Small IKEA Kitchen Organization-Guest Suite #2

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Organizing a small kitchen has it’s own special challenges. I had to re-examine what was needed with my newly renovated IKEA kitchen in my guest suite . My accent colour of red remains to co-ordinate with the colours in the living room.

Step One in kitchen organization...

Of course, I had to declutter before I started to organize. (I’m sure you saw that coming if you have read any of my other organizing blogs.) There is no point in organizing things that are not necessary or need replacing, so it’s time for them to go.

Step Two in kitchen organization...sorting & cleaning...

Everything was sorted and cleaned. The new dishwasher was tested by putting everything that was dishwasher safe through it first, and then I hand washed everything else.

Organizing corner cabinets...

IKEA has two different types of corner cabinets and I have used both in this kitchen. One is rectangular in shape with two pullout shelves and the other has a pie-shaped lazy Susan turntable. The pullout shelves are great for the pots and pans.

One of my favorite organizing tips is to put the toaster in a bin to catch all the crumbs and help keep the cabinet clean. All bins hold “like” things together such as the measuring cups & spoon, and small appliances – a hand mixer and electric knife. Baking pans and racks were put on a little dividing rack. A colander and a couple of glass baking dishes were put on the bottom shelf too. Finally, a large cutting board was tucked into the side.

The oven mitt and potholders hang on a Command hook on the cabinet door. I put a larger baking sheet and pan in the stove’s warming drawer.

What's under the sink?

I splurged on a pullout garbage and compost bin. All the dishwashing items are on the other side. My old dish rack and drain board didn’t fit anymore so I bought a little, collapsible one. Most things would go in the dishwasher anyway, so there would be very little that had to be washed by hand. I put the dishwashing liquid, the dishwasher tabs, scrubber pads, etc. in a little bin. Command hooks on the cabinet door were used again to hang the dish brush and scrubber cloth.`

Maximizing drawer space for kitchen organization...

One of the things I love about IKEA kitchen drawers are the versatility of adding extra hidden drawers inside of the bigger ones. A couple of inexpensive IKEA drawer organizers for the cutlery fit the drawer perfectly. I had previously bought the other organizers from a dollar store. Everything was organized by category – everyday cutlery, knives, gadgets, etc.

Some of the utensils and other items that had seen better days were replaced. Worn out and stained dish cloths and towels were switched out for new ones.

Upper cabinet organization...

I tried to keep things minimal in the corner cabinet – a teapot, a set of red mixing bowls and some basic staples. Green tea, salt & pepper & coffee whitener are on the turntable, but unfortunately the olive oil didn’t fit.😞

Dishware, cups and glasses are in the largest upper cabinet. There are even some food saver containers for left overs and a casserole dish. Some real Tupperware cereal bowls and a few plastic cups for kids were included, as well as a milk jug and a pitcher for juice.

But where would they put their food?

I left the empty cabinet over the stove for unperishable food items that don’t have to go in the fridge. Chips anyone?

Utilizing the countertops, shelf & fridge...

As much as I like an uncluttered look, and want to keep things as easy to clean as possible, the countertop is a great place to keep a few things that are used regularly. From the paper towel and microwave to a new utensil holder beside the stove. I added some new red and black utensils that are frequently used. The red kettle plugs in here and the new cutting board and paddle server are propped against the wall.

A basket that can hold fruit is on top of the fridge. In the coffee and tea area is the Keurig coffee machine and sugar. Finally the tray & wood bowls on the floating shelf are both functional and decorative.