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The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: Storage

Guest Post: 5 Ways to Get More Space from Your Kitchen

11 Thursday Jul 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Everyday Design, Guest Posts, The Home

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

aubrey madrona, cleaning, kitchen, kitchen shelving, marble mosaic, organization, pot racks, pull out drawers, space, Storage, wall space

Most people seldom realize that a clean-spacey kitchen is important. If a guest walks in and sees a dirty living room and a clean kitchen, that would at least be pardonable. But if they walk in and see a clean living room and filthy kitchen, the house would look dirty and the people would come across as unhygienic. A dirty living room is better than a dirty kitchen (of course it’d best if you could clean ‘em both).

If you’re looking to redesign your kitchen, instead of just adding that cute colored glass mosaic tiles backsplash or buying the new rose gold flatware set, you might want to consider freeing up some space to make your kitchen look neater. Here are a couple of tips:

Wall Hang-Ups
In these modern times, everything is multifunctional. A sofa actually turns into a bed, a table into chairs, a garden into a party area. A wall is not just a wall. It’s another dimension of usable space. Use it to hang pots, chopping boards, kitchen utensils, ladles. Or if you’re not really into just plainly hanging stuff, then build cabinets into it. It’ll cost you a little more, but at least everything is tucked in – out of sight, out of mind.
Guest Post: 5 Ways to Get More Space from Your Kitchen
Photo Credit: Fresh Home

Guest Post: 5 Ways to Get More Space from Your Kitchen
Photo Credit: Decoist

Organized Shelves
Shelves are very practical for kitchens. If you want easy access to your materials and ingredients, a shelf will do much better than a cabinet. Shelves are also cheaper to make. If you’re the DIY kind of person, you won’t have any trouble at all. However, with shelves, people just tend to get careless over time and just place materials anywhere they want to. To ensure that you stay organized, give each shelf a category – maybe one for spices, one for seasonings, and another for plates or glasses.
Guest Post: 5 Ways to Get More Space from Your Kitchen
Photo Credit: Mackenzie Horan

Guest Post: 5 Ways to Get More Space from Your Kitchen
Photo Credit: DIY Network

Pull-Out Drawers
If you’re still having your house designed, make sure that you’ve got ample drawer space in the kitchen. Or at least have the initiative to add some. Most kitchen designers usually go with a crisp and neat design in mind – so hiding things (or shall we say hiding a mess) is essential. Pull-out drawers are great for hiding utensils and cutlery, it keeps them out of countertops which frankly look better if it were neat. The only complaint people make for pull-out drawers is that you always have to open each one ‘because it’s so easy to forget – good exercise to jog our memory perhaps?
Guest Post: 5 Ways to Get More Space from Your Kitchen
Photo Credit: Home Tone

Guest Post: 5 Ways to Get More Space from Your Kitchen

Under-The-Sink Storage
I’m sure that you don’t use all of your stuff in the kitchen all the time. Most times we like to collect stuff until we don’t use them anymore. So, if you’re not so keen in giving them away, then you could probably hide them under the sink for a while. We mostly put the cleaning detergents there, but you can probably scoot them over so that you can put other “unnecessary” kitchen stuff.
Guest Post: 5 Ways to Get More Space from Your Kitchen
Photo Credit: Real Simple

Guest Post: 5 Ways to Get More Space from Your Kitchen
Photo Credit: Real Simple

Be Responsibly Organized
In order to get that spacey-clean look for your kitchen, there is something that we must personally do – be organized. What good is cleaning a kitchen if we’re just going to dirty it a day later? And this isn’t just a lone ranger’s duty. Everyone in the house should have that collective effort and awareness to keep the kitchen spic and span.

{Aubrey Madrona is a Social Media Specialist. She loves Music and spends a lot of her time playing piano and reading. She’s currently building her reputation as an online writer of Marble Mosaic.}

How to Design a Gorgeous Guest Room

19 Wednesday Jun 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Everyday Design, Guest Posts, Janet Majors, The Home

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

casters, cleaning, decorating, design, furniture, guest room, home, interior design, Storage, vacation retreat

Despite the countless decisions that must be made, most people greatly enjoy decorating their own homes. Its the opportunity to truly express one’s tastes in terms of colors, arrangement, texture, lighting, and much more. Its a chance to create spaces of relaxation and comfort that are truly unique. Unfortunately, one room that often gets overlooked when it comes to decorating is the guest room. Too often guest rooms are either completely bland and reminiscent of economy hotel rooms {see below} or a collection of mismatched furniture that feels more like a storage facility than anything else. However, it isn’t all that difficult to create a gorgeous guest room. Here are some decorating tips.

How to Design a Gorgeous Guest Room

Create a vacation retreat.
Whether a relative is coming to town for a wedding or your best friend is spending his or her actual vacation with you, make your guest room feel like a luxurious hotel room. To do so break out the “good” linens. Since your guest probably won’t be staying more than a week, don’t be afraid to use fabrics that you would typically avoid because they may stain or are fragile. For instance, a thick white down comforter will create a crisp, clean, and comfortable sleeping space.

How to Design a Gorgeous Guest Room
Photo Credit: Avondale Custom Homes

Anticipate the guest’s needs
Decorating isn’t all about appearance. Its also about creating a comfortable, welcoming space. In order to make your guests feel comfortable, anticipate their needs. For instance, someone traveling may be experiencing jet lag or simply want to sleep in, so make sure your guest room has drapes that are up to the task of fully blocking out the sun. In addition, remember that your guest probably won’t need a ton of storage space (since they probably won’t be there long) but they will need surfaces on which to set toiletries (if there isn’t a dedicated bathroom), a cell phone, reading material, laptop, etc. Consider getting nested bedside tables with casters on them. That way, if your guest needs extra space he or she can pull out another table. When no one is staying with you, the tables with neatly stack up. If you can’t find tables with casters already on them, adding casters is a super simple task. Here’s a guide to picking casters based on needs and floor type.

How to Design a Gorgeous Guest Room
Photo Credit: Stage Tecture

How to Design a Gorgeous Guest Room
Photo Credit: Svajoniu

Don’t be afraid of expressing yourself
The truth is, this is a guest room – not a bedroom. Meaning, that the person using the room is simply visiting and not living there. The room is still a part of your house. That means that you should not be afraid to use colors and textures you find pleasing. If you want the space to be neutral, you can still use throw pillows, accessories such as vases or books, or a chair to add pops of color and texture.

How to Design a Gorgeous Guest Room
Photo Credit: About.com

Remember, less is more
Don’t over decorate or clutter up your guest room. Your guest will need a minimal amount of furniture during their stay and will not want to feel overwhelmed with trinkets or bric-a-brac. Go for a bed with a light and heavy blanket (to meet your guest’s temperature needs), nesting tables, a small dresser, hangers in the closet, a lamp, a chair, and a few accessories. Always keep in mind that this is not a storage space! The goal here is to make the room feel clean and simple – not barren. As mentioned above, use color, different textures, and luxurious items to make the space feel welcoming rather than cold.

How to Design a Gorgeous Guest Room
Photo Credit: MSN Living

Keep it clean
Often times, guest rooms sit forgotten and closed up until the days right before a guest arrives. Things will be much easier on you if you keep the room aired out and clean it regularly. If you keep the room sparsely decorated (as mentioned above) cleaning will take no time at all.

How to Design a Gorgeous Guest Room
Photo Credit: Babycenter.com

Make the clearance bin you friend
If you’re on a tight budget, remember that there’s nothing wrong with scoring a deal. Shop seasonal sales or browse the clearance bin for sheet sets, accessories, and even furniture for the space.

Don’t forget your guest room
Whether you have guests regularly or infrequently, put some thought into how the room is decorated. Its your home so always bow to your preferences and taste. Don’t create a space that feels more like an airport hotel room than a welcoming oasis.

How to Design a Gorgeous Guest Room
Photo Credit: Decorator Showcase

Written by Janet Majors

Guest Post: Small Bathroom Design Tips

25 Monday Feb 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Everyday Design, Guest Posts, The Home

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

bathroom, bathroom lighting, color, design, diy, funtion, interior design, joe restivo, lighting, maximize storage, natural lighting, painting, redesign, Remodeling, scardina home services, small bathroom, Storage

Your bathroom may be small in size, but there are clever ways you can maximize the area to create a room that gives the illusion of a larger space. Here are some design tips for transforming your small bathroom into a room that looks both spacious and luxurious.

Color 
Choose a light colored wall paint for your small bathroom because it will give the illusion that your room is open and larger than it actually is. Wallpaper with a subtle design is another great decorative option for your small bathroom. Make sure to stay away from wallpaper with bold prints because it will actually make your bathroom look smaller. Also, select soft colored cabinets and doors that complement the wall coloring you choose for your small bathroom.
Guest Post: Small Bathroom Design Tips
Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

Guest Post: Small Bathroom Design Tips
Photo Credit: Houzz

Guest Post: Small Bathroom Design Tips
Photo Credit: Design Meets Comfort for Veranda Magazine

Storage 
If possible, select a vanity that has cabinet doors to help maximize storage in your small bathroom. You can also add additional storage to the vanity cabinet by attaching side racks to the inside of the doors. Attaching a sink skirt in a shade that complements the wall color will add both beauty and functionality to your small bathroom. Place baskets or shelving under the sink skirt for additional storage that will help keep your bathroom clutter-free.
Guest Post: Small Bathroom Design Tips
Photo Credit: Bathroom Vanity

Guest Post: Small Bathroom Design Tips
Photo Credit: HGTV

Guest Post: Small Bathroom Design Tips
Photo Credit: Two Designing Women

Lighting
Natural lighting for your small bathroom would be the best choice. If that isn’t possible, soft lighting would be the next option. Use a lower wattage light bulb in your fixtures to give a relaxing feel to your bathroom. Recess ceiling fixtures is another design choice that will visually expand the height of your bathroom ceiling. Installing wall sconces on each side of a cabinet or mirror is another decorative design that will add just the right ambiance to your small bathroom.
Guest Post: Small Bathroom Design Tips
Photo Credit: Lighting Guru

Guest Post: Small Bathroom Design Tips
Photo Credit: On Architecture Site

Corner Space 
Make the most of any unused corner space in your small bathroom. If you are actually remodeling the entire bathroom, choose a corner vanity with cabinets for added storage. You can also utilize unused corner space in your small bathroom by installing floating corner shelves or decorative hooks.
Guest Post: Small Bathroom Design Tips
Photo Credit: Houzz

{Written by Joe Restivo and sponsored by Scardina Home Services, a bathroom remodeling company proudly serving the greater Millersville, MD area.}

Pantry and Kitchen Storage Designs

08 Tuesday Jan 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Everyday Design, Guest Posts, Jim Klossner, The Home

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

cabinets, country, glass shelves, Hutches, interior design, Jim Klossner, kitchen, modern, open shelving, organization, pantry, Storage, The Spice House

If you spent a ton of time in your kitchen cooking and baking for the holidays, your pantry and kitchen may be looking as though a hurricane came through (mine is!). Whether you are like me and want to get organized after the holiday madness or you are simply hoping to spice up your space for the New Year, there are a number of great ways to create your perfect pantry or revamp your old kitchen storage. Finding the perfect traditional piece or whipping out an unexpected solution are both smart ways to solve the kitchen storage problem.

Hutches and Country Pieces
If you have some under-utilized space in your kitchen, you may want to think about purchasing a dual shelving unit. A hutch with open shelving on top and hidden storage on the bottom is the perfect solution to free up some space in a crowded kitchen. You can display china or stoneware pieces and store away your old pots and pans underneath. And it adds a warm, country touch to your kitchen.

This white hutch combines a ton of space with a design that can fit in with almost any preexisting look and feel.
Pantry and Kitchen Storage Designs
Photo Credit: House Beautiful

A beautiful two toned version, based on traditional Irish Tipperary Dressers, provides a great backdrop to display antique plates, crocks, or collectibles.
Pantry and Kitchen Storage Designs
Photo Credit: British Cottage

A built-in hutch stands almost flush with the wall and provides an elegant storage solution without taking up too much floor space.
Pantry and Kitchen Storage Designs
Photo Credit: Daily 5 Remodel

Glass Cabinets and Other Approaches
If you don’t have the space available to add a large storage piece like a hutch, maybe it’s time to rethink how your cabinets are arranged, and check some new home designs.

Changing out the cabinets can give your kitchen a quick facelift. These glass shelves create the sense of space, and allow you to showcase your favorite pieces.
Pantry and Kitchen Storage Designs
Photo Credit: House Beautiful

This extremely modern approach to cabinets combines storage space with beautiful recessed lights for a practical effect.
Pantry and Kitchen Storage Designs
Photo Credit: Digs Digs

This take by Lago completely reimagines what kitchen cabinets are supposed to be, and allows you to make a really personalized statement on what kitchens can look like.
Pantry and Kitchen Storage Designs
Photo Credit: Fresh Home: Design & Architecture

Open Shelving
Open shelving is another practical option for organizing your pantry or adding a new, functional design element to your kitchen. You can opt for floor to ceiling shelves to maximize your storage space, or simply hang a few open shelves above your table.
Pantry and Kitchen Storage Designs
Photo Credit: House Beautiful

Partial glass covers create a shared cabinet and open shelving feel that totally functional, but with a beautiful design.
Pantry and Kitchen Storage Designs
Photo Credit: Apartment Therapy

Free hanging wall shelves can be combined to create any combination of storage necessary for your particular kitchen set.
Pantry and Kitchen Storage Designs
Photo Credit: Remodelista

Vertical Storage
I also stumbled across another innovative storage solution that I would never have thought of but absolutely love. This vertical storage option is a pole with a wide base that can be placed on a center island or countertop. And the best part is that it rotates, similar to a display that you’d see in your favorite store, so that you can easily access whatever you need at your convenience.
Pantry and Kitchen Storage Designs
Photo Credit: House Beautiful

An interesting arrangement of wall hangings allows for vertical storage of pots and pans.
Pantry and Kitchen Storage Designs
Photo Credit: Contempoo

Vertical drawers are great places to store plates, platters and other dishes, in this slide in example that you can work into existing cabinet space.
Pantry and Kitchen Storage Designs
Photo Credit: Shelterness

This variation offers a vertical spice storage solutions that’s brilliant, and takes up no space at all!
Pantry and Kitchen Storage Designs
Photo Credit: Home Edit

Whether you are hoping to get organized or would like to achieve a different look for your space, you can accomplish your goal with these innovative storage solutions. Your kitchen will be gorgeous and have your stuff put away in no time!

Jim Klossner is a home improvement professional and amateur chef who needs lots of storage in his kitchen! You can find Jim reviewing products online for The Spice House. Visit their site to see some of his favorites.

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