as well as individually curated shops. Here is the perfect place to find many things beloved for the home.

The World’s Longest Yard Sale

This 654-mile long yard sale takes place first Thursday in August through the following Sunday (August 4-7, 2016) and has vendors from Addison, Michigan to Gadsden, Alabama. You are sure to find a little bit of anything and everything on this shopping trip… and if you drive the full length in the four allotted days, you deserve a few treasures!

A #RetroRecipe Roundup!

Did you know that we post a new tasty “Retro Recipe” to our Facebook page each month? Try any of these recipes for a delectable treat right at home, and let us know how you like them! Click the images to enlarge them.

For a healthy appetizer, the Prosciutto, Melon and Spinach Salad covers three food groups and offers a Paleo-approved vinaigrette option.

You know those recipes that taste great fresh, but even better the next day? The Skillet Chicken and Vegetables entree is one of those and it is enough to last most of the week. Meal preppers rejoice!

Mozzarella, Goat Cheese, Ricotta, and Parmesan? Fellow cheese wizards, this is for us. Can you already taste the sweet and tangy mix of the White Four-Cheese Pizza with Basil and Garlic?

This month’s retro recipe is the Spinach Pesto Penne with Shrimp and Peas; a perfect, light lunch option for the spring season.

We saved the most decadent recipe for last. The White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake…do we really need to say more?

View more of our Retro Recipes here, and then share your favorites with us on our Facebook and Twitter pages! Bon appétit!

Elmira Stove Works Introduces New Northstar 36-inch Six-burner Range

Our fans have been asking for this and the time has finally come to fulfill the demand! As a leading manufacturer of premium, vintage-styled kitchen appliances, we are introducing our new Northstar Model 1947 36-inch six-burner duel-fuel range! This long-awaited product release features the retro-inspired design of the Northstar collection in a professional-style range.

The Model 1947’s features include a five cubic foot, self-cleaning, true convection oven, programmable bake and clean, six easy-clean sealed gas burners (8,000 to 15,000 BTU), continuous grates, and an oversized storage drawer. The vintage style range comes in the nine standard colors of the Northstar collection : Bisque, Buttercup Yellow, Candy Red, Mint Green, Robin’s Egg Blue, Quicksilver, Textured Black, and White. Custom colors are also available using RAL color matching, which provides an additional 200-plus color options.

 

“This is a milestone addition to the Northstar collection,” says Tony Dowling, vice president of sales and marketing at Elmira Stove Works, “The introduction of a commercial-grade, six-burner range expands Northstar’s consumer appeal from the homeowner with a smaller kitchen to the potential owner looking for top-of-the-line features and performance with refreshing vintage styling.  Along with our Model 1963 36-inch range hood and Model 1958 25-cubic foot French Door fridge, this raises the bar on retro-styled appliances to a completely new level.”

The range will be available through dealers in May 2016 for a price of $6,995.

For more information on the Model 1947 36-inch six-burner duel-fuel range, visit www.elmirastoveworks.com or call 800.295.8498.