“I read recipes the same way I read science fiction. I get to the end and say to myself "well, that's not going to happen.” - Rita Rudner
Yes, we finally have a kitchen!
With limited wall space (about 300 cm or 9 ft 10 inches) to dedicate to our kitchen in Lonlay l'Abbaye, we had some doubts as to whether or not we could fit in all of the elements that we deemed essential, and not have it feel cramped or cluttered. So when the kitchen planner at the Leroy Merlin store took our wish list of cabinets and appliances and created the above schematic, my first thought was, "well, that's not going to happen."
But somehow....
With limited wall space (about 300 cm or 9 ft 10 inches) to dedicate to our kitchen in Lonlay l'Abbaye, we had some doubts as to whether or not we could fit in all of the elements that we deemed essential, and not have it feel cramped or cluttered. So when the kitchen planner at the Leroy Merlin store took our wish list of cabinets and appliances and created the above schematic, my first thought was, "well, that's not going to happen."
But somehow....
Jim and Nicola started to put the pieces together in March, and it began to look possible.
Fitting the countertop, and pre-made cabinet walls and doors into this corner cannot have been easy, as I had, as always, insisted on leaving the "charm" of the uneven wall angles of the house.
By May - Voilà! Our kitchen is installed! We'll have to think of something to do in the odd corner wedge - maybe fit in a wine rack, and we may buy another small table or island to have more work space, but this one wall has all we really need.
The tall cabinets on the right contain the refrigerator. We have not been out to Lonlay yet to test out the appliances, but we do plan to visit in June. It will likely take us three days to read and decipher the appliance manuals!
The clothes washer is also hidden behind a cabinet door. It is a "lave-linge sechant," meaning that it is a washer and dryer in one. Depending on the program you set, it can wash or dry, or wash and dry the same load. Theoretically that is, as the similar machine in our Paris place interprets "dry" to mean "damp."
We opted not to put in a dishwasher, as we normally don't have a lot of dishes to wash, and space is at a premium in the tiny house. In France, every major appliance also has to have its own dedicated electrical outlet.
We opted not to put in a dishwasher, as we normally don't have a lot of dishes to wash, and space is at a premium in the tiny house. In France, every major appliance also has to have its own dedicated electrical outlet.
The main kitchen storage space will be in the overhead cabinets, under the sink, and in the four drawers. The cabinetry is a soft-white painted wood. Would be curious to see your suggestions for wall color and backsplash tile.
Not sure yet where we will store pots and pans, but we will work it out. Our meal preparation is typically very simple, and we rely more on knives and whisks than on specialty appliances.
Not sure yet where we will store pots and pans, but we will work it out. Our meal preparation is typically very simple, and we rely more on knives and whisks than on specialty appliances.
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Our Paris apartment kitchen is similarly compact, but built in a "U" configuration, with cabinets up to the ceiling. I have to use a step stool to reach up to the top shelves.
BEFORE
AFTER
For now, we are looking forward to stepping into our very own "After" version of the kitchen.
And we'll be stepping in through our new door as well!
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