Guest Picks: Little Kitchen Necessities
Despite my wish for a grand, weatherproof kitchen daily, I make due (very well, thank you very much) in my little cooking area. I am always searching for ways to make the most of the area without feeling cluttered, and these are some of my current favorites — along with a few wishlist items.
— Liza from (a)Musing Foodie
Armstrong
Pullout Perforated Organizer with Hooks
Who doesn’t have a wasted nook between cabinets? I love this idea for hanging kitchen utensils.
Bed Bath & Beyond
Wilton Indulgence Three-Tier Cooling Rack – $9.99
The best use of my counter area is piling vertical. I adore my stackable cookie cooling unit. They’re great to set hot pans on, also.
Lowe’s
Rev-A-Shelf In-Cabinet Chrome Cabinet Organizer – $111
Fit twice the number of pans in a little area. Perfect.
Williams-Sonoma
Enclume Round Pot Rack – $248
If I had a little island, this could be above it — talk about a space saver when you have limited cabinets.
Amazon
Chilewich Ray Tray, White – $120
I first saw this on Chef Giada De Laurentiis’ kitchen counter tops, and I have coveted it ever since. It is somewhat expensive, but it could tuck perfectly into a counter’s corner.
IKEA
GRUNDTAL Spotlight, Nickel Plated – $24.99
It seems silly, but a modest under-cabinet lighting goes a very long way in a little kitchen. I love mine!
Crate&Barrel
Wüsthof ® Aluminum Magnetic Knife Holder – $59.95
My magnetic knife holder is awesome. In addition, I use it to hang things such as measuring spoons, so that it makes for a fast grab while cooking.
Williams-Sonoma
Williams-Sonoma Pantry Dinnerware – $29
Williams-Sonoma Pantry Dinnerware is ideal: simple, clean, easy to dress up, just right for a casual lunch. When you’ve got a little space you need only 1 pair of good dishes, and these fit the bill without breaking the bank.
Crate&Barrel
simplehuman® 13-Gallon Recycler Trash Can – $179.95
A slim trashcan can slip neatly along with a counter or fridge. This one even lets you separate trash and recycling — you can, two jobs.
Modern Display And Wall Shelves – $129.95
I’ve had a shelf just like this for 10 years. It has followed me out of my first little kitchen to my current little kitchen. It is ideal for a few favorite cookbooks, in addition to storing baking dishes and mixing bowls.
Bed Bath & Beyond
Forma Over-the-Cabinet Single Hook – $3.99
With limited drawer space and also the need to get your pot holders within arm’s reach, this is the best inexpensive and simple solution.
Bed Bath & Beyond
Roll-Out Under-Sink Drawer – $74.99
Annoyed with all of the clutter under your sink? Not enough room? Yes. This is a fab solution. Maximize the height to make the most of the space.
Macy’s
Howard Elliott Mirror, Superior – $350
Make any small space feel larger with a mirror. It really can brighten up things in the kitchenideally if near a window to help reflect the light.
Lowe’s
Exotic Locking Bamboo Hardwood Flooring – $3.28
My future plans include replacing the dwelling room/dining room rug that flows to the kitchen with hardwood flooring — a hint for producing little kitchen look larger!
Lowe’s
GE Profile Built-In Convection Microwave – $2,299
Not everyone’s budget has room for this, but if yours does, it may be a good investment. As Alton Brown would say, no one-trick ponies! This does the work of four different ovens, such as a microwave and a convection oven. And it is built in, saving counter area. Beautiful.
Lowe’s
Harbor Breeze Eastview Aged Bronze Ceiling Fan – $229
It gets hot in a little kitchen, so having the ability to maintain the air moving is key. I like to crank the ceiling fan and start a window at the summer or spring if the oven is going strong.
Pier 1 Imports
Carmichael Dining Table – $299
It is an island. It is a table. It is a buffet. Versatility at its best is so very important in a small kitchen.
Cabinet Parts
Door Mount Spice Rack – $44.27
Maintain the spices and oils corralled so that you have spare space on your shelves for larger things. Just a tiny order goes a very long way.
IKEA
GRUNDTAL Wall Rack/Dish Drainer, Stainless Steel – $10.99
This drying rack is very good for a sink with no window above it, however, you may also buy Grundtal hooks to hang other things from the railing: ladles, oven mitts, tongs — the options are endless. Thank you, Ikea.
Bed Bath & Beyond
simplehuman Wall-Mount Paper Towel Holder – $24.99
Paper towel holders who sit on the counter not just take up space, but are also rather unstable and tip readily. A hardy wall-mounted holder is amazing, especially when you only have one hand to pull on off a towel.
Next: Vibrant and Modern Kitchen at 90 Square Feet