Our Editorial Director's 10 Favorite Things In Her Newly Renovated Kitchen
I recently renovated my kitchen, and now it's that place that brings me daily joy. When my family and I are all home together, it's the epicenter that we all gravitate toward. So, of course, I love that. I also love the pieces we've chosen that make the room feel just right. Below, take a look at 10 of my favorite kitchen items.
1. Sawyer Ceramics Salt Cellar, $30
Stephen Paul
If there is one must-have for me in the kitchen, it's salt. (Salt, lemons, and olive oil are my holy kitchen trifecta.) And there is something about saltcellars that I just adore. This one is earthy and artisan. Place it right by your stove for when you need a pinch of salt ... in a pinch.
Also featured: The teardrop plate, which I use as a spoon rest, is by Kiyomi Koide, and the speckled stoneware pot is by RachaelPots.
2. IKEA Gradvis Plant Pot, $4.99
Stephen Paul
It looks way more expensive than it actually is. And the pink color is just delightful and complements a green plant perfectly. I also bought the larger size (a whopping $5.99) in the gray color that I've placed on a higher shelf.
Also featured: You can find the geometric Caribe wood tray and the black marble serving board at The Citizenry, and the Asymmetric cutting board is by Campover.
3. Room & Board Orikata Acorn Pendants, starting at $329
Stephen Paul
The organic quality to these origami-inspired pendants is what drew me to them. Throughout the shade are little stitches and folds, which allow the light to glow through. And the brass base is a nice metallic addition in the kitchen, no matter if your other hardware is chrome or black or brass. I say, mix it up!
4. Chilewich Striped Shag Indoor & Outdoor Mat, starting at $55
Stephen Paul
I bought the utility mat and ended up placing it in front of my kitchen sink almost by accident (I originally intended it for another spot in my home). But, it's a happy accident because my family loves to stand on it while (not loving) doing the dishes. Plus, it protects our floor from wear and tear in that oft-used spot.
5. The Citizenry Oro Cacao Cups (set of four), $120
Stephen Paul
No kitchen is complete without some beautiful, handcrafted mugs. These cacao cups (as seen stacked upon each other in this photo) are slightly heavy with a black matte finish and feel like a dream in my hands. Crafted in Mexico, they are perfect for coffee, tea, or hot cocoa — but I also serve up ice cream or yogurt with berries in these for my kids. They totally appreciate the presentation.
Also featured: Plates are from the Dansk Kallan dinnerware collection, and the speckled Hokkori mugs are by Kiyomi Koide.
6. JK Adams Lazy Susan, starting at $80
Stephen Paul
Even before my kitchen was finished being renovated, I knew one of the first things I wanted to purchase was this Lazy Susan. I keep it next to my stove, holding my beloved salts and olive oils — and a quick spin gets me exactly what I need while cooking.
Also featured: Love those saltcellars? Me too. The black ceramic cellar is by Ryan Mckerley, and the blue/green holder is by Studio Arhoj.
7. Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus Coffee and Espresso Machine, $599.95
Stephen Paul
According to some people (my accountant), I spend a lot of money on coffee. So, when we redid our kitchen, I made a commitment to curb my coffee/latte/cappuccino buying, if I could get a nice coffee/espresso machine. Enter this little beauty, and now I feel like I have my own barista bar. It's totally worth it.
Also featured: Stackable bodega glasses by Bormioli Rocco — I recommend the full set! — and the 4-slice toaster is by Cuisinart.
8. Pepper Mill Imports Atlas Pepper Mill, 8"
Stephen Paul
I spy with my little eye ... a brass pepper grinder that I can't live without. (Look closely. He's right there in the middle. Small, but oh-so-mighty.)
Also featured: Eleton's Planet Glass oil decanter and cruet and similar wood pepper mill.
9. mDesign Natural Woven Basket Bins (set of four), $44.99
Stephen Paul
These simple baskets play a big role in my cabinets as they keep everything neat and organized. I use one for all my coffee needs (beans, filters, measuring spoons), one for spices, one for vitamins, and one for miscellaneous cooking items. When I open my cabinets, everything just looks nice.
10. Cookbooks
Stephen Paul
I'm obsessed with cookbooks as just basic reading material — the recipes! The photos! Just heaven. Some of my current faves getting prime real estate on my shelf:
Mina Stone: Cooking for Artists, $30.86
Ottolenghi Simple: A Cookbook, $24.60
EAT. COOK. LA: Recipes from the City of Angeles, $19.49
Where Cooking Begins: Uncomplicated Recipes to Make You a Great Cook, $21.78
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