Have you ever wished that your current kitchen island was portable? Sometimes, it would make cooking and entertaining a lot easier to move your kitchen island out of the way to make more space, or even use it in different rooms as a portable counter or serving tray. That’s where a kitchen cart comes in handy! A kitchen cart is basically an island on rolling castors. It offers the same counter space and storage abilities as an island – except with mobility! Kitchen carts are also less expensive because there’s no installing process needed. To find out which kitchen cart would complete your home, take a look at the following examples to help with your decision:

The Tru Bamboo Bamboo Cart with Wine Rack and Stainless Steel Cart  is just 30 inches in width, so if you have a smaller sized kitchen, opt for this model from Tru Bamboo. Since bamboo is one of the strongest fibers in nature, its bamboo top will resist the pressure of knives, pots and pans, or liquid spills. It also comes with a wine rack and sturdy stainless steel base, so it’s a great serving tray as well as an island.

Another option that’s 30 inches in width is the John Boos Cucina Avanti Outdoor Cart with Stainless Steel Top. Indoors or out, this cart is sturdy, rust-proof, and modern looking for a sleek-looking kitchen. Stainless steel acts as a great cutting surface because it’s super flat and easy to clean up. With two open shelves and a spot to hang utensils, this kitchen cart is a great addition to your kitchen or patio.

If you’re looking for something that’s still small on size but offers more counter space, consider the Home Styles Furniture White Wood Kitchen Cart with Natural Wood Top and Drop Leaf. Its 12-inch drop leaf side can be raised whenever you need a little more surface space. It also features a paper towel bar, which is handy in case of a spill. Two drawers, an open shelf, and two cabinet doors make up the storage space this specific kitchen cart, and the solid hardwood top is sturdy enough to prepare food on.

If you’re going to be cutting and dicing food frequently on your kitchen island, try the Linon Kitchen Work Island with Butcher Block Top. Butcher block tops are usually two inches thick or more, unlike other wooden topped islands, so they normally last longer. This cart features one large drawer, two cabinet doors, and two open shelves for plenty of storage, and chrome hardware against a deep walnut finish for an appealing look.

Inside or outside, the Outdoor Great Room Company Bistro 36 Inch Granite Top Kitchen Cart will hold up against the elements. Granite counter tops are a popular choice in today’s market because of their beauty, durability, and resistance to heat. However, if you want to keep your knives sharp, use a cutting board on granite surfaces to keep the blades from dulling. This cart comes with utensil hooks, an optional serving tray, and its eye-catching eucalyptus cabinet doors will keep any items stored away. 

If you’re looking for something along the lines of a serving tray, the Eurostyle Roberta High Rolling Glass/Chrome Cart is a stylish idea. You can keep it stationary in your kitchen to store items or home décor, or you can use it as a serving cart to bring food or drinks into the next room. Its shiny chrome steel frame and tempered glass shelves look delicate, but guarantee strength at the same time.

Although kitchen carts are designed to be practical and long-lasting, you should still be taking proper care of their surfaces. Depending on what surface material you go with, there are some care tips that go along with them:

Stainless Steel
Even though its name includes “stainless”, if food or liquid is left on its surface for a long period of time, it can possibly leave a stain. Clean up immediately with glass cleaner to avoid scratches. If the steel does get scratched, remove them by scrubbing it with a Brillo pad in the direction of the grain. Fingerprint smudges can easily be removed with vinegar and warm water.

Butcher Block
To keep your butcher block strong, apply a coat of mineral oil to it about once a month. Apply the oil in the direction of the grain and be sure to let it soak well before wiping it down to remove the residue. Make sure you only use mineral oil – linseed oil, tung oils, or any other varnishes have the ability to ruin the butcher block. Wood absorbs moisture, so make sure you wipe up any liquid right away to keep it from seeping into the wood.

Granite
To clean your granite countertop, use a soft cloth dipped in mild detergent and warm water. If you clean with too much soap, it will streak when dry, so you only need a tiny amount. Also, be sure to avoid cleaners like vinegar, lemon juice, or anything else acidic – it can eat away at granite’s surface. Granite has the potential to collect dust, so be sure to dust regularly.

Hardwood
Mix either lemon oil or mild soap with warm water, and use a soft cloth to wipe down hardwood surfaces. Make sure to buff the hardwood dry, and then fill in any cracks with a wood filler to prevent any crumbs or drops from getting in. Glass cleaners, waxes, or polishes aren’t suitable for your hardwood countertop, and be sure not to put a hot pot or kettle on it for it may leave a burn.

I hope this helps you with any questions you had with kitchen islands carts!

Nicolette Interior Design Diva

Whether you’re a wine expert or just getting your tastebuds acquired, you’ll need a place to keep your unopened collection of bottles. Wine storage come in many different styles, materials and sizes – so how do you know which one is right for you?

Use this helpful guide to finding the perfect wine rack home storage design for you.

Home Wine Racks

Whatever your decorating taste may be, there’s a wine rack that will conveniently store your bottles while looking beautiful.

A popular choice for wine racks is hardwood, so if you enjoy the humbling appearance and sturdiness of wood, opt for something like the basic

Winsome Basics 24-Bottle Wine Rack, or the Wine Cellar Innovations 108 Bottle Tasting Tablefor an even bigger collection – and a table to serve on.

There are also intricate metallic wine racks out there that offer extreme durability.

The Grace 36 Bottle Freestanding Wine Rack has unique wrought iron styling, while the space-saving VintageView Platinum Series Eighteen Bottle Wall Mounted Magnum Wine Rack holds the weight of those heavy bottles against a wall or door.

Whichever wine rack you choose, be sure to look at its measurements so it will fit into your preferred space, and estimate the number of bottles you’d like to hold in your rack – the one you select should be able to hold them all.

Home Wine Cabinets

Home wine cabinets are ideal for wine lovers who wish to show off their collection in style. Invest in a cabinet that compliments the design of the room you’re planning to install it in.

For a sleeker, contemporary room, try the Howard Miller Potters Creek Wine and Spirits Cabinet.

Buy it in pairs to frame a fireplace, or just place one in your hallway or dining room. A home with a rustic, whimsical feel can opt for the Pulaski Cordova Wine Cabinet, with its wrought iron doors and plenty of storage shelves and drawers. Wine cabinets not only store your wine, they show it off!

Home Wine Carts

For a convenient, portable way to serve and store your wine bottles, consider a wine cart. They are a bit like a wine rack and cabinet in one – with wheels on their legs so they are easily transported.

If you’ve got a casual, homey style, the Home Styles Furniture Round Wood Top Kitchen Cart would definitely match it. This cart features a unique circular shape, two shelving spaces, and the wine rack is removable.

For a home with modern flair, choose the Winsome Ten Bottle Wine Cart. It features a stylish mirror top and an espresso finish, with a ten bottle capacity.

Home Wine Consoles

If wine cabinets seem a little to formal for your taste, you can always go with a console table that has wine racks built in. Aroom with comfortable, relaxing design would pair well with the Lifestyle California Mendocino II Server.

Its simple cherry finish and multiple shelves allow you to add more than wine bottle to it – decorate the table with picture frames, floral arrangements, or ceramic bowls.

Check out the Howard Miller Vintner Wine and Spirits Console table if your home’s got more of a sleek, up-to-date look.

Apart from being visually appealing with its black coffee finish, it’s got another great feature – two lockable cabinets, as well as an open wine rack.

Convert this console table to a server by pulling apart its top pieces to reveal a granite countertop.

Here are some handy tips on storing your wine to keep its quality high:

• Sporadic temperatures and heat can dull the taste of the wine, so store it somewhere that is evenly cool.
• Red wine is normally bottled with green glass to filter out light, since bright lights can also affect the wine’s taste. Place your wine in as dark of a place as possible.
• Storing wine in the fridge keeps it cold and out of light, but the vibrations of the fridge motor has the ability to precipitately oxidize wine. Try to keep it somewhere still.
• Heavy odours can penetrate your wine over time, so try not to leave the wine anywhere near strong cleaners, paint, or any other deeply scented items.

Once your wine is properly stored, it’s time to enjoy it! Here are a few popular examples of wine and the food they would pair best with:

• Shiraz: Since this variety of wine is full-bodied, fruity, and pungent, you’ll need a dish that is also bold in comparison. Strong cheeses, like old cheddar and blue cheese, pair well with Shiraz because the intensity of both flavours does not overpower each other. Try this Cheese and Baguette Appetizer from the Food Network.
• Chardonnay: Generally a refreshing, light, tangy wine, Chardonnay is best paired with dishes that have the same acidity content. A tart vinaigrette salad or anything made with tomatoes would be a perfect pairing. This Honey Lime Marinated Shrimp dish is another great idea for combining with Chardonnay.
• Merlot: With its soft fruity notes and hints of chocolate in its aroma, Merlot is an ideal choice for a dinner wine. It couples well with meat and poultry dishes, and would definitely top off this Rosemary Lamb Chops with Lemon Sauce delight from All Recipes.
• Riesling: Bright, crisp, and normally low in alcohol, Riesling can pair with just about any food choice. However, it’s mainly consumed with spicy foods, since its refreshing qualities have the power to cleanse your taste buds. Try an ethnic recipe, like the Spicy Thai Vegan Steak and Noodles with Chili and Lemongrass Dressing, to add some zing to your meal!

Nicolette Interior Design Diva