The Big Move: Episode 8 The Big Reveal

Yes, it certainly has been a while since our last episode but guess what? The Big Move is complete and it's time for THE BIG REVEAL. We are done for the most part.  I guess the truth is the homeowner is really never done.

There's always something, right? Anyway, we are enjoying our new home immensely and in this episode I will give you a tour of the kitchen, show you some of the of the work we've been up to since we met last, share some final words of wisdom and then THE BIG REVEAL!!! Please comment and let me know what you think.  I think the final result is so Glo&Joe.  You'll see my art and Joe's music represented.  Then there's Mac. =^..^= These personal touches are what make a house a home.  Special THANK YOU for following our adventure we are so grateful to all the generous souls who contributed to making it happen.  Without further ado, THE BIG REVEAL

If you just happened to find my video, there are seven more on my YouTube channel. You can tag along with me, a South Florida kitchen and bath designer, as I, with my husband, transition from suburban family living to a cozy condo by the water. As new empty nesters, we're downsizing, minimalizing and taking a property with potential from sad to fab. Follow The Big Move series as I encounter all the choices and issues my own clients face from the other side!

Join me in my upcoming kitchen design workshops in 2018 if you're thinking about a new kitchen in the new year.  Email me at Gloria@ArtfulKitchens.net and I'll let you know the dates and locations.

Going Topless...In Your Kitchen

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 ;)

Dish drawer, dish pegs, black plates, drawer cabinet

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

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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.

The Big Move Part VII: An Unwelcome Visitor

The Big Move is a video series documenting the experience of downsizing from our family home in the suburbs to a condo by the Intracoastal. If you'd like to binge watch episodes I-VI you can start here.

Since I've been deluged (only slightly) with inquiries from my adoring fans who are wondering if The Big Move is adrift and floundering in limbo, I present Part VII.  Yes, the saga continues and it's not done yet. As we speak, upper cabinets are being installed in the kitchen.  

It's been a long hard few weeks but there have also been silver linings to be sure.  Sadly, Joe lost his sweet mother while I was away in St. Pete for the funeral of my dear sister-in-law, Helen.  Then we had a happy occasion, a trip to South Carolina to celebrate my stepson Jake's graduation from US Marine Corp boot camp, no small thing! That was quickly followed by IRMA. You'll hear more about her in the video.

In this episode, we install the new quartz kitchen countertops. I will share with you our varied choices for window treatments and one room that is very nearly finished!! Woohoo!  I think in the next episode we will unveil the kitchen and master bath with a peek at how the living area is shaping up.  I'm most excited about the final episode, once the artwork is hung I will take you on tour so you can see what we chose, where we put it along with the hows and whys. We may even have a wrap party on site :)

Remember to subscribe to receive new episodes and blog posts via email.  I would love to answer your questions, just comment below.  GO!! 

The Big Move- Part IV The Vision Takes Shape

Yes, it's been two weeks since Part III!! I can hardly believe how the time is flying and how S-L-O-W things are moving at the condo.  Nevertheless, we soldier on and today's episode is extra extra since I owe you.  If you need to catch up, here are Parts I & II and Part III.

In this episode, I talk about my flooring choice, the living plan, paint colors and some changes we had to make in the kitchen.  There are LOTS of tips and pointers that you can use yourself.  In addition to that, Joe edited this one so you'll be able to enjoy his pithy commentary on screen, as I talk, as well as more of his NEW original music. Leave a comment and let me know what you would like to know about in upcoming videos.  We've got a long road ahead before we're pulling up with the furniture!

Another cameo appearance by Joe since he was such a sensation in Part III!!!

It's a wrap! Should we continue to let Joe edit?  Next up: The Bedroom, Master Bath Insanity and MORE changes for the kitchen, Oyyy!! I'm so glad you're making this journey with me.  See you on the flip side. xox Glo