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We appreciate a luxurious renovated kitchen as much as anyone. It’s hard to deny the calming effect of a sprawling Carrara marble island, integrated appliances, and jewelry-like hardware. But an unfussy, hardworking kitchen is much easier to achieve. And conveniently, the humble, utilitarian style—one where things charmingly don’t quite match—is as in as ever, according to a substantial (for me!) amount of likes on my Instagram of designer Nick Poe’s recent home tour.
The best part is that you might not even need a handyman to install straightforward fixtures like pegboards, pot racks, and magnetic knife bars. Renters will especially be into the look, as these buys can travel from apartment to apartment; nothing is fixed. The only kicker: Open storage means very little hiding space, so you’re going to want to declutter your plastic colanders and cheap pans in favor of things that are easy on the eyes (and will likely last longer, too). Not to worry, we’ve gathered options for those as well.
Keep Your Wares Where People Can See Them
Pegboards have been popular since they covered the walls of Julia Child’s kitchen, and there’s a reason for that: They take up zero space, as long as you have an empty wall to spare. Plus showing off your kitchen tools like wall decor says: “I’m ready to tackle The New York Times Cooking recipe of the day.” For a more discreet look, a pot rack or magnetic knife bar will also display your cookware and utensils while saving space.
Pegboard Wall Organizer Tiles
Amazon
High Density Fiberboard, 24u0022 x 48u0022 x1/4u0022 (Set of 4) by Triton Products
Amazon
The Pegboard Set
Great Jones
Skadis Pegboard
IKEA
Wall Half-Circle Pot Rack by Cuisinart
Williams Sonoma
Forged Iron Pot Rack
Nickey Kehoe
Enclume Wall Rack
Willams Sonoma
16-Inch Magnetic Knife Holder for Wall
Amazon
There’s No Such Thing as Too Much Surface Space
Truth: Most rental kitchens don’t have enough surface space. But kitchen prep tables make everything from chopping vegetables to storing cookware a breeze. The beauty of these lies in the fact that they’re freestanding; you can move them from floating in the middle of the room to against a wall—many even have wheels. As shown in the above image, Alison Roman lined up two IKEA’s Förhöja carts to create a long, counterlike effect.
Stainless Steel Prep u0026amp; Work Table with Adjustable Shelf
Amazon
Maple Top Work Table by VEVOR
Amazon
Mobile Packing Workbench
Global Industrial
Stainless Steel Table for Prep u0026amp; Work by ROCKPOINT
Amazon
Rimforsa Work Bench
IKEA
John Boos Butcher Block Island
Rejuvenation
No Cabinet Space, No Problem
Just because you’re low on cabinet space doesn’t mean you can’t build in your own storage. From a heavy-duty metal shelf reminiscent of restaurant-supply stores to a $40 magnetic landing spot built for the top of your stove, you’ll find there are plenty of places to stagger spices and hang (yes, hang!) stemware that aren’t behind cabinet doors.
Expandable Countertop Organizer
Yamazaki Home
Under Cabinet Stemware Rack by Tiilan
Amazon
Bacheca Shelf
HAY
StoveShelf
Amazon
Regency 18 Gauge Stainless Steel 12u0022 x 48u0022 Solid Wall Shelf
Webstaurant Store
Wood Plate Dish Rack
Etsy
Fill It Up With Elevated Accessories
The beauty of concealed storage is that you can tuck away less attractive items. But in this type of kitchen, it’s all about open shelving. That means no plastic mixing bowls and ironic mugs, unless that’s really what you’re into. Think: a classic Chemex, enamel serveware, and a Spanish oil pitcher.
Pour-Over Glass Chemex Coffeemaker
Amazon
Enamelware Serving Bowl by Crow Canyon
Amazon
Cedar Trivet
Jinen
Chambord 34-Oz. French Press by Bodum
Crate u0026 Barrel
White Enamel Rustic Metal Pitcher
Amazon
Spanish Oil Pitcher
Schoolhouse
Netherton Foundry Iron Griddle
Toast
Whisk Broom Natural by Berea
Goodee
Fox Run White 3-Tier Kitchen Hanging Fruit Basket
Amazon
Il Conico 90017 Water Kettle by Alessi
Amazon
If You’re Willing to Reno
If you’re past the renting phase but still want the look, there are plenty of permanent fixtures that can help you own the style as a homeowner, too. Subway tiles, farmhouse sinks, and butcher block countertops all contribute the same vibes.
Reid Ceramic Utility Sink
Rejuvenation
Rubie 74u0022 L x 39u0022 W Rectangular Table Top
Wayfair
Restore Bright White 4-1/4 in. x 4-1/4 in. Ceramic Wall Tile
Home Depot
Crue 1.5 GPM Single Hole Pre-Rinse Pull Down Kitchen Faucet – Includes Escutcheon
Home Depot
LepoHome 24 Pieces 48×38 mm Black Card Holder Drawer Pull
Amazon
5 in. 1-Light White Contemporary Semi-Flush Mount Light
Home Depot