The Kitchen: Small changes ... big impact

Lots has happened since I blogged about the kitchen, two weeks ago. Nothing big, but several small changes that make the kitchen more efficient and more organized making it look prettier. And, who doesn't like prettier? So, here is where we were two weeks ago:

And here is the old "to-do" list:

1. Wall color change ... check!
2. Window treatments ... check!
3. Rug ... check!
4. Counter top organization ... check!
5. Cabinet contents organization ... mostly check!

WINDOWS. This time I ordered from Smith & Noble, an online window treatment company. I love Smith & Noble! If you are in the market for custom window treatments, here is why you should consider Smith & Noble - competitive prices, super quick service, great selection!

 

I started by looking at the gallery of photos on the web site to get ideas. Then, I measured the windows - there are easy how-to's on the site. I decided on natural woven shades with wide fabric banding. Next, I ordered free samples - don't try to order without seeing samples! Then, I followed the online instructions to build my window treatments and to get prices. At this point, I suggest signing up for Smith & Noble  email and wait for a sale - they have them all the time! If you have any questions, at all, you should call and speak to a representative before placing your order. I did, and they had good advice and thought of things that I didn't.

My kitchen shades arrived 12 days from the day I ordered! To compare, my bathroom shades from a local company took 10 weeks! Not kidding!

COUNTER TOPS. We added the rest of the IKEA Fintorp pieces that I had purchased.

But, the biggest improvement was this:

You might recall I had this idea and I was considering wood wall pockets that were expensive. Then, bingo! I remembered I had these plastic wall pockets already.

But, I didn't want the contents of the pockets to show, it would still look messy. Solution - cute patterned file folders to go inside each pocket! We also added a small trophy shelf (Home Depot) to cover the screws at the top of the wall pockets. Then, we added a short strip of hooks (Target) at the bottom for grocery bags, dog leash, etc. Honestly, the whole project cost about $30 (without the wall pockets).

This is the stuff that moved to the wall pockets:

 

And look at that same space now! (original watercolor from Etsy)

 

 

CABINET CONTENTS. I rearranged almost every cabinet starting with taking the door off this skinny upper cabinet and leaving it open.

 

 

 

 

There is a closet in the family room that contains part of our kitchen contents - sort of a butler's pantry (at the risk of overstating) in one half and game storage in the other half. Also we use it as a broom closet. (We removed the doors for easier access, just while we were working.)

So, I moved everything out of the kitchen that we don't use much like, Christmas dishes, the crock pot, the mixer & blender. I put those in the family room closet. This allowed me to put all the pantry items in the cabinets in the kitchen! Yay!

The closet is phase three of the kitchen project. I have an ideeee-a!

Linus acrylic drawer organizers and clear modular wall pockets from The Container Store. Two tiered lazy Susan is from Organize It.