Resolve To Redesign Your Kitchen
In Just One Day

Can anyone tell me why people hang kitchen clocks so high that we have to look up to see them? Why not hang them at eye level so that the clocks relate to what is beneath, beside, or near them?

Sometimes I find a plate that enhances the roundness of the clock, or I find a picture of fruit with colors the same as the clock, be sure you are not isolating your clock - bring it into the theme of the kitchen.

I can understand why people place souvenirs and sentimental objects on their kitchen window sills, especially if the window is over the sink. However, stand back and be objective. Just how cluttered is your window sill?

If we are aiming for perfection, window sills should be entirely clear of clutter. But I don't mind seeing one object (three at the most) on the sill. I myself have a small pot of African violets on my sill which came from a leaf my next door neighbor gave me 25 years ago (and she died at least 10 years ago) I can't give it up and it grows well only in this window.

Let's keep the kitchen window clutter to a minimum. If you can find a place for all of it you deserve a medal. And let me add that any other window sill in your house should have absolutely nothing on it. Window sills are not knick-knack shelves. And now for the real nitty gritty! What is on your counters? First of all, find another place for that basket or box overflowing with papers, rubber bands, paper clips, film, barrettes, ribbons, ticket stubs and broken toys. Or at least clean out the basket every month.

And now have you connected what's left by theme or color? Is there a tin box here, a multi-colored bowl there and a wire basket beyond? And are these containers empty or filled?

Empty containers should be stored in cupboards with perhaps one or two exceptions. One water pitcher or bowl that enhances a painting in your kitchen or is the exact color of the walls belongs on the counter.

But try to use these items for bringing greens into the kitchen, storing utensils, or storing fruit or vegetables (or both). If you have apothecary jars you like to show off, store rice, beans, cereals or pasta in them.

How many appliances do you have on your counter? And now I have to laugh because I am guilty myself of cluttering my counters with an electric can opener, a coffee bean grinder, and an electric juicer.

I have decided to dispose of my electric can opener and get a nice manual opener, and also to store my coffee bean grinder in a cupboard. This means cleaning out my cupboards, but what a nice way to start the new year. I may even find a place in there for my juicer.

On another counter I have a 1930s Toastmaster toaster which I use every day and my mother's 1937 Mixmaster. They enhance each other so well that I consider them adornment. Above them I have hung a dear 1940s etching of Fisherman's Wharf. Do hang good art in the kitchen. You will see it more often than many other places in your home.

And, finally, take everything off your refrigerator, especially if you can see your refrigerator from another room.