Avoid Kitchen Chaos

Kitchens are very busy places so they need to be organized as much as possible.  As a kitchen designer my goal is to design the space so that you can work in it efficiently without having to walk all over the room to do one task.  Chaos in the kitchen can just wreck havoc with your day. It's just  not a good way to start the day.

Here are a few things I recommend:

Corner Cab:  Lazy Susan on bottom

1)  Lazy Susan corner cabinet:
     If you have room for this cabinet then do it.  A lazy Susan will usually give you about 108inches of storage space but the other advantage is that your items are easy to reach.  That's a time saver. These cabinets can be expensive though.

2)  Pantry or Utility Cabinet:
     Not every kitchen has space for a tall cabinet or a built-in pantry but if you do then go for it. Just keep it organized.

Divider

3)  Drawer dividers:
     The kitchen drawer can be a nightmare, but using a divider in the drawer can help alleviate some of the stress in finding things in the drawer.  You can buy dividers at Lowes, Ikea  and places that sell kitchen gadgets.

4)  Specialty tools and utensils:
      Keep the utensils you use the most close at hand and easy to reach.  They can hang from a metal plate or stand upright in a canister, either way is fine.

5)  Pull outs:
     Use pull outs where possible in drawers.  You will still need some shelves but pull outs are great for the bottom shelf of a base cabinet. 

There are many things you can do to help organize the kitchen.  As a designer I help people do just that.  I ask a variety of questions to let me know how you work in the kitchen so I can design a kitchen that does not add to the stress of the day.  But sorry, the design doesn't come with a chef or a maid - now that's stress relief.

Utensils

Happy New Year - 2013

Never enough Clamps

2 Tall Utility Cabinets

Happy New Year Everyone.  Despite  the fiscal cliff debacle 2013 seems to be getting off to a good start.  The first projects of the year have to do with storage. Currently in the workshop we are working on two 96" utility cabinets for the client's laundry room. On the drawing board a conceptual design for a large office is in the works and will be followed by a unique wall unit design for a 130" wall to be dominated by books.  So, the New Year seems to be about storage and functionality.

 Several prospective clients have expressed a desire to remodel their kitchen and/or bathroom this year.  Recent surveys show that countertops are the main element in the kitchen that are slated for replacement. I think that has been the case for the last few years.  One word of caution here, if you are thinking of replacing your countertop please make sure you love your cabinets and your layout.  People also tend to redo their backsplash when they replace the countertop.  If you would like me to create a backsplash design and help pick out the tile just call me.

Bathroom makeovers have been at the forefront of the remodeling industry over the last few years.  Making the bathroom more spa-like has been a trend that will continue throughout  the New Year.  As a designer certified in kitchen and bath industry I am very excited about the new products now available to homeowners.  Regardless of your style - Arts and Crafts, French country, Modern - there is allot more to consider now when purchasing fixtures and cabinetry for the bath area.

If you are thinking of remodeling your kitchen and bath please give me a call.  I will be glad to come over and talk about options.