However, when something works, why mess with a good thing?! And everything I did was so incredibly easy peasy, yet created instant storage expansion....
Here were my kitchen counters as of this morning:
Two things have happened, and one I already had eluded to here.
Yep, you got it! Those amazing inexpensive WHITE VASES!
Because our new utensil storage was free {just using vases we already had lingering in the home}, we decided to spend a little money on some new utensils. That was totally a personal choice because we had so many mismatched and hand me down items that we finally decided to bite it and pay $15 for a set of matching bamboo utensils. The old ones went into the donate box, and the new ones were corralled in their new home. We love that the bamboo is not only a natural material, it's also heat and stain resistant, and looks good enough to be left out!
 | ||
| Someone PLEASE convince my hubs that we need new counter-top and backslash, he won't listen to me, thank you! |
And for good measure, I tossed some rolled dishtowels by the sink in our other cheapo white vase.
So check utensils off of the list of items that still needed a home after the disastrous drawers got a good cleanin'. Only thing left were those potholders.
I wasn't ever too concerned about the potholder dilemma. In fact, it wasn't really a dilemma at all since there are a lot of ways to store pot holders, from a decorative counter-top basket to a command hook inside a cabinet door... I however, decided to reuse some household items and create a hook system.
A simple rail {an extra I had gotten at IKEA awhile back}, along with some extra hooks from my home office projects, and I had instant potholder/dishtowel storage!
I just adore the "in arms reach" access we created for everything we need to be superstar kitchen dwellers!
Cooking has never been so easy!
Pretty simple stuff right? It feels so good to know that all of our kitchen drawers are tidy and clutter free and that the project can be marked as COMPLETE! Am I the last to hop on the vase utensil storage bandwagon? What are you all using to corral your plethora of kitchen gadgets? Anyone got any solutions on how I can talk the man into a new kitchen counter?
Jen, I will give you the link to my kitchen makeover with NEW counter tops!! We painted the ugly oak cabinets and added new ct's... and voila! It was an amazing, cheap renovation! We spent only $900 on the counters! Tell him its a must! He wont be disappointed. http://thehammersleyfamilyblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/my-kitchen-remodel.html
ReplyDeleteI have always used a canister to hold my cooking tools. I keep it right by the stove for easy reach! Maybe it's organization, or maybe I was just to lazy to reach in a drawer! Either way, it makes me feel like a culinary master to have fancy tools at an arms reach.
ReplyDeleteI use a pitcher, and my friend got a lovely planter bowl at Walmart she uses for her utensils. Both are large enough not to cause trouble getting what you need out, and cheap enough to change with the season if needed. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the little things that makes everything come together. Your kitchen looks Awesome!! I vote new countertops too, they have really cheap wood countertops at ikea that i LOVE and would look so good with your cabinets!
ReplyDeleteHi. Where did you buy the darling utensil set? I love it......so cute how it's striped.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous!
ReplyDeleteI found my tools at a nearby local kitchen store {which isn't online, however, I found these on Walmart which seem really similar and for slightly more moola, they come with their own caddy. {http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ecko-PAO-8-Piece-Bamboo-Kitchen-Tool-Set/5855166}
Hope that helps!
xoxo,
Jen
OMGoodness Laina, I totally know what you are saying! I am totally crushing on the butcher block counters, and the price is really reasonable!
ReplyDeletexo,
Jen
If you get new countertops, can I have the old ones? My kitchen would be your worst living nightmare.
ReplyDeleteI only have one drawer (see comment about worst nightmare) so a countertop "collector" is a must. I have 2, but they both could use beautifying. I actually would like LESS countertop stuff. But that would require cabinets and drawers. lol. It's a vicious cycle. Some day! :D
I love your new bamboo utensils! We thought about splurging on some, too, but quickly decided against it once we realized that you have to hand wash them. I admit it - we're lazy. :) We went the cheap plastic route. So glad that they work for you, though (you usually hand wash stuff anyways, right?) - they're beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAs for the countertops, you guys could always just DIY one with some granite tiles. :) And hopefully learn from our mistakes on that adventure, haha!
~Chelsea
When you convince B to fix the backsplash situation, send him my way.
ReplyDeleteYour counter looks like mine, but mine is a dark beige that is called Travertine. I had my cabinets painted by my sister (she got paid) and they are white. I'm upset cause I already have a ding on the edge. I've only had them 5 months! We only spent 200-400 on the counters plus installation. Sigh!! Now I wish I had gotten stone counters, but I figured who ever bought my house would gut the kitchen. As they say..live and learn!! I like your new utencils. I need some too!!
ReplyDeleteI love your ideas! I have also seen your pot holder idea used with a bucket for pens, pencils and crayons.
ReplyDeleteI love the use of the vases and hanging rod! I need those utensils!!
ReplyDeleteJen, where do you find all of the cute little bowls (like the one that is holding your limes and lemons)that you have throughout your house? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Emily!
ReplyDeleteUsually Target :) They frequently switch out their decorative dishes so I usually watch for them there. I also like to check out Crate & Barrel outlet or Pier 1. I am such a sucker for a cute bowl, they are great for corralling small objects like items bedside, fruits or treats in the kitchen or for cleaning out pockets in the laundry room!
xoxo,
Jen
You like Totally need new countertops and backsplash, like seriously. I hope this helps. ;P
ReplyDeleteHA! I have the same counter tops from the 1990's... and hate it..... tell you hubby they are over a decade old....time to update... then, would you please tell mine the same thing...
ReplyDeleteI featured this article over on my blog. Thanks!
ReplyDeletehttp://nestingnewbie.blogspot.com/2011/01/kitchen-idea.html
In a few days we will be moving into a house whose kitchen is super similar to yours! I've been a little nervous about the tiny size, but with your amazing ideas I think we can do it!!!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have any ideas for organizing shelves with pyrex dishes and other types of cooking items?
ReplyDeleteHi Jen! I saw this post via Pinterest and checked it out b/c I am in love with that yellow/grey dish towel! Do you remember where you found it??
ReplyDelete@Liz - I found it at a local kitchen botique - I have gone back to find others that might be similar since I adore it so much, but I can't seem to find any more now.
ReplyDeleteSorry I couldn't be more helpful!
xoxo,
Jen
omg I can. not. believe. that I didn't think about putting command hooks on the inside of my cabinets! Doh!! We don't have any good place to put potholders in our new kitchen (well, new to us, we moved in a yr ago.) The end cabinets are either placed against a wall or finish with slanted cabinets. I have been taking up a whole random shelf in one of the cabinets b/c I've been so confused as to what to do. Command Strips! Hallelujah!
ReplyDeleteI also have green counter tops and HAD a horrible backsplash (I took the plunge and painted it and added wall decals from hoblob) however, my hubs hasnt budged an inch on new countertops...YET! I have a galley kitchen and we only 2 drawers which I now realize I am not using properly! Love the idea of a 2 week challenge/purge! Thanks Jen! ~Julie
ReplyDeleteI LUV YOUR BLOG ITS AMAZING ALL THE ORGANIZING!!!!! HOW DO YOU DO THAT?
ReplyDeleteLove the bamboo utensils! Where did you get them from?
ReplyDeleteThey were from a local kitchen store, however, they eventually ended up falling apart since the different colors were just pressed and glued together. I would recommend solid single colored bamboo when searching.
Deletexoxo!
Jen
where did you get your green and white dish? i love it!
ReplyDeleteHi there!
DeleteI found it at Target a few years ago. I love it too! :)
xoxo,
Jen
Hi Jen! I am organizing my kitchen now, and I'm at a loss for how to use my drawer space efficiently. I have two deep drawers (about 1 foot deep and 2 feet wide). I just have utensils piled in them now, but I would love to find a way to utilize the space nicely. Any ideas?
ReplyDeleteHow about stackable drawer organizers, keeping the more used items right on top and less often used items below?
Deletexoxo!
Jen
inspired by you {again!} ;)
ReplyDeletehttp://susunatursioca.blogspot.com/2013/12/tempat-gantung-kain-lap-kain-buruk.html