“There is nothing nicer than a kitchen really made for a cook. Things that are designed to be used always have an innate beauty.” – Julia Child
This post may include affiliate links. This means if you purchase something through these links I may or may not receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Many are surprised–or not so much–to learn that I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder as a child. Therefore, organization is a need rather than a luxury for me. When my environment is cluttered and messy, I experience a spike in anxiety, usually in the form of the inability to concentrate.
As a person who loves to stay busy, this inability to function in even small messes doesn’t serve me well. While tidiness is a great quality, it’s healthy to be able to leave dishes in the sink in favor of family time or rest.
In order to keep my anxiety in check, I must have a place for everything. That way, even when things are cluttered, there’s an underlying method to the madness. This is why I love the KonMari method, specifically in my kitchen.
I was introduced to KonMari by my mother-in-law, Karla Carter. She is one of the only certified KonMari consultants in Utah, and the only one with a Gold Certification from Marie Kondo herself. Karla doesn’t just put things into containers for you, she teaches you a new way to look at your “stuff.” When working together, she coaches you to identify the use for, and emotions attached to your belongings.
#sparkjoy has become a household phrase thanks to Marie Kondo’s Netflix special, but Karla really brings practical meaning to the phrase. Nothing gets pushed to the side to “deal with later” (I’m sooo guilty of this!). Instead, every item is held, asked what type of feelings it provokes, and a decision is made to keep or toss.
It may sound simple, but this method is so powerful. Rather than trying to predict when you’ll need an item, or holding onto something because it was “expensive,” or “gifted,”…you choose to keep only what brings you joy. By doing this, you free up space in your home and your mind for what really matters to you.
Karla offered to help me with my kitchen, because she knows it’s my favorite place, where I spend the most time. Although I already know a lot about organizing and KonMari, it’s such a big project I definitely needed some guidance. I couldn’t be happier with the results.
My KonMari Kitchen is amazing. Baking is easier, because I can find every single item quickly. Ingredients don’t go to waste, because nothing hides in corners to be forgotten. I got rid of so many old bottles–spices, sauces, etc.–that were just taking up space. Can anyone else say they get a little thrill of excitement when they open their pantry door? …No? Just me then? Ok.
A KonMari approved kitchen is a joy to work in.
A picture is worth a thousand words, so, here are the photos of my gorgeous kitchen, courtesy of Karla. I hope you feel inspired to search out the items in your own kitchen that bring you joy, and give yourself permission to throw away everything else.
If you’re interested in a life changing experience, you can contact Karla Carter here. She is based in Utah, but happily travels. Don’t forget to subscribe to see the next rooms we “KonMari.”
If you’d like to see purchasing details on any of these items, download the Like to Know it app and follow me (The Chic Gourmay) and you can easily grab them for your own joyful space.
