Odd kitchen issues- low budget

14 years ago

There is a gap between top cabinets, wine rack won't fit, space is 9 1/8 x 30 1/8

The bottom cabinet's drawer won't open unless the dishwasher is open. We plan on moving the cabinet over but will end up with another odd sized gap. 9 1/8 x 36" Any low budget suggestions to make it look nice?

On the other side we have an ugly slim space with open cabinets. The range has to stay where it is for right now, any ideas appreciated!!

Featured Answer

TanCalGal

14 years ago

last modified: 14 years ago

Here is an Ikea cabinet that might fit the upper space pretty well: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40141965/

I wouldn't move the base cabinet over b/c the gap will not have the counter finish. I would just live with the drawer that doesn't open. This drawer could be a good place to store little used items. If you keep looking on the internet (Ebay / Ikea) & Craigslist etc. you might find shelves / single wine rack that will fit the space eventually. For the lower gap, I'd put a hook on the underside of the upper white cabinet above the gap and buy a cute apron to hang from the hook and fill up the lower gap area. I wouldn't use the apron, it would just be for show & add cuteness and color to the kitchen & to fill up the spot. The open area is quite stylish today. Many kitchens and kitchen renovations are having exposed shelves. The open shelves are usually on the top, but what's the difference. Here are some ideas to style the shelves: http://www.houzz.com/kitchen-open-shelves

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Comments (8)

PRO
Wow Great Place
14 years ago
I'd move the odd upper cabinet over to the left to fill in that gap, easier than trying to make something else fit. Then when you move the lower base cabinet over to be able to operate the drawer properly, you could add filler pieces in white, top and bottom, to visually fill the space. I assume new countertops are on the horizon, since:

A) moving the drawer unit over will affect the countertop overhang, and
B) you are missing a considerable chunk of counter under the window....

What is the history of this kitchen, as it is quite the hodge podge, with many signs of fixes and tweaks and moving things around.....did you purchase the house like this, or is this part of a bigger plan, and you just need stop gap fixes to tide you over for now?
gabrijela
Original Author
14 years ago
We removed an attached island/cabinet which exposed the shelving under the window. The space was too small for it. Then we bought a fridge that did not fit thus had to move stuff around. We actually moved the upper cabinet to the right thinking we would put a wine rack in the gap but it didn't fit. Now we are stuck. We are trying to create a semi decent, spacious kitchen on a budget....The drawer came with the house, tho. I can't take credit for it :) Thanks for your help!!
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gabrijela
Original Author
14 years ago
Yes, new countertops & backsplash are on the horizon, as soon as we figure out the cabinet space.
apple_pie_order
14 years ago
I agree with Wow Great Space's advice. Move the upper cabinet back where it was. When you add a filler piece to the lower cabinet in the corner, the drawer will open again. Filler pieces are very cheap. Don't forget the toekick there and where you removed the peninsula.

On the space where you removed the peninsula, you can add two wide doors. The door pattern looks like a classic, so it should be fairly easy to find. This door company is one I have used: they make some huge fraction of the custom doors for the kitchen cabinet market. http://www.decore.com/

Looks like adding a pantry cabinet or simple Ikea Billy Bookcase somewhere else would help clear off the counters.

The white paint makes it look clean and fresh.
o2girl2456
14 years ago
Move the cabinet and add a space for cookbooks. White should be easy to match up with shelves.
Tenant Proof
14 years ago
Move upper cabinet to the left filling in upper gap. Use space by refrigerator for brooms, mops and swiffers.
bwenk
14 years ago
It looks like u have some type of shelf system near sink. What about adding one like that I between that bare area