For the very first edition of this new series, we present to you the transformation we had the chance to carry out in the last few weeks! Today, it's none other than Marilou, founder of Trois fois par Jour and a true Quebec favorite, who opens the doors to her magnificent, newly renovated kitchen. Over the past few years, her farmhouse-chic kitchen has won over an entire generation, and there's no doubt that her brand-new kitchen with its classic, timeless look will continue to inspire and inspire well beyond. Discover her favorite organized spaces and see how you, too, can replicate the same result in your kitchen!
We started the project last December, just in time to unpack our favorite chef and singer's kitchen and get it ready for the Christmas dinners that were just around the corner. At the end of April, we went back to fine-tune the space. Like many modern kitchens, Marilou's relies on drawers rather than cabinets: a practical choice that maximizes accessibility and organization. The large central island, the heart of the room, houses all the utensils and tools needed for meal preparation. And to top it all off, a magnificent large bay window floods the kitchen with natural light, creating a warm and inspiring environment at any time of day.
The pantry corner
For Marilou's pantry, we completed the layout with storage bins and a few airtight jars for the most used foods. For baking ingredients (flour, sugar, oats, etc.), we transferred them into our glass jars . In addition to being aesthetic, their wide opening is ideal for directly plunging a measuring cup into it, without spilling a single crumb. Ideal for cooking enthusiasts!
For pasta, we opted for airtight plastic jars instead. Their slim, elongated shape fits perfectly into tight drawer spaces, making the most of every square inch. The transparent lids let you identify the type of pasta (penne, fusilli, spaghetti, etc.) they contain at a glance, and know exactly when it's time to refill.
The command station
During the design phase, one of Marilou's key points was to integrate a "command station": a space dedicated to everyday " nicknacks " (pens, mail, lighters, candles, chargers, etc.). By providing specific storage for these miscellaneous but essential objects, we ensure that they don't end up in a pile in an impossible-to-close drawer. To organize this area, we chose transparent dividers and compartments, which allow each item to be classified and identified at a glance.
What to keep in the command station?
- pencils, pens, chargers, notepad or notebook;
- lip balm, hand sanitizer and hair elastic;
- eraser, lighter, key (shed, locker, etc.) and special remote control;
- etc.
Girls' Corner
Another essential in Marilou's new kitchen: a space specially designed for her two young daughters. In the bottom drawer, you'll find all the lunch items (bento boxes, water bottles, thermoses, decorations, etc.). In the middle drawer, you'll find their colorful dishes separated using drawer dividers so the girls can serve themselves easily. And finally, in the top drawer, you'll find all the essentials for everyday homework or coloring sessions.
"The first place that literally changed the way we operate is the children's corner in the kitchen island, [...] it's a dream! First of all, it's all about real life, the creative stuff [...] Sometimes, they find the meal taking longer, they go and get pencils, their paper is there. In short, the children love it. I thought it was fun to put it in the kitchen!"
OBI Tip: To develop your children's independence, consider creating a clearly defined corner with their own dishes. By organizing a drawer or cupboard in a clean and uncluttered way, with just a few essential items, children can easily locate, retrieve, and put away their items on their own. A great way to empower them while keeping the kitchen tidy.
The preparation area
For her new kitchen, Marilou dreamed of a storage area for her utensils and new chef's knives. To meet her needs, we created a series of sketches in collaboration with her cabinetmaker. Each drawer and compartment was designed to specifically accommodate her favorite tools. The system includes removable wooden inserts, perfectly designed to hold her knives and utensils. The result: an ergonomic and elegant preparation area, where all the essentials are gathered within easy reach so Marilou can unleash her creativity without wasting a second searching for her kitchen tool.
Favorite Accessories: For cutting boards, baking sheets, baking pans, and even pans, one of our favorite storage solutions is the VARIERA lid rack available at Ikea. A great-value solution that makes all the difference in the kitchen.
The spice corner
One of the most rewarding spaces to organize in a kitchen is the spice corner! Not only does it offer an immediate wow factor, but it also revolutionizes your cooking routine. By choosing uniform jars, you can spot your spices at a glance and avoid duplicates (or even triplicates!). For Marilou's drawer, we opted for our set of 24 spice jars with wooden lids ; an elegant nod to the natural essence of the central island.
OBI Council: A spice corner is a great place to start when organizing your kitchen! Start by emptying your cupboard or drawer, checking expiration dates, and grouping duplicates. Then, transfer each spice into identical airtight jars. In an hour (or a little longer, depending on the size of your collection), you'll have a spice corner that's both aesthetically pleasing and ultra-functional, worthy of Pinterest .
The lunch box drawer
The infamous " Tupperware " drawer, THE problem area in nearly 99% of kitchens, becomes a real asset here. At Marilou, we used identical glass containers: not only do they stack perfectly, but they also drastically reduce visual chaos. Glass, more delicate to handle than plastic, requires each container to be stored carefully. A small gesture that, on a daily basis, encourages keeping the drawer tidy. To ensure the system is maintained, we added expandable dividers inside the drawer; each container thus finds its dedicated place and remains stable, even when the drawer is frequently opened and closed. The result: a drawer that is always tidy and where everything is within reach!
OBI Tips: At least once a year, take the time to completely empty your lunch box drawer and check that each container has its lid. Any orphaned items (lids without a box or boxes without a lid) can be recycled later. And if, at the end of this exercise, you realize that you only have a few boxes left, take the opportunity to renew your collection and start fresh!
To see the very first video clip of In Marilou's Kitchen, visit our Instagram page.