Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1543312
92 maconmagazine.com | February/March 2026 K itchens have a way of telling our stories (even the ones we may prefer to stay o the record). These well-loved and performance-driven spaces re ect how we live, connect, and gather amid the real messiness of life. Our kids may crowd around our islands as makeshift homework stations, or the same space might get pulled into a cycle of catching up on a week's worth of mail after a long day. But somewhere in between full, u y lunchboxes packed edge to edge, a simmer pot full of cinnamon and thoughtful kitchen ideas F O R E V E R Y D A Y L I V I N G 4 Meredith McKenzie and Shivani Vyas specialize in crafting timeless interiors at The Selective Design, a boutique interior design studio based in Macon. They believe a home should always lift and comfort the spirit, providing a place of refuge from today's fast paced and ever-changing world. Their design philosophy centers on curating functional, yet beautiful environments that allow individuals and families to truly feel at home. With a love for classic, traditional interiors infused with a contemporary twist, Meredith and Shivani are passionate about creating spaces that blend timeless elegance with modern sensibilities. Whether transforming a single room or an entire home, they are dedicated to designing spaces that improve the quality of life for those who live in them. Follow them on Instagram at @theselectivedesign. For inquiries, contact theselectivedesign@gmail.com orange slices quietly infusing the whole house with warmth, or a (possibly moldy) sink full of dishes waiting their turn — a well-designed kitchen supports our everyday health in big and small ways. It might be the quiet satisfaction of a pull-out spice rack or built-in trash and recycle bins tucked neatly out of sight. Or perhaps a hardworking stove that allows us to prep meals for the people we love. But how do we make the most out of these spaces — both in design and style? Here are four thoughtful kitchen ideas that will elevate everyday living. orange slices quietly infusing the whole house with warmth, dishes waiting their turn — a well-designed kitchen supports our everyday health in big and small ways. It might be the quiet satisfaction of a pull-out spice rack or built-in bins tucked neatly out of sight. Or perhaps a hardworking stove that allows us to prep meals for the people we love. But how do we make the most out of these spaces — both in design and thoughtful kitchen ideas thoughtful kitchen ideas thoughtful F O R E V E R Y D A Y Focus on Your Everyday Get to know your rhythm. Are mornings fast paced? Do you hate bending down and pulling heavy pots and pans out of deep cabinet drawers? Do you bake on weekends but mostly reheat during the week? Understanding your routine will make the right features to add clear. For example, try adding in smart faucets that dispense measured water hands-free. Or create ergonomic storage like pull-out cabinet drawers to improve everyday comfort, or make built-in co ee or beverage stations to reduce clutter in your primary prep zones. Bring in storage that calms you When it comes to storage, kitchen clutter rarely starts on countertops, but sneaks through over lled pantries and forgotten cabinets. Here's where a thoughtful blend of closed cabinetry and intentional displays can keep things peaceful. First, reserve open nooks to display well-loved and good-looking essentials. Think: everyday dishes, favorite cookbooks, or refuge from today's fast paced and ever-changing world. Their design philosophy centers on curating functional, yet beautiful environments that allow individuals and families to truly feel at home. With a love for classic, traditional interiors infused with a contemporary twist, Meredith and Shivani are passionate about creating spaces that blend timeless elegance with modern sensibilities. Whether transforming a single room or an entire home, they are dedicated to designing spaces that improve the quality of life for those who live in them. style? Here are four thoughtful kitchen ideas that will elevate everyday living. style? Here are four thoughtful kitchen ideas that will elevate Bring in storage Bring in storage that calms you that calms you Bring in storage that calms you Bring in storage Bring in storage that calms you Bring in storage When it comes to storage, kitchen clutter rarely starts on countertops, but sneaks through over lled pantries and forgotten cabinets. Here's where a thoughtful blend of closed cabinetry and intentional displays can keep things peaceful. First, reserve open nooks to display well-loved and good-looking essentials. Think: everyday dishes, favorite cookbooks, or Teapot lamp, The Selective Design Rattan food cover, $68, Massey Gordon Palm plate, $66, Massey Gordon