WELCOME TO THE BLOG! Ive been meaning to create a blog as a placemark for my random design thoughts that strike me in the middle of the night. Hopefully you find these musings entertaining, inspirational (a stretch!) or just plain fun. I bring you my first post- a stance on kitchens I feel stronger and stronger about every day:

This is probably weird for me to write since Ive designed many kitchens which include both of these things. Many times. But as I ponder what makes a kitchen stand out to me... when I see one with that "cool factor".... I think not of what is missing, but what should be removed. Those items are: Upper shelving and Counter seating. I know... I know... " but where will I store my wedding china?" or "Where will my children eat?"... I get all these concerns. My answer? If youre willing to sacrifice a little, your kitchen will look way less cookie-cutter, mass builder and actually look like a professional cooking kitchen. Let me break it down:

Loss of Upper Storage

If youre working with a custom cabinet maker- try one thing- all drawers. Deep drawers. This will help add so much usable storage to your kitchen and you'll never miss those bulky uppers.

Open shelves. They are as functional as they are pretty. Decorate with white china, glasses of all sizes, vintage paintings and collected bread boards. Anything goes here really. Keep the ugly stuff (read: plastic kids items) in a drawer below.

Loss of Seating

Bar seating is such an American thing. When reviewing homes built in Europe, almost none of the kitchens have bar seating. They have proper eating nooks, which are made lovely and inviting- just the place to pop for a morning read and some coffee. One would only need to spend some time looking at the feeds of deVOL Kitchens or Plain English UK to become a no-counter-seating convert. Besides, wouldnt it be amazing to utilize both sides of your island?

Have I convinced you yet? If you're going to be remodeling/ building a kitchen, consider making the space extra unique by creating a kitchen that is actually functional and historically closer to how kitchens were once created? What do y'all think? Who's ready to go topless ;)

Shannon