Guest Picks: Small Kitchen Necessities
20 ways to organize and maximize every square inch of a tiny cooking space
Despite my wish for an expansive, professional-grade kitchen one day, I make due (very well, thank you very much) in my small cooking space. I'm always looking for ways to maximize the area without feeling cluttered, and these are some of my current favorites — along with a few wishlist items.
— Liza from (a)Musing Foodie
— Liza from (a)Musing Foodie
Pullout Perforated Organizer with Hooks
Who doesn't have a wasted nook in between cabinets? I love this idea for hanging kitchen utensils.
Wilton Indulgence Three-Tier Cooling Rack
The best use of my counter space is stacking vertical. I love my stackable cookie cooling racks. They're great to set hot pans on, too.
Rev-A-Shelf In-Cabinet Chrome Cabinet Organizer
Fit twice the amount of pans in one small space. Perfect.
Enclume Round Pot Rack
If I had a small island, this would be above it — talk about a space saver when you have limited cabinets.
Chilewich Ray Tray, White
I first saw this on Chef Giada De Laurentiis' kitchen counter, and I have coveted it ever since. It's a little pricey, but it would tuck perfectly into a counter's corner.
GRUNDTAL Spotlight, Nickel Plated
It seems silly, but a little under-cabinet lighting goes a long way in a small kitchen. I love mine!
Wüsthof ® Aluminum Magnetic Knife Holder
My magnetic knife holder is awesome. I also use it to hang things like measuring spoons, so it makes for a quick grab while cooking.
Williams-Sonoma Pantry Dinnerware
Williams-Sonoma Pantry Dinnerware is perfect: simple, clean, easy to dress up, just right for a casual lunch. When you have a small space you need just one set of good dishes, and these fit the bill without breaking the bank.
simplehuman® 13-Gallon Recycler Trash Can
A slim trashcan can slip neatly alongside a counter or refrigerator. This one even lets you separate trash and recycling — one can, two jobs.
Modern Display And Wall Shelves
I've had a shelf like this for 10 years. It's followed me from my first small kitchen to my current small kitchen. It's perfect for a few favorite cookbooks, as well as storing baking dishes and mixing bowls.
Forma Over-the-Cabinet Single Hook
With limited drawer space and the need to have your pot holders within arm's reach, this is the perfect inexpensive and simple solution.
Roll-Out Under-Sink Drawer
Annoyed by all the clutter under your sink? Not enough room? Yes. This is a fab solution. Maximize the height to maximize the space.
Howard Elliott Mirror, Superior
Make any small space feel bigger with a mirror. It can really brighten things up in the kitchen, ideally when near a window to help reflect the light.
Exotic Locking Bamboo Hardwood Flooring
My future plans include replacing the living room/dining room carpet that flows into the kitchen with hardwood floors — a trick for making a small kitchen appear bigger!
GE Profile Built-In Convection Microwave
Not everyone's budget has room for this, but if yours does, it could be a good investment. As Alton Brown would say, no one-trick ponies! This does the work of four different ovens, including a microwave and a convection oven. And it's built in, saving counter space. Beautiful.
Harbor Breeze Eastview Aged Bronze Ceiling Fan
It gets hot in a small kitchen, so being able to keep the air moving is key. I like to crank the ceiling fan and open a window in the spring or summer if the oven is going strong.
Carmichael Dining Table
It's an island. It's a kitchen table. It's a buffet. Versatility at its finest is so very important in a small kitchen.
Door Mount Spice Rack
Keep the spices and oils corralled so that you have free space on your shelves for bigger things. A little order goes a long way.
GRUNDTAL Wall Rack/Dish Drainer, Stainless Steel
This drying rack is great for a sink without a window above it, but you can also buy Grundtal hooks to hang other things from the rail: ladles, oven mitts, tongs — the options are endless. Thank you, Ikea.
simplehuman Wall-Mount Paper Towel Holder
Paper towel holders that sit on the counter not only take up space, but also are quite unstable and tip easily. A sturdy wall-mounted holder is awesome, especially when you only have one hand to pull a towel off.
Next: Bright and Modern Kitchen in 90 Square Feet
Next: Bright and Modern Kitchen in 90 Square Feet