During college, I wasn’t entirely sure where I wanted to end up. Since I’m a writer, I knew that a big city would make the most sense, but it wasn’t until my best friend, Meredith, and I tossed around the idea of moving in together and tackling the behemoth that is New York City that the plan really stuck. Now, after a year and then some at home, it’s time to start prepping for the move into my “coziest” apartment yet (also known as a small kitchen D.I.Y).
As a food writer and cookbook blog owner, I’m sure you can imagine the biggest hurtle will be figuring out how I can make my kitchen both functional AND storage-savvy, with a lot of Tess-aesthetic sprinkled in there, of course. The key, or so I’ve found, is in maximizing every inch you can spare. My bedroom right now definitely lives by that same mantra, and weirdly, combining style and practicality doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might think.
So, what’s on my wishlist for creating the ultimate storage-friendly, clutter-free space
1. Storage (and Environment) Friendly Pots & Pans
We all know how much space those traditional GIANT pots and pans can take up. Instead of stacking them on top of one another haphazardly, this Caraway Cookware Set is built to save room in your cabinets (or, to be left out as the most stylish kitchen accessory). Non-toxic, non-stick, oven safe, burner agnostic, eco-friendly – yes, the list keeps going – AND stunningly designed. Just look at the picture and tell me you don’t need these in your kitchen too. If pots and pans could be a love language, these would be mine.
To make things even more perfect, the full Cookware Set comes with a canvas lid holder and magnetic pan rack. Small space approved!
2. Toss Your Single-Function Gadgets
We all thought we needed a state-of-the-art apple slicer or fancy juicer at one point in our kitchen careers, but in a place where your elbows can touch the opposing walls, those single-purpose tools aren’t so practical. Instead, go for something that can tackle a multitude of cooking needs (simplicity and sustainability is the name of the game). This Balmuda Toaster Oven doubles as both a toaster and a semi-oven and the Rosti Mepal Margrethe Nested Tower Mini Prep Bowls are the ultimate two-in-one – mixing bowls meet storage containers.
3. Utilize. Every. Inch.
I’m sure this part goes without saying, but getting creative with how you use unexpected spaces is crucial! The pictures below (sourced from Pinterest) are great examples of ways in which you can be smart with excess tools and essentials. I get tons of inspiration from these and hope to emulate them in my own kitchen! Besides decor, these few odds and ends are sure to make your life easier when squeezing a million things into a tiny area. I’ve been loving these things for that purpose especially:
Food52 Over-the-Sink Drying Rack, Steel & Wood Magnetic Refrigerator Rack from Yamazaki Home and the matching Steel & Wood Wired Organizer Rack from Yamazaki Home, Epicurean Magnetic Knife Rack from Williams Sonoma, and iDesign Linus Fridge Starter Kit from The Container Store
4. Decorate Visually
When it comes to kitchen style, sticking with visual elements instead of physical decor will help to make the space your own while not adding anything that could get in the way. Peel and stick backsplash designs are a great way to add some easy flair (plus, they’re super rental-friendly) and you can choose from an array of options on Etsy. If you’re allowed to paint, though, go for a color that you really enjoy and let that speak for itself!
5. Out With the Old and In With the New
Marie Kondo said it best: “Imagine yourself living in a space that only contains things that spark joy”. Doesn’t that sound spectacular? I know I’m the first person to use these “storage solutions” as a means to bury things that I don’t even use – or even remember – so I’m going to keep this mantra close to heart. My first step? Look at every appliance and item as though I’ve never seen it before. If I haven’t used it in the last month, or it’s not a crucial piece for certain things, then I won’t hang onto it That way, you have more room for the things you actually love and space to do what you’re in the kitchen to do – cook!
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