10 tips for designing an organized kitchen

When it comes to living an easy and convenient life, having an organized kitchen stacks high on the must-haves. Here are some ways you can design, or redesign, the room that we race into and out of every morning, spend family time in every night and enjoy lazy brunches and cooking adventures in every some weekends:

1. Use open shelving. Not only is it easy to access frequently used items, it also forces you to keep things neat when out in the open. It's also great for small kitchens because it opens up the space.

                                                                              Source: google.ca via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

2. Customize your cabinets. You can do this when you order cabinetry or you can do it yourself with existing cabinets thanks to all kinds of great organizational gadgets now available. Pull-out shelves, dividers for cookie sheets, custom recycling and garbage units, spice jar inserts and towel bars all keep things in their place and easily accessible.

                                                                       Source: an-organized-life.net via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

3. Drawer organizers are a must. Every single utensil and kitchen do-dad has its place, and it is in a drawer organizer. Get one. Or many.

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4. Use hooks. Hooks for towels, utensils, pots and just about anything else are so useful and help you avoid throwing things on the counters.

                                                                             Source: google.ca via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

5. Use counter space wisely. Keep counters open except for frequently used items. Store cooking utensils in pretty jars near the stove, and snacks in glass containers so you can clearly see what's there. 

                                                                            Source: google.ca via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

6. Look up. Utilize the space between your cabinets and ceiling, and on top of your refrigerator by throwing lesser-used items in baskets or pretty bins. Or if starting fresh, customize your cabinets and take them all the way to the ceiling.

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7. Utilize awkward corners. Open shelving that goes all the way to the wall in a corner is a more efficient use of space than a corner cabinet (and adds interest).

                                                                     Source: styleathome.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

8. Make better use of lower cabinet space. Open shelving below the counter is convenient for everyday items.

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9. Gather appliances. Carve out a spot for all your small appliances to keep them together, ideally one that is handy to an outlet and behind a closed door. An appliance garage (yes, they have been updated) is fantastic for this. 

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10. Give cookbooks their own space. Keep recipes and cookbooks together and handy on a dedicated shelf.

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spotlight on...George Nelson

image courtesy of Herman Miller

George Nelson (1908-1986) was one of the most innovative and influential mid-century modernist designers and architects, well known for furniture designs such as the Platform Bench and the Coconut Chair.  But did you know he was also one of the first designers who thought about sustainability in design? Nelson felt that designers must be "aware of the consequences of their actions on people and society and thus cultivate a broad base of knowledge and understanding." Nelson himself certainly followed this principle. His ultimate goal as a designer was "to do much more with much less”. He sought an environment that was clean of pollutants, and also one that was visually, audibly and chemically clean.

Nelson Platform Bench by Herman Miller

Nelson BCS Three Drawer 

Nelson’s designs were also functional, flexible and straightforward. Along with the concept of using fewer materials, this may be why his designs are still extremely popular today. Many of his pieces are still being produced: classics like his Platform Bench, designed for Herman Miller in 1946; the Nelson BCS three drawer basic cabinet; the Nelson Swag Leg Desk; and the Nelson Coconut Chair. 

Nelson Swag Leg Desk 

Popularity today no doubt is due to the functionality of the pieces for today’s lifestyle.  We live at a fast pace and want our furniture to make our lives easier and more comfortable. Take the Swag Leg Desk, for example. Its reintroduction by Herman Miller was driven by the propensity for using laptops and wanting a simple and stylish desk to put it on.  Nelson didn’t know it, but he created today’s perfect workstation.

Nelson Coconut Chair

As today’s masses become more and more concerned, rightfully so, with sustainability and functionality, we can look to the past to rediscover simplicity of form along with ease of use… and Nelson pieces that are sustainable into the 21^st Century.

5 essentials in designer kitchens

Well-designed kitchens make a home, so you really need to consider the essential details when planning. Take a look at these fantastic kitchens in the homes of top designers. Notice the similarities:

1. Good lighting.  This includes both natural light through ample windows plus task lighting. There is a focus on ample stylish pendants over islands, tables and work areas. Lighting needs to be super-functional in kitchens, but can also be the place to make a style statement.

2. Lots of prep space. Again, function is key here, but counters are another place that can make or break a kitchen. Countertops are such a great way to make an impact. See my previous post on choosing stylish eco-friendly countertops.

3. Taking advantage of vertical space.  In addition to extra storage, cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling are more visually appealing and give a custom look. Or forgo upper cabinets for open shelving that also takes advantage of the full height of your walls.

4. In-kitchen eating areas. Whether at islands or tables, well-designed kitchens have comfortable spots for the family and guests to mingle with the cook and do everything from have a glass of wine to finish homework. Check out my previous post on eat-in kitchens.

 5. Personality. Whether through collectibles, colour, interesting lighting or unique and unexpected accessories, designers know how to inject personality and character into rooms, even kitchens.

So do you have these elements in your own kitchen?
(All photos courtesty of House Beautiful, where you can see even more designer kitchens).

room for a sunroom?

I had the opportunity to see a couple of beautiful sunrooms on the weekend, and they have inspired me to think about adding this kind of room to my next project.  A sunroom is a fantastic addition to any home, with numerous aesthetic, financial and environmental benefits. It provides extra living space and helps bring the outdoors in.  It can help in heating your whole home if you add plenty of windows and use energy efficient glass. It will also increase natural light, helping you cut down on the use of electricity.  A great way to improve the function and style of your home, along with adding value. 


The beauties below have me drooling...

Houzz

 Houzz - JP&CO. Samantha Grose, Designer

Houzz - new york interior designer Olga Adler

Houzz - charleston general contractor Jamison Howard

Houzz - boston architect Frank Shirley Architects

Houzz -  kevinallencarpentry.com

Houzz 


Do you have a sunroom? Would you recommend making room for one in a home? 

11 reasons to turn a garden shed into living space

The lowly garden shed has grown up. Europeans have embraced using sheds as living space for some time, and it is now catching on in North America as well.  Here are 11 reasons why you should think about building a shed in the backyard, or turning your existing shed into an extension of your home.

1. It can be the space you don't have in the house for a home office. Also great if you have clients that come to your office, since they don't need to go in the house.

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2. It's a retreat, separate from the house and the rest of its occupants and responsibilities.

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3. It can be an art or craft studio where everything has a place.

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4. It's a playroom for kids that is all their own.

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5. It can be a hobby room for say, a musician or gamer, where they can be as loud as they want.

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6. How about a yoga studio or gym space?

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7. It's a great way to extend outdoor living space from house to patio to dining area.

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8. Make it a greenhouse to grow fresh herbs and veggies year-round.

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9. It can actually be a beautiful gardening and storage space.

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10. It's cost effective - one room means reasonable cash commitment. There are even some affordable pre-fab sheds that you can get creative with.

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11. It can add value to your home. An extra room that is fully functional will certainly add immediate value to your property. You will be the envy of the neighbourhood!

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So, is your shed living up to its potential?