Hi there! I’m so glad you’re here. As a seasoned interior designer who loves cooking, I am passionate about designing beautiful, functional kitchens. A kitchen should look great and practical, ensuring every space is optimized for seamless cooking and entertaining.
My approach goes beyond mere aesthetics; I focus on how a thoughtfully designed kitchen can enhance daily life. With my extensive experience and a keen eye for detail, I strive to transform kitchens into efficient spaces that truly reflect my clients' needs and how they live in their homes. I am excited to share my design insights with you and some personal tips I’ve learned during my time in the kitchen with my family. As a mom, I know a kitchen needs to work as hard as we do. It’s not just a place to cook; it’s a space for juggling meals, homework, and family conversations—all at the same time. I hope that together, we can elevate your home, and your culinary experience.
1. Define Your Goals
2. Establish a Budget
3. Find Inspiration
Before starting your kitchen remodel, it’s important to take the time to brainstorm what you hope to achieve with a new kitchen. Do you dream of spacious storage, a seamless cooling workflow, or a space where friends and family can gather to make memories in the everyday?
With your objectives in mind, the next step is to plan a realistic budget. Having a professional by your side can be invaluable during this process, as they can use their expertise to provide information on potential costs and help you make selections that align with your goals. This collaboration also allows you to identify areas where you can save money without sacrificing goals.
Many options are available for exploring different designs and styles to find inspiration that resonates with your taste and needs. Whether browsing online galleries or visiting showrooms, gathering ideas will help you envision the ideal kitchen layout and features.
The kitchen is more than a place to cook; it's a central space for gathering, socializing, and creating memories. Functionality should be at the forefront of your kitchen design. When designing kitchens for my clients, I take the time to get to know them and their families to understand how they live in their kitchens and better accommodate their daily routines and activities. Do you need more room for meal prep or a spot for casual dining? Cooking in a well-designed kitchen is like having the perfect recipe—it blends functionality, efficiency, and a touch of beauty to create something extraordinary. Understanding these needs helps create a kitchen that is not only practical but also enhances your lifestyle. Thoughtful planning ensures every inch of your kitchen serves a purpose, making it a joy and centerpiece of your home.
The kitchen work triangle, consisting of the sink, cooktop, and refrigerator, is a time-tested design principle that enhances workflow efficiency. As someone who loves to cook, I know that a kitchen should feel intuitive—a place where everything you need is within reach, so you can focus on the joy of creating.
By strategically positioning these three essential areas, you create a natural pathway that minimizes movement and maximizes productivity. I make sure to adapt this classic concept into any kitchen design while adding a personal touch based on each client’s needs and how they plan to use their space - this might look different for someone who is an avid chef than it does for someone who just loves to entertain. But with the work triangle as your foundation, the kitchen becomes a well-organized space where everything is within reach and your experiences, whatever they may be, are more enjoyable through practicality and convenience.
Choosing the right kitchen layout is essential for optimizing space and functionality. Each layout type, such as U-shaped or galley, offers unique advantages that can cater to different needs. Designing kitchens as a mom means thinking about the little things—like a spot for kids to grab snacks independently or a layout that keeps everyone connected while dinner’s on the stove.
Cabinet choices are equally important; they should provide ample storage while enhancing the kitchen’s overall look. I always recommend selecting cabinetry that fits your style and improves organization and accessibility. Mom life taught me that you can never have too much storage. A family-friendly kitchen needs to handle everything from pots and pans to lunchboxes and art supplies. Incorporating features like pull-out shelves, deep drawers, and custom inserts can make everyday tasks more efficient. Thoughtful design choices ensure your kitchen is practical and aesthetically pleasing, allowing you to make the most of your space.
Proper lighting and ventilation are essential elements of a functional kitchen. Selecting a mix of task, ambient, and accent lighting enhances utility and ambiance. Placement is key: under-cabinet lights illuminate work areas, while pendant lights add charm over islands and dining spaces. Equally crucial, proper ventilation maintains air quality and comfort. Integrating high-efficiency range hoods and strategic vent placements keep your kitchen fresh and inviting. These thoughtful choices create a well-lit, comfortable environment that enhances your cooking and dining experiences.
Kitchen islands have evolved into versatile hubs, providing both extra workspace and a social gathering spot. When planning your kitchen island, it's essential to consider the flow and function of the space. I like to focus on creating an island that balances practicality with style, ensuring it complements your cooking habits and family dynamics.
A kitchen designed for cooking doesn’t just serve the cook; it welcomes the family. It’s a space for tasting spoons, little helpers, and shared meals around the counter. It’s essential to assess the available space to determine the best seating options, whether bar stools for quick meals or a more extended dining setup for larger gatherings. The goal is to seamlessly integrate the island into the overall kitchen layout, making it an inviting place for meal prep, casual dining, and social interaction.
Selecting the right materials for your kitchen surfaces is essential for durability and aesthetics, especially for families! I also recommend materials that can handle the wear and tear of daily use while complementing your kitchen’s overall design. Quartz, granite, and butcher block blend resilience and style for countertops. Each material has unique benefits, from heat resistance to easy maintenance, so choose one that fits your cooking habits and design preferences.
As a cook, I’ve learned that good design is about finding the perfect place for every tool, ingredient, and gadget—because when everything’s in its place, cooking becomes a joy. When it comes to flooring, think about both comfort and durability. Materials like tile, hardwood, and luxury vinyl provide robust options that withstand heavy foot traffic and spills.
Integrating smart technology into your kitchen design offers remarkable convenience and efficiency. Imagine a refrigerator that alerts you when groceries are running low or an oven you can preheat from your smartphone. As exciting as these modern-day advancements may be, it’s important that they blend well with your overall design. With many options available on the market today, I always take the time to understand my clients' needs and lifestyles and carefully select the appliances and features that will complement their cooking habits and aesthetic preferences. With smart technology, you can streamline meal prep, improve energy efficiency, and even enhance safety with features like smart smoke detectors and security cameras without compromising style or functionality.
Renovations can be a significant disruption, but careful planning can minimize the inconvenience. Setting up a temporary kitchen space in another part of your home is essential. Think about incorporating a portable cooktop, microwave, and mini-fridge to keep meal prep manageable. Plan simple, no-cook meals and stock up on non-perishable foods to ease the transition. Take advantage of this time to declutter your kitchen items. As you renovate, assess what appliances and utensils you need and consider donating or discarding those that no longer serve you. This process can make your new kitchen design even more enjoyable and effective.
Communication with your contractor is key—discuss the project timeline and identify any particularly disruptive phases so you can plan accordingly. Flexibility and preparation will help you maintain a sense of normalcy while your dream kitchen takes shape. Keep a positive mindset throughout the renovation, focusing on the result! Set small weekly goals and celebrate your progress, no matter how minor. Recognizing these milestones can help keep your spirits high during the challenging renovation moments.
Creating your dream kitchen is filled with anticipation, creativity, and thoughtful planning. By focusing on functionality, selecting quality materials, and integrating smart technology, you can transform your kitchen into a space that truly serves your lifestyle. With my experience as an interior designer and as a mom in the kitchen, I enjoy sharing my experiences with my clients to bring them the best possible outcome that is beautiful and enhances their well-being. From educating my clients on the spatial dynamics of space to selecting the best materials and appliances, my goal is to ensure that your renovation process runs smoothly and efficiently while exceeding your expectations.
With my guidance, we aim to avoid common pitfalls, stay within budget, and confidently realize our vision. When you engage my professional services, you can trust that your kitchen remodel will be beautifully executed and designed to stand the test of time.
Heat the oil in a deep heavy skillet or Dutch oven and brown the beef on all sides. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside. Add the onions and cook until lightly browned, 6-8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the red wine, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer steadily until it has evaporated by about half, 3-4 minutes. Add the seasonings and tomato paste and stir to combine. Return the beef to the skillet and pour in the beef broth. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for about an hour or until the beef is very tender. Add the cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, and simmer for a minute or two until the sauce has thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve over your choice of Spätzle, German Potato Dumplings , German Bread Dumplings, boiled potatoes or egg noodles. See blog post for additional serving recommendations. Makes 4 large or 6 smaller servings.
