Kitchen Sink Storage Makeover
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Benefits Of Storage Makeovers
OK, this is perhaps not one of our more exciting “makeovers", but - before you scroll on by - let me tell you why it is so important that you do this.
Cleaning out the kitchen cabinet under-sink storage will help you learn to get rid of “stuff” that is not needed. It will make you THINK about the purpose of a storage area. What do you want and need from this area? You will end up with a happy space that serves its proper purpose, rather than just a place where excess stuff is tossed.
My Kitchen Cabinet Story
We moved to our new home 2 years ago - what I call our cottage in the Pacific Northwest, because it is so small compared to our previous home in the Southwest. We found our “perfect home”, but realized it would need a total renovation. The first time I toured the house, I knew that the under-sink area in the kitchen would be on the list, but would be a very low priority item. Next to ripping down ceilings and tearing up floors, this barely deserved a listing on my long list of renovation projects.
I looked forward to it though, because I knew that reworking this area would mean that the house was basically done. I have learned that it is never really done, because now we have a list of decorative trim ideas - but you know what I mean. The house is almost finished. It is cozy and livable - unlike the mess we lived in for 2 years.
However, the under-sink storage was dark, dingy, and didn’t serve the function I needed.
GETTING READY FOR THE MAKEOVER
I knew that I didn’t want to merely re-organize. I needed to think clearly about my space. What did I want it to accomplish? What items were important for me, and what was I willing to part with? There were a few things that were particularly annoying. I hated sticking my hand into the dishwasher soap container, with the lid scraping the back of my hand. Who came up with that design? I didn’t like the disorganization. I never really knew just what I had because important things might be buried under items I didn’t use. It was dark under the cabinet, and I have trouble seeing in dark environments. I kept the roll of contact paper in the cabinet, because “some day” I would use it in this cabinet. Looking at it each day was a reminder that I had a job to do.
Desired function of the area and available space had to be carefully considered in order to create a space that increased my quality of life. I mean that seriously - I was DONE with trying to find things I needed while shoving things around that were NEVER used.
I am a believer in the “minimalist” way of life. My Norwegian grandfather was a minimalist before that term existed. He and my grandmother lived simply. They had no debt, and desired few material items. They believed in living comfortably and within their means. They worked hard, and enjoyed time off for travel, hiking, camping, and visiting family. My grandfather built what he needed, or refurbished items he found. He was always amazed at the volume of items Americans threw away. Because of the lifestyle they lived, they retired while young. They had just what they needed in the way of material items, yet were wealthier than most in that they had FREEDOM.
Time to do what one wants to do is the most important thing in life, in my opinion. That comes with owning less “things.”
I am sticking to that philosophy now. Refer to my article (listed below).
In planning my under-sink makeover, I kept these ideas in mind, as well as my list of what I found annoying. I knew that, with careful planning, I could create a nice space.
Read my latest article to help get motivated :-)
Give yourself the gift of freedom. Exchange the endless tidying up of your home for hiking, sewing, crafting - or following your own true passions.
Project Supplies
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Kitchen food composter less going into the garbage means you can have a small trash can; I don't have this due to low counter space. I use a small container to hold food scraps and I empty it outside after each use.
Shelf paper more washable than paint and it brightens up the area
Battery operated light for inside the cabinet
General Wall Painting Supplies tape, sandpaper, paint brushes, stir sticks, paint can opener, screw driver for removing outlet covers and hardware
STEPS OF AN UNDER-SINK CABINET MAKEOVER
1. Remove everything from under the sink and lay it out where you can clearly see all items.
2. Decide On Function
What do you want the function of the space to be? What do you actually need to store under the sink? Make a list.
This was my list:
garbage can
recycle bin for produce (I store peelings etc. here while preparing meals, then take them out to the outside recycle bin as soon as time permits)
kitchen counter cleaner
garbage bags
dish soap / dishwasher soap
dish scrubbers
Nothing else belonged under my sink. Also, I knew I didn’t need multiples of items. That made part of the job easy - I tossed out duplicates, or moved them to a room in the house that needed the item.
3. Take Measurements & Plan The Space
Plan where items will go. My under-sink area is a bit strange due to the configuration of the pipes. That’s OK - I just need the right containers, and I must carefully consider use of space.
4. Clean & Apply Primer (as needed)
I used the shop vac, then wiped the walls and cabinet floor with a damp sponge. Use TSP if needed (follow directions on the box). De-gloss if needed (use fine sandpaper, then use a tack cloth to remove sanding dust). I used Kilz as a primer. That is a great paint to seal a surface. Wow! Just adding the primer brightened up the space.
NOTE: the square cut into the floor of the cabinet was to allow access to the pipe underneath. The previous owners had placed a formica sheet over the entire floor of the cabinet. I decided to keep the open area in case access is needed in the future.
At this point, I was happy with how things were going, and decided to make sure my new storage items would fit as planned. Perfect!
5. Apply Paint
For the top coat of paint, I used a bright white satin by Behr. Ultra pure white. It is the basic paint, with no tint. I used this same paint on the trim in the house.
TIP: I use the same paints in the house wherever possible. This saves space by removing the need for storing multiple colors of paint. All wall color is the same throughout the house, as is all trim. For trim, I use the bright ultra white because it is very clean and crisp. That is just my preference, and bright white is needed because the walls are quite light.
7. Add Light / Put Items In Their New Homes
For my light, I used a stick-on, battery operated light. No wiring is needed, and it is easy to install. I placed the formica floor after covering it with the contact paper. The plastic food container on top of the drawer units will hold the produce peelings and cuttings as needed. I empty it outside after each use. A few of the drawers are empty at this time. They could be used for sponges or other small items.
I love my new organized space!
I can easily get to my dishwasher soap - no more sticking my hand into a narrow container.
Click the following two photos for larger view on mobile devices.
WARNING: This is NOT a child proof area. However, I love this set-up because, if wee ones come over, I can quickly grab these few containers and move them to the garage, OR into my new closet laundry. In the future, that is where all cleaning products will be. A small number of dishwasher pods can go into a bowl in a high kitchen cabinet when that time comes.
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