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deanam1214

No Counter Space

7 years ago

We have a rental we recently purchased, however the kitchen is so small there's no counters to even prepare food on. The kitchen is only 10×12. The sketch I drew is rough and not scale, but to give an idea what I'm working with. I would appreciate any suggestions on how and where to add some kind of work area.

Comments (22)

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    uh oh, the sketch didn't upload.

  • 7 years ago

    Is there a place you could add a kitchen cart or butcher block? The old house my husband and I bought has laughably little counterspace, so for the time being (before we remodel), we added a butcher block surface (on sawhorses now, but I plan to build some real legs with castors for it so it's the right height and mobile).

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Was thinking that also, but wont have much room left for table and chairs

  • 7 years ago

    That's why you get one with castor wheels and a drop leaf, so you can expand/collapse extra surface as needed and move the thing around the room.

  • 7 years ago

    True, thanks


  • PRO
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Some kind of cart?



    Home Depot cart.

  • 7 years ago

    Is there a separate dining room? If so, I wouldn’t worry about a table and chairs in the kitchen.

  • 7 years ago

    No there isnt, open into living room

  • 7 years ago

    Is there room to do anything on the window wall?

    Deana thanked Angel 18432
  • 7 years ago
    which way is 10' and which is 12'? which way does the storage cabinet open? how much room between the cabinet and the stove in the corner?
    Deana thanked Oliviag
  • 7 years ago

    Are you living in this or renting it out? If you are not living in it I would not worry too much, the renter will work it out. IF you find that the kitchen is limiting the rental potential then you might want to invest in a small remodel (but only if that would get you an increased rent). There are many renters out there that do not need or want a big kitchen. They eat out or microwave every meal.

    Deana thanked Jamie Ludwig
  • 7 years ago

    Find a carpenter who could build a proportionately sized version of this island, table combo. Someone who's really handy could combine an already built small island then attach the 1/2 oval table. The second photo shows another way to do this.

    East Longmeadow II · More Info



    Eclectic Remodel and Decor · More Info


    Deana thanked housegal200
  • 7 years ago

    If the OP plans to occupy this house herself, then I'd be gung ho about an optimal custom solution for the space, but if it's a rental to be rented to others, I'd just plop in a kitchen cart as a goodwill gesture (to save the tenants from having to go figure something out) and then add a you-break-it-you-buy-it clause for it in the lease (so you can recoup if tenants destroy it or take it with them when they move out). Cheaper than remodeling, and faster.

    Deana thanked queenvictorian
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    10 ft refrigerator to stove

    12 ft window to window

    Storage cabinet only open one side closest to stove, no door

    And there's just enough room between oven and storage cabinet to stand in front of oven and open it

  • 7 years ago

    We are going to rent it out

  • 7 years ago

    I had limited counter space and got a cutting board which went over the sink. It facilitated prep and also acted as a landing spot when I needed additional counter space.


    In my current remodel, I installed a ledge sink which has a ledge which holds various accessories - I got the cutting board; a grid which doubles as a drain but can be used for wet stuff as well as be put on the bottom of the sink.

    Deana thanked Helen
  • 7 years ago

    Essentially you have a 10x9 kitchen because you need to preserve the walkway.

    If you are interested in a new layout:


    If your renters want to prioritize table and chairs they will find a way.

    Deana thanked miss lindsey (She/Her)
  • 7 years ago
    What about a shelf that stores flat on the wall and folds down between stove and storage cabinet when you want to use it? Doesn’t look like it would provide a lot of space, but it would be a place to park a few things. Rolling cart could park next to the refrigerator until you wanted to use it.
    Deana thanked shivece
  • 7 years ago
    i wouldn't even yry to make that space by the stove any smaller with any more shelves. too cramped as it is.
    How big is the living room? could you borrow two and a half feet for a peninsula counter eith an overhang into the living room side? the corner cabinet could be reached from the living room side. If that's not possible, a cart or moveable butcher block (ikea is a good source) is your best option, probably.
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Is it a 1br apartment or studio? If so, I wouldn’t worry about the counter space. A lot of people who live on their own barely cook. I used to store my shoes in my oven in my NYC apartment and never used my tiny kitchen table. A 2br apartment might require more of a real cooking space for families.

    Deana thanked Heather N