Kitchen storage in casual dining

3 years ago

This is our kitchen + dining area + family room/hearth room. We do A LOT of intense home cooking and need more kitchen storage place. Don't have a high budget. Wondering what ideas people have and how to use the wall adjacent to the stove in the dining area for storage....included a possible idea in Gray...Also should I paint the kitchen cabinets? Theyre not my ideal style, but they're pretty in their own way and fit with the home. Ideas for dining table? want to seat 6-8 and versatile. Ideas for curtain colors (was thinking Yellow, white linen sheers)? Any idea how to dry dishes without kitchen looking trashy as hell?

Featured Answer

Nancy Ingram

3 years ago

So I would not paint your cabinets but I would get rid of the yellow wall paint. Between the floor, your cabinets and your walls, you are kinda in yellow overload. Here is a great article that can help you choose a color: https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/the-best-paint-colours-to-go-with-oak-wood/.
As far as storage, I would see if it’s possible to add cabinets under the breakfast bar area. If you still need to use it for eating, look at shallow cabinets. Otherwise go as deep as you can.
I am like you with having the dish drying clutter. I recently got a mack daddy dish drainer that helps to coral everything in once place. Not going to lie, they can be pricey. I shopped my to death and got it for half of what it was everywhere else. There are ones that have two levels and ones that can fold and be put away. I actually keep mine in my laundry room. Like everything else, there are tons of options now.

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Comments (21)

wishfulthinkinginmn
3 years ago
I also would not paint your cabinets even though painted cabinets have been the norm for awhile now. They appear to be of nice quality and eventually the beauty of wood grain will be appreciated again. I have been hearing that design is beginning to pivot back toward wood. I agree about painting the walls a less yellow color but would not go with cold gray tones. I use tones that would better compliment and not fight the golden wood tones. Agree with the website recommendation above. I'm also noticing that the backsplash appears very gray but perhaps there is a warmer tone in it that compliments the cabinets and counters?

I like the tall storage cabinet shown from IKEA but again, would not go with gray tones. Perhaps introduce a color such as deep blue in some tone? Check out the Kylie Interior website for ideas of a warmer paint tone that won't fight the warmth of stained wood. Also, your windows appear lower than in the IKEA photo and may not be appropriate for a window seat. I would also eliminate drapes of any kind and use woven shades such as these https://www.americanblinds.com/p/levolor-natural-shade/505221

or keep your current blinds.

In looking at your kitchen photos, I'm wondering if you need as much open display space on the refrigerator wall or if that section could be replaced with a closed cabinet that may be more versatile for storage. You already have two display cabinets with glass doors. If you want to keep a more visually open look and not a wall of cabinets, perhaps replace the clear glass or wood doors with seeded or ribbed glass to visually hide the cabinet contents.
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Here's a picture that gives you an idea of what I'm trying to explain. Imagine something like this, that was built-in. If you have a really talented woodworker, you could have a unit designed that would be multi-purpose, with shelving and glass above for china and glass storage, and either an open counter with leg space and drawers below, or a drop-down panel with drawers underneath. Here is a link that might be useful:
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You could use some of that eyelet fabric over the mirrors on the 2 center quadrants from top to bottom and let the far left and far right mirrors unveiled. They make something called ticky tack, that teachers use to hold posters and things on walls(no nails). I wonder if that wouldn't work on your favorite eyelet pattern?, and not damage the wood/fabric/mirrors? A friend took pieces of an old heirloom lace piece and did that in her miniature curio cabinet she inherited over the back mirror lined surface.. She now uses the cabinet to hold all of her essential oil(many mini bottles)collection. If you like the country style dishware, the eyelet in the tea color(or you can tea stain some yourself) might look very pretty inside the darkwood and contrast with your white dishes? And tone down the shiny of the mirror? There is this product, that might be perfect for such an application: https://www.amazon.com/Sticky-Reusable-Gallery-Quality-Adhesive/dp/B01GEGXP0K/ref=asc_df_B01GEGXP0K/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198062181806&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7000896296704938960&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027311&hvtargid=pla-323734168208&psc=1
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Thanks, Kristin S. I appreciate your input, even though you are not a fan. This will be used more as an iPad, playdough, homework nook and not really intended to be another eating space. At the moment, I have landed with an L-Shape too for the cozy factor, until I change my mind, of course. I like the look of it feeling part of the kitchen with built-in cabinetry with same door and hardware. A bench or table and chairs don't achieve that. Current plan, L-shape bench seating running entire length of the shorter wall (6'-9") and 4' on the wall with the door. (7'-3") Morgue drawer 36" with baskets inside on the short end to open near the door to hold shoes. 2 Regular 24 (ish)" drawers on the longer end, realizing only the one on the end will be functional without moving the table (maybe a faux if decide I don't need the storage). 36-39" round pedestal table works best with that layout. Two stools or chairs with a small footprint. (sketch below) Now onto height and depth of benches. I have read every thread and most of the links are no longer available that included ideal dimension suggestions. Assuming I have 4-5" seats cushion made and throw/lumbar pillows - will a 20" seat depth be comfortable? Not really room for more than that. Should there be overhang? If so, how many inches? Considering the thicker pad, do I still go with standard 18" height? Thank you!!!
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Tootsie
3 years ago
Have mirrored panels sized to replace the glass in glass cabinets. Boom! Extra storage space!
drblount10
3 years ago
Hello AE! There is a lot of great potential here! I look forward to seeing how it turns out!
I see you have listed a lot of different points. After looking at Julie's site, see if you can do an ideabook or bookmark images of kitchens you like with honey oak cabinets.
My 2 cents:
No need to paint the cabinets, they are great quality. I would think about painting the walls. Honey oak looks good with whites, greige, and a warm dark grey. I'm leaning toward a warm white or a cool greige for your space.

Dishes--I use the dishwasher as a dish drain when I hand wash dishes. When I'm ready to run it, dishes are loaded. Dirty dishes can go into 1 sink bowl or a basin. Or just stack neatly on a counter.

More storage? I cannot tell from photos where to put a freestanding pantry. I'm in the same boat. Get baskets or bins for above the cabinets for rarely used items. Then designate a certain area as the pantry zone where food is not all over the kitchen.

Keep us posted as you go! More Houzzers may have more ideas.
A E
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you all so much! Great ideas and great links.

I hadn't considered painting the (actually beige) walls. The whole house is painted in that same beige color and I dont know how to paint this room without making it seem out of place. I agree that it would definitely lift/elevate the whole look!

I love the under pennisula cupboard idea. And we are looking into a freestanding pantry as well, probably next to the peninsula?

I am probably going to put some pull out bin hardware into some of the lower cabinets to make them more accessible and maximize space.

I also thought about closing off that middle open space cabinet...we don't have much to display, really. I just wasn't sure who to contact (regular cabinet guy? carpenter?) or how to go about it. What style are these cabinets? Shaker?
drblount10
3 years ago
Sorry, I meant the Kylie Interior website that Ms. Ingram mentioned (auto correct). As far as the color, if you paint the kitchen and great room it can look intentional if you tape off a good stopping point. Take your time and look at ideas and paint chips.
everdebz
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Do you like a more dressy dining? .. what color are current curtains? I don't mind beige walls myself.
everdebz
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Your floor is darker, but I can picture something like this set [not sure about white seats]

https://www.houzz.com/photos/1512-dolphin-terrace-beach-style-dining-room-los-angeles-phvw-vp~235522
--------------------------------

https://www.houzz.com/photos/foresite-homes-in-olde-naples-transitional-dining-room-miami-phvw-vp~5212459
everdebz
3 years ago
They lighten up the floor with rug, then add - bench, end chairs, then others.

Will LR have abundant variety, nearby?

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everdebz
3 years ago
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everdebz
3 years ago
Maybe this type would complement softer/chalky elements to come, or of backsplash - W 90.5" / D 39.5" / H 30" -
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yvonnecmartin
3 years ago
First try putting film on the glass door cabinets. That will give you several new storage places. You can buy the film at Home Depot or Menards.

Then look at your in-cabinet storage. Could you use some extra shelves in some cabinets? Turntables often store more because one can access what is in the back. Could hooks in an upper cabinet be used for mugs and so free up shelf space? In other words, make sure that you are using every cubic inch of storage space wisely. It goes without saying to be sure to purge duplicates and other items that aren't especially useful.
everdebz
3 years ago
Worth looking at the other color options -
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A E
Original Author
3 years ago
I like a more casual dining. we're into big family meals and kid safe spaces. my style is honestly more MCM/Bohemian but I can do a simple non clunky farmhouse style as it may complement this home better.
A E
Original Author
3 years ago
also, just wanted to say how overwhelmed I am by all the responses! loving this Houzz community.
everdebz
3 years ago
My eyes are better today - so your curtains are blue? called bohemian.... your cabinets are fine! this marigold type color is like them...?
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3 years ago
18" leaf --
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3 years ago
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everdebz
3 years ago
Have you anything new ? :)
A E
Original Author
3 years ago
no we actually haven't moved in yet. will in end of June
drblount10
3 years ago
Hello AE, any updates?

Kitchen storage in casual dining

Nancy Ingram

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