What to do with this small space / alcove in the kitchen

Question

I have a very small alcove in the kitchen that's only about 19 inches deep but about 94 inches wide. I would love to set it up so that I have extra storage for my pots and pans, a cabinet or place to hide the garbage can and a nice area for maybe a coffee station / work station. I can't spend a lot of money, looking to keep it under $200 to do this. Ideas? I can tell you it can be shabby chic or modern..I love eclectic things. To the left is the small pantry. As you can tell I am not making good use of this space at all right now.

Country Design Home · Answer

Hi BBB! For a sleek or modern look, I would check out components at IKEA. You could put together a few pieces to create a 'custom' built in for a fraction of the price, like tall glass cabinets at each end and a counter height section in the middle where you could tuck your trash and recycling. If it's a country look you are going for, then I would check out Craigslist and find a large cupboard or cabinet that would fit into that space. Even an old entertainment center could be painted and retro-fitted to create a coffee bar. Or, try two tall bookcases with an old door (cut down to fit) in between could serve as your work station/coffee bar.

MaryStLouis · Answer

@Country Design Home has some good ideas. I went to Craigslist in your area and saw several armoires and china cabinets for sale, several as low as $99. Example: http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/fuo/4817068978.html You can paint anything the color of your choice if you decide to go in that direction. IKEA is a great source for inexpensive storage units but if you have a Home Decorators in your area they, too, will have some good options. It might be worth it to have someone simply extend the existing pantry all the way over so you have one large storage closet.

BBB · Answer

Thanks Mary St Louis ..it's a bit country looking to me but a good idea to possibly convert a cabinet that way. All wood is an advantage:)

Suzi Cloutier · Answer

How bout adding some repurposed shelves and storing bulk foods in vintage ball canning jars on it?

BBB · Answer

Thanks for the answers, but I'm still hoping for more ideas.

Diane · Answer

I would make a coffee bar there! Hide all your small appliances under the cabinet!

Diane · Answer

check out this facebook page, she has some great ideas https://www.facebook.com/refreshliving1/photos/a.494894630553886.119709.487019571341392/785003498209663/?type=1&theater

BBB · Answer

thanks diane that sounds like an affordable idea.

Tracy · Answer

I think something with some height would look great there. Look for a tall Armoire on craigslist. In the Minneapolis area there are several under $100. Paint it some fun color - even on the inside. Hide the garbage can inside a door - maybe remove 1 door depending on the cabinet just for coffee maker and supplies. My neighbor actually bought an old armoire for $30 that was to deep for her space and she basically cut it in half depth wise!. Good Luck and have FUN with the space. Do something that will make you smile!

Karin From B'ham · Answer

Pinterest has boards on Coffee Bars and Coffee Stations. Lots of creative ideas. Might want to check those out for inspiration. Good luck!!

Leigh Rowan · Answer

Look on Craigslist or for a restore for used upper cabinets, they are 12 in depth, run them the whole length of the offset and paint to match, also purchase a used countertop. You can build a 2x4 box to raise them to the proper height. You can then also move the electrical box up to the proper height, I would put in a double outlet to accommodate the other appliances. Open display shelves to make it look like a piece of furniture/hutch, or purchase enough to have matching upper and lower cabinets.

Vincenza · Answer

I would suggest a tailor-made bank (to be used as storing and sitting facility) together with wall-shelves. Something like this. I am afraid I could not find the exact picture. Nevertheless, I think these links might be helpful. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/86412886571597414/ http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-create-a-fire-safe-home/index.html http://www.fourgenerationsoneroof.com/2012/02/how-to-build-window-seat-tutorial.html http://www.pinterest.com/styleestate/window-seat/ Have fun & ciao! Vincenza

Elaine · Answer

I would make a walk in pantry out of that room. Just think of the weight it would take off your kitchen cabinets. just an idea.

BBB · Answer

Anyway, thank you all for your suggestions, it's greatly appreciated.

Michelle · Answer

Perfect area for a banquette seating perhaps with storage inside or with baskets add a pedestal table. Above the wall where the bench would be place a nice big mirror

Kathi S · Answer

Diane from Texas has a great idea and I would expand on that a bit. The top of the redone dresser could become your coffee bar. Have hubby, or yourself add open shelves to the rest of the back wall, all the way across, painted to match dresser. Most home improvement stores have stock shelving, either finished or unfinished and wall mounts of various kinds. Big-box stores like Home Depot or Lowes will be much cheaper than local stores. Do some research. Wish I had that cute alcove!

Sandy · Answer

My husband did sometning years ago, was not expensive, he had some wood, made a cabinet that fit, stained it and put some shelves in and doors, I use this for appliances, cookie sheets, etc. on the top shelf he made a couple of hide away drawers, when you mlift them up, I have a silver ware drawer for those utensils that I use only for special occasionns, ie. Chistmas

Joan M · Answer

How about a bench seat with storage and shelves up above. The bench would be seating for one side of the table? chairs on the other side..

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

When you can do a more permanent treatment, I would add a bank of cabinets. Maybe one area dropped a bit to accommodate a laptop, etc. like a mini office. You can never have too much money or too much storage!

Jean Thompson · Answer

I like the ideas above for using an old Dresser with Shelves or Cupboards above... More Storage + the Flat top for your Coffee Area..( you could put Ceramic Tile there. The Back Splash Area (wall) between the top of the dresser and the First Shelf should Be about 18 inches. You can add Cork Squares to use as a Message board, Area for a Calendar, Painted Area for a Chalk Board etc..

What to do with this small space / alcove in the kitchen

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What to do with this small space / alcove in the kitchen

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