The Most Important Room In Your Home

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The kitchen is the most important room in the home. It is a room where you cook, hang out, and spend the most amount of your time. I find the kitchen a very difficult room to design and build. Unlike the living room, dining room or bedroom, the kitchen cannot be constantly updated. The kitchen must have a good ‘flow’ to be well designed. Before you dive right into building your kitchen, spend time walking through your space and lay out where you would like your appliances and cabinetry to go. By walking though your kitchen space you can imagine how you would use the appliances and other utilities. When designing your kitchen be sure to have the refrigerator, oven, and sink closer together. I am a huge fan of Kitchen Islands. My home has an Island that can seat five people. Islands make you feel like you are apart of the conversation and are very practical. Don’t use a stone floor in the kitchen. Stone floors are very hard and often times cause one to have a bad back or cramped knees. Wood floors are the best choice for the kitchen as they are soft and easy to be standing on all day. When choosing your kitchen backsplash and countertop be sure to have fun. Often times in new homes you will see a bland granite countertop. Spice up your countertop with a unique color, texture or material.  However, always be sure that backsplash and countertop match and are not competing with each other! Be sure to add unique pieces to your kitchen such as a lamp, vase, or painting. These special details can make your kitchen feel more personalized. I am a huge fan of see through kitchen cabinets. My previous post Own One Good Set Of Fine China, brings to attention the importance of china in a home. By having see through cabinets in your kitchen you can display your china. You can add as little or as much to your kitchen as you want. Don’t follow rules, just do.

House Beautiful & Elle Decor

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My Three Tips: Organized Kitchen

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Tip #1: Clear the Countertops 

Kitchens are constantly being used, as a result, clutter builds up rapidly. One of the best things you can do to keep an organized Kitchen is to put away an item when it has been used. Napkins, bottles, etc., should be hidden from view. Only necessary appliances such as a microwave, toaster, etc., should remain on the counters. My recommendation is to only permit three appliances/items and two decorative items on the countertop at a given time. If you want to add a touch of glamour to your kitchen a lamp on the countertop is okay, just make sure it does not start building up! 

Tip #2: Organize According To The Way You Use The Space    

When you are organizing the Kitchen, group items that are used together. For example, place your teapot, teabags, teacups in one cabinet. By doing this you will know where things are and be able to use them efficiently. Spend some time understanding how you use your Kitchen, so you many put away items in places that work for you. 

Tip #3: Use Organizational Tools    

Buy a few storage aids such as storage boxes, jars etc., as these tools will help you keep your Kitchen organized. Remember, the organizational tools are meant to organize what is already in the Kitchen, not to give you the opportunity to buy more! 

(ABOVE) I love this Kitchen featured in Veranda Magazine. The beautiful stone sink adds some energy to the space. The shelves on opposite sides of the sink are very effective as they keep the basic Kitchen necessities within reach. The open shelves are perfect because, they prevent clutter! (BELOW 1) This Kitchen has a great flow. The way in which the cabinets are planned out, allow for easy access to items when cooking. In addition, the dark blue cabinets look very elegant against the white countertops and backsplash. (BELOW 2) I choose this Kitchen mainly for design. I love the dark wood floors and vintage stove. The island is very cool, I love the idea of not using typical bar stools. (BELOW 3) I choose this Kitchen mainly for design, but also because of the minimal amount of items on the countertops. This space doesn't feel like a Kitchen, but rather like a Living Room because of the colors, moldings used and built in Fridge! You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

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Room Spotlight: Modern Simplicity

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I love this kitchen featured in Elle Decor. It's simple, modern, and elegant. The focal point of this kitchen is the floor to ceiling door. The door is just wonderful, it opens up the narrow kitchen and looks like a framed piece of art. Instead of painting the walls and adding a backsplash, the kitchen features a floor to ceiling tile backsplash. The white tile is very New York. The steel cabinetry reflects lots of light, giving the kitchen a little shine. The marble countertops blend into the backsplash and cabinetry. The red brick building outside the kitchen brings some color and life into the kitchen. What do you think of the kitchen? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

Space's I'm Loving: Part XVII

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Why I Love This Space: I love this space's open layout, modern design, and unique furnishings

I'd have to say this is one of the most beautiful beach house kitchens I've seen. What I like about this kitchen is the open layout. A beach home should feel open, and allow for unobstructed views of the outdoors. The kitchen features several different seating arrangements for added functionality. I spend most of my time entertaining in the kitchen, so this design would be the right fit for me. The modern furniture keeps things looking clean. I live the mix in woods, and stones. The two hand bar stools are the focal point of the bar. I'm not the biggest fan of the lighting, it needs more of a pop. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

http://www.mariallado.com/

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's mix in furnishings

This space is the definition of eclectic design. The space features pieces from all different periods. When you have a space that has so many different styles the walls should be painted white. You don't want the space to feel too busy or the design to conflict. One piece that I'm not a fan of is the square pedestal to the left. As the bottom of the pedestal the paint is beginning to peel off. It detracts from the space, and makes it appear dirty. I also would have liked to have seen the brown armchair to the left being reupholstered and painted at the bottom. Do you like the space? What would you change or improve? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

http://interiorsbyolatz.com

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's bedding and area rug, and the idea of painting the space one color

Aside from the headboard, the bedding is the focal point of the space. It's bright, features a strong graphic pattern, and ties the different colors found in the space together. What I like about the bedding is that it brings a Moroccan flair into the space. The area rug is wonderful. I love all the different shapes, and prints. Painting a space one color sets a base for space's that want color, but also want to feature bolder pieces. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

http://www.lonny.com

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's modern design, area rug, and darker floors

Not having upper cabinets is something that is becoming more and more popular in contemporary homes. By not having upper cabinets, one eliminates clutter, and the space opens up. The area rug brings some much need color and texture into the space and softens the modern look of the kitchen. Because the walls and most of the pieces are white, a darker floor really makes a statement. It also makes the cabinetry stand out. If the floors were stained a lighter color, the white cabinets would not be such a focus. Do you see yourself cooking here? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

The Heart Of The Kitchen

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http://lookbook.elledecor.com/search/room-Dining-Room

Memories are made, laughter is heard. The breakfast nook right off the kitchen, is a place where you’ll gather with your family and friends. Why not make the breakfast nook the heart of the kitchen? Now think, is your heart going to be hard like an old wood four legged chair? Or is it going to be soft and lush like a sofa? When designing your breakfast nook, put to rest the standard table and four bland chairs. Add a sofa to your breakfast nook, don’t worry if it looks like it belongs in a living room. A sofa is a great way to bring people around the table, and add texture to a defined space, such as a kitchen. In addition, a sofa can possess much needed glamour. Choose a table that is round. A round table enhances conversation. Finally, add a great rug, pillows, and some color. The breakfast nook is the perfect escape from the upright, formal feel of a dining room. You can add as little or as much to your breakfast nook as you want. Don’t follow rules, just do.

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Room Spotlight: Precious Metal

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Isn't this kitchen designed by Jean-Louis Deniot just amazing? It's a jewel in a gorgeous Parisian apartment. Despite its narrow size, the space feels large because, of the reflective cabinetry which is clad in hammered silver. It's an unusual material for kitchen cabinetry, but nonetheless fabulous. I love the marble floors and countertops! What a wonderful design and lightness to the space. The vintage brass chandelier is the perfect touch. This is definitely my idea of a dream kitchen! What do you think? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do. 

On The Australian Coast

http://www.rodesign.com.au/

I can't tell you how much I'm loving this home. Located in Sydney and designed by architects Rolf Ockert Design is this phenomenal open concept beach front home. The architect wanted to design a home that made the owners feel like they're on vacation everyday. Personally, If I had a house like this I'd have a very difficult time getting any work done! The home is constructed of timber, and concrete, which gives the home a fresh, yet grounded look. The way in which the home is designed takes full advantage of the views and its location. (ABOVE) The front of the house has a modest clean look. The greenish painted concrete and wood sided roof blend into its surroundings. I love the stone pathway. 

http://www.rodesign.com.au/
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(1) The back of the house is completely different from the front. Gone is the simple modest look of the front, boom! The back of the home is very open using much glass. The outdoors come right into the different areas.  

http://www.rodesign.com.au/
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(2) The infinite pool is gorgeous. Words cannot describe how wonderful this backyard is. Entertain guests on the grass and set up a few tables or take a nap. I love the different plantings, the landscape feels very natural. 

http://www.rodesign.com.au/
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(3) The inside of the home uses much wood. The reason the architects decided to not have windows on the side walls at eye level is due to the neighbors close proximity. I love the open concept plan and white kitchen. The space manages to feel like it's located on the beach without trying too hard.

http://www.rodesign.com.au/
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(4) The main level has a phenomenal ocean front view. I can picture myself cooking in the kitchen, eating at the dining room, or curling up on the couch and soaking in these views. On the right side is the kitchen counters, love how modern yet 70s inspired they are. 

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Featured Post: Fashion Meets Design

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Yesterday, I had the honor of being featured on Belle Maison with this post. Here is the post in case you missed it... This space featured in Elle Decor and designed by the lovely Kelly Wearstler has a brilliant mix of stones, metals, and colors. What makes this kitchen so fantastic is that it doesn't look like the typical kitchen. Wearstler used unconventional materials to give the kitchen a glamorous, stylish look. I love how Wearstler used both lighter and darker tones throughout the space. What do you think of the space? When I saw this space I thought to myself...What are some great pieces that carry a similar vibe...

(1) Isabel Marant Courtney Jersey Dress, (2) Fallon Jewelry Classique Biker Choker, (3) Marc by Marc Jacobs Too Hot To Handle Small Top Handle Bag, (4) Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ring, (5) Herve Leger Bandage Top, (6) Alexander Wang Diego Bucket Bag with Rose Gold Hardware, (7) Derek Lam Patterned Seasnake Skirt, (8) Super Sunglasses Lucia Sunglasses, (9) Steven Fearles Cap Toe Pumps, (10) Linea Pelle Sliced Cuff with Sliders

The Isabel Marant dress really captures the whole space. It has a great texture and really strong color, perfect for fall. The Fallon necklace is the perfect amount of glamour and shine to any look. In addition, the necklace has those lighter and darker tones as does the space. The Derek Lam skirt has that great retro, funky flare that is seen in Kelly Wearstler spaces. Which piece is your favorite? Thanks Julie for having me!

Space's I'm Loving: Part IX

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Why I Love This Space: I love this space's unique, vibrant, loud, exciting vintage furniture!

Designed by the one and only Jonathan Adler, this condo screams "Happy Chic". My eye is immediately drawn to the Pedro Friedeberg arm chairs. Who doesn't want to sit in a metal palm? The dark wood floors are perfect for this space. They reflect the furniture, it looks as if you're walking on glass. A translucent coffee table with a pleasant pink surprise. The coffee table reminded me of this clutch. If you're one that loves furniture pieces that make a splash in a space, painting the walls a soft white will tone down the intensity! You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

http://www.architecturaldigest.com

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's floor to ceiling windows and how the outside views reflect the furniture and accessories.

A space like this screams vacation home! The home rests high above the Los Angeles sky line and has breathtaking views of the city and the tree tops. The interiors reflect this combination. Clean modern furniture represent the city views and different textures and wood furnishings represents the tree top views. Painting the space white was a brilliant idea. The floor to ceiling windows allows the trees to be the color in the space. The outdoors bleed into the space. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

   

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Why I Love This Space: I love this space's dark turquoise cabinetry, and white stone backsplash and countertops.

This kitchen, simply put, has a great vibe. It's the contrast in color, light and dark, and shapes that make it stand out above the rest. Dark turquoise cabinetry in a Kitchen is a huge risk, but when done right the results are tremendous. A white stone backsplash and countertops, pop against the dark floors and cabinets. I can see this Kitchen in a home in the Hamptons. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

http://www.milesredd.com

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's bright yellow door, and graphic pieces.

I'm sort of in love with yellow this week. Every post thus far this week has had some yellow in it. I guess I just hope spring is reading my blog and will let the sun start heating us up! Designer Miles Redd, designed this Bedroom that plays with elegance and what I'd like to call, fun chic. If you want to have some color in your space, but are scared about painting the whole space or a wall a bright color, then start by painting the doors. Doors are extremely easy to paint over and can make a big difference if painted a cool color. Throughout the space, in the graphic pieces, you'll notice yellow making subtle appearances. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

Space's I'm Loving: Part XXIV

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Why I Love This Space: I love this space's brick tile walls, stainless steel hardware, and use of wood   

This kitchen is the perfect mix of warmth and modern. Often times, a modern space can feel cold and uninviting. By using wood for the kitchen island, and floors, the kitchen feels inviting. The stainless steel hardware is my favorite element in this space. The handles have a noticeable weight to them, and the light bounces beautifully off them. Rather than having a generic tiled backdrop and upper cabinets, the designer of this space used a brick tile and forwent the upper cabinets. This aids in the modernity of the space. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

http://www.elledecor.com

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's vanity, use of marble and glass

I could see this bathroom in my home! Couldn't you? This bathroom is all about that modern-vintage looking vanity. The clean lines, marble finish, and design is the perfect example of 70s-80s design. The use of marble in this space is shear perfection. The marble finish highlights its movement. The bathroom in my home stretches from the sink to the ceiling. Having a large mirror is perfect for getting ready and making the space appear larger. By dividing the mirror into sections it doesn't feel as overwhelming. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

http://trendland.com

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's vintage furniture and overall design

This space could fit right into a home located in the mountains or an apartment in New York City. The wood paneled walls give this effect. The furniture in this space falls on the more modern side. It' simple and functional. My favorite piece in this space is the bar. The circular shape and gold legs are very retro. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do. 

http://www.mrkate.com

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's use of color, and light fixture 

This bright colored space have so much energy and life. I love the use of color in this space. It makes the space feel incredibly inviting and fun to be in. Through I'm not a fan of the sofa, I do like the armchairs. In a space like this a unique shaped sofa, something a bit more unique would be the perfect piece. The light fixture in this space calls all the attention. I love its unique design. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

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