Setting-up a Kitchen Storage

Decorative boxes are wonderful for nonromantic things you don't need to see but want close at hand, such as coupons, receipts, or personal, private items. There are always "dainties" things you don't want anyone to see, that can be contained in an attractive tin or box. You can leave a multitude of objects out in plain sight as long as they are grouped in a still life and are attractive to the eye.

Use see-through containers to store items you are attached to and enjoy looking at. Why hide butter cookies in a tint or pottery canister when their so pretty and fresh looking? Keep them in a glass cookie jar instead, where they will excite taste buds and warm hearts. Everybody has a obvious kitchen gear - plates, bowls, glasses, mugs, pots and pans, flatware, small appliances, and staple foods that need to be easily accessible on a daily basis. Rather putting the most frequently used dishes and glasses in one place, have everything separated into groups. All glasses go in a cupboard so you see the whole range at a glance. All dishes should be visible as you reach to make a selection.

By grouping your necessities into specific categories, they will look organized inside your kitchen shelves. You can now easily locate a stemmed glass for your orange juice, and a pretty porcelain dessert dish for scrambled eggs.

Think of upgrading what you use, not downgrading. If you have kitchen space restrictions, eliminate the items you don't like, not your favorite "good" dishes. Inevitably you'll come across some odds and ends, gifts you don't like but you like the giver, presents from children you can't part with, and some overly ornate objects you now know were a mistake to buy because you've only used them once. Spend some time assessing your categories and strike a healthy balance.

Organizing Your Kitchen

Continue to categorize methodically until you have examined each pot, pan, mixing bowl, and small appliance. The kitchen is a natural gathering place for unnecessary gadgets—the doughnut makers and waffle irons you haven't used in twenty years. You might be appalled at tie blackened, greasy cookie sheet taking up pace in your kitchen shelf. No item should be depressing, no matter how necessary. The life span of kitchen miscellany isn't equal to our own, therefore you should treat your household to an upgrade throughout the years. Always try to balance the practicality of kitchen article with its design. The tools of he eating ritual should be beautiful as well as useful.

Do you have a good place to store wine, liquor, juice, and soft rinks? Do you have a specific spot in the kitchen for flower arranging near where you store flower containers? Do you have a drawer for can-lies and holders so it is easy to reach for a few and light them for a simple meal? Do you have a place for napkins—both paper and cloth—where you can see at a glance what you want for the occasion? By being strict about your categories, no matter how varied the sizes, shapes, color, and materials, you will be putting your house in desirable order. When all your kitchen paraphernalia, including trays, baskets, and aprons, are in designated places, the family can help you keep these objects in their places.

Store your flat silver side by side with your stainless steel. Don't have a hierarchy for "everyday" verses "best" because when your finest things are out of reach or out of sight, getting them down for the holidays or other special occasions will be an exhausting process. Every day is a celebration, and you should use some of your favorite things to ritualize meals with your family. A favorite desert plate can make some fresh strawberries an elegant and deletions experience. Even in a smallest apartment, make room for your finest possessions. If you have to give up some things, they should be the dishes and glasses you don't love to make room for your best. Meals are ceremonies that should be as beautiful as can be.

Kitchen Decorating

Decorating Tips:

- In front of a kitchen window, put a flowering plant in an oversized terracotta pot, or pant violets in pinks and purples in smaller flowerpots to keep on the tiled windowsill. Even an old metal watering can filled with freshly cut daisies can add a hint of nostalgic texture.

- wrought iron rack can display several towels in front of a kitchen window.

- a dozen inexpensive plaid, checked, and striped cotton dish towels kept in a stack next to the kitchen sink will add softness.

Set out some fruit in a wooden bowl or in a basket on a tile or granite countertops, for a soft contrast. Beautiful hand-woven baskets can be found in all materials from all regions and cultures. Aside from being hand-made and functional, they're extremely decorative.

If your kitchen counters are wood, try a pottery or glass bowl with fruit.