Saturday, December 31, 2011

Hidden Potential in a Tiny Kitchen Corner




(click image for larger view)

This corner of a client's tiny kitchen had huge storage potential. After taking measurements I made my suggestions (I hand draw everything, I'm not so keen on computer sketches).

The basic idea was to put a tall skinny cabinet in the corner then add shelves (attached to the corner unit) in front of the window for prep surface with room below for recycling + garbage. The window is never opened but suggested the shelves be on a hinge so they can be lifted for access to the window in case of emergency.

They ended up going with a modified version of option #1, just adding the tall open shelf unit. They figured they'd start with the shelf unit and add to it later if needed.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Room for Debate: Why We Collect Stuff



Check out this discussion over at the New York Times. They're short articles, I especially liked April Benson's "Collecting as Pleasure and Pain".

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Less Stuff, More Happiness



Couldn't have said it better myself....

Sunday, December 4, 2011

More Favorite (Inexpensive) Wall Hooks





If you don't have the need or desire for anything fancy, here are some of my favorite inexpensive wall hooks.

2"L
$12 set of 4
these get hammered directly into your wall. while they cannot hold too much weight (depending on what kind of wall you have) they're pretty cool. i love how they look in my bathroom.

2 1/2"W x 2"H x 1 1/16"D
$3.99 +
this style hook can be found in almost any hardware store.

also comes in red
5 1/2"L x 4"W x 3 1/2"D
$6.00
curved top is perfect for coats with a hook underneath for bags, umbrella, etc.

(nickel plated option)
1 1/2" or 2 3/4"H
$4.99
these come in small and large sizes. i have them in my coat closet

1"W x 4"H
flips over to fit 2 sized doors
$1.99
this style hook can be found in almost any hardware store. I have them on my front door.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

More Favorite Decorative Wall Hooks





Many people I work with rent and worry about spending too much money on setting up their space. Hooks are a perfect example of how to spend money in a rental; not on big pieces of furniture, but rather on smaller things that you can easily take a reuse in your next space (lighting is a another example).

comes in black, white, silver, grey, and red
6 1/4"W x 8"H x 1"D
$40.00 each
would be great in multiples of different colors in a kid's room or a creative studio/office

comes in large size too
2"W x 3"D x 3"H
$33.00 set of 2

17 3/4"W x 4 1/4"H
$60.00 set of 2
installed down the length of a hallway would be fantastic

Friday, December 2, 2011

Favorite Decorative Wall Hooks






A simple way to not only organize your space but also keep it neat and more functional is to install hooks. In your entry or near your front door for those without an entry like me, for coats and bags; in the bathroom for towels and clothes that need to be aired out; in the bedroom; behind doors. You may think you don't need them but once you have them, you'll wish you had more.

Here are a few of my favorite decorative hooks that aren't exactly economical but when a hook is beautiful on it's own why not?

11 1/2"W x 12"H x 8"D
$230.00 each
these look amazing in groups or by itself

40"W x 5"D x 1.5"H
$59.00
love the little slot in the back, perfect for dropping mail, magazines, or baseball caps...

3 1/2" - 6 3/4" Diameter x 1 3/4"D
$149 set of 5

Caribou Wall Hook by Roost
10 1/2"W x 8"H x 5 1/2"D
$48.00

4"W x 4 3/4"D x 3"H
$14.00 each
so cute, great for kid's rooms or a beach house

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Few More Kitchen Cabinets







This kitchen is a bit smaller than the one in the previous post and this client doesn't have as many dishes and glasses so instead of having a strictly glass or dishes cabinets, we've combined the two. I used a couple tupperware bowls to keep tea packets neatly and easily at hand.

The cabinet with the alcohol is above the fridge and is for things she doesn't use that often and for excess teas (as you can see, she cannot have enough teas!!).