Leslie Schlernitzauer, co-owner of Porcupine Provisions, has cooked in (and cleaned up) dozens of kitchens over her 30-year catering career. She naturally helped clients make their kitchens more functional, and recently decided to start offering those services more formally with Mise en Place – a kitchen organization company.
Leslie recently helped our owner, Vicky Mitchener, reorganize her kitchen. Here’s what we learned from the pro.
Do You Help with Kitchen Renos? What Features Do You Typically Advocate For?
Yes, I can play any role the person wants me to, from concept to after-design suggestions. I just helped a client look at her drawing plans for a kitchen they’re renovating. We labeled where platters, everyday glasses, etc., will go, and found some drawers and cabinets weren’t going to be deep enough for their belongings. So, we actually asked the architect to revise the drawings.
What’s the Most Underrated Kitchen Feature/upgrade? Overrated?
Underrated? More garbage cans. I love a kitchen with multiple garbage cans. A warming drawer is pretty underrated. I don’t have one personally but I take full advantage when I’m cooking in someone else’s kitchen. I would also say a garbage disposal in a second sink if you’re going to do any post-dinner cleanup in the laundry room or scullery.
Overrated... Everyone for a time loved a pot filler, which I never use.
Let’s Say a Kitchen Reno Isn’t on The Table. What Are Some Ways to Improve the Functionality of Your Kitchen without Major Changes?
I always tell clients to think about everything from getting out of your car with bags of groceries to unloading the dishwasher. Design your space around that. For example, a lot of people want the coffee machine in the butler’s pantry but they don’t have a water source there. You’re going to have to be carrying water or your coffee maker every single day.
Never underestimate the power of containers. Even if you don’t have a walk-in pantry, labeled containers help you see what you already have. Having an organized kitchen, it makes making a meal so much easier.
What’s Your Favorite Place to Shop for Kitchen Organization?
The Home Edit line is my go-to because their containers have handles. If you don’t like plastic, you can find bamboo storage just about anywhere. Be sure to measure the depth, height, and width of what you need.
What Are Some Ways to Make Moving Into a New Kitchen Easier? What About Packing up An Old One?
Get rid of stuff! Everyone has more than they need. Do you actually need that gadget you’ve only used once?
What’s One Action Anyone Can Take After Reading This to Be More Organized?
Purge duplicates of things you don’t need. Start with spices.
What Packages Do You Offer? How can people reach you?
Every single service is custom, so pricing is custom, too. You can call/text (704) 400-1433 or email me at pqpine@porcupineprovisions for a quote.
Responses have been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.
