Kitchen Office/Desk Area

If you are like me, I always tend to gather in the kitchen whether it is in my home or at a friend’s. In fact, as I type this post, I am sitting at my kitchen island. The kitchen is where the action is and I tend to like action.  The kitchen is appropriately called “Grand Central Station” or “Mission Control” because someone always seems to be coming or going to and from the kitchen or hanging out in the kitchen. Hmm, could it be because there’s food and beverage in there?

We all lead busy lives and those with children still at home are even busier. In order to get it all done, or almost all of it (does anyone ever get it ALL done?), we know what multi-taskers women have become…therefore, with a desk in your kitchen you can pay bills, answer emails, or make lists in between cooking and doing laundry. Makes sense to me!

Using the photos below, I am sharing with you ideas regarding the design of your kitchen office/desk area as well as pointing out various functional components. Although these photos are of a kitchen office/desk the same design and function ideas could be incorporated in a desk in your child’s room, a desk in the playroom, or a built-in desk in a separate room in your home used for an office.

I am joining Julia’s Hooked on Friday blog party because I am Hooked on Kitchen Office/Desks. Click here to check out her party.

^Notice in the photo above is a file drawer on the far left of the knee hole with two narrow drawers above. There is a vertical cabinet for the hard drive to left of the knee hole, a drawer or what could be a keyboard pullout above the knee hole, and a pair of cabinet doors to the right of the knee hole. There is one wide shallow drawer above the cabinet doors which would be a good place for pens, pencils, paper clips, stapler, three-hole punch, etc.  Based on looking at the photo,  I would incorporate the design shown below in the area where the two cabinet doors are located to the right of the knee hole to hold the printer.  I like using a fake cabinet door front on a pullout shelf as shown in the photo below instead of having cabinet doors because the doors become cumbersome for the person sitting at the desk trying to reach around the cabinet door to use the printer. There is a blackboard on the wall above the desk for messages. The fact that the knee hole is wide enough for the chair to fit as well as a waste paper basket is good. A common mistake is having no place for a waste paper basket.

^Southern Living July 2009

^Though the look of this desk is attractive, the seven small drawers on the left are too small to be very functional in the overall scheme of things. So much of the space is taken up by the rails and styles that form the drawers. I like the vertical cubby holes for mail and such, blackboard for messages, pencil drawer above the knee hole, two smaller drawers above the knee hole, having a lamp, and the bottom drawer to left of knee hole which appears to be a file drawer.

^Source of photo unknown

^In this photo is an interesting desk area tucked away in the corner of the kitchen with a great window. From what is shown in this photo, there is not much file storage or a computer.  Though this post is not about floors, don’t you think that is an unusual design and choice for a floor in front of the stove?

^Source of photo unknown

^There are four file drawers in this compact desk area in this kitchen. Also a keyboard pullout, cabinets above and bookcases to the right. No smaller drawers for pens, pencils, paper clips, etc.  I imagine in this particular home or condominium there is a lot of depth which is why this kitchen counter is so long. I can see the box of Cook’s Illustrated magazines which is one of my favorites.

^Source of photo unknown

This built-in desk is a great look with great potential but I immediately see some problems. Where would you put the hard drive for your computer?  If the wide drawer above the knee hole is for a keyboard, you still need a pencil drawer. It could be the angel of the photograph, but it seems the upper cabinets are too low. I find the upper cabinet door pulls located in the lower center of the door to be awkward. When is the waste paper basket?

What I do like are what appears to be four file drawers. I like the blackboard for messages. I like the large monthly calendar and bulletin boards on the wall between the desk top and the upper cabinets. I like the fact that phone cords and electrical cords and outlets are hidden from sight.

^Traditional Home  March 2008

^In this photo, I like the upper cabinet components having cubby holes, open bookcase, and cabinet doors. I like the file drawer and two smaller drawers above. I don’t like seeing the phone, electric, or internet cable connections in the knee hole. 

^Source of photo unknown

^This desk area blends nicely with the kitchen. However, according to Murphy’s Law, with the refrigerator right next to the desk, someone will place a beverage or food and it will spill on the laptop or important papers. important. No file drawers which I think are a must for a kitchen desk area to hold warranties, instructions, etc.

^Source of photo unknown

^Though unable to tell in this photo, because of the ladder, I think it is correct to assume the ceilings are quite high and there are at least two rows of shelves or cabinets above the desk.  I like what appears to be a framed burlap bulletin board on the wall in front of the desk. I like the size of it.  File drawers to the right of the knee hole make me smile. However, no keyboard pullout or pencil drawers is a negative. The two drawers on the desk top directly in front of the knee hole look nice but are not functional as to open them, you have to clear whatever is on the desk.  Nice looking desk chair don’t you think?

^Source of photo unknown

 

^Source of photo unknown

^Source of  photo unknown

^When designing your kitchen office/desk area, one decision you need to make is whether you want it desk high or bar stool high. This is a not A right or wrong decision but a personal preference. Also, is having a window important to you?  Though this desk area does not have a pencil drawer, you can see a pencil carousel on the counter. Some people like a clean counter with minimal items, others like lots of clutter. Both the pencil carousel and the pencil drawer work, it is a personal preference regarding which way to go.  I don’t know about you but I seem to have lots to file so for me the two tiers of horizontal file drawers are a big plus.

^Source of photo unknown

^The kitchen/desk area in this kitchen has two functions. It can serve as a desk but when cleared off, it can be used as a kitchen counter.  I like the knee hole extending to cover both counters. I also like the two file drawers. A swivel bar stool would be a better choice.

^KITCHENS XIX

Though the photo does not show it, there are two grooves cut into the wood towards the back of the drawer. There are two metal bar sthat the hanging files are hooked on for 8 1/2 X 11 size files. Towards the back of the drawer which is showing up all white in this photo are two groove cut into the side of the drawer. The back metal bar can be lifted and moved to the back of the drawer and slid into these two grooves which then allows for hanging legal size files.  I worked this design out with my carpenter.

^Depending on what you might file in your desk drawers, consider adding locks for security.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I hope what I have shared regarding kitchen office/desks has been inspiring and educational. Please consider leaving me a comment as hearing from people gives me a sometimes needed boost. In a few days I will be following up this post with my related Mistakes to Avoid post.  Blessings.  …susan

Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday June 14, 2009

Welcome to my Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday post…one day late. It is my hope that what you read will cause you to stop and reflect. Perhaps you will share it with a friend who is in need of reading this very scripture or quote.

The past nine days have almost bankrupted me emotionally. A wonderful friend of mine here in Nashville died after a courageous battle with cancer. I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to visit with him four days before he passed away. He was able to converse and laugh. Two days later when I stopped by again, it was a totally different situation. He was unable to keep anything down and his discomfort was heartbreaking.

In between the two visits with my Nashville friend, I learned that someone I knew well in Texas had taken his own life. I was stunned. As details emerged, I was overwhelmed with sadness. I found myself trying to get into his mind and imagine the pain he was feeling over the past few weeks which led to this decision. As his despair mounted, I wondered what those final days, hours, and minutes were like for him. I thought of his elementary age son he adored, his wife, and his mother. His death led me to talk to people I had not spoken with since moving to Nashville as together we tried to make sense out of it all.

Ironically, both were laid to rest on the same day at the same time. While I was attending the funeral in Nashville, my heart and mind were also in Texas. Following the funeral, I headed to the town of Monterey, a town mentioned in a previous post on my blog showing floral design. I worked along side a very special friend of mine in her flower and vegetable garden all weekend. This was just what I needed!

I have decided for this post I will list some quotes or statements that deal with pain as well as some quotes that remind us to live life to the fullest.  I hope you will find some inspiration. Blessings  …susan

Quotes on pain and having hope:

“Birds sing after a storm, why shouldn’t we?” Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy

“When it gets dark enough, you can see the stars”  Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tomorrow WILL come

God refines us through difficult situations

When you come to the end of your rope, God is there to take over

On living life to the fullest:

“Better to wear out than to rust out” Shakespeare

“Don’t die before you die”  John Hoad

Don’t leave myself out of my own life

Nothing is worth more than today

Decorative Screens

Welcome!  I am so excited about this post because of the diverse array of decorative screen photos I have accumulated and I am sharing with you! Although decorative screens do have a functional purpose when used for privacy to  “screen” out an area in the home, or as a headboard in a bedroom, or used as a bulletin or photo board, more often than not they are used for aesthetic purposes only.  They make a great statement when hung on a wall as a piece of art. I also love when they are used as an accent piece in the corner of a room. 

Screens are wonderful design piece because of their versatility. They can be tall or short, solid or see-thru, two panels or many panels, narrow panels or wide panels, fabric covered, iron, mirrored, or wood that is painted or stained.  Their versatility also extends in their uses and mobility. 

Please scroll on down and enjoy looking at the screens!

I put this one first because it is my favorite, though I must admit there are many other screens that I adore.

^House Beautiful

 

I cannot tell if this is a dark piece of wood or a piece of leather (I would really like it in leatherinset into a beautiful wood frame). Don’t you think it makes a grand statement against the light colored walls?  I love how the solid dark color serves as a background to accentuates the floor lamp and floral design.

^Source unknown

I find the fabric and the tacks used to create the design on the fabric to be a great look . I adore what looks like piano hinges because they look like a design element in themselves.

^Veranda May-June 2008

This screen is simple yet it provides another dimension to the room.

^Veranda July-August 2007

This mirrored screen will greatly enhances the size of this room and is a perfect accent piece.

^Veranda July-August 2007

My taste tends to go toward the more handsome look so I absolutely adore this screen. It fits in so well with the masculine decor. It looks like some elk antlers on the other side of the screen.

^Veranda April 2008

^Villa Decor by Betty Lou Phillips

The ability to see directly through this screen totally contradicts the original purpose for a screen however, it subtly defines one room from the other.

^Source unknown

 

This screen is purely a design element as is the one below.

^Source unknown

^Source unknown

The next five photos show different types of screen used as a back drop behind a sofa. Each screen contributes to the interior design of the room in a unique way.

^Veranda October 2007

^Nancy Corzine Advertisement

Don’t you think the pillows on the sofa work so well with the screen?

^Source unknown

^Book- Spectacular Homes of Texas by Jolie Carpenter

It is very interesting how there is art hung on the screen behind the sofa in the photo above.

^-June 2008Southern Accents May

^ Book- Spectacular Homes of Texas by Jolie Carpenter

Above is an example of how a screen can be hung on a wall as a piece of art.

^Veranda March 2008

The use of this screen creates an intimate dining setting. The fact that it can be moved gives versatility to this area if hosting a party.

^Book- Southern Style by Mark Mayfield

I find hanging the portrait of the dog on this screen to be so interesting.

^Veranda March-April  date unknown

 

Above and in several photos below are some ideas for using screens in bedrooms.

^Southern Accents May-June 2007

^Source unknown

^Southern Accents May-June 2008

^Southern Accents September-October 2008

^Veranda March-April date unknown

A screen is a wonderful solution for teens who have many photos of friends and families and other mementos they want to display in their room.  I also think a screen is great in a home office to hold invitations, children’s artwork, and miscellaneous information. 

^Provencal Interiors by Betty Lou Phillips

Isn’t using a screen on a patio so cool! I just love this idea!

^Niermann Weeks  Advertisement

^Veranda October 2007

The next few photos below are examples of various types of screens representing different textures and design. .

^Source unknown

^Source unknown

^Veranda September 2008

Did you have a favorite screen?  Do you have unique use for a screen that was not shown or mentioned?  I would love to read a comment from you!  Blessings.  …susan

Paper Towel Holder: Mistake to Avoid

As a follow up to my recent post on paper towel holder options, I want to share with you my list of mistakes to avoid.  

Mistakes to Avoid

1. Centering  If you plan to mount a paper towel holder underneath your upper cabinets, make sure it is centered on the cabinet door.

2. Secure  If you plan to mount a paper towel holder on the wall underneath the upper cabinets or on the wall in front of your kitchen sink, you will want to add backing underneath the dry wall so that the paper towel holder will be secure. Click here to read a previous post on backing.

3. Fit If you will use a decorative paper towel holder stand on your counter, make sure it will fit between the counter and the upper cabinet.

4. Diameter  If you will use a paper towel holder underneath the counter in a cubby hole, you need to make sure the height of the cubby hole is tall enough for a jumbo paper towel roll.  Additionally, if you want to put your paper towel roll in a drawer, make sure the height of the drawer is sufficient for a jumbo roll.

5. Sticky  If you decide to place your paper towel holder in a drawer, acknowledge to yourself before doing so that the drawer front and hardware will often get sticky or wet due when opening the drawer to reach for a paper towel.

Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday June 7, 2009

Welcome to my Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday post.  For over twenty-five years I have collected quotes. The nature of these quotes tend to be spiritual, religious, business, relationship, and sports related. My hope is that by reading this post it will cause you to pause and reflect. Perhaps you will share it with a friend who just so happens to be in need of reading this very quote.

Today I want to share a few quotes with you that are related to success. Success is defined in my Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary as a favorable or desired outcome also as the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence. I challenge you to think of the areas in your everyday life where the word success would apply. Examples of where one would feel successful in their everyday life include: calling a company to discuss being overcharged and ending up with an apology and refund (favorable outcome), saying no to a certain food that is not healthy for you (desired outcome), getting X Y & Z done before you had to leave the house (desired outcome), being on time for an appointment (desired outcome), stopping yourself from repeating a particular pattern that always seems to end up with negative results (desired outcome), learning a particular tune on the piano or other musical instrument (desired outcome), finishing a bike race (desired outcome), mastering a new recipe (desired outcome), getting an appointment for a job interview (desired outcome), closing a business deal (wealth), being named to a particular board or committee (eminence), and being told you are loved by your child (the best outcome!).

Some things take repeated mistakes to master, repeated effort to reach the desired result, or even complete failure which in turn makes you find a different approach which leads to your success.  The fact that you are taking action is a success in itself because you have overcome the fear of failure, overcome the fear of rejection, or overcome the fear of change.  

Why not start a Successful Journal to record the many successes you achieve each day.

Wishing you many successes.  …susan

If you first succeed, try something harder.

If you first succeed, try to hide your astonishment

If you are not failing now and again, then you are playing it too safe.

The more difficult the obstacle, the stronger one becomes after hurdling it.

Success requires heart and soul effort and you can only put your soul into something you truly desire.

You may not get what you want in life, but you get what you expect

I heard all of these quotes in the early 1980’s from John DeFoore.  I do not know if these were his or if he borrowed them from someone.

Paper Towel Holder Options

An essential item found in almost all kitchens is the paper towel. For years the paper towel holder was mounted up under the upper kitchen cabinet or on the inside of a lower cabinet door, often on the door located under the kitchen sink. Some were mounted vertically along the side of an upper kitchen cabinet next to the kitchen sink. Others were mounted on the wall directly in front of the kitchen sink as shown in the photo below.

Thinking outside of the box, someone came up with the idea to design a decorative paper towel holder that would stand vertically on a kitchen counter. These came in many finishes and styles and are still quite popular today.

In recent years, I have seen several more approaches to paper towel holders. One friend of mine has hers mounted in a drawer on her island. She told me when she built her dream home she knew she did not want to be able to see the roll of paper towel. Another friend had a cubby hole in her island for the paper towel holder. On the Neiman Marcus website which is listed below, I saw a decorative paper towel holder that stands on a kitchen counter and the paper towel is mounted horizontally between two roosters.

Which of these options shown below would you choose in your dream kitchen? Do you have another option you have used or seen that you would like to share? Please leave me a comment.

^A clever way to hide the paper towel yet make it easily accessible is to  mount the paper towel holder in a cubby hole under the kitchen counter. Visit Misti’s Studio M Design post to see another photo of a paper towel holder located under the kitchen counter.  Click here.

(Please contact me if you know the source of this photo and I will list it.)

^Above and below is a photo of my friend’s solution to storing the paper towel in her kitchen. It is a great solution for hiding the paper towel, however, I often reach for paper towel when my hands are wet or have food on them which means when I open the drawer to reach for the paper towel, the drawer front and hardware would get wet or dirty.

^In the kitchen shown above, the paper towel holder is mounted on the wall above the sink for all to see.

Photo above from 301 Stylish Storage Ideas by Better Homes and Gardens

^The typical under the cabinet mount is shown above.

Photo above from the Kitchen Idea Book by Joanne Kellar Bouknight

^The above decorative paper towel holder is part of the Jan Barboglio Collection, which can be found in many fine decorative accessory stores as well as on the Neiman Marcus website.  Jan lives part time in Mexico where she designs her line and the other part of her time in Dallas where her corporate office and warehouse is located. I have know Jan for over twenty years. Years ago I sent her a sketch of a paper towel design for her to consider in her line. I had not realized she had used my suggestion until I received a box in the mail with the paper towel holder shown above inside and a thank you note. It comes in the original Jan Barboglio rustic finish shown above or in the new stainless steel finish shown on the Neiman Marcus website which you can view by clicking here.  If you go to the website and click on the Jan Barboglio Collection paper towel holder shown, other options for paper towel holders sold online by Neiman Marcus will pop up. For bunny lovers, there is a vertical decorative holder with bunnies. Arthur Court has one and you can also see the one with roosters that I mentioned above.  Blessings.  …susan