Pages

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Does Your Kitchen Inspire Cooking?

Ever have a monologue with yourself?  You know the kind where you're talking out loud and are thankful no one caught you in the act of talking to yourself? My latest script goes something like this, "why am I not cooking more?"  I answer myself hastily "time of course."  When I'm more patient with myself, the answer changes to, "space." That's because I have a small kitchen.  Since I can't really change the time equation, what I can do is deal with design issues.  Think about it, design expresses how we feel about working in a space.  If you're not a big fan of cooking, perhaps it's because you're in not in an inspiring, workable space.

How to get your kitchen zen-on you ask?  First, know thyself.  If you can't easily lay your hands on the most basic of items, find a new home for it.  I loved this idea as it serves a double purpose with easy to reach solutions and is a window covering to boot.




If money were no object, this stove is an outstanding design statement just begging to be used.


If you have a heavy stand mixer buried in your cabinets, its weight for lifting it out of there may be just enough to deter you from you using it.  This one stands alone in its beauty as if its in a statue gallery.  Yet it's workable in the space where it is housed.  What's that above the attachments you ask? Controls for the drop down television of course.


Pizza is a major staple in our house.  Takeout is fine, but it tastes so much better if you can make it at home.  Cheaper and healthier too.  Make the pizza paddles wall art and never have the excuse again  for not making your own. 


Just having a happy color splashed in the kitchen makes you want to spend time here.


The idea of having this cozy little eat-in diner in the kitchen buys space for making scrumptious meals, invites guests to visit and also serves as a good homework station if you need it.


Robin-egg blue is my new favorite color.  I'd be quite content taking in a meal or two in this home.


Perhaps it's the company.  It's so necessary to have a companion!


All of these ideas came courtesy of last year's annual Kitchen Revival Tour hosted by Portland's (Oregon) Architectural Heritage Center.  John and I actually planned our 2013 spring break/vacation around this event which happens every spring.  You may remember we did all things foodie on that trip when we went on a food walking tour.

Feeling inspired and wish you had thought of going?  It's not too late.  Here is your next opportunity straight from their website:




2014 Kitchen Revival Tour

Saturday, April 12, 2014    10:00 am - 4:00 pm


The Architectural Heritage Center is a non-profit resource for historic preservation
Homeowners and their all-volunteer tour selection committee make it happen. This self-guided tour represents a range of approaches to renovating your kitchen in a manner that reflects the home's original design and style.
If you are considering taking on a kitchen renovation project yourself, homeowners and contractors will be on hand to provide tips and real-life experiences on everything from retaining original material to hiding (or disguising) appliances. The tour will convince even the biggest of skeptics that you can adapt an older home to a 21st century lifestyle while still retaining its historic character and charm.

This event is held in some of Portland, Oregon's finest historic neighborhoods.



Saturday, April 12, 2014      10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Members: $20    General Public: $25

Pre-registration is strongly suggested

.

No comments:

Post a Comment