Geiger Cleaning Week: Day 2

For the second day of our busy, busy week, I decided to tackle our kitchen. Lately it has been bothering me. The lack of storage space, plus too many things that we don't need, plus unfinished counter tops makes the kitchen one nonfunctional place. I like to feel inspired by the world around me and when in the kitchen, I always felt inhibited. Who wants to whip up a culinary masterpiece when you have no space to do so? 

Enter stage left our cleaning challenge and I was all over that space like fleas on a dirty dog. It was time to make some changes, clean out the old things that we never use, and bring out my cookbooks that have been packed away in a box. I also wanted to be more intentional about where I put things. This space needed to be really functional and organized in a way that allowed for easy access to things and plenty of prep space. 

Why don't we start by looking at some of the before pictures?

As you can see, the counter space was limited. Due to lack of cabinetry that fits tall small appliances, my mixer and coffee maker were out on the counter as well as all of my cooking utensils, paper towel holder, and a small basket where we put odds and ends produce.  All of this limited the space I used as prep area. 

So, I decided that my main goal would be to clean off some of the counter space and organize the open cabinetry--it was looking a bit cluttered. In the end, I ended up bringing down the white bookcase, that I was using beside my bed, to use as storage for some of those taller small appliances. This also enabled me to move my cooking utensils, have a place for my cookbooks and recipe box, and, bonus, it filled up the empty space nicely! Jonathan came home and wondered allowed why it has taken us so long to utilize the space. My thoughts exactly. Now for a bit of before and after side-by-side action for you. 

The kitchen feels so much more....open...if you ask me. I know it is hard to tell, but I also organized our pantry. Instead of having things all over the place, I have organized all the items into various categories. It will make finding something a breeze. Plus, I was able to get rid of old items and do a mental inventory of what I have. 

Here are the after pictures by themselves so you can get a closer look. Doesn't she (she? he?) look wonderful?! 

Now I'm ready to whip up a fantastic meal! Plus, with it being a rainy kind of day around here, I may just have to bake something yummy. I will keep you posted.

Oh and please come back tomorrow! Wait till you see the transformation I have for you. You might just pee a bit. I know I will...once its done that is ;)