When AT reader Erika moved into her new apartment along with two other roommates; the three of them weren't sure how long they'd stay. But after deciding to sign on for another two years, they decided to do a few upgrades around the apartment, getting rid of quick fix-its in favor of more efficient, long-term solutions. The first order of business? Revamping the kitchen pantry.
Before & After: Erika's Kitchen Pantry
In the little nook off the kitchen, Erika had put a cheap cabinet from Kmart as a place to store communal snacks. Inside the nook were grooves for shelves, but no actual shelves. So, Erika and her roommates went to work creating a more efficient solution to maximize their kitchen storage space. Out with the cabinet:
After assessing the condition of the back wall, they decided to get wood cut from their local hardware store for shelves before sanding and painting the entire nook:
Finally, she had some leftover paint from when they repainted the living room a warm grey color. The darker grey tone gives the whole kitchen a bit more dimension, especially given how white the cabinets and appliances are. An added bonus: Erika picked up the Ikea sideboard in great condition in the hallway of her old apartment building with a TAKE ME sign. Now, it's pulling double duty as an island and a place to store extra dishes.
Thanks for sharing, Erika!
Comments (10)
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Good work.
Isn't it great how well the gray paint works? I'd have thought that it would be too dark for the little nook, but it's really nice. And excellent score on the island.
The only thing I'd suggest is now finding something to put on the gray wall. Yellow often looks good with gray and would provide a nice pop of color. Maybe you could find a small-ish print or a calendar with some warm colors --or go utilitarian and put hooks or pegs for a broom, dust pan, or apron.
view klt108's profile
Looks great, and I agree about hanging something on the gray wall for interest. That white rug by the stove would maybe last a week with the way I cook, but hey, if you can keep it white, I'm impressed!
view elissa's profile
Looks great, but after seeing the before, I lament over the loss of those cabinets. I don't know. That's just me because I have a space problem at my place. But the after does look great. Good job.
view niabassett's profile
Love the gray. What was the brand and the shade you used?
view Molunat's profile
They blocked a window for shelves? I think the grey paint is great, but I'd rather have the window.
view FantasticMrFaux's profile
I have the same stove in my apartment.
view sarahisaghost's profile
The island in the kitchen is great. I like how it ties in the wood from the small countertop and warms everything up. Also, the grey paint is very nice. Thanks for sharing!
view tara1979's profile
I kind of like the shelves in there but there should be a door now that there is no cabinets - at least a curtain hanging there.
view ChrisGal's profile
Nice work! I think it was absolutely the right decision to cover up the window in favor of shelving -- it's a tiny window in a closet. And I would not put back in a door -- thought a print of something on the beautiful grey wall would look good.
For everyone looking for the grey -- it's leftover Ralph Lauren Polaris from their living room (specified in the prior post linked to in this one).
view contralto's profile
The paint color for the nook (and the living room) is actually
BEHR : Flat, Matte, Prem Plus Interior Flat - Garden Wall 730D-4
(The Ralph Lauren paint was used for Erika's bedroom).
Hope that helps...!
view grace's profile