Designing a Tiny Paris Kitchen

Kimberly Allyn Designs

Published by Kimberly Black Allyn · February 1

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...Tiny Paris Kitchen Design ~ Big Ideas for a Small Space...See Before and After Images Below

(Only one of us can fit in it at a time)

Desole Mes Amis,

I last left you with gained entry to my first apartment for the next three months. I must change apartments in April for the next four months so hopefully it will not be as much as a journey to get possession.. At least not a 5-6 floor walk up. That is some Huff and Puff up and down and don't forget your umbrella or anything upon leaving and then have to go back up to get it.How do the French smoke so much and live in buildings without a "lift?" But not today's topic. We are on to the exciting and fun times now!!! Be sure to see our ami Laurie s recipe for an Onion tart at the close of today.

The kitchen for most of us is the " Heart of the Home". Traditionally the gathering epicenter of your home for family, friends and guests. Many memories are created with lively discussions, aromas, hopefully wonderful cooking and baking and LOVE. It should be an inviting and welcoming space. Also Most important it must be a functioning space.

Our Paris kitchen is for you mes amis and me solo in Paris

This is our present situation: Limited space and preparation work area

One Cupboard Two burner electric countertop stove No oven Dishwasher ( what does one person do with a Dishwasher when there are not enough dishes/ pots and pans to even fill it.) Has anyone ever tried to wash clothes in a dishwasher? Is there possibly a secret? Went to the French Laundromat last night. EXPENSIVE - 4 EUROS for one load plus of course the 5-6 flight of stairs. The answer to that Wash chore is Verre en Rouge but afraid I would possibly fall down the steep stairs. You have seen the pictures of the staircase~ Vino and staircase would a bad mix. Small basin Microwave Wall rack and hooks (thank goodness)

Let's begin~

DESIGN HINT ONE:

Wall finish and application

In a small space - Keep it light. A dark wall application or finish will advance your wall and shorten it. You want to keep the visual depth perception with a light wall applicartion and it will lengthen it. Please also refer to the movement element as too strong or busy is distracting. We have white tile so perfect for our teeny kitchen.

HINT TWO:

Create interest with Functional Elements with color or an interesting shape or unpredictability using something not intended for the use but it works

In our very small space we will be using:

Brushed nickel wall rack and two size of hooks Spice containers Tea towels Glassware Utensils Limited existing dishes Piece of slate Cookware Serving pieces (are you short on your decorating allowance this month?) A perfect and functional creative unpredictable entertaining tray to try is go to Home Depot or Lowe's or you local Kitchen Design or Tile shop and see if they have a 12" x 12" or any size piece of marble, slate or natural stone. Sometimes they have samples for free. The stones can be so beautiful and have natural stone has great karma.Wash well and then take a non toxic metallic or any coordinating color outline the rough edge, but no need can be just natural.. Great for a cheese, crudite, or whatever for an entertaining and interesting serving piece.Use your imagination mes amis, free is always great and low cost is always my goal.

HINT THREE:

Visual movement

In a small space keep your eye moving Distract from the the small space with an unexpected burst of color or the unpredictability in the functional elements. Do not use busy patterns or if using small prints please keep to a very muted design.

HINT FOUR:

Organization

In a small space you will have to edit and make use of the essentials. Unfortunately, it may be difficult to have every gadget and accoutrement of a gourmet chef. But personalize it to your needs.

HINT FIVE:

Lighting

One of the most overlooked elements of design. Whether a small or large space~ lighting can drastically enhance or diminish many psychological, visual, and emotional effects

A small space must be lit very well.

I suggest a clean LED Warm 2700 K bulb. It is the most efficient and similar to your incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs can be tricky. 2700 K is the temperature of the bulb as it is measured in K= kelvins. As you go to a higher kelvin say above 3000 and can go up to 5000. It becomes cooler and sometimes a very blue unflattering light. Just a side note: Natural light has four exposures East, West, South and North. Northern exposure light is very cool on the spectrum and has a bluish cast. Choose wisely in paint / wall finish in a room with a northern exposure Also a No no when applying makeup.May cause a flawed/ harsh effect when you are in different lighting.Supplement with softer lighting. Also another tidbit of interest. They use to make rose colored light bulbs for your table lamps or they would line the inner lamp shade with a pink sheer fabric to cast a beautiful glow to our skin. So mes amis Lighting is a very important element of any design. Worth the little additional expense. Think of a concert or a Broadway show and how important lighting is to the effect.

So I close today's journey with our ami Laurie 's (you met her in our first journey) Onion Tart Recipe: She is in the States and I miss her delish cooking

Hopefully this Sunday you can join moi and all of our amis for our virtual Sunday brunch: We will see how our kitchen was designed before and after. I will post the before picture today when I get better LIGHT (remember light factors and so important in so many ways) to take the picture.

If you have a favorite Brunch recipe PLEASE SHARE for all of your fellow amis to enjoy. Please leave it in the comments: WE ARE A FELLOW SHIP

Laurie ' s Onion tart- serves 6

For the crust 1 1/2 cups sifted flour 1/2 cup butter 6 tbs. water 1 egg, beaten, for glazing

For the filling 6tbs. Of butter 3 large onions, peeled and chopped ( about 5 1/2 cups) Pinch ground caraway seeds 4 eggs 3/4 heavy cream or sour cream

1) Place sifted flour in a bowl.Add the butter in small pieces and blend into the flour using your fingerrtips. Stir in the water and a pinch of salt. Knead to a dough.Shape the dough into a ball and let stand for at least 30 minutes, covered with an cloth.

2) Roll out the dough thinly into an circle on an floured board. Line a greased springform 8- inch springform pan with the dough. Press the dough neatly, particularly around the sides, and trim the edge.

3) Preheat oven to 400.

4) In around skillet melt 6 tbs. of butter. Saute the onions. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with caraway. Cook over low heat until the onions are soft and transparent. Then remove the pan from the heat. Lightly beat the eggs with the cream over low heat and stir, without boiling, for about 1 minute. Pour the mixture into the prepared crust. Bake in preheated oven for 20- 30 minutes. Serve hot or warm.

Laurie told mes amis to tell you she says: Voila! Bon Appetit!!

I close today will the recipe for Designing a small kitchen and our friend Laurie's recipe for an amazing onion tart. Today I ask if you have a wonderful Brunch recipe please share it in comments with your fellow amis for our Vitural Sunday brunch. I promise some wonderful images... To be continued....

Bisous xx Kimberly