We’re excited to feature the incredibly organized and functional kitchen of Shereen Pavlides, a beloved cook known for her delicious recipes and practical cooking tips. Join us as we take a tour of her kitchen, filled with innovative solutions and efficient storage ideas that make cooking a joy.
A Kitchen with History and Heart
Shereen’s kitchen, built in 1999, has seen some updates over the years, particularly her island and parts of the perimeter. The island, now a decade old, serves as the centerpiece of her kitchen, offering a spacious and efficient workspace that supports her culinary adventures.
Convenient Refrigerator Drawers
One of Shereen’s favorite features is the set of refrigerator drawers located right next to her cooktop. This clever placement makes it easy to grab vegetables, cheeses, fruits, and even lemons and limes without having to move around the island. She emphasizes the importance of a fill board between refrigeration and a heat source, noting that only a one-inch fill board is needed, contrary to the three inches she initially researched.
The Luxury of a Warming Drawer
For Shereen, the warming drawer is a game-changer. It’s perfect for keeping meals warm for her family, especially with kids around. She shares a budget-friendly tip: instead of purchasing expensive dividers from the warming drawer company, she bought affordable containers from a restaurant supply store. These containers are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Thoughtful Design and Efficient Workflow
Shereen’s kitchen design is a testament to thoughtful planning and understanding her own workflow. She uses the left side of her island for chopping and cutting, with a convenient knife block and trash chute directly below. This setup allows her to work efficiently and keep her workspace tidy.
Spice Drawer and Magnetic Storage
One of the highlights of Shereen’s kitchen is her spice drawer. Started a decade ago, this drawer keeps her spices neatly organized and easily accessible. She uses containers with magnets on the bottom, allowing for versatile storage options. Additionally, she designed a magnetic chalkboard for her refrigerator, perfect for displaying her kids’ artwork.
Utilized Storage Spaces
Shereen maximizes every inch of her island. She uses baskets to store garlic, shallots, and onions, keeping them in a cool, dark place for longevity. Under the island, she has storage cabinets for items used less frequently, such as holiday linens and tablecloths.
Flour, Sugar, and More
Her most requested organizational tip is her flour and sugar drawer. This drawer keeps these baking essentials off the countertop and neatly tucked away. It even has an open space for miscellaneous items like another type of flour and cornstarch. Another drawer is dedicated to pasta, housing both homemade and dry varieties, while a third drawer organizes her coffee, tea, and hot cocoa.
Inspiration for Your Kitchen
Shereen’s kitchen is a masterclass in organization and efficiency, showing how thoughtful design can make cooking more enjoyable and stress-free. We hope her tips and solutions inspire you to create a more organized and functional kitchen.
Stay tuned for more home tours and tips on AdrienneBalkum.com. Happy cooking!
