A beautifully set table makes any meal a special occasion –– and what dinner could be more important than Thanksgiving? Pull out all the stops and set a table that’s dressed to impress.

Setting an impressive table for guests is easier than you may think. Start with the dinner plate, top it with a folded napkin and the salad plate. The knife and spoon go to the right of the plate, the fork on the left. Above the plate, wine and water glasses go on the right, a bread plate on the left with the dessert fork and spoon directly above the plate.

Layering plates in different finishes, colors or textures is an easy trick for setting an elegant table. Start with a charger, followed by a dinner plate, topped by a folded cloth napkin and small bread or dessert plate. Finish each place setting with a small trinket your guests can take home as a favor

Pair high and low elements — like  brass candlesticks  vintage china — to create a table setting that is beautiful, balanced and not-too-fussy.

When a centerpiece is dramatic, keep the rest of the table subdued .
Rely on natural elements (and handy-dandy hot glue) to put the finishing touch on your fall table.

 

 

 

Rustic, natural elements continue to be a popular choice for setting your table setting apart from the pack. Shop online for birch bark sheets to use as a charger and cut birch rounds to top plates — or scavenge your own backyard to see what freebies Mother Nature is offering up

Bring an organic touch to your Thanksgiving table by creating a beautiful runner made out of twigs

Trinity’s hammock concept  won the Innovation award for outdoor furniture at last year’s Hospitality Design Exposition & Conference in Las Vegas, the world standard in hospitality design expositions. Trinity’s triple-hammock concept rethinks the traditional use of hammocks, making it a social activity.

“I was inspired by the current trend toward making the outdoors a community living space,” explains Gilbert Tourville, Trinity’s founder. “We’re setting up living rooms, dining rooms, and even kitchens in our backyards! With my Trinity concept, the idea is to transform the solitary hammock experience into a time for sharing and relaxing.”

The Trinity Concept
The Trinity concept is composed of a stainless steel tubular structure on which three hammocks – in a choice of woven or quilted – are suspended, along with a small suspended teak table. As Mr.Tourville notes, “It’s a weatherproof piece of furniture that goes just as well on the beach as in the backyard or at poolside. Its shape, materials, and sense of lightness are inspired by the sea and sailboats.” Both its size and its design make it just as well suited to the hospitality industry as to residential uses.

The Trinity concept is available in two models. Eternity, with its traditional shape and hexagonal roof, is reminiscent of a small garden gazebo. On the other hand, the Infinity model, which won the award at the Las Vegas exposition, explores unusual shapes for garden furniture. With its frame made of three large circles leaning toward each other, it explores the endlessly winding symbol of infinity in an ethereal dynamic.

The designer
Gilbert Tourville was swept up in a passion for roaming and meeting people at a very young age. His first job was as a ship’s officer in the merchant marine. His travels gave him a taste for novelty and creating projects. And so, he quickly started a new career as a restaurateur. For twenty years, he opened and operated a number of highly successful café-restaurant concepts in Quebec.

Trinity hammocks follow the same logic of discovery and innovation. “As always, it started with a simple idea,” Gilbert remembers. In 2011, he developed the prototypes for his Trinity concept. Rather than call upon local manufacturers, he went to Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia to find artisans with unique talents. With a well-designed, well-manufactured product, he made a splash at the 2012 Casual Market Show in Chicago, and at the Las Vegas exposition this year. He is now looking to develop the market for his concept by meeting with new distributors. “I’m always open to new partnership offers, to extend distribution of my products to new territories.”

A fair-trade business
By engaging artisans in Southeast Asia, Gilbert Tourville was interested not only in finding extraordinary knowhow. He also wanted to take part in a community history woven of encounters, mutual aid, and local identities. He therefore purchases his quilted hammocks from artisans in development programs supervised  to benefit poor communities in Vietnam and Cambodia.

In the same spirit, the hand-woven hammocks are purchased directly from the Malbri community. This tribe of hunter-gatherers in northern Thailand has an uneasy relationship with modern society, which has tried to convert its members to its values and has often exploited them. The Malbri make hammocks of the highest quality, the sale of which helps to ensure their financial independence, thus preserving their identity.

Chicago-based Unbranded Design offers up-and-coming designers a platform for community feedback and development opportunites. They recently one-upped themselves by partnering with Herman Miller for an open competition to develop new furniture concepts meant to improve the increasingly unanchored day of the average mobile worker. The competition has been whittled down to 15 finalists, drawn from more than 400 entries, with the winner receiving $10,000 and royalties from possible production by the iconic brand. The top designs are collected here; take a look, then vote for your favorite until November 3, 2014

 

Here a few of the finalists.

The Branch Modular Office by Eric Pfeiffer, a multi-functional, multi-layer modular sofa system, was inspired by benches found in train stations and parks.

The Campground system by Mark Pylypczak, configurable in multiple layouts, includes these radial dividers made out of Corelam.

The informal Family Room system by Hines Fischer incorporates a variety of flexible touches, such as tables coated in dry-erase vinyl and cushions that can be removed for additional work surfaces, that accommodate quickly shifting work arrangements.

Sarah Kuchar’s swiveling First Class chair offers a none-too-subtle signal and buffer when one desires a more private environment.

Below you will find the most recent statistics available for the areas listed.

Bel Air – Holmby Hills Single Family Home Sales
Total Sold Dollar Volume:$    40,500,000
Average Selling Price:$     4,500,000
Average List Price:$     4,835,444
Avg Sales Price/Avg. List Price: 93.1%
Median Price:$     3,105,000
Average Days on Market:61
Number of Listings Sold:9

 Brentwood Single Family Home Sales
Total Sold Dollar Volume:$    69,220,146
Average Selling Price:$     3,643,165
Average List Price:$     4,388,421
Avg Sales Price/Avg. List Price: 83.0%
Median Price:$     3,003,000
Average Days on Market:89
Number of Listings Sold:19



Santa Monica Single Family Home Sales
Total Sold Dollar Volume:$    54,188,324
Average Selling Price:$     2,167,532
Average List Price:$     2,174,240
Avg Sales Price/Avg. List Price: 99.7%
Median Price:$     1,979,000
Average Days on Market:54
Number of Listings Sold:25



Pacific Palisades Single Family Home Sales
Total Sold Dollar Volume:$   109,737,434
Average Selling Price:$     4,220,670
Average List Price:$     4,304,076
Avg Sales Price/Avg. List Price: 98.1%
Median Price:$     2,707,500
Average Days on Market:60
Number of Listings Sold:26

Jean Harlow’s former home is located in a quiet, upper-class neighborhood.  Told by the studio to move to a nicer area, she rented this home in the early 1930s, moving in with her parents, and lived there for about four years. When she married Paul Bern, she continued to rent the house for her parents. She married Paul Bern in this home’s living room.



On the day before the Harlow family moved into the home, Mrs. Harlow over seeing recent renovations went upstairs, her dogs followed her, growling and barking at something in the upstairs bedrooms. In the hallway right outside the master bedroom, Mrs. Harlow. felt an unseen presence, and heard somebody softly whisper in her ear, “Please help me.”

On their first night in their new home, Mr. and Mrs. Harlow were lying in bed, when some unseen, heavy object struck their bed three times. The unseen presence wanted to be noticed, or communicate with these nice people who had fixed up the house.  Mrs. Harlow  is said to have addressed the unseen presence, saying “You’re welcome – how do you do? We’ve got to get some sleep… we’re very tired and need to get some sleep, so please let us be.”

Other strange occurrences…..
The lights in the kitchen would go on and off by themselves.
While walking through the living room, Mrs. Harlow saw a strange formless light, in outline form, floating above her near the ceiling.
In the corner of the living room, near the mail box, Mrs. Harlow and her Aunt heard heavy, heartbreaking sobs of a woman. 
Unexplained wind drafts and cold spots have been felt throughout the house, especially in the kitchen and bedrooms.
The strong smell of a woman’s perfume can be smelled in the children’s bedroom upstairs.
A light knocking at the front door can be heard, but no one is ever there.

These stories contribute to the tragedy and iconic legacy of this 1930’s actress and sex symbol who died at the early age of 26 from acute kidney failure. She is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

There is a short list of the most beautiful American cars and cars in the world, and the 1967 Corvette has earned an eternity-long spot on it. With ahead of it’s time molded fiberglass panels, stinger-hood, pop-up headlights, side grilles and optional bad-ass side-pipe-exit exhaust- the ’67 Corvette is not only on everyones list, but also in their dreams.

For a one year only model, no car is more beloved and emulated than the 1969 Camaro. With tough bad-boy looks and a road-race inspired stance, the ’69 Camaro displays Ponycar style with overwhelming appeal.

 

After it’s iconic debut in 1969, the Trans Am was back for 1970, redesigned and ready to be unleashed on it’s prey. With a lower stance, flares and spoilers front/rear, the Trans Am was a visual definition of it’s race inspired name. Successfully combining muscular American style with sporty European flare, the second generation Trans Am’s were to become famous.

The second Generation GTO which hit the streets in 1968, was even more stylized than it’s iconic predecessor. With rounder and sleeker lines, redesigned front and rear fascia, headlights/bezels, hood-scoops and wheels, the new GOAT’s had a level of good looks brought up to date with the times. A truly great sequel, if the 1964-67 GTO’s were “Star Wars,” the ’68-’70 cars were the “Empire Strikes Back.”

First entering service as part of the Malibu line in 1964, the Chevy Chevelle had become the top-dog in the Musclecar kennel by 1970. Adding to it’s broad stance, take no prisoners wide grille and long hood, short deck lines- the ’70 Chevelle SS could be adorned with an optional stripe package, since one look at the SS badges and the cat was already out of the bag.

No list of iconic American iron would be complete or even mentionable with out the Pontiac GTO on it. Ushering in the Musclcar era in 1964 with it’s tough yet sporty looks, the ’67 models were the peak of design for the 1st Generation GOAT’s. It’s long “Coke bottle” profile, dual wire-mesh grilles and center-mounted hood scoop, all Pontiac styling cues, making it one great looking car.

Another awesome and iconic Chrysler is the Dodge Challenger. Here donning it’s Trans Am racing colors, the Challenger shared it’s sheet metal with Plymouths CUDA. Like many of it’s contemporaries, the challenger was muscular and powerful but had a mean and tough looking stance all it’s own.

The ford Mustang single-handedly launched the Pony-car class with it’s release as a 1964 model. By 1969, Certain Stangs had crossed over to the realm of the Musclecar, like this Boss 429 example. Still retaining it’s swift moving lines, long hood, short deck, the Boss cars were beefy and stocky but violently fast-like Mike Tyson at the beginning of his career.

Known to millions as the “Dukes of Hazard” car, the ’69 Charger combines muscular American style with tasteful flowing lines. With hide-away headlights, long hood and short sloping deck (trunk), the Charger is a classic MOPAR (Chrysler) design.

Perhaps the most iconic American car ever produced, the ’55-57 Chevy Bel Air is synonymous with 1950’s American style. Chevrolet produced a car loaded with options and providing an appeal that any American could attain. With fins and chrome, stylized hoods and body panels, screaming modern and power, the Bel Air’s timeless design still holds true today.

By the close of the 1950’s, American cars were making bigger and bolder statements in styling. The End of the decade Caddy’s were as big as the Warships that won WW2, and as beautiful as modern automotive artwork. Sporting mile long fins, wide white-wall tires and enough chrome to satisfy the Royal family, Cadillac was the pinnacle of American power and confidence.

About 10 years after WW2, The” Big Three” American Car Companies Ford Chrysler and GM, really upped-the-ante, designing and building some of the most attractive and stylized cars in their history. like this 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7, American styling cues were muscular and cutting edge.

Popular Kitchen Storage Ideas and What They Cost
For kitchen remodels a lot of focus goes into what’s seen on the surface, and rightly so. Cabinets, appliances, countertops, paint colors — these are the big players that make your kitchen look the way it does. But oftentimes it’s the more subtle gestures that will make your space truly functional and efficient.

Pantry systems, pullout shelving, appliance garages, wall-mounted pegboards and more have long been popular kitchen storage ideas on Houzz, because they can take a gorgeous kitchen to the next level. But you might ask, “Yeah, but what’s that going to cost me?”

With that in mind, here are  kitchen solutions to consider for your remodel or new construction — and how much they might set you back.

 

Pullout platter storage. Entertaining often means getting out the stepladder to grab an oversize platter from the upper reaches of a cabinet or wall. Edo Rosenberg of Kitchens by Meyer came up with this solution, which integrates a pullout compartment in the end of a kitchen island. It commands a lot of space — it’s 30 inches wide and 24 inches deep — but houses large platters at arm’s reach in a divided, safe enclosure.
ost: Rosenberg says this custom feature cost his client roughly $1,200.

Countertop appliance garage. If you have enough countertop space, tucking away regularly used small appliances, such as a toaster or blender, in a dedicated space behind closed doors will allow you to keep your counter free of clutter and cords. Kayron Brewer of Studio K B designed this nifty niche to include an outlet and LED lights so all the small appliances can be used right where they are.

Cost: Brewer estimates that this appliance garage ran $1,600 to $1,900, including the cabinetry, LED lighting strip, power and labor. However, she points out that the appliance garage was part of a full cabinet and construction package, so it’s tricky to price it separately.

Corner drawers. Move over, lazy Susan. You’re not the only clever solution for corners anymore. Full-depth corner drawers are helping homeowners get the most out of tricky spaces.

Cost: Commonly $125 to $225 per drawer (hardware only).

Pullout spice rack. Spice containers are usually a messy lot, getting knocked over in pantries and stuffed into wall-mounted racks that don’t easily accommodate different bottle sizes. Organizing them in a pullout spice rack that fits into your cabinetry will keep them in check.

Pullout spice racks are usually 3 to 12 inches wide and can be installed in base cabinets or upper cabinets. Many homeowners opt for two pullout spice racks to flank a cooktop or install them on opposite sides of a hood for symmetry.

Cost: About $200, but varies depending on the manufacturer, material finish and size.

In-counter knife storage. If you don’t like the look of a freestanding knife block but want to keep knives close at hand, consider an in-counter knife slot. Austin, Texas, woodworker Daniel Vos of DeVos Custom Woodworking says he custom makes these slots in new wood countertops that he also fabricates.

A drop-in knife block is another option. It offers enclosed storage for knives within the confines of the knife block, which is inset into a kitchen counter or island. An existing piece can be retrofitted to include one, or one can be included in a new project, Vos says.

A custom knife block can be made out of any wood, either contrasting or matching the countertop. Slots for the knives are customized to the client’s specifications. (Vos says clients sometimes just send him their knives.) Vos then insets the custom-made block into a slightly smaller hole cut in the countertop, leaving the block overhang resting on the countertop for support. It’s raised ¼ to ¾ inch above the countertop level. The knife block configuration is also removable for cleaning.

Cost: A knife block and associated labor should run around $350. The cost for a knife slot like the one shown here is a $200 upcharge to the cost of a countertop.

Walk-in pantry. A kitchen with a walk-in pantry gets high marks on most folks’ dream lists. You just need to have the room. In lieu of a true walk-in, some kitchens have a closet that’s often poorly designed with scores of fixed shelves that don’t fit larger items, while space is wasted by disorganized smaller items. A professional closet designer or kitchen designer can help optimize your storage capacity and flexibility if you’re redoing or adding a pantry during a kitchen remodel.

The stunning pantry in this longtime popular photo on Houzz features a bevy of built-ins and pullout baskets, overhead lighting and an electrical outlet for small appliances. Generously sized at about 40 inches deep and 108 inches wide, the pantry can be closed off from the kitchen with the aid of two pocket doors.

Cost: Designer Marie Newton of Closets Redefined says the cost of this large pantry project totaled about $5,500.

Pantry system. If your kitchen can’t accommodate a walk-in pantry, consider a pantry system. Unfolding like origami, a pantry system offers unparalleled organization within a cabinet, so you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for quickly and easily. Many systems are available, with different configurations, heights and shelving options.

What I like about this one is that it’s rather simple and doesn’t have a lot of swinging components. Because its interior is oriented vertically and not horizontally, as in a traditional pantry, the visual barriers are eliminated and it’s easy to see items from top to bottom.

Cost: Varies, as different manufacturers offer an array configurations and sizes.  Designed by Jensen Design for Tommy Hein Architects, the system (by Häfele) seen here cost about $2,500 installed.

 

When it comes to preserving incredible midcentury icons, Palm Springs is the town that just keeps on giving. In 1961, the renowned architect E. Stewart Williams reinvented the notion of what a bank could look like when he designed Santa Fe Federal Savings and Loan as a giant glass pavilion. After sitting vacant for years, this elegant building has been transformed into the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center. Williams’s daughter-in-law, Sidney, was a driving force behind the renovation. “This has been a huge team effort that seemed at times unachievable,” she says. “Seeing it completed now is a testament to many creative, inspired people pursuing this shared goal with passion.” The detailed restoration was overseen by the Los Angeles architectural firm Marmol Radziner. “It was a pleasure to ensure the survival of work by a desert modern style icon and preserve part of the city’s architectural heritage,” says Leo Marmol. “I particularly appreciate how seamlessly and easily the space converted to use as a gallery. The versatility speaks to the power of simple, modern design.”

The bank’s vault is now the center’s bookstore—and has been fittingly named, The Vault. A wide range of design objects, many by local artists, will be available in the shop.

In the new center, the screens in the lobby and the terrazzo floors are original. “I love the way elements of the historic fabric have been retained and are essential to the character of the building,” says Sidney Williams, who is the daughter-in-law of the architect, E. Stewart Williams.

“Pool” is the modern term for pocket billiards, which is played on a table with six pockets. It earned its moniker by its presence in horse-betting establishments, where the bets were pooled and collected in what was called the pool room. The game was played by patrons between races, and the room name became associated with the game.
Billiards” is technically an umbrella term for any game played on a billiards table. This table may have or not have pockets. Today, however, what we refer to as billiards is a variety of games played on a table without pockets. A modern-day billiards table is larger than a pool table. The popularity of billiards is higher in Europe than in the U.S.
“Snooker” is played with 22 smaller balls. Its six-pocket table is the largest size of the tables for the three games, as seen here. Though popular in England and Asia, snooker hasn’t made waves in the U.S.
Table Sizes
There’s not a single standard-size pool table, but rather three common sizes. The length dimensions in the names are approximate. Although playing surface dimensions are consistent, outside dimensions can vary by manufacturer.

: 52 inches by 90 inches (approximate)
Playing surface: 38 inches by 76 inches

• Professional size/8-foot:

Outside dimensions: 60 inches by 106 inches (approximate)
Playing surface: 46 inches by 92 inches

• Tournament size/9-foot:

Outside dimensions: 64 inches by 114 inches (approximate)
Playing surface: 50 inches by 100 inches

James Grimaldi of Century Billiards says the most common residential-size table has traditionally been the 8-foot size, but he has seen a significant rise in sales of 7-foot tables in the past five years.

Note that antique table dimensions are likely to vary. Tracy Mitchell of Mitchell Exclusive Billiard Design says that a long time ago, the standard playing surface was 44 inches by 88 inches, and the table name was shortened to 4 by 8. Some people still refer to new tables as being 4 by 8, but there’s nothing that is 4 or 8 about them, and it understandably causes confusion.

Perimeter Clearance

While your designated space may fit your pool table, you also need to have ample clearance around the perimeter, as in the generously sized basement shown here. How annoying is it to miss a shot because your cue collided with a column or wall?

Sixty inches of clearance around the table perimeter is ideal for play, Mitchell says. “A standard cue stick is 57 inches, then you add 3 inches for your backstroke,” she says. “If you have 60 inches around the table, this provides the most comfortable playing area.”

But how much space do you really need, considering the table size and the clearance on four sides? I see a lot of spaces that appear too tight. Here’s what Mitchell suggests for the room size:

• Pub size/7-foot: 12 feet, 9 inches by 16 feet
• Professional size/8-foot: 13 feet, 4 inches by 17 feet
• Tournament size/9-foot: 13 feet, 8 inches by 18 feet

Noise

One possible drawback to positioning a pool table in an open loft space instead of, say, a basement, is noise. Some may find the cracking of balls and merriment disturbing in a shared open-plan space. Others see it as setting the tone for fun and relaxation, especially in a vacation home. That’s an individual decision but a point to keep in mind.

Weight

Many people set up their pool tables in the basement because it’s the room with the most available space. But lofts, attics and finished spaces over garages can be great too, especially when they’re spacious, like the one shown here. The weight of the table on an upper floor is a concern for many homeowners, however.

Although pool tables are heavy, they usually don’t require additional support bracing because the weight is evenly distributed.

Grimaldi says an average 8-foot traditional-style pool table weighs 700 to 1,000 pounds. “This is like four grown men standing a few feet from one another,” he says. Solid wood tables tend to weigh more, typically between 1,000 and 1,200 pounds. If you have doubts, especially if you have an older home, consult a specialist on whether reinforcement may be needed.

Not Enough Space?

If you want a pool table but can’t find the room for it, there’s another option. You can buy a combination dining and pool table in one. The Amarith Fusion pool table, seen here, is made with three removable leaves that create a dining surface.

Preparation Before Delivery

 

Area rugs. If you’re planning to have an area rug underneath your pool table, make sure it’s in place before your pool table arrives. Moving a pool table after it’s set up, even a little to put a rug underneath, will ruin the precision leveling of the table, and the table will require servicing afterward.

Light fixtures. Lighting over the pool table needs to be installed and operable before the table is moved into place. Though maintenance, such as changing lightbulbs, is expected, the last thing you want is someone standing on your table to reach the fixture to anchor it or fiddle with the wiring.

Getting it through the door. Thankfully, you don’t need barn doors. Getting a pool table through a standard-size door usually isn’t a problem, because most are assembled onsite in sections. However, if you have an obstruction such as a staircase near your entry door, it could pose a problem.

Maneuvering it into place. Here’s where navigation gets tricky. Spiral staircases and hallways with tight turns are the biggest issue. Most slate tops are 1 inch thick and made in three pieces, so turns are easier to handle. However, Grimaldi notes that his company’s high-end custom tables and outdoor waterproof tables are one-piece slates.

Thankfully, many billiards specialists offer in-home site visits to ensure that the equipment can be maneuvered through and fit in the desired location. It’s best to check rather than run the risk of its not fitting.

Light fixture selection. Pendant lamps are the best light fixture style for pool tables. “The idea is to eliminate any shadows in the play field, but also not to annoy the eye with glare,” Grimaldi says. This can be achieved with a single fixture, as seen here, as well as with double and triple fixtures, as seen in the following images.

Light fixture height. To avoid interfering with players’ heads, the bottom of the light fixtures should be 30 to 36 inches off the table surface. Since most tables are 29¼ to 31 inches high, the bottoms of hanging lights should be 60 to 66 inches above floor level.

This triple-pendant installation avoids shadows and hot spots and provides even illumination for the surface of the pool table.

Seating and beverage rails. Keep in mind the comfort of your guests. Built-in benches for seating and rails on which to set a drink are two design considerations you should try to include near the table — otherwise you risk spilled drinks and players resting against walls.

Necessary accessories. When planning your pool room, don’t forget storage for pool cues, balls, chalk and the rack. If you can, inset a holder into the wall so it doesn’t protrude into the playing space, as seen here; Grande Interiors says this one is custom made. Otherwise mount the holder on a nearby wall surface outside the 60-inch clearance perimeter if you can.

Cost

The average mass-produced pool table runs $5,000 to $10,000. However, most manufacturers also offer custom, handcrafted tables for $20,000 and up.

Lead time: Most manufacturers build tables to order, as clients choose the finishes and felt color. The lead time typically is four to six weeks. For fully customized units, the delivery time typically is six to 10 weeks.

 

but know you need a kitchen…
Kitchen design tends to be centered around the presumption that you will be spending loads of time in your kitchen cooking. Not so earth shattering, right? But the fact is, not everyone loves to cook. Not everyone could really use a supersize fridge, dual ovens and an enormous island. So what do you do when it’s time to think about a kitchen design, when all you’ve used your oven for is storage? While it makes sense for certain basics to be in place (sink, stove, dishwasher) even if you rarely cook, there is plenty of room for creativity. From wine storage to a library wall, here are a few ideas to consider.

Wine storage. If you don’t have a large collection of cookware to house, it makes sense to shift some of that storage space to something you do use.

Oenophiles may want to add a temperature-controlled wine cellar cabinet for bottles that need to be aged, in addition to open shelving for ready-to-drink bottles.

Fancy coffee station. Love your morning latte or cappuccino? Splurge on a top-notch espresso maker so you can whip up your morning beverage of choice at home. Since you’re not spending as much on fancy knives and cookware, why not?

Library wall. If books are one of your great loves, consider dedicating a kitchen wall to bookshelves. You can house a good portion of those books that seem to multiply when you’re not looking, while keeping kitchen storage options flexible. As long as the shelves are large enough, a future owner could just as easily use them to store dishes, cookware or cookbooks.

If your kitchen is small and you rarely cook, one alternative to the classic big oven is a separate cooktop paired with a compact oven, or even a convection toaster oven, for cooking (or warming) food.

And if you really have no use for a giant fridge and freezer, consider instead a few handy fridge and freezer drawers. They can be tucked into small nooks and don’t overwhelm a space like a full-size fridge can.

Delightful seating area. When you don’t need to worry about maximizing cabinet space, some fun possibilities open up; a lovely little seating area in the kitchen is one great option. After all, even if you don’t spend hours cooking, you likely do want to be able to sit down in a comfortable space and enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning, or a simple supper (even if it’s takeout) after a long day.