5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

May 3, 2018 Gloria Graham-Sollecito

Do you get frustrated looking at all the beautiful images on Houzz and Pinterest? If only, right? The good news is you don't always have to shoot the budget to have a kitchen that is your own unique design statement. This means you're going to have to forgo the temptation to slavishly emulate the trend of the moment in exchange for investing in a look that is authentically your own. Yes! Inject your own personality, make it versatile to allow for your moods and you will have something timeless that will always give you joy. Read on and I'll show you how.

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

Own Your Color

A favorite color is one way to create a personal statement in your kitchen. Perhaps you embrace all color bright an bold. If this is your cup of tea allow yourself open space and glass front cabinets to show your true color in all its glory. I recommend keeping the fixed elements such as flooring and countertops neutral so you can play more with color in ways that are versatile. This would include paint, dishes, artwork and decorative items. A nice crisp white is always a great backdrop to vibrant hues. If you are an adventurous soul because that's your personality, create a focal point like this beautiful back splash using your favorite color. Just keep it over one area such as the stove. Less is more and you don't want to dilute the power of the statement, right?

"Artful detail can literally be art such as paintings and sculpture but it can also be beautiful hand made utilitarian items, family treasures or books."

Embrace Your Architecture

Believe me, I have tried to "correct". Sometimes you can but often it just doesn't work. I have had much better results when I embrace the fixed conditions I am faced with when creating a new design. These issues can include angles, bump outs, ceiling height differences and last but not least the age and era in which a home was built. Your space should look like it belongs. This happens when you match the style of your design to your home. In fact, I always try to look for clues such as arches and fixed architectural elements that I will repeat in the design. If your kitchen "goes with" your home it will always be right.

In this kitchen which you can read more about here, we were stuck with some of the angles (yes there were more) as they are exterior walls. What we did do was move the refrigerator. It used to be where the hood is. It opens up space and gives us a focal point. We also eliminated angles on both the island and the peninsula. Now my client has a kitchen that makes sense and functions perfectly for her lifestyle.

Go Within

The way you customize your cabinet interiors is always based on the way you live. Think about it. Is there one particular item that just doesn't have a home with enough space in your kitchen? It could be food storage containers, pots or even trash! It's different for everybody. Even if you have a small kitchen you can maximize function. There are solutions.

Dish drawer, dish pegs, black plates, drawer cabinet — 5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

If you're short (like me;-) or you're just short on upper cabinets, this drawer insert featuring dish pegs can be used to customize your dish storage. Food storage containers are so necessary but can be a PIA, if you know what I mean. You may even be able to retrofit one of your cabinets with one of these handy pull out organization systems by Revashelf. These are just two examples but there are so many options.

Customize Work Centers

Every kitchen has a work center for food prep, clean up and cooking. Sometimes in small kitchens, they overlap but those are the basics. Add your own as needed to customize your kitchen. Think media center or beverage center to house your coffee or tea stash and accoutrements. Those are two popular ones that come to mind. How about a pet center? It could be as easy as designating a certain space or cabinet and tricking out the inside. It can be planned in a new kitchen or created in your existing space.

A media center in a drawer! Measure your devices and make sure you have enough USB outlets and you're good to go. Sometimes it's nice to put the phone away. Who knows what could happen ;)

This is WoodMode's version of a pet center. They call it a Pet Parlor and you can create this with most cabinetry

Artful Detail

Artful detail can literally be art such as paintings and sculpture but it can also be beautiful hand made utilitarian items, family treasures or books. If you have the room I encourage you to try and leave some open space to display such items and change them out as the mood strikes you. This is perhaps the easiest way to make a neutral space very personal and joyful to be in.

Many kitchens have a wall on at least one end which is a perfect place for a small gallery of paintings, floating shelves or one big piece of art.

These hand-carved spoons could be considered "working sculpture" in my book. Speaking of books, I think they enhance every space. I love my well-worn cookbooks that probably contain bits of all the meals cooked from them!

This is a home run for me books + art!! I love it and if you do too we'd probably get along :)

COMING SOON!

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Going Topless...In Your Kitchen

December 7, 2017 Gloria Graham-Sollecito

Unless you've been living under a rock you know that the less-is-more look of the topless kitchen is hot!! When I say topless I mean no upper cabinets. There are certainly pluses and minuses to this design decision. But "how can I live without half my kitchen", you ask. Fear not. Today we will examine the possibilities.

white kitchen, traditional kitchen, stainless steel hood, island, white countertop, kitchen windows, crystal chandelier,no upper cabinets

Less is Now

No complaining if you haven't done a thorough kitchen purge in the last year. We all have "stuff" and if it never sees the light of day it's stagnant energy taking up real estate that could be otherwise useful or beautiful.But what about dishes? They always go in the upper cabinets. Actually, dishes work perfectly in drawers if you have this drawer peg system. You'll find that they're easier to access too, particularly if you're short like me ;)

Clever Corners

Another way to maximize the space you have below deck is to use the corner space. My favorite way to do this is with a base lazy susan cabinet. It's versatile storage for almost anything. Just be sure to get this type, without the pole. With trays mounted on shelves, you won't lose things to the Twilight Zone if they fall over. (Chrome rails are optional) The only caveat is that you will need 36" on both sides of the corner to make this work.

base corner cabinet with lazy susan chrome rails

If you can't swing the 36" in each direction you can perhaps use the Cloud which fits in a blind corner cabinet. We can discuss more when you call me to help you with your new kitchen.

white cabinets, contemporary, chrome, blind corner cabinet, revashelf

Ultimate Simplicity

The most simple solution of all is the open shelf. They are both feared and widely popular. Some feel like it would look way too messy but I say it doesn't have to be all or nothing. A few open or floating shelves can add a lot of lightness and visual interest as well as storage above the counter in lieu of cabinets.

farmhouse kitchen, HGTV, white cabinets, apron sink, open shelves

Artful Arrangement

In the photo below, they actually did not eliminate uppers entirely but it feels like it. Here they are using the shortened uppers for remote storage, i.e. the stuff you don't need to access every day. The "go to" storage is in tall pantry cabinets. That's right, you don't have to use the pantry only for food, they are great for everything. If your pantry is full depth, like these, rollouts work great for easy access and to avoid items getting lost in the back. If you're observant you'll also notice the last cabinet sits on top of the counter. If you have the counter space this is a great way to conceal countertop items for less clutter.

contemporary kitchen Dekton wood cabinets pantries

Creative Compromise

As we've seen, one does not necessarily need to banish the upper cabinet entirely to score an updated and functional result. Here is a loft kitchen I recently designed. My clients were in love with the idea of floating shelves and this look worked for their urban vintage style. Since space was at a premium in this condo we did opt to keep a few good sized upper cabinets. The look is actually a blend of contemporary and transitional. A full pantry also would've worked to the right of the refrigerator but my clients preferred this arrangement which is very symetrical and offers a bit of extra counter space. Hey, I always say the best jobs are good collaborations. :)

ArtfulKitchens 3DRendering kitchendesign

No matter what your situation, creativity can offer you choices. In over 20 years I have found that there is always a solution that will work in your space and I would love to help you find it.

NAUTICAL ZEN KITCHEN

September 2, 2011 Gloria Graham-Sollecito

Ta daaaaa! Another beautiful kitchen is complete, and yes it’s white with Shaker doors. Surprise! Not. There were two main challenges about working in this home. First of all the architecture is very unique and is an integral part of the space. It’s comprised of posts and beams, angles and open lofts which remind me of a ship. The second challenge was a lack of unity with way too much going on visually. The existing kitchen had three different types of counter tops, two different types of cabinets and more stuff than space. In addition, hinges and drawer slides were failing and paint was chipping.The homeowners came equipped with the most valuable of traits, an open mind. They were willing to see their kitchen and laundry area in a new way. Every step of the design process we would ask ourselves “does this unify and simplify”? Think “nautical zen”!First off I decided to make peace with the posts and beams. The layout remained the same and we didn’t even change the door style or color! What we did was improve the fit and function. Using all white counters unified the space and allowed the blue granite back splash to be the star of the show. Here are some “before” pix and “after” solutions which will pave the way for smooth sailing in this new kitchen.

SMALL KITCHENS, BIG SOLUTIONS

October 5, 2010 Gloria Graham-Sollecito

Sometimes we just can't contain ourselves, or at least the contents of our kitchens. If you're someone who's love for kitchen living is at odds with an undersized space you're reading the right blog. Did you know small kitchens can be a good thing? For example if you've organized efficiently you can work with more efficiency, taking less steps and with less movement than someone doing the same task in more spacious quarters. That being said, there's no denying that a few tricks are needed to achieve that high function. Here's what I recommend:

-Maximize the interior storage that you do have. Even older cabinets can be outfitted with roll out shelves or inserts to help you get into blind corners.

These roll outs are an old trick that works!

My clients love this blind corner cabinet accessory!

-Look up. Do you have unused space above your cabinets? Although it's not handy for everyday it could be a great place for what I call "remote storage". Get those Halloween decorations up and out of the way to free up the prime real estate in your kitchen. How about using some interesting containers to add a little visual interest over your cabinets while you're at it? Remember, remote storage doesn't even have to be in the kitchen at all but wherever you have a bit of room.

Baskets above cabinets look great and hold a lot! Check out those open shelves. Photo by designfabulous.com

-Focus on the function. If you have a small kitchen you have to pick a focus and approach everything towards that purpose. If it's for cooking then anything not related to cooking must be gone. Sorry but that means the junk drawer, your bills (who wants to look at those anyway?), your meds and whatever else that doesn't fit your main purpose.

-Clear the decks. If you have limited counter space think about what you can put away or up in a cabinet. A general rule of thumb is if you don't use it everyday put it away.

-Open shelves are also great for items you use daily, or almost daily. They make items easy to find and reach. Dust is not a worry if you're using these items all the time. Open shelving also creates a more open spacious feeling.

-See the light. White is IN (and never really goes out of style in the kitchen.) Use it along with cleverly placed mirrors and lots of lighting.

If you have a tiny dining area in your tiny kitchen make sure you're using armless chairs. Clear lucite is back and it's a great modern furniture choice that practically disappears! Last but not least, add a dramatic hanging light fixture to draw the eye up.

It's small and complete. Photo by ApartmentTherapy

5 WAYS TO CREATE A SEXY KITCHEN

May 19, 2010 Gloria Graham-Sollecito

The new sexy isn’t always sexual. In fact the Brits have coined the term “sex it up!” meaning to make something more interesting, attention grabbing or appealing. So, guess what? Now you can “sex up” your kitchen by updating and refreshing the look and function. Here are some tricks:

1) Roll outs Want easier access? Install shelves that roll out. These are great in the lower cabinets as well as in your pantry.

2) Open shelves can be extremely functional allowing you to view and easily grab and go. I also love them for cookbooks and they break up the monontony of too many cabinet doors.

3) Color and texture What's more seductive than color and texture? Think sleek stainless steel paired with a rustic tumbled marble backsplash or a RED quartz counter top in the midst of a clean white kitchen.

4) Dimmable light fixtures above your cabinets can create a subtle glow. Add them under your upper cabinets and they double as task lighting when turned up.

5) Art is One of my favorite additions to any kitchen. It's a great way to personalize your kitchen and create visual interest. (See my 3/18 post).

What are you passionate about in your kitchen? Dying to know and hoping you'll share.

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