kitchen redux.
After spending weeks in and out of other people's homes on our recent visit back to the States I began to feel a bit disillusioned with our flat here in New Zealand.
When we first moved in Seth and I were both incredibly hesitant to make any major purchases. Most of our furniture came from the op shops and I spent so many months sitting on the floor prior to us purchasing a futon that our landlords began to worry about us.
Upon returning from holiday I decided to make some changes to our home. Though it still took us a few days to get the root of the problem. At first I thought we needed more stuff, then as Seth and I discussed the matter, we realised that the heart of the issue was actually the way we had placed the items we did own. Our house lacked a certain coziness.
We began with the kitchen. We took everything off the counter and slowly brought items back in one by one. With each item we considered if it should be out on the counter or tucked away in a drawer. We are quite pleased with the end result.
We did purchase a new wire dish-rack to replace the bulky and rather mouldy plastic one that came with our flat, as well as a coffee tin, sugar bowl, wooden cutting board, and dish-soap dispenser.
We are still hoping to purchase a lightweight, brightly coloured rug, and oil and vinegar dispensers to complete the look, but those will be added bonuses.
In our old kitchen layout we had a place to wash dishes and a place to both prepare and eat food. In our new kitchen we now have four distinct stations: Dishwashing, food preparation and cooking, a quick snack area, and dining area.
Take all items out of the room to create a blank palate
...then slowly bring each item back in to the space to decide where, if anywhere, it should go.
Draw inspiration from the Internet
...then get creative as you translate it into your space.
Less is more
When we were looking at photos of kitchens we discovered that most kitchens have small pockets of items instead of being overly cluttered with jars and appliances.
Place a simple centrepiece in the centre of your dining area
Many people choose a bit of a floral theme, but I am allergic to most fresh flowers. Instead we chose to re-purpose a spare modern looking flower pot that we had been using to hold paper towels into a fresh herb garden centrepiece.
Know when to say goodbye
If you aren't using an item or if it is easily obtainable, consider ditching it.
I keep lots of cheap plastic containers on hand for my kid's classes and to store leftovers in. It was foolish to keep all these as they are easily replaceable when I do need them. No point in keeping them around cluttering up the house, making me miserable, until they are needed.
Have only what you need
No one needs a George Foreman Grill, a tiny cupcake maker, and a panini press cluttering up their kitchen unless they are used at least twice every month. While you are ditching appliances such as these consider consolidating holiday and other special items so they can be used for multiple occasions. Instead of a giant egg shaped plater, consider a simple pastel serving plate that can easily be used for Easter as well as a birthday or garden party.
Create a tupperware drawer
I'm certain everyone residing in a first-world country has an entire cupboard overflowing with tupperware. I am also fairly certain that everyone has had their tupperware fall on them at least once as they were hurrying through their morning routine. After you are done pairing down your tupperware, consider placing the containers that make the cut in a drawer instead of a cupboard. This makes them accessible and easy to see.
Do you have any tips or tricks or keeping your kitchen free from clutter?
When we first moved in Seth and I were both incredibly hesitant to make any major purchases. Most of our furniture came from the op shops and I spent so many months sitting on the floor prior to us purchasing a futon that our landlords began to worry about us.
Upon returning from holiday I decided to make some changes to our home. Though it still took us a few days to get the root of the problem. At first I thought we needed more stuff, then as Seth and I discussed the matter, we realised that the heart of the issue was actually the way we had placed the items we did own. Our house lacked a certain coziness.
We began with the kitchen. We took everything off the counter and slowly brought items back in one by one. With each item we considered if it should be out on the counter or tucked away in a drawer. We are quite pleased with the end result.
We did purchase a new wire dish-rack to replace the bulky and rather mouldy plastic one that came with our flat, as well as a coffee tin, sugar bowl, wooden cutting board, and dish-soap dispenser.
We are still hoping to purchase a lightweight, brightly coloured rug, and oil and vinegar dispensers to complete the look, but those will be added bonuses.
In our old kitchen layout we had a place to wash dishes and a place to both prepare and eat food. In our new kitchen we now have four distinct stations: Dishwashing, food preparation and cooking, a quick snack area, and dining area.
Tips & Tricks: Kitchen
Take all items out of the room to create a blank palate
...then slowly bring each item back in to the space to decide where, if anywhere, it should go.
Draw inspiration from the Internet
...then get creative as you translate it into your space.
Less is more
When we were looking at photos of kitchens we discovered that most kitchens have small pockets of items instead of being overly cluttered with jars and appliances.
Place a simple centrepiece in the centre of your dining area
Many people choose a bit of a floral theme, but I am allergic to most fresh flowers. Instead we chose to re-purpose a spare modern looking flower pot that we had been using to hold paper towels into a fresh herb garden centrepiece.
Know when to say goodbye
If you aren't using an item or if it is easily obtainable, consider ditching it.
I keep lots of cheap plastic containers on hand for my kid's classes and to store leftovers in. It was foolish to keep all these as they are easily replaceable when I do need them. No point in keeping them around cluttering up the house, making me miserable, until they are needed.
Have only what you need
No one needs a George Foreman Grill, a tiny cupcake maker, and a panini press cluttering up their kitchen unless they are used at least twice every month. While you are ditching appliances such as these consider consolidating holiday and other special items so they can be used for multiple occasions. Instead of a giant egg shaped plater, consider a simple pastel serving plate that can easily be used for Easter as well as a birthday or garden party.
Create a tupperware drawer
I'm certain everyone residing in a first-world country has an entire cupboard overflowing with tupperware. I am also fairly certain that everyone has had their tupperware fall on them at least once as they were hurrying through their morning routine. After you are done pairing down your tupperware, consider placing the containers that make the cut in a drawer instead of a cupboard. This makes them accessible and easy to see.
Do you have any tips or tricks or keeping your kitchen free from clutter?
