This Clever Solution Tripled This Tiny Kitchen’s Counter Space *and* Added Extra Seating

Kitchens aren’t just supposed to work for you — they should work with you, as if the room itself is supporting you on your cooking adventures. When designing a new space, there are a multitude of roadblocks you may encounter: Perhaps your kitchen doesn’t have many (or any) cabinets, or you have to get creative about measuring spoon storage. Whatever the case, many homeowners and renters have to think outside the box to ensure they can cook (and live!) comfortably in their space. 

Take Rory Rockmore’s kitchen in a colorful, modern Los Angeles loft, for example. When Rockmore, head of creative for a global beauty brand and celebrity jewelry designer, moved in with his partner (and dog, Betty), it became clear that the kitchen’s counter space — less than four square feet — wasn’t going to work, especially for his partner’s “famous cooking frenzies,” Rockmore said. 

Instead of buying a rolling kitchen cart or an IKEA butcher block island, Rockmore found a piece of furniture that was slightly more permanent, but also created more cooking space. 

Rockmore found a solid wood dining table from custom live-edge table makers Alive Edge Designs and placed it parallel to the kitchen countertops and cabinets. The top of the table looks natural, thin, and unique because of the curved edges, while the base is made of metal, which seamlessly blends with the surrounding modern decor. Of course, Rockmore just places cutting boards and other surfaces atop the table when he needs to prep food. 

With the addition of the table, they have ample space to sprawl out while cooking a big meal, or hosting a dinner party. Four Casa Victoria L.A. dining chairs sit around the table, and a Holloman metal bench is situated on the kitchen side. Having the added counter space in the kitchen — with seating — ensures that their guests are included in the fun. 

Rockmore’s smart solution to limited countertop space is a win-win — not only do they have more surface area to cook on, but it also seamlessly creates a more cohesive space where guests can feel immersed in the “cooking frenzies,” too. To see more of his home, visit the full house tour on Apartment Therapy.