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Tuesday, August 13, 2013

kitchen drawers- the sink side



Since the kitchen is almost all drawers I've shared, in several posts, the island side here and the range side here.  In this post I'll show you the drawers on the sink side and a couple of ideas, details and  favorites of mine!





I'll start with a favorite detail on the corner Lazy Susan.  The bi-fold door opens using the cupboard latch on the right door.  I wanted the cabinet to look like an authentic, old cabinet door, so I purchased an extra cupboard latch and had our carpenter remove its innards to make it a "dummy" latch.  Placing the dummy latch on the left stops the bi-fold door from opening completely, but it is only by a couple of degrees and I certainly don't mind the loss of a bit of opening to get the look that both cabinets are fully functional- it was a small price to pay.  The Lazy Susan has two tiers which hold glass containers for leftovers (these are my favorites; I don't like to use plastic for storing food/reheating.)  The top drawer to the left holds teas, the middle drawer cereals and the bottom is our bread drawer.




 To the right of the lazy Susan is probably my most used drawer- my knife drawer!  I was asked what brand of knives I use in one of the other drawer posts, so I thought I would answer that here. First, I love a good knife!  Using a good, sharp knife makes prep/cooking so much more enjoyable.  In reality, I think all you really need is one good chef's knife, a paring knife and a bread knife.  That said, the hoarder collector in me loves having so many different sizes and types of knives and not having to wash one knife between tasks when prepping.  I collected the knives over many years- usually asking for a particular knife for Christmas or birthdays (I'm that strange woman who actually loves practical gifts:)  There are some wonderful, quality knives on the market.  The most important thing is to find one that is comfortable and fits your hand well.  The majority of my knives are J.A. Henckels  and Wusthof .  If you're looking to buy good knives it is helpful to know that many makers (both of the brands above, in fact) have several different "lines" of varying price-points and quality. It's important to do your research.  Just like with cookware, with knives you get what you pay for and I highly suggest buying the best you can afford since a good knife can last you a lifetime!  Kitchen shops like Williams-Sonoma and Sur la table, where you can handle and compare several at one time, are great sources.  
This drawer holds another favorite "collection"- salad servers!  I love all things "horn," and especially love horn salad servers:)  I have vintage and new horn, horn and sterling, sterling and wood, bamboo, and carved stone salad servers.
The horn and sterling bottle opener is used for beer bottles... even when the bottle has a screw-top; it makes for a nicer presentation!




 The next drawer down holds stainless mixing bowls, white Jadeite bowls, sterling-rimmed and hotel silver wine coasters, three antique bread boards that I use as cutting boards for small jobs (I use these daily) and paper towels.  Like my kleenex boxes I prefer my paper towels hidden from view;  for me it is worth the extra two-seconds of effort to open the drawer to get to them.  If I'm working a large meal or recipe I'll sit them on the counter while cooking, but then put them back in the drawer.  In Dallas I had them on a holder mounted on the inside of the under sink cabinet door, but since I put a skirt under the sink here this was my solution to the paper towel issue, and it has worked great.




The bottom drawer holds more mixing bowls- vintage green Jadeite and depression glass bowls, strainers, grater, a salad spinner and a vintage hotel silver tray for carrying coffee/cocktails to the desired location!



To the immediate left of the sink is the drawer where I keep everyday flatware and  under that is a pull out bin that holds two large containers- one for trash and one for recyclables.
To the immediate right of the sink is the dishwasher and then the top drawer next to that holds kitchen towels. Below the towel drawer are drawers of white bowls of various sizes for cereals/soups.  For the most part;) I am a white-dish kind of girl.




This drawer is a favorite!  I love vintage and antique flatware and special utilitarian pieces, and this drawer holds them all.  Just opening it makes me happy!  (Can you spot your shell spoon Linda Lime?!) 




The majority of the kitchen drawers have an auto-close feature (aka soft-close/self-close).  Since I knew I would be using certain large drawers for multiple stacks of plates, Le Creuset dutch ovens, cast iron skillets, etc.  those drawers do not have the auto-close feature.  Different manufacturers of the hardware have different weight restrictions, so it is helpful to determine in advance if the weight in a particular drawer will exceed the limit.
While I'm a professed "white dish" girl, I do like a bit of color every once in a while and always in my favorite pea green!




Below that is the black and white drawer.  The plates in the lower left and bowls in the upper right are antique as are the white ironstone plates. Vintage fern-etched wine glasses and antique fern-etched beakers that I use for candles share the drawer. The floral plates (all different flower designs) are new.




The last bank of drawers at the end of the kitchen sink counter has a drawer filled with pens, address book, tape, scissors, etc. and below that the much-used  "tool" drawer containing a measuring tape, hammer, various screw drivers and LOTs of misc. tools and products.  The drawer is very handy and keeps us from always having to go to the basement when needing a hammer/screwdriver for doing a small project around the house.


Lastly, I wanted to answer a question posed to me in the last kitchen drawer post,... anonymous wrote:
 "can you tell me honestly the actual number of hours to do the dishes, store everything so prettily everyday?
I am fifty years old and have never been able to keep house the way you do for a single day. depressing but wth!"

I loved this question, and I get it, I do!  The honest answer is it doesn't take me long to do dishes  (sometimes I do them by hand and other days I put most things in the dishwasher) and even less time to put things away because everything has a dedicated "place" in the room.  I think the key is in organizing.  It doesn't matter if a household has one person or six... being organized saves you time and energy.  I feel there is a science and psychology to organizing (a kitchen, or a house for that matter) that actual enhances your life.   Life is busy, chaotic and sometimes difficult, and I feel organizing is a way of pampering oneself and making things easier on a daily basis.  It is a simple,everyday practice that becomes a gift you give yourself.  Opening a messy drawer or closet makes "me" feel messy, so it saves me time and emotional energy to be able to open a drawer and grab a "zester" that is sitting right where it always is, instead of having to dig through the drawer to find it and being annoyed in the process!   Once you organize a space,  it's done and there is a place for everything.  You never have to figure out again where to "put" something, and you never have to hunt for something that you've misplaced! Staying organized merely requires putting something back where you initially decided was the most optimum placement.  If you think about and study what you need and really use and then edit down to the essentials,  then decide where the best placement for each and every item is, it saves a lot of time.  Having said that, it took me a good month, or more, to really figure out the best placement of things.  I would move entire drawers around as I realized that the "towels" worked better to the right of the sink for me and the silverware to the left/ that the spices worked best on one side of the island/that I needed measuring spoons on both sides of the island/etc ... small things, but things that really made a big difference in how the kitchen functioned for me, making it more efficient and life (or at least cooking;) easier!

Writing that organizing can be "a gift to yourself" reminded me of something I read recently in Barbara Barry's gorgeous, inspiring new book, which I highly recommend... Barbara Barry- Around Beauty.   This book is truly stunning and is a soulful, love letter about home and design.

In a passage called "Inner Beauty", Barbara writes,   "As much as I love the part of my work that is all about what is seen when we walk into a room, I also love the part of my work that is about what is not seen.  Or at least not by everyone- the inside of the cabinets, the full refrigerator, the silver drawer, and the well-stocked pantry; they too can be things of beauty, artfully arranged to inspire when given a cursory glance."

What are your thoughts on "organizing"?!  Does it come natural to you or do you have to work at it?

For more drawer organization and storage:
To see the drawers on the range side click  HERE
To see the drawers on the island click HERE

124 comments:

  1. Well, that was fun! Agree with you about the knives—and loving practical gifts! I started out with Henckels but lately have being collecting Shun. I'm here to tell you that the Shun kaji line is amazing! And a big YES!!!! to getting rid of plastics in the kitchen. That BPA stuff is hideous. Love looking inside your "drawers" and so glad you didn't let ANON snot keep you from sharing your wonderful ideas.

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    1. thank you hbd;) I totally agree... the BPA stuff is scary.

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  2. I love peaking into your drawers Joan!! :) Your green and black and white dishes are beautiful. I think you answered the question fabulously!! I agree about organization! It just happens to come naturally to me but I understand some people have to work at it. I love the saying, "you can't organize clutter." Just get rid of it and you're taking your first step to being organized! :)

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    1. exacty Gina! To some it comes naturally and for others it helps to "see" it.

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    2. Organize, organize, organize I just love it! My grandsons were in the kitchen one evening, they didn't know I could hear them, the younger one told his brother "You, better put that back where you got it, you know grandma, everything has its place." You are right it does come naturally to some people, my poor husband doesn't have an organizing bone in his body. Mary Ann

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  3. I love organized drawers! Dare I ask where the rope(?) basket organizers can be found? Thank you!

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    1. of course, I'm always happy to share... I found them at Walmart- in the "bath" section. You'll love them, they're the perfect size.

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    2. That was going to be my question too!!!! They are SOOOO much nicer than the ugly plastic things I have now. A trip to Walmart is on the schedule now!!!!!!!!!!! But first will look online too:):) XO, Pinky

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    3. Yes, thanks for sharing. I would have not thought to actualy look in the bath section.

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    4. luvn the baskets in the drawers!!! thank you for sharing! I see this was a while back but I am going to search online for them...!! thank you :)

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  4. Joan,
    I just love peeking in your draws....honestly! I enjoyed your answer to the woman who asked, how many hours? I have always put things away and cleaned as I go. Yes, I too have a place for everything. My friends always tease me about how neat my home is. When I visit them they will exclaim " My house isn't like yours" Joan I love your home and life style and enjoy all you share. You have simply elegant and warm taste and it always shows how much you Love your home. As always I await your next post.
    Hugs,
    Donna

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  5. You're so disciplined! All the same striped towels? I'm crazy for pattern and color so my things look like a kaleidoscope.

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    1. ...all the same! When I find one I like (thickness/absorbency/color) I buy as many as I can fit in a drawer! Bet yours are fun!

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  6. Love it! Everything at your fingertips! You've made me rethink a few drawers in our kitchen! We did the kitchen years ago. We're empty nesters now and use the kitchen differently.

    Cheers,
    John

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    1. that's a great point John- rethinking the kitchen every couple of years would probably make anyone's space more efficient.

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  7. we have only upper cupboards & all drawers below too. i love it, so much easier. funny, before i even read "shell spoon" my eyes zeroed in on yours. i have the same one, mom bought it for me while we shopped together one day as an anniversary gift. years later i used at a church high tea and it was the only thing i brought that never made it back home with me. a couple years later i saw it on mary garrity's blog & she had it in her nell's hills store so i was able to replace mine! i never thought about buying many of the same dishtoewls before but makes so much sense since i always reach for my faborites! do you hand your henkel's knives. i put them in a top rack for silverware only sometimes but worry that i shouldn't. suzi

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    1. Suzi- I do hand-wash all the knives, and individually so that they don't come in contact with other utensils or dishes. They get treated like royalty:)

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    2. yeah, i figured you'd say that! i need to take better care of mine. we bought a set for ourselves for Christmas and it is a big investment. thanks for the encouragement to care properly for the wonderful things in life whether big or little :-) always enjoy your posts, thanks for writing about homekeeping

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  8. I love this post, Joan, and especially your VERY wise words about organization! This is a battle I have fought for 20 years of parenting (and 8 of that with a blended family)! My struggle is that as the kids grow and change, the demands on my home change, too -- so when I think I have it "figured out" with a place for everything, things shift -- new sports with new equipment, new school years with different supplies and study space needs, new hobbies, boomerang adult children, husband suddenly working from home -- you get the idea! But what I took away from your post is that it will be worth it for me to put the time in, reevaluate every so often, and be flexible. These days won't last forever, after all. And my sanity is worth it. :)
    xo Heidi

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    1. I bet a little time upfront will make every day tasks easier! John (comment above^) said something similar and I would imagine a lot of people could benefit from rethinking the space every couple of years to make sure it's still working efficiently. And yes, sanity is a good thing (from what I hear;)

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  9. We are remodeling our kitchen and I love the dummy latch idea! I have always hated that one panel being blank with no hardware, so this is perfect. Thanks so very much for sharing your home.

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  10. Thank you so much for posting these pictures of your drawers. These are my favorite kind of posts. It inspires me to organize my drawers and collect beautiful pieces. Have a blessed day!!

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    1. makes me happy to know that Stephanie, thank you for your comment!

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  11. Hi Joan, Loved looking around your kitchen. I, too, am organized. We live in a fairly small home (less than 1800 sq. ft.) and have raised a family and animals. I have spent many hours editing, organizing, cleaning decorating to make our house a home as our family has grown. Unfortunately, I am the only organized person left in the house and hubby and daughter don't understand the need for it. I don't understand how they could live without the organization. (Perhaps if I didn't do it, it might be missed?) Are you having beautiful, cool weather also? Sara, Ohio

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    1. Sara, yes I'm thinking a week or two off and they might "see the light"!!;) Yes, we are having great weather- the next couple of days are supposed to feel like early September around here.

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  12. Love posts like this...I wanted to see inside Every drawer! Where do you keep potholders?
    Lynn

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    1. Lynn- the drawer to the right of the range! If you go to the first sentence you can click the range side "here" and it will take you to that post to see!

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  13. I'm happy to read that it is not a disease I have and no cure is required. There is something really special about opening the drawer with the silverware in it, the collection of special linens, or pretty dishes. It is like a wonderful old memory - maybe I feel like I'm back at my Grandmothers house. Yes, maybe that's it.
    And so I will thank Her for this wonderful addiction. And thank you for sharing how to keep it all together.

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    1. I agree Katherine, something so nice about opening a drawer and seeing things that utilitarian but pretty at the same time! What a sweet memory to have of your grandmother.

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  14. In my kitchen I have mostly drawers also...which I love since I'm not that tall. I love to organize just like you do and just like you..it just makes me happy to see it all!

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    1. I never thought of all-drawers in relation to one's height, but makes total sense!

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  15. I find it so amusing that you and I have many of the same items in our kitchen drawers: jadiete (the white ones are not jadeite,BTW ,but milk glass), shell spoon, horn salad servers, hotel silver, MOP-handled knives, salad spinner, etc, etc, etc. I also have Henckels and Wusthof knives, but my favorite is my Global chef's knife (an Anthony Bourdain recommendation). As for organization, I am in total agreement with you...separated at birth. I have teak organizers, but I love the look of the ones you found at Wally World. I will have to look for them.

    Thanks for sharing.

    XO, Victoria

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    1. Victoria, I love the Global knife, though don't own one- I had all mine by the time I found them;). I probably should have said that the bowls are vintage white Fire-King bowls, instead of white jadeite, which isn't technically correct, but a commonly used term. (maybe some collector will chime in) Mine have the same markings as the green bowl and say "oven." I'm not too familiar with milk glass- can it go in the oven? I was thinking it was purely decorative?

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    2. Your white bowls are Fire King "milk glass" oven ware, aka white. Fire King's most popular oven ware colors were white, jadeite/jadite (green) and azurite (light blue) and they all can go in the oven. Martha Stewart popularized jadeite -- the jade green pieces -- by using it in her TV kitchen and writing about it in her magazine. I have a large collection of jadeite restaurant ware (the heavy stuff used in diners in the 40s and 50s). Unfortunately, Fire King reissued some of their old pieces about a decade ago and depressed the market prices of the vintage pieces. Such is life; I still enjoy using it and displaying it.

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    3. see, I knew an expert would chime in!!! Thanks Victoria!

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  16. What an inspiring post! Thank you for sharing! I loved your words on organizing too. I have 2 little ones and I am constantly putting things back, but I know I could reevaluate my spaces and see where I can be better organized. I always thought I was a "neat-freak" until I read this post- ha! I also like another commenter's thought: "you can't organize clutter". It's easier to keep up with things when you do have as much "stuff" and they aren't in random places but have a purpose. Again- thanks for sharing!

    Gail

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    1. Us "neat-freaks" prefer "neatnics" ;) but either way... guilty as charged!! :)

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  17. Joan, thanks so much for allowing us to peek inside your drawers. I am pretty organized too, as you said, if not I feel messy too!!! I sure wish I could have had the option to have ALL drawers in my kitchen too!!!! I have a plan in my head:):) to have Joe make me a cabinet in the morning room for additional storage. Now I am thinking maybe it should be all drawers!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much. XO, Pinky

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    1. Pinky, I'm thinking nice Joe will let you make them however you wish!

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  18. All those neat drawers are so calming. How do you store your herbs and spices please? That is my messiest drawer as I have so many! I do have them in alphabetical order but as the bottles are all different sizes it is really hard to keep orderly. Bonita xx

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    1. Bonita, If you go to the first sentence in this post and click on the island "here" it will take you to the spices!

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  19. I agree totally with you on organizing. That being said, sometimes it takes me forever to GET organized. I'm almost overwhelmed by the very thought of a place for everything....but do love everything in its' place! I could use a few more drawers in my kitchen tho...or I could just eliminate my extras! ;)

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    1. Yes, the "getting" organized is definitely the most difficult part!

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  20. Your drawers are fabulous and I always find it so interesting to see how other people organize.

    Are you familiar with a book called "A Place for Everything" by Peri Wolfman and Charles Gold? Absolutely inspiring.

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    1. Yes, I have that book Mary! Love it, but haven't looked at in years... thank you for the reminder- I'm off to pull it off the shelf and re-read it! I remember loving reading about the history of flatware/eating utensils. You're right it's an absolutely inspiring book!

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  21. Joan,
    I've said it before,these posts are some of my favorites...I love to be organized and when things get crazy it can sometimes be a challenge, but like you said, if you find the right spot for things and put them back, it seems to make daily life easier. I have to go back and read your first posts. I love the little organizer baskets and I think you mention where you got them. Great use of space.
    xo,
    Karen

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    1. I'm so glad that you like them Karen, thank you! I got the baskets at Walmart in the "bath" department.

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  22. I love to be organized; however, I work full-time, have a busy husband, teenagers and a dog so try as I might it's never quite all pulled together at the same time. But I thank you everytime I see a new post for inspiring me to continue to strive for that home I visualize in my mind. Thank you so very much!!

    Mandy

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    1. Mandy, I always see it as baby-steps;) I wasn't always this organized either!

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  23. SomeoneisinthekitchenAugust 13, 2013 at 5:58 PM

    Thank you for sharing your ideas. I love your natural baskets and will look for what I need tomorrow. My niece asked me how to organize a kitchen and you have certainly have the answer.

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  24. Your kitchen is picture perfect. I love it, beautiful inviting warm and functional...you have created a masterpiece and it looks like you really enjoy it. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. we do! And, I appreciate your kind words since I know how very beautiful your kitchen is!

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  25. Joan,

    I just finished making dinner and used a lot of utensils and although there is a method to my madness, it doesn't look as good as yours!! Sorry I haven't responded to your posts this summer. Deirdre did not go back to camp this summer as she is working in a local hospital between her jr. and senior year of nursing. She did go up last week to NH and spent three days with the horses and campers! I also wanted you to know I've been looking for your hydrangeas and have had no luck....did you find them? I LOVE the steps and landscaping...it's perfect!!

    Your CT. connection, Mary
    Ruth's "trying to be organized" sister

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    1. hey Mary, was just thinking about you the other day;) Noooo unfortunately :( I'm still looking for the bombshells hydrangeas. I appreciate you looking for me. xxo

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  26. I'm full of admiration - and envy. Though our current kitchen would be considered small by many, it has so much more storage than than the cabin we will soon be downsizing to. The cabin kitchen has a total of 4 drawers (and not that many more cabinets), and the pantry is 9 inches wide. So the problem is space. It has been efficient for vacation stays, but it will be a challenge full time. I'm organized, but it is hard to find a place for everything when there's not enough space. We've been trying to weed out extraneous kitchen wares, but it will be harder deciding what to do with the nice inherited stuff (I have both my mother's and grandmother's china) and all the various serving pieces, glasses and crystal, and flatware. There's no room for the antique corner cupboard that's currently in my dining room that holds some of these things, either. Nor do my children have room. Downsizing does have its sacrifices. I'm on the lookout for clever ways to maximize storage.

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    1. Carolyn- that sounds like a really difficult place to be in. I bet you'll find lots of great info online for clever storage. Hope so. That happened in my family too, by the time the children inherit things they already have a house full themselves or it's just not their taste. Remember this is the really difficult part and once you have scaled down I bet it will be super freeing. If you're not familiar with my friend Janet at The Gardener's Cottage (my sidebar) she is a great source for downsizing and living with less beautifully.

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  27. Love to be organized, it comes to me naturally only because I can't stand clutter. However I will have to admit it is not always as beautifully organized as your lovely kitchen. I really like the basket dividers you have in your drawers, did I miss you mentioning where you get those?
    Really enjoyed this post,
    Kathysue

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    1. hi Kathysue, Got them at Walmart- in the "bath" section. They are a great size!

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  28. I also love an organized kitchen, even my junk drawer is organized. Thanks for letting us peak into your drawers and cabinets. I love to see how other people organize their stuff, it gives me inspiration for my own organizational needs.

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  29. Even the drawers of your home are beautiful!! I have enjoyed your drawer posts, but then I enjoy everything that you post. Everything is just so pretty. I get excited to see when you have posted again. I think it would be such fun to know you personally and I've envious of the people that do :)
    best regards, wenda

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    1. You do know me personally Wenda;) How's the bedroom design coming along?

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  30. Dear Joan,

    We remodeled our kitchen a year ago and I used your blog for information throughout the journey. Your segment on marble helped me approach the stone yard informed and knowledgeable of the product I was looking for. I am thrilled with the results and feel I should thank you for sharing your research, talent, and hospitality with us over the years. I too, will be searching the Walmart isles for those wonderful little rattan boxes.

    All the very best,
    Maura
    Princeton, NJ

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    1. What a lovely thank you Maura! I am very honored to have been helpful to you.

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  31. I really enjoyed this post!!!! Sometimes I think we/I/everybody can have too much "stuff", about once a year I take stock and donate to the Goodwill. Just how many coffee mugs does a person need??????

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    1. I agree. I've been thinking I need to edit some things in my pantry (extra glassware, my weakness;) too!

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  32. Organization is easy for me as well, but I wasn't always organized. It came on in my late teens with my first apartment. I felt so much pride in my new space, and then my inner decorator arrived and thankfully hasn't left :-)

    The hardest part of organizing is just doing it. It's a process. It requires thoughtfulness and willingness to really "see" your life.

    Thanks for another fabulous post! I'm looking forward to seeing fall in New England again :-)

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    1. ha! Karen, my mother likes to point out that I wasn't at all neat and tidy when I lived at home growing up;) But like you once I got my first apartment the neat-me clicked in!

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  33. Joan

    You are such a source of inspiration to us all...you put Martha to shame. I only wish I were half as organized as you ...and that my drawers would look so lovely...

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  34. How I love seeing your beautifully organized drawers. I want everything in its place, but have such a hard time keeping it that way...trying to get better!!

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    1. After a while it becomes an easy habit, if that helps;)

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  35. Oh dear lord I can only dream of being that organized. I was so good about it all until my twins were born sixteen plus years ago, and I feel like I've never gotten ahold of organizing since. Pathetic, I know! I can so relate to the comment you wrote from the 50 year old whose house has never looked that neat etc. That's me. I do other people's homes, fuss over details, and yet mine is always "in progress." So, I too dream of a home like yours!!

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  36. Seriously, I love every aspect of your Kitchen! You want to know my absolute favorite part...the way it's connected to your house that I wish was mine!

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  37. Great kitchen! I love the idea of having all drawers. I am a natural organizer too. I find that it makes me feel good to know that I can find something right away when I need it. I agree that it is all about editing...not having too much stuff.

    Kristi

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  38. I'm an organizing addict myself. Loved seeing your drawers. I agree -- the key is to edit down to what you really use; toss the things that you're keeping because you paid so much for them and are feeling guilty. You'll never use them -- let it go. I store dishes in deep drawers like yours and am wondering how you keep them from sliding and bumping each other. How in the world do you keep those plates and the wine glasses together without the wine glasses getting broken? I love your blog and am delighted every time I find you in my inbox! Thank you!!

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    1. ahhh, the guilt! It will get you every time whether it's because you paid too much and don't use it or it was given as a gift or handed down as an inherited piece... always have to work through the guilt;)
      To keep the plates in their place I use clear, plastic non-adhesive drawer liners I found at Ikea. (they also come in grey.)

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  39. I love this post. Your drawers are very organized. Organizing does NOT come naturally to me. I am s-l-o-w-l-y organizing my entire house and you are right, it is like a breath of fresh air! Thank you for sharing!

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    1. It really is a long process (especially for a whole house), but just doing it makes you and your house feel better doesn't it?!

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  40. At first I was giddy to get to take another peek into your drawers (that doesn't sound right), but then was smitten by your statement that organizing your home is like a gift (better yet, pampering) to yourself. So wise and so well said. Thank you. And the reminder that it is about what is seen AND what is unseen that is important. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

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    1. ha! I loved when I've seen inside other blogger's "drawers" too Camille!

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  41. I'm thinking that I am not showing my messy drawers, Joan... ;)
    Such a wonderful kitchen... it's not only functional but so serene... xv

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    1. Vicki- since your drawers are French I am sure they are tres chic no matter what!!

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  42. I absolutely adore your kitchen, what you see and what you don't see. As I commute to work, I have little time in the kitchen and need everything to be where it can be reached at a moment's notice. I'm constantly tweeking, removing or adding. If and when I can talk my husband into remodeling the cabinets, I want drawers on the bottom, he hears it at least three times a week... ;) I handwash all my dishes, knives immediately after I've used them. In the morning, part of my routine is coming down to a clean kitchen and put away all those dishes. I like that I leave a clean kitchen, and then get to return to it. Thanks for the great post!

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    1. I do that too LC! Love coming into a clean kitchen in the morning. And I totally understand about coming home to one;) When we used to go on vacation ("used" to because we haven't been in 5 years;) I would always clean the entire house, so I could come back home to clean! My sisters do it too, so much have learned it from my mother;)

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    2. That's funny, because when we go on vacation, I also clean the house, pack the car the night before, and clean everything down to changing the sheets. There is nothing like coming home to a clean house, is there?!

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  43. I redid my kitchen about 8 years ago and made a few mistakes that I am now trying to correct. Not enough drawers and I put really tiny beadboard up with deep grooves on the backsplash that is horrible to clean. So I recently took out a free standing table and added more drawers cabinets. Now I need to buy baskets for them. In my current drawers I have metal baskets that I got at Bed Bath and Beyond but I really like the ones you have so much prettier. I am super organized also and everything has a P-touch label on it. People think I'm crazy but it makes my life so much easier in the end. I also have drawer dividers from lifestylesystems.com. that I love also but are not pretty. Now Joan since we have seen your "drawers" can we see that treasure room and the mud room? Since we all love your house! You are a great inspiration to so many.

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  44. Hi Joan and Dan,

    Thought I would weigh in on the discussion of organisation too. Our old kitchen was a 1960's original with overhead cupboards. When we renovated I had 22 boxes of 'stuff'. I was determined that it wasn't all going back in the room, as the only overhead cupboards (in the new kitchen) were above the fridge and above the oven and microwave. I felt I would go nuts if I opened a cupboard and half of it would fall out to greet me.

    I remember getting in the 'mood' and staying up all night, going through everything and I finally kept 5 boxes and the other 17 boxes went. Have not missed a thing with what I threw out. I'm actually proud that after nearly 7 years the top most shelves are completely empty. I do agree with the above commentators of going through things regularly and am in the process of taking everything out of the drawers etc., wiping down and re-arranging and putting things back in. Which if I'm very good, I think I will go and do another drawer now!!

    Hope you are both well. Always enjoy reading your posts.

    Take care

    Janine
    XXOO
    Tasmania, Australia

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    1. so nice to see you Janine! Thank you for your comment. I think it helps hearing from someone who have seriously edited, that you don't miss a thing!

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  45. Beautiful as always, Joan! Even the drawers! We moved into this house a year ago, and there are so many drawers and cupboards in the kitchen I still have to search for things used seasonally (currently, the corn holders). I know, a terrible problem to have.....but the other houses we have lived in had very sparse storage in the kitchen. I bought 2 big metal storage racks for the basement. Those get the off season stuff and extras I can't quite part with yet. I bet most people could get at least one shelving unit in somewhere! I also think a good way to stay organized is just putting things back immediately. 5 minutes a night works wonders! Sometimes while brushing my teeth for that thrill of multi-tasking! :) Rosie

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    1. Love me some corn holders NnN! Wise words about the 5 minutes a day/night! I think you've taken multi-tasking to an art form!

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  46. I'm like you, when things are messy, I feel messy. Sometimes when I feel like things are out of control I wash the dishes in the sink or clean out the pantry or fridge. It always makes me feel better. Perhaps its the control freak in me, but something about having everything around you orderly makes me a calmer person.

    It doesn't take work, it's just taking the effort to put things away, where they go.

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    1. Rachel, I totally understand... when life feels out of control at least I can "control" my drawers/fridge/pantry:)

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  47. Hi Joan,

    Love how your drawers are so tidy and spacious.
    Looks like I need to weed out some of my kitchen items to get the same organised cutlery trays.
    Fruit knife who's blade keeps coming out of the handle, I'm talking to you.

    Valerie

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    1. I'm thinking that fruit knife is shaking in its handle about now!!

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  48. Hi Joan, Dan, and Ella: I so get the organizing thing! I like things in order; do it once and I only have to edit. Yes, it takes time the first time, but there is nothing better than having what you need/want at the ready. When we go away, our home is so clean! I love coming home to a clean home with fresh linens and towels. Cindy

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    1. And I'm guessing with two houses it 'really' helps to be organized Cindy. Nothing like fresh linens!

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  49. Hey there, Joan. I chuckled when I saw this post of yours because I just posted about organizing one drawer in my kitchen. In fact, as I was cleaning it out and deciding where to put the stuff I was keeping, I thought of you! I thought, "I'll do a post on this drawer, just like Joan did." But of course, your drawers are much more lovely, so artfully arranged. Love the green-handled Bakelite (I'm guessing) -- I collect Bakelite. It's wonderful.
    Claudia

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    1. They are Bakelite Claudia, good eye! They are steak knives and love the size and feel in hand.

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  50. Don't tell anyone but when I'm feeling out of sorts I find the best way to get on track is to re-organize or straighten out a drawer, cupboard or closet. It somehow makes me sing again. Aren't we a bunch of funny people who can get excited by drawers that are all aligned and in their places! Thanks for sharing your absolutely beautiful home. I am frequently in the Danvers, MA area and have been up to New Hampshire several times. What a slice of heaven!

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    1. I won't tell anyone Kat;), but I think you are in a large group of people who do exactly the same thing! It really is a slice of heaven here- especially today... mid-August and it's 72 degrees (with a high of 77;) and dry and all the windows are wide open. It's the epitome of what a "perfect" summer day should be like!

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  51. I would love to know where you got the clear glass cannisters on your counter. I have been searching for years. Its amazing how a detail like that can enhance a beautiful kitchen.

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    1. You can find them at Walmart, Target and Crate and Barrel! They come in several sizes, mine are the large.

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  52. As usual, you approach things with such thoughtful intent. It must be lovely to cook in that kitchen for many reasons & this organization is just another. Such lovely collections, thanks for sharing!

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  53. So Joan, I'm wondering about the little collection of corks in the back of one of the drawers. Special occasions? I had a bag of them with names/dates/occasions written right on the corks. I "edited" them one day. *heavy sigh*. Also, curious as to why you didn't take cabinets right up to the ceiling. Design sense? Lighting?
    Always love your blog---
    A fan from Colorado.

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    1. Dan and I have been talking about Colorado lately and how much we miss our treks there.... love CO!
      Regarding the corks, I started to save a few to turn upside down slice a opening and use them as place card holders!
      The ceiling in the original farmhouse and the ceiling in the new ell meet along the wall where the canisters are on the counter. Being a 150 year old house;) the two ceilings weren't 'perfectly' aligned and this was the solution- to drop the cabinets an inch to make all the cabinets in the room at the same level. In the end I really liked the effect- making the upper cabinets look more like furniture than cupboard built-ins!

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  54. I am glad you responded here to the anonymous comment. It really inspired me to go and clean out my drawers! You are so right - organisation is a gift to yourself.

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    1. I'm so glad the reply inspired you Vicki!! That's so fun to know.

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  55. Honey....You can get into my drawers ANY time! lol. I mean....I have never seen such beautiful, artful drawers! Ok....Now I want one of your favorite recipes of late. Just cause.

    And YES! I did see the little shell spoon....she looks so perfectly at home, miles and mile away!

    Lotsa love!!

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    1. Another question....Is that all of your silverwear? Or is there another drawer full of forks and knives and spoons?

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    2. Favorite recipe of late is anything with fresh tomatoes! (though sadly not the ones from my garden as the $60 I spent on various organic starters for the two small raised beds have produced woefully little:( Next year will be all herbs, which thankfully are doing well. Lessons from the first year of the garden. Yes, the other drawer for everyday silverware is to the left of the sink. I didn't show a photo of it. I also usually have the hotel silverware on the kitchen table, but it is in the pantry right now. I'm sure I will put them back come fall. Hope you are well my friend! Any news on the NE front?!

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    3. Looks like those plans are on hold for awhile. Just too hard to try to move this house in this market :(.

      So we will enjoy our little slice of paradise (ha!) awhile longer. I will be enviously watching your snow fall this winter. The ocean, however, is stunning here.

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  56. Beautiful kitchen! Where did you get the skinny drawer pulls? I have been looking all over for some exactly like that!

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  57. Well, I'm just now seeing this post and it's 2016. I'm unfortunately Not a naturally organized person. It helps tremendously for me to see How you do it via great picture posts.Not many people will allow you to peek inside their drawers and closets! I have to laugh when people compliment my organization on a sewing project. I would NOT wish this disconcerting disease on anyone. I taught for over 30 yrs.and it was a daily struggle. So thanks for showing us organization challenged ladies what it looks and feels like to live in an organized home. Would you consider a road trip to the Deep South for an intervention!? Ha!!

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Welcome! Thank you for leaving a comment; you have no idea how much your comments inspire me to keep writing- I appreciate each and every one. Comments are moderated by me prior to publishing on the blog, so if you don't see your comment post immediately it will be posted as soon as I receive and read it. joan