Friday, July 17, 2009

Kitchen Organization: Dream It



The Kitchen: Let's Get It Organized


Before we start actually moving your dishes and things, let's start at the very beginning. Put on your swim suits because we're just going to dive right in!


[Image Courtesy of: Country Home]



1. Imagine Your Dream Space

If you had the kitchen of your dreams, what would it look like? Close your eyes and dream. As you walk into the room, what paint color is on the walls? Is it a soothing blue, a vibrant red or a creamy white? Is there a vase of flowers on counter? Do you have a kitchen table? Is there space for one or do you have a large kitchen island with bar stools? What sort of things do you smell? Is there banana bread in the oven? A candle or tart simmering on the stove? When you walk into this room,what do you feel? If you could have the kitchen of your dreams, what would it be like?

We will start there. Imagine your dream space. Nothing is to big and nothing is too small. It is your dream.



2. Love What You Have

At this point in time, with a crazy economy and so many people loosing their homes, I'm sure you can agree with me when I say that I am thankful just to even have a kitchen. Though there are flaws and things I'd like to change or fix, I'm so grateful to just have a place to prepare dinner each night. But, there are other things I love about my space too. I have incredibly deep cabinets. If I'm not organized, things can get lost! I love the lilac bush right outside of my large kitchen window. I like the size of my kitchen. I'm thankful for the space. I'm also thankful for newer appliances. And I love the fact that there is space for a kitchen table - or a one day kitchen island.

So often we just focus on the negative things in our lives. We may not mean too, but often times, that's what comes to mind! As we're wrestling with our Tupperware or the smoke alarm is buzzing again because last nights dinner is burned to the bottom of the oven. But what is great about your space? There has to at least be one thing. And if you can't think of anything - at least you have a kitchen.

Now figure out what you love.



3. Observe Your Dynamics

When looking to make some changes, first you must know what you want to change. Take a couple of days - preferably a couple weekdays and one weekend day - to take note of how you function in the space. What are your routines like? What sort of path does your family make in the space? Do you toss your purse, the mail and keys on the counter? Do the kids use the table for homework? Do you often bake? Where are your cookbooks? Are you hunting for that can of green beans you swore you had? Where are your spices located? Could you find the cinnamon if you needed it? Where are your dish towels located? Can the kids easily get to them if they need to help dry dishes? Are there pets? How do they function in the space? Are there food bowls nearby?

There are just some questions just to get you thinking. Really take some time to observe what is working and not working for you. And, if you're not sure, just observe what your family does in the kitchen.


Okay, that's enough for today. You've got a big assignment! It's not too hard though. This is really going to be fun. I promise.


If you have a second and already know what your dream kitchen would be like, let me know. I'd love to hear about it! Do you already have your dream kitchen? I'd love to hear about that too!


15 comments:

Lucy Marie said...

The kitchen I have now is pretty great but in my dream kitchen I would have a floating island with my dish washer built into it. I would also have my pots hanging on a large iron wheel and a space to display all my cook books!

Jenna said...

but i dont have a kitchen :(

the undomesticated wife said...

I don't know what my dream kitchen would be. I don't cook. I do love mine though, for the size and the fact that we have an island. I really wanted that when we were looking at houses. However I hate the flooring, the counters and am not found of the cabinets. LOL

I do love looking at pics of kitchens. Isn't that weird for someone who doesn't cook? :b

Michelle said...

What a well-written post! Love your positive attitude :) Thanks for the reminder to be more thankful....we lease the condo where we live and I really, really, really DO NOT like the white walls, cabinets, counters, flooring, lacking in storage, etc. (Would love to paint but cannot.) But you are so right; I certainly AM so grateful to have a kitchen! Looking forward to the next part in your kitchen posts :)

Thanks for the comment you left on my blog...appreciate your visit...come on back anytime!

Have a lovely weekend!
~Michelle

Tracey said...

Well, you've got me thinking. I'm really going to think about it this weekend, as I'm alone, and really decide what it is I want and how my kitchen functions. Thanks!

Angela said...

I'm not sure what my dream kitchen would look like. I love the idea of having shelves in the kitchen to store cookbooks, similar to the ones in the picture above. And I love white cabinets. But beyond that I don't have a very clear idea.

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

This is going to be good, and I look forward to reading this series from you! I love your kitchen even though you have posted a picture of it. You have the best kitchen window!

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Shannon said...

It makes life so much easier to have an organized kitchen. Love your tips!

Anonymous said...

Funny..Im working on my kitchen again too~

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

So glad to find your blog while blog hopping today. I love making new friends and finding new blogs.
I enjoyed my visit to yours.


http://teresa-grammygirlfriend.blogspot.com/

The Runyans said...

we live in a 900 square foot home. we are building right now. blessed by God. . .anyways. our kitchen isn't huge in the new house, but it is amazing, and i'm so so thrilled and can't wait to cook and be up there, so i'm so excited to read your mini-series. we are moving next week, so i need help getting everything organized!

The Runyans said...

i posted a sneak peek of my new kitchen on my blog. . .i've been going through the layout and trying to figure out what to put in every drawer.

Small House said...

Lately, my kitchen is seriously suffering in orderlyness. (is that a word?)

Thanks for the tips!
Sandra

Mandi Shandi said...

Those pics are awesome. I love to look at pretty kitchens. I have a hard time with being content and happy with what I have. I always want to change this or that. Oh, pack your bags and come craft with me in my "new to me" room! I bet we could make some pretty stuff!

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