Kitchen Update

Love this kitchen

The first moment my eyes scanned this kitchen design, I fell in love. It looks like the perfect space to host a formal party, or to impress a first date with an intimate tortellini dinner. The large island incorporates tall, deep drawers along the backside, perfect for storing extra china sets, spatulas, or small appliances like your food processor or smoothie blender. The overhang (on both sides!) can be outfitted with stools for casual dining, or that date I mentioned. Children also love this seat in the house, and it allows you to keep an eye on them while you finish up the dishes. This island is ideal for any prepping tasks, like chopping or slicing, especially with the dedicated pendant lighting overhead, ensuring a crisp view, and no cut fingers. Once the prepping is done, our attention moves to the fabulous cooktop. With no shortage of burners, this kitchen will bring your entire Christmas dinner to fruition with ease. A handy chalkboard is mounted adjacent to the pantry door, so you can easily jot down cornmeal when you use the last of it. Another handy storage device is the wall-mounted magnetic strip along the right side of the stove. It provides a safer, more convenient way to store knives and other cooking utensils, but should always be mounted above countertop height, in case of curious pets or children. The cabinets are treated with a clean gray paint, which contrasts beautifully with the bright white countertops. The chrome drawer pulls tie in with the chrome stools and sink faucet. The cowhide upholstery on the stools adds some dimension and coziness to the otherwise-neutral space. Pops of color also come from a fun pot and of course, fresh flowers. The flooring is kept simple yet sophisticated, a nice gray wood-look tile. It provides the interest and uniqueness of wood grain, without all of the maintenance and upkeep required by traditional solid wood flooring. I especially love the vaulted ceilings. Sunlight floods in from a large window and the white walls reflect it, increasing the bright, clean feeling. This castle had great bones, and this restoration of the kitchen is simply amazing. 

Good use of space

Effective Use of Space

Skillfully using each square foot of a small space is important for healthy, pleasant living. Start by planning some accessories that will trick the eye into thinking the space is larger. This includes mirrors, floor-to-ceiling drapery, and see-through furniture pieces. A glass coffee table will allow light through, and generally make a space feel larger than a solid chestnut piece would. If possible, create sight lines to the outdoors or larger areas. A simple view of an open backyard will help a small dining room feel larger. Next, create several zones based on activities needed in the space. For example, in a living room you may wish to include a reading nook or child’s homework spot. Instead of using walls or barriers to create these zones, define the special areas with contrasting colors, special light fixtures or a change in flooring or wall covering. One common misconception is that smaller spaces should always employ smaller furniture pieces. It can be just as effective to keep existing furniture that may be large, if you make each piece count. All tables, chairs, and accessories should have their place and purpose. If any furniture piece proves to be more cumbersome than convenient, replace it with an appropriate alternative. For example, sometimes two smaller side tables allow easier flow around the sofa than a conventional coffee table. Keep walking paths in mind when placing furniture, and make sure each part of the room always has an exit strategy. There is nothing worse than a dinner guest becoming trapped, waiting for other guests (that they may not have been introduced to yet) to move before they can use the restroom or grab another drink. Do not feel that you must fill-up the space. Plan for a practical amount of seating and don’t add extraneous pieces arbitrarily. Donate extra pieces when they don’t fit, instead of cramming them in. Custom shelving and furniture can be a small space’s best ally. Measure any nooks or crannies and install custom storage if possible. Consider getting a custom sofa built for the proportions of your space. In the spirit of saving space, select furniture with several uses. Some ottomans open to reveal magazine and remote storage, and some desks may be stored against the wall until they are pulled down for use. Consider these space-saving compromises to make the most of every inch in your modest space. 

My favorite smoothie

After much trial and error, I was finally able to perfectly recreate the recipe for an old favorite of mine. This lovely smoothie was called “gold medalist” at a restaurant my girlfriends and I frequented in our college days. It’s delicious yet incredibly easy, with only a few ingredients, so it’s perfect for someone on the go, and mothers or students. Enjoy this refreshing, healthy snack on a sizzling summer day or a dreary fall afternoon. The addition of the fresh banana ensures this smoothie is very filling, a great alternative to another slice of pie or pizza.

Simply combine the following in your blender and enjoy!

• 2 strawberries (frozen)

• 1 fresh banana

• 1 small can pineapple juice

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• Ice