Three Tips from New Kitchen Ideas That Work

I'm excited to share that my first book, New Kitchen Ideas That Work, is ready to ship on Amazon.com!  Here are three tips from its 224 tip-heavy, full-color pages.

TIP #1 INTEGRATE YOUR ELECTRONICS

Got a new iPhone 5 or Kindle Fire recently? Integrate it into your kitchen design. We all spend more and more time with our hot, new portable gadgets. Explore ways of integrating these new “appliances,” as well as your WiFi, television and desktop computer into your kitchen. 

Hide your iPhone safely away when it's not in use
(Photo Courtesy:  S-Box)

There's a whole spread in the Appliances chapter on integrating your electronics into the kitchen!  

TIP #2  GO HANDS-FREE AT THE SINK

Reduce the spread of cold and flu germs with hands-free kitchen faucets. These public restroom staples have been redesigned for stylish, practical kitchen use. Not only do the new hands-free kitchen faucets reduce the spread of cold and flu germs, they also reduce the risk of food contamination and water bills. The newest models come in popular finishes with convenient features like pull-out functionality and multiple spray settings. 

A hands-free faucet brings convenience, water savings and germ spread reduction to  your kitchen
(Photo Courtesy:  Moen)

There's a whole New Vision spread on the New Sensor Faucets in the Sinks & Faucets chapter!

TIP #3 CREATE A FAMILY LANDING ZONE

Create a family landing zone for reduced clutter in this busy indoor season. The dark days of winter are when families spend the most time inside, and are likeliest to get a bit stir crazy from the clutter of everyone’s needs. A family landing zone can ease the stress and keep your kitchen organized year round.

Even a small cabinet with drawers and bag space for each household member can become a family landing zone
(Photo Courtesy:  Grandin Road)

There's a beautiful case study featuring a full-scale family landing zone in the Layouts chapter, and this very same Grandin Road Springfield cabinet in a Working with What You Have section in the Finishing Touches chapter.

More Houzzing Around - Extras Edition

Here are three Houzz Ideabooks I created that offer you the chance to create some special spaces in your home. These are the "added value" features that let you personalize your residence while adding fun and functionality. Hope you enjoy them!

Create a Family Landing Zone

Landing zones are those spots in or near your kitchen that provide space for book bags, purses, brief cases, keys, mail and the other clutter of daily life to land... So that they don't end up on your countertops! This Ideabook shares tips on how to create one that fits your household's needs.

traditional kitchen design by chicago kitchen and bath The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn

Create a Morning Kitchen

The editorial team changed the name of this Ideabook to Mini-Kitchen, but it was really intended to be the luxury add-on to your master or guest bedrooms. I'm thinking of adding one to the third floor landing of my own "Chez J" townhome. That will save me and my guests trips downstairs for a glass of water or cup of tea in the middle of the night.

eclectic kitchen design by san francisco architect Andre Rothblatt Architecture

Ten Elements of a Great Home Bar

The popularity of Mad Men has really brought home the value of a mini bar -- at work or home. This Ideabook shared tips on creating one in your abode. I don't drink much myself, but I like having a spot dedicated to enjoying wine in my entertaining zone. What about you?

traditional kitchen design by boston kitchen and bath Venegas and Company

FYI: Many of the images used in my Ideabooks (and others', as well) on Houzz were shared by talented colleagues from across the country. Their names of the firms that contributed these fabulous shots are listed below their project pix.