Bought a house, estimated the renovation budget plus 10-15% for inevitable extras, and we set aside 5000 EUR for the kitchen!!!!
That’s how it started... at first, I was in a bit of shock, but we still had time. First step: remove all the walls for a new layout—I need space...
Let’s start with the (according to the agent) move-in ready property. The small kitchen, just under 8 square meters (about 86 square feet), had its 1970s pass-through removed. The wall including the kitchen door is gone! The wall next to the cellar stairs is gone too! Actually, the entire slanted wall, nearly 7 meters (23 feet) high, removed completely...
The window had to go as well since we needed a different working height than the standard 90 cm (35 inches). New screed installed, we switched to underfloor heating, all electrical wiring and water pipes are new.
After almost six months, the realization slowly sank in: the kitchen budget will not exceed 5000 EUR, so we had to look for a used kitchen... something special, but very cheap.
The search criteria: within a 100 km (62 miles) radius, up to 1000 EUR, because I still want new appliances.








That’s how it started... at first, I was in a bit of shock, but we still had time. First step: remove all the walls for a new layout—I need space...
Let’s start with the (according to the agent) move-in ready property. The small kitchen, just under 8 square meters (about 86 square feet), had its 1970s pass-through removed. The wall including the kitchen door is gone! The wall next to the cellar stairs is gone too! Actually, the entire slanted wall, nearly 7 meters (23 feet) high, removed completely...
The window had to go as well since we needed a different working height than the standard 90 cm (35 inches). New screed installed, we switched to underfloor heating, all electrical wiring and water pipes are new.
After almost six months, the realization slowly sank in: the kitchen budget will not exceed 5000 EUR, so we had to look for a used kitchen... something special, but very cheap.
The search criteria: within a 100 km (62 miles) radius, up to 1000 EUR, because I still want new appliances.
I wouldn’t see it so categorically. We also have various types of schnapps and whiskey – but stored in a living room cabinet behind a door, simply because that was the available space. I wouldn’t lose my mind if we had to put our schnapps collection on an open shelf, just because the furniture layout calls for it. (In our case, you would mostly find a selection of high-quality grappa.) The point that premium spirits are usually better protected from sunlight is definitely valid.
I find the argument that anyone who keeps strong alcoholic drinks at home is automatically at high risk of developing a serious alcohol problem a bit of a stretch, sorry.
I could easily list people from MY own circle of acquaintances who have developed a fondness for whiskey, enjoy high-quality spirits, or have a wine rack in their cellar that makes me envious – and none of them drink regularly, rather only on special occasions and with moderation and appreciation.
The ones whose drinking sometimes worries me drink mostly beer (and in considerable amounts).
Whether it is a “display” when I put my collection of spirits out openly in the kitchen or I simply have no other place for it – I don’t really care. Everyone should do as they please. Neither option bothers me. What would bother me is if too much clutter, including bottles, were left on my kitchen work surfaces. How others manage that is their choice. You can also see this in the kitchen photos here: some kitchens are so packed that I wonder how anyone can still cook. But if that’s what they want and find practical, they should go ahead. It really doesn’t matter if there’s a Thermomix, an expensive coffee machine, a smoothie blender (in my opinion the most unnecessary appliance in the world, especially if you already have an immersion blender or a regular blender), an egg cooker, toaster, or a whole row of bottles standing there.
Did I manage to steer the conversation smoothly from alcohol back to the kitchen discussion?
I find the argument that anyone who keeps strong alcoholic drinks at home is automatically at high risk of developing a serious alcohol problem a bit of a stretch, sorry.
I could easily list people from MY own circle of acquaintances who have developed a fondness for whiskey, enjoy high-quality spirits, or have a wine rack in their cellar that makes me envious – and none of them drink regularly, rather only on special occasions and with moderation and appreciation.
The ones whose drinking sometimes worries me drink mostly beer (and in considerable amounts).
Whether it is a “display” when I put my collection of spirits out openly in the kitchen or I simply have no other place for it – I don’t really care. Everyone should do as they please. Neither option bothers me. What would bother me is if too much clutter, including bottles, were left on my kitchen work surfaces. How others manage that is their choice. You can also see this in the kitchen photos here: some kitchens are so packed that I wonder how anyone can still cook. But if that’s what they want and find practical, they should go ahead. It really doesn’t matter if there’s a Thermomix, an expensive coffee machine, a smoothie blender (in my opinion the most unnecessary appliance in the world, especially if you already have an immersion blender or a regular blender), an egg cooker, toaster, or a whole row of bottles standing there.
Did I manage to steer the conversation smoothly from alcohol back to the kitchen discussion?
C
chand19865 Apr 2019 07:43I have never seen a family break apart over single malt whisky or Tanqueray. Economically, that wouldn’t even make sense. There’s a reason why I don’t sell grain spirit...
As if alcohol that’s out of sight isn’t still there. Someone who keeps a case of beer in the cellar usually consumes a larger volume of alcohol over time than someone who occasionally enjoys a single dram.
A wine fridge with a glass door is sometimes discussed here, though? I haven’t heard this argument raised in those cases...
The big difference is that I don’t know a single single malt lover who drinks to excess. It’s always those who have plenty of beer and cheaper spirits for mixing—neatly hidden away.
And in almost every bar or restaurant around the world, alcoholic drinks are displayed openly. Do you all stop going there?
As if alcohol that’s out of sight isn’t still there. Someone who keeps a case of beer in the cellar usually consumes a larger volume of alcohol over time than someone who occasionally enjoys a single dram.
A wine fridge with a glass door is sometimes discussed here, though? I haven’t heard this argument raised in those cases...
The big difference is that I don’t know a single single malt lover who drinks to excess. It’s always those who have plenty of beer and cheaper spirits for mixing—neatly hidden away.
And in almost every bar or restaurant around the world, alcoholic drinks are displayed openly. Do you all stop going there?
C
chand19865 Apr 2019 08:12haydee schrieb:
What is a smoothie blender You need it for the strawberry margaritas.
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