Our Tiny Kitchen
This is a small kitchen we recently built in a studio apartment. We wanted to have the kitchen completely closed off (’disguised’ as a cabinet) when not in use as the room also serves as a master suite to an adjoining house when not rented. The cabinets started there life as Kraftmade cabinets, with solid cherry doors, but have been highly modified. The kitchen is 7ft long and standard ceiling height. Here are a list of the design features the kitchen incorporated:
1. Hidden cabinets. Removable doors conceal the kitchen when they are installed. This in itself was a challenge, but worked out well, can be installed /removed in 1 minute.
2. Large sink. We installed a large kitchen sink, with an offset drain to allow the lower cabinets to be divided into two compartments: 1) one side for garbage disposal and cleaning products and 2) the other side for additional pullouts. In order maximize counter space, we also built a matching cherry wood filler panel that covers half the sink and can be used as a cutting board. All of this while including a very large, single basin sink for washing all your dishes.
3. Induction stove. We really wanted a flush induction stove, but could not find the right one for us and we settled on a Wolf 2-burner, which we are now very happy with, both with cooking and appearance.
4. Under the counter refrigerator/freezer. We wanted an under counter the refrigerator/freezer that was panel ready. As it turns out, installing the panel to achieve the look of ‘just another cabinet’ required quite a bit of modification to the refrigerator door, but in the end looked great and works well.
5. Stove exhaust fan. We wanted our exhaust fan hidden. As can be seen from the pics, we were able to purchase an exhaust fan and by modifying the cabinet, we were able to install it inside the base of the cabinet, hidden from view, but fully functional and it vents to the outdoors. It also has a built-in light and variable speed fan.
6. Microwave. We really wanted a built in microwave, but it takes too much space to do properly, we ultimately decided to incorporate a microwave shelf, which we are very happy with. Incidentally, the left and right mid cabinets started their life as a single cabinet which we cut in half, modified one for an exhaust fan and the other we added a shelf to accommodate the microwave.
7. Dish drying rack. We did not have the room nor did we want a drying rack taking up space on the counter. I was able to purchase a stainless steel drying rack with 2 shelves that fit nicely between the cabinets. It is out of the way, very functional, has a removable drain shelf, and looks nice.
8. Other features include: quiet garbage disposal, LED undercounter lights, 2ft deep upper cabinets for extra storage, quartz countertop with porcelain tile backsplash.
9. With plenty of storage above for less commonly used items, we were able to stock it with: blender, espresso maker, coffee maker, french press, extra dishes, extra glasses, toaster, and more.
We love the kitchen and hope you do to!
Bill & Maryann
1. Hidden cabinets. Removable doors conceal the kitchen when they are installed. This in itself was a challenge, but worked out well, can be installed /removed in 1 minute.
2. Large sink. We installed a large kitchen sink, with an offset drain to allow the lower cabinets to be divided into two compartments: 1) one side for garbage disposal and cleaning products and 2) the other side for additional pullouts. In order maximize counter space, we also built a matching cherry wood filler panel that covers half the sink and can be used as a cutting board. All of this while including a very large, single basin sink for washing all your dishes.
3. Induction stove. We really wanted a flush induction stove, but could not find the right one for us and we settled on a Wolf 2-burner, which we are now very happy with, both with cooking and appearance.
4. Under the counter refrigerator/freezer. We wanted an under counter the refrigerator/freezer that was panel ready. As it turns out, installing the panel to achieve the look of ‘just another cabinet’ required quite a bit of modification to the refrigerator door, but in the end looked great and works well.
5. Stove exhaust fan. We wanted our exhaust fan hidden. As can be seen from the pics, we were able to purchase an exhaust fan and by modifying the cabinet, we were able to install it inside the base of the cabinet, hidden from view, but fully functional and it vents to the outdoors. It also has a built-in light and variable speed fan.
6. Microwave. We really wanted a built in microwave, but it takes too much space to do properly, we ultimately decided to incorporate a microwave shelf, which we are very happy with. Incidentally, the left and right mid cabinets started their life as a single cabinet which we cut in half, modified one for an exhaust fan and the other we added a shelf to accommodate the microwave.
7. Dish drying rack. We did not have the room nor did we want a drying rack taking up space on the counter. I was able to purchase a stainless steel drying rack with 2 shelves that fit nicely between the cabinets. It is out of the way, very functional, has a removable drain shelf, and looks nice.
8. Other features include: quiet garbage disposal, LED undercounter lights, 2ft deep upper cabinets for extra storage, quartz countertop with porcelain tile backsplash.
9. With plenty of storage above for less commonly used items, we were able to stock it with: blender, espresso maker, coffee maker, french press, extra dishes, extra glasses, toaster, and more.
We love the kitchen and hope you do to!
Bill & Maryann
Built-in fan, installed in base of upper cabinet.
Q