I really could use the space in this cabinet. I have jars and jars of stuff I use on the daily. I forget what I have because as you can see, it’s hidden behind more jars, and so on…
We all are trying to gain more cabinet space/counter space. How do we do that without going into debt? What if we can’t spare the room? What if we can’t add on? What if tearing out cabinets isn’t an option or adding more? How do we gain more…?
My solution was to take four inches away from my counters. What I mean by that is I built a shelf that sits on the back half of my countertop. I don’t ever recall a time when I’ve used my counters to the very back, so I knew I wouldn’t miss it. Here’s is what I did…
Off to the scrap pile I go…
1 x 4’s … I measured the length of the counter this shelf would sit on and cut accordingly.
Drill holes counter sinking each one. I then used wood screws to screw it together.
Sanding the wood before screwing it all together is much easier than doing it after, which I did…Here, I’m sanding/smoothing the screw holes as there are always burrs left over from drilling.
Here it is!
Turn on the lights! It fits the space just right.
I some gained serious space…Like whole two shelves in that cabinet!
This was a total win-win. I’ve freed a cupboard and gained a useful shelf that makes it super easy to get to ingredients I use daily. No more pulling jars out to see what’s behind. Very convenient! I’ve prepared dishes and rolled dough on this counter and haven’t missed those four inches!
Figure out what it is YOU really need from your kitchen. Remember the blog post on the coffee cups here? Whatever your needs are, more than likely there is a way to make your kitchen space more usable for YOU. An organized kitchen that works for your lifestyle makes all the difference in creating those wonderful dishes you make with love!
I’m looking for suggestions….should I stain this shelf or whitewash it?
I hope this gives you some ideas to making your own space work for you!
Remember, if I can do it, you can do it!
Peace, Koko
If you know someone who this post would benefit, please share/follow. I so appreciate you and thank you in advance!
At Koko's Place 
Stain I think. That’s a great idea, too!
One of the boards is stained a bluish color from an older project…I still think it would take on a natural wood stain. I am planning on redoing my kitchen cabinets. (Super scratch/scuffed up from years of pets and people…) Perhaps I will use the same color on the new shelf! Thank you for the suggestion. Hope you have a fantastic day! 🙂
As always, I love your ingenuity. Nice idea and congrats on the space gain. I vote for stain and Tung oil. Will white wash pick up and show dust/debris? Best!
It’s been super useful, that for sure! My father in-law loved Tung oil. I just may do that in his memory. I am going to be redoing my kitchen cabinets. I’m still on the fence as to how and what to do. I’m a dust-bunny junkie…having things clean helps me think, so no dust is allowed to sit as long as I need to think! Hahaha…Thank you James for commenting. Your trailer is impressive! I want to get better at photography. I like taking pictures of nature and my pets. Still learning! Any way, thanks for popping in! Take care! 🙂
omg such a good idea & so aesthetically pleasing too!!
Thank you for saying so! Sure makes it convenient as I make my many cups of rose hip or hibiscus tea! Awesome of you to stop by! 🙂
What a lovely and practical project. Oooh I would like to know more about your hibiscus tea.
I buy loose flowers cut and sifted by a company called Frontier Natural Products. I mail order it from Swanson Vitamins. I put about a teaspoon or a nice pinch of hibiscus petals and a teaspoon to a tablespoon of rose hips in a cup and add hot water. I sip it and eat the petals and hips or dump it in my compost for the garden. 😉 Hibiscus is quite tart so a little goes a long way. You can also put the petals in a vessel, add cold water and let it sit for a refreshing lightly flavored water. I don’t sweeten it as I like the tartness of it. I drink 1-3 cups a day. It’s so good for you! I hope you give it a try. So wonderful to have you stop by. Have a glorious day! Hugs!
Wow! Thanks so much. You are awesome. I love this and I will definitely give it a try. 😍
Yay! I hope you like it! 🙂
I’m pretty sure I will. I have a love for tea and this recipe sounds heavenly.
I made something similar, bought and filled a bunch of honey jars with herbs and spices, laid them on their sides, and it became my large spice rack.
That’s awesome! Don’t you love it when you have things right where you can find them easily? Makes preparing things so much more fun! Glad you made your kitchen work for you! That’s what it’s about. Thank you for your comment. Take care!
Okay❗️ It’s official❗️ I want to be you when I grow up❗️
Seriously, you always have the coolest ideas and make the coolest things…
You definitely think outside the box and I love it.
I always look forward to coming back here and discovering what you are up to next.
Great stuff❗️Keep it up❗️🏆
Your words always uplift me and keep me keeping on! Thank you for that. Happy weekend to you! 🙂
Brilliant idea, Koko, and well done!
Thank you sweet lady! Means a lot. Enjoy your weekend. Fingers crossed here for more rain! 🙂
Such a good idea 🌧
Thank you. It helps me to like my kitchen a little more! Have a great day!
What a fantastic idea – and it looks great.
Thanks Sarah! I always say, “An organized home is a happy one.” And for me it’s so true. Helps me to enjoy being in the kitchen more. Don’t get me wrong, I love cooking, but my kitchen is not fun to be in. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! 🙂
What a great idea! Stain it!
I’m readying my kitchen cabinets for a re-do. Perhaps I should stain it the same color? I appreciate your input. Thank you for stopping by. Have a lovely weekend!
I would stain it the same!
Okay, if I stain, I will do it the same. 🙂
I vote stain – unless there is more white in the kitchen. Looks fantastic. Good job!!
No white in the kitchen at the moment. I am considering staining the kitchen cabinets darker to see what that is like, one: to post about that and show how I did it and also I think it may be easier than full blown painting the cabinets for now. My cabinets need some serious attention. Later on, I may try other techniques on the cabinets. Take care Joy! Have an awesome day. 🙂
Oh, yes, clever! Stain it!! 🙂
Thank you for your vote! And….thank you for coming by. I totally appreciate that. Have a wonderful day! 🙂
What a great idea!! I love the space saving idea, and it’s always a struggle with numerous spice bottles. Love this!
I know I want a giant kitchen, but that really isn’t possible. I just had to find a a way to make more space! This really does work for me. Everything I use most of the time is so handy. A time saver for sure! Thank you for popping over here. Enjoy your day! 🙂
You have amazing ideas and they all turn out so beautifully. I’ve just been scrolling for the last hour reading your blog posts. I am now a huge fan!
Day made! Thank you so much for your thoughtful and kind words. I needed that today! How’d you know? 😉 I’m honored you chose to spend your valuable time here. Hope to see more of you! Have a lovely day dear! Hugs! 🙂
I might have to copy this! Wonderful idea!
Do it! It’s so useful. Living with it now, I still love it. Hasn’t gotten in the way at all and really has made it seem like I’ve gained more space. Lovely to have you stop by Annie! Take care!
When I get into my tiny London room I’m going to send you the photo of how on earth I can fit all my stuff in hehe.
Haha! I can’t wait to see! 🤗
Love this idea!! Wish I had more space to do this, but it can really work for a lot of different areas around the house!
Indeed it could work in many places around the home! 🙂 Nice to have you here! Take care!
Again well taken action: a lovely cool end result! Waw!
Thank you so much! It’s super handy. Still happy with the build. Thank you for stopping by!🤗😀😉
That’s pretty smart!
Thank you! It’s been very useful. Also for me, seeing my things out, makes me use them more. Such as tea! I drink more herbal tea seeing the pretty petals. 🙂 Lovely seeing you here again! Take care.
Great ideas!
Thank you! It’s been super handy! Have a great day!🌸