How to properly clean your concrete benchtop
Should I Powder Coat My Outdoor Kitchen?
Should I Powder Coat My Outdoor Kitchen?
There’s an easier way to add a pop of colour to your entertaining area. Long gone are the days where powder coating was just for industrial factories – you can now have it in your outdoor kitchen! But is it the best option? We’ve pulled together all the benefits for powder coating your kitchen so you can make an informed choice.
It’s Environmentally Friendly
Not only are you creating a fresh look by powder coating your outdoor kitchen, but you’re helping the planet as well! Powder coating produces less by-product waste than traditional liquid paint and doesn’t contain nasty volatile organic compounds (VOCs). And because it doesn’t give off any air-borne pollutants, it’s better for your health. Powder coating is also easy to dispose of because it doesn’t contain dangerous chemicals, so it complies with environmental regulations.
It Protects Your Surfaces
Worried about your outdoor kitchen because you live in a windy, wet or even sunny area? Then powder coating just might be for you! Powder coating acts as a defensive layer between the elements and your surfaces, so your outdoor kitchen is protected from severe weather damage. It also safeguards any material that may otherwise breakdown when left outside. As a bonus, you’ll also be saving your outdoor kitchen from any chips, spills, stains and sticky fingerprints.
It Looks Amazing
Your outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to be drab – add some distinctive colours with powder coating! Traditional liquid paint can leave a ‘painted on’ texture and can droop if it’s too runny. Powder coating is applied via spray method and then cured in an oven, so it can be painted in much thicker layers. This means you get the smoothest possible finish.
Want a pop of colour? No problem! Powder coating is a combination of pigment and resin, so you have your choice of different shades. So chose a colour as unique as you, and give your outdoor kitchen some real personality!
Still need more convincing? Maybe you just want some colour advice? Call us on 0437 658 850 or email justin@adelaideoutdoorkitchens.com.au. We would love to walk you through your options.
Unique Kitchen Islands - Adelaide Benchtops
Everyone loves an island and we don't mean the one covered in palm trees touching the ocean. Nope! We're talking about kitchen islands. Here are some of our favourite kitchen benchtops right now. If you're looking for Adelaide benchtops, we can help. Send us a message on Facebook or through our website for a quote.
Why a kitchen island?
A kitchen island is a great solution if you don't have a lot of benchtop space. It provides additional benchtop space you may not have. Kitchen islands also act as a dining area or breakfast bar for friends and family. Of course, a kitchen island can also accommodate an additional sink, rinse area or cabinets. Islands can be built in all shapes and sizes. If you're looking for a kitchen island or Adelaide benchtops, Adelaide Kitchen Outdoors would love to turn your kitchen dreams into a reality.
Unique Kitchen Islands
Polished Concrete
Polished concrete is one of the most durable building materials out. It can with stand accidental bumps, scratches and spill. It comes in a range of colours and is suited to industrial and/or modern kitchens. READ: The Beauty of Polished Concrete or Benefits of Concrete Flooring.
Quartz
Quartz as a building material has really stood the test of time. Used in outdoor areas, kitchens and bathrooms, its versatility is a major plus. The uniqueness and beauty speaks for itself. Each slab of quartz is unique and the patterns within the slab add interest. Quartz comes in black/brown or grey/white.
Timber
Another classic building material, that's not only suitable for many styles but is also eco-friendly if it's reclaimed. This particular island has storage space for just about anything. If you like the idea of an island bench but don't have space, you can also get one on wheels that you can use when it's needed and wheel away when you're done.
2019 Kitchen Trends - Kitchens Adelaide
Can you believe 2019 is only a month and a week away! Here are four 2019 kitchen trends you can expect to see in the new year. Looking to build a new kitchen or outdoor BBQ area? Get in touch with Justin at Adelaide Outdoor Kitchens for a FREE quote today.
Mixed Metal Finishings
Think brass pendant lighting, metal bar stools and copper rose gold taps. Mixing metals is an easy way to incorporate interest, depth and class in your kitchen.
Matte Black
Matte is the sexiest trend we can expect in 2019! It's sleek, sexy and endearing. Black is a strong colour and looks beautiful alongside dark and/or light timber furniture.
Two-Toned
Your kitchen is probably one of the most used areas of your home. For this reason, it's probably where you want to invest the most time and money to create a kitchen that inspires and encourages creativity. Two-tone kitchens do just this. It's also a totally affordable upgrade. All it requires is a lick of paint on the cabinets! Our main tip is to use darker colours on the bottom and lighter colours on top.
Stone
Stone as a building material is durable, sanitary, long-lasting, eco-friendly and low maintenance. It's also timeless and versatile to be paired with other materials. Stone has been used in kitchens for many years and is making an even bigger come back in 2019 as home owners look to incorporate natural materials in their home. Look at this beautiful kitchen that blends stone with gorgeous light timber.
Looking to build or renovate the perfect outdoor kitchen for you and your family? Get in touch with us for a FREE quote or general advice on building a long-lasting, quality kitchen to your budget.
Making an Environmentally Friendly Kitchen
Your kitchen is the one area of your home where you can make a real difference to the planet. Changing small habits can lead to big changes and your kitchen is a good place to start. Here are some tips on making an environmentally friendly kitchen.
Start From Scratch
If you're a new home owner or renovating your kitchen, start by using environmentally friendly building materials. Bamboo, recycled timber or stone are just some of the materials that are kinder to the environment.
Clean Green
Avoid using harsh cleaning products in your kitchen. Instead, use homemade cleaning products. Mix up a bit of white vinegar, bi-carb and lemon in a spray bottle as a multi-purpose cleaning solution that works wonders and is environmentally friendly.
READ: BBQ Cleaners You Didn't Know About
Energy Saving Appliances
Where possible, invest in energy saving appliances. They will reduce your energy bill and impact on the environment. Check the energy rating on your washer, dishwasher, dryer and/or fridge to determine its energy efficiency. You can read more about the star ratings your white appliances should have here or read the summary below.
- Dishwasher- 3.5 or more
- Washers or dryers - 3.5 for energy and 4 for water
- Hot water systems - 5 star
- Fridges and freezers - at least 3.5
Essentials Only
Probably the easiest and most convenient way to save the planet is to stop buying in excess or buying things you don't need. This goes for everything in hour household. Avoid purchasing appliances that you'll just never use - ice cream and popcorn makers, smoothie makers, blenders. These are just some items that often sit and collect dust in the kitchen. Clear out your kitchen, keeping only what is absolutely essential for day to day living.
READ: Tips on Creating a Minimalist Kitchen
Recycle
Install recycling bins in your kitchen cupboards or designate areas where you can conveniently recycle your waste. Use food scraps for composting in your own garden or for your green bins.
Reduce Food Waste
Meal prepping on a Sunday for the week helps reduce the amount of last minute takeaway meals that add to your waste heap. Freeze food that you know you won't eat in a couple days and find some quick and easy recipes you can make use of for last minute meals.
Multi-material Benchtops
You want the building materials to complement your home's style, look good and be functional too. It's not always easy to get all those boxes ticked, which is why picking materials is usually a big headache for home renovators. But what if we told you that there are no rules and you could have both. YES PLEASE! Here are some totally inspiring example of home owners who totally owned multi-material benchtops in their kitchen...
When Timber met Concrete
Timber is classic, warm and traditional. Concrete is modern, cool and sexy. Put the two together and you've got yourself a practical, gorgeous, eclectic mix of beauty and durability. If you love the timber look but want to avoid water and ding damage by having it as a benchtop, extend a space where timber can be used a table alongside a polished concrete benchtop. Polished concrete as a building material is strong, durable and highly water resistant (when sealed correctly.)
Yelling Timber
If you don't have the space for an extended table to complement your benchtop, why not use both to crate your island or benchtops. Timber below, polished concrete on top. The chunky look works well for modern or industrial, while the sleek timber suits the more modern/contemporary style.
Timber on Top
If concrete tops are too harsh for your kitchen's style, switch it up and use timber instead. A simple timber top or waterfall ends looks classy and classic.
Steel Some Colour
Timber, stainless steel and polished concrete are by far the safer options when it comes to kitchen building materials, but many home owners have been turning up the spectrum and getting more colour into their kitchen. Laminate kitchen worktops or cabinets with stainless steel makes for a clean, modern and refreshing kitchen look.
If you're renovating or re-building your kitchen, we'd love to help. Adelaide Outdoor Kitchens is a locally owned and operated business helping South Aussies create more memories in their kitchens.
Copper in the Kitchen
Whether it's polished, worn or just painted plastic - copper looks amazing in a kitchen! A natural material that can be dressed up or down depending on your kitchen's style. From industrial to traditional, modern to contemporary, copper in the kitchen seems to work with ease, every time. Here's some inspiration go get some copper in the kitchen...
Pots, Pans and Cookware
Probably the easiest way to incorporate copper into your kitchen is with crockery, cutlery and cookware. Open shelving can nicely display these in your kitchen. Alternatively, they can be hung on hooks or on the ceiling.
Lighting
Throwing up some lighting is another easy way to get some copper in your kitchen. Again, the material works well in any style from sleek and modern to industrial and traditional. Unlike a metal like stainless steel, copper adds real warmth to a room.
Copper Splashback
A bigger job, but worth the effort. Not only does copper look splendid as a splashback, but it durable, practical and wears well with age. Research also shows that copper is more germ resistant than stainless steel.
Copper Taps and Sinks
For a subtle inclusion of copper in the kitchen, try a tap or sink (or both). Copper is really easy to clean and doesn't require expensive or environmentally unfriendly products to clean. Mild soap and water generally does the trick!
Benchtops
We've already mentioned that copper is easy to clean, wears well and is naturally antimicrobial. All these really tick the boxes for a benchtop, although it is easily scratched and dented. As long as you're happy to add a bit of character to it - that's okay! Copper benchtops come in a sleek or bulky design and look absolutely stunning in the kitchen.
