This Kitchen Didn’t Need More Cabinets, It Needed Less Stuff
- Jan 8
- 3 min read
Sometimes the best design decisions don’t start with tile samples or renovations.
They start with removing what’s already there.
We want to share something that happened during an organizing session — because it perfectly captures why we believe so deeply in editing before adding.
The Original Goal: Organize the Kitchen Cabinets
We were originally there to help organize their kitchen cabinets. There had been some early conversations about possibly renovating down the line (they were even starting to talk to a countertop specialist), but that wasn’t the focus of the day. We were just there to organize.
What We Found When Everything Came Out
Once we really got into it, we pulled everything out. By the time we were done, we had completely cleared out six cabinets. They were shocked and honestly, a little concerned . . . because they didn’t want to refill the cabinets with more unneeded items (read: clutter).
Standing there, looking at all that open space, we asked a simple question: “Other than cooking, how do you use your kitchen?”
The Question That Changed Everything
They shared how they often pop into the kitchen throughout the day to make tea, coffee, and grab snacks. Almost immediately, we had an idea. They deserved a snack bar! Because once the excess was gone, the opportunity was right there.
The Design Shift: Removing Before Adding
What made it work was removing three upper cabinets (cabinets they’re now reusing in their laundry room). That one decision opened the space completely. From there, it evolved into a full design project:
a tiled backsplash brought all the way up to the ceiling
floating shelves that were custom stained
and a once-forgotten corner becoming a true moment in their kitchen
When it was finished, their reaction said everything. They kept saying they never would have seen this as an option. And honestly, we don’t think they could have — not without starting with that original organizing session. The space had always been one way. And when there’s that much stuff, it’s incredibly hard to imagine it being anything else.
This is exactly why we believe in removing before adding. So often, people want to add things to their home first. They see ideas online, save inspiration photos, and start thinking about what to buy. But when a space already feels overwhelming, it’s hard to envision something new. When a client wants to buy something but doesn’t know where it will live or how it will truly function, we always encourage them to pause. Edit first.
This project reinforced something we deeply believe:you can have a space that’s both beautiful and functional → but sometimes that starts with letting go.
A Small Thing to Try This Week
As we move into the new year, here’s a simple, doable exercise. Pick one area that feels a little overwhelming, but still manageable.
Set a timer for five minutes.
Remove just five things.
Maybe they get donated. Maybe they get tossed. But start with five.
A Gentle Permission Slip for Your Kitchen
Especially in kitchens, I want to gently give you permission to let go of the extras.
The 17 tumblers.
The cups from sporting events or festivals.
The coffee mugs you never reach for.
Unless there’s a meaningful story attached, you can really only use one tumbler at a time. Those little things pile up quickly, and they take up valuable space that could be working harder for you.
Sometimes clearing space is the first design decision.
You don’t need all the answers. You just need a place to start.
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