Jeff Garbs lives in a small, stylish rental in Los Angeles' Highland Park, situated quietly off a main street. He enjoys the secluded space and private yard, but most of all he enjoys decorating his adorable home. And when your total home square footage is only 390 square feet, you have to work with what you've got, especially in the kitchen.
Jeff's kitchen is literally the hallway from his living room to his bedroom. The space is bright and airy and decorated with some rad DIY lighting. I love that he added butcher block countertops and put a backsplash over the sink. In fact, that backsplash is his proudest DIY, as he shares here: "There were holes in the 1930's ceramic tile from old plumbing that had been covered with funny little fat chefs cut out of wallpaper and pasted onto the tile. It was the bad kind of DIY. I used leftover floor tile, liquid nails and plastic ceiling tile trim. Did it all for under $20."
Even working on a budget, Jeff was able to keep the kitchen modern but sprinkled with vintage charms and quirk.
Big thank you to Sally Breer of Shopclass LA for introducing us!
10 Questions for Jeff (and His Kitchen)
1. What inspires your kitchen and your cooking?
There isn't a lot of inspiration behind a baked chicken breast but I do enjoy a really great cup of coffee and I couldn't live without my chemex!
2. What is your favorite kitchen tool or element?
The scrap piece of butcher-block counter I placed next to the stove and again, my Chemex.
3. What's the most memorable meal you've ever cooked in this kitchen?
I live alone so I would be lying if I said there are many epic meals that come out this kitchen - it's more of a utilitarian/functional space for my modest needs.
4. The biggest challenge for cooking in your kitchen:
The mini stove. When I made the decision to get a small stove- I hadn't thought about moving the fridge into the mudroom yet. Now in retrospect, I probably should have gotten a bigger fridge and possibly a great vintage 50's stove.
5. Is there anything you wish you had done differently?
See above.
6. What was your biggest indulgence or splurge in the kitchen?
Probably replacing the working fridge, simply because it was too big and messed up the flow of my space.
7. Is there anything you hope to add or improve in your kitchen?
I would love new cookware. My frying pans could use an upgrade.
8. How would you describe your cooking style?
Simple and fresh.
9. Best cooking advice or tip you ever received?
Lower the flame.
10. What are you cooking this week?
For sure boiled eggs, strawberries, and toast with sunflower seed butter. I'm an early riser so my breakfast is one of the most thoughtful meals of the day. Generally by the evening, I'm tired and kind of uninspired to cook.
Resources of Note:
* Jeff noted that everything is from either IKEA or estate sales.
We're always looking for real kitchens from real cooks.
Show us your kitchen here!
(Images: Bethany Nauert)
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That is a really cute and efficient kitchen. It's a lot better than any rental kitchen I've had.
I like this mixed style rather than the Big Box store matching cabinets/counters/floors etc. Shows some thought - it's cozy.
Tiny???? Compared to my kitchen, this is palatial. See for yourselves - http://instagram.com/p/P29nadh5jn/
Tiny?
Yes, my kitchen is tinier but I love the disco ball in the window!!!!
Sorry but this is not a tiny kitchen... Cute but not Tiny !!! I would be making some "epic" meals in this kitchen
Loved the new place! I noticed the drawing on the cabinet door. Is he from Austin?
Jeff, you did your job well. You used your space so efficiently that you fooled many people into thinking your kitchen is bigger than it is. Love the crate shelves over the garbage can and the blackboard paint on the cupboard door. As a landlord, I'm always trying to think of ways to make kitchens work well. I appreciate your ideas!
Yeah, not tiny. I think I've got you all beat on the tiny kitchen makeover tip. One day I will enter our before/afters and obliterate everyone's assumption of just how tiny tiny really can be and still be functional.
@ 5' W x 6' L x 8' H ... I believe our 240 cubic foot situation wins every tiny cool contest known to mankind. Stay tuned.
Yes, I'm jealous of all the cabinet space he has.
Great space, but no giant bugs in the kitchen for me. That's an interesting sense of humor!
Very cool back splash idea! I may use it as a temporary fix to my similarly "repaired" sink wall. Nice job, Jeff!
I love this. How great is your apartment, Jeff?!?! Thanks
It just goes to show you don't have to have a Mansion to make a stylish Home.. Loving this cute Kitchen and the Decor we can see tinto the lounge area... :))
That last bit of my Post, was meant to say, Into, my bad.. LOL
Very charming and good photos that allow us to visualize your setup.
Old communities around LA are full of these tiny houses built during the teens and 20's. I've always wondered if they were originally occupied by families. Now they feel crowded with more than one person plus a cat.
I am so putting a disco ball in my kitchen window. I love the sparkles!
I have always admired Jeff's style. Nice to see it celebrated here!
Excellent! Cori Shaner Doron
Love the disco ball -- and all the sparkles it throws around the space.
I agree that this is NOT a tiny kitchen. It is cute, though. My kitchen has about the same dimensions as yours. The only things that make it even workable are a couple of ikea rail systems and lots of hooks.
Love it! Thanks for sharing.
I had to laugh because I keep seeing all the comments about this not being a tiny kitchen when the square footage of the ENTIRE house is only 390 square feet. There is no way to get a big kitchen in a house that size. Love the petite stove but know from personal experience what a pain they are! a 9x13 will only fit in one way... front to back. Thanks for sharing! It is a great small space!
We'd be LOST without our IKEA rails systems! We also installed a stainless stovetop in the counter top with a dishwasher below = LIFESAVER.
Lovely, clean, tidy, attractive space. I live in Highland Park and have the same Catherine Holm tea kettle. Let's be friends!