ASK DEB NELSON: ADDING STORAGE

In my column, Ask Deb Nelson, a common theme people write in about is adding more storage, or creating a better use of space. When space and storage is limited you want to take advantage of every nook and cranny you have. Look for vertical space, and building things upward to add extra storage. It seems like everyone has more 'stuff' than 'space', so the first part of the equation is to get serious about editing and organizing. The next step is to look at your own space and see what you change or where you can add more storage. It got me thinking about my own house, I added floor to ceiling cabinets to add a coat closet and pantry by a side door. This is a great amount of storage and is extremely handy to have by the door. There are a number of lower cabinets under the windows too, I use these for shoes, recycling bags, tools, etc.

These are some images I had for inspiration, and I personally really like the look of a cabinet going right to the ceiling and creating more of a built-in effect. In my case I used inexpensive, 'big box' pre-made pieces that had to be customized to fit around beams and are actually 'built-in' and are attached to the wall.

Some inspiration shots below:

And in my house, when the cabinets went in, it looked like this:

And from the other direction:

SHOULD I USE A RUG IN MY KITCHEN?

Over the last few years there has been a trend towards rugs in kitchens. I like the look, it can add colour and pattern to the space. Of course it can also make it more comfortable for standing. I remember seeing a picture of this kitchen several years ago, and I think it was one of the first that jumped out with the rug – and was at the beginning of the trend towards dark lower cabinets.

Here are a few other recent kitchens showing the rug trend. Even in very different styles of kitchens.

And a shot of my own kitchen with the rug. In my experience the kitchen rug with colour and pattern shows almost no dirt or spills. I think it adds a lot of warmth and personality.

Kitchen images: 1. Deb Nelson Design 2. Lonny magazine 3-6. Domino magazine 7. Deb Nelson Design

USING GREY & GOLD IN THE KITCHEN

There is still a huge trend happening with gold or antique brass finish in kitchens. There are many kitchens showing up with the hardware and faucets in a warm metal. Also still seeing lots of kitchens cabinets that go from light grey to dark/grey or black. Personally I'm enjoying the lighter grey with gold these days. Here are a few that have caught my eye!

This one is my personal favourite, the wooden accents add some warmth to this sleek, grey kitchen.

Sources: top two photos unknown, middle Domino magazine, bottom House & Home magazine

DECORATING WITH BLACK

Black can be an amazing accent in a room; from a small decorative accent, like a black framed mirror to a full wall painted in black. It adds depth and contrast to a space. Here are some places you can experiment with black – starting with small touches.

Like a black light fixture.

Or a black front door - on the inside or outside. Also a note the black banister inside too.

Black lower walls.

Black lower kitchen cabinets.

Images: 1 - Deb Nelson Design, 2 - Decor pad  3 - Domino magazine 4 - unknown 5 - Canadian House & Home magazine

INSPIRATION: ADDING COLOUR WITH BOOKS

I love a room with books, I tend to like bookcases that are built in or go full height from floor to ceiling. Bookcases can provide a lot of storage to a room too. Another great aspect is that books can add so much colour to a room. Here are a few that show the pop of colour and personality the books add to a room. Whether it's a more formal living room like this.

Or, a more casual look – here they've used large artwork to hide 2 areas in the bookcase, if you want to keep less 'pretty' items behind here.

Or even in a small space – here they have a curtain that can be closed across the wall to create a whole new look.

Image (top image): Deb Nelson Design, image 2, 3, 4: Domino magazine