Some interior designers have a very distinct aesthetic that informs all their engagements. And there are home and business owners who specifically seek out or want to replicate a particular, readily identifiable look. These spaces can be stunning and impressive, and move the industry forward, but are not necessarily affordable, desirable or appropriate for most clients.
My approach is more accessible, collaborative and flexible.
The Susan Corvo “brand” stamp is unique for each of my clients. I believe in elevating their design preferences, incorporating their beloved items, and adding function according to their way of living. This is achieved by imparting my experienced insight and guiding projects using sound tenets of form and function. (More on the details of that next month!)
With a “more the merrier” outlook, another aspect of my design practice is sharing with my clients my favorite things from the broadest architectural features to the smallest gadgets. These include the furnishings, finishes, shops, sites, materials, utensils, tradespeople, and organizational tips I feature on my social platforms. I recently moved my home and built a cool new showroom. Come visit! Since I’m in the process of renovating the kitchen, I thought it would be fun to highlight a few new and time-tested faves here. If you’re intrigued, let’s talk about how to bring them into your spaces!
Easy Reach but Out of Sight!
If you seek maximum convenience but minimum kitchen clutter, these innovative Rev-A-Shelf pullouts are a dream when redoing your cabinets! I’ve installed them near my cook top and island so I can easily access knives and my most-used cutting board on one side and all my utensils on the other. The shelves below the customizable containers are great for food wraps, baggies, or other cooking and baking items like scales or rolling pins.
No Toppling Trays or Cluttered Cutting Boards!
In the past, I struggled with serving trays that, though neatly stacked, were subject to chipping and a whole lot of clanking every time I went to retrieve one from the storage drawer or pantry shelf. No more! Using vertical dividers in my cabinet I can sort trays and boards by size, material, and use. Easy to find what I’m looking for. Minimal dropsies! I’ve installed them in the cabinets above my ovens and refrigerator for the largest, least-used or oddest-shaped trays that need more of their own space. I no longer need to bring that Thanksgiving turkey platter down to the basement. It is ready for the next holiday, neatly and conveniently stashed right in the kitchen.
Parlez-vous GE?
Inspired by commercial kitchens, French doors make this large-capacity Monogram double oven from GE both luxurious and practical. It bakes (regular and convection), dehydrates, roasts, and air fries. WiFi connectivity ensures you don’t burn those cookies or dry out that roast. Not inexpensive but good value for the quality, reliability and utility compared with other brands.
I’ve sung its praises before, but I really do also love the GE Advantium oven as a stand-alone or instead of the French door upper. It’s just so cool! Not only does it function as your everyday microwave, but it also toasts, broils, and convection bakes. Plus, it has a special speed oven setting that uses halogen technology to cook a range of fresh and frozen foods quickly and to perfection. Intuitive LCD menu makes operating it a snap.
Spice it Up!
Would it be wrong to nominate Vertical Spice for the Nobel Peace Prize? They have certainly stopped me from angry hollering! Gone are the days of toppling over the oddly stacked little jars or searching endlessly for that obscure seed used once or twice a year! These slide out racks come in all sizes and shapes and are very easy to install. They make your kitchen feel fancy and incredibly organized at an affordable price. The company has great customer service, too.
So Steamy!
If you haven’t figured it out, I’m really casting a wide net on the appliance front in my new home so I can host great gatherings, cook to my heart’s content and, most important, best advice clients on what makes sense for their lives, cooking preferences and eating habits. This plumbed Wolf professional grade steam oven great for convection baking and reheating food. Brings leftovers to life and makes healthy cooking by reducing the need for oil. Moisture brings out the natural flavor of your food.
Clearly Fabulous!
These clear acrylic Chiaro stools from CB2 stand out for style and versatility…and they are also surprisingly comfortable. Available in three leg colors (black, nickel and gold) and two heights (counter and bar), the stools would complement any combination of cabinet and countertop colors and materials. The look is clean and modern but soft and neutral enough to work with many style kitchens. I love them!
Again, the best features of your kitchen are the ones that work for your household rhythms and your tastes — both decorative and culinary! Let’s talk about re-envisioning your spaces.
