Open Shelving and Display in Kitchens

I try pretty hard to keep my kitchen and my cabinets clean and tidy. I TRY! I could not imagine having my dishes and all my cooking utensils on display all the time. However, I do really like the way it looks! Maybe it would give me more incentive to keep things orderly!

I love the thought of using brightly colored plates and bowls to add color and interest to a kitchen. Plus, if you have a unique collection of plates or mugs, etc. it would be such an easy way to display it for all to see!

I think for now, I will keep my white dishes tucked away in a cabinet! I don't think I am ready to commit to keeping things THAT organized!!!

I'm Liking This!!

I recently started working with a client who want me to design a modern/contemporary kitchen. Typically, most of my clients tend to be on the traditional side. No reason for it, I actually have done all kinds of design in my career. I began going back to past projects and researching online for inspiration for this project. I came across these stunning pictures. It is the flat of Danish designer Nina Kejser and her Italian husband Mario Iadanza in the small town of Charlottenlund just north of Copenhagen. Beautiful! I love how fresh and crisp the white is. It is sleek and modern but still looks warm and welcoming. I am liking this A LOT!! I could cook in here!!

What do you think??

The Impact of Tile

I am working with a couple to design a kitchen. We met last week to discuss the cabinet layout and design and to get a glimpse at my drafting. As the discussion wrapped up, we started talking about tile for the back splash. I have designed plenty of kitchens and selected tile for lots of back splashes, but I never really thought about how big of an impact tile can have on a space. The area we are designing is a pretty compact condo kitchen. Just one small wall will have tile, but it will make that space look amazing!! Adding a splash or two of color is exactly what that room needs!!

These pictures all show how big of an impact tile can actually have on a room! There are so many different applications, the possibilities are endless!! I don't know about you, but I am ready to get the grout!!! Who's with me???

Deep Drawers VS. Cabinets

I have a new client who wants to do a complete kitchen remodel. YIPPEE!!! I love kitchen remodels!! The current kitchen is pretty nice, decent size cabinets and a pretty good amount of workable space. However, the couple like modern/minimalistic design and the kitchen is FAR from anything modern. The kitchen is in a condo that the couple use as a weekend get-away/vacation home, so the space is somewhat small. However, because it is not the primary residence, they don't have a ton of things to store.

At our first meeting, we discussed the needs and wants as well as the function of the kitchen. They mentioned storing their dishes and pots in drawers rather than cabinets. I have used this application before for pots and large mixing bowls, but never for dishes. I know that it CAN be done and usually works just fine. I wonder though, will they get tired of bending over to pick UP dishes? Will that become bothersome over time and how will that affect the re-sale of the condo someday?

What do you think? Would dish drawers work for you and how you work in the kitchen?

Leave your comments, I am anxious to see what you think!!!

Re-Visiting Past Projects

Sometimes I like to take a look at some of my previous projects to evaluate where I am now and how my design has evolved and changed. As I was looking at photos, I thought this would be a good time to share some of my previous work with you! This project is one of my favorites!!! I was able to design/draft the cabinetry, space plan, help make finish selections, fabric selections for the window treatments, the whole thing!! It was so much fun and I think it turned out pretty great!! ( If I do say so myself!) And it doesn't hurt that the after pictures are awesome!! Thanks to my great friend Stephanie!! Hope you enjoy!!

Kitchen Before

Kitchen After

Laundry Room Before

Laundry Room After

Great Kitchen

This is such a great kitchen, I had to share it with all of you! I love the mix of old and new in the space. Look at how high the ceilings are with the exposed wood beams!! I just love it!!! This kitchen was designed by one of my favorites, the gals at Tracery Interiors. They are located in the panhandle of Florida in one of my FAVORITE places...Rosemary Beach. You can visit their blog http://traceryinteriors.wordpress.com/ for more pictures to drool over!!

What is your favorite element of this kitchen??