An idea to steal from a friend's newly remodeled kitchen: a magnetic wall. Kling Magnetics sells a magnetic paint that turns any wall into an instant message board or photo gallery. The process is simple: apply a few coats of magnetic paint, then topcoat with your own paint color. Great for creating a bulletin board above your desk, or on a kid's closet door, or in the kitchen (next to the refrigerator).

Note the magnetic paint wall to the right of the fridge:

Kitchen architect: Jerome Buttrick (www.buttrickwong.com)