Design Notes
The kitchen is undeniably the most used area of the home, whether it is making the morning coffee before heading out the door, making the kids a snack when they come home, or sharing the day’s events as you make dinner. It is the central hub of the house, and where everyone can just relax. This also means that there is a lot going on, making it important that things have a place and stay there. There is nothing worse than a kitchen that is messy, cluttered, and dysfunctional. We wanted to share some organizational tips and helpful tricks that can help you organize your kitchen.
Stations
The kitchen is a multipurpose space, meaning that cooking, baking, and even drinking are done all within one space. Sometimes, the best thing is to create designated areas that have everything needed to accomplish the task. This means less bumping into one another and more getting done.
- Beverage: Creating a place where the to-go cups, coffee mugs, and sweeteners are all in one place can be the best solution to those early mornings or family gatherings. Consider placing the Coffee maker near the cabinet where the mugs are stored. Even better, how about a unique cabinet created just for that on an easy roll-out drawer?
- Spice rack: When you cook, it is tiring to have to constantly walk around the kitchen looking for that one additional spice before you can finish that meal, not to mention having to wipe your hands before opening the numerous cabinet doors to find what you are looking for. Having the spices all neatly tucked away in a simple roll-out cabinet or on a shelf tucked neatly beside the stove.
- Baking: Cookie sheets, rolling pins, mixing bowls, and cake pans can all be stored together in one area. A tray divider is a great addition to the lower cabinet, while the remaining items can be stored in an upper cabinet. Locate both near the oven, and baking will be much easier.
- Cooking: Pots and pans should be located near the stove and sink to make filling and washing easier. The less distance needed to transport a full pot to the stove, the less mess is likely to happen.
Each station serves a purpose and allows more than one person to be in the kitchen simultaneously, which allows more to be accomplished in the same amount of time.
Storage
There are a lot of things that end up in the kitchen, including larger items such as crockpots, air fryers, and Dutch ovens. These items are useful, but they are heavy and bulky to store. It’s usually best to keep them in a lower cabinet because it is easier to lift them up instead of down. When placing your items in the kitchen, plan on putting lighter ones in the upper cabinets and the bulkier ones in the bottom. Drawers are also a great solution since they allow you to pull everything out to see instead of trying to push things out of the way. Remember that if you rarely use an item, it can be stored in the pantry or even the garage, freeing up space for items used regularly. Talk to your designer about what you have and what is a must in the kitchen. They can help you find the storage solutions specific to your needs.
Space
One way a kitchen can be made to feel disorganized is through clutter. Since so much takes place in the kitchen, it’s easy for this space to become the homework station, office, and craft room. Keeping a designated drawer or specific area for these items will keep the kitchen area more organized. It is, however, essential that the kitchen stay as intended. If a little writing area is needed, make sure to include a space for a small desk in your design or double-sticker drawers for more storage.
Walker WoodworkingThere is more to color than simply a large selection of hues. Color sends a message and can represent thought and emotion, especially in the world of design. Each year, Pantone announces its choice for the color of the year, a tradition that started in 1999, and designers everywhere eagerly await the news. Classic Blue was this year’s choice of color, a color that represents the future.
As we prepare to close the door on one decade and begin anew, many are filled with anticipation of what the coming year will bring. Blue has always been associated with stability, relaxation, and tranquility, as is seen in nature with the ocean and sky. We understand that hectic schedules and stressful office days generate a need for a place to unwind and completely relax. Here are a few ways to incorporate the color of the year into your home and give it that welcoming environment that will last throughout the coming decade and beyond.
Walker WoodworkingLight is one of nature’s most captivating elements, and its presence has the power to transform a space. In the world of interior design, natural light plays a vital role—not only by enhancing aesthetics but also by elevating the overall atmosphere of a room. It can create dramatic contrasts that bring depth and interest to a space, while also highlighting architectural and design features.
Natural light, when thoughtfully incorporated, makes interiors feel larger, warmer, and more welcoming. At Greenbrook Design, we embrace a design approach known as daylighting—the intentional use of natural light to shape how a space looks and feels throughout the day. It’s one of our favorite tools in the design process.
Here are just a few reasons why we love incorporating natural light into our projects…
Walker WoodworkingRugs have long been a staple in interior design, often described as the “shoes” of a room—they complete the look. Whether subtly complementing a color palette or boldly standing out as a statement piece, rugs add warmth, texture, and personality to any space. A well-chosen rug can effortlessly transform the entire feel of a room.
However, traditional rugs come with their share of drawbacks. From frequent deep cleaning (which often means renting equipment and moving heavy furniture) to concerns about allergies and curled edges that pose tripping hazards, maintaining a rug can be more work than many homeowners anticipate.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce an elegant, low-maintenance alternative: Vintage Vinyl floor cloths.
In today’s tech-savvy world, it’s easy to find decorating tips and budget advice with just a few clicks. Popular shows on networks like HGTV make home remodeling look fast and effortless—transforming entire kitchens or bathrooms in under an hour. While these shows are inspiring, what often goes unseen is the extensive planning and detail required behind the scenes to bring those transformations to life.
At the heart of nearly every successful project is one key factor: staying on budget.
Window treatments not only provide shade and privacy, but they also allow the homeowner to show their personality. No person is the same, and neither should their window treatments. They are meant to be a reflection of you and your style. Whether you prefer a more contemporary or traditional style, solar or soft roman shades, wood or pleated, Graber’s vast array of colors, options, and designs will surely suit anyone’s taste. Learn more about Graber on our product page or come visit us in our showroom located in Shelby, NC, and ask to see our Graber display. We would love to help you add the finishing touches to that space where nature and home meet.
Greenbrook Design
Greenbrook Design