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.

 

Inspiration Snapshot :: Built-in Window Seat

Maximize every part of a room, especially those that are limited on space, by utilizing awkward areas like a window wall. What a great idea to create built-in shelves and a simple cozy seat around a tall, narrow window! I like how they painted the built-in the same color as the walls. It keeps the space looking simple and fresh, and allows for the accessories and books to pop. What else are you loving about this space?

 [IMAGE VIA BHG]

Home Office Design Challenge :: Function vs. Style

Is is really possible to have both? A functional home office that meets all of your needs but that also looks amazing and beautiful? Let's be honest here - my desk looks like a huge disaster about 90% of the time and rarely does my workspace look all nice and tidy like the photos we see of "real people's" office spaces on Pinterest, etc. Anyone else feel the same way?

Anyway, my husband and I have been slowly tearing apart and our one-bedroom apartment; dismantling things, purging boxes of "stuff", moving furniture around, etc., all for the safety and comfort of our 16 month old son. We've lived in this place for 6 years and right now it looks like we just moved in. The giant Expedit bookcase from IKEA, which I've used for work in our dining room / my home office for the last few years, has been taken down so we can create a fresh new family / work / tech space to better fit our growing needs. We're getting rid of my old desk and purchasing new ones, along with chairs and everything else so my husband and I can both have a nice organized place to work! (I MADE him clear out his "man" corner in our living room, which was an absolute nightmare - seriously. It's now our sons "play area"). We now have an expansive amount of wall space above our desks and it's up to me to come up with a functional yet beautiful design for it. Here are some inspiring spaces I found that have sparked some ideas. What are your thoughts on home office organization?

Love the shelving which provides plenty of space for magazine holders, books, etc. The mesh wall mount files are another great way to keep mail, etc. sorted. Not to mention the beautiful blue wall that appears to be some sort of bulletin board! [Image Source]

Again, shelving to provide extra storage. The cork board is great too for pinning inspiration, fabric swatches, photos, etc. [Image Source]

The chunky framed bulletin board is fabulous! Definitely adding this to my list of things I need. I also like the simple white frames (IKEA) with family photos. [Image Source]

More shelving and woven baskets. Love the eclectic mix of vintage and modern decor! [Image Source]

Cute wire baskets to sort paperwork. The map cork board is fun too. [Image Source]

Fresh, clean, organized and stylish! [Image Source]

Pottery Barn is a good source for wall organization ideas. I like the concept of all of the different boards for scheduling, notes, reminders, etc. [Image Source]

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The WINNER of the Design Camp Orange County Giveaway is:

Congratulations Christine! I'll be contacting you shortly with details.

xoxo,

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.

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xo,

Quote of the Week

"A place for everything and everything in its place."

- Mrs. Beeton (The Book of Household Management, 1861) 

 [IMAGE CREDITS: 1|2|3|4|5]

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Inspiration Snapshot: Jewlery Wall

I'm forever trying to find the best way to organize my jewelry, especially necklaces! I came across this fabulous photo on Apartment Therapy, originally from Lucky Magazine. Such a simple and artsy way to
organize and display your jewels so you can always see your options! I also noticed the small dishes filled with bracelets - another great idea. The styled perfume looks amazing. How do you organize your jewelry?

{IMAGE VIA APARTMENT THERAPY}

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Adventures at Design Camp

I recently headed out to Austin Texas to attend Design Camp, hosted by celebrity interior designers Lori Dennis and Kelli Ellis. These ladies did such a fabulous job, were super down-to-earth and kept us laughing and entertained the entire time! The 2-day event was jam packed with tons of design info, fun cocktail parties, networking and attendees from all over the country. I had such a great time and made a handful of new friends - everyone was so open and friendly! I loved Austin, but didn't get to see a whole lot of it since most of my time was spent at the conference. I did squeeze in a couple of fantastic dinners, but definitely need to go back to really see the city! Here are some highlights from my trip, including valuable tips and information that I plan on incorporating into my business and blog! Here we go...

Posing with my two new friends, hosts Lori Dennis and Kelli Ellis

With Lori Dennis, fellow design blogger Ashley White of Decorology, and Kelli Ellis

Camp Highlight: Hearing guest speaker Susanna Salk talk about how to get published! Susanna shared some very valuable tips on getting your work out there: 

• Submit your project snapshots to major blogs - bloggers are always looking for fresh content to share with readers! And you never know who's watching.
• If you don't have very many projects to have photographed yet, style a photo shoot in your own home; you can always focus on styled vignettes with accessories / details if you don't have a whole room to photograph.
• Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and share what you've done - take advantage of social media platforms! There has never been a better and easier time to promote yourself as a designer. Editors and bloggers are always on the lookout for fresh faces and new projects to feature.

Camp Highlight: Hearing Ronda Carman, editor of the amazing blog All the Best. Ronda spoke about building your brand and writing a successful blog. Takeaway tips:

• What is a brand? It's collectively what people say, feel, think...about a product, service or company. It isn't what YOU say it is. It's what THEY say it is. 
• Be clear on who you are and what your point of view is - it's all about the whole package! 
• Be different than what's out there - you want to stand out and be original!
• Focus, focus, focus! Avoid being all over the place with your blog and /or business. Be disciplined and innovative on what it is that you're trying to accomplish.
• Collaborate with like-minded people to help build your brand and business - two heads are always better than one! Especially if you work for yourself and are often alone. 
• Stay connected with social media and be sure that you're actively participating in the conversation about your brand, other brands, etc.

 

I finally got to meet Keri Peterson of KP Spaces - she won the giveaway I hosted for Design Camp a few months back! We instantly clicked and I look forward to keeping in touch with this talented, sweet and fun lady! Check out her blog here.

A snapshot with the amazing new friends I made and hope to stay in touch with!

I couldn't come to Texas and not visit a boot store! This one was filled with the most beautiful boots in every color and style imaginable. I was so tempted to splurge on a pair but will have to save that for my next trip to Texas :)

There were many more highlights of my experience at Design Camp and I plan on sharing more in future blog posts. For more info and to see if there will be a camp hosted near you, click here. I'll be guest speaking about blogging when camp heads to Orange County, CA next year!

DIY Project: Ikat Plates

Today is busy, busy! I'm trying to catch up on emails, client projects and take care of my 4 month old son Luke (pretty much impossible to do it all!)...so for lack of time to do a proper blog post, I'm sharing with you a DIY project that I absolutely LOVE and want to try one day. The project is from Pantone's MyColor blog, where I'll be a guest DIY blogger in October (more details on that later). Click on the link below for details on how to create your own set of beautiful hand-painted dinner plates!

[DIY Ikat Plates courtesy of My Color blog. Click here for step-by-step instructions]

What's Hot! Mattie Luxe: Hip, Fun & Stylish Placemats & Trays

 Hello and Happy Friday! Today I'm excited to introduce our newest Premiere Sponsor on Belle Maison: Mattie Luxe, "Where Style Meet the Dinner Table." Andrea Hrcnir is the founder and creative genius behind Mattie Luxe. "Being the mom of three kids, and always using place mats, I felt there was a real need for hip, fun, stylish place mats that weren't just for kids. So, with that in mind, I decided to design a line of custom place mats to give people an endless amount of options to design the perfect place mat."

With over 35 designs and tons of color and personalization options, you can design exactly what you want, whether it be for your kitchen or dining room, a party favor or a gift for a friend. In addition to the fabulous place mats, Mattie Luxe also sells customizable Lucite trays, which I absolutely adore! Ideas to personalize the mats or trays include: First Name, Last/Family Name, Monogram, Fun Saying, First or Last Initial and much more. Right now SAVE 25% off all place mats (discount is automatically applied upon checkout)! Happy shopping and have a fantastic weekend! xoxo - Julie

Mattie Luxe believes that...

Your table should always look hip and stylish.

Place mats should not be boring…they should be bold, beautiful, colorful and something that you want to leave out everyday.

Giving a thoughtful gift that is personalized is something that people always remember!

 
{IMAGES COURTESY OF MATTIE LUXE}

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