In a kitchen where countertop space is scarce, the idea of having more of it is a glorious thing. The hardest part of adding more countertop space in a small kitchen is making something that fits your space without overwhelming and feeling like an elephant in the room. Check out Daniel's smart, good-looking solution to just this problem!
We stopped in over at Manhattan Nest to see what Daniel has been up to. To our surprise he's tackled a rather large issue in his kitchen. With the help of his partner Max, the two assembled this cabinetry set from IKEA.
They made modifications to the depth of the pieces to help out with the countertops and for personal preference. They long sleek lines and neutral color make a large storage and countertop area seem less intrusive than the few items that it replaced. It serves as a great inspiration for all those who feel their kitchen needs a little more room to work.
• Read More: Kitchen happenings are afoot from Manhattan Nest
Related: Easy-Add Counter Space from Real Kitchens
(Image: Manhattan Nest)
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Great solution to what I assume must be a narrow space. (Hence the upper cabinet size on the bottom as well?) I wonder if they are going to somehow cover the gap between the lower cabinets and the wall.
Incredible transformation!
Brandon
from www.theyummybits.com
we need to do something like this... got my eye on some IKEA countertops for my solution :)
Major improvement, but it's calling out for some curved shape the massing is so straight-lined.
Anyone know whos makes that spice rack?
The spice rack is ikea. I have the same one.
Perfect solution,..:)
I'm sure I'll get jumped all over for my lack of taste, but I liked the "Before" better. The "After" looks cool and sterile. The older version was tidy, organized, and human-looking. Okay, go ahead and go for my face. :-p
@orchid64: not going for your face but just a comment. I don't like the before because it screams "dust collector" to me. It looks kind of cluttered and not a pleasant workspace, something I would avoid. The after is a breath of fresh air - uncluttered and clean. It would make me love to be in the kitchen.
style-wise, I agree, I like the "before" better. the "after" just makes it seem so much more white-box-apartment, and who wants that? for cleanliess and usefulness, I guess the "after" is ok, but it doesn't look done. and i'm already getting nightmares about those sharp corners. yeesh!
I actually agree with Orchid. I think the after looks more functional as you coudl actually sue the coupter space, and I'm not keen on the hodgepodgeyness of the original pieces, but the after just sort of screams dorm kitchenette, but I think it's because the tops of the old shelving were full of colour and looked lived in, while these are very steril and white (and probably styled for the photo, thus lacking the lived in look.)
Yes... Milk crates are always preferable to real cabinets.
Wink wink
I love the after. Good work!
That "after" is just not designed for us short people! And just how does one get a cookbook out of, say, the middle of the top cupboard arrangement without marking the ceiling? That transparent plastic lip is impractical. The unit needs curves, especially the outside corner--it could put a mean bruise on someone who might inadvertently come too near.