Cortiers Luxury Realty

Do the same boxes and bags fall on you every time you open your pantry door? Or do you seem to search fruitlessly for the same items over and over, only creating more disarray in your already chaotic pantry? If this is you, it might be time for a massive little pantry makeover. Though this task may seem daunting, you’d be surprised at how much time you will save in the long run after you buckle down and do it. Making dinner will be easier, finding that quick snack will be a breeze (which may or may not be a good thing), and when you ask your spouse to grab that can of beans out of the pantry “real quick” you won’t need to come over and find it for them anyways. So, let’s do this together.

First, you have to take everything out. It may be tempting to just shift things around, but you’re not doing yourself any favors, I promise. After you’ve emptied your pantry you can begin the sorting. Throw away the questionable looking (or smelling) items, make a pile to donate that you keep saying you “might use some day,” and then make sections of items you use all the time and those that you use less often.

Before you re-load, be sure to take the time to wipe down those dusty shelves. After all, when was the last time you did that? Oh, you can’t remember? I won’t tell anyone. Just be sure it is totally dry before putting anything back inside.

Next, you might need to think about investing in some space (or chaos) saving containers that will actually help keep your ingredients fresher for longer. Get some airtight clear containers so that you can see what is inside, as well as maintain maximum shelf life. It helps if they are stack-able, too. Lazy Susan’s can help with this, as well. I keep my baking ingredients like flour, sugar, salt, cooking spray, etc. on one so that I can see everything in one fell swoop turn. When you put your stuff back, try to organize it by category. Put the baking stuff on one shelf, the snacks on another, canned foods together…you get the idea.

Next time you open the doors to this now happy space, you are sure to ward off that “why can’t I ever find that” frustration.

We can help you find some homes, too! Search on College Station Homes or Dripping Springs Homes.

Jenn, the Cortiers blogger

Home decor style definitely is a bit circular. Things come in and out of style, resurfacing years or sometimes decades later (though let’s hope some things never come back- popcorn ceilings anyone?). One continually changing and circulating trend is wall color. My parent’s house alone gives testimony to that. When they first moved in during the early 90’s, white was the color. All of the walls were starch white, and that’s just what you did. Then, white all of the sudden became a bore, and everyone painted their walls shades of tan. Then the trend of tan with a red/cranberry accent came in. Now, we’re bringin’ back the whites! But this time, not in such a starch way. In what I’ve noticed, there seem to be two kinds of “white” decor techniques. There is the monochromatic route, which is just as it sounds. Everything white (maybe with the exception of some pale pinks, nudes, etc). It has a very crisp, clean, and calming feel to it. The other is the white with pops of a bold accent color. Very fresh and crisp, as well. Easy ways to create these “pops” are with pillows, accessories, flowers and other centerpieces, rugs, etc. If you’re looking for a great clean color to pop with, green seems to be the new trend. It looks very fresh and creates that organic/earthy feel. So this year, cut out the beige and bring on the clean whites and maybe your days will feel more like those laundry detergent commercials where everything smells clean and fresh all the time. (No guarantees or promises on this one). For more fun ideas, take a look at our homes on College Station Houses or Pflugerville Houses. -Jenn, the Cortiers blogger