Take Your Kitchen Makeover Up a Notch: Accessorize!

Tim Gunn, fashion guru and mentor on Lifetime Television’s Project Runway, is always cautioning his designers to use the available accessories “very thoughtfully.” That reminds us that the right “accessories” can also put the finishing touches on your kitchen – and take the final product from nice to NICE!

When you think of accessories, think function + fabulous. The role of the ideal accessory – in fashion or in home decor – is to enhance the overall look and purpose of the finished ensemble (or room) without overpowering the end result. Translated into kitchen design, the best accessories are those that help you eliminate clutter, facilitate organization and save precious counter space. Here are a few to consider:

The bread holder. The chrome bread holder shown here is part of the Midway Rail System. Great looking and practical!

Key holder. Tired of hunting for keys or pawing through a tangle of items in the junk drawer? Enter the slide-out slim cabinet with key holder system!  Keys hang neatly on hooks, and the cabinet slides right out of sight. Voila! No more “Where did I put the car keys?” moments, just a sleek-looking cabinet.

Organizer drawers for tableware. You love having plates and bowls at your fingertips, but open shelving doesn’t fit your design concept.  Pull-out dish drawers might be the answer. No need to bring out the stepstool to reach higher shelves. Your fine china, everyday plates and cereal bowls are neatly and safely stored out of sight and right at hand.  

As you design or remodel your dream kitchen, think about the little “if only” solutions that will make your life easier and keep your kitchen looking “company ready.”  As they say in the “smart phone” world, there is probably “an app” for that.

Want to see more ideas?  Check out Extraordinary Accessories in the Neff of Chicago Gallery.