Tear Sheet Tuesday: Creative Closet Design Tips

It's time for another Tear Sheet Tuesday where the tears are never sad, just the basis for inspiration.  Today's tears are a collage of sorts. The fun dress shape and typography were torn from the pages of Metropolis (because they send me free magazines ;) along with one of my very own closet renderings. The image of the dress + the idea of customization inspire me to write about the one area that everyone can and should customize, your closet!

I think a luxurious closet is any gal's version of the man cave.  It's a space that must be completely personalized and, of course, you must feel pampered in it or else you won't keep it neat ;).  THIS closet pic below is consistently one of the most popular on my Pinterest. If you've been following The Big Move you know I am currently in the midst of a ginormous condo makeover and I CANNOT wait to get to the closet!

If you've been thinking about customizing your own dream closet considering these closet design tips will get you on your way to divine. 

How's it Hanging?

The first thing you need to do is take a look at your stuff.  The second is to get rid of (any means possible) anything you truthfully have not touched in a year.  I'm being generous here, what with the seasons and all... Really do it. Less is now.  Once this is done, look at what you've got left.  Some people hang, some fold.  Marie Kondo famed author of  The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing is a fan of hanging.  The reason, she says, is because it allows your garments to air out and let go of wrinkles.  It's also easier to find what you're looking for.  

If you're a fan of folding, you can do it like this.  I recommend it. I do it myself and have been for a year and a half. It works and you can see all your stuff so you don't end up wearing the same three pairs of undies over and over because you didn't see and forgot about the other 30, right? Kondo is quirky, no doubt, but she has a point and it has worked for me with a few tweaks.

In your closet, you'll need to allocate space for double hanging (shirts, shorts, skirts, folded over slacks), medium hanging (dresses, robes), and long hanging for long dresses. Figure out, based on what you have left after step one, how much you need of each.

The Shoes & the Bags

You'll find an abundance of shoe organization situations out there but my favorite is shelves plain and simple.  I'm not a fan of the slanty shelves simply because they take up more space and well frankly, they are only good for shoes.  If you opt for an open shelf unit, make sure you've got plenty of shelves spaced approx. 8 or so inches apart.  Different types of shoes will require different spacing so adjustable/removable shelves are perfect.  Shelving is the most versatile storage option.  You can also combine shoes and handbags in this area.

How About Some More Shelves?

Some people gonna be folders, especially for items like sweaters and maybe jeans so if you are a folder make sure you plan for enough shelving.  Keep in mind that shelves are less expensive than drawers and you can always use containers or baskets on shelves to group smaller items and make them look neat and tidy.

Drawers

If you have space, every closet definitely warrants a few drawers.  Take into account drawers you have outside the closet in your dresser.  If you have enough (who ever does?) you may be good to go (not).  One thing to remember about drawers is that they are the easiest way to add $$$$$ to the cost of your closet.

Hamper Options

Sometimes there's room for the hamper in your bathroom but if not, you can always leave space for one in your closet.  I love to locate them at the end against a wall for easy access. This one is from Dot & Bo and doubles as extra storage. Whatever I'm designing I always look for products and methods that are versatile. It's nice to have choices, no?

Light it Luxuriously

When you're in the closet it always helps to see what you're doing and today there are SO many lighting choices including recessed ceiling fixtures (hi hats), track lighting and even concealed LED lighting in your closet rod!  My favorite idea for lighting is a girly chandelier or ceiling fixture.  I guess I'm shy because that is the only place I'd have one. 

That lighted closet rod is pretty awesome too.  It's LED lighting inserted right into the center to offer a nice even light all the way through your closet.  No more navy vs black issue for the well lit walk-in!

Sometimes a Lady Just Needs to Sit Down

If you have the space a seating situation is a must! Not only is is convenient for putting your shoes on it can also be a lovely accent piece to play off of that fabulous light fixture.  Why can't we aim for beautiful as well as functional? 

So there you have it!  If there's anything here that inspires you to dig into your closet I'd be happy to collaborate with you!  Please comment below and don't forget to subscribe to my blog so you never miss a beat. xoxo

Tips for Creating a Minimalist Kitchen

For years my husband and I have thought about the day when we'd be able to live small in a big way.  That means less stuff and more meaningful moments, experiences and adventures.  

The suburban life has its advantages and I will certainly miss having the big kids :) around as well as my morning walk route and garage studio.  That said, we're trading it in for simplicity, morning coffee and sunset wine on the water.  Yes, we're selling the house and moving back to my chick pad on the intracoastal which will now be a sanctuary for two, plus one kitty.  My musings brought me to Minimalism, a very inspired documentary about how two guys made it happen in their lives. Check it out on Netflix. Downsizing and moving is kind of like a mandatory form of minimalism, it's the only way.  Scary? Yes, but also exciting and since kitchens is what I do I began exploring the idea of what makes the Minimalist Kitchen. Here are thoughts to get you started if the idea inspires you too.

"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."-  William Morris

These words by William Morris are the perfect place to begin when considering the Minimalist Kitchen.  The concept is, of course, not new.  Morris was a nineteenth century British designer, writer and social activist who espoused this principle and his advice is the perfect way to begin the journey to the Minimalist Kitchen.  Consider every single item in your kitchen in due course, i.e. not necessarily all at once but methodically and thoroughly.  If you're not sure, one way to decipher usefulness is to take note of the items you use every day, week, month and only on holidays.  Items used only once a year don't need to be stored in the kitchen if space is tight and if it's been more than a year why are you holding space for it? The kitchen remodeling process is very helpful in this regard. You're forced to empty all your cabinets then, as you live out of boxes during the process, you quickly become familiar with the items you really depend on.  Chances are there are less than you thought.  Usefulness is huge BUT remember the beauty too.  This means if you LOVE something you get to keep it!

Consider Multi-Use Appliances

These appliances offer versatility and save space for things you love.

My daughter's boyfriend got us this rice cooker for Christmas and we have never looked back.  Not only is it a convenient rice cooker but it's also a slow cooker and a steamer! You can even hard boil eggs with it. In my house it earns its space in the kitchen. The Aroma Professional Rice Cooker comes in a variety of sizes too.

If your cooking goals are loftier there are many luxury appliances that combine convection, steam or microwave technologies into one appliance.  This Bosch Benchmark combo oven features steam on the top and regular convection on the bottom.  You can also get a microwave on the top if you prefer. These are just a couple of examples but you get the point, yes?

Ditch the Duplicates

Do you really know how many you have? I certainly was surprised to see I had so many funnels!  Speaking of duplicates, when I move we're having one big set of dishes that we love and use everyday.  That is all and I give you permission to do that too.  If you have little ones you will have to strike the right balance between beauty, durability and price.  I love the variety of suggestions here.  If you must have a set of separate dishes for the holidays remember they can be stored outside the kitchen if space is tight.

Detach & Re-Charge

One nifty feature I've been working into most of my design lately is a charging station.  Give yourself and your devices time to re-charge.  This charging station gives you a safe place to store devices off the counter top and out of sight.  A few hours of detachment can work wonders.  It's a de-clutter strategy for your kitchen and your mind right in line with the Minimalist perspective.  See some of the options at  Docking Drawer Try it!

  Organize Your Recipes Digitally

I don't know about you but I have a lot of cook books and most of them I don't use.  There are so many easy ways to organize and save your favorite recipes on line.  I usually use Pinterest or AllRecipes.com to curate my collection . If you're not too internet savvy just take a photo on your phone or tablet.  It's as easy as that.  Definitely keep cookbooks with sentimental value such as the ones with grandma's hand written notes.  I actually wish I had some of those!

The goal for me is less stuff.  The payoff is saving money, easy cleaning, maintaining what I have,  knowing where everything is when I want it and having more time and resources to travel and enjoy the relationships and experiences in my life.  As The Minimalists, Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus say  "Love people and use things because the opposite never works."  

Stay tuned for my downsizing moving adventures in the months to come and let me know how I can help you craft  your own Minimalist Kitchen.

5 Things To Do Before Remodeling Your Kitchen

A new kitchen can be life changing.  The process of obtaining one definitely is!  Make no mistake, it's stressful and expensive but it can also be fun and adventurous, with a little preparation.  Here are five steps, culled from my 20 plus years in the biz, that can help make the process less about stress and more about adventure! Collect Your Thoughts & ImagesI have always been a big proponent of what I call "kitchen scrapbooking".  It's the best way to begin. Collecting your ideas is now easier than ever with resources like Houzz.com, Pinterest and Modenus.  Just grab what appeals to you for whatever reason.  This is the way to identify your style.  Sometimes a picture is what it takes.  You may choose 12 pics and 10 of them feature black counter tops!  Maybe you hadn't even consciously thought of that preference.  Get the picture?Consult a proOnce you have some good ideas about what type of appliances, cabinets etc. you'd like to see in your kitchen run it by a pro.  I have always felt that the best projects are the result of great collaborations.  The more you bring to the table, the more your kitchen will be a unique reflection of your own personality and lifestyle.  My job is to make sure you know all your options and to translate them into a functional and beautiful plan.  A large (and fun) part of my job is staying educated on the latest products and technologies and I am excited to share that info with my clients.  Most kitchen designers will work with you at whatever level you require from simple consultations to full blown project management including design, supply and installation.  When you're making an investment in a new kitchen consulting with  a trusted and knowledgeable professional is a small price to pay!Create a temporary kitchenOnce the madness begins you can realistically expect your kitchen to be down at least ten days or so, maybe longer depending on various factors.  Having a functioning temporary kitchen will be your saving grace.  If you have a laundry room with a sink that is a good start.  Locate your refrigerator close by.  If you have a microwave hood you can set it on a table or other surface.  Just plug it in and you're good to go.  Slow cookers are a good idea too.  If you are a domestic diva, start freezing meals!  Pack a box with your everyday necessities such as glasses, plates, cutlery, cups etc. and don't forget the coffee pot.  The more time you take to think this part through and set it up, the happier you'll be during the process.  Trust me.Be prepared to go over budgetBudgeting for your new kitchen can seem daunting.  It is.  You think you've thought of everything but then something else is bound to appear.  There are some tools that can help.  Check out the free downloadable Kitchen & Bath Planner available here from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA)Pick your battlesYou will be faced with an overwhelming amount of choices as you work  through the process and you're going to have to decide what your priorities  are.  Unfortunately, usually, we can't have it all.  Pick three.  Think of the  things that will add the most value for YOU!  Those should be your splurges.  You can save money elsewhere.  It's just like clothes.  Investing in that one  great handbag or pair of shoes or scarf can elevate the style factor of a whole  outfit.  In the kitchen it could be a counter top, a particular tile or cabinet  finish that you fall in love with but it can also be something like investing in a  counter depth refrigerator that doesn't stick out a foot if your tight on space. There you have it, if you've been looking for a place to begin, this is a great start.  Don't hesitate to email me for help at kitchensforliving@gmail.com.  If you've experienced a kitchen renovation, what would you add to this list? 

Trending on Pinterest

That long weekend went by in a flash, didn't it?  I don't know about you but I have to slowly ease back into the work mode.  On Mondays it's always fun to see what's hot on my Pinterest.  That'll work!  So without further ado this gorgeousness was the most re-pinned (original sources included) from my boards over the holiday weekend.Since it tis the season to be thinking about gingerbread this pic is getting lots of love.   Of course it's always the season to think about Paris!  I found it on my BBF's (Best Blogger Friend's) blog Surroundings but you can find the "how to" here. It's on my "Food" board.This stunning pic lends a whole new meaning to the concept of "public bathroom".  If you love it, there's more where that came from and you can find it here on Google+.Speaking of bathrooms, this one was pretty popular too, not surprising.  It can be found on the delightful blog Mix and Chic.  Both bathrooms are on the "Step Into My Bath" board.Patti is on my "Super Cool Peeps" board and I guess some fans found her this week.  If you haven't read it, her book Just Kids is fabulous!   The original source for this shot can be found right here.  And last but not least this cool chair on my "Charles Rennie & Margaret M." board got a few nods.  It came from this site where you will find many similar beautiful items.  There you have it, eclectic to say the least.   Now back to business. Up next: A new way to "rock" your kitchen.   

Top Pins of the Week

Happy weekend! It's always so interesting to see the results of popular opinion.  At times, it seems like there's no rhyme or reason.  Sometimes I'm in sync and sometimes something I think is beautiful or compelling goes unnoticed!  In this case I concur 100% with this weeks most popular  pins on Pinterest !  No surprise that they are all about NOLA.   Click here to see all my Pinterest treasures.

Favorites on Friday

Happy Friday peeps!  I'm looking forward to an action packed weekend. You know how it is when you're trying to get away, life seems to suddenly accelerate.  Tomorrow I'm signed up for an iphone photography class at the Palm Beach Photographic Centre in the hopes I will learn to take the best pics possible in NOLA.  I'll let you know how that goes and hopefully you'll soon see the results.Every Friday Pinterest tells me my most popular pins for the week.  Since it seems like I should do something with that nifty stat I thought I'd share them with you.  I have lots of crazy boards.  If you want to follow me on Pinterest click here. Speaking of following, if you would like to follow along on the Blog Tour NOLA, it starts on Tuesday.  Subscribe to this blog and or follow me on Twitter or Face Book.  I promise to do an excellent  job of reporting the good the bad (hopefully not) and the divine.  The days leading up to KBIS on Friday will be so interesting and inspiring.  Then the annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show is where new products and design trends are unveiled.   You can find the other bloggers and more info about the whole blog tour over at ModenusLast but not least, food is one thing I'm eagerly looking forward to in New Orleans.  Everyone knows that Cajun cuisine is known for it's SPICE! Yes dat cookin is hot! When the shrimp goes on sale you might want to check out this awesome recipe from "cookedbyjulie" over on YouTube. Incidentally, you can also make an Indian version of this dish. Just switch to Indian seasonings such as garam masala and turmeric and garnish with cilantro instead of parsley. Serve with naan instead of biscuits and you can have your shrimp and eat it Indian style too.  Have a terrific weekend and I'll see you next time in the French Quarter!