I’d have to say that, every six months or so, I go on an organizing binge. This happens when I can no longer take the chaos that entropy has brought to my cabinets and drawers since the last biannual kitchen organization-fest. This might surprise you—seeing as I work for a kitchen cabinet fabricator—but, being recent homebuyers, my wife and I (yes, the kitchen is my domain in this house), are still living with the cabinets that came as original equipment.

I recently happened upon a blog post in Outnumbered (a very well-written, day-in-the-life blog from Danelle) that invited readers to take a look insider her cupboards. She also admits:

“Obviously, I would never let you look inside my cupboards if I hadn’t just organized them.”

That having been said, I highly doubt that Danelle’s cupboards look much different when they’re “messy.”

One thing I’ve learned in my time at Vision is that sustainable kitchen organization starts with what I call “the infrastructure.” First, you start with custom cabinets that make the best possible use of the available space. (In our old house we found a quesadilla maker—not seen since our wedding—all the way in the back of one of those awkward corner spaces next to the range. I won’t lie to you, it was like Christmas. Quesadillas for everyone! ¡Sí Señor!”)

Needless to say, made-to-measure of kitchen cabinets avoid creating that sort of organizational black hole. You can incorporate thoughtful details like specialized spice drawers with an integral rack, and pull-out, sliding kitchen trash bins. That way, there’s more than just a place to put something because that’s we’re you decided to put it, but a place for something because it the place was made for it. No more having a stuck drawer because I put a spatula in the wrong place. (It went in. Why won’t it come out?)

Granite is known as one of the most durable types of countertops available. That does not mean that granite countertops are maintenance-free, however. While granite countertops are indeed strong and durable, precautions to keep them from being stained or damaged are called for. Proper care and cleaning will ensure your granite countertops will continue to look beautiful for a long time to come.

Clean Spills Immediately
Avoid spilling anything other than water or mild dish soap on your granite countertops, particularly liquids that are highly acidic. Beverages such as orange juice, soft drinks, and anything alcoholic contain acid and can damage to your countertops if they are not cleaned up immediately. Use a cloth or paper towel to soak up any spills and and wipe with a damp cloth to avoid leaving behind any sticky residue.

Avoid Harsh Cleaning Products
Just as foods and beverages can have high levels of acidity, common household cleaners can contain acid or other chemicals that could potentially damage the finish of your granite countertops. A solution of mild dish soap and water will allow you to thoroughly clean your granite will protecting their lustrous shine.

Protect Your Countertops with a Sealant
A great way to protect countertops from potential damage is to apply a sealant. A non-toxic sealer can keep granite countertops looking new. While sealer does not make your countertop stain-proof, it will give you more time to clean up spills before the granite will begin to stain. For optimum results, sealer should be re-applied very two to three years.

Too high a backsplash can compromise cabinet space and make under-cabinet appliances difficult to use. Too low and the taller members of the household could find the available space too confining.

However, for something that can have such an adverse effect on the utility of a kitchen, little attention usually given to this design element. In the event of a kitchen remodel, the height of the backsplash often comes down to the height of the cabinets being replaced.

Some elements to consider: average height of the household, location and placement of both countertop and under-cabinet appliances, under-cabinet lighting, location of any concealed appliances and desired design aesthetic.

A good place to start when deliberating the merits of a given height is to start the 17-inch level, and adjust higher or lower from there as appropriate.

Vision Kitchen and Bath has been awarded the prestigious 2011 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the businesses rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service and health providers.

“Only a fraction of the businesses rated on Angie’s List can claim the sterling service record of being a Super Service Award winner because we set a high bar,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “The fact that Vision Kitchen and Bath can claim Super Service Award status speaks volumes about its dedication to consumers.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their clients and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List, but members can find the 2011 Super Service Award logo next to business names in search results on AngiesList.com. 

Angie’s List collects consumer reviews on local contractors and doctors in more than 500 service categories. Currently, more than 2 million consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them make the best hiring decisions. Members get unlimited access to local ratings via Internet or phone, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine and help from the Angie’s List complaint resolution service. Take a quick tour of Angie’s List and view the latest Angie’s List news.