THE HOMEOWNERS
The Schmidts
BEFORE
No matter how spacious your kitchen is, storage is almost always an issue. Like most of us, the Schmidts rely on open shelving and counter space as a fail-safe stash spot for food and appliances.
Minute Makeover guru Bob Richter says that this is one of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to kitchen storage, and for the Schmidts it's not only unattractive -- it's unsafe for their toddler, Angelica.
Richter's first step in clearing the Schmidts' kitchen clutter is to replace their open storage unit. The piece has no back, no front and no doors, which is a clear indicator that it was designed for display purposes and not storage, Richter says. He opts for a classic, cart-style unit instead, which not only conceals pantry items (and keeps them out of Angelica's reach), but also provides the counter space the Schmidts need to prepare meals.
A shelf rail, installed above the cabinet, also does double duty, providing easy access to utensils and tying the storage unit together into one cohesive-looking space.
To give the kitchen a little more warmth and personality, Richter replaced the Schmidts' dry-erase message board with equally functional fabric-covered versions.
Lastly, he tamed their untidy garbage and recyclables by placing them in covered bins that are taller and therefore, less likely to overflow.
AFTER
Just a few new pieces and the Schmidts have a stylish space to store frequently used kitchen items.
Their next project? Converting an awkward second bedroom into a cozy space for guests.
THE GOODS
To see what IKEA products were used, scroll over the pieces in the video. To learn more about all of the products in the video, check out our shopping guide!
Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)
Well done. I like the cabinet idea. Good to lock up the recycling from the baby. Hanging up knives would work well too. I bought mine for $14. at www.bluebearcreekhome.com
ReplyOPEN cabinets or storage are a TRICKY thing to play with. It can look CLUTTERED REAL EASILY. Tastefully done it can be okay but more often than not it just looks messy like this. Get some good tips and freebies from HtTp://bit.Ly/smartersavings
I let my boyfriend, Who Is Eleven Years Older Than Me, re-do my kitchen. I'm 78 , so it took a while.
ReplySo, your boyfriend is 89 years old ???? And you had him re-do your kitchen ? Lady you're nuts.
I don't know - I think it's pretty sad that you can't figure out to buy garbage cans for your garbage and recycles, as well as a cabinet to store stuff in. This is our future - wow!
ReplyOpen storage works well for me. I am 66 and have several health issues including not being able to bend my knees and move stuff around. With open storage for my food items I can see exactly what I have and what goes on the grocery list. I have a six shelf unit which fits next to my refridgerator. I will keep this as, like I said, it works well for me.
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