Ask Joe!
Welcome to the first installment of “Ask Joe!”. I am so excited about this. I love to answer design-related questions about the everyday challenges in home design; and working with Alluminare, questions are continually pouring in from people with design dilemmas. So let’s get into it!!!
“Dear Joe: I have an eat-in kitchen with a 4-person square table. Which size & style of pendant lamp should I get?”
First and foremost, I am a huge fan of a round shape over a square table. That round shape can take many forms (chandelier, cluster of small pendant lamps, globes, etc) but my personal favorite is the classic round drum shade.
A drum shade pendant may sound boring, but they are anything but! In today’s market you can make them virtually in any pattern, fabric and color imaginable. It’s a great way to add color and style to a space, especially a kitchen. Kitchens tend to not have much pattern, unless there are added window treatments or tile installations. It’s a great way to balance the trend towards super white kitchens, too.
Someone Needs A Drum!
For this client, a square dining table in perfectly offset with a centered round drum. There are a couple of variables in choosing size, however. Firstly, we don’t know the exact dimensions of the dining table. It could be a 24″ square cafe-style table or a 36″ or 48″ square table. These would all determine the size drum needed for the space. A larger table can support a larger shade, obviously; Secondly, we don’t know the size of the room. As the table is relatively small, I will assume it is not a overly huge kitchen (since a larger table would suggest an open eating and living area). Given both of these assumptions, my suggestion is to look at shades between 16” and 20″ in diameter. If your table falls on the smaller side of the options listed, go for the 16″; likewise, if you have the 48″ square table and a bit more open space, definitely look at the 20″ options. But my guess is that in almost all scenarios, the classic 18″ drum shade is the best option. It’s big, but not too big. it’s bold, but will not overpower the space.
An 18" Drum Pendant Over A 4 Person Dining Table
In the above photo, notice how the round shape softens the harsh lines of the rest of the space. The round shape ensures an even distribution of light over the table, and the splash of red (I added it using the Alluminare Design Your Own Shade tool) is eye-catching and provides a great contrast of color as well as a focal point.
Now that we have discussed width, height is also to be considered. Depending on your ceiling height and other existing light sources, you have height options between 10″ and 14″. Placement of the pendant (which should always be centered over a dining table) may affect which height to go with. I covered how high to hang the pendant in an earlier post, so I hope you find that information handy. It will give you reference points on overall height that may help you decide on the vertical span of the drum you eventually go with. Also, reference the post to see information on placement, diffusers and dimmers.
Beachy Celebrity Kitchens
We envy celebrity homes, and particularly the spectacular, spotless kitchens. Perhaps celebrity kitchens are often beachy and serene simply because they don’t get much use—after all, the paparazzi that stalk The Waverly Inn would be very disappointed if they all stayed home to cook! Let’s take a look at a few beachy celebrity kitchens.
Meg Ryan
Everyone loves Meg Ryan, so naturally we love her kitchen, too. Her Martha’s Vineyard home features rustic, exposed rafters, providing a framework for Meg to inject her own style, with some help from Marsha Russell of interior-design firm Satinwood. “I love what you might call brutal elegance,” Ryan told Elle Decor, “where form and function are really obvious.” Industrial pendant fixtures made by Historical Materialism float above a worn oak farmhouse table. Black cabinets contrast the white walls, and the Viking range is surely at the cusp of form meets function.
Photographer: William Waldron, elledecor.com
Sarah Jessica Parker & Mathew Broderick
This busy Hollywood couple needs a place to relax and decompress, and that’s exactly what they do while at their Bridgehampton, Long Island home. Parker worked with designer Eric Hughes to create a space that was full of light and color. Although bright, glossy red cabinets are unexpected in a Victorian farmhouse, that’s exactly what Parker wanted. They’re offset by the black and white floor tile and the cheery apple print, Uno le Mela by Enzo Mari from Moss.
Photographer: William Waldron, elledecor.com
Anna Olson
Although Anna Olson is from Atlanta, Georgia, she’s become a celebrity “food personality” in Canada on the Food Network. Even if you haven’t heard of Olson, you’re sure to envy her beachy, blue kitchen. The cookbook author and pastry chef blended several different styles in her kitchen design, specifically vintage meets industrial. It’s also very space-efficient and affordable, by celebrity terms. The 50-year old two-deck commercial pizza oven came from a local college where Olson’s chef husband teaches. Another retro touch is a pie fridge that serves a pantry. Open shelving set against cerulean blue walls is functional and expands the space.
househunting.ca
Julianne Moore
Even though her apartment is in the Meatpacking District of New York City, Julianne Moore’s kitchen is the epitome of beachy-chic. The home dates from the 1800’s, and exposed brick walls only add to the charm. MADE, a Brooklyn-based architecture firm is responsible for the restoration. Bright blue upholstery on the bar stools stands out against the patina and texture apparent in the rest of the space, and walls painted a sandy shade help to create balance.
apartmenttherapy.com
Jill Stuart
Another tranquil kitchen in the middle of the metropolis of NYC belongs to fashion designer Jill Stuart. Located in Phillip Johnson’s Urban Glass House in SoHo with an interior by architect Annabelle Seldorf, her penthouse apartment features 360 degree views of Manhattan. As if that isn’t enough to make you jealous, take a look at that cool, blue kitchen. Bulthaup cabinets gel with a wood-block print by Helen Frankenthaler.
Photographer: Simon Upton, elledecor.com
Even if you don’t have a celebrity-sized bank account, you can incorporate some of these beach-inspired moves in your own kitchen. Mix vintage with modern, and neutrals with bold colors. Maximize natural light. Admire your top-of-the-line kitchen appliances, which are so very clean and shiny, and then go out for dinner.
American Made : Sources for Kitchen Hardware
Think of kitchen hardware as the jewelry of the kitchen. Nothing else puts the finishing touch on a cabinet door more than beautiful hardware such as a lovely knob, handle or pull. Hardware enhances the character and style of a kitchen and is a simple, quick way to elevate this space. There are lots of hardware options out there with various styles and finishes to choose from but I especially love those that are American made by craftsmen and companies here in the states. There is something special and unique about using a forged, cast piece of bronze or steel that was created locally by an artisan versus mass produced somewhere unknown. Finding American made sources for hardware is no easy task. Although there are several American hardware manufacturers, only a handful design and manufacture their pieces here. Lucky for you, we did the research and sourcing for you! These three are my top choices for stunning and unique American made kitchen hardware. Ranging from traditional to modern and available in a multitude of shapes and finishes, these are great resources to have on hand for selecting kitchen cabinet hardware for your clients or your own home…..
Rocky Mountain Hardware Collections
Rocky Mountain Hardware offers a complete line of architectural handmade hardware. It is a family owned business in Idaho with a focus on environmental responsibility. RMH uses recycled material to create all of their bronze products! Using sand-cast and lost-wax processes, this company creates bronze hardware with various colors, textures, and lines to go with a wide range of styles. Rocky Mountain Hardware also offers custom capabilities so your imagination is the limit! Selling through dealers nationwide, you can visit their website to find a hardware showroom near you. A showroom in your area can provide pricing and any applicable designer or volume discounts. I’m also thrilled to discover that Rocky Mountain Hardware recently partnered with the famed Ted Boerner to create five stunning collections. My personal favorites are the “Shift”, “Tab” and “Bird” collections.
Ted Boerner for Rocky Mountain Hardware
Another fantastic source for American made kitchen hardware is Spectra Decor based in Seattle. Spectra Decor was founded by artist Leilani Norman-Young and has been hand making decorative hardware since 2001. I absolutely love that the pieces are handmade and sustainable using environmentally friendly and regionally sourced materials. Some of these materials include recycled glass and aluminum, cork eco-resin, fused glass, and lead free pewter and stainless steel. Customization is available through Spectra decor as well as a sample program to review prior to purchasing. Spectra Decor is available online through www.knobsandhardware.com and through various showrooms. Check out Spectra Decor’s website to locate a showroom near you. Designer discounts and volume discounts are available to the trade. Contact Spectra Decor for more information regarding special pricing.
Spectra Decor Sustainable Hardware
Colonial Bronze Co. is my third go to resource for kitchen hardware. Around since 1927, this Connecticut based company creates solid brass hardware with finishes guaranteed for life. Available in several finishes ranging from Copper and Chromes to Pewters and Dark Bronze, Colonial Bronze Co. manufactures a slew of styles to choose from. It offers customizing as well as a quick ship program with over 264 items for those fast track projects. Its website offers guidance on installation and measuring so it’s also a handy resource to ensure that the hardware is installed correctly per your specifications. Visit their website for information on showroom locations as well as their trade pricing. Here are some examples of their beautiful knobs and pulls below:
Colonial Bronze Company Selections
Kitchen hardware is a fun detail and having the right go to resources is key to a successful kitchen project. Using American made, hand forged hardware is even better! What a great way to introduce a beautiful artisan element to your kitchen. If you have additional American hardware resources, we would love to hear about them!
{Image Credits: Rocky Mountain Hardware, Spectra Decor, Colonial Bronze}
The (Mostly) White Kitchen
When it comes to kitchen colors, white wins the popularity contest hands down. Although it may seem counter-intuitive to prepare food against such a pristine color palette, white lends a look of cleanliness, crispness and sophistication. And it’s one of the most versatile colors: a white palette can look extremely contemporary, casual and country, or traditional and historically appropriate.
Since white reflects so much light, it not only makes your kitchen feel bright and cheery, but it can also make a small kitchen look much larger. The subtlety of white showcases contrasting textures or a pop of color, making it the perfect backdrop. However, white is anything but boring. We take a look at a few famous and non-famous mostly white kitchens.
Traditional White Kitchens
Fashion designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka chose mostly white with brass and black accents for their kitchen in Lexington, Kentucky. Clean subway tiles by Urban Archaeology contrast a vintage-inspired clock and pendant lamps for a look that is more timeless than trendy.
Designer Susan Dossetter and architect Andrew Skurman joined forces to create this kitchen in an Edwardian brick house circa 1905. Although it’s not the home’s original kitchen, it certainly looks as though it could have been! Skurman copied the original moldings in the home and commissioned period-appropriate rippled restoration glass for the cabinets. A farmhouse sink with old-fashioned faucets provides country appeal, offset by luxurious Calacatta Oro marble. An island was fashioned out of an antique English baker’s table.
House Beautiful’s 2007 Kitchen of the Year offers a slightly more modern take on the white country kitchen by pairing cutting edge appliances with an antique pendant and old-school hexagonal floor tile with black accents.
Modern White Kitchens
Is it possible to create a modern white kitchen within a historic brick building? Absolutely; this stunning kitchen combines clean white with stainless steel, exposed duct work and track lighting. Touches of gold lend a little warmth.
Hints of turquoise pop against a white backdrop and a strategically placed mirror furthers the expansive feeling of designers Melissa and Marc Palazzo’s modern kitchen in Orange County, California. Other colors that look dynamic when paired with white: lime green, orange, or red.
Cabinets are the most defining elements in a kitchen. When aiming for a mostly white look, there are many options when it comes to white kitchen cabinets. Painted white wood cabinets are traditional, but some may find the look a little on the dated side. Opt for lacquer cabinets for a sleek, modern look, such as these by Gorenje that seem more like furniture.
Tips for Designing Mostly White Kitchens
Charmed by the look of a mostly white kitchen? Before you tackle your remodeling project, evaluate whether the look is right for you and learn how to pull it off without a hitch:
- Mull over maintenance. White surfaces show every bit of dirt and wear, so be sure to choose durable, easy to clean materials. Also keep in mind that white surfaces can tarnish and yellow over time, especially when exposed to light. If you are a perfectionist or have small children at home, consider using shades of off-white rather than a totally pristine palette.
- Opt for off-white. While a pure white kitchen is dynamic, adding layers of color produces a more three-dimensional effect. Look for whites with undertones of gray, pink or yellow, and don’t worry too much about matching perfectly because it’s probably impossible! To coordinate hues, examine potential materials and colors under every type of light source: natural and artificial.
- Consider the context. Have you incorporated white into other rooms in your home? Especially if your kitchen is open to a living or dining area, it should flow with the context. Although a white kitchen as an anomaly within a home’s decor can be striking, a complete lack of transition might be too jolting.
- Try for texture. Successful white kitchen designs incorporate texture. If all the surfaces have nearly the same finish, the effect may fall flat. Try pairing white rough cut stone tiles, a subtly striped wallpaper and glossy cabinets, for example.
- Incorporate color! If you want to include color, stick with one or two accents for the most impact. Consider the balance between white and the accent colors, and decide whether you want your design to feel very proportioned or more asymmetrical.
- Avoid overload. There is such thing as “too much of a good thing,” so try adding warm wood or rustic tile floors, a dark stone or unexpected shade of Corian counter top and limit white to two large surfaces (the walls and the cabinets only, for example).
Though white kitchens have their drawbacks in terms of maintenance, their benefits far outweigh them. What other color looks so clean and provides such versatility when it comes to decor styles? You can rest assure that your white kitchen will still be in style years after your renovation is complete. Who said white is boring?
[Image sources: elledecor.com; homedesignfind.com; gorenje-oraito.com/]
Celebrity Kitchens Featuring Green
Kitchens are generally very active spaces, serving as the social and functional heart of a home. It comes as no surprise that several celebrities, what with their already hectic lives, have chosen to incorporate soothing green in their kitchen designs. Whether they have private chefs or are chefs in their own right, these celebrities’ green kitchens forgo Hollywood style in favor of earthy appeal.
Ina Garten’s Fresh Greens
The Barefoot Contessa not only possesses impressive skills in the kitchen, but her East Hampton home, which was published in House Beautiful magazine, features a kitchen to envy. Subtly striped olive green wallpaper sets off crisp white cabinets, topped with a black honed granite countertop. Charming black and white tile looks old-school beneath the modern Sub Zero fridge and 8-burner Viking stove where Garten whips up her delicious concoctions. She recently renovated an old barn on the property and began filming her show in a larger kitchen within this structure, so this green kitchen is now truly a cook’s private respite…or does she order take out when she’s off the clock?
Lance’s Luxurious Kitchen
A world-class cyclist and celebrity in his own right, Lance Armstrong’s kitchen features decidedly masculine details. Exposed beams, granite counters and stainless steel pendant lights complement the unique shade of smoky green-painted cabinets. A palette of browns, greens and golds spans many hues without being match-y, resulting in sophisticated layers of color. For such a luxurious kitchen, which has been featured in Architectural Digest, it is also family friendly—Armstrong shares the home with his three children—with a comfy banquette dining area and casual bar stools.
Big on Style: Kirstie Alley
Put all jokes aside that come to mind when “Kirstie” and “kitchen” are uttered in the same sentence. Alley’s kitchen walls feature a beautiful glazed diagonal tiled design with chocolate brown trim. Like Garten, she opted for the clean look of painted white cabinets against a black and white tiled floor. Designer Nate Berkus is responsible for the transformation of Alley’s kitchen, which was featured on an episode of Oprah. See the kitchen for yourself on her show Kirstie Alley’s Big Life…and stay tuned to find out if Alley can transform her body to match the sleek lines of her kitchen!
Green Rings Kristen’s Bell
There’s something to be said for keeping it simple. Veronica Mars star Kristen Bell accents her clean white kitchen with pops of green, including mossy carpet and fabric-covered stools with a complementary orange floral pattern. In keeping with the citrus theme, yellow accessories such as a bright tea kettle and a vase of daisies look just as cheery as Kristen does. She even coordinates her outfits to match her backdrop!
Charlie Sheen Green
Since he always seems to be embroiled in some scandal or another, Charlie Sheen no doubt enjoyed the respite of his spacious kitchen featuring crisp green cabinets. This cool color palette complements the design of the Mediterranean-style home in the Los Angeles neighborhood Los Feliz, where Sheen lived with his wife Brooke Mueller. Large windows bring the green of the outdoors in, and a cowhide rug injects a little whimsy.
Ready to Try Green in Your Kitchen?
It seems that most kitchens either feature a neutral color palette or a very warm one, such as tones of red, yellow or orange. Green is usually left to the living room, bath or bedroom. But think about it: cooking calls to mind vegetables and herbs. What color is more fresh than green? Also, as a cool color, green recedes into the background, making small kitchens appear larger.
If you’re after a modern look, consider shades of lime green or spring green that include a hint of yellow. How awesome are these funky, green lacquer cabinets?
However, if you tend towards the traditional or simply prefer your kitchen a little more low key, try painting your walls a deep olive or moss green. Also take a look at green glass tiles, which are especially beautiful when they contain a bit of variation in tone.
Some of these celebrity kitchens illustrate, green pairs well with black and white, but if you’d like to accent with another color, consider orange, brown, red or purple. Don’t go green with envy; choose one surface to make green—either your walls, cabinets or backsplash—to avoid adding too much of a good thing. And if you’re not quite ready to commit to this color scheme, try adding a few natural green accents such as a bowl of limes or green apples on your counter or a grouping of succulents in your kitchen window.
As overexposed as celebrities are in this world of gossip blogs and reality TV, we rarely get a glimpse into the more intimate spaces in their homes. These green kitchens probably won’t appear on MTV cribs anytime soon, but their serenity and sophistication is surely worth emulating.
[Image sources: apartmenttherapy.com, houselovely.blogspot.com, architecturaldigest.com, oprah.com, littlebluechairs.blogspot.com, hookedonhouses.net, alno.co.uk]
Taste the Rainbow: Colorful Kitchens
It’s no secret that we love color. Oh, there’s a lot to be said for a room filled with soothing neutral shades, but – let’s be honest – sometimes “neutral” just means “boring.” Color, on the other hand, is anything but boring. Whether it’s peaceful blues or raging-party-red, we’re all about the color.
We also happen to think that there’s no better space for color than the kitchen. After all, it’s the heart of the home, the space where all parties migrate. It deserves some color!
What we can’t decide, though, is which color is best in the kitchen. We love them all – and that’s why we’ve put together this collection of kitchens that spans all the color of the rainbow:
This kitchen is oh-so-glamorous, thanks to the sparkly chandelier and the glossy lipstick red of the cabinets:
Looks like a great place for lobster and champagne, right?
The bright orange walls – perfectly complemented by cool blue chairs – in the kitchen below call out for a casual party:
It’s perfectly fun and laid back – a great room for kids, too.
Speaking of fun, we love this yellow Arne Jacobson Egg chair:
It’s a great reminder, too, that color in the kitchen doesn’t have to be splashed on the walls or on the cabinets – it can be added. The addition doesn’t even have to be a fantastic (and expensive) vintage chair, either. We love injecting color in the kitchen via flowers, towels, or even a big bowl of fruit. Never underestimate the power of a bowl full of lemons, or perfect Granny Smith apples!
But if you are interested in splashing some paint on the walls, you could certainly do worse than this incredible shade of green:
That kitchen, from the late, great Domino magazine, is like a dream to us. It’s so clean and fun, but also absolutely realistic. It looks like a kitchen that sees some use – it’s definitely not a pristine space that never sees action.
Moving on down the rainbow, we’re in love with the bright ocean blue of this island:
The combination of blue with clear accessories is pure Atlantis, and the addition of a few orange pieces balances out the palette to create a space that’s beachy and refreshing, but also very modern.
Indigo is sometimes forgotten as a part of the rainbow, but it has really potential in the kitchen:
That space is fun and funky, but the color adds some sophistication, too.
Finally, for the end of the rainbow, we love this lavender space:
The white island and backsplash, stainless appliances, and wood floors keep the from looking oddly little girly. And we have to admit: We love that color.
So, which is your favorite? What don’t you like? And what color is your kitchen? (Ours is green with orange accents!)
[Photo Credits: Red and green kitchens from Houzz.com. Orange and purple kitchens from The Kitchn. Yellow, blue, and indigo kitchens from Elle Decor.]
Cheap and Chic: 5 Things We Love about Stretched Canvas Wall Art
Last week, Friday regaled us with her tale of creating wall art for her living room. Her pieces, made with Linoak on Second fabric stretched over wooden frames, ended up looking fabulous and were a) easy to make and b) seriously inexpensive. What more could you ask for?
Reading her story inspired us to look for some other uses – and sources – for stretched canvas wall art and we realized that there’s much to love about it. It was tough, but we narrowed it down to the top five reasons we love stretched canvases – and we included a few great sources in our list, too:
1. It’s versatile.
Stretched wall art is at home all over the house – we especially like it in open kitchens that flow into living areas. Wouldn’t this Eames rocking chair print from Inhabit be perfect in a casual modern house?
2. It’s easy to hang.
We admit it – we sometimes find it a little annoying to hang framed art, especially when the frames are ornate. It’s much easier to hang something that’s a basic shape, defined by clean, straight lines.
3. It’s modern and can be quite sophisticated.
Wall art comes in all sizes and colors and patterns, but we found that bright, childlike prints get the most press. They’re great – but it’s sort of a shame that some of the more grown-up designs don’t get more publicity. We love the idea of a modern, formal dining room outfitted in cream and deep brown, with walls adorned with this mossy print from Design Public:
4. Kids love them.
OK, now we’re backtracking. Yes, they can be sophisticated and perfectly at home in a fancy dining room. But then again…maybe it’s the simplicity of an unframed canvas, or maybe it’s that the visibility of the shapes makes it easy to imagine a little one saying, “Look, Mommy, it’s a square!” but we think stretched canvas art makes for absolutely fantastic nursery and playroom decor.
DwellStudio has a variety of prints available at Design Public, including these adorable cars and shapes:
We also love the idea of monogramming a child’s wall, or even spelling out a whole word, with these simple letter prints from Avalisa:
5. You don’t have to feel guilty not using them forever.
Don’t want to spend a million dollars on paintings that will hang in your child’s nursery for four or five years, max? Or in your kitchen, where it might get hit by an errand splat of ketchup? That’s completely understandable and that’s our last reason for loving stretched canvas art – most of it rings in under $100. Way under, sometimes: this adorable little squirrel print, by Amenity, is only $25 at Design Public!
Where else around the house would you use stretched canvases? In the bath? The garage? Maybe on a screened in porch? Please share your ideas – and your sources, if you’re willing to give them up – in the comments.
[Photo credits: Eames rocker from Inhabit. Green and white Amenity print and Amenity nursery print (on shelf) from Design Public. Dwell nursery from Houzz.com. Letter print from Avalisa.]
15 Ways to Live Big in a Small Kitchen
It’s a pretty dream, isn’t it? But in reality, most people don’t have vast kitchens – and really, big kitchens can be a little unwieldy, what with the acres of land between the refrigerator and the sink. That’s why we also love small kitchens – even really tiny ones. Especially when they incorporate even a few of these 15 tips for making a small kitchen workable:
1. Knock Down Those Walls
Open-space design has been on the rise since the mid-1980’s and there’s a good reason why. Even the tiniest room feels spacious without walls. Taking down a wall - even a partial wall – between the kitchen and a dining room or family room can make a big difference. Leave a peninsula/bar to preserve counter space and you’ve got yourself a fun party room, too.
2. Go Big on Cabinets
This is simple: the bigger the cabinet, the more storage space. In many kitchens, the cabinets don’t quite reach the ceiling, leaving a gap that’s good for nothing but dust collection. Forty-four inch cabinets are the solution to this problem. Yes, the stuff you store at the top is a little hard to reach, but those shelves are perfect for rarely-used platters and pans. Invest in a sturdy step stool and you’re all set.
3. Choose Mini-Me Appliances
Appliance stories carry slightly smaller (narrower, less deep) lines of appliances, which are a great choice for really small spaces. They don’t offer the same amount of storage or cooking space, of course, but they open up precious space to move.
4. Embrace the Magic Triangle
In the most efficient kitchens, the sink, stove and refrigerator create an invisible triangle of cooking space. This efficiency is especially important in small spaces, where corners are tight and space is at a premium.
5. Get on Island Time
(Is “island time” the worst pun ever? We’re sorry!) Many people think of islands as a luxury associated with spacious kitchens, but the truth is that the right island can be a blessing in a small space. We love small, mobile islands that can be moved from the kitchen (where they act as a prep counter) to the dining room (where they might be a bar for a party). Plus, they offer extra storage space, which is always at a premium in the kitchen.
6. Hang It Up
Forget cabinets and shelves – the best way to store pots and pans in a small kitchen is by hanging. Whether it’s pans on a rack over the stove or knives on wall magnets, hanging regularly used kitchen tools is convenient – and attractive.
7. Decorate with Food
Just as we love seeing pots and pans hanging around the kitchen, we’re fans of dressing up the food itself to save on storage space. Spices, for example, can take up tons of cabinet space (and get really messy). But when they’re put into cute round tins, like those below, they look fantastic on a rack on display.
8. Stick with White
Everyone knows that black is slimming, but what if you don’t want to slim down the look of your place? Go with white. We love bright white kitchens with just a few touches of bright color. They’re clean, fun, and make the space virtually expand.
9. Bring in the Sunshine
You’ve got the white decor, now ratchet it up a notch with tons of natural light. Emphasize windows and keep those shades open. The more sunshine, the bigger (and better) the space will appear.
10. Give Natural Light a Boost
Don’t be afraid to add a little light, either. For one thing, really good light is crucial in the kitchen when you’re working. For another, additional lighting, such as under-cabinet lamps, can create the illusion that the room is even bigger than it is.
11. Store Off-Site (Sort of)
Storage in a tiny kitchen is a pain – we’ve already mentioned it. Even with sky-high cabinets and a rolling island, you just might find yourself with too much stuff for the kitchen itself. That means it’s time to commandeer some other space in the house. If you’ve got a butler’s pantry, well, you’re lucky, but even if not, find yourself a corner of a closet or a shelf in the basement and use it to store lesser-used tools, pans, and platters. We call our guest room closet “the party closet” – and a party closet it is, stacked to the gills with vases and napkins and margarita glasses.
12. Divide and Conquer
If you’ve got just enough space, use furniture to create a breakfast nook in the corner of your kitchen. Even a tiny table that folds against the wall, with a couple of slim chairs will a) offer additional seating and b) create the illusion that your space is bigger than it is.
13. Force Discipline with Open Shelving
We love open shelves for their clean, smart look, though we admit that they require a whole lot of discipline to maintain – and that is exactly why they’re perfect for small kitchens. Clutter and collection is the enemy of the small space and using open shelves as storage requires you to constantly edit your collection of stuff.
14. Mirror, Mirror
It’s a time-tested and proven technique, even if it is a little tricky: if you want a space to look bigger, add a mirror. One big mirror will make even the smallest kitchen feel double the size. Plus, it’ll make it easy to pretend you star in your own Food Network show!
15. Embrace Chaos
This last tip is really all about acceptance. Yes, we’re into strategies for making that kitchen feel bigger and more efficient. But in the end, there’s only so much you can do (short of moving) – and if tiny and crowded is your thing, go with it. Some of our favorite kitchens are tiny, jumbled and friendlier than you can imagine. A little chaos can be a good thing!
[Photo credit: All kitchen photos from Houzz.com.]
Design Inspiration: Celebrity Chefs’ Fabulous Home Kitchens
The celebrity chef: what’s not to love? Well, OK, there’s a lot not to love about some celebrity chefs, who might not deserve their celebrity or their status as “chef” (we’re not naming any names). But for the most part, celeb chefs make a pretty great contribution to society. They teach us how to cook…and how to design an amazing kitchen.
It all started back in the 1960s, when an unlikely – and very tall – lady named Julia Child began teaching America how to cook like the French. Her Cambridge, Massachusetts kitchen ended up being so famous that it was transferred, piece by piece, to the Smithsonian Museum of American History (that’s it at the left).
We love Julia’s pretty blue cabinets and quiet sense of style, but most of all we love her storage system. All of her pots and pans were hung on a wall cork board – precisely in their spots. In fact, the spots were so precise that her husband, Paul, traced all of the pots and pans while on the wall. Their outlines indicated where they belonged. That’s what we call organzied and user-driven.
Martha Stewart might not be a “celebrity chef” in the same sense that Julia Child was, but she’s certainly a celebrity and the lady knows how to cook. She also knows how to design. We love the way she stores her pots and pans on a hanging rack above a huge island. They make for great decoration and they’re so conveniently located:
Mario Batali, on the other hand, hides the pots away in his Manhattan apartment:
We love the modern lines and bright colors in his kitchen – he does a lot with a small space. We especially love the combination of Tiffany blue cabinetry, the marble countertop, and bright orange and red accessories. It’s like Batali took inspiration from his own red hair and signature orange Crocs.
Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, just might be our favorite Food Network personality. We love her simple, French-inspired recipes, her gorgeous garden and talent for setting a great table, and of course, her fabulous home in the Hamptons. Last year, for House Beautiful, designer Robert Stilin recreated the Hamptons house kitchen in the middle of Rockefeller Center: 
Her kitchen is perfect for easy filming, but that also makes it great for entertaining. We love all the counter space, organized in two simple rows, and can imagine great parties with Barefoot at the stove and her guests perched at the island, enjoying their hostess’ creations and conversation.
There’s a lot we can learn from how those who cook for a living choose to organize their kitchens at home. For one, storing pots and pans on hooks can be both convenient and attractive (especially if you’ve got someone helping you scrub those pots and pans to shiny perfection). Also, islands are great for filming and entertaining. Most of all, the best kitchens are spaces that make it fun to cook and fun to hang out. After all, food is always better when it’s shared!
Who are your favorite celebrity chefs? Have you incorporated any of their kitchen design tips into your own homes?
[Photo credits: all kitchen photos from Houzz.com.]
HGTV: Alluminare in the Kitchen
We were just made aware of a lovely post featuring a gorgeous kitchen that features our pendant lamps. Dianne in Charlotte, NC created a beautiful kitchen and posted photos on HGTV’s Rate My Space feature.
We love what she did with adding the crystals to the underside of the diffuser. Fancy finials have been on our radar for some time now, but these are so beautiful, and work so well in her lovely kitchen, that we think we may just have to move up them up on the priority list! Thanks, Dianne for a lovely mention.
