A Chef-Style Kitchen

As a new employee at the Kitchen and Bath People I have been flooding myself with images, articles, blogs, websites, and magazines relating to kitchen and bathroom design with the goal to inspire and educate myself so I might share these new discoveries with you. With the guidance of Phyllis and Les to point me in the right direction, so far I have made some exciting discoveries from innovative projects to fabulous designers.

One telling of the times trend is our increased time spent at home. The "economic crisis" has had some positive repercussions if one can think optimistically. More time at home, especially at meal time as we tighten our financial belt, leads to quality time with loved ones as we help in the kitchen and share meals around the table. Cooking for yourself and family is nourishing for the body and soul and allows a real appreciation (and awareness!) for what we are putting into our bodies. Maybe we'll take more time to savor and enjoy, allowing a slower paced and healthier lifestyle.

With a movement leading us to spend more time in the kitchen, kitchen design is leading towards an efficient, "chef-style" space with open shelves, utensils sitting right out on the counter, and keeping everything used often visible and easy to access. I love this style! In a way it seems to add softness and personality to the space. The kitchen is an open book!

Here are some ideas to make your kitchen more user friendly:

Julia Child's peg board wall of cookware is genius! If you have nice pots and pans, why not show them off? And what about this simple idea my husband once pointed out to me in a Crate and Barrel catalog...Don't know where to store those lids to your pots and pans? Just slip the handle for the lid right onto the handle of the pan and voila, problem solved!

A photo from Ina Garten's barn kitchen, designed by Robert Stilin and House Beautiful's "Kitchen of the Year," shows that separating wood and stainless utensils in separate containers keeps them organized and identifiable.

These wall racks by Fagor are fabulous! They keep everything you might need in site but off the counter space. Being ultra flexible, you can easily add and take away what you decide to hang from these racks.Here is an installation shot of a Sachen Kuchen kitchen. As you can see, there are many options out there, including some with integrated under cabinet lighting!

If you are interested in a kitchen or bathroom remodel or addition, please visit our website at thekitchenandbathpeople.com

Photo Credits
Photo 2: Crate and Barrel online, Photo 3: Julian Wass for House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year, Photo 4: Fagor catalog, Photo 5: Sachsen Kuchen-USA website