Simple improvements for our kitchen?

11 years ago

Wondering about ideas for simple improvements for our kitchen in our new home. As you'll see it doesn't have too much cupboard space, which is why we brought in the rolling butcher block in the back. At this time I we don't have the budget to remodel...although some day I could see removing the cabinet in the front of pictures #3 and 4 and opening up the space. For now, I'm wondering if there are some low budget fixes we could think about for some simple improvement. Maybe even different kinds of plants? Thanks!

Featured Answer

MarleneM

11 years ago

Hi there. Your kitchen doesn't look too bad, just a bit cluttered which makes it look even shorter on space. The rolling island doesn't seem like it adding a lot in the way of counter space, just storage. Would it fit on other side of stove where trash can and vacuuming are? It's more efficient to have counters on both side of stove. Then maybe microwave could be put on a shelf above it. I think what you need where island and pot rack are is a pantry cupboard, I've included a sample below.

Elite Stacking Storage Combo Set · More Info

Something like this could add a lot of storage, and by reducing the items on counters will give a streamlined more spacious look.

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Comments (12)

nicolediane
11 years ago
I agree with Marlene, move the cart over to the stove and add storage where that cart is. I like the idea of adding a hutch to this area. This way the cabinets don't match on purpose and you can add in some color. You could also put in a dresser and shelving.
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reneerr52
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks so much for these suggestions! I didn't think before about moving the cart to the other side of the stove but it's worth considering.

As I understand it, the main suggestion here is to get a taller, enclosed piece--such as a hutch--in that spot....to cool down some of the visual clutter. Thank you! I would like to figure out how to store everything we need but also not have so many different visible items.
cheals
11 years ago
Great space:)
I also am doing simple updates on a tight budget.
If you can, keep your eye on Craigslist for cabinets to go next to stove. The hutch sounds like a nice idea.
Another idea would be to again, check Craigslist for cabinets to add more counter space - if you have measured and there is room.
cheals
11 years ago
Is there room/budget for a microwave above stove? Or in a cabinet?
decoenthusiaste
11 years ago
Do you have access to IKEA? Lots of storage and tool receptacles available.
treeclimber5
11 years ago
a little less clutter plus a cute washable rug would be so nice to tie in some color
studio10001
11 years ago
Hanging a shelf for the microwave just over the cart will free up counter space, as will a hanging basket trio to replaces the fruit bowls. Let the garbage live under a cart leaf, and the cleaning tools live somewhere away from the cooking area.
Myrone Delacruz
11 years ago
I would agree with the others and moving the island thing and possibly adding some floating shelving, it may not hide any stuff but you can probably use some organization techniques, like storage boxes from Ikea, containers, etc.
reneerr52
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks everyone for chiming in! Very much like the idea of a colorful washable rug. And the idea of getting the microwave off the counter onto a shelf.

My concern about open shelving for storage is that it ends up looking messy. We do have a shelving unit at the back of the kitchen that is now filled with too much stuff. I'm not sure how to put in shelves that don't get filled to capacity. The last pictures shared look great but it doesn't end up looking like that at our house...
Libbmom
11 years ago
I needed more cabinet space for dishes...I bought free standing wire racks which helped tremendously...until I can get kitchen redone...there is usually wasted space above items in cabinets...
MarleneM
11 years ago
Open shelving isn't for everyone. What I have done for my pantry is I went to the dollar store and bought various sizes of plastic bins, then used them to put items that are used together. Example, one has baking supplies, cookie cutters, rolling pin etc. a smaller one for spices that aren't used daily. Anyway, you get the idea. They look neater on the shelves, and the biggest advantage is cleaning, you pick up one bin to wipe under rather than numerous small items, as well as saving time looking for something.