Decking the halls...and the Cozy-New-Home-Tour, part 2...the itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny kitchen.

I read somewhere that Julia Child had a tiny kitchen. (If that's not true, please don't email me and tell me. I'm clinging to this potential truth as I try to figure out exactly how to creatively bake and cook and create in my newest and teensiest kitchen that I have ever had.)

Anyway.

I've got my kitchen unpacked for the most part, and decked out for the season as well. Storage space is at a premium, with some of my overflow baking supplies and not-often-used appliances (like my coffee maker) stashed in the half bath vanity and coat closet. (I'm not sure where Julia kept her overflow supplies, but this is what's workin' for me) 
My new kitchen is not only...um...petite..it's a little on the old-school side as well.

How's that, you ask?

Well, no disposal, and no microwave. I'm good with that though. Sure I could buy a microwave oven, but it would take up far too much valuable counter space, and I can heat cocoa and make popcorn on the stove top anyway. (And let's remember that I am currently renting, so I don't have any desire to invest in things specifically for this home that I won't need later on, you know?) The lack of a disposal is a non issue with me too, as I feel like I have already adjusted to that in the short time I've lived here already.

I managed to squeeeeeez in a lil' chair for when my baby-love might be over for a snack, and I have it all spruced up for the holidays as well.... I like the oh-so-cottage-y looking cupboards (older oak bead-board style that was painted white...perfect for me!) and the nice sized cheery window above the sink makes the space feel a bit more spacious and happy.

I'm slightly embarrassed to say that I kind of thought of myself as a gas range snob, but I have to admit that the electric oven works great (I've baked cookies in it several times already.) and I'm hosting my first dinner party a week from tonight, so the kitchen will really get a workout then.

Bon Appetit! (I think Julia would be proud.)

Comments

[Trina]

Over-the-range microwave!

[Cheryl]

I think your new petite kitchen is adorable! I have a tiny kitchen too, so I added some industrial shelving in my laundry room to handle the overflow of appliances and rarely used pots and pans. Will you have room for something like that once you're all settled and have less stuff in your garage? You could also add additional shelves to your coat closet to create dedicated baking storage. Anyway, your new place is coming along wonderfully.

[Kathryn]

I am liking the cozy, inviting feeling of your kitchen, Tracey. The addition of the chair gives it a wonderful touch. Thanks for sharing the laterst decorating touches.

[Cheryl]

Just. So. Darling. As always! One thought...looks like there might be some extra space above the fridge for a shelf? I find that "looking up" is a good way to find extra space.

[janet]

It looks great Tracey, the petite size and small amount of counter space just forces you to clean up as you go...I know from 19 years experience with very little prep space! Happy Holidays!

[Northern Cottage]

very cute....love the white cabinets too! What a fresh crisp space!

[Carol]

You'll make it work! I have confidence in you! Merry Christmas, my friend!
Carol in GA

[tina]

So cute! I love the cabinets. I've never, ever had a disposal. We live in the country, on septic and I've always heard that's not always a good combo, so not disposal. Glass top electric for me too! LOL So if you're old school, I must be too!

[Jan R.]

Love you petite kitchen... I have always had a little kitchen and even if I had a lot of counter space I would clutter it with "stuff". I use a nice cutting board over part of the sink for extra work space... works well for me. My cabinets look identical to yours and I really love the painted wood. Makes it feel vintage. Looking great....

[aneyefordetail]

Have to say: I don't find the kitchen "old school" at all!!! I love it.
I have done some of my best cooking in our even-smaller-than-yours kitchen in NYC many years ago! Your lucky to have a window..
As for garbage disposal: they are terrible for the environment and we try hard to never use ours...so no problem for you.
And the double sink is a real bonus: either for drying rack or cutting board.
And...personally...I don't like the over the range microwaves(if you could even do that: is there a fan in there?). We lived without microwaves for many years!

[kathy]

I like it! It's amazing how many things we really don't need.

[MJ Smith]

I love it!!!! Definitely very cozy and very cute!

[Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions]

It's got a great cozy cottage feel to it!

[Lorrie]

It's small, but oh, so cute. I used to have an itty bitty kitchen and found it VERY efficient for cooking. But you do have to clean up as you go, and only one person can work there - not so great when you have family over who could be of some use! You've done a wonderful job of making it yours!

[Sue]

"Things taste better in small houses"...Queen Victoria

[Tate]

I also think it is darling! I had a kitchen that size with four children, upgraded to bigger kitchens over the years and am now back to a kitchen that measures exactly 8 feet by 8 feet. It's not adorable yet, though. We will be gutting it in the future. Yours is inspiring. Mine does have a window though! I don't have any problem getting a big turkey dinner on in this teensy kitchen. However, two cooks can get a little crowded!

[MimiG]

You have what I have - a one butt kitchen. It gets very crowded with two adults, but one adult and babycakes are perfect! I use my laundry room for overflow, as well as my coat closet. Plus, I'm lucky to have 2 huge walk in closets. I have small dressers, custom closet shelving, so the guest closet has a few kitchen items.. Love the stocking on the baby's chair.

[paula]

Every thing about your kitchen suits me just fine. Love your "valance"! White beadboard cabinets with brushed steel knobs are my favorite - so fresh and polished. The floor is such a nice, warm color. I'd say you really got lucky in the kitchen dept. Can't wait to see the rest of the tour.

[Debbie V.]

Looks great - I love the little chair. Maybe your landlord would consider putting in a microwave hood! Look forward to part 3.

[Tracey]

so nice to chat with you today.....I miss that truly, it looks darling and oh so you......just take a deep breath, and sigh......

The Other Tracey

[rachelle]

its adorable! My mother moved into a tintsy apartment a few years ago. The kitchen was sooo tiny that we lovingly nick named it..
"Kitchen Little"

(like chicken little...but kitchen little)

:)anywho... i love the curtain!!!!!!!!!!!!

shell
gypsylemonade.blogspot.com

[Reina]

I totally agree that an over the range microwave would be the ultimate solution. You don't need to duct them to the outside, they have built in carbon filters and fan, you can take it with you when you go -- making sure you hang on to the old range hood. When you're as busy as we know you are, the 2 minutes to reheat some leftovers for a quick dinner before rushing off to the next thing is SO important! More energy efficient, too!

[linda]

You have such an amazing gift. No matter where you live, you make it look adorable, homey, cozy and oh, so inviting...like we all wished we would be the invited guests to your party!! You never cease to amaze. Love it all!! Julia would be proud!

[Jennifer Rizzo]

I think little kitchens are perfect, and yours is adorable!

[Paula]

I love your kitchen. In my first home I had a tiny darling cottage kitchen. I had an old wood ironing board that I folded up against the wall in the laundry area. It served as the kitchen island when I was cooking and chopping etc. It moved all over the house when needed for cooking, sewing, buffet table, etc.

[Dawn]

I, too, have a "petite kitchen" and think yours is adorable!

[Nancy]

What an adorably sweet kitchen...cozy and quaint and I can imagine all the sweet and savory smells filling each and every corner. Thanks for sharing. Nancy in SO Cal.

[Brooke]

Less to clean, my dear! I think it is charming! Tidy and cozy, not to mention I love the big window. I am patiently awaiting seeing the rest of your new digs!

[the gypsy chick]

i think that it is just adorable! julia would be proud...
xoxox
amy

[gail]

Your home is charming! And, your petite kitchen is more spacious than my current rental. I don't have he counter space you have above your dishwasher, or behind the little chair... otherwise, they are very similar! Amazing what you can do with limited space. And your living room is wonderful and homey. Maybe you should do interior decorating consultations?!

[Jan @ BellaCasa]

That child's high chair in your kitchen is such a cute idea. It is amazing how we manage to find the space for what has meaning to us, isn't it?

[Katie Nicoll]

It doesn't really matter what size your kitchen is - it certainly isn't an indication of "kitchen prowess." Anyway, your kitchen is comfy, and it's wonderful if you keep it that way. Maybe letting in a bit of sunshine, or you might try adding mirrors, to give it a little bit of illusory breathing room.