Small Kitchens

Do you guys know most apartments in Brooklyn have virtually no kitchen? This is what I am discovering after looking at more than 25 apartments in the last month or so. I don't cook all that often so I can live without a palatial kitchen and sometimes a small space just means you get to be exceptionally creative with storage and presentation. Is anyone else out there as thrilled with this challenge as I am? Here are a few photos for inspiration:

An old favorite from Apartment Therapy's Big Book of Small Cool Spaces

Cammie's Chunk of Green

Jordan's Light, Location & Vibe

Anna Dorfman's Manhattan Apartment

Anna Dorfman's Newburgh Kitchen

Color Combo Challenge

Sometimes I like to amuse myself by visualizing new color combinations in unexpected spaces. This is one of those times.

via Boutique Mix

A few years ago while working at Kate's Paperie, I became obsessed with a set of Kate Spade stationery that featured a retro variation of postal stripes in navy, red and pink. Kate Spade recycled the same pattern last year with some variation in tone and color on a candy bar clutch and I've been utterly smitten ever since.

via Kate Spade-aholic

Enough about stationery and purses though- what I really care about is decorating. How would this combination work in a room? Navy is such a traditional and conservative color but a bright pink could make it really fun and adding in red accents would balance out the youthful aspects of hot pink. I can easily see it working in a bedroom or living room with all the textile and upholstery possibilities. Here are a few examples via Pinterest:

I like a good challenge so I started thinking about how these colors would look in a kitchen. Dark counters and a textured rug anchor a lighter table and counter top which leaves room for plenty of punchy accessories. Pretty cute, right?

From Left: Lacquer Tray, Rug, Chairs (color discontinued), Table, Wall Clock, Pendant Lamp, Mixer, Counters, Print

Kitchen Envy

Yiming's Black & White Prewar Kitchen

This is one of my all-time most favorite kitchens ever. When I saw it in the Apartment Therapy Big Book of Small, Cool Places, I squealed with glee and then promptly bookmarked it for future drooling.Why can't all kitchens have black walls and white counters? Sigh.

Gorgeous Kitchen for Fall

Image: Tim James via The Design Files

Shelving Woes

Four months ago we moved into our apartment and though we are completely unpacked, we have yet to tackle some important projects like what the eff are we going to do about this random nook in our kitchen? It currently houses the litter box, which is a perfect fit, but why waste all the space above? I'm thinking shelves are the most logical answer since they would provide some much-needed storage space as well as a place to display artwork, vases and other pretty things including scented candles, which will come in handy considering the often unpleasant odors wafting from below.

So here's the thing: it's an awkward shaped space. It is roughly 18 1/2 inches deep and only 14 1/4 inches wide. Since the litter box fits so snugly on the floor, I also have to factor in the size of the box if I am to consider a shelving unit.

Here are two thoughts for shelving units:

Omar Shelving Unit $69.99

 The Omar Shelving Unit from Ikea is 72 inches tall and the lower shelves are removable so we could easily make room for the litter box underneath, assuming it will fit in between the legs, which I am not so sure about. I like the industrial look of it and the fact that the shelves are adjustable so they can accommodate things that are oddly-sized like my air-popper or matryoshka nesting dolls. I also like that it is as deep as the alcove itself so the spacing wouldn't be awkward.

Molger Shelving Unit $49.99

The Molger Shelving Unit, also from Ikea, is a little shorter at 55 inches but the wood would look nice with our cabinets and I also like the option of painting it some crazy color like teal or hot pink or glitter.  While the shelves aren't adjustable, it does look like we would still have the option of removing the bottom shelf. However, it's not as deep as the Omar so either it would have to sit forward or be pushed to the back of the alcove and I'm not sure I love that idea.

Our other option would be to make and install individual shelves ourselves. While definitely not the easiest choice, it would probably look the best and would eliminate the problem of fitting the litter box down below. We'd have the option to paint them (I'd probably just match them to the wall or trim) and it would look good enough to leave when we move out because what else is anyone going to use that space for?  Also I like how cozy it would look. Here's a good example:

Terisa, Colin and Lauren's Home on Apartment Therapy

Does anyone have any thoughts on this matter? 

DIY Wallpaper

This backsplash is wallpapered with Chinese food menus!

I love this idea although fear it would lead to a constant craving for lo mein.

Images: Apartment Therapy

Kitchen Plans

Our kitchen is pretty tiny but that's not going to stop me from going overboard as I conceptualize the design of the space! My basic plan is to keep it functional but still stylish with mid-century touches and geometric accents.

Take a look!

Here's the breakdown:

*Mini Moka Silkscreen Print $55

*Omar Shelves $69.98

*Plus Salt & Pepper Grinder $86

*Hessum Mat $10

*Vidalia Bowl $145

*Bamboo Bread Box $49.95

*Coop Bowl $24.95

*Ceramic Canisters $17.97

*Spindle Clock $495
*E'spice Jars $4

*Cure For What Ails You Print $15

*Colorblock Jacquard Dishtowels $24

Image created at: My Deco

Also I would live here

Image : Living Etc via Apartment Therapy

Pet Peeves

I realize I am only an amateur designer and the only portfolio I have is in my head but when it comes to design, I have a lot of opinions. In fact, I have so many opinions and pet peeves that I've decided to compile a list. In the interest of time and also your attention span, I'll spare you the full list and stick to the highlights.

1) Art work that isn't the right size for the wall

What's the tiny thing next to the door? This simply will not do.

 All too often I see framed art that doesn't quite take up enough space and this annoys me.  When I see a small painting all by itself on a large, long wall I start to feel nervous and my eyes dart around the room looking for companions to hang next to or around it. People. If you have a large expanse of space, fill it up! Take a chance and blow up a photograph until it is so large it practically looks pixelated. Create a gallery of matching prints or hang a bunch of unrelated items a la Kate Spade's showroom. In the long run, your walls will have more visual impact and your space will feel homier and more sophisticated.

Much better, no?

2) Rooms that are too 'matchy', AKA 'theme rooms'

Something is not right! Something is quite wrong!

This really drives me crazy. I grew up watching HGTV and other design shows and while their tastes and range have improved over the years, I am concerned by the lingering attitude that a room has 'style' and is 'decorated' simply because everything in the room is coordinated. This does not show any personality nor does it show you have any taste. This only shows that you can make things match. That's just lazy decorating if you ask me! Your space will be a thousand times more interesting if there is a variety of color. Your rooms have your stuff in it and this stuff hopefully took years to accumulate! I certainly hope you have not spent the last 10 years buying things that are only Tiffany blue and chocolate brown. Decorating should be an organic process and it can take years. It should not be completed in an afternoon at HomeGoods.(Though I love me some HomeGoods.)

I know. There's a lot going on here. But isn't it exciting?!? There's so much to look at!

3) Lack of pattern and texture

Good bones but too white! And too sparse! And PLEASE buy an accent rug!

One of my former employers decided that my style is decidedly "English" because I like a lot of texture and layers and for everything to be crowded together. While she was referring to flowers, I think this also applies to my style in interior design. I adore pattern and texture. They are stimulating and sophisticated and oh so versatile. The bolder the better. Rooms that lack both pattern and texture just look flat and boring. They feel cold, like a waiting room. Even the smallest hint of pattern can make all the difference in a room so if you can't quite commit to bright colors or a big floral rug or toile wallpaper, start small and introduce patterned pillows for your couch or textured placements or tablecloths, which can be changed when you get bored. Even the smallest little touches can make all the difference.

Rooms don't require bright colors to add depth. These neutral colors emphasize the subtle patterns.

4) The 'Build a Room' Technique

This room is lovely but seriously lacks personality.

Everyone has at least one friend who is guilty of going to one store and buying the bulk of their furniture and decorative items all at once. In the age of Ikea and CB2, this isn't the worst you can do. But please for the love of god, spend the rest of your days adding in some variety so I don't walk into your house and think I have stepped into a catalog. At some point I will drink too much and start referring to your furniture by their store-given names. Do you mind if I perch on the edge of your Karlstad? Wow, I didn't know the Triumph Lounge Chair came in this color! It will happen. I promise you.

I love the variety of style and substance in this dining room.

Last but not least...

5) Design Trends

Just a few recent trends...

Hey, I love faux bois, coral and cardboard antlers as much as the next girl but if you have too many trendy items all at once, it begins to feel like you decorated with a list.  Danish Modern console? Check.  Eames Chair? Check. Birch Tree Wallpaper? In every room. I'm not saying I'm against any of these things or that I haven't fallen for at least three trends every single year but there is a line that must be drawn somewhere. Your home should be a reflection of you and your style and tastes.Who else has your taste? No one, that's who.

Let's also be honest here: sometimes we buy stuff because it is fashionable, not because it necessarily fits us. (Ahem, Skinny Jeans) God knows I love me some rainbow-colored bookshelves but they are not for everyone or for every room.  While they might look amazing against your white walls, surrounded by your neutral couch and love seat, they would look completely out of place in my living room, where they would compete with the other colors and patterns in the room. Also? Don't waste your money on something that you might get sick of in a year or two once it goes out of fashion. Books can be rearranged and that lucite chair from Ikea can be sold on Craiglist but that coat rack with a giant mustache on it that was on virtually every blog ever? In another six months no one is going to want that shit. Your tastes will change from time to time but unless you can afford to redecorate as often as you replace your toothbrush, I'd stick to stuff you know you will want to have around for forever. And by 'forever' I mean 'until you have to move and decide to overhaul your entire style from scratch'.

Images: Elle Decor, The Home Show, Domino, Real Simple, Living, Etc,  CB2, Apartment Theray, My Deco

January Obsessions

Apartment Therapy

House & Home

House & Home

DesignLoveFest

Strikes Our Fancy

Desire to Inspire

More Kitchen Envy

Words cannot express how obsessed I've become with this gorgeous kitchen, which belongs to Anna of Door Sixteen. It is becoming a sickness. I've had the photos up on my computer all morning and in between projects, I keep glancing at them in wonder and amazement as if it could be mine if I just stare at it hard enough.

What I love about this kitchen is how functional it is. You can tell much thought was put into the use of storage vs. open shelving, the accessibility of select utensils and the placement of smaller appliances. Since it lacks the usual line-up of cabinets, both under- and over-head, Anna and her husband had to think carefully about the amount of kitchenware they use and that may be the key to their success in this room. My own kitchen is bogged down with ugly dishes and hand-me-down servingware that I don't really like. (Sorry Mom, but it's true.) Virtually every cabinet, shelf and cubbyhole is packed with pieces that I rarely use. I have 2 sets of plastic measuring cups and three sets of measuring spoons. Who needs that? The lack of storage space and the open shelving forces them not only to pare down their kitchenware but also to pay attention to what each piece actually looks like.

I adore the simple color scheme and how tidy everything looks all lined up on the shelves. Even though much of their dishware doesn't actually match, each piece works well within the over-arching color scheme and as a result, the whole room is more cohesive. I'm also really digging the splashes of pattern in the artwork and dishtowels. This reminds me- I need better dishtowels!

Images: Anna Dorfman of  Door Sixteen

I need an intern just to think of titles for me

I was reading The Kitchn  this afternoon when I spotted this wonderland of loveliness in one of their galleries. I love how much character and personality this kitchen has-somehow a dresser and lamp next to a freaking stove looks chic and elegant.  I'm also mad about the fancy terrariums and the pottery vignette on the open shelving. I would genuinely look forward to cooking if my kitchen looked like this.

You can see a tour of this whole duplex apartment in Dallas over on Apartment Therapy and I highly recommend it because each room is brimming with interesting accessories and layers of pattern and texture. I am especially fond of the exquisite hallway/foyer, which is probably to be expected.

Image: Apartment Therapy

Nook Fetish

Just another addition to my photo collection of breakfast nooks with upholstered benches...

Image: Apartment Therapy

Wallpaper, Inc.

C'est Magnifique Wallpaper by Anthropologie

I just returned from a short trip to Los Angeles where I visited my friend Amy and spent a lot of time fantasizing about how I would decorate her amazing new house. She is doing a wonderful job on her own but you know how I am...

One of the small victories of my trip was convincing her to wallpaper a wall in her kitchen which then led me to go a little overboard researching sample designs while she was at work one morning.

Blazing Poppies Wallpaper by Anthropologie

I decided to stray from my usual go-to wallpaper sources like Walnut, Ferm Living and Cole & Son, and I am so glad because it led me to Anthropologie's excellent collection. Just like the rest of the store's inventory, their wallpaper is delicate and girlish with a hint of charm. Traditional floral and filigree mix here with Shakespearan scribbles and a pattern of miniature tea cups that mimics penny tiles. My two favorites are the French-themed C'est Magnifique and floral Blazing Poppies designs. Although they aren't necessarily appropriate for a kitchen, I just adore the fun pattern of the former and the bright, saturated colors of the latter. I would love to take a bath surrounded by the Eiffel Tower or wake up to those cheerful poppies in the morning.

I also found some good ideas for Amy's kitchen, which is currently under renovation. She has a Black & White theme and a style that is simple and slightly retro but I know she has a tendency toward floral and nature-inspired patterns. Here are some of my favorites:

McGegan Rose by Timorous Beasties

A Stone's Throw Away by Oh Joy! 

Serious Bokay by Nama Rococo

Images: Anthropologie, Timorous Beasties, Hygge & West and Nama Rococo

Kitchen Lust

Can you tell I've become a little kitchen-obsessed? Sorry. I'll probably be on to bathrooms or hallways in about five minutes. I saw Ellie Somerville's kitchen in Lonny a few months ago and it's been stuck in the back of my mind ever since. I adore how simple yet glamorous her kitchen is and though you can't see much of the actual 'kitchen' part, I have a feeling it boasts some seriously cool accessories. What I love about it is that it looks like an actual room and not just the utilitarian walkway that mine is currently. The wallpaper is adhered with renter-friendly double sided tape and the bar is actually a nightstand from Ikea. I've seen it in the store before and never really cared for it but I am loving it in this room!

One last note: I wish my floors were that clean and smooth! No sharp nails sticking out or crooked floorboards, how fancy!

Check out the June/July 2010 issue online to see the rest of Somerville's cheerful apartment here in the city!

Image: Lonny

Kitchen Accessories

My kitchen is woefully under-accessorized. I don't know how I've let that happen. I guess it's because I spend so little time in it. It's mostly like a hallway between my living room and bathroom. It's where I store my liquor and cereal. It's where I keep my mail. It is not where I spend hours slaving over the stove or lovingly preparing meals for my nearest and dearest. In fact, I think my nearest and dearest would probably freak out if I told them I was going to cook for them. They'd think I was trying to poison them. Which I would never do. Duh.

Anyway.

I don't have pretty salt & pepper shakers or a fancy butter dish or even a coveted teapot. Although I do have a pretty awesome teakettle. Here are some finds from Anthropologie (and one from Jonathan Adler) that I've been salivating over for the last ten minutes:

 Lucile Apron (Can I just wear this as a dress?)

L'Epice Jars

Farmer's Egg Crate

Milkmaid Butter Dish

Jonathan Adler

Dark Thoughts

The Diversion Project

Rue

Living, Etc.

Thai Cong via Decorista

Living, Etc. via Door Sixteen

Ruthie Chapman Sommers