home Archives - Jackie Schagen Kitchens

April 22, 2025 No Comments

Spring Pantry Purge: Declutter, Organize and Restock

Spring cleaning isn’t just for closets—your kitchen pantry could probably use a refresh, too. Over time, expired spices, forgotten snacks, and half-used ingredients pile up, making it harder to find what you actually need. A pantry purge clears the clutter, helps you take stock of what you have, and makes cooking more enjoyable.

Not sure where to start? Here’s your step-by-step guide to a perfectly organized pantry.

Step 1: The Big Clear-Out

Take everything out of your pantry—yes, every last box, jar, and bag. This might seem extreme, but it’s the best way to assess what you actually have. Plus, it gives you a chance to wipe down shelves before restocking.

Step 2: Check Expiration Dates

Now’s the time to play pantry detective. Toss anything that’s expired, stale, or questionable. And be honest—if you bought that specialty sauce two years ago and haven’t touched it, you probably never will.

Step 3: Sort & Categorize

Group similar items together to make your pantry easier to navigate. Create sections for baking essentials, canned goods, snacks, grains, and spices. This simple trick saves time when cooking and prevents overbuying.

Step 4: Upgrade Your Storage

Say goodbye to messy, half-open bags of flour and sugar! Clear bins, baskets, and labeled jars help keep everything visible and accessible. Investing in good storage solutions makes a huge difference in maintaining an organized pantry.

Step 5: Use the ‘First In, First Out’ Rule

To prevent food waste, make sure older items get used first. Move those to the front and place newer purchases behind them. This habit ensures that nothing gets lost and forgotten in the back of the pantry.

Step 6: Make a ‘Use It Up’ List

Got a bag of quinoa collecting dust? A forgotten can of beans? Make a list of items that need to be used soon and plan meals around them. You’ll reduce waste and get creative in the kitchen.

Enjoy Your Freshly Organized Pantry

A clean, organized pantry makes meal prep easier, saves money, and just feels good. Plus, who doesn’t love a little spring refresh? So pour yourself a cup of coffee, roll up your sleeves, and get purging—you’ll thank yourself later!

February 25, 2025 No Comments

Designing with Intention: Why I Choose Canadian Suppliers for My Kitchen Designs

When it comes to designing a kitchen, every detail matters—from the overall layout to the materials that bring it to life. I’ve always been intentional about the products I use, not just for their quality but for what they represent. Choosing Canadian-made materials isn’t just about supporting local businesses; it’s about investing in craftsmanship, sustainability, and the long-standing tradition of excellence we have right here at home.

Kitchen Cabinetry: Built Where the Wood Grows

Canada is rich in natural resources, and much of our high-quality wood is milled in Quebec. So, it only makes sense that exceptional cabinetry is crafted there too. That’s why I work with Miralis, a family-owned company that has been creating stunning, high-performance cabinetry in Quebec since 1976. Their dedication to innovation and quality aligns perfectly with the kitchens I design.

Countertops: Strength and Beauty from Ontario

A kitchen isn’t complete without durable, beautiful surfaces, and for that, I turn to HanStone Quartz. Manufactured in London, Ontario, HanStone offers a premium product that stands up to the demands of daily life while looking effortlessly elegant. It’s been my go-to choice for years because it consistently delivers on both style and performance.

Kitchen Sinks: Precision Craftsmanship in Every Detail

A great sink is more than just a functional element—it’s a workhorse that needs to be durable and well-crafted. That’s why I trust Franke & Kindred, manufactured in Midland, Ontario. Their precision engineering and timeless design ensure that every kitchen I create has the quality and functionality my clients expect.

Supporting Canadian Craftsmanship

Canada has always been home to incredible resources and top-tier craftsmanship. By choosing Canadian suppliers, I’m not only ensuring that my designs meet the highest standards, but I’m also supporting the businesses that make our industry strong. Because a well-designed kitchen starts with the best materials – and for me, that means looking close to home.

December 8, 2023 No Comments

Hidden: About Panelled Kitchen Appliances

Panelled kitchen appliances are a sophisticated and innovative design trend that seamlessly integrates modern technology with timeless aesthetics. Instead of standing out as bulky and intrusive elements in the kitchen, these appliances are adorned with panels that match the surrounding cabinetry, creating a harmonious and cohesive look. This design approach allows homeowners to maintain a clean and uniform appearance in their kitchen, avoiding the disruption of contrasting colours or textures that can sometimes be visually overwhelming.

One significant advantage of panelled kitchen appliances is their ability to blend into the overall design scheme, contributing to a sense of continuity and flow in the space. Refrigerators, freezers, vent hoods, and dishwashers can be discreetly concealed behind matching panels, offering a sleek and streamlined appearance. This design choice is particularly popular in contemporary and minimalist kitchens where a seamless and clutter-free aesthetic is highly sought after. Additionally, paneled appliances can be customized to suit various styles, from traditional to ultra-modern, making them a versatile choice for a wide range of kitchen designs.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, panelled kitchen appliances also contribute to a more functional and efficient kitchen. The uniform appearance created by these appliances can help create an illusion of more space, making smaller kitchens feel larger and more open. The integration of appliances into cabinetry can also facilitate better organization and a cleaner overall look, as there are no protruding elements disrupting the visual harmony of the kitchen. As technology advances, the ability to customize panels for smart appliances and touchscreen interfaces further enhances the seamless integration of modern conveniences into the kitchen’s overall design. In essence, panelled kitchen appliances exemplify a marriage of form and function, catering to both the practical needs and stylistic preferences of homeowners.

It is important to remember that you cannot install a custom panel on just any kitchen appliance. The unit must be designed and manufactured to accept a cabinetry panel. Some of our favourite brands to integrate are Bosch, Fisher Paykel, and Miele.

August 13, 2021 No Comments

The Perfect Spacing for your Kitchen

Renovating your kitchen is an exciting endeavour. This is your opportunity to design a space that best works for your family and your lifestyle. In many cases, you may want to change the footprint of your kitchen, especially if removing a wall or if the current layout is not functional for you.

When changing the footprint we need to be very aware of distances and spacing. The Ontario Building Code requires a minimum distance of 30” between fixed objects. While this fine for a doorway, it’s too tight between countertops. You need room to bend down and empty the dishwasher.

The ideal space between your island and the perimeter of your kitchen is 42”. This magic measurement means that your countertops are only a step and a turn away. You don’t want multiple steps between your work spaces as it creates more work and is less efficient. 42” is perfect to stand working at your island and for someone to be able to pass easily behind you.

The back of your island wants more space, especially if you have seating. I find that anything larger than 48” is enough room for people to sit comfortably and other people to be able to pass behind them. If you have more space than that, even better. You don’t want to end up feeling crowded.

If you have the opportunity to improve the footprint of your kitchen, go for it! A kitchen is a big and permanent project so make sure you get what you want!

June 16, 2021 No Comments

Design Your Kitchen with a Professional Interior Designer!

You’ve booked an appointment with your kitchen designer and are excited to begin. But before you meet, there are a few things to consider so you’re ready to answer your designer’s top questions and make the most of your time together. Your answers will help shape the design and construction plan of your new kitchen. Your preferences will help your designer create the best possible design for you and your home.

Know the 'why' behind your project.

Are you looking to renovate your kitchen for better function, to finally achieve your dream of having a full “chef’s kitchen” or are you hoping to improve your home’s value? Knowing why you’re investing in your kitchen will help your designer understand how best to meet your needs.

Have a rough idea of your budget.

The cost of renovating a kitchen can vary widely. If there is no limit on cost, then dream away! However, if you’re like most, you’ll have an approximate budget in mind. By understanding your budget, your designer can steer you toward choices that fit your priorities while keeping costs in check.

Think about what isn’t working in your space.

Grab a pen and paper and walk around your kitchen. Do you remember a time when you wanted to change something? Does the natural path from the fridge to your usual prep space have any obstacles? Have you bumped into corners while carrying items from one spot to another? Do you wish you had a place for everything you typically need to fix a meal? These are just a few of the things you need to share with your kitchen designer.

Have an idea of when you want the project to start.

If you’ve been thinking about renovating your kitchen for a while, you may be excited to get started but building a plan that works around other renovations and life events is an important consideration. Are you hoping to have a brand-new kitchen to show guests on a special occasion? Do you have a baby due, a wedding or a milestone birthday coming up? Be sure to let your designer know your ideal start date and about events that may affect the timing of your kitchen renovation.

Collect photos of spaces you’re attracted to.

Can you see yourself living in a French chateau, a mid-century modern bungalow, or a rustic cabin? Your designer should be creating a space to fit your style, not their own. Collect images of home interiors that please your senses and make you feel joy. Your designer can take inspiration from the images to ensure you get a kitchen style you love. Look for inspiration on websites such as Pinterest and Houzz, and in magazines.

Working with a designer is a collaborative process. Preparing for your first meeting together will help your designer create a kitchen that suits your needs, style, and budget!

September 18, 2020 No Comments

What About the Kitchen Work Triangle?

When you start researching how to plan your kitchen, the first item that will come up with the Kitchen Work Triangle. What this means is the location and spacing between the fridge, stovetop and sink. This space planning method was developed in the 1940’s to maximize the efficiency of the cook in the kitchen, while also starting to standardize construction and reducing costs.

This set of planning principles has many rules. Each item is to be no less than 4 feet apart, but no farther than 9 feet. All the sides of the triangle should not exceed 26 feet. Corners or other obstructions should not interfere with the triangle.

This planning strategy was great for a long time. But a lot has changed since the 1940’s. We’re not designing for single cooks in the kitchen anymore. Often there are multiple people performing various tasks – making coffee, chopping vegetables, using the cooktop, washing dishes, etc. Many families are wanting a more open concept to encourage the kitchen to be a social space. This means there are less walls to work with and we need to be more flexible and creative with our design.

So what’s the new strategy of kitchen space planning? Creating zones for each activity to happen in the space. Each family uses their space a little differently but the main tasks being performed are Food Prep, Baking, Cooking and Cleaning.

At the prep zone, you need a sink to wash and some countertop space to work. The baking zone needs a good deal of counter space plus proximity to the oven(s). To cook efficiently, you want to have at least 18” on each side of your cooking surface. To plan your cleaning area, you’ll consider your food waste placement, sink size and style, and dishwasher location.

There are activity zones, but there are also storage zones to keep in mind. You likely want to locate the dish-ware near to the dishwasher, as well as towards the eating area. Food storage can be grouped together – both the pantry and refrigerator. Don’t forget the cookware and bakeware, and plan for them to have homes close to where they will be used.

Then it is time to consider the extra activities that are happening in your kitchen. Maybe a small desk is what you really need to keep the family organized. Or maybe coffee is king in your household and an espresso station is a non-negotiable. Or maybe it needs to have a TV, a charging station, or a bar area. Those are the items to keep in mind to make the space really suit your needs.

Let’s agree that the Kitchen Work Triangle model had a good run, but isn’t applicable to the way we now use our homes. Plan your kitchen so that it best suits the way you live, move, and enjoy your space for many years to come.

Tag: home

Recent Blog Posts