Creative Kitchens

I'm so happy to be writing a blog post today! If you've followed me for the last few years, I'm sure you've noticed I haven't been posting nearly as often as I used to. But when I can squeeze in a new post here or there, it makes me happy! I've been working on several model home projects lately and have been searching for fresh innovative kitchen ideas to show our clients. Long gone are the days of granite counter tops and stained cabinets - although many people still gravitate toward this look and it can be pretty, I am seeing more and more truly unique kitchen designs that are way outside the creativity box. Here's a round up of several spaces that caught my eye for various reasons. What are you loving about kitchen design these days?

 [For all IMAGE SOURCES, CLICK ON EACH IMAGE]

BM Archives :: The Organized Kitchen

Happy Tuesday! I'm out of town this week to install a set of model homes - be sure to follow me on Instagram (@juliethigpen) as I'll be sharing sneak peeks of my work in progress! Because of my busy schedule, I've been reaching back into the Belle Maison archives for posts that had a great response from my lovely readers to share again. It's been fun looking back at certain posts to refresh and re-inspire me and hopefully you too. Enjoy!

Is it really possible to have a super organized kitchen, where you can always find what you need and have plenty of space for everything? Is it possible to open your pantry and smile because it's not only functional but looks amazing as well? I'm challenging myself to find out! After nearly 6 years of living with a small apartment kitchen, the cabinets are starting to bust at the seams and I've literally run out of even an inch more of space...I've had to start putting things in my bedroom closet because I'm flat out of room. However, instead of just accepting that I have a small kitchen with limited space and continuing to live in chaos, I've decided it's time to take control and tackle each cupboard, one by one, maximizing what I have to work with. Currently, I don't have any cabinet or shelf organizers and after researching online, there are endless gadgets and solutions for the kitchen. Why haven't I been using any of them?! I guess when you live in chaos for so long (like a messy closet), you rarely take the time to step back and assess the mess. It's time to start over and here are some ideas that have my brain spinning. I'll post my before and after photos as soon as this project is completed! What about your kitchen? Is it neat and organized or messy and chaotic?

Tip #1: Your pantry can be organized and look pretty too. I love the idea of wallpapering or strnciling the back wall. Even a solid paint color would look great. [Image via House of Smiths]

Tip #2: Maximize the use of shelving by creating dividers to store pans and trays on their side. This was created using curtain tension rods! [Image via Martha Stewart]

Tip #3: Keep food fresh longer and make it easy to find what you need by putting everything in a plastic or glass container. You can use a label maker or print clear labels with your computer to identify each container. This maximizes the use of shelving space by allowing you to stack and place things side by side more efficiently. [Image Source]

Tip #4: Use valuable wall space in a pantry by mounting bins to store snacks, supplies, etc. [Image via Poppytalk]

Tip #5: Use the back of cupboard or pantry doors for even more storage! There are many easy-to-install shelving systems out there. [Image via BHG]

Tip #6: Again, using clear jars to store food, pasta, spices, flour, etc. is an excellent way to maximize shelving space. Small baskets are great for holding smaller items and allow you to slide the basket in and out for easy access. [Image via Pinterest]

Tip #7: Maximize drawer space with dividers and containers to keep everything separated. [Image via Real Simple]

I planned on doing a round-up of several great storage gadgets I'd love to purchase, but my son just woke up from his nap so I must run :( Maybe I'll share another day! In the meantime, some great places to shop for kitchen storage are: The Container Store // IKEA // Rubbermaid // Amazon // Target. For more ideas, visit my Pinterest board: Organizing.

 

Quote of the Week

“Kitchens should be designed around what’s truly
important — fun, food, and life.”

— Chef/Restaurateur Daniel Boulud

 {IMAGE SOURCES: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5}

 

Inspiration Snapshot :: Cheerful Kitchen Nook

One of the best ways to make use of an awkward or tight corner in a space is to build a custom bench seat or banquette. This one is awesome for a few reasons - it provides ample seating, extra storage underneath with large drawers and is comfortable with a thick seat and back cushion. If you go this route, a pedestal table works best because it gives maximum leg room. I love the colorful artwork - it really brings the space to life and keeps the overall feeling more on the modern side, don't you think? And the amazing red lantern light fixture with subtle gold accents is the perfect eclectic piece to break up the "matchy" look of everything. The color palette is simple - gray, light blue and magenta, with pops of yellow and red. I don't know about you, but I'd love to enjoy my coffee and breakfast in this bright and airy space every morning! What's your dream kitchen nook / dining area?

 [IMAGE SOURCE]

Spring Cleaning :: The Organized Kitchen

Is it really possible to have a super organized kitchen, where you can always find what you need and have plenty of space for everything? Is it possible to open your pantry and smile because it's not only functional but looks amazing as well? I'm challenging myself to find out! After nearly 6 years of living with a small apartment kitchen, the cabinets are starting to bust at the seams and I've literally run out of even an inch more of space...I've had to start putting things in my bedroom closet because I'm flat out of room. However, instead of just accepting that I have a small kitchen with limited space and continuing to live in chaos, I've decided it's time to take control and tackle each cupboard, one by one, maximizing what I have to work with. Currently, I don't have any cabinet or shelf organizers and after researching online, there are endless gadgets and solutions for the kitchen. Why haven't I been using any of them?! I guess when you live in chaos for so long (like a messy closet), you rarely take the time to step back and assess the mess. It's time to start over and here are some ideas that have my brain spinning. I'll post my before and after photos as soon as this project is completed! What about your kitchen? Is it neat and organized or messy and chaotic?

Tip #1: Your pantry can be organized and look pretty too. I love the idea of wallpapering or strnciling the back wall. Even a solid paint color would look great. [Image via House of Smiths]

Tip #2: Maximize the use of shelving by creating dividers to store pans and trays on their side. This was created using curtain tension rods! [Image via Martha Stewart]

Tip #3: Keep food fresh longer and make it easy to find what you need by putting everything in a plastic or glass container. You can use a label maker or print clear labels with your computer to identify each container. This maximizes the use of shelving space by allowing you to stack and place things side by side more efficiently. [Image Source]

Tip #4: Use valuable wall space in a pantry by mounting bins to store snacks, supplies, etc. [Image via Poppytalk]

Tip #5: Use the back of cupboard or pantry doors for even more storage! There are many easy-to-install shelving systems out there. [Image via BHG]

Tip #6: Again, using clear jars to store food, pasta, spices, flour, etc. is an excellent way to maximize shelving space. Small baskets are great for holding smaller items and allow you to slide the basket in and out for easy access. [Image via Pinterest]

Tip #7: Maximize drawer space with dividers and containers to keep everything separated. [Image via Real Simple]

I planned on doing a round-up of several great storage gadgets I'd love to purchase, but my son just woke up from his nap so I must run :( Maybe I'll share another day! In the meantime, some great places to shop for kitchen storage are: The Container Store // IKEA // Rubbermaid // Amazon // Target. For more ideas, visit my Pinterest board: Organizing.

*******

xo,

The White Kitchen

What is it about an all white kitchen that gets us so excited? Every time I post a picture of a white kitchen on my blog (like the one in yesterday's post), the response is overwhelming! So why do we love the white kitchen? I have a few theories: much like a crisp white tablecloth at a restaurant, the white kitchen is clean and fresh and makes you want to sit down to enjoy a delicious meal; prepping and cooking on a crisp white  surface is enticing; everything looks good against white - a bowl of fresh lemons, colorful bottles of olive oil, a vase of bright pink peonies, metallic light fixtures, gold accessories...it all works! I'm guessing they may take a little more maintenance to keep sparkly clean, but I don't think I'd mind. What do you love about white kitchens?

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In the Kitchen: Open Shelving vs. Cabinets

I've been noticing more and more lately the trend of open shelving in the kitchen. While I love the way it looks to have stacked dishes and glasses neatly displayed, I'm not sure it it's something I could commit to (it would bring out my OCD tendencies for sure!). I do enjoy having everything neatly tucked away behind closed doors, but, I also have lots of fun vintage dishes and vessels that I would love to have on display. I guess I could compromise with cabinets and a few open shelves, right? How do you feel about this look? Do you have open shelving in your kitchen or is it something you would try? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

{ALL IMAGE CREDITS CAN BE FOUND ON MY "KITCHENS" PINTEREST BOARD}