Kitchen and home organization resources?

[gatorsmom]

Update- I just wanted to thank everyone for the great suggestions and ideas. I received an invite to Pinterest on the day that I posted this (but thank you for the invite, calv!). I thought I needed to set up a Facebook page which I finally did and now I have a Pinterest page going. I agree, it is a fantastic way to save ideas for the house that I run into while I'm doing research. I'm having a lot of fun with it! I've looked into Universal Bath and Kitchen design and have found some great ideas that would be smart to incorporate now. And I'm checking out some of the organization blogs you guys mentioned. All your advice was GREATLY appreciated. Thanks again!

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So, we are forging forward with our plans to build our house. We have the layout of the house planned but now I need to plan and design our kitchen. I was hoping you guys knew what websites or books I could go to for inspiration. I'm kind of a mess in the kitchen and any ideas, designs and products that could help me get my act together would be appreciated!

[ellies mom]

Well, I'll just be the first to suggest taking a look around pinterest to get ideas. There are a ton of them on the site. And by pinning the ideas, layouts, kitchens and such that you like, you can start to figure out what it is that you want. You could have a board for layouts, for color/surface types, organization ideas, cabinetry ideas and whatnot. Eventually you may start to develop a theme or just come across a few "wow, I never thought of that!" ideas you could incorporate.

[gatorsmom]

Well, I'll just be the first to suggest taking a look around pinterest to get ideas. There are a ton of them on the site. And by pinning the ideas, layouts, kitchens and such that you like, you can start to figure out what it is that you want. You could have a board for layouts, for color/surface types, organization ideas, cabinetry ideas and whatnot. Eventually you may start to develop a theme or just come across a few "wow, I never thought of that!" ideas you could incorporate.

You know, I just checked out Pinterest this week because of all the talk here about it. And I think before I start pinning I need an invitation, right? I did request one, but haven't received it yet. Is that how it works? You need an invitation to start pinning?

[calv]

You know, I just checked out Pinterest this week because of all the talk here about it. And I think before I start pinning I need an invitation, right? I did request one, but haven't received it yet. Is that how it works? You need an invitation to start pinning?

pm me your email and I'll send you an invite :) pinterest is fabulous for ideas. also ikea and the container store

[boolady]

I think that although she can be a bit over the top with the organizing (at least compared to what I consider realistic:)), she has some great ideas. I've learned to ignore what I would never have the time or inclination to do and focus on some of what she shows that are really good ideas.
www.iheartorganizing.blogspot.com (http://www.iheartorganizing.blogspot.com)


I also enjoy looking at the Better Homes and Garden website (www.bhg.com (http://www.bhg.com)) in their kitchen, bathroom, and storage sections for ideas and to look at the gallery photos for inspiration, and I got some ideas when we moved from BHG Storage magazine.

[pinkmomagain]

I found working with a kitchen designer was extremely helpful. It was the place where we purchased our cabinetry. I am so bad at visualizing and spatial relationships and he had lots of experience regarding where best to place appliances, how much space we needed, practical things, etc. His 3D drawings were very helpful too.

[boolady]

I found working with a kitchen designer was extremely helpful. It was the place where we purchased our cabinetry. I am so bad at visualizing and spatial relationships and he had lots of experience regarding where best to place appliances, how much space we needed, practical things, etc. His 3D drawings were very helpful too.

This is really key, too. When my parents moved 2 years ago and gutted a house (down to the studs) and were able to do the kitchen from scratch, the most helpful thing was the designer who owned the business they ordered their custom cabinets from. He was instrumental in helping them think about the space they had, their organizational/spacial priorities, and how to get the best use out of the space they had.

[mackmama]

Houzz has some great ideas, too. I agree to go to a kitchen design store - they will help you lay out your space and bring up ideas. How exciting!

[WatchingThemGrow]

You should read that kitchen porn thread from last summer. You'll learn what people like and dislike about their kitchen! And I'd totally use the designer, go look at high end new home open houses, and spend a lot of time in a great cabinet shop. I could spend all day in the Merillat shop that's about 45 min. from us. (without my DC, of course)

[tiapam]

can you go to the kohler design center:

http://www.us.kohler.com/designkb/designcenter/designcenter.jsp

thought it might not be too far for you.

is this your forever house? you might want to think about universal design, esp in the baths and kitchen.

i would def use a kitchen designer if it is in the budget.

[niccig]

The kitchen forum of gardensweb.com They are kitchen obsessed and know all the ins and outs from appliances, to layout to type of cabinets etc. Some are profession kitchen designers or cabinet makers, others have redone their own kitchens. It's like here but just kitchens. eg. post about pros/cons of different counter top material, see if anyone has a local fabricator to you, get feedback on colour of tile

[Twoboos]

I second houzz.com!! You can lose hours there... but when I look back at my ideabook, it's VERY clear what look I like for the kitchen! (It's also great for any room or outdoor space. So may fabulous ideas!)

We plan on working with a kitchen designer, too.

[gatorsmom]

update in OP.