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Simple Guidelines for Space Planning plus Trending Kitchen Design Inspiration

One of the ‘basics’ of kitchen design is space planning. Space planning in the kitchen may be less gratifying than choosing the cabinets, counters and lighting but if it’s not right the overall design can look pretty silly. Today you’ll learn some simple guidelines for space planning plus you’ll get some trending kitchen design inspiration.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ashley Whittaker
 

Space planning is generally about function, particularly in the kitchen. Kitchen trends come and go but we still cook and eat, prepare the morning coffee, bake, and entertain in the kitchen so functions don’t change that much.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
KC Interiors

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McAlpine Tankersley
 

Guidelines for Space Planning in the Kitchen

 
With the popularity of the open floor plan and ‘big island’, the work triangle has recently been overlooked in kitchen space planning, but for reasons of practicality, it’s still part of a well-designed kitchen especially with one to two cooks in the kitchen.
 
A work triangle is the placement of the refrigerator, stove/oven and sink within a 27 linear foot triangle. Each ‘leg’ or foot path of the triangle should be around 9 linear feet. 
 
To put an island in the middle of the triangle, or to have one of the three workstations too close together creates a restriction in movement, both perceived and actual. A well-designed kitchen has a fluid, well edited floor plan and when planned well, it can include an oversized island.
 

Additional Kitchen Design Requirements

 
Beyond the work triangle you need ample counter space, not too shallow, not too deep. You need several types of lighting. If you cook large, daily meals or entertain a lot, you’ll want an additional sink.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lonny
 

The Importance of Planning Size of the Kitchen Island

 
Islands and bars have been popular items for some time. Many clients ask for islands in their designs but if they’re not well thought out or sized properly, they create problems.
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Better Homes and Gardens

 
I was working with an architect and builder many years ago on plans for the construction of a large mountain home. The architect had designed one of my least favorite living spaces: the Great Room. Right away I noticed the island extended too far into the living/dining area leaving virtually no room for a dining room table and chairs.
 
Fortunately, we were able to cut down the depth of the bar to accommodate the dining room set but the bar ended up looking skimpy. It was a trade-off. The architect made a mistake. You can design a house on paper but to make it livable, you need a strong sense of how people will actually place the furniture.
 
In this case, instead of an over scale curved bar dividing the kitchen from the dining area, a straight bar would have been more practical and attractive.
 

Trending Kitchen Design Inspiration

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kelly Wearstler
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jean-Louis Denoit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Elle Decor
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kara Childress
 

Space Planning Over Kitchen Design Style Trends

 
Space planning is an integral part of designing and furnishing a home. If you don’t have a good floor plan, even though you might think it looks attractive, it will never function right and therefore never look right either. Once you’ve addressed the function and traffic flow of the room, and have the bones right, you can decorate it to suit your own distinctive style.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Shiree’s Style File

 
When planning a kitchen, place the stove, refrigerator, and sink first then build on the plan by neighboring task related areas next to its corresponding workspace. For instance, place drinking glasses next to the sink, spices and olive oils near the stove, and baking ingredients in or near the island.

The work triangle should be 27 feet or less, with no single leg shorter than 4 feet or longer than 9 feet. No major traffic patterns should cross through the work triangle.

Work aisles should be at least 43 wide, 48 inches wide with more than one cook.

Follow these simple space planning guidelines when designing your next kitchen remodel.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cote de Texas
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rue Magazine
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Zsa Zsa Bellagio Blog
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simplified Bee

Deciding the Size, Scale and Budget of Your Kitchen Project

Cover of the Kitchen Budget Design and Remodel Starter Kit complimentary download.

 

If a kitchen remodel is in your future, start preparing early with my Kitchen Budget Design and Remodel Starter Kit  to help you manage your remodeling budget with clarity and confidence.

Simple, effective budgeting formulas for your kitchen remodel or makeover. In this complimentary download, you’ll get:

  • My good, better, best sample budgets to help you know what to expect in advance.
  • The Classic 50/30/20 Formula to help you determine how much of your own household income to dedicate to home improvements.
  • Product and materials price ranges.
  • 2 timelines, one for budgeting and one for your projects.
  • And a premier that I’m super excited to share to help you design, plan and implement your own kitchen projects!

Grab the Kitchen Budget Starter Kit here.

Thanks so much for dropping by Joy of Nesting!

Shiree’ xo

 

PS – Don’t forget to check out my other kitchen articles like the 30-Day Game Plan for Your Next Kitchen Remodel too!

 

Kitchen Improvements to Make Until You’re Ready to Remodel

Making improvements to your home can be daunting, especially when it involves the kitchen. There is the economy, home values and interest rates to consider, and then there is allocating funds or borrowing money; hiring the right help; and making a myriad of design decisions. Here is my List of No Reno Kitchen Improvements to make until you’re ready to remodel.

 

Beautiful, glass door built ins for kitchen, with sliding doors displaying china and ceramic collections.

 

AGA Interior Design

Kitchen Improvements to Make Until You’re Ready to Remodel

Use attractive, natural baskets for organizing inside of drawers and cabinets.

 

Organizational Products are a Great Kitchen Improvement 

Designing your kitchen and home via zones is a super-efficient way to get organized.

You don’t need Martha or Marie to tell you when you need to get organized! You know. What you really need is impetus and the best
impetus I’ve found for getting organized is to clear out all the clutter. Discard, repurpose or donate anything that drags you down
or that you no longer use.

Make a trip to the hardware and container stores before you begin and get pretty containers and handy tools. So. You may need to make a few trips but here is a check list to get your started.

 

Here are organizational products needed for most kitchen projects.

Baskets, bins and crates in different sizes.

Drawer dividers (bamboo is nice!)

Labeling gun for binders and labels.

Manila labels for labeling baskets.

Tote bags/kitchen pot rack hangers for hanging totes.

Ties for organizing electrical cords and wires.

Binders, pocket divider pages and a triple hole punch for organizing papers that can’t be stored digitally.

Lifts and pull-out drawers for inside cabinets.

Lazy Susan’s

Natural cleaning tools.

 

A Good Cleaning Until You’re Ready to Organize

Aside from the huge energy boost you’ll get from cleaning your kitchen really well, is the fact that cleanliness begets cleanliness. Meaning, you and your family will be more likely to keep a kitchen clean that’s already clean.

This is factual and is based on the Graffiti Theory in which an offender may feel more inclined or justified to commit crimes in an area where crime hasn’t been confronted. 

Resist the urge to clean the counters first. Because the counters will be a staging area as you clean, they will most likely need to be cleaned last. After organizing drawers, cabinets and pantry, clean surfaces in the following order.

Cabinet, drawers, pantry interior.

Cabinet fronts.

Windows.

Items displayed on counters.

Tops of picture frames and glass.

Counters/Backsplashes.

Floors.

Sink and faucet.

Natural Cleaning Products

I like Mrs. Meyers products including their Clean Day Glass Cleaner, Method, Murphy’s Oil Soap for hardwood floors and Dr. Bronner Sal Suds all-purpose cleaner for linoleum floors. 

Style Your Kitchen with Things you Already Have

Remember this, styling with items that are useful looks more natural and less staged. Just choose items that have similar styles or colors as your kitchen design scheme.

Cook books.

Serving pieces.

Attractive dishes, matched sets.

Baskets.

Pottery.

Jugs and pitchers.

Potted plants and floral arrangements, fresh &/or faux.

Style Your Kitchen with New Things you Buy 

On the other hand, buying new things will give you the added benefit of freshening up the look of not only the kitchen, but when done right will look great next to the things you already have. This mixing of styles and era’s gives you a look that evolves nicely and looks original. 

Paint

Whether remodeling or not, painting your walls and cabinets can easily and affordably update the overall look of your kitchen. I love Dunne-Edwards high end paint for cabinets. Painting cabinets is best done by a professional with a sprayer. 

One of my favorite affordable upgrades is painting the existing cabinet bases, doors and drawer fronts and replacing the upper cabinet doors (that have the outdated arched frame) with a ribbed or etched glass door or a door that has a matching frame. 

Replace Door and Drawer Fronts and Pulls

Replacing the door and drawer fronts is the most expensive of the no-remodel kitchen upgrades and does require painting to provide continuity between the original bases and new fronts. It’s a fantastic way to get a whole new look for your kitchen affordably.

Purchase a Freestanding Island

The sweetest little addition to your kitchen is a freestanding island. Boos has some beautiful models and you can often find similar styles discounted at Home Goods and other discount stores.

Zero Budget

Cleaning, organizing and styling the counters and tables with things you already have are your only options when your budget is zero, but you can make get a lot of accomplished when you’re willing to do the work! 

Deciding the Size, Scale and Budget of Your Kitchen Project

 

Cover of the Kitchen Budget Design and Remodel Starter Kit complimentary download.

 

If a kitchen remodel is in your future, start preparing early with my Kitchen Budget Design and Remodel Starter Kit  to help you manage your remodeling budget with clarity and confidence.

Simple, effective budgeting formulas for your kitchen remodel or makeover. In this complimentary download, you’ll get:

  • My good, better, best sample budgets to help you know what to expect in advance.
  • The Classic 50/30/20 Formula to help you determine how much of your own household income to dedicate to home improvements.
  • Product and materials price ranges.
  • 2 timelines, one for budgeting and one for your projects.
  • And a premier that I’m super excited to share to help you design, plan and implement your own kitchen projects!

Grab the Kitchen Budget Starter Kit here.

Thank you for dropping by Joy of Nesting.

Shiree’ xo

 

PS – Don’t forget to check out my other kitchen articles like the 30-Day Game Plan for Your Next Kitchen Remodel too!

How to Create Better Health and Wellness in Your Home

 We learned from the Pandemic that we need health and wellness practices that are grounded in our homes.  That means our homes must support us in all our health and wellness endeavors, with or without a gym membership. In this week’s Joy of Nesting, you’ll learn how to create better health and wellness in your home.

Why You Need Better Spaces for Connection

Being at home so much has made everyone think differently about how your home supports your health and wellness. Now and for the foreseeable future, your home you most important asset and not just as a financial investment. From an emotional standpoint too.

 

 

 

You need it look beautiful and support of the kind of lifestyle you want to lead.

A bright, well-planned kitchen for prepping healthy meals. A bedroom designed as the perfect down time respite. A beautiful, comfy common area or two for reconnecting with yourself and loved ones. Inspiring spaces for your workouts. And cool, restful color schemes. 

A beautiful room has all the power of the ocean because it elevates your mood, energizes or relaxes you, and most importantly it inspires you to live a healthier, happier, more balanced life. 

 

 

Making your home ‘user friendly’ doesn’t mean you have to give up the aesthetics you want either, in fact, quite the contrary. How it looks is actually super important too.

I’ve got you covered.

Where to Begin

Whether you design one room or your entire home you want the styles and colors to flow; to form a visually unified whole. In design terminology we call that unity or cohesiveness.

I always start with the living room. Sometimes you need additional window space, sometimes you need a doorway widened, and sometimes you need a strong visual anchor (some might call it a focal point) like a mantel, fireplace surround and flanking built-in bookcases. It depends on the home and budget.

 

 

Above, Leanne Ford

 

 

 

Wellness Begins in Your Kitchen

If your kitchen is due for a remodel, employ one of the most important and often overlooked tenants of kitchen design: the Work Triangle.

Simply stated, the work triangle refers to the distance between the three main workstations: the stove, the sink and the refrigerator. This triangle ideally totals around 27 feet in diameter with each leg of the triangle consisting of roughly 9 feet. These distances, in close proximity of one another allow for optimal workflow.

Not everyone wants to remodel their kitchen, but there are several things you can do without a ton of remodeling such as new cabinet and drawer fronts, a new sink and faucet, paint, pulls and lighting. These provide a lot of bang for your buck.

The easiest, most affordable way to remodel your kitchen is to keep the footprint. That is to say, keep the base cabinets, appliances and kitchen sinks where they are. No plumbing or electrical changes will likely be needed, and you can focus your budget on any combination of the following: appliances, new cabinet doors, a new sink, hardware, flooring, lighting, countertops, back splashes and paint. 

For the Furniture and Accessories

Choosing furniture and accessories is an art, not a science. Therefore, strict decorating rules really don’t apply. However, there is always one best furniture arrangement in almost every situation.

Start each room by placing the largest pieces first, with no furniture placed on diagonals. When first starting out, I like to stand in the main entrance to the room, where you approach the room, generally coming from a formal or informal entry. I try to make the biggest design statement from this vantage point.

In my own living room, you turn left from the formal entrance from a double wide doorway with a Palladian arch Since only the side of the fireplace is seen upon entry, I placed the sofa to be the main focal point facing the entrance. The sofa, main armchairs and cocktail table are grouped around the fireplace, floating in the room.

I also chose this floating arrangement because the room is over 800 square feet and a room this large really needs two to three conversation areas, or furniture groupings.

 

 

 

An average size sofa is 90 inches wide. An average size chair is 34 inches wide. For larger rooms you can go well over 100 inches for sectional sofas and 40 inches for armchairs. Just remember with pieces this large, other furniture will look dwarfed if they’re not to this scale.

 

 

Choose simply and elegantly designed cocktail tables and lamps. A lot of designers think they can save their clients’ money by choosing cheaper lamps and tables but really, it’s better to save money on the overall size of your home rather than skimp on quality anywhere else in the home.

Today good quality lamps cost $800- 2,000 per lamp. Similarly, many cocktail tables today have poor quality and tacky design. When in doubt, choose iron framed designed cocktail tables with simple finishes in gold, black or gunmetal gray and thick, beveled glass tops. Wood finishes are particularly sensitive to nicks and chips in many of today’s products so again, go with high quality brands.

Warming up the Dining Room

I’m fond of telling my clients and readers that a dining room is a vast sea of wood. Think about it. Wood chairs, wood table, wood sideboard. Add to that wood frames on the floors, base and crown molding and doorways. It has all the potential for being the coldest feeling room in the home!

For this reason, I always have at least two chairs and drapery panels done in fabric. I love to coordinate them with whatever is going on in the formal living room, even if they not within sight of one another. Whether you have print fabrics or solid fabrics include a sense of continuity between the two formal room’s finishes and materials.

 

 

How your rooms flow; where you place furniture; how densely you furnish your home; the amount of natural light it has; the ceiling height; even the dimensions of the doors all add up to the overall feel of your home.

A home that’s open with plenty of natural light, natural materials, healing colors and clean lines give your home, and thus, you the feeling of wellness and contentment.

Thanks for dropping by Joy of Nesting! I love sharing all my best design and wellness tips with you right here on the blog and on my InstaGram page! But I also created this great little, at a glance check list to help you better navigate the whole new world of Wellness Design! It’s free yes, but it acts as a great primer and outline for your journey to a healthier home.

Here is the link to the Wellness Home Check List.

See you next time friend!

Shiree

For more on spaces for reconnecting with yourself and loved ones, check out “The Functional Home: How to Use all the Rooms in Your Home”.

Edit this post.

The Top Five, Most Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Remodeling Your Kitchen

Remodeling your kitchen is hands down, the best improvement you can make to your home, it’s resale value, connection with your family and most importantly, your overall health and wellness. But as with anything that adds tremendous value, remodeling can also be a nightmare if you don’t have a plan. Here are the top five, most costly mistakes to avoid when remodeling your kitchen.

 

kitchen with modern elements

 

Emma Courtney, above.

 

The Top Five, Most Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Remodeling Your Kitchen

Choosing the Wrong Kitchen Appliances

Appliances take a big bite out of the budget. For choosing appliances, I like to use a simple valuation method to start with before I create my actual budgets. My favorite method is the Good, Better, Best Method which you can find out more about in the download below.

As an example, Thermador or Viking would be in the Best category, Frigidaire, Bosch or luxury appliances bundled in package deals would be in the Better category, and Whirlpool, Maytag, open box appliances, appliances on sale and appliances with scratch and dent discounts would fall in the Good category.

Choosing the Wrong Contractor for Your Kitchen Remodel

When choosing contractors and builders, ‘more’ is definitely better. Always hire the most experienced people you can find. It can be hard scheduling them which is one of many reasons you want to start planning early in your kitchen remodeling process.

Hiring better, more experienced people will help you avoid costly mistakes, construction delays, overspending and general frustration in general. Choose licensed contractors with at least 15 years’ experience. 

Changing the Kitchen Plumbing

Keeping appliances and supply and drainpipes, etc. in the same place generally saves a lot of labor costs. Sometimes it’s worth it, as when you’re expanding the actual size of the kitchen, but only when the budget allows it.

When expanding the size of the kitchen, it’s best to hire an experienced kitchen designer to help you with the floor plans.

Not Having a Plan

This one is huge. There are so many moving parts to planning your kitchen and remodel: so many decisions to make. Remember, if you fail to plan, plan to fail.

Some of the decisions you will make:

Appliances

Cabinetry

Flooring

Lighting

Floor Plans

Budget

Project Management

Securing or Allocating Funds

Scheduling

Hiring Help

Not Knowing Your Kitchen Remodeling Budget

It’s surprising how many people delve into a kitchen remodel with what they think is a budget, only to find out they don’t have a clear idea of costs. Generally speaking, kitchen remodels cost around $25,000 to $35,000 for a basic remodel; $50,000 to $75,000 for a mid-range remodel; and $80,000 to over $100,000 for luxury, high end kitchen remodels. 

 


 

I love helping you weave through all the challenges building a nest can bring your way, so dig a little deeper and grab a premier copy of my download “Good, Better, Best Budgeting for Your Kitchen Design and Remodel“. 

In it you’ll get …

 

  • My good, better, best method for determining the perfectly, perfect sized remodeling project just for you.
  • The classic 50/30/20 Formula to show you how to determine the size of home improvements, according to your very own household income.
  • A pretty little journal to keep track of your first big decisions on your kitchen remodel.
  • A checklist of home design features you might consider in your remodel, with lots of wellness goodness in mind.
  • And a very special introduction, that I’m super excited to share with you, so click over and grab your download. Hurry!

 

That’s it for today! Bye for now, Shiree’

 

Need a few tips on making your weekly grocery list a health filled powerhouse? Get my best salads; tips for making healthy food taste super good; food shopping tricks; my favorite plant-based meals; and more in my post, My Excellent Weekly Grocery List!

A 30-Day Game Plan for your Next Kitchen Design Project

Smart investors know that remodeling during a recession has its advantages. Renovating during a recession is preferable to selling and buying another home. Renovations are typically more affordable during recessions. Renovations during a recession are generally easier to schedule. And better workmanship is easier to obtain during a recession. Here is a 30-day game plan for your next kitchen design project, for those willing to step outside your ‘economic comfort zones’ and remodel during an economic downturn.

If news about the economy has you canceling your kitchen remodel, keep in mind we are not officially in a recession. The National Bureau of Economic Research has not declared that yet.

 

stainless streamlined appliances

 

 

Smart Kitchen Remodeling Price Ranges During a Recession

Historically, recessions have proven to be a good time for home improvements, often inspiring us to do the work and make the improvements while staying in homes we may otherwise have sold.

When remodeling during recessions or economic downturns, focus on high return improvements like lower to mid-range kitchen remodels around $30,000 to $50,000. Unless your home is in a city with higher-than-average property values, high end, luxury kitchen renovations won’t typically see a great return during a recession.

30 Day Game Plan for your Next Kitchen Design Project

When planning your next kitchen design project, several factors will be considered including:

  • Determining your budget.
  • Securing or allocating funds.
  • Finding and hiring a contractor or builder.

Determining Your Budget

Kitchen remodels vary depending on where you live; the size or scope of the project; and the product brands you choose but typically you can budget anywhere from $25,000 to over $100,000. Use the Good, Better, Best method as a guideline when pricing products and materials.

As a general guideline, you can expect your budget to go as follows:

  • 25% cabinetry
  • 20% appliances
  • 15% flooring
  • 20% labor
  • 10% counters, backsplashes
  • 5% sinks, faucets, lighting
  • 5% miscellaneous

If you plan to sell your home within a five-year period, then consider remodeling your kitchen an improvement on your home investment and only spend what you can recoup.

Securing and Allocating Funds

There are several ways to fund your kitchen remodel, each with its own pros and cons. Consider in your decision making, things like interest rates, tax deductions, loan fees and deposit dates due to your contractor.

  • Refinancing your home.
  • Home equity loans.
  • Personal loans.
  • Loans against your retirement plans.
  • Withdrawal from savings or from an investment.

 

Finding and Hiring a Contractor or Builder

Start by getting personal referrals from neighbors and friends. Next, check out membership sites like NKBA and NARI. Search reviews online. Once you have three to five candidates, reach out to each one individually.

  • Ask if they are licensed and insured.
  • Can they provide references.
  • Who will be working on your project? 
  • Determine the dates they will work on your project, should you come to an agreement.
  • How will they bill you for their time, and what are payment expectations.
  • Generally, its recommended to find a contractor with at least five years of experience, however, I feel fifteen years is much better.

 

When to Hire a General Contractor

It’s always best practice to hire a general contractor for large projects that require multiple permits and subs, as with a major kitchen remodel. 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

I love helping you weave through all the challenges building a nest can bring your way, so dig a little deeper and grab a premier copy of my download “Good, Better, Best Budgeting for Your Kitchen Design and Remodel“. 

In it you’ll get …

 

  • My good, better, best method for determining the perfectly, perfect sized remodeling project just for you.
  • The classic 50/30/20 Formula to show you how to determine the size of home improvements, according to your very own household income.
  • A pretty little journal to keep track of your first big decisions on your kitchen remodel.
  • A checklist of home design features you might consider in your remodel, with lots of wellness goodness in mind.
  • And a very special introduction, that I’m super excited to share with you, so click over and grab your download. Hurry!

 

That’s it for today! Bye for now, Shiree’

 

Need a few tips on making your weekly grocery list a health filled powerhouse? Get my best salads; tips for making healthy food taste super good; food shopping tricks; my favorite plant-based meals; and more in my post, My Excellent Weekly Grocery List!

ing during a recession may seem counterintuitive, but there are definite advantages for those who are willing to venture outside their ‘economic comfort zone’, when others are not. To help you find your own comfort zone, use this 30-day game plan for your next kitchen design project.

 

Great Decorating Checklists for Fall, Plus My Favorite Fall Foliage!

Everyone loves this time of year, but if I were to be completely honest, I would tell you I hate to see the end of summer! Regardless, I have some great decorating checklists for fall, and I’m sharing them with you today plus, my favorite fall foliage!

 

Living room with orange theme and Chinese Lantern bouquet.

 

TORY BURCH
 

Great Decorating for Fall

 
Great decorating for fall takes on significant meaning because of Thanksgiving. I love keeping various decorative items in my home for the change of seasons but because space is limited, I have to pick and choose carefully.
 
 
Here are some lists and tips to help make autumn decorating and entertaining a little easier.

 

Living room in neutral color schemes accented by classic furnishings.
 
 
Grant K. Gibson
 
 
 

My Own Decorating for Fall

 

No matter what season we’re in, I love decorating with anything that has a purpose such as platters, bowls, vases and books. This is especially true in fall, however.
 
In the entry, I generally swap out my faux boxwood for a fall bouquet of Nandina Heavenly Bamboo from the yard. For years I didn’t care for Heavenly Bamboo. Now I appreciate it for its low maintenance and consistent fall color.
 
I also love to bring out my cream-colored ceramic turkey candlestick holders and place them on my entrance sideboard, on a tray, next to my silver service set. They add a subtle reference to Thanksgiving that I love. I have eight of them and they hold small, tapered candles.
 
 

Fall centerpiece of persimmons and orange ranunculas in a silver, footed container.

 
 
 

Decorating for Fall, in the Dining Room

 
In the dining room, I add faux or real autumn fruits to the serving pieces already there and place seasonal tea towels on the ends of the glass bar cart. With its curtains, slipcovered end chairs, pair of 20-inch potted olive topiary and dining table centerpiece, a tray of wine glasses and bottles of liqueur, the room is festive to begin with.
 
 
 
Ralph Lauren interior, antique black book case, antique chair.
 
 
 
 
Ralph Lauren
 

Decorating for Fall, in the Kitchen

 

In my kitchen, I do a small autumn floral arrangement and put out fresh pumpkins and persimmons. I also have a bunch of little pumpkin shaped candles that I place on my counters and windowsills providing it’s not too hot outside.
 
For fall decorating, swap out or add to your rooms, a few of the following items:
 
 

Fall Decorating Checklist, for Everyday
 

 
Seasonal wreaths
 
Lap blankets in autumn tones
 
Coffee table books featuring fall themes
 
Salt and pepper shakers
 
Pinecones and best quality dried and faux fruits and vegetables
 
Ceramic and iron statuary (stags, turkeys, horns of plenty, wheat sheaths, pumpkins)
 
Autumn shaped and autumn scented candles
 
Best quality faux and dried floral and foliage
 
Fall themed napkin rings
 
Theme based hand towels for the bathroom (try not to go too obvious or overboard here!)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fall Decorating Checklist, for Festive Occasions

 
 
Tablecloths in tones of burnt red, chestnut or deep olive green
 
Napkins, paper and fabric
 
Serving platters, rustic or refined
 
Special vases (as opposed to plain, clear glass)
 
Fine China, crystal and silver
 
Handmade ceramic dinnerware and serving pieces
 
Rustic wooden salad bowls
 
 

Antique screen used in sitting area

 
 
 

Color Schemes for Fall Decorating

 
The fall colors below go with many decorating schemes and can be added for a beautiful, seasonal change:
 
 
Russet
 
Dijon
 
Chestnut
 
Teal
 
Pumpkin
 
Terra Cotta
 
Sage, emerald or Kelly green
 
Apricot
 
Warm white
 
Dark brown (brown textiles tend to be flat so look for items that have a sheen to them such as chenille, velvet or mohair)
 
 
John Saladino Designed living room
 
 
 

My Favorite Foliage for Fall Decorating

 
Any fall foliage is beautiful indoors. If you’re lucky enough to have them and know how to work with difficult materials, branches of maple, fig, pomegranate, and pear can be spectacular entrance arrangements.
 
Remember to pulverize a few inches of the ends of the branches so they can absorb water. Use a tall, narrow, heavy vase for such arrangements and a sturdy, heavy “frog”.
 
Nandina/Heavenly Bamboo

Liquid Amber

Pyracantha

Boxwood

Persimmon

Pomegranate

Pear

Myrtle (lasts forever, or almost!)

 

Sitting area in light fall colors of whites and russets

 
 

Decorating the Table for Fall

 
Decorating the table for fall is something we all love. For important occasions, my best advice is to do a mockup table a week or so in advance. For residential events I always start with the room’s overall design. What is the color scheme?
 
How many people will be seated? How much room will you have for the centerpiece? Try finding a common thread between the occasion and the existing interior.
 
If your dining room is in shades of blue, you can add pumpkin colorations because blues and oranges together are complementary on the color wheel. If your color scheme is in olive green and shades of red, you can play off the red with russet and brown because russet has a lot of red in it to begin with.
 
 
 
Festive dining room table setting with orange charger, monogrammed napkins and kumquat centerpiece.

 

Start with the tablecloth and dinner plates. I like to add a contrasting salad plate for visual interest. Add the napkins.
 
As you go, keep in mind the flowers and plant materials that will be readily available to you. Focus first on practicality. Nothing too high for sit down dinners at home.
 
If you have, say, eight to ten tablecloths or two or three dish sets to choose from, it will allow you more creativity. If not, start with the basics you do have and use stuff from your garden or nature for decorative touches.
 
Lastly, do the centerpiece and choose the napkin rings or place card holders if you have them. The napkin rings or place cardholders are where you can be really clever such as with a sly reference to the event or a thoughtful take away favor for your guests.
 
 

 

 

I love helping you weave through all the challenges building a nest can bring your way, so dig a little deeper and grab a premier copy of my download “Good, Better, Best Budgeting for Your Kitchen Design and Remodel“. 

In it you’ll get …

  • my good, better, best method for determining the perfectly, perfect sized remodeling project just for you.
  • the classic 50/30/20 Formula to show you how to determine the size of home improvements, according to your own household income.
  • a pretty little journal to keep track of your first big decisions on your kitchen remodel.
  • a checklist of home design features you might consider in your remodel, with lots of wellness goodness in mind.
  • and a very special introduction, that I’m super excited to share with you, so click over and grab your download. Hurry!

 

That’s it for today!

Happy Thanksgiving! Shiree’

 

PS- for more on kitchens, check out my article, Three Remodeling Budgets and Check Lists for a Health-Conscious Kitchen! 

Edit this post.

Health and Wellness Features for Your Kitchen

light filled kitchen with wood floors and natural elementsHaving a well-designed kitchen totally levels up how you live and take care of yourself in your home. If your kitchen is beautiful and efficient, you are much more likely to spend time there, enjoying connecting with your loved ones and doing all the things that promote health and wellness. Let’s talk about some great health and wellness features for your kitchen.

Health and Wellness Features for Your Kitchen

As an interior designer and wellness expert, I love designing kitchens around health and wellness!

I love including in kitchens the things that really matter like places for connecting over meal prep; smart refrigerators with family hubs; and streamlined good looks. In this blog I’m sharing an at-a-glance check list to help you create beautiful, health promoting features in your kitchen. It’s without a doubt, the hardest working, most important room in your home!

Soothing Colors and Textures for the Kitchen

Soothing colors are cool and muted. They are colors like pale blue, light green, dusty lavender and subtle neutrals.

Textures that add comfort to your kitchen can come from baskets, wood and tile. 


Supports Healthy Meals and Food Prep


Optimizing your kitchen can be done without the need for structural changes when you organize it by work zones. Identify your three most frequently done tasks (chopping; juicing; baking; stove top; cleaning; blending etc.) and optimize those work zones first by having the things you need for each task in nearby drawers.


Windows and Views of Nature


Bringing nature into your home via windows and glass doors such as French doors not only expands your spaces visually, but also brings emotional wellness and stress relief into your home.

Opening windows daily during the most temperate times of the day, even just a crack freshens air and ventilates rooms beautifully. Also see ventilation.


Fresh Flowers and Plants


Plants add beauty, elevate mood, reduce stress and improve air quality. Biophilic design pertains to designing and living with plants. As a designer, I know from experience that homes don’t look finished without potted plants and flowers.


Air Quality and Ventilation


Poor indoor air quality is a known health hazard with fumes emitting from paint; carpets; building materials; cleaning products and more. When building or buying a home consider installing a HEPA air purifier or at least have the air tested by a professional.

This is especially important for children, elderly and anyone with chronic health problems.


Non-Toxic Flooring in the Kitchen


A knowledgeable flooring specialist is so helpful when choosing flooring and building materials as there as so many things to consider. I like Green Building Supply online. They have stylish, non-toxic, certified safe for
sensitivities options including phthalate-free luxury vinyl tiles, certified safe and ecofriendly bamboo and hardwoods. If you decide on engineered wood flooring, choose ones that are made with urea-formaldehyde glues.

When choosing any wood products ensure they are not made with excessive formaldehyde.


Safety Features for the Kitchen


So important considering many disasters happen right in your own home! Work with licensed, reputable building professionals for all building and remodeling projects. Safety features includes properly installed electrical systems, home fire sprinkler systems, slip resistant flooring, anti-scald faucets, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and more.


Other Non-Toxic Kitchen Building Materials


Choose building materials that are non-toxic and mildew resistant such as stainless steel, copper, ceramic tiles, zinc, quartz, porcelain tile, cork, linoleum. Though there have been questions on the safety of granite and
marble, through various studies they are still considered a safe option for the home.

Request spec sheets on any materials you use to ensure good certification standards, especially with MCS (multiple chemical sensitivities).


Bringing the Joy


This one is highly personal and so often underestimated! Things that bring joy to your home are things you find to be beautiful, useful, spiritual and/or sentimental. If you’re lucky, everything in your home will have at
least one of these components. Ideas: framed photos, heirlooms, mementos from travels, gifts from your family and friends, things from nature.

I have my maternal, great grandmother’s antique bread bowl and my paternal great grandmother’s engraved sterling silver flatware. Especially cool is the fact that the latter’s monogram was S!

 

Kitchen Amenities


The kitchen is the hub of the home now more than ever thanks to all this great new technology! For the appliance lover there are steam convection Ovens, smart refrigerators, voice activated faucets and smart range hoods.

Design your kitchen around healthy meal prep with plenty of antimicrobial counter space and tools like Acme juicers, Excalibur dehydrating trays and blenders such as VitaMix.


Kitchen Work Zones for Meal Prepping


The family room is not the only place to reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. Try rethinking your kitchen for two cooks. Cooking and eating your meals together is one of life’s great pleasures. 


Smart Kitchen Features


Technology and wellness do not always mix with EMF’s covering most of our urban areas. Decide on your priorities from choices like smart hubs, smart appliances, climate control and security features.


Antibacterial Kitchen Counters and Surfaces


Quartz and ceramic counters, and wood and bamboo floors are generally speaking, the healthiest choices for your home. When choosing flooring consider the manufacturing processes too, as many floor types have phthalates, formaldehyde and noxious adhesives.

Granite requires sealing but is still considered a healthy surface.

 

 


 

I love helping you weave through all the challenges building a nest can bring your way, so dig a little deeper and grab a premier copy of my download “Good, Better, Best Budgeting for Your Kitchen Design and Remodel“. 

In it you’ll get …

 

  • My good, better, best method for determining the perfectly, perfect sized remodeling project just for you.
  • The classic 50/30/20 Formula to show you how to determine the size of home improvements, according to your very own household income.
  • A pretty little journal to keep track of your first big decisions on your kitchen remodel.
  • A checklist of home design features you might consider in your remodel, with lots of wellness goodness in mind.
  • And a very special introduction, that I’m super excited to share with you, so click over and grab your download. Hurry!

 

That’s it for today! Bye for now, Shiree’

 

Need a few tips on making your weekly grocery list a health filled powerhouse? Get my best salads; tips for making healthy food taste super good; food shopping tricks; my favorite plant-based meals; and more in my post, My Excellent Weekly Grocery List!

How to Create a Budget for Your Next Kitchen Remodel (within Your Household Income)

As if finding a contractor or builder for your kitchen remodel weren’t enough, you have to create a spending plan! I’ll show you how to create a budget for your next kitchen remodel within your household income. 

You will know going into your next kitchen remodel, what a reasonable budget looks like before you create one of your own.

 

kitchen with modern finishes

 

Photo credit unknown

Budgeting Kitchen Remodel Formula’s Within Your Household Income

There is a classic budgeting tool from Elizabeth Warren and the co-author of their book, “All Your Worth” that helps you determine a percentage of your total income towards 3 basic ‘life’ categories.

  • Essential expenses 50%
  • Non-essential expenses 30%
  • Savings, investments and/or debt repayment 20%

I love to use this tool as a basic guideline as I plan my own budgets. Of course, you can tweak these percentages for your own use. For instance, if your home is paid and you have no debt, you might adjust your formula by lessening your ‘essential expenses’ and increasing your savings and investments. 

Using these percentages is an excellent way to determine where your budget is right now, and then once you have determined your own comfort zone, your own dollar amount, you can self-select from my Good, Better, Best Kitchen Remodeling Budgets later in this article. 

To get itemized breakdowns of costs for things like appliances, cabinets, countertops, etc. be sure to check out my download “The Wellness Kitchen Good, Better, Best Budgeting for Your Kitchen Design and Remodel” at the bottom of this page! 

 

Good, Better, Best Kitchen Remodel Budget Plans

Good $25,000-$50,000

Better $50,000-$100,000

Best $100,000 and up

When creating a budget for your kitchen remodel, always keep in mind the real estate values in your neighborhood and how your home value compares to other homes in your area. Your home value should play a part in your overall budget. 

If your home is in a low cost of living area, choose the Good Budget model. If it’s in a high cost of living area, choose the Best Budget model. 

 

 

 

 

 

I love helping you weave through all the challenges building a nest can bring your way, so dig a little deeper and grab a premier copy of my download “Good, Better, Best Budgeting for Your Kitchen Design and Remodel“. 

In it you’ll get …

  • my good, better, best method for determining the perfectly, perfect sized remodeling project just for you.
  • the classic 50/30/20 Formula to show you how to determine the size of home improvements, according to your own household income.
  • a pretty little journal to keep track of your first big decisions on your kitchen remodel.
  • a checklist of home design features you might consider in your remodel, with lots of wellness goodness in mind.
  • and a very special introduction, that I’m super excited to share with you, so click over and grab your download. Hurry!

 

That’s it for today! Bye for now, Shiree’

For more on kitchens, check out my article, Three Remodeling Budgets and Check Lists for a Health-Conscious Kitchen! 

How to Choose, Budget and Plan Your Next Home Remodel

The pandemic has changed how we live in our homes. With more people working from home and exercising at home than ever before, we’ve become more focused on making our home fit the different roles in our lives. If your home isn’t functioning well for you, here are some tips on how to choose, budget and plan your next home remodel.

 

 

 

While making improvements to your home may or may not add immediate value on paper, it stands to reason that if other homes in your neighborhood are being upgrading, it’s something you should investigate too. Here are some benefits, pros and cons to consider when you plan your next remodel.

Choose, Budget and Plan Your Next Home Remodel

As a guideline for you, I’ve chosen the best interior additions and upgrades for you to consider. Obviously, priorities vary slightly for everyone. Some people care more about the budget and home dollar value while others are interested in lifestyle improvements.

 

 

 

 

Choosing the Best Home Remodel Projects

Kitchen remodels

Bathroom remodels

Flooring

Upgraded windows and doors

Casing, molding and hardware

Built-in bookcases

French doors

Fireplaces and mantels

Sky lights and solar tubes

Home offices

Lighting

Home gyms or workout rooms

These last four are for homes in neighborhoods with enough home value to justify them economically.

Media rooms

Wine cellars

Guest houses

 

 



 

Planning your Remodel Budget with Cosmetic Upgrades Only

If your home was built before 2,010, chances are your kitchen needs a cosmetic upgrade. Anything older 2000 might need a complete kitchen remodel because of the advances in kitchen design in the past 20 years but if the basic footprint is efficient there are a lot of ways to do that without gutting the kitchen like keeping the wiring plumbing and base cabinets the same and replacing the cabinet doors, appliances, flooring, countertops, backsplashes, sinks, faucets, windows, paint and lighting.

 

 



 

Flooring

Flooring is not that difficult to choose if you have these easy perimeters to follow. Stick with the basics. I love solid hardwood. It’s costly at first but when worked into the life of the home is actually cost efficient when building new or right after you’ve just purchased the home. This way you will re-coop your investment. I don’t care for engineered wood. It can’t be refinished. 

Wool carpet looks better and stays beautiful longer. It’s also healthier. As far as being a compassionate choice, I have my doubts. That’s up to you to decide. There are some health sensitive or ‘green’ carpets available that are made from corn. 

 

 



 

New Windows and Doors

Improving your home with new windows will of course add value to your home but choosing the right style is important too. Consider the architecture. Is it contemporary or traditional? Contemporary style windows don’t usually have grids or panes but rather large expanses of glass.

What materials already exist in the home? If you have light floors, it might look best to do light wood windows. Vinyl windows are easier to maintain, but wood windows are a natural product, are better for the environment, and are beautiful to the eye.

Will sun or privacy be an issue? Protecting your floors and furniture from the sun will be something to consider.

Built In Bookcases and Cabinets

Built-ins like bookcases and cabinets are my favorite architectural details. Without built-ins, a home lacks that distinctive feeling of permanence or purpose. They aren’t that hard to design if you know where they should go, and what they should look like. Coordinate them with your other architectural features like windows, floors and doors.

 

 



 

Skylights and Solar Tubes

The most astounding, small home improvement I’ve seen in years is the series of skylights my good friends Charlene and John installed in their downsized home several years ago. The home is now open, and light filled, and, in the Spring, you can see the tops of their flowering pear trees. As we age, our eyes (and moods!) require light. Skylights are wonderful improvements to consider whether you’re selling or staying put. 

French Doors

If your home is beautifully landscaped with plantings, patios or views, French doors add tremendous beauty and pleasure to home life. Any room in the house will benefit from them. Match the materials to your windows, casing and molding. They are particularly in keeping with an “indoor/outdoor” living style. When deciding on improvements, French doors are not the first, most important improvement for your home. They are something to consider “after” more important improvements have been made, such as kitchen and bathroom updates.

 

 



 

Consider in home improvement than just adding to the dollar value of your home. Think about function and aesthetics, how long you’ll be in the home, the overall value and condition of the neighborhood, the “emotional” appeal the improvements will have on potential buyers, and the enjoyment you’ll derive from the improvements. 

Budgeting for a Kitchen Remodel

 

 

I love helping you weave through all the challenges building a nest can bring your way, so dig a little deeper and grab a premier copy of my download “Good, Better, Best Budgeting for Your Kitchen Design and Remodel“. 

In it you’ll get …

  • My good, better, best method for determining the perfectly, perfect sized remodeling project just for you.
  • The classic 50/30/20 Formula to show you how to determine the size of home improvements, according to your very own household income.
  • A pretty little journal to keep track of your first big decisions on your kitchen remodel.
  • A checklist of home design features you might consider in your remodel, with lots of wellness goodness in mind.
  • And a very special introduction, that I’m super excited to share with you, so click over and grab your download. Hurry!

 

That’s it for today! Bye for now, Shiree’

For more on kitchens, check out my article, Three Remodeling Budgets and Check Lists for a Health-Conscious Kitchen! 

The Kitchen: the Most Crucial Room in the Home

Self-care really begins at home, right? And much of it happens in the morning, in your kitchen with that first cup of coffee or green tea. The kitchen is the most crucial room in your home. But how does yours work in the morning? Does it support you and your special needs? Does it inspire you to begin your day in a healthy, proactive way? 

 

 

The Most Crucial Room in the Home

 

I get that not everyone wants to fully gut their kitchen. If you’re building a home, it’s a great opportunity to design it right the first time and I have strategy sessions available for just that contingency. But for now, let’s look at things that can be done without a big, expensive set of blueprints.
 

Small Kitchen Appliances

 
Some great small appliances for making you feel pampered are a VitaMix, KitchenAid mixer, Breville juicer and proper Dualit tea kettle.
 
Keeping these in easy to access places will save the strain to your wrists and hands. Or think about adding an appliance garage during your next kitchen remodel.
 
 

Appliance Garages, a Great Kitchen Addition

 
Appliance garages are a nice addition when you have small counter appliances. They keep appliances at an easy-to-reach counter level but stored behind doors for a cleaner appearance. 
 
 
 
 
Light and shadow filled breakfast room decorated with an abundance of plants.

 

Mornings in the Kitchen 

 
How do you start your day? Is it with a cup of organic green tea with organic, raw unfiltered honey or hot water with a squeeze of lemon juice? Or is it artificially flavored coffees and a chemical laden bottled creamer? These are important choices you make each day when you prioritize your health. If you are not aware of this or if you don’t practice these things at least five or six out of seven days a week, managing your health will be an uphill struggle.
 


Function and Beauty Can Co-Exist in the Kitchen

 
 
Little round cabinet knobs are not convenient or comfortable to use, if you have any arthritis going on. It’s okay to opt for larger, D-shaped pulls instead. There are plenty of great looking styles that are also functional to choose from.
 
A single lever faucet is a great addition and a small investment. I can nudge it off and on with my elbow and it extends and retracts too. Even better is a touchless faucet.
 
Rocker style light switches are so much easier than traditional toggle light switches. These are standard in new homes. They often come outfitted with sliding dimmers, also easier than the old round style dimmers.
 
 

Other Additions

 
For the tech lover, smart refrigerators create grocery shopping lists, share calendars, inter family notes and photos, and even stream movies and music. The latest smart faucets measure the amount of water dispensed and even control the temperature.
 
If your counter space is limited, install an under the counter pull down or pop-up shelves for your juicer, blender, etc. If your kitchen is equipped with shallow, full height pantry style cabinets the middle, arm height shelves are perfect for heavy pots and skillets. There are quite a few price options for DIY, custom and semi-custom projects.
 

The Work Triangle

 
If your kitchen is ready for a remodel, employ one of the most important and often overlooked tenants of kitchen design, the work triangle.
 
Simply stated, the work triangle refers to the distance between the three main workstations: the stove, the sink and the refrigerator. It is ideally around 27 feet in diameter. Each leg of the triangle should consist of roughly 9 feet. That’s nine feet from the sink to the refrigerator, nine feet from the refrigerator to the stove, and nine feet from the stove back to the sink.
 
Kitchens with more than two cooks often prefer the large island and open plan concepts.
 

Kitchen Tools: It’s in the Details

 
Little things can be such a joy, can’t they? Before unpacking my kitchen, my helpers lined my cabinet and drawer shelves and installed bamboo divider trays in my drawers and every time I open them, I feel special.
 
It’s easy for me to keep things organized when my drawer and cabinet interiors look so pretty! I also love having fresh tea towels for drying hands, clean white flour sack towels for drying glasses and dishes (aren’t they the softest and most absorbent towel ever?) and cotton wash cloths for wiping the counter.
 
The little tools you keep around your kitchen sink like special dish soaps and scrub brushes are not a big expense but add a little joy to your day. With arthritis, we must really limit our exposure to toxins so choose your cleaning products with care. Remember your skin absorbs everything… but more on that another time.

Self-Care Priorities in the Kitchen

 
The most important tasks that take place in your kitchen “hands down” are related to taking care of your health and wellness and they are juicing and salad making. Fresh green juices and big raw salads are really part and parcel to a healthy eating plan. I’m committed to making these two essentials happen each and every day.
 
They help you live at a much higher level, with more energy, they manage inflammation, balance your mood, help your skin, hair and nails look their best and they slow down aging. I talk a lot about the importance of adding daily juicing and raw foods to your eating plan on the blog and in my eBooks and eCourses.
 
Getting off to a good start in the morning will make it easier to keep that ball rolling all day. 
 
 

 

I love helping you weave through all the challenges building a nest can bring your way, so dig a little deeper and grab a premier copy of my download “Good, Better, Best Budgeting for Your Kitchen Design and Remodel“. 

In it you’ll get …

 

  • My good, better, best method for determining the perfectly, perfect sized remodeling project just for you.
  • The classic 50/30/20 Formula to show you how to determine the size of home improvements, according to your very own household income.
  • A pretty little journal to keep track of your first big decisions on your kitchen remodel.
  • A checklist of home design features you might consider in your remodel, with lots of wellness goodness in mind.
  • And a very special introduction, that I’m super excited to share with you, so click over and grab your download. Hurry!

 

That’s it for today! Bye for now, Shiree’

 

Need a few tips on making your weekly grocery list a health filled powerhouse? Get my best salads; tips for making healthy food taste super good; food shopping tricks; my favorite plant-based meals; and more in my post, My Excellent Weekly Grocery List!