Kitchen Canister Quandary?

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Started 2 months ago by akcorcoran
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akcorcoran
Member

I went to Pier1 and requested to know where those were and it never emailed me? Weird - maybe I'll call.

So, now that I am "out" with my clutter and in the continuing kitchen counter quandary - I have a whole additional dilemma with how to store in another location - also stuff that has no place to go but is cluttered and visible in the worst way.

Suggestions? I know jo and Zora and others will probably say clear - and maybe back in the "deep corner" (you'll see) we could do that, but for some reason given the cluttered size and look of our kitchen even if nothing was in it, I like to put things away with uniform opacity but could do labels if necessary (I've never met a label maker I didn't like).

OK, top of fridge: holds bars or 100 calorie cookies we eat everyday or pack for girls lunch. You'll see I made a poor attempt at putting in Tupperware but it just takes up space and doesn't look any less cluttered.
http://www.alexacorcoran.com/photos/topfridge.jpg

Ugh - now the "deep hole" - (OK - this looks particularly messy at the moment b/c the girls rifled through it but it's not often completely straight). This kitchen was so poorly designed that there's this big spot of counter that's way behind the fridge - can't put an appliance (like a toaster) there because you can't reach it. It just becomes the spot that all the extra snacks and such go (that don't fit in a cabinet, of course!) I'll admit the extra bags of Tostito chips could go downstairs in the basement, but any suggestions on the rest. Some items are a repeat (more bars, more 100 calorie items)
http://www.alexacorcoran.com/photos/holenexttofridge.jpg

Sigh - it's just so stressful to have that much clutter in what is already a small space. Suggestions? Or should I continue my canister mania...?

Posted 2 months ago #
akcorcoran
Member

Missed your post, Jeri - yes, we have a wine rack somewhere - going to put that to good use in our temperature controlled basement (just because it's a basement, not because it's a wine cellar!) and store them horizontally - thanks!

Posted 2 months ago #
Gypsie
Member

I would use a basket like the one that you keep your girls schoolwork in in that wierd corner next to the fridge for your snacks and bars. It will keep it corralled and yet be easy to pull out should you need to rifle through it.

Posted 1 month ago #
Claycat
Member

I can see what you mean by the deep hole. Would an old fashioned bread box fit back in there? Do you think that would help.

Jeri, I would be interested in hearing what solution you might have for AK's deep hole! LOL!

Posted 1 month ago #
Spelunk
Member

Maybe something like this drawer system would work? It's not the most attractive though! Perhaps you could find something more attractive but still in a drawer format?

http://www.containerstore.com/shopContent/auxImages.html?productId=10021471&page=1

I have one of these in a deep lower cabinet sorting craft supplies and so far it's working like a charm.

Posted 1 month ago #
akcorcoran
Member

Hi all - I was out of town for a few days so sorry for the gap there. Still working on both areas and heading out today to get canisters from Pier 1 (if they still have them).

I appreciate the solution suggestions for the "deep hole" - I am now classifying the whole area as one single problem with the goal of cleaning up and uncluttering the hole as well as making the top of the fridge EMPTY. That would be such a visual relief. I really like the container store suggestion - builds on Gypsie's suggestion (sorry I don't know names) but gives them that pull out ability which is keep for stacking for more storage and the depth of the area. Great idea. Will take measurements today and see how they might fit - they are expensive but worth the price for a solution for there.

Will keep you updated!
Alexa

p.s. Those could work in a bunch of places - my daughters bathroom for hair bands and other misc stuff comes to mind immediately!

Posted 1 month ago #
zchristy
Member

akcor - what are the 3 bins under the counter? Looks like you have 3 garbage cans -are they all necessary? That would make some storage space if you could make 1 garbage can and move it. Then you could put a rolling storage unit underneath for protein bars etc.

Posted 1 month ago #
lookinout
Member

I still use the 'vintage' canisters because they are rectangular and stackable. I will probably sand and repaint them soon.

What about the sets of plastic stacking drawers for the corner, or two side-by-side sets to fill the corner as much as possible. And a smaller size for the girls' hair care.

Posted 1 month ago #
Entropy
Member

Last time I was at Home Goods, they had some really nice, ceramic, square canisters. Cheap, too!

Posted 1 month ago #
akcorcoran
Member

hi - zchristy, the three bins are recycling cans, recycling paper and other goods, and then the dog foot (rolling) container. They actually work really well though not my favorite aesthetic. I figured I could upgrade the look later but they work very very well for function so I'd focus elsewhere. We did try having a pull-out drawer system once underneath there and it was sort of a nightmare- we were always bending over to try to get things and the drawers didn't really fit what we needed, so it became more frustrating. I do agree that it's useful space though. The box in the middle is junk that needs to go for sure.

Thanks for the other ideas - I've never been to Home Goods - do we have those in MD (and excuse my ignorance if we do!) :-)

Hubby seemed enthused about the container store shelving set - I think it would blend well and control chaos. But I'm going to take measurements and catalog what's in that corner before I plunk down money because I want to be sure I match the need.

Thanks for everyone still thinking of me - I'm going to take action this week!

Posted 1 month ago #
PKitty
Member

Can't wait to see what you decide to do! I am late coming into this discussion but here are my suggestions. I love the look of your glass-fronted top cabiniets. I would add a skirt to the underside of your counter and then you can organize behind that with Tupperware or Rubbermaid containers. I use the big rectangle Tupperware to collect things like bags of raisins, boxes of pudding, chocolate chips, etc. Then I label them with my label-maker and voila.

http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/Detail-kitchen-counter-HTOURS0805-de.jpg

For the deep hole, I would get a small set of drawers and keep stuff organized in them

http://www.kitchensource.com/kitchen-islands/images/ao-ki1901.jpg

I use Ball jars or Gem jars for storage on my countertop. I have things like granola, coconut, chocolate chips, etc. in them. The blue powder could go in one of the jars or if it is too hideous, under the counter behind the pretty curtain.

Posted 1 month ago #
irishfiregirrl
Member

Stopped lurking and joined just to address 'top of fridge' issue.
My fridge too has bags of tortilla chips, baked cheese puffs, wheat thins, etc.
I discuise them by throwing in large (but not deep) basket from Pier 1.
My chip basket has interesting texture, hides the snacks and most importantly is easy to pull down to breakfast table for easy access. Then its tossed back on top.

Basket on left side of photo is closest I could find http://tinyurl.com/yz6n755
Still doesn't do justice to my 2x3' decorative chip basket.

My kyds are in college now, but found baskets to be cheap, decorative containers for many child things. They add texture and warmth to home decor. And hide clutter.

Posted 1 month ago #
akcorcoran
Member

Final question and it's decision day tomorrow:

do you think it's too much visually to go with the canister set that actually matches my Villeroy & Boch everyday china. It is above that counter in the center class cabinet and I do have just one tray tiled up (rest is stacked) plus the bowls show the fruit. Is it to much and/or more clutter visually bc they don't blend in and fade away (my original goal) or they do that anyway bc it IS the same pattern?

Canisters are nice size and here:
http://images.replacements.com/images/images5/china/V/villeroy_boch_french_garden_fleurence_3_piece_canister_set_box_set_P0000245688S0001T2.jpg

note there is a variation pattern on the side that is a plain weave (green in arch pattern), so I could turn the that way - solid color weave facing front?
http://images.replacements.com/images/images5/china/V/villeroy_boch_french_garden_fleurence_large_canister_P0000109517S0126T2.jpg

Actual pattern is here - and I have mixed with a few of the complimentary patterns to mix it up.
http://www.kitchenclique.com/10-2281.html

Too much and stick with neutral? Or ok bc it blends by matching? Or too much matching?

Posted 1 month ago #
jsights
Member

Spelunk, thanks for posting that drawer system!! That would work great for cabinets under my kitchen counters. Organizing the kitchen is my biggest challenge. I'm usually pretty good at organizing stuff, but the kitchen as stumped me for years. I finally got my 2 utensil drawers organized, but under the cabinets where I store pots and pans and tupperware is awful (the tupperware is the biggest challenge...need to save my money to replace all of it with more uniform and managealbe sizes). The kitchen in my apt is pretty small. 2 drawers (for utentils - eating and cooking - can opener, chip clips, etc), 2 under cabinets for the aforementioned tupperware and such, and 6 upper cabinets for dishes (2), glassware (2), and misc stuff (2). My boyfriend and I need to evaluate the dishware. I had it much more contained before he moved in with the dishes from his previous marriage. It's hideous (IMO) green with a golf pattern on it, and we never use it. Maybe when we move I can convince him to get rid of it. Or I can part with mine. But that would save space.

So yes, I realize now clearing out some of the dishes/glassware would help.

Oh, and there's a pantry/cabinet floor to ceiling that is very deep, so things tend to get lost in the back there. No idea how to organize that. Stuff gets shoved in back never to be found again until we re-organize the whole thing!

Posted 1 month ago #
akcorcoran
Member

Hi jsights - I heard you on lack of storage and cabinet challenge - did you see my pictures of under my counter and the top of fridge and "deep hole"! I think I'm going with the drawer system for the hole back there. it would really meet my needs there.

Now, last night, I had an epiphany about under that counter (pic here again): ugh
http://bit.ly/bORR2d

Very much contributing to my clutter (assuming that the canisters and purging clean up the top! So, what about a shelving system under there - I thought of this because we actually just brought in an Ikea set that I could possibly put under there (either with or without the girls cabinet). It has square shelves which are actually kind of suited for kitchen stuff and baskets for every slot but I could use some and not on others.

here's the shelving unit:
http://bit.ly/daP2eJ

I measured and it will fit EITHER from the girls' cabinet underneath to the window (we'd have to move recycling) or if we move girls' cabinet and then it goes to recycling.

The more I think about it, the more useful I think *maybe* it could be, especially because those baskets FILL the space visually. Could use basket(s) for:
- The girls school and art supplies we need for homework everyday
- Extra things like pancake and cookie molds that we don't need everyday but use regularly (we have pancake Sat or Sun every week!)
- small serving pieces that are awkward to store on cabinet shelf
- snacks we don't need on counter (talking to you Tostitos bag!)
- Our dog treats
- chargers and travel cases for cameras (we have three), phones (we have two), etc.

And, if I want some open shelves, I can just take out basket or two. Plus, it would be VERY visually clean. My only worry would be making sure baskets don't become a dumping ground.

What do you think? Pros or cons?

Alexa

Posted 1 month ago #
akcorcoran
Member

STOP THE PRESSES! I just ordered my canisters and I'm SO excited - wish they were here today!

So, after all your advice and thoughtful suggestions, I actually moved a little from my original plan of just square white/neutral to branch out a little. After all the discussion, I sort of realized that removing the clutter and creating a useful area did not necessarily mean it had to be plain and disappear.

So, I still went with what I think will be neutral to the eye - all one color ( a wheat / yellow) and shape. They are Sorrento and a ceramic painted stoneware that is still sealed with rubber, dishwasher safe and quite lovely!

Only catch was they only had three canisters - so I looked at measurements and ordered two possibilities for my fourth - they structure and design of the pieces are identical so I think one will work for Sweet n' Low packets (I'm a big iced tea drinker!) - a little spice canister (4 x 4 inches) and then the sugar dish - which is the exact same design, just petite.

So, here they are in all their glory! When they arrive, I'll take pictures and send my uncluttered countertop your way!

The canister set: http://bit.ly/cJ5AqT

The sugar dish (see how that little guys matches the canisters!): http://bit.ly/9XMg8P

The spice jar (actually this shows the whole collection but at bottom left are the little spice jars in oregano, burgundy, wheat and ivory - again, they look just like the canisters but smaller than the smallest): http://bit.ly/cX8B3Z

And, for good measure, I got the utensil holder b/c I thought I could possibly use that in the line and eliminate the remaining small things (utensils or even just pencils, etc.): http://bit.ly/994WXb

Thanks AGAIN for all your advice on the countertop quandary - now moving on to the underneath area (per my post above), the top of fridge and the deep hole!

Thanks, thanks, thanks!

Posted 1 month ago #
heatherK
Member

I know I'm late to the discussion, but in case someone else is still looking for a situation for their canister problem... A few months ago I bought some square glass containers at Target (they have a brushed silver lid). They come in different heights and are sold separately, so you can buy all of the same height if you want, and you can buy the exact number you need. If you want opaque storage, one option is that you could buy some etching medium to make the glass cloudy (use it on the outside of the container only). If this still isn't opaque enough for you, you could paint the outside after etching (I've never tried this, but I don't know why it wouldn't work).

Posted 1 month ago #
akcorcoran
Member

ANOTHER UPDATE!

OK, today was worth paying to send my girls to aftercare at their school! Such progress!

I'm so excited! I tested my idea on the bookshelf (which most haven't even caught up to yet!), slugging it across the house alone (that was a challenge; I actually fell over it front first at one point, that'll leave a bruise!) -

and it FITS PERFECTLY! It's even the same shade as my wood cabinet for my daughters' plates / cups.

Take a look! Look, Look (I'm giddy like a 5-year old - oh, and imagine the canisters above holding all the containers on the top of the counter right of the blender!)

http://bit.ly/9zSteS

http://bit.ly/d9HZCm

(As a reminder, here's the horrible disaster that was the before: http://bit.ly/bORR2d )

I think it really works, don't you? I've already moved their daily homework school supplies into top left basket. Dog treats and food into top right. Now to figure out the rest!

The only big problem is that we lost the space for the recycling container. :0( No where else inside I can think of that going as we don't have a mudroom or even a spare closet floor. We could move the girls to all the adult glasses and china and eliminate that, but I love the way that looks there and it's still a useful system for us. Hmmm...

Oh, what a day!
Alexa

Posted 1 month ago #
zchristy
Member

akcor - it looks GREAT! Just like it was MADE for that spot! NICE JOB!

Is there any room in the baskets for that massive protein powder jug? And if the teas or whatever are still on top would (besides the blender on the left?) could be cleared it would look AMAZING!

What did you do with the wine? (Curious...lol)

Do you have a spot for the recycling yet? Could you buy covered plastic garbage cans and store them outside - is ther a door nearby?

Great job!

Posted 1 month ago #
zchristy
Member

Ahh sorry - just read the bit about the canisters and the stuff on the counter - when they come that kitchen will look WONDERFUL!

How did you organize the baskets - can you take us through which baskets have which items?

Amazing how it was in your house this whole time - fit to a T. :)

Posted 1 month ago #

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