Hidden Potential in a Tiny Kitchen Corner

(click image for larger view)

This corner of a client's tiny kitchen had huge storage potential. After taking measurements I made my suggestions (I hand draw everything, I'm not so keen on computer sketches).

The basic idea was to put a tall skinny cabinet in the corner then add shelves (attached to the corner unit) in front of the window for prep surface with room below for recycling + garbage. The window is never opened but suggested the shelves be on a hinge so they can be lifted for access to the window in case of emergency.

They ended up going with a modified version of option #1, just adding the tall open shelf unit. They figured they'd start with the shelf unit and add to it later if needed.

Room for Debate: Why We Collect Stuff

Check out this discussion over at the New York Times. They're short articles, I especially liked April Benson's "Collecting as Pleasure and Pain".

Less Stuff, More Happiness

Couldn't have said it better myself....

More Favorite (Inexpensive) Wall Hooks

iron nails

simple white hooks

bridle hook

blecka hook

overdoor hook

If you don't have the need or desire for anything fancy, here are some of my favorite inexpensive wall hooks.

Iron Nails

2"L

$12 set of 4

these get hammered directly into your wall. while they cannot hold too much weight (depending on what kind of wall you have) they're pretty cool. i love how they look in my bathroom.

White Utility Hook

2 1/2"W x 2"H x 1 1/16"D

$3.99 +

this style hook can be found in almost any hardware store.

Bridle Hook

also comes in red

5 1/2"L x 4"W x 3 1/2"D

$6.00

curved top is perfect for coats with a hook underneath for bags, umbrella, etc.

Blecka Hooks

(nickel plated option)

1 1/2" or 2 3/4"H

$4.99

these come in small and large sizes. i have them in my coat closet

Hook-Over Overdoor Hook

1"W x 4"H

flips over to fit 2 sized doors

$1.99

this style hook can be found in almost any hardware store. I have them on my front door.

More Favorite Decorative Wall Hooks

Arrow Hanger

Small Dropit Hooks

Wave Hanger

Many people I work with rent and worry about spending too much money on setting up their space. Hooks are a perfect example of how to spend money in a rental; not on big pieces of furniture, but rather on smaller things that you can easily take a reuse in your next space (lighting is a another example).

Arrow Hanger

comes in black, white, silver, grey, and red

6 1/4"W x 8"H x 1"D

$40.00 each

would be great in multiples of different colors in a kid's room or a creative studio/office

Small Dropit Hooks

comes in large size too

2"W x 3"D x 3"H

$33.00 set of 2

Wave Hanger

17 3/4"W x 4 1/4"H

$60.00 set of 2

installed down the length of a hallway would be fantastic

Favorite Decorative Wall Hooks

ghost antler coat rack by erich ginder

lacquer coat rack

coatrack dots

caribou wall hook by roost

cast iron animal hooks

A simple way to not only organize your space but also keep it neat and more functional is to install hooks. In your entry or near your front door for those without an entry like me, for coats and bags; in the bathroom for towels and clothes that need to be aired out; in the bedroom; behind doors. You may think you don't need them but once you have them, you'll wish you had more.

Here are a few of my favorite decorative hooks that aren't exactly economical but when a hook is beautiful on it's own why not?

Ghost Antler Coat Rack

11 1/2"W x 12"H x 8"D

$230.00 each

these look amazing in groups or by itself

Lacquer Coat Rack

40"W x 5"D x 1.5"H

$59.00

love the little slot in the back, perfect for dropping mail, magazines, or baseball caps...

Coatrack Dots

3 1/2" - 6 3/4" Diameter x 1 3/4"D

$149 set of 5

Caribou Wall Hook by Roost

10 1/2"W x 8"H x 5 1/2"D

$48.00

Blackened Iron Animal Hooks

4"W x 4 3/4"D x 3"H

$14.00 each

so cute, great for kid's rooms or a beach house

Few More Kitchen Cabinets

This kitchen is a bit smaller than the one in the previous post and this client doesn't have as many dishes and glasses so instead of having a strictly glass or dishes cabinets, we've combined the two. I used a couple tupperware bowls to keep tea packets neatly and easily at hand.

The cabinet with the alcohol is above the fridge and is for things she doesn't use that often and for excess teas (as you can see, she cannot have enough teas!!).