How To Organize A Pantry That Works For You

A pantry is one of the most important areas in the kitchen you should definitely plan for. One of the things that wastes a lot of time is when all of your ingredients are in disarray and it takes you forever to start cooking.

1.    Make a List.

The very first thing you should do is take a list of what items you need to stock in your pantry. From this, you will know how much space to allot for each category and how to store it. You can use mason jars, baskets, bins, under cabinet shelves, stackable bins, lazy susans.

2.    Designate each shelf and group according to category.

Location of each category should be based on frequency of use. That means, your most used items should be in the middle, the least at the very top, bottom can contain bottles, paper goods, dog food. Store spices alphabetically and label all containers.

3.    Use the same container for similar items.

To maintain a clean, organized look, use the same containers. If you have extra space on the top portion of the shelf, use a wire shelf that you can slide into the top part, just like the photo seen below. That way, all space is maximized. It's best to use clear containers so you can easily see what's inside.

4.    Label all items. 

via Creativity Exchange

Yes, it’s a tedious task but somebody has to do it. Why? This is food we’re talking about. Especially for those items that you choose to remove from its original packaging, you should place the expiration date too. If you have fancy writing skills, go ahead and write on a blackboard type sticker. Another option is to buy sticker paper and print out the labels on the computer. I've found these free printable labels for you to use.

There's one thing that you need to remember: Personalize your pantry according to your needs.

Every person is different. Some may need a space for baking materials, others might need a whole area for coffee. The key here is planning for each area and allowing for the right amount of space.

If you need more help, e-mail me and we can design your own kitchen made especially for you! 

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FROM HELL'S KITCHEN TO HEAVENLY COOKING

One of the things I wish I planned really well when I built my house was the kitchen. The funny thing is, in my previous house, the kitchen was well planned! In this post, I will discuss the importance of having a pantry no matter how small your space is. 

As a practice, most of us probably only do groceries once a week. Perhaps at the most twice a week. What does this mean? We need storage for our groceries--from our condiments, spices, flour to rice, pasta, canned goods, drinks and maybe snacks as well. That is why even if you live in a studio, having a pantry is something you should plan for.

How do we start? First, determine how you work in the kitchen. Do we simply cook a simple meal? Or are you an aspiring chef or even a baker? All of us have different needs. List down the things you normally buy to ensure that all is planned for. 

Next, measure your space. Where do you put your pantry? Here are some inspirational photos that will help you in planning your space. 

via Better Homes & Gardens

Even a small pull out cabinet like this will help.

via The Cabinet Knobs Company

I love these canisters and shelving! Very neat and easy to see everything.

via Better Homes & Gardens

You can add open shelves. The problem with exposed storage is that if you're not organized, your space will look unkempt.

via We are the Brauns

Next, consider using pantry organizers. This may seem expensive at the start but if you don't have a carpenter who can actually do everything you need for you, a simple pantry organizer will save you time and trouble. You'd be thankful when you have one. 

via Wayfair

Finally, when you organize your groceries, have a system. Categorize according to type of food. This will make it easier for you to find things in a snap. Think of it like a bookshop. How do you find the books you like if it isn't arranged according to genre? In the same way, apply this concept and you'll be cooking and enjoying your meals in no time!

via Mrs. Meyers

A WHOLE NEW WORLD

For long-time homeowners with a relatively big family, it is a no-brainer that your kids must have their own bedrooms. But time will come when they will have to go to college or start their own families. And when that time comes, the house might feel a little bit lonely.

However, there will always be ways to have more fun even without your grown-up babies, starting with fixing your home!

For one, you can start decluttering your kids’ rooms. Remember though that you would still want them to have a place when they come home for the holidays. Switch the twin-sized beds into queen-sized ones that will also be perfect for when guests come over to your house.

Moreover, if you’ve always wanted a home office that’s not in your living room or dining area, use one of the now-empty rooms! If you and your partner will be retiring soon, it will be a perfect chance for you to have your own separate office or creative space at home. Time to invest in a desk and a comfortable chair that will not hurt your back.

Or maybe you've always wanted to have a man cave. Now is the best time to do it. How do you envision your ideal man cave? Are you a reader, a gamer, an art collector or maybe all of the above? A reader would need a comfortable lounge chair and a floor lamp. A gamer would dream of a bespoke entertainment center complete with surround system and acoustic walls (to soundproof your gaming from your neighbors or your wife unless she's a gamer too). An art collector needs some shelves, perhaps a few pedestals for that Cacnio sculpture and ideally, spotlights on the art pieces to give the right attention that they deserve.

Now you will have the chance to get started with that renovation you have been thinking of for a while now. Such construction is best supervised by professionals who can envision your space for you.

All these and more when you subscribe to our mailing list!

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REFRESH YOUR HOME FOR LESS

You may have reached a point in your life where you need to be in a new environment. And not just a new workplace, but a new home. Or you may have been offered your dream job and may require to relocate with your family. With this, you might need to have your current home available for rent or even for sale. But where do you start with leasing your home? Keep reading…

• Bathroom
  • One of the easiest parts to clean up is the bathroom since this only requires some scrubbing and bleaching. Also make sure that there are no chipped tiles, the plumbing works just fine, no leaks, and no moss or molds are forming inside. 

• Kitchen
  • Aside from plumbing, the kitchen requires more effort. Check all cabinet doors and drawer glides to see if they still work smoothly. An easy and cheap upgrade is to change cabinet knobs or pulls. To renew the overall look, have the cabinets painted. 

• Walls
  • Look out for cracks, chipping and fading on your walls, especially when you have utilized both paint and wallpapers. Again, the cheapest way to do it is to have it repainted. Stick to neutrals.

• Décor
  • To attract a wider pool of buyers/renters, choose neutrals for the walls and use patterns and textures on your decor. What does this entail? Have a color palette in mind, then, use patterns that follow your color scheme. This way, you can add some pizzazz to your home without making it look chaotic. Patterns can be introduced by adding throw pillows, throws, and a few key decor pieces. Moreover, indoor plants also work well as home decor and as cliché as it may sound, bring the outdoors in.

A final word: a styled home makes a deep and lasting impression on your potential buyer/renter. Keep all things organized. Remove clutter. Refreshing your home need not be expensive. It's simply a matter of taste and a few upgrades.

These are just a few of the things to keep in mind when you want to overhaul your home so you can put them on sale. Most importantly, don’t forget to consult with a professional so that your home will be at its best.

Check out my basic room design below for an upgrade to your interiors!

A QUICK GUIDE TO CARING FOR YOUR KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS

For some, cleaning may or may not be a dreadful activity, especially in the kitchen. If there’s a part of the house that is really hard to clean and take good care of, it is the area where all the midnight cravings, exciting experimentations, and all other gastronomic adventures happen – at the kitchen countertop.

Cleaning counters is a no-brainer, maintaining them is. Although it doesn't involve hard work, there are a few things to remember:

DO use a mild solution of soap and water when cleaning your countertops.

DO use a soft cloth to wipe off and dry your beloved countertops.

DO use coasters for all types of drinks, especially for alcoholic ones.

DO use hot pads or trivets when placing hot pots on them.

DO polish your countertops, especially when they’re granite, once in a while.

DO ask your countertop supplier to reseal them at least every three to five years for granite (as a general rule), more often for marble. Visit this link for a guide on resealing countertops.

Also, a few things you must NOT do:

DON’T stand on your kitchen countertops! If you need to reach for something from the cabinet above your counter, use a stool instead. Countertops are mounted on frames which was not designed to take your weight.

DON’T put your curling and/or straightening irons on them, the heat might damage your shiny granite/marble countertops, hence, the need for hot pads.

DON’T chop your fruits, vegetables, meats, etc. directly on your counters! Please use a chopping board. 

DON’T let spills sit on your countertops for too long. It will leave unpleasant marks and rings, hence, the use of coasters.

There you go, an easy-to-remember guide for your kitchen countertops! All these and more when you subscribe to our mailing list now (link at the bottom of the page)!!