S IS FOR SEPTEMBER'S SMART & STYLISH KITCHEN STORAGE

Last week, I kvetched about the hurricane and financial market havoc and indulged my retail therapy craving. So I did some shopping for smart and stylish bath storage. I warned that it could be a two-parter. This week, I conclude with smart and stylish kitchen storage. I hope you enjoy! (BTW, if you're interested in this topic, please refer back to my multi-taskers posting for more storage tips.)

Back It Up

Don't let those unused inches between your countertops and wall cabinets go to waste! Put them to work with the Linero Backsplash System that frees up cabinet space with spice, wine, utensil, lid, plate and knife holders. I absolutely LOVE this concept! (Hafele)

Basket Case

Another often untapped storage source is the space above your cabinets. I love tall baskets for those spare inches. Like the Michael's samples shown here, hey look great and hold all those items you need to keep but don't use all that often. Other affordable sources often include: Marshall's, Ross, Pier1 sales, CostPlus World Market and sometimes Target. Shop around!

Top Drawer

If you've ever hunted for a mixing spoon or a particular Tupperware container, only to come up empty and frustrated, you'll love these wood drawer organizers from Rev-A-Shelf. I always incorporate storage accessories into my client projects, and have added them to my own kitchen, as well. Drawer organizers are available for utensils, knife storage, pots, lids and plastic containers and even small spice containers. (Rev-A-Shelf)

Splashy Trasher

This Stainless Steel Compost Keeper will store handsomely under your sink while saving your septic tank and the environment. It looks great and, from what past purchasers say, smells great, too. Plus, it's from my all-time-favorite discount chain -- who'da thunk! (Target)

I Was Blind... But Now I See

I detest blind corner cabinets. You know, the kind where you have to get on your knees with a flashlight to see what's back there? If I absolutely, positively have to use one in a remodel or new construction kitchen, I always go for the unit with swing-out shelves. These Pivot-out Blind Corner Units are now available for existing kitchens, so that you, too, can re-discover the darkest reaches of your most inaccessible cabinet. Note: Be sure to read the specs carefully before ordering! (Knape & Vogt)

Swing Low, Sweet Casseroles

If you have a low ceiling, you probably didn't think you could have a pot rack in your kitchen. And you probably have an older, smaller kitchen that could use this cabinet-liberator, too! Enclume has made several Low-Ceiling Pot Racks that let you have the best of both worlds: ready-access cookware and more space in your base cabinets. (Amazon)

Oh So Pretty Powder Kegs

So maybe you don't have a few thousand spare dollars hanging around the house for stainless steel appliances right now. That doesn't mean you can have a bit o'bling in your kitchen. All-Clad has a nifty set of three stainless steel canisters that will brighten your countertops and keep your flour, sugar and coffee safe and dry at the same, stylish time. (Amazon)


Final Words

As I noted last week, I didn't include page links or prices with this posting. That's because items occasionally go on sale or get discontinued and I don't care to mislead my readers. So, I'm supplying links to the company sites instead and citing related product names.

You may also be interested in knowing that I provide local design shopping services in the Tampa Bay Area. If you need help coordinating your kitchen or bath furnishings, you can hire me to shop with you, (and take advantage of my trade discounts at the same time). E-mail me at jamie@jgkitchens.com if you'd like to know more about this service.

S IS FOR SEPTEMBER'S SMART & STYLISH BATH STORAGE

All this hurricane and financial market turmoil has got me down a bit. So I think some retail therapy is in order. Since I need to pace myself, I'm focusing this first shopping posting on bringing you smart and stylish bathroom storage. Next week, it could be kitchen, laundry or home office storage -- you'll have to check back to find out!


Sit N' Stash

This Hamper Stool gives you a nifty place to sit and put on your socks, then toss them at the end of a work-out. You can use one of their chosen fabrics, or pick one of your own. (Ballard Designs)

Cool Meds

These M Series with Cold Storage medicine cabinets have a refrigerated section for prescriptions, face creams or other items that need to be chilled. How cool is that? You don't have to run to the kitchen for your end-of-the-day needs any more. (Robern)

Roll With It

I love the flexibility that this Newbury Rolling Bath Cart gives you. I also love its style. If you've got some extra floor space in your bathroom, consider this sleek caddy. (Roll it next to your tub to keep your bath goodies and candles close at hand.) (Restoration Hardware)

Hotelicious

I've always liked the look and practicality of hotel-style towel shelves for traditional baths. Hammacher Schlemmer ups the ante with warming capability in its Luxury Resort Towel Warming Shelf. Who doesn't love a toasty towel at the end of a bath or shower? I do! I do! (Hammacher Schlemmer)

Bamboozled

If you love the look of bamboo, but aren't quite ready to remodel your bathroom -- call me when you are! -- these Bamboo Bath Accessories from Crate & Barrel can satisfy your cravings for a while. The line includes a soap dish, soap pump, waste can, tissue cover and tray. (Crate & Barrel)

Rustic Roost

Being a Designing Woman, I get scads of home decor catalogs. This week brought a catalog I'd never heard of before, which describes its global, hand-crafted goods quite accurately as "eclectic, whimsical and unique." As I was coming up with the bath storage idea for this posting at the time it landed in my mailbox, I was delighted to spot the Iron Tower, lovingly shown with towels and votive candles. It's handsome, versatile and reasonably-priced. (At West End)

Final Words

You'll note (perhaps!) that I didn't include page links or prices with this posting. That's because items occasionally go on sale or get discontinued and I don't care to mislead my readers. So, I'm supplying links to the company sites instead and related product names.

You may also be interested in knowing that I provide local design shopping services in the Tampa Bay Area. If you need help coordinating your kitchen or bath furnishings, you can hire me to shop with you (and take advantage of my trade discounts). E-mail me at jamie@jgkitchens.com if you'd like to know more about this service.