If I had to describe this kitchen to someone who hadn’t seen it, I would initially say it’s small. But it’s actually not that small. Then I would say that it doesn’t have a lot of storage. This is actually true. Or maybe I just have too much stuff. You’ll see upper and lower cabinets and a few drawers, which should be enough space for a couple with no children, but we have so many dishes. I count this as a huge blessing. We were so incredibly fortunate to receive many pieces for our kitchen when we got married. I don’t remember if I registered for all of those mixing bowls, but I will say that I’ve used each and every one of them and therefore find it extremely hard to part with any of them. I also have things like waffle makers and quesadilla makers that live in upper cabinets that may not get regular use, but when I need them, I know where they are. I guess I’ve got just enough of my Granny in me to justify hoarding all of these things (and much more) and also just enough of my Aunt Sharon in me to truly appreciate (and use) a pretty dish. I still have unpacked boxes in our guest room labeled “dishes” and “glasses”. One day I’ll need them. Right?! 
The deep windowsills in the kitchen have acted as extra shelves and are holding fruit, dish cloths, spices, and coffee. The corner to the left of the stove is so full of things that don’t always get used on a daily basis, but get used often enough, so I put up with the cluttered look. The upside of this: everything is easily accessible. And the windows are going to get a makeover soon with this beautiful fabric I found at Joann’s. I thought it tied in nicely with the rug from my living room. Sort of a reverse version of it. 
One of the things I’ve really enjoyed about this kitchen is the gas stove. I grew up with one, but I’ve only encountered electric stoves in all of my other homes. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed cooking on it these past seven months. It’s the little things.
Behind the slatted doors is our laundry room. It is quite spacious, and I’ve thought about adding some sort of shelving system to act as a pantry. It’s just one of those things that I’ve thought about but haven’t put into action. It would probably make my life a little easier, but though things are a little cluttered, we are making it work just fine. I wasn’t kidding about those bowls. I had to get a yard sale shelf just to have somewhere to put them. 
We also have access to the back porch from our kitchen. This is super convenient for the dogs. Since we live on a main street, there is no front yard or grass for the dogs to run in, but we do have a really nice porch with a spacious grassy area in back. I love the rug from Target that my sweet mama bought for me not too long ago. I wanted another one to replace the old orange one in font of the sink. Unfortunately, I can’t find it online at Target. I’m hoping it’s still in store. If not, I found several cute options here. 
One thing I absolutely love about this kitchen is the natural light that comes in. The sun pours in every morning making everything feel awake. I just love it. In our last house we didn’t have many windows that allowed for maximum sunlight in common areas like the living room and kitchen. I said then that if we ever moved back to Alabama that I hoped to find a place that had lots of natural light so we could open up the windows and let it in. Mission accomplished.
Though it isn’t big or have as much storage or that big island I had in my last kitchen, it works for us. We make some delicious meals here; we open some pretty tasty take-out containers here; we do a lot of dishes here; I’ve even been known to have a dance party or two here. It’s a great kitchen. It’s already filled with memories, cooking failures and successes, blood (I’m not the greatest with knives), sweat, tears (onions, y’all), and I believe a scar will be the result of a recent burn from the oven. So, even though it’s unlike any kitchen we’ve had before, we love it.
Anyone else have a small kitchen? More importantly, does anyone have any budget-friendly organizational tips? Anyone have any fun small kitchen stories? Or any kitchen stories for that matter? Share them with me in the comments. It seems like so much happens in the kitchen. I guess that’s why they call in the heart of the home.
I love that fabric for curtains and the natural sunlight! I have a scar from a can opener fight-very unfortunate. I have since bought a new can opener. I love to cook, so I love my kitchen, and I genuinely enjoy creating tasty treats for me and others! You said it best-the kitchen is the heart of the home!
Can openers are the devil! I have yet to find a hand held one that works properly. Thanks for the kind words. 🙂
Do you remember the kitchen in the house we just moved from—it had one square yard of counter space. Legit, I measured it. And a pantry the size of a cell phone, just my spices filled it up. Miserable. Now I have miles of counters and space for even the dishes I haven’t bought yet but know that I will, and most of which you will probably have to deal with someday . I guess I am saying all things come to those who can wait. And over the door shelving and organization goodies. Better Homes and Gardens Brand has some really great drawer organizers,etc. Buy a thrift store book case, paint it a great color, wallpaper the back and put all your small appliances on it freeing cabinet space for something else and creating some kitchen art. But realize you will never have a big enough kitchen—I want a Pioneer Woman mixer and I don’t even bake.
I do remember your kitchen. One yard?! That’s just insane. Especially for you and all your dishes. 🙂 I cannot wait to come visit your new home. I know it will be beautiful. I agree on never having a big enough kitchen. I will always find more things than I have room for. And if it happens to be your dishes, then I’ll just have to take your advice and get that thrifted book case. You should get the mixer! Especially if you have the counter space now.