I spent a large portion of my time last week moving kitchen essentials into my camp kitchen and boxing up the non-essentials from my “old” kitchen. The picture below shows my kitchen table, working counter top with a hot plate, electric tea kettle, and storage for silverware, mixing bowls, and pots and pans.
The right corner of the camp kitchen contains an old computer desk that I used for writing ebooks and newsletters when Duane was still living. Now I have my bible, laptop, home telephone and answering machine located here. To the right of the main eating table (outside the picture) is a very old set of file drawers that are doubling as a counter to house my microwave/convection oven combo, an airpot being used as a faucet for cold drinking water, and my beloved Bosch.
Along the left side of my camp kitchen facing the window is my entire family library with a banquet table set up in front for my cutting board, utensil storage, and dish washing station. The trash can is in front of the banquet table.
I now have my dining room, family library, kitchen, and desk area tucked into about a 10 X 12 foot space. It’s all very cozy but surprisingly functional.
Hey Marilyn – I have to comment about the “cozy, but surprisingly functional” statement. When we go to the beach we stay at the same place every year. I mean they know us like family. Anyway, we have 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates, 4 cereal bowls, etc. I have two eyes on the stove and no oven, just a toaster oven and a microwave. The refrigerator is about the size of a large dishwasher. You get the picture! It always amazes me that we do just fine with that. We eat in most of the time, so that means I cook. It is hard not having an oven, but we get by and of course it is only for a week. But I think of everything I have at home and what I really only need. It is eye opening. I am still excited about your kitchen and cannot wait to see it. I guess I just love my kitchen. It is truly the heart of the home.
Sheila
Hi Marilyn,
Your topic is very aptly timed as I am about to enter into a kitchen renovation in the midst of an already busy time of our year. I was having a hard time picturing how this was going to happen – the where’s and what’s were all a bit ambiguous. I now have some confidence that we can make this work – even if it means giving up some of the living space which is already spare – for a short period of time. In addition I had forgotten about some treasured, but stashed items such as my electric fry pan. Cozy and Functional will be the name of this game! 🙂 Thanks for sharing with us!