How I Organize My Studio Kitchen
If you’ve been around the blog for a hot second, you’ve probably noticed (or heard me talk about) the fact that I have a lot of stuff - more commonly referred to as props. There was a time I used to apologize for having so many things, mostly because I would anticipate judgement (who wants that) until one day I realized, a doctor would never think she has too many instruments, nor a lawyer too many law books. Those items are the tools of the their trade. As a stylist, props are mine.
I’ve noticed in recent years that we live in a culture where minimalism tends to be glorified and everyone else is just, well, a clutter bug. To me that only feels like another line drawn as a means to divide us. Why does there have to be a right or wrong way to live amongst the things in your own home? I mean, if you can’t function there might be an issue, but if not, I say we stop apologizing to each other and make our homes a reflection of what we love and how we want to live within them.
All that being said, I do have a system for keeping all my things organized and in a manner that is visually pleasing to me. I have two long open shelves over the studio kitchen counter that works as a rotating display, and the rest is kept behind closed doors and drawers. Because, although I do have a lot of stuff - I feel best when it’s neatly organized and contained.
Small items are always gathered into a basket, box, or bin. I’m continually on the hunt for unique storage pieces that will keep things organized and tidy. My best luck is usually found at a flea market, but antique shops and thrift stores are good sources too. I’m also very fond of these white boxes from Ikea and use them for storage throughout the house and studio.
By keeping like items together, I am able to quickly know where an exact item is and all the available options I have on hand. For a recent shoot, I pulled 5 linen towels for the kitchen styling, and upon return, placed them right back into the stacks. Because I love neutrals, I keep those on top while the brightly colored ones are hidden beneath. The beautiful overdyed antique napkins are from my shop, Trouvé Prop. We just added new finds from France!
Since the studio is also a working office space, several drawers are dedicated to supplies and my coffee stash. The Ikea drawer inserts fit perfectly and have lots of compartments for keeping things sorted.
These are just a few of the hundreds of magazines my work has been featured in. I have piles and piles of them stacked away in closets and no idea what to do with them - throw them away, scan them, organize and keep, tear out only what’s needed? It feels like an overwhelming project - please send help.
Across from the kitchen area is one of my prop closets where I have two rolling storage shelves and a very large filing cabinet tucked in the back. Those antique pickling jars on the top shelf have been shipped to many photoshoots! The barn door was a salvaged find. I’m thinking about sanding it down and giving it a fresh coat of paint or stain. Another weekend project.
As you might see, I try to keep similar items grouped together; antique bottles, glasses, breadboards, and dishes galore. My two styling kits are on the lower shelves, ready at a moments notice. Here’s what’s in my Ultimate Styling Kit! The rest of my inventory is stored in a larger walk-in closet, but it looks very similar to this one - filled to the brim.
And a note about the studio itself. Although it is attached to our main house, it’s essentially a studio apartment with its own separate entrance. It has a full bath, living space, two walk-in closets, and a kitchen that has been plumbed for a commercial refrigerator and stove. Those aren’t installed since we have no need at the time. The cabinetry, countertop, and shelving are all straight up Ikea. My husband and I installed them in a day in order to get final for moving in! If we end up staying in this house I’ll probably redo them at some point and take more time with the design and layout. But it works great for now!
