How to Create a Calm Space in a Busy Home, Just for

KITCHEN CUBBY

The dilemma: How does a big-time foodie find time to browse through her cookbooks, plan menus and cobble together grocery lists for her all-day bake-a-thons in the busiest room in the house? Considered the hub of the home to many—where the routine of preparing daily meals mingles with homework help, chores and recaps of the day—creating an organized space to call your own in the kitchen may seem unrealistic. However, our mom managed to turn a small section next to a staircase into a quiet zone, complete with a clutter-free countertop and open shelving to showcase a few of her favourite pieces of Japanese pottery (also out of reach of busy fingers). If your home’s architecture doesn’t come with a self-contained nook, consider building a partition or using cabinetry to create one. Keep this dedicated space clutter-free and accent it with a few treasured objects.

BREATHING ROOM

Natural light pours in to the kitchen, making it an even more appealing family-gathering area. Keep kids busy by giving them projects, plenty of space and comfy seating nearby so they’re less likely to spill into your “zone.”