November 25, 2025 • 35 mins
In this Thanksgiving-week episode of Boulevard Beat, Meghan and Krissa explore Thanksgiving-Ready Kitchens: How to Design a Space That Works for Real Life. As families gather and the heart of the home comes alive, they break down what today’s kitchens truly need to function beautifully—during the holidays and every day. From the rise of back kitchens to smarter storage solutions, mindful materials, and the evolution of the kitchen island, this conversation dives into how thoughtful design supports the way people actually cook, gather, and live. It’s a warm, practical, and inspiring look at designing a kitchen that can gracefully handle both the chaos of Thanksgiving prep and the rhythm of daily life.
Street Style Takeaways:
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Street Style Takeaways:
- The Kitchen Is More Than a Workspace—It’s a Lifestyle Hub
It's where families gather, guests linger, and life happens. Today’s kitchens must reflect how people truly use them. - Back Kitchens & Work Pantries Are Game-Changers
These secondary spaces keep clutter, appliances, and mess tucked away—making the main kitchen cleaner, calmer, and more beautiful. - Material Choices Matter (Especially for Heavy Use)
Marble, wood, metal—each brings character, but durability and practicality must guide selections, especially around sinks, ranges, and clean-up zones. - Islands Have Become Furniture Pieces
They aren’t just blocks of cabinetry anymore. Islands now have decorative legs, curated materials, and seating moments that blend form and function. - Smart Storage Makes Holiday Cooking (and Every Day) Easier
Thoughtful solutions like coffee stations, baking zones, dedicated drawers, and organized pantries support habits and simplify daily routines.
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Episode Website https://www.blvdbeat.com/about
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
Welcome to boulevard Beat, a podcast where life and style intersect.
I'm designer Megan Bloom along with my co hosts, editor
Chris the Rossbund and gallery owner Liz Legit. This podcast
focuses on the daily highlights instead of the hustle, interviews
with taste makers, and personal conversations on how to.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Highlight achievable style.
Speaker 1 (00:26):
You con stroll one street at a time, boulevard Beat
proves the one you should take. As we head into Thanksgiving,
there's one room that always seems to take center stage,
the kitchen. It's where the prepping, the tasting, the gathering,
and honestly, the real memories happen. And this time of
year especially, we're reminded how grateful we are for a
(00:48):
kitchen that actually works, a space that functions well, supports
the flow for hosting, and feels like the heart of
the home because it truly is. And today we're breaking
down exactly what makes a kitchen work, from layout and
lighting to materials and smart storage. We're sharing the key
components designers think about long before the turkey ever hits
the oven.
Speaker 2 (01:08):
Let's dive in.
Speaker 3 (01:09):
Well.
Speaker 1 (01:09):
Today we're stepping into the heart of the home the kitchen.
Kitchens have officially become the it room. I mean they've
always been important, but now I feel like the level
of luxury and detail and design that people are putting
into them is just a whole other level.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
I mean, there's really no reason to design the rest
of your house. There's so popular. It's where people want
to be, and it's when you have guests over where
everybody hangs out. They leave there even when you're cooking
and don't want them there, They're still in that kitchen. Unfortunately,
it's where the food is too. It's hard to go
through that kitchen and use it for another purpose and
not snack a little.
Speaker 1 (01:44):
You're so right, how often are you either your cookie
at it or it's like, get out of the kitchen.
I just want to be alone and enjoy my time here,
getting things ready and having it be a space to enjoy.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
You are sort of the queen of kitchen design. I
know that you really excel in that area of the home. Especially.
I'm an avid cook, so I'm in a kitchen a lot,
and I just think that there are so many considerations
today to think about whether you are renovating your home
to upgrade that kitchen, or if you're building a home,
(02:17):
all of the bells and whistles that exist. It's not
just about a few appliances and a countertop anymore. There
are so many other considerations and upgrades. So we're here
today to talk about some of our favorites and what
we like about.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Them, certainly, and I think what's so interesting about kitchens too,
is there just opportunity to really not only function well,
but to be really use some unique materials and really
show off your design and have it be an area
that just makes you enjoy being in them, even if
you don't enjoy doing dishes or cooking and things like that.
(02:53):
And I think one of the biggest things for me,
I think is just luxurious materials and textures. I think
the game of the countertops have just really up leveled
some of the exotic granites and marbles and the veining
and the large stone slabs, I think, and just how
you can use your counters and those materials.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
Maybe it's the backsplash.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
Going all the way up, or wrapping a waterfall edge
or adding unique bevels to it or reverse bevels to it.
You can just really up level your materials in the
stones that you use.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
Oh, it's so true. And look the marble that is
out there is just exquisite, all of the veining, and
it makes the room really active. It sort of matches
the activity that is going on in a kitchen. There's
no question that this room, more so than any other spaces,
is really all about materials. You don't really have the
opportunity here for a lot of a pole steret, maybe
(03:54):
a little, but not a lot. And some of those
other decorative elements that make exist elsewhere in the home
may not be practical in the kitchen where grease may
be flying around and it just may not may not work.
And with countertops, Don't get me wrong, I love a
marble countertop. I love a beautiful granite with the exotic
(04:15):
grants that you just referenced. But there are, you know,
really beautiful soapstones that I've seen, and I love soapstone.
I've even seen some wood countertops, which you know requires
some special care. But I just think that that's all
of the countertop options are really special right now.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
I think it's absolutely stunning when you have a butcher
block or a big wood island in the kitchen. We
frequently if it has. You know, an entertaining island will
often mix some materials and maybe one of them becomes
a beautiful piece of wood on there, and it just
adds some warmth that in a space that you know
might be large and needs a little bit of that
(04:55):
warmth in the space.
Speaker 3 (04:56):
I think that's a great point in a kitchen again,
because you have all these solid surfaces, there's not a
lot of fabric in that softness that any opportunity that
you can snag too we've warmth into the situation is
important and would certainly.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
Does that well.
Speaker 1 (05:11):
And I think even just right now too, when you
talk about materials, the fluting or the vertical slats that
you are seeing in cabinet tree right now offers an
additional nice texture in the space too.
Speaker 3 (05:22):
Well. When it comes to islands, I mean, we know
that in other spaces in the home, it's fun to
have the contrast, the sort of outlier. And what's lovely
about a kitchen space is that outlier can be the island.
You can do a totally different finish, totally different materials
and make it more decorative, especially if it's an island,
and I know there are a lot of double islands
(05:43):
now we'll get to that in the moment. But I
know that there are a lot of islands that don't
really ever see they're not cooking spaces so much, and
so you don't have to worry about the grease and
the spills and the little grooves where food can get into.
So I think that like that fluting and reading that
you just mentioned, that can be nice for you know,
(06:04):
the front of an island.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
Yeah, and you bring up a good point.
Speaker 1 (06:08):
I am a sucker for a double island and entertaining island.
If I had a kitchen big enough, that would for
sure be on my wish list. I think there's nothing
better to have the island. The main island of one
that you're just is the workhorse that you're using, and
it can have the mess and you know, being very functional,
and then the other island that can stay a little
(06:28):
bit prettier, large tray, you know, just being able to
that you have your dinners on and it's just already
clean and ready to go and you're not feeling like
you're moving pots and pans and different things around and
can still enjoy a nice clean meal at that second island.
Speaker 3 (06:42):
Right Because sometimes, as I said, those guests want to
linger in the or even family in the kitchen, but
sometimes you don't want them in your workspace. And so
if you can have that double island, that can be great.
Something else I've seen, and I'm seeing more and more
of it is the split island where you can sort
of walk in between two islands, And I just think
(07:06):
that that is such a good use of space, because
the problem with an island when it gets too large,
you can't reach what's in the middle. And so with
that split that you can't access anyway, I think that
that's a nice touch. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
I mean, there's certainly conversations that are had sometimes in
some of these larger homes where you're like, you actually
can't reach the middle of that island to clean it
even true, which is kind of crazy to think about.
So kind of being While an enormous island is impressive,
it also needs to be functional too.
Speaker 3 (07:40):
So, Megan, and while we're talking about islands, something that
to me is a kitchen must have is a barstool
with a back. I want to lean and I want
to be comfortable, and barstools without backs, I just don't
understand them. I know some people have them, so I
want you to tell me about when you use them
or do your clients ever want them, and what that
(08:02):
looks like.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
We definitely certainly do use them, and I think it
happens more often when maybe a space constraint and.
Speaker 2 (08:09):
You just need to be able to have it push.
Speaker 1 (08:13):
In more all the way that you don't want visually
that to be in the way. And sometimes it's also
an element that you maybe just kind of want to
not visually look at. You want to really enjoy the
details of the kitchen cabinet tree and you want those
to kind of just go away as well. But I
agree a back's very important. It makes it just more
(08:34):
comfortable and just sitting there and enjoying and lingering in
the kitchen.
Speaker 3 (08:38):
And the barstool game has really been elevated as well.
I mean, you have seats that are acrylic that are
really fun and just better versions of barstools and counterstools
than what used to exist. And I think that that's
exciting because that, in combination with all of the performance fabrics,
allows this great again upholl steret opportunity that's not always
(09:01):
possible in a kitchen.
Speaker 1 (09:02):
Yeah, definitely, the barstool game has kind of really just
been up leveled, and just.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
The materials you use. I've used it a.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
Couple of carylics sometimes, and they're so heavy to move.
It's one complaint I get occasionally. It's because it's like
to pull them in and out just to sit in
can be kind of cumbersome. But I think, like you mentioned,
it's a great opportunity to have some unique patterns or
fabrics in there, if on the chair back or the seat,
to add a little bit of impact with your fabrics
(09:30):
and patterns.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
The barstools are a great way to do that.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
Whether it's vinyl or just more a performance fabric or
something that can be easily wiped down is always very
helpful with those spaces too.
Speaker 3 (09:44):
So I have a question because a little known fact
about me. I don't believe that I've said this on
our podcast yet, but to your clients, like a squivel barstool,
I have to tell you I am. I feel like
I'm the one person on planet Earth who does not
like swivel anything, and.
Speaker 4 (10:02):
I definitely don't like a swivel barstool because it's never straight.
You always have to straighten them. So tell me your
thoughts on the swivel. I am not a swibbler.
Speaker 1 (10:13):
I'm I'm kind of with you too. I'm probably not
a swiveler either. I do think of a chair sometimes
in the living room can be functional to swivel. But barstools,
I agree, and they often will hit the side of
the counter and end up with dings on them, so
the chair never looks quite right either, or the kids
play in them and are kind of just scooting around
in different things too. But people definitely have strong opinions.
(10:36):
I often, you know, they'll be like, I love that stool,
but it needs to swivel. I mean, that's a comment
that frequently comes up from my clients.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
Yes, I just I, like I said, I feel like
I'm in a one person club not being a swiveler.
I'm glad to know that you're not one either. So
let's finish with with islands and we'll finish with the
island lighting. What an opportunity for these magnificent fixtures that
are really horizontal and just these oversized pendants so much. Again,
(11:09):
great opportunity for design in the kitchen. And again, I
think because a kitchen's goal is to be as functional
as possible, that's certainly the top priority. You have to
grab those decorative opportunities when you can.
Speaker 1 (11:24):
Yeah, I couldn't agree with you more. I think the
lighting is such an opportunity to really show off a
statement in there and really up level your kitchen. I
love an oversized pendant as well. Sometimes I kind of
get a little pushback on that too, is like, don't
you think that's too big, And it's like, no, just wait,
It'll just be exactly what that kitchen needed.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
And it can be an.
Speaker 1 (11:46):
Opportunity to add in some metallic or even just some
more natural textures in the space too, or maybe it's
more sculptural and you want to have double as an
art piece in there too. But the over the kitchen
island is something that's so important to think about. It's
also kind of trendy right now. You're seeing a lot
(12:07):
of sconces on both sides of like the hood. If
there's not cabinet tree, that's something that's really popular right now.
Speaker 2 (12:14):
I'm not sure. I mean, I'm sure the lighting helps
a little.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
Bit for the function of the space, but I think
it's a little bit more of that decorative element in
the space well.
Speaker 3 (12:23):
And so many kitchens now have removed all of that
upper cabin a tree. Yes, really just going to the
lower cabina tree. Which takes me to my next love
of kitchens, and this is something that I am very
envious of, and that is the back kitchen. We're seeing
more and more of these, and of course it's easier
(12:44):
to make happen in a new build where you're starting
from scratch versus trying to retrofit that that the back
kitchen is such a wonderful spot. That can be a
makeshift pantry as well. That can be the spot where
you have all of your small appliances and the flower
flies when you're mixing that batch of cookies. It's okay
(13:07):
because the part of the kitchen where the guests are
still remains nice and clean and tidy.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
So your thoughts on the back kitchen, No one could
be wrong to have a back kitchen. I think having
a second kitchen behind there is so popular and it's
done in so many houses. And whether it's just for
a few appliances or it almost doubles as more of
a working kitchen and then your main kitchen stays pretty.
It's especially great for people that entertain a lot and
(13:34):
actually have caters that come in. Those caters love it
because they can kind of have it back there. They
can make their mess, they can leave their things, do
what they need to do, and bring it out and
present it in the main kitchen. And it looks fabulous.
So it has so many different values. You know, we
all have those random appliances, those small little countertop appliances,
(13:55):
but nobody wants to look at them.
Speaker 2 (13:56):
Even though they've come up with much.
Speaker 1 (13:58):
More sleek looking toasters and blenders and things like that.
It's in the end you want that kind of touch behind.
So I think we're all in for that kitchen for sure.
Speaker 3 (14:10):
The problem is we've gone from a couple of small
appliances that were, you know, the the chic toaster and
the iconic kitchen aid mixer and whatever fun color you
purchase it in to now there's.
Speaker 4 (14:23):
The air fryer, there's a you know, steam unit thing
for There's so many different ones.
Speaker 3 (14:30):
And while the silhouette of the KitchenAid mixer is certainly
iconic and fabulous and beautiful, I don't really need to
see a food processor right that's interworking. So it's yes,
great for those those sorts of spaces.
Speaker 2 (14:45):
Well, and Christa. I mean here I am.
Speaker 1 (14:47):
I buy those cute fancy appliances too, and I still
put them behind a cabinet, Like I still don't.
Speaker 2 (14:52):
Even want to put them out. Yeah, even for every day.
Speaker 3 (14:55):
They're just a lot. The uncluttered is better, I think.
So how about you, Megan, what's something that you up
in a kitchen?
Speaker 1 (15:01):
Well, I think one of my favorite things in a
kitchen is really having stations and purposeful sections of your
kitchen spelled out. Whether it's a baking station if you're
a big baker, that all of your cookie cutters and
your flour and sugar and those types of things are together,
or just a coffee station, or if you're a tea
drinker and having your coffee machine and having your mugs
(15:25):
and all the things that go.
Speaker 2 (15:26):
Along with it.
Speaker 1 (15:27):
It just makes for a more functional kitchen because at
the end of the day, that's what we want is
to have our kitchens be more functional, and that make
our lives easier because it's all together, your vitamins all together,
or kind of how your habits work that you can
habit stack things together. So having stations that function for
(15:47):
how you live, I think is really important.
Speaker 3 (15:50):
I think that's a great point. And in the United
States anyway, because we have large spaces, because we entertain
and because so many people do enjoy cooking and baking
and using their kitchens, we have a lot of recipes
that we don't make a lot, like maybe we just
make them once or twice a year. And I say
that because I'm not a big baker. I love to cook,
(16:12):
but I'm not a big baker, and I really only
do it during the holidays, and so, you know, for
eleven months out of the year, I don't ever really
use sugar or flour and the candy thermometer. And I
have well, I don't have a new built home where
I created a baking station or had one built out.
(16:33):
I fashioned one in my own kitchen where all of
the baking things remain, and I really they're sort of
out of my way the rest of the year, which
I enjoy because I just I don't use them or
need them. And so I hate that guessing game of
when you only make something once a year and it's like,
where's the special tool that it requires? Or am I
out of this? Or am I out of that? Do
(16:54):
I need to? And so it's just nice when it's
all in one place, and I know, I just go
to one single, I do the checklist there, and if
it's not in that space, then I need to go
replace it or find it.
Speaker 1 (17:06):
So yeah, I think that that's an important part, is
just that organization and making sure that you've got that together.
And I have to say too, I also really like,
especially for certain things like that, like you're baking drawers,
is to have deep drawers that are functional, because sometimes
some of those shallow ones you can't fit everything in it.
I'm a drawer fan in general. I would much rather
have a drawer than doors. I think they just read easier.
(17:30):
You pull out, you grab what you need, rather than
opening the door and trying to see all the way
to the back.
Speaker 3 (17:35):
Speaking of drawers, I love a warming drawer too. I
think that's a great piece of technology that's you know,
it's not brand new, it's been around now for a
decade or two, but just having that drawer if you
entertain to keep things warm, because it is a dance
to figure out which dishes you should make first and
(17:55):
which need a little more time, and what's going to
go cold if you don't have that. So I like
the idea of a station or some opportunity that can
keep one dish warm while the others are being finished.
Speaker 1 (18:08):
Yeah, I think the warming drawer was definitely a wonderful
invention for like you said, that dance of like making
sure you have it already at the right time.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
It's hard to do and to balance all of that.
Speaker 1 (18:19):
It's a must if you've got the space, because I
know it's another appliance to take up room.
Speaker 3 (18:23):
Are there any other appliance sorts of things that you
love or technologies to the big hero of appliances?
Speaker 1 (18:31):
Two things on appliances, I think it's always important to
have them be pan already. I think just being able
to blend into the kitchen is a must. But I
am a big fan of refrigerator drawer, especially if you've
got a big island or an entertaining island. It's so
nice just to be able to open it out, pull
out a bottle of water or juice box or lacroix.
(18:51):
It just makes for very easy, entertaining to grab and
go and not feel like you have to take five
extra steps to get somebody a drink when they need it.
Speaker 3 (18:59):
I agree, because sometimes you just don't if somebody needs
a drink, it doesn't necessitate opening the whole refrigerator door,
and then if it's hidden behind, if somebody's brought something
and put it in your refrigerator. It's just nice to
have that spot where you know the drinks are and
our children ready ready for guests. Yes, although I'm the
weird again, I feel like I'm always the weirdo. I
(19:20):
don't drink anything cold. I drink everything at room temperature,
so I'm always handed a soda or water. It's like,
let me get you cold one. It's like, no, do
you have one in your garage? That's not the hold
that you just haven't put in there yet, because that's
the one I will.
Speaker 2 (19:33):
That's the one that's funny. I didn't know that about you.
Speaker 3 (19:36):
Yeah, it's so strange. It's the European way. But I
don't I don't want ice, so such a strange one,
I know. Okay, so this may be a little bit controversial,
and I think they are so cool and interesting. This
is more about my neglect. If I had one, and
that is the sea through refrigerator, I just don't think
(19:58):
I could keep up. And maybe beautiful.
Speaker 1 (20:00):
You'd have to be super super disciplined for it. I
will say you'll see them as just like a beverage
refrigerator that is see through, and those I think I
could probably handle a little bit easier of like making
them look good. But you want to make sure that
all your cans are matching and that they are all
lined up, and you know, kids take two of them
(20:22):
out and then it doesn't look right. It just it
would be a lot to have it looking right all
the time.
Speaker 3 (20:27):
So I'm curious as a kitchen designer sometimes are clients
ever okay? Do they ever ask? Or are they good
with you sourcing appliances when they come in those great colors?
Because sometimes you can pick a paint color just like
you can for the walls, and the applients can be
in that color. Or is that still a little is
(20:48):
that difficult a difficult cell?
Speaker 1 (20:51):
It can be kind of a difficult cell occasionally, especially
in your main kitchen, if you've got it in a
bar or something. I am more open to corporating it
into the design.
Speaker 2 (21:02):
But I did have.
Speaker 1 (21:05):
Several years ago a client in their lake house did
like those cobalt blue refrigerators and freezers, and we incorporated
that into the design and then had blue cabinet tree
that coordinated and it turned out really neat. But you
have to definitely commit to like wanting and liking that
color and not getting tired of it, because it certainly
(21:26):
is a commitment. But I can't say in the main
main kitchen, I've really ever done that.
Speaker 3 (21:31):
So what's another one of your kitchen favorites or kitchen
must haves that you enjoy.
Speaker 1 (21:36):
I really enjoy when the hood over the range has
a nice statement to it. I just think there's so
much opportunity to have a little fun, a little opinion
in that piece of the kitchen. It's typically a focal point,
and you know, it's typically large because a lot of
(21:57):
times these kitchens have really large ranges, and I think
you can have some personality with it, you know, whether
it's metal or it's has read it like we talked
about before, or beautiful wood or stone.
Speaker 2 (22:09):
That gets wrapped all the way around.
Speaker 1 (22:11):
I just think it's really an opportunity to have some fun,
make a statement, and show your personality.
Speaker 3 (22:19):
Megan, we've talked a little bit, or we've noted how
important it is for the kitchen to function and have
good organization. I love compartments with in drawers and one
of the most special ones. Again, I get kitchen envy
quite a bit, just because I spent so much time
in my kitchen and I'm such a cook. But we
had one project years ago that had a drawer and
(22:43):
the drawer was walnut on the inside. The inserts were walnut,
and it was one of those very sleek Italian kitchens,
so beautifully crafted, and it had space for the aluminum foil,
the saran wrap, the parchment paper, all in walnut, and
there was just this slight opening where they would just
(23:03):
you know, you could pull them out of. And I
have a drawer for that too, but mine's not solid
walnut with solid walnut inserts, and it was just so
beautifully done. And I just think it's important to really
take the time, if you are in the middle of
a kitchen renovation or if you are building out a kitchen,
to think about how you are going to use it
(23:25):
and where you want that organization.
Speaker 1 (23:27):
Well, isn't that funny how a drawer can make you feel,
and how it's just the beauty of it makes more
enjoyable to cook in. And I think that you know,
just in general, you know you mentioned it kind of
earlier too, but opening you know, your utensile drawer and
be having it more organized and nice dividers, it makes
a huge difference. I mean, it's so frustrating when you've
(23:47):
got something that's hit in the top of the drawer
and it won't open correctly, or it is loud and
noisy and things like that. So I think that that
organization is so important. I even like too, especially if
you're like big vegetable person as well too. With fresh vegetables,
no one wants them all over the counter, but you
know you need to leave them out. You're not putting
them in the fridge. Is a drawer that you can
(24:08):
put those in, and we've been doing them with like
little wire opening so the air still gets in there
that they're not getting stuffed in a drawer, and it
has a nice esthetic too.
Speaker 2 (24:19):
You feel like this little French cook.
Speaker 3 (24:20):
Oh, I love that too. For your onions and your
garlic and those sorts of things that need to not
be refrigerated. It's not good for them. It diminishes their quality.
So I love that idea. I think it's it does.
It does make you feel like a French cook having
that out in the open and at the ready. So
I do have to say that a place for all
(24:42):
of the sheets is a must. The cooking sheets, the
baking sheets upright, easy to pull out, that's a must.
And I think organization also for lids is important.
Speaker 2 (24:55):
We've just done this a few times.
Speaker 1 (24:56):
That I like, too, I think is a great idea
is that you know your paper towelholder, It's like, where
do we put it?
Speaker 2 (25:01):
We don't want it on the counter? Is it fit
in the drawer?
Speaker 1 (25:04):
And and a lot of the cabinet tree designs now
you can kind of have that top drawer that often
is sometimes over the garbage can that that can be
inside of, which I think is a great look. Or
sometimes if you're a big chopper, you'll see the like
a cutting board will pull out too in that area,
and that's a nice way to organize just everyday functional things.
Speaker 3 (25:25):
Let's talk a little bit about aesthetics now, because again,
you know, we keep saying this that the kitchen needs
to function first, but it is a it's a major
place where people are going to be in the home,
and so the design and aesthetics of it are important
as well. So I'm going to start with architecture. I
know that this is I know we don't like to
(25:46):
use the word trend However, this is trendy at the moment,
and I think it's going to be around for a while.
And those are arches. And what I love about arches
in a kitchen is everything be as clean as possible.
But the problem is you sort of get that sterile
look with all of the hard surfaces and a beautiful
(26:08):
arch on either side of a range or a span
of the countertop where there are openings to another room.
I just think that an arch is especially nice in
a kitchen, even if architecturally you don't use it elsewhere,
because personally I probably wouldn't use it elsewhere. I don't
love arches always.
Speaker 1 (26:29):
Right, and I think your kitchen is kind of its
own area that you can do things like that that
you can if you don't have arched walkways in other areas,
you can certainly still do it in this area. I
think it looks nice when it's kind of opening up
to a pantry that you kind of peek into and see,
but it just adds a nice softness to the space.
I think the arches are having a moment right now,
(26:51):
and I think they're really beautiful.
Speaker 3 (26:53):
One material that I think is so beautiful, especially in
the kitchen, because you're it's very tactile in your touching
a lot of things in the kitchen, and that is
unlacquered brass. I love as it ages just the wonderful
patina and warmth that it delivers. And again, there's just
a lot of opportunity in the kitchen for a lot
(27:14):
of touching it, and so I think that that just
hopefully amplifies and speeds up that patina process that we
wait so long to get.
Speaker 2 (27:23):
You're so right.
Speaker 1 (27:23):
I mean, there's nothing more beautiful than that unlockered brass
on a pot filler that just kind of knows that
it's been well loved and used and made lots of
things in that kitchen, even just there's a lot of
floating shelves or metal shelves that have that lacquered brass
in them that are so popular right now too. That
just adds that element of material into the space.
Speaker 3 (27:45):
My last piece in the aesthetics category is good quality hardware.
It's not great to open a cabinet, drawer or door
and have some sort of chinsey hardware that is sort
of weightless. You want something that's really hearty and rugged
and weighty. And again this is the chance to you know,
(28:06):
we always say that hardware is the jewelry for the home.
It's been said a million times, but there's so much
great hardware out there right now. And even if you
can't find something that you love and want something that's
very custom you can for a price, have that done
as well. So hardware, I think is a place to
put some thought into and maybe put a little more
(28:27):
of the budget toward it so you can get something
special because it does matter on that cabinetry.
Speaker 2 (28:33):
It really matters.
Speaker 1 (28:34):
And I'm all for that too, and I think it's
a good thing if you maybe don't have a designer
kitchen or really high end kitchen, if you put nice
hardware on your cabinet doors, it changes things so much,
whether just being able to feel it and feel the
weight of it when you're using those cabinets, but also stylistically,
I mean, they've just come such a long way of
(28:55):
just unique materials or you know, having an acrylic pole
or it's hammered, or just the details. You can really
have a lot of personality and style.
Speaker 3 (29:06):
In your hardware, and I love the leather poles that
I've seen, leather knobs and poles, and they may or
may not be super practical in the space where you're working,
that is your workhorse space, but maybe they can be used,
you know, elsewhere on an island or a place that
doesn't get as much again spills and grease spots and
(29:27):
that sort of thing, but they're really beautiful and certainly
in a bar well.
Speaker 1 (29:31):
Chris, So, we've talked about lighting over your island, but
I think it's also super important to think through accent
lighting in your kitchen, you know, inside cabinets or behind
fluted panels. I also am a sucker for even just
a little bit of a tokick lighting in that right spot,
especially if it's got like a little furniture piece detail
(29:51):
to add a nice glow to the space. Lighting is
so important to think about the accents in there.
Speaker 3 (29:57):
Absolutely, and you know that's another thing. You definitely need
your task lighting to perform jobs. But the you know,
ambiance lighting is super beautiful and I love during the
latter part of the year when there's lack of sunlight,
lack of daylight hours to at night, you know, when
all of the other lights are off, just have the
(30:18):
light in the cabinet. It's just really pretty and glowy.
Speaker 1 (30:21):
And yeah, there's nothing better than that evening light in
those cabinet trees when you're done using it and just
setting the atmosphere and just the ambiance of the space. Well, Chris, So,
the white kitchen has always been a staple in a home.
It's as classic as you get. It's always going to
stay in the test of time. But there's definitely been
(30:43):
a move towards deeper, more dramatic tones, your forest screens,
your navy, your charcoal, and even some deep neutrals. So
it's been fun kind of incorporating some of those different
looks into the kitchen, adding a little bit more personality
than just your normal white kitchen.
Speaker 3 (30:59):
Oh, most definitely. And I feel like the kitchen and
the dining room are spaces in the house that can
be the decorative outliers. I think if the rest of
your house is super light, that it's okay to go
a little dark in the kitchen and do something different
because it is kind of the throne of the home
and it should feel special. And you know, likewise, we're
(31:22):
not really talking about dining rooms today but the same
is true in dining rooms. It's really a night time
space or a space that tends to be used more
at night. That gives you an allowance decoratively to do
something that is a little different. I do like some
of these deeper, richer tones that are going on in
the kitchen right now, And I think that the white
(31:42):
kitchen got a little too white for a while. It
was like too stark, and now we've warmed it up
a little bit even when it's a white kitchen through
these wonderful marbles that are incorporated or some contrast elements,
so it's not just stark white. So I'm all for that,
these warmer tones that are going on right.
Speaker 1 (32:01):
Now, and it's a nice even if you still love
the white kitchen. I mean, even just doing your island
a different color or incorporate it into the pantry or
your rift oaks that are so trendy right now too.
It definitely adds a nice warmth to the space and
gives it a little bit of style too.
Speaker 3 (32:19):
Absolutely, hats off to all of you, Megan, you and
all of your colleagues out there who are designing these kitchens,
because they've just become so much more creative, which is
always exciting. So my last piece for kitchen must have,
and again I am saying this as somebody who loves
to cook. It's one of my top hobbies, and that
(32:41):
is just to make sure that your tools are quality ones.
And I'm talking about the heavy hitter tools, the pots,
the pans, the knives. Buy as expensive as you can
and care for them well. Because look, as much as
I love my pots and pans and my knives, I
don't want to buy them again.
Speaker 2 (33:01):
That's no one wants that expense again.
Speaker 3 (33:03):
Yeah, yeah, they're expensive and you don't want to buy again.
And so it does really make a difference in the
quality of the cooking. And I think sometimes when people say, oh,
I don't love to cook, I think sometimes that's because
they don't have the right tools. Because once you have
those good tools, you want to use them as much
as possible, as much as time allows, or as much
(33:24):
as your schedule allows. So I just my must haves
for a kitchen are after you have the design complete,
to really invest in quality tools that will make the
cooking experience and food preparation experience better.
Speaker 1 (33:40):
It certainly does make a difference in just the ease
of all of it. And I'm with you, like there's
nothing better than a nice sharp knife that works really well.
It's definitely worth it to invest in quality there.
Speaker 3 (33:51):
And I think I will close out because I know
we're almost done by saying in the kitchen, it's important
to keep in mind there's a lot of danger that
can happen in the kitchen, So when the kitchen is
being designed, it's important for our listeners to really think
about how they might want to use a kitchen because
it needs to be safe too.
Speaker 2 (34:12):
It certainly does.
Speaker 1 (34:12):
Yes, it needs to have function in a way that
keeps everybody safe as they're using the different appliances and
things and materials and all of that.
Speaker 3 (34:22):
Okay began, Well, I know we have many more conversations
that are going to happen around the kitchen, in the kitchen,
all things kitchen, because it is a vast topic and
we can go down so many angles to really tackle
it and bring information to everybody who's listening. But for
our kitchen must have anyway, this was a good start.
Speaker 1 (34:44):
It was a good start, and I think it's not
just about top of the line appliances or fancy finishes.
It's in general about creating a space that enhances the
way you live and gather and a space that you
can love. Thank you for listening to this week's episode
of Boulevard Beat. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow
along and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or
(35:04):
wherever you listen so you never miss an episode, And
of course, follow your hosts on Instagram at.
Speaker 2 (35:10):
Megan bloom Interiors, at CHRISA. Rossbund, and at Liz Legit.
Speaker 1 (35:14):
We'll be back next week as we take a stroll
down another boulevard
Welcome to boulevard Beat, a podcast where life and style intersect.
I'm designer Megan Bloom along with my co hosts, editor
Chris the Rossbund and gallery owner Liz Legit. This podcast
focuses on the daily highlights instead of the hustle, interviews
with taste makers, and personal conversations on how to.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Highlight achievable style.
Speaker 1 (00:26):
You con stroll one street at a time, boulevard Beat
proves the one you should take. As we head into Thanksgiving,
there's one room that always seems to take center stage,
the kitchen. It's where the prepping, the tasting, the gathering,
and honestly, the real memories happen. And this time of
year especially, we're reminded how grateful we are for a
(00:48):
kitchen that actually works, a space that functions well, supports
the flow for hosting, and feels like the heart of
the home because it truly is. And today we're breaking
down exactly what makes a kitchen work, from layout and
lighting to materials and smart storage. We're sharing the key
components designers think about long before the turkey ever hits
the oven.
Speaker 2 (01:08):
Let's dive in.
Speaker 3 (01:09):
Well.
Speaker 1 (01:09):
Today we're stepping into the heart of the home the kitchen.
Kitchens have officially become the it room. I mean they've
always been important, but now I feel like the level
of luxury and detail and design that people are putting
into them is just a whole other level.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
I mean, there's really no reason to design the rest
of your house. There's so popular. It's where people want
to be, and it's when you have guests over where
everybody hangs out. They leave there even when you're cooking
and don't want them there, They're still in that kitchen. Unfortunately,
it's where the food is too. It's hard to go
through that kitchen and use it for another purpose and
not snack a little.
Speaker 1 (01:44):
You're so right, how often are you either your cookie
at it or it's like, get out of the kitchen.
I just want to be alone and enjoy my time here,
getting things ready and having it be a space to enjoy.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
You are sort of the queen of kitchen design. I
know that you really excel in that area of the home. Especially.
I'm an avid cook, so I'm in a kitchen a lot,
and I just think that there are so many considerations
today to think about whether you are renovating your home
to upgrade that kitchen, or if you're building a home,
(02:17):
all of the bells and whistles that exist. It's not
just about a few appliances and a countertop anymore. There
are so many other considerations and upgrades. So we're here
today to talk about some of our favorites and what
we like about.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Them, certainly, and I think what's so interesting about kitchens too,
is there just opportunity to really not only function well,
but to be really use some unique materials and really
show off your design and have it be an area
that just makes you enjoy being in them, even if
you don't enjoy doing dishes or cooking and things like that.
(02:53):
And I think one of the biggest things for me,
I think is just luxurious materials and textures. I think
the game of the countertops have just really up leveled
some of the exotic granites and marbles and the veining
and the large stone slabs, I think, and just how
you can use your counters and those materials.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
Maybe it's the backsplash.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
Going all the way up, or wrapping a waterfall edge
or adding unique bevels to it or reverse bevels to it.
You can just really up level your materials in the
stones that you use.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
Oh, it's so true. And look the marble that is
out there is just exquisite, all of the veining, and
it makes the room really active. It sort of matches
the activity that is going on in a kitchen. There's
no question that this room, more so than any other spaces,
is really all about materials. You don't really have the
opportunity here for a lot of a pole steret, maybe
(03:54):
a little, but not a lot. And some of those
other decorative elements that make exist elsewhere in the home
may not be practical in the kitchen where grease may
be flying around and it just may not may not work.
And with countertops, Don't get me wrong, I love a
marble countertop. I love a beautiful granite with the exotic
(04:15):
grants that you just referenced. But there are, you know,
really beautiful soapstones that I've seen, and I love soapstone.
I've even seen some wood countertops, which you know requires
some special care. But I just think that that's all
of the countertop options are really special right now.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
I think it's absolutely stunning when you have a butcher
block or a big wood island in the kitchen. We
frequently if it has. You know, an entertaining island will
often mix some materials and maybe one of them becomes
a beautiful piece of wood on there, and it just
adds some warmth that in a space that you know
might be large and needs a little bit of that
(04:55):
warmth in the space.
Speaker 3 (04:56):
I think that's a great point in a kitchen again,
because you have all these solid surfaces, there's not a
lot of fabric in that softness that any opportunity that
you can snag too we've warmth into the situation is
important and would certainly.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
Does that well.
Speaker 1 (05:11):
And I think even just right now too, when you
talk about materials, the fluting or the vertical slats that
you are seeing in cabinet tree right now offers an
additional nice texture in the space too.
Speaker 3 (05:22):
Well. When it comes to islands, I mean, we know
that in other spaces in the home, it's fun to
have the contrast, the sort of outlier. And what's lovely
about a kitchen space is that outlier can be the island.
You can do a totally different finish, totally different materials
and make it more decorative, especially if it's an island,
and I know there are a lot of double islands
(05:43):
now we'll get to that in the moment. But I
know that there are a lot of islands that don't
really ever see they're not cooking spaces so much, and
so you don't have to worry about the grease and
the spills and the little grooves where food can get into.
So I think that like that fluting and reading that
you just mentioned, that can be nice for you know,
(06:04):
the front of an island.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
Yeah, and you bring up a good point.
Speaker 1 (06:08):
I am a sucker for a double island and entertaining island.
If I had a kitchen big enough, that would for
sure be on my wish list. I think there's nothing
better to have the island. The main island of one
that you're just is the workhorse that you're using, and
it can have the mess and you know, being very functional,
and then the other island that can stay a little
(06:28):
bit prettier, large tray, you know, just being able to
that you have your dinners on and it's just already
clean and ready to go and you're not feeling like
you're moving pots and pans and different things around and
can still enjoy a nice clean meal at that second island.
Speaker 3 (06:42):
Right Because sometimes, as I said, those guests want to
linger in the or even family in the kitchen, but
sometimes you don't want them in your workspace. And so
if you can have that double island, that can be great.
Something else I've seen, and I'm seeing more and more
of it is the split island where you can sort
of walk in between two islands, And I just think
(07:06):
that that is such a good use of space, because
the problem with an island when it gets too large,
you can't reach what's in the middle. And so with
that split that you can't access anyway, I think that
that's a nice touch. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
I mean, there's certainly conversations that are had sometimes in
some of these larger homes where you're like, you actually
can't reach the middle of that island to clean it
even true, which is kind of crazy to think about.
So kind of being While an enormous island is impressive,
it also needs to be functional too.
Speaker 3 (07:40):
So, Megan, and while we're talking about islands, something that
to me is a kitchen must have is a barstool
with a back. I want to lean and I want
to be comfortable, and barstools without backs, I just don't
understand them. I know some people have them, so I
want you to tell me about when you use them
or do your clients ever want them, and what that
(08:02):
looks like.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
We definitely certainly do use them, and I think it
happens more often when maybe a space constraint and.
Speaker 2 (08:09):
You just need to be able to have it push.
Speaker 1 (08:13):
In more all the way that you don't want visually
that to be in the way. And sometimes it's also
an element that you maybe just kind of want to
not visually look at. You want to really enjoy the
details of the kitchen cabinet tree and you want those
to kind of just go away as well. But I
agree a back's very important. It makes it just more
(08:34):
comfortable and just sitting there and enjoying and lingering in
the kitchen.
Speaker 3 (08:38):
And the barstool game has really been elevated as well.
I mean, you have seats that are acrylic that are
really fun and just better versions of barstools and counterstools
than what used to exist. And I think that that's
exciting because that, in combination with all of the performance fabrics,
allows this great again upholl steret opportunity that's not always
(09:01):
possible in a kitchen.
Speaker 1 (09:02):
Yeah, definitely, the barstool game has kind of really just
been up leveled, and just.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
The materials you use. I've used it a.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
Couple of carylics sometimes, and they're so heavy to move.
It's one complaint I get occasionally. It's because it's like
to pull them in and out just to sit in
can be kind of cumbersome. But I think, like you mentioned,
it's a great opportunity to have some unique patterns or
fabrics in there, if on the chair back or the seat,
to add a little bit of impact with your fabrics
(09:30):
and patterns.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
The barstools are a great way to do that.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
Whether it's vinyl or just more a performance fabric or
something that can be easily wiped down is always very
helpful with those spaces too.
Speaker 3 (09:44):
So I have a question because a little known fact
about me. I don't believe that I've said this on
our podcast yet, but to your clients, like a squivel barstool,
I have to tell you I am. I feel like
I'm the one person on planet Earth who does not
like swivel anything, and.
Speaker 4 (10:02):
I definitely don't like a swivel barstool because it's never straight.
You always have to straighten them. So tell me your
thoughts on the swivel. I am not a swibbler.
Speaker 1 (10:13):
I'm I'm kind of with you too. I'm probably not
a swiveler either. I do think of a chair sometimes
in the living room can be functional to swivel. But barstools,
I agree, and they often will hit the side of
the counter and end up with dings on them, so
the chair never looks quite right either, or the kids
play in them and are kind of just scooting around
in different things too. But people definitely have strong opinions.
(10:36):
I often, you know, they'll be like, I love that stool,
but it needs to swivel. I mean, that's a comment
that frequently comes up from my clients.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
Yes, I just I, like I said, I feel like
I'm in a one person club not being a swiveler.
I'm glad to know that you're not one either. So
let's finish with with islands and we'll finish with the
island lighting. What an opportunity for these magnificent fixtures that
are really horizontal and just these oversized pendants so much. Again,
(11:09):
great opportunity for design in the kitchen. And again, I
think because a kitchen's goal is to be as functional
as possible, that's certainly the top priority. You have to
grab those decorative opportunities when you can.
Speaker 1 (11:24):
Yeah, I couldn't agree with you more. I think the
lighting is such an opportunity to really show off a
statement in there and really up level your kitchen. I
love an oversized pendant as well. Sometimes I kind of
get a little pushback on that too, is like, don't
you think that's too big, And it's like, no, just wait,
It'll just be exactly what that kitchen needed.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
And it can be an.
Speaker 1 (11:46):
Opportunity to add in some metallic or even just some
more natural textures in the space too, or maybe it's
more sculptural and you want to have double as an
art piece in there too. But the over the kitchen
island is something that's so important to think about. It's
also kind of trendy right now. You're seeing a lot
(12:07):
of sconces on both sides of like the hood. If
there's not cabinet tree, that's something that's really popular right now.
Speaker 2 (12:14):
I'm not sure. I mean, I'm sure the lighting helps
a little.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
Bit for the function of the space, but I think
it's a little bit more of that decorative element in
the space well.
Speaker 3 (12:23):
And so many kitchens now have removed all of that
upper cabin a tree. Yes, really just going to the
lower cabina tree. Which takes me to my next love
of kitchens, and this is something that I am very
envious of, and that is the back kitchen. We're seeing
more and more of these, and of course it's easier
(12:44):
to make happen in a new build where you're starting
from scratch versus trying to retrofit that that the back
kitchen is such a wonderful spot. That can be a
makeshift pantry as well. That can be the spot where
you have all of your small appliances and the flower
flies when you're mixing that batch of cookies. It's okay
(13:07):
because the part of the kitchen where the guests are
still remains nice and clean and tidy.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
So your thoughts on the back kitchen, No one could
be wrong to have a back kitchen. I think having
a second kitchen behind there is so popular and it's
done in so many houses. And whether it's just for
a few appliances or it almost doubles as more of
a working kitchen and then your main kitchen stays pretty.
It's especially great for people that entertain a lot and
(13:34):
actually have caters that come in. Those caters love it
because they can kind of have it back there. They
can make their mess, they can leave their things, do
what they need to do, and bring it out and
present it in the main kitchen. And it looks fabulous.
So it has so many different values. You know, we
all have those random appliances, those small little countertop appliances,
(13:55):
but nobody wants to look at them.
Speaker 2 (13:56):
Even though they've come up with much.
Speaker 1 (13:58):
More sleek looking toasters and blenders and things like that.
It's in the end you want that kind of touch behind.
So I think we're all in for that kitchen for sure.
Speaker 3 (14:10):
The problem is we've gone from a couple of small
appliances that were, you know, the the chic toaster and
the iconic kitchen aid mixer and whatever fun color you
purchase it in to now there's.
Speaker 4 (14:23):
The air fryer, there's a you know, steam unit thing
for There's so many different ones.
Speaker 3 (14:30):
And while the silhouette of the KitchenAid mixer is certainly
iconic and fabulous and beautiful, I don't really need to
see a food processor right that's interworking. So it's yes,
great for those those sorts of spaces.
Speaker 2 (14:45):
Well, and Christa. I mean here I am.
Speaker 1 (14:47):
I buy those cute fancy appliances too, and I still
put them behind a cabinet, Like I still don't.
Speaker 2 (14:52):
Even want to put them out. Yeah, even for every day.
Speaker 3 (14:55):
They're just a lot. The uncluttered is better, I think.
So how about you, Megan, what's something that you up
in a kitchen?
Speaker 1 (15:01):
Well, I think one of my favorite things in a
kitchen is really having stations and purposeful sections of your
kitchen spelled out. Whether it's a baking station if you're
a big baker, that all of your cookie cutters and
your flour and sugar and those types of things are together,
or just a coffee station, or if you're a tea
drinker and having your coffee machine and having your mugs
(15:25):
and all the things that go.
Speaker 2 (15:26):
Along with it.
Speaker 1 (15:27):
It just makes for a more functional kitchen because at
the end of the day, that's what we want is
to have our kitchens be more functional, and that make
our lives easier because it's all together, your vitamins all together,
or kind of how your habits work that you can
habit stack things together. So having stations that function for
(15:47):
how you live, I think is really important.
Speaker 3 (15:50):
I think that's a great point. And in the United
States anyway, because we have large spaces, because we entertain
and because so many people do enjoy cooking and baking
and using their kitchens, we have a lot of recipes
that we don't make a lot, like maybe we just
make them once or twice a year. And I say
that because I'm not a big baker. I love to cook,
(16:12):
but I'm not a big baker, and I really only
do it during the holidays, and so, you know, for
eleven months out of the year, I don't ever really
use sugar or flour and the candy thermometer. And I
have well, I don't have a new built home where
I created a baking station or had one built out.
(16:33):
I fashioned one in my own kitchen where all of
the baking things remain, and I really they're sort of
out of my way the rest of the year, which
I enjoy because I just I don't use them or
need them. And so I hate that guessing game of
when you only make something once a year and it's like,
where's the special tool that it requires? Or am I
out of this? Or am I out of that? Do
(16:54):
I need to? And so it's just nice when it's
all in one place, and I know, I just go
to one single, I do the checklist there, and if
it's not in that space, then I need to go
replace it or find it.
Speaker 1 (17:06):
So yeah, I think that that's an important part, is
just that organization and making sure that you've got that together.
And I have to say too, I also really like,
especially for certain things like that, like you're baking drawers,
is to have deep drawers that are functional, because sometimes
some of those shallow ones you can't fit everything in it.
I'm a drawer fan in general. I would much rather
have a drawer than doors. I think they just read easier.
(17:30):
You pull out, you grab what you need, rather than
opening the door and trying to see all the way
to the back.
Speaker 3 (17:35):
Speaking of drawers, I love a warming drawer too. I
think that's a great piece of technology that's you know,
it's not brand new, it's been around now for a
decade or two, but just having that drawer if you
entertain to keep things warm, because it is a dance
to figure out which dishes you should make first and
(17:55):
which need a little more time, and what's going to
go cold if you don't have that. So I like
the idea of a station or some opportunity that can
keep one dish warm while the others are being finished.
Speaker 1 (18:08):
Yeah, I think the warming drawer was definitely a wonderful
invention for like you said, that dance of like making
sure you have it already at the right time.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
It's hard to do and to balance all of that.
Speaker 1 (18:19):
It's a must if you've got the space, because I
know it's another appliance to take up room.
Speaker 3 (18:23):
Are there any other appliance sorts of things that you
love or technologies to the big hero of appliances?
Speaker 1 (18:31):
Two things on appliances, I think it's always important to
have them be pan already. I think just being able
to blend into the kitchen is a must. But I
am a big fan of refrigerator drawer, especially if you've
got a big island or an entertaining island. It's so
nice just to be able to open it out, pull
out a bottle of water or juice box or lacroix.
(18:51):
It just makes for very easy, entertaining to grab and
go and not feel like you have to take five
extra steps to get somebody a drink when they need it.
Speaker 3 (18:59):
I agree, because sometimes you just don't if somebody needs
a drink, it doesn't necessitate opening the whole refrigerator door,
and then if it's hidden behind, if somebody's brought something
and put it in your refrigerator. It's just nice to
have that spot where you know the drinks are and
our children ready ready for guests. Yes, although I'm the
weird again, I feel like I'm always the weirdo. I
(19:20):
don't drink anything cold. I drink everything at room temperature,
so I'm always handed a soda or water. It's like,
let me get you cold one. It's like, no, do
you have one in your garage? That's not the hold
that you just haven't put in there yet, because that's
the one I will.
Speaker 2 (19:33):
That's the one that's funny. I didn't know that about you.
Speaker 3 (19:36):
Yeah, it's so strange. It's the European way. But I
don't I don't want ice, so such a strange one,
I know. Okay, so this may be a little bit controversial,
and I think they are so cool and interesting. This
is more about my neglect. If I had one, and
that is the sea through refrigerator, I just don't think
(19:58):
I could keep up. And maybe beautiful.
Speaker 1 (20:00):
You'd have to be super super disciplined for it. I
will say you'll see them as just like a beverage
refrigerator that is see through, and those I think I
could probably handle a little bit easier of like making
them look good. But you want to make sure that
all your cans are matching and that they are all
lined up, and you know, kids take two of them
(20:22):
out and then it doesn't look right. It just it
would be a lot to have it looking right all
the time.
Speaker 3 (20:27):
So I'm curious as a kitchen designer sometimes are clients
ever okay? Do they ever ask? Or are they good
with you sourcing appliances when they come in those great colors?
Because sometimes you can pick a paint color just like
you can for the walls, and the applients can be
in that color. Or is that still a little is
(20:48):
that difficult a difficult cell?
Speaker 1 (20:51):
It can be kind of a difficult cell occasionally, especially
in your main kitchen, if you've got it in a
bar or something. I am more open to corporating it
into the design.
Speaker 2 (21:02):
But I did have.
Speaker 1 (21:05):
Several years ago a client in their lake house did
like those cobalt blue refrigerators and freezers, and we incorporated
that into the design and then had blue cabinet tree
that coordinated and it turned out really neat. But you
have to definitely commit to like wanting and liking that
color and not getting tired of it, because it certainly
(21:26):
is a commitment. But I can't say in the main
main kitchen, I've really ever done that.
Speaker 3 (21:31):
So what's another one of your kitchen favorites or kitchen
must haves that you enjoy.
Speaker 1 (21:36):
I really enjoy when the hood over the range has
a nice statement to it. I just think there's so
much opportunity to have a little fun, a little opinion
in that piece of the kitchen. It's typically a focal point,
and you know, it's typically large because a lot of
(21:57):
times these kitchens have really large ranges, and I think
you can have some personality with it, you know, whether
it's metal or it's has read it like we talked
about before, or beautiful wood or stone.
Speaker 2 (22:09):
That gets wrapped all the way around.
Speaker 1 (22:11):
I just think it's really an opportunity to have some fun,
make a statement, and show your personality.
Speaker 3 (22:19):
Megan, we've talked a little bit, or we've noted how
important it is for the kitchen to function and have
good organization. I love compartments with in drawers and one
of the most special ones. Again, I get kitchen envy
quite a bit, just because I spent so much time
in my kitchen and I'm such a cook. But we
had one project years ago that had a drawer and
(22:43):
the drawer was walnut on the inside. The inserts were walnut,
and it was one of those very sleek Italian kitchens,
so beautifully crafted, and it had space for the aluminum foil,
the saran wrap, the parchment paper, all in walnut, and
there was just this slight opening where they would just
(23:03):
you know, you could pull them out of. And I
have a drawer for that too, but mine's not solid
walnut with solid walnut inserts, and it was just so
beautifully done. And I just think it's important to really
take the time, if you are in the middle of
a kitchen renovation or if you are building out a kitchen,
to think about how you are going to use it
(23:25):
and where you want that organization.
Speaker 1 (23:27):
Well, isn't that funny how a drawer can make you feel,
and how it's just the beauty of it makes more
enjoyable to cook in. And I think that you know,
just in general, you know you mentioned it kind of
earlier too, but opening you know, your utensile drawer and
be having it more organized and nice dividers, it makes
a huge difference. I mean, it's so frustrating when you've
(23:47):
got something that's hit in the top of the drawer
and it won't open correctly, or it is loud and
noisy and things like that. So I think that that
organization is so important. I even like too, especially if
you're like big vegetable person as well too. With fresh vegetables,
no one wants them all over the counter, but you
know you need to leave them out. You're not putting
them in the fridge. Is a drawer that you can
(24:08):
put those in, and we've been doing them with like
little wire opening so the air still gets in there
that they're not getting stuffed in a drawer, and it
has a nice esthetic too.
Speaker 2 (24:19):
You feel like this little French cook.
Speaker 3 (24:20):
Oh, I love that too. For your onions and your
garlic and those sorts of things that need to not
be refrigerated. It's not good for them. It diminishes their quality.
So I love that idea. I think it's it does.
It does make you feel like a French cook having
that out in the open and at the ready. So
I do have to say that a place for all
(24:42):
of the sheets is a must. The cooking sheets, the
baking sheets upright, easy to pull out, that's a must.
And I think organization also for lids is important.
Speaker 2 (24:55):
We've just done this a few times.
Speaker 1 (24:56):
That I like, too, I think is a great idea
is that you know your paper towelholder, It's like, where
do we put it?
Speaker 2 (25:01):
We don't want it on the counter? Is it fit
in the drawer?
Speaker 1 (25:04):
And and a lot of the cabinet tree designs now
you can kind of have that top drawer that often
is sometimes over the garbage can that that can be
inside of, which I think is a great look. Or
sometimes if you're a big chopper, you'll see the like
a cutting board will pull out too in that area,
and that's a nice way to organize just everyday functional things.
Speaker 3 (25:25):
Let's talk a little bit about aesthetics now, because again,
you know, we keep saying this that the kitchen needs
to function first, but it is a it's a major
place where people are going to be in the home,
and so the design and aesthetics of it are important
as well. So I'm going to start with architecture. I
know that this is I know we don't like to
(25:46):
use the word trend However, this is trendy at the moment,
and I think it's going to be around for a while.
And those are arches. And what I love about arches
in a kitchen is everything be as clean as possible.
But the problem is you sort of get that sterile
look with all of the hard surfaces and a beautiful
(26:08):
arch on either side of a range or a span
of the countertop where there are openings to another room.
I just think that an arch is especially nice in
a kitchen, even if architecturally you don't use it elsewhere,
because personally I probably wouldn't use it elsewhere. I don't
love arches always.
Speaker 1 (26:29):
Right, and I think your kitchen is kind of its
own area that you can do things like that that
you can if you don't have arched walkways in other areas,
you can certainly still do it in this area. I
think it looks nice when it's kind of opening up
to a pantry that you kind of peek into and see,
but it just adds a nice softness to the space.
I think the arches are having a moment right now,
(26:51):
and I think they're really beautiful.
Speaker 3 (26:53):
One material that I think is so beautiful, especially in
the kitchen, because you're it's very tactile in your touching
a lot of things in the kitchen, and that is
unlacquered brass. I love as it ages just the wonderful
patina and warmth that it delivers. And again, there's just
a lot of opportunity in the kitchen for a lot
(27:14):
of touching it, and so I think that that just
hopefully amplifies and speeds up that patina process that we
wait so long to get.
Speaker 2 (27:23):
You're so right.
Speaker 1 (27:23):
I mean, there's nothing more beautiful than that unlockered brass
on a pot filler that just kind of knows that
it's been well loved and used and made lots of
things in that kitchen, even just there's a lot of
floating shelves or metal shelves that have that lacquered brass
in them that are so popular right now too. That
just adds that element of material into the space.
Speaker 3 (27:45):
My last piece in the aesthetics category is good quality hardware.
It's not great to open a cabinet, drawer or door
and have some sort of chinsey hardware that is sort
of weightless. You want something that's really hearty and rugged
and weighty. And again this is the chance to you know,
(28:06):
we always say that hardware is the jewelry for the home.
It's been said a million times, but there's so much
great hardware out there right now. And even if you
can't find something that you love and want something that's
very custom you can for a price, have that done
as well. So hardware, I think is a place to
put some thought into and maybe put a little more
(28:27):
of the budget toward it so you can get something
special because it does matter on that cabinetry.
Speaker 2 (28:33):
It really matters.
Speaker 1 (28:34):
And I'm all for that too, and I think it's
a good thing if you maybe don't have a designer
kitchen or really high end kitchen, if you put nice
hardware on your cabinet doors, it changes things so much,
whether just being able to feel it and feel the
weight of it when you're using those cabinets, but also stylistically,
I mean, they've just come such a long way of
(28:55):
just unique materials or you know, having an acrylic pole
or it's hammered, or just the details. You can really
have a lot of personality and style.
Speaker 3 (29:06):
In your hardware, and I love the leather poles that
I've seen, leather knobs and poles, and they may or
may not be super practical in the space where you're working,
that is your workhorse space, but maybe they can be used,
you know, elsewhere on an island or a place that
doesn't get as much again spills and grease spots and
(29:27):
that sort of thing, but they're really beautiful and certainly
in a bar well.
Speaker 1 (29:31):
Chris, So, we've talked about lighting over your island, but
I think it's also super important to think through accent
lighting in your kitchen, you know, inside cabinets or behind
fluted panels. I also am a sucker for even just
a little bit of a tokick lighting in that right spot,
especially if it's got like a little furniture piece detail
(29:51):
to add a nice glow to the space. Lighting is
so important to think about the accents in there.
Speaker 3 (29:57):
Absolutely, and you know that's another thing. You definitely need
your task lighting to perform jobs. But the you know,
ambiance lighting is super beautiful and I love during the
latter part of the year when there's lack of sunlight,
lack of daylight hours to at night, you know, when
all of the other lights are off, just have the
(30:18):
light in the cabinet. It's just really pretty and glowy.
Speaker 1 (30:21):
And yeah, there's nothing better than that evening light in
those cabinet trees when you're done using it and just
setting the atmosphere and just the ambiance of the space. Well, Chris, So,
the white kitchen has always been a staple in a home.
It's as classic as you get. It's always going to
stay in the test of time. But there's definitely been
(30:43):
a move towards deeper, more dramatic tones, your forest screens,
your navy, your charcoal, and even some deep neutrals. So
it's been fun kind of incorporating some of those different
looks into the kitchen, adding a little bit more personality
than just your normal white kitchen.
Speaker 3 (30:59):
Oh, most definitely. And I feel like the kitchen and
the dining room are spaces in the house that can
be the decorative outliers. I think if the rest of
your house is super light, that it's okay to go
a little dark in the kitchen and do something different
because it is kind of the throne of the home
and it should feel special. And you know, likewise, we're
(31:22):
not really talking about dining rooms today but the same
is true in dining rooms. It's really a night time
space or a space that tends to be used more
at night. That gives you an allowance decoratively to do
something that is a little different. I do like some
of these deeper, richer tones that are going on in
the kitchen right now, And I think that the white
(31:42):
kitchen got a little too white for a while. It
was like too stark, and now we've warmed it up
a little bit even when it's a white kitchen through
these wonderful marbles that are incorporated or some contrast elements,
so it's not just stark white. So I'm all for that,
these warmer tones that are going on right.
Speaker 1 (32:01):
Now, and it's a nice even if you still love
the white kitchen. I mean, even just doing your island
a different color or incorporate it into the pantry or
your rift oaks that are so trendy right now too.
It definitely adds a nice warmth to the space and
gives it a little bit of style too.
Speaker 3 (32:19):
Absolutely, hats off to all of you, Megan, you and
all of your colleagues out there who are designing these kitchens,
because they've just become so much more creative, which is
always exciting. So my last piece for kitchen must have,
and again I am saying this as somebody who loves
to cook. It's one of my top hobbies, and that
(32:41):
is just to make sure that your tools are quality ones.
And I'm talking about the heavy hitter tools, the pots,
the pans, the knives. Buy as expensive as you can
and care for them well. Because look, as much as
I love my pots and pans and my knives, I
don't want to buy them again.
Speaker 2 (33:01):
That's no one wants that expense again.
Speaker 3 (33:03):
Yeah, yeah, they're expensive and you don't want to buy again.
And so it does really make a difference in the
quality of the cooking. And I think sometimes when people say, oh,
I don't love to cook, I think sometimes that's because
they don't have the right tools. Because once you have
those good tools, you want to use them as much
as possible, as much as time allows, or as much
(33:24):
as your schedule allows. So I just my must haves
for a kitchen are after you have the design complete,
to really invest in quality tools that will make the
cooking experience and food preparation experience better.
Speaker 1 (33:40):
It certainly does make a difference in just the ease
of all of it. And I'm with you, like there's
nothing better than a nice sharp knife that works really well.
It's definitely worth it to invest in quality there.
Speaker 3 (33:51):
And I think I will close out because I know
we're almost done by saying in the kitchen, it's important
to keep in mind there's a lot of danger that
can happen in the kitchen, So when the kitchen is
being designed, it's important for our listeners to really think
about how they might want to use a kitchen because
it needs to be safe too.
Speaker 2 (34:12):
It certainly does.
Speaker 1 (34:12):
Yes, it needs to have function in a way that
keeps everybody safe as they're using the different appliances and
things and materials and all of that.
Speaker 3 (34:22):
Okay began, Well, I know we have many more conversations
that are going to happen around the kitchen, in the kitchen,
all things kitchen, because it is a vast topic and
we can go down so many angles to really tackle
it and bring information to everybody who's listening. But for
our kitchen must have anyway, this was a good start.
Speaker 1 (34:44):
It was a good start, and I think it's not
just about top of the line appliances or fancy finishes.
It's in general about creating a space that enhances the
way you live and gather and a space that you
can love. Thank you for listening to this week's episode
of Boulevard Beat. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow
along and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or
(35:04):
wherever you listen so you never miss an episode, And
of course, follow your hosts on Instagram at.
Speaker 2 (35:10):
Megan bloom Interiors, at CHRISA. Rossbund, and at Liz Legit.
Speaker 1 (35:14):
We'll be back next week as we take a stroll
down another boulevard
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