Small Kitchens

Oh kitchens kitchens kitchens!  One of the most frequently used rooms in the house, but often one of the most inconvenient.  In smaller sized homes, the kitchen can often be full of challenges and especially in older homes before modern convenience was a priority, the kitchen can be full of hidden frustrations.

I once had a kitchen that had cabinet drawers that could only be opened if the dishwasher was open first.  And another small kitchen whose refrigerator door couldn't open all the way because the galley-style counters were so close it wouldn't allow it.  I've also had kitchens with inadequate counter space and storage has always been an issue.  But I love small homes, so I just deal with the quirks and get creative. 

Photo Courtesy of This Old House

One way to maximize storage is to get creative with shelving!  Not only does it make the kitchen more functional, keeping cookbooks, utensils and frequently used dishes within easy reach, but it looks so nice and stylish!

Photo Courtesy of This Old House

Don't shun the galley-style kitchen!  While most of us roll our eyes at that layout it is actually very efficient when short on space and makes cooking easy because you don't have to walk so far to get to your stove or refrigerator!

 Photo Courtesy of This Old House

The addition of windows to any room creates the feeling of openness and light!  And its always more pleasant to do dishes while looking out a window!

 Photo Courtesy of This Old House

Pot racks!  Pot racks!  Pot racks!  I love them!  They get your big bulky pots out of your beloved cabinet space and they are so handy and accessible.  

 Photo Courtesy of This Old House

Undercabinet lighting adds appeal and dimension to a small space.  I love the chalkboard on this kitchen's ventahood!  

 Photo Courtesy of This Old House

Utilize kitchen drawers!  Big drawers are handy for holding much more than just silverware!  Pots and pans and rarely used appliances can be stored in oversized drawers.

 

 Photo Courtesy of Country Living

Sometimes reconfiguring appliances helps with efficiency too.  In this small kitchen the dishwasher is placed between the sink and range for easy clean up.
 

 Photo Courtesy of Country Living

Don't think small kitchens can't house tables!  Bistro tables or small patio tables can be used for an intimate breakfast or quick lunch!  And the stools in this kitchen are just right for this tiny space.  Just push them under the table to provide more walking room.

Kitchens have been called the heart of the home for years.  Embrace yours today!

~Amber 

Really Cool Stuff for Small Spaces

Here is some really cool stuff for small spaces.  But first, a big thank you to everyone for your kind and funny comments on my post 'Things I Hate About My Small House'.  I know I should look on the bright side and be grateful for what I have, but during this 'Great Recession', as I like to call it, that's easier said than done.

Just the other day, a panhandler asked me for change.  I found myself raising my voice and said, "Other people have problems too, you know!  Why do you think I have any money!"  Before I was finished he ran away like I was crazy and hasn't been on his usual corner for over a week.

And then, at a party this past Saturday a good friend mentioned that his job is to make the money and his wife's job is to spend it.  So I asked him, "How can I be part of that plan?  Do you need a mistress?" He laughed nervously, because my tone implied I was only half-joking.

To top it off, a new sign my co-worker put up says, "Cheer-up. The worst is yet to come."  So I want to thank all of you for making me smile.  You are just wonderful!  Even when you disagree with me.

As promised, here are some great finds for small spaces.  Just look at this futon that turns into a bed.  It is flanked by two freestanding cabinets that look like built-ins.  And the pull-out shelf is a perfect nightstand!

Photo Better Homes and Gardens

This is a pull out sink!  Here it is used in a hall closet measuring just 38 x 57  to create a powder room.  The flexible spa hose makes it possible to slide the sink in and out of the wall.

Photo Better Homes and Gardens

Everything about this toilet is perfect for a small space, except the price.  It's called the Purist Hat Box Toilet from Kohler and costs over $4,000!  But still, just look at that small footprint! 

Photo Veranda Magazine

Now this kitchen is teeny-tiny, but that mirrored back splash makes it seem almost roomy.

And look at this pullout storage for spices and dry goods.

Another great example of pullout storage.  The metal peg board is ideal for hanging cooking utensils.

Here is the latest in small refrigerators.  It's a Liebherr refrigerator-freezer combination (freestanding model CS 1360 shown)  Pricey but perfect for petite kitchens.

And for a restaurant quality stove in a small space, you'll want this 24" Open Burner Range from Viking.  Again, not cheap at $3,939, but really cool!  It also comes in every color you can imagine, including red, orange and cobalt blue.

Yes, this kitchen is small, but the green cabinets and matching refrigerator are stunning!  I would cook here any day.  Monochromatic color schemes, even bright ones, work beautifully in small spaces.

Photo House Beautiful

I think we can all agree this is a really small hallway.  But the leather doors make it fabulous!

Photo House Beautiful

And when you get a chance, run out and buy the newest issue of House Beautiful with the cover title 'is small THE NEW BIG?  It's not out on news stands yet, but for a quick sneak peak, go to Nick Olsen's blog.  Below is the master bed and kiddie trundle from a family's 390 square foot apartment in New York's East Village.

Photo House Beautiful

Genevieve

When Life Hands You Lemons, Cook and Drink Wine

Tonight, I'm following in Amber's footsteps from her post 'Keeping up With the Joneses' and getting real.  This past week has been mind-numbingly upsetting.  While my husband continues to look for work, a very good friend found a fabulous job.  I'm thrilled for her, but green with jealousy!!!  On top of that, all my efforts to get financial aid to pay for my son's college tuition, have come to naught.  Apparently, you have to be homeless and living on the street and send in notarized photos to prove it, to get any money.  And this is for a kid who is interning with the head of the University of Wisconsin Genetics Department and helping with the protocol to change the expression of the gene in utero identified for certain types of autism.  As a sophomore in college he is already doing micro-surgery.  But the worst of it all, my dear and closest friend is losing her battle with cancer.  We can no longer hope for a cure.  Next to my mother's death over twenty years ago, this will be the biggest loss of my life. 

So how do I cope with this kind of stress and upset?  I cook, drink wine and talk to my friends on the phone.  And I do it all at the same time!  Now this takes practice, so exercise caution the first time you try all three stress relievers at once.

Here I am slicing leeks, for sole, and talking to my good friend Maureen.

Here is my favorite pot.  It's like a security blanket to me and where I cook most of my meals.  It can go from stove top to the oven.

The completed dish is sole seasoned with salt and pepper then lightly sauteed in olive oil and a bit of butter.On a bed of linguine with caper, lemon, wine and parsley sauce. My husband and son 'at table' enjoying the fruits of my stress-filled day.

By the way, my sixteen-year-old son in the forefront of this picture is my photographer.

Until next time!

Genevieve

Cooking in a Small Kitchen: Monday Night Dinner

What is it like to cook in a small kitchen?  Let me show you.  Here I am cooking Monday night dinner.

Tonight I got home around 7:30, changed into jeans, tied on my apron and started cooking.  This is my usual routine along with the glass of white wine I have while cooking.  (A girl has got to unwind somehow.)

Dinner was pasta with shrimp and asparagus left over from Easter dinner. First I lightly sauteed chopped celery, leeks and a clove of sliced garlic in olive oil with a pat of butter.  While that was going I shelled the shrimp and blanched the asparagus.  I added 3/4 cup of white wine to the saute - same wine as I'm drinking - let it simmer down, then added the shrimp.  When it turned pink, I added the asparagus and set the pan to simmer. Next I boiled the pasta water, after adding 2 T. of salt.  Once the pasta was al dente I added it to the sauce along with some pasta water. Then I chopped about 1/4 C. parsley, sprinkled that onto the dish, stirred everything together and it was done. 

The pasta water is boiling and the sauce simmering.

Stirring the pasta water. I'm always gritting my teeth while cooking. It's a technique that seems to work for me.  Kind of like Michael Jordan sticking his tongue out while making those amazing shots.

Pasta with shrimp and asparagus ready to serve.

Most nights we have a salad with dinner and tonight wasn't any different. 

Getting the romaine lettuce ready for salad.  

Don't I look glamorous? This is the real me, sans make-up.

The salad is ready.  Tonight I added french and kidney beans

along with the usual vinaigrette.

It takes me about one hour to make dinner.  But it's actually easier and quicker to cook in a small kitchen because everything is close at hand.  And yes, I cook like this almost every night.  Usually we eat at the dinner table, but tonight we watched the NCAA tournament.  I was rooting for Butler, but Duke won.  Still, what a great game!

Until next time!

Genevieve