Blog # 21 (September 2018)

At Ekko Custom Cabinetry & Design, we often start the design process by asking our clients to seriously consider the space they have, the space they need and how they would like their new space to be designed and function. As a starting point, we should regularly organize our available kitchen cabinet space and “de-clutter” items we accumulate but really don’t need. Identify these items and give them away NOW

! It always provides a great sense of achievement and satisfaction to open up your kitchen cabinets and see nice, organized shelves where everything is easy to find and access when needed.
Is it time to organize your kitchen cabinets? It can be a big and intimidating job, so don’t try to do it all at once – start with the least challenging areas first and take it one space at a time. Commit an hour a day or spread the task over a long weekend.
We have many new inserts and features that encourage a complete organization and will intersperse a number of these options throughout this article. However, we strongly recommend that you go through this “purging and organization” process first, before designing your new space and considering how you want it to function. If you don’t see what you have in mind …. Ask, we have plenty more to select from!

           
Corner Drawers     Blind Corner Access                Tray Dividers Garbage                      Bin / Recycling

We found a great article in the June 6, 2018 edition of “Houzz” (written by Becky Harris on June 4, 2018) that gives an excellent process suggestion for successfully completing this arduous and daunting task – we hope it works for all of you.

                             How to Clean and Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets

Start with something easy, like your everyday dishes. Follow these basic steps, which you can then apply to all your kitchen cabinets and drawers.

1. Gather some tools. Have cleaning supplies and a box for donations ready. Gather bubble wrap or newspaper for wrapping up any breakables you’ll be donating.

2. Assess your cabinet. Check out the way everything is currently organized (or not). Is it easy to grab the dishes you need? Do random items wind up stashed in here and get in the way? If so, determine if you really need them and vow to find a better home for them. Is it easy to put all your dishes away from the dishwasher? If not, you may want to move your dishes to a cabinet that’s within easy reach when you’re unloading.

                         

U-Shape Sink Shelves     Tupperware Tubs & Lids         Bulk Spices & Cans         Cooking Utensils & Pans

3. Clean. Take everything out of the cabinet. Scrub down the shelves with soap and water. If you’re a shelf liner person, rip the old paper out, then scrub the inside of the cabinet, then replace the liner. A wide range of cool patterns is available.

4. Edit. Determine what you use and what you don’t. Put everything you don’t need or love into the donations box.

5. Check your shelf heights. Assess the height of the shelves in your dish cabinet
and how they affect how you can organize things. Are you storing tall items too high because that’s the only shelf that will accommodate their height? Find an arrangement that’s easy for you to use and maintain, then adjust your shelves accordingly.

6. Get inspired. Peruse photos of beautifully arranged open shelves and glass-front kitchen cabinets. Pretend your dishes won’t be hidden behind closed doors and that you’ll be looking at it all the time. Even if your perfectly organized cabinets have solid doors, it’s truly a pleasure to open them up when everything is pretty and neat.

7. Load. Put all your keepers back in, saving the dishes you grab first for the most accessible places.

Spice Storage Drawers               Utensil Divider Drawers              Roll Out Shelf           Pots & Pans Drawer

8. Feel proud. Take a step back and admire your work. Show it off to others — you deserve praise for your effort, and it will motivate you to keep going.

9. Repeat. As you tackle the rest of your kitchen cabinets and drawers, follow these same steps.

After You’re Done

 

Load everything you plan to donate or recycle into your car today and drop it off, or arrange for a favorite charity to pick it up. Who knows? You may be so proud of your new cabinets that you feel ready for glass doors or open shelves.

At Ekko Custom Cabinetry and Design, we strive to exceed your expectations. Whatever the reason for your renovation, consider this as an investment in your life and home – do it right the first time – you’ll be rewarded in your quality of life and the ultimate boost in your real estate value. Our custom kitchen and bath design staff can help you through a process that will give you the space you have dreamed of …. and deserve.

T.E. (Tim) Pressey

Ekko Custom Kitchen Cabinetry and Design of Calgary

32 – 4th Street N.E.

Calgary, Alberta    T2E 3R7

(403) 263-3556

Email us at : info@ekkocabinetry.com

Please visit our website at : www.ekkocabinetry.com