Chic vs. Geek: Keeping Clutter Off Your Countertop

It seems like every time we need something in the kitchen, we can’t find it because of all the appliances, trays, bowls, and other stuff taking up our countertops. So how do we cope?

CHIC (PEARL)

Anyone who tells you kitchens are supposed to be messy never had to clean up after family dinner! Personally, I need some motivation to keep my surfaces clear. So I try to add some style to kitchen organizing, like fancy jars for non-perishable ingredients, dividers for frequently-used utensils, and elegant hanging racks for pots and pans.

GEEK (KEVIN)

There is no reason you can’t solve your kitchen clutter issues with some very simple storage strategy. Figure out where and when you need this pot or that spatula, and find a drawer or cabinet to store them when they’re not in use while keeping them readily accessible when you’re in the heat of your culinary artistry. It will save you time and stress!

Chic vs. Geek: Buying or Building?

We often meet buyers who are debating between buying an existing home and building a new one. Some buyers start out looking for a fixer-upper and end up building their dream home because they couldn’t find the right fit with their budget. What are the pros of each approach?

CHIC (PEARL)

Buying an existing home has obvious advantages like a short turnaround from closing to move in. It also gives you a chance to settle into a new home and a new lifestyle if you don’t want to make remodel decisions right away – or if you don’t have the money for renovations right now. You also have the chance to walk through the actual home instead of picturing it from blueprints, and you’re generally moving to an existing neighborhood with established services and local schools.

GEEK (KEVIN)

It may be faster to move in and get settled in a resale home, but if you truly want to live in your dream home, there’s nothing better than designing your own living space from scratch. You can personalize each and every nook and cranny and take advantage of all the latest features to maximize energy efficiency and save money over the life of the house. And plus, you get that “new car” smell and the satisfaction of knowing that you won’t need to replace any major appliances for a long, long time.

Coming soon in Sunnyvale!

The Chic ‘n’ the Geek are hard at work on a property in Sunnyvale. We’ve upgraded the kitchen with fresh paint, new appliances, and stylish light fixtures.

The home features crown and window molding and 8-foot doors, with an open living, dining, and kitchen concept — great for entertaining. There’s also a separate family room off the kitchen with a gas fireplace.

Chic vs. Geek: What’s keeping you home?

The pandemic has forced us to adjust to new ways of living – and working – in our homes. What’s one thing around the house that makes it easier?

CHIC (PEARL)

A lot can be said for the simple things like a solid WiFi connection and a good coffee maker, but give me my standing desk any day of the week and twice on Sunday. There’s nothing better for maintaining good posture and circulation while you’re busy staring at a computer screen for up to eight hours a day. These days, you don’t even need to buy the full desk. Most office supply companies sell toppers and attachments for the desk you already have in your home.

GEEK (KEVIN)

I’ll admit it. I’m addicted to soda and fizzy drinks of all flavors, colors, and styles. But I never truly embraced my addiction until the pandemic hit, and I realized we were spending tons of money on sodas and sparkling waters. So I bit the bullet and bought us a Soda Stream. And we will never go back. Not only can I have any kind of refreshing beverage anytime I want it, we’re also keeping thousands of aluminum cans and plastic bottles out of our landfills and oceans.

Chic vs. Geek: To wash or wipe?

Tired of toilet paper? Consider adding a washlet or bidet to your porcelain throne!

CHIC (PEARL)

Last year, when the pandemic hit and left us all sheltering in place, toilet paper became a hot commodity, and the shelves at our local supermarket were regularly bare. That’s one reason we invested in a bidet. Not only did it get the job done without wasting paper, the model we installed also came with a seat warmer to keep our butts cozy while we did our business.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Most people don’t like to talk about poop, but it’s just a natural part of life. We all do it, so why treat it like an ancient mystery? Installing a bidet is so easy and inexpensive that any weekend home improvement warrior can get it done without breaking a sweat. Need extra oomph for those really tough spots? Just turn it up a notch with an adjustable flow option. Ours goes to 11!