{Before}

I spend a lot of time in my kitchen, so you’d think that my cabinets would be meticulously organized. Not so much. I heave things back onto shelves while cooking, which means that I can never find what I need, I accidentally buy doubles of items, and am constantly left with a giant mess.

Last year I hired heather|brookes interior organization to get my closet and office in order and I finally decided to do the same thing with my kitchen (after I bought my third box of baking soda). I now have beautifully organized cabinets that display all of the contents in a way that’s both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Since I find it fun to peek into other peoples’ kitchens, here’s a glimpse of mine along with a few simple tips.

{After}

Instead of lining up your sauces and spices in a row (making them impossible to see), put them on a Lazy Susan (I use this one for spices and this one for sauces).

Use containers (I have these) to corral items you reach for the most (for me, that includes a lot of baking supplies) and use a label maker to easily identify them.

I used to have a massive bin with all of my packaging supplies loosely floating around. I now keep them in separate containers organized by category (ie decorative ties, cupcake liners, and bags).

My favorite new addition is the tiered shelving that allows me to stack items so I can see what’s in the very back.

I traded in my wire utensil holder (that was about 8″ too small) for one (here) that now fits perfectly and doesn’t wiggle around every time I open the drawer.

My various types of flour now line the top shelf. Since I use them often, but not on a daily basis, they didn’t need to be front and center on the bottom shelf.

Perhaps the smallest change that had the biggest impact: lined drawers. My old drawers suddenly feel new with sweet dotted liners.

Sprinkles, glitter, and food coloring now have a home in one, easy-to-grab basket.

Elizabeth and James Blazer, Equipment Blouse c/o, Zara Skirt and Clutch, Gap Shoes, Anthropologie Necklace

Though this outfit feels slightly reminiscent of something you’d wear on Easter, it incorporates pretty much all of my favorite things: a bright lip, crisp blazer, pretty florals, a statement necklace, and an oversized clutch.

This past weekend we had a few friends over to watch the Golden Globes (and of course, to indulge in some fun treats). We plowed through a massive cheese platter, drank blood orange mimosas, and ended with a slightly more dignified version of one of my favorite childhood desserts. I made this recipe, which calls for browned butter and a bit of sea salt, and it added such a nice depth to an already near-perfect combination. And so our party didn’t feel too reminiscent of a bake sale, I wrapped up each square in a bit of parchment paper tied with twine and lined them up on a tray for easy access.

Diane von Furstenberg Dress, Elizabeth and James Sunglasses, Topshop and Hermes bracelets, Vintage Clutch, Alaia Booties

Sometimes the dresses that look really awkward on the hanger turn out to be the most fun to wear. But then again, anything that pairs bright citrusy colors with toned down neutrals typically gets my vote.