Counter Intelligence: Maximizing Kitchen Counter Space
After a long remodel, I also have done a lot of thinking about what makes a kitchen really great. Here are some examples of usable - and fantastic-looking - kitchens:
This is an interesting choice, but I think I like the burners set into the open part of the peninsula. It gives the whole space an inviting feel - plus it makes that corner between the sinks and stove really usable (I also love the chalkboard). And it's got a lot of YouTube potential - I can definitely imagine a home-grown cooking show filmed here!
I love curved counters - I think they're very cool and interesting. In this kitchen, I especially like how the curve of the counter echoes the curve of the window. Plus, look how much great prep space there is here - the curved island could be dedicated entirely to serving food and the chef would still have more than enough counter space for prep.
While having the laundry in the kitchen can be tough to pull off, visually, I think this really works. The short wall of cabinets provide more than enough space to hide offending detergents. Plus, the neat countertop over the washer and dryer could serve dual purposes - for laundry and for kitchen space.
A freestanding island is also a good use of space, especially in a larger kitchen like this one. I like the use of marble countertops and the contrast with the cool orange stools. I also think this is a good way to transfer the sink to the island. Sometimes I see islands with sinks that are too far away from the rest of the appliances, but since this one's just across from the oven, the prep area fits neatly together.
I must be drawn to really clean counters (probably because I don't have them) - because I also love this tiered counter that provides space for vases and knicknacks, but keeps them out of the way of the chef. Plus, I just think this is a great example of a small kitchen making the most of counter space. The organization - the tight triangle of stove, sink and fridge - is perfectly usable. The counter next to the stove isn't great for chopping, but it is an ideal spot to set ingredients ready for cooking and the long expanse of counter to the right of the sink provides enough space even for two.
Q