Book showcases stylish kitchens

June 24, 2012 at 12:00a.m.

The place where everyone wants to hang out is elevated to the room everyone dreams of having in “House Beautiful Kitchens.”

Author Lisa Cregan treats readers to a tour of more than 130 out-of-the-ordinary kitchens, from closet-size cubbyholes to expansive gathering spaces. For the most part, they’re rooms that defy simple style categories. They’re far from all flash, though. The kitchens showcase smart storage, time-saving features, hard-working surfaces and other ideas that readers can steal for their own homes.

“House Beautiful Kitchens” is published by Hearst Books and sells for $40 in hardcover.

Rust-protecting paint dries quickly

Watching paint dry is no longer a drawn-out experience. Krylon’s new Rust Protector Paint dries in as little as eight minutes. That’s especially important for outdoor painting projects, because it allows less chance for bugs, dirt or other debris to mar the surface. The paint is available in spray and brush-on formulations and can be applied directly to metal without priming. It comes in an array of colors and in gloss, semigloss, satin, flat, metallic, hammered and textured finishes. The product is available at hardware stores and home centers. Suggested prices for spray enamels range from $3.97 to $4.97. Prices for special finishes and brush-on formulas vary.

McClatchy Newspapers