Sunday, September 1, 2013

Dysfunctional Kitchen? ? ?

I declare, I have the most dysfunctional kitchen e v e r!!!



No matter how I re~arrange the counter tops
or the interior of the cabinets. . .
it seems I walk far too many miles in my Galley Style Kitchen!

It doesn't help matters that my MoMa taught me to work in a kitchen
from right ~to~left. . .and that most kitchens function left~to~right!

Today, I took a chair and set at the entrance of my Galley Style Kitchen
to visually see if there was a better possible solution to the functionality 
of these cramped quarters.



The above photo is the after photo of the North side of the kitchen.



Although the entire wall measures 7 ft. 6 in.,
the space is divided in the middle by my 30 inch range.



Left side of the range  ~



right side of the range.



The microwave was formerly on the counter behind me to my right.
Now placed to my left, as I stand at the range
with the door opening against the refrigerator,
I have eliminated several footsteps!



Next, I brought the spice rack, formerly behind me to my left,
and placed it within close proximity to the range.



Added essential pepper and salt shakers on a tray. . .



along with my favorite tempered glass cutting board.
Here next to the microwave, 
the cutting board will serve a duo purpose as a cutting board and a trivet!



While this appears easy on the eyes,
the real test will come as I begin to prepare meals!



To the right side of the range, I need space for setting a batter bowl 
when adding ingredients to pots and pans.



Since there are no windows in my Galley Style Kitchen,
I purchased this print to give me a pleasant view while preparing meals.



To the right of this print are two lidded urns for holding snacks.



Ample space for my batter bowl
and the ever essential toaster for "Mr. Ed's" main course 
of toast for breakfast.

Back to the chair and now for the view of the South side of the kitchen.



The above photo is the after photo of the South side of the kitchen.




The Southern side of the kitchen counters measures 9 ft. 6 in.
and is divided by the double kitchen sink.

When I painted the dark walnut cabinets Sherwin~Williams Paper White,
I didn't allow "Mr. Ed" to reattach the single cabinet door.
Instead, I opted for baskets. I've never regretted that decor decision.



Formerly the microwave sat in the corner of this counter space.
"Mr. Ed" and I are coffee drinkers, iced and hot tea drinkers
so this expanded counter better fills the need for more space
and allows for a full blown coffee bar!



I actually began closest to the sink,
as we must have a place for hand washing and dish washing soap.
Utilitarian, but with a touch of shimmer from my silver tray collection.



The placement of the coffee pot 
was decided upon primarily to disguise the electrical outlet.



I was thrilled to finally have space for a two~tier plate rack,
allowing me to leave a few dessert plates in close proximity 
for snacks, morning toast or an afternoon tidbit.



Using my everyday white porcelain dinner plates,
I added two dessert plates atop each plate. . .



followed by two saucers. . .



and topped off with two coffee / tea cups.



Coffee beans and loose leaf tea
in my silver lidded glass canisters completes this space.



The right side of the Southern counter space 
is the workhorse of my Galley Style Kitchen!

This is where all the chopping and mixing takes place.
The filling and emptying of baking pans 
and this Summer has been 'the place' for salad fixins'.

I adore having my flavored vinegars within arms length.



However. . .
I didn't like viewing the cable connector each time 
I reached for one of those bottles.



Nice "cover~up" using an ironstone tray from my collection!

While freshening up this space,
I decided to bring in a bit more of my Traditional decor,
especially to the "windowless" sink area.



Although I've had these Traditional fruit prints for years,
they are usually placed on easels.
Today, I decided to give they a more permanent place in the kitchen.

A much improved view by day. . .



a marvelous view by night!


I adore how the prints blend harmoniously 
with my beloved grandmothers vintage Bavarian fruit plates.


While there is not one thing 
I can do about the 10 ft. 8 in. X 4 ft 7 in. floor space
of my Galley style Kitchen. . .



I can make the best use of the space I have!


The North side of my Galley Style Kitchen
as seen from the Dining Room.


The South side of the Galley Style Kitchen 
as viewed from the Dining Room.


Now as I stand in the doorway from the Entry Hall,
I'm liking the view and hoping that I will have less steps to travel,
making this truly a functional space On Crooked Creektt!



Until next time. . .

* * * * * * * A Word of Thanks * * * * * * *
Thank you to all of the amazing ladies in The Land of Blog
who participated in the All About the Details. . .Kitchen Home Tour!
Viewing your elegantly designed kitchens gave me an abundance
of inspirational ideas to help improve the functionality of my
Galley Style Kitchen here On Crooked Creektt!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
On Crooked Creektt will be joining



And. . .


Marty was one of the 24 
All About the Details. . .Kitchen Home Tours participants.
Click here to see her amazing kitchen!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Pat! Oh, you've been so busy! Your kitchen looks beautiful. You know how I adore your wallpaper! How wonderful it makes you feel to be all organized. Love how you've set everything up.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

podso said...

I love what you have done. It looks so orderly, organized, functional and warm and cozy. I know what you mean about wanting to walk less. I realize how many steps it takes me just to get the coffee things in the morning and breakfast. I should step back and consider some changes as you have done. You are always inspiring, Pat!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I love the way you have reorganized your kitchen. It is so pretty and looks like it would be totally functional with your new layout. Love it, and thanks tons for the shoutout and for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

sweet violets said...

Very nicely organized!! This should be very efficient for you. I have the same kitchen set up except for a counter at the rear to join the north and south with a window. I eliminated a canister set to get more room and put a cutting board behind the vinegar bottles to hide the outlet. How funny to have the same set up!!! The back of my stove allows me to put the salt, pepper and toothpick holder there, freeing up counter space. Love your rugs!!!

Christine @ Rustic-Refined said...

Great job on making your kitchen do some of the work...it's functional AND beautiful!

thepaintedapron.com said...

Isn't it fun to rearrange and reorganize? Your kitchen is so bright and cheery with the red fabric and sunflower touches, I hope you find it more funcitonal now!
Jenna

Susan Freeman said...

Your kitchen is darling and functional. Love the red wallpaper and the baskets. I am your newest follower. Stop by for a visit sometime.

Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Babs said...

Great job of reorganizing. I'll bet your kitchen is much more efficient now. Love the baskets in the lower cabinet.