5 Unexpected Storage Lessons Worth Stealing from This Gorgeous Woodwork-Filled Artist’s Kitchen
Artist Aleksandra Zee and her musician husband, Antrom Kury, have created a monochromatic home that is an homage to wood in all its forms, even in the kitchen. In fact, wood and all its varied textures and tones make a statement in every single room — whether it’s the dining room furniture, the dramatic shelving, or even the serving bowls.
The love for all-things wood is fitting, as nature plays a prominent role in the home. “It sits on a hill and the backyard is what did it for us,” Aleksandra explains. “We had been living in a charming apartment and had been wanting to move into a home, and this was the perfect one!”
Excited to see more, we took the tour, and we were instantly struck by the cozy and warm vibe from this Oakland, California, home. While exploring, we spied five kitchen storage lessons worth stealing in this inviting, 1,002-square-foot home. Let’s take a peek!
Take the full tour: One Look at This Oakland Home And You’ll Be a Natural Wood Convert on Apartment Therapy
1. Let your small appliances shine.
Window shop at any kitchen supply or home goods store, and appliances today come in a variety of enviable colors and finishes. So, as they say, if you’ve got it, flaunt it! That’s exactly what Aleksandra and Antrom have done.
By splurging on all white, small appliances, which happen to mostly be from Smeg, the couple conveniently lines up their gleaming toaster, kettle, espresso machine, and mixer in a row. By using the sleek and retro appliances as a focal point in the kitchen, the couple avoids taking up precious space in their cabinetry. “Storage is the hardest part about this home,” Aleksandra admits.
The best part about their home, Aleksandra says, is that they love to have guests over. “Hosting gatherings is one of my favorite things to do, so we set up our home to be a comfortable and beautiful space to entertain,” she says.
There’s another bonus, too. By leaving appliances out in the open, the couple skips having to scrounge for and lift their heavy appliances in and out of bottom or top shelves — when, say, a pot of coffee is needed or buttered toast is served at brunch.
2. Allow heavily used items to steal the show.
The stunning, open wood shelving installed in the kitchen shows off the couple’s daily serveware, which pairs nicely with the home’s golden hue. Aleksandra and Antrom carry this theme over to the three wooden serving bowls perched above the kitchen hutch against the wall.
“Our home really feels like us,” says Aleksandra, who is a professional woodworker and author of The Way of the Woodshop. “We have chosen every detail with consideration. Living in a small space, we really love for things to have function, and if they are purely aesthetic, they are super important.”
While open shelving isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, the trick is to keep everything neat and organized, even if that means constantly editing your collection.
3. Organize your tools of the trade.
While it’s not always ideal to place spices close to the stove (heat degrades the flavor!), a little wooden ledge makes a handsome home for an assortment of spices in heat-resistant jars. Elegant Evermill canisters are artfully organized on a trio of wall-mounted, white shelves.
To reduce drawer clutter, we also love their use of two wide utensil containers in which the couple easily stores their wooden spoons and spatulas that are a snap to grab while cooking.
4. Turn wooden cutting boards into showpieces.
Instead of tucking their eye-catching wooden cutting boards away, Aleksandra and Antrom let the hefty slabs of wood take center stage on their countertop.
This makes them not only easy to reach, but also complements the nearby open wood shelf. “Our home feels like a gallery, and each piece brings me so much joy,” says Aleksandra.
5. Find beauty … even in hidden corners.
While the couple’s two sinks are crammed in a corner configuration, that doesn’t stop them from making the most of the area. We love how Aleksandra and Antrom have outfitted the windows into a beautiful mini garden, enhancing their view while washing dishes.
Aleksandra explains, “Running an artwork business with my husband is a 24/7 job and coming home to a calm and serene environment is so important to us.”
Do you leave your small appliances out for display or put everything away? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.