The Joy of a Practically Equipped Kitchen
Sure, I'd love one of those kitchens with the big center island with both a prep sink and regular sink. I'd also love the look of the faucet that springs out over the stove to fill a big pot. Yet, in a way, I don't really get the importance because you still need to move the pot off the stove to empty the water. It looks cool, but what is the extra real function? I'd like new flooring and new counter tops, and a sink that at least mimics the farm house style I love, but those are not in the budget right now. There are gizmo's and gadgets galore that would be fun for trying out recipes and getting creative, but then there is the storage or counter clutter.
No, what I have realized while not having a functioning oven is the joy in having a kitchen that is practical and multi functioning. My Kitchen is not big, but it is adequate about 180 square feet with room for a table that comfortably seats 6. All the appliances in the kitchen get used regularly, some, like the coffee maker and microwave, daily. I really miss my oven right now, but with these appliances, nothing faddy, nothing really top of the line, I can still cook. I can sit at my table with a cup of coffee and my computer, looking out windows in the nook where the table sits content that I am indoors, away from the elements, while a crock-pot of ravioli heats through for dinner. I'll improvise garlic bread, using the toaster to warm sliced bread. It's circa 1988 and looks it. My kitchen though, when not looking like a tornado landed, brings me joy.
The more bells and whistles, the bigger chance of something going wrong! My only demands for my new kitchen appliances were a dual fuel range, and full width refrigerator. It's easy to think we need to have the latest gizmos and styles, but so FREEING when we realize exactly what works for us. Personally, I dislike the open kitchen/family room concept, so I refused to have it in our new place. We have a kitchen/dining room instead, with a small nook for a pair of wing chairs and side table. (Envision DH and I wine drinking as I keep an eye on dinner, with no t.v. to bother us.) I also didn't plan for a microwave, as I rarely use one, and didn't want to sacrifice the space. (slide in range, so no over-the-stove slot for one.) Anyway, here's me lifting a virtual cup of coffee at your cozy kitchen table. Hope the oven situation resolves soon. In the meantime, I am enjoying hearing of you meeting the challenge via your slow cooker.
ReplyDeleteMy sister has a dual oven-really nice, but she hosts big family gatherings which I rarely do. I have a separate dining room as well-I don't think new home buyers will be a fan though, but it suits us.
DeleteI know you are missing your oven but I know meals can happen without it. Just different types of meals.
ReplyDeleteI think we have become a nation of wants rather than needs. I will admit I love my keurig and love having fresh coffee every cup, but if I had to go back to a stove top percolator I would survive and survive fine. About a year ago I got rid of any excess small appliance I didn't a minimum of five times a year. I did not realize how much real estate I was giving up for unused or seldom used things.
I would love a French door refrigerator but I know until my current one dies, I won't get one, and as for a fancy kitchen__it would be fun to have one but I don't need it and truly no longer cook "large" anymore.
My whole house just could use a face lift, but it is all functional, warm, safe, and cozy. As Meg B says, more bells and whistles, more to go wrong in appliances. I like your 5 time rule. We also have tired to do some "Sharing" of some appliances kitchen things amongst family members.
DeleteI have a very small kitchen, but I am so happy with the new design, I just wish I could really finish it.
ReplyDeleteStep by step, right?
DeleteThanks for the link! I love my kitchen - it's not big but I can cook in it, do a few hobbies in it, sit to eat in it, share a coffee with friends and just relax.
ReplyDeleteCoffee with friends and relaxing-two additional simple joys!
DeleteI'll definitely check out the link. I'm always in need of stopping to appreciate & enjoy what we have. I definitely changed after the kids were born, & started to realize how much more I appreciate experiences vs things. It's been a real eye opener for me on how much I used to spend on "things". I try hard to ask myself whether I would rather have an experience instead, and the answer is almost always yes.
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping you are able to get your oven repaired soon!
Stuff breaks, gets outdated, loses it's newness, but memories of an experience are always fresh. Time with kids, friends, family, are not ever repeatable in the same way, so best to enjoy every second.
DeleteWhat lovely flowers. The bigger the kitchen the more there is to clean!
ReplyDeleteArilx
An old photo from last Easter, but yes, they were so lovely.
DeleteNo, not dual oven, dual FUEL--gas cooktop, electric oven, which will slide in to the island. I am short, so double ovens don't work well for me--top is too high, bottom too low. People thought I was crazy not wanting double wall oven, or even a Viking brand range, but I didn't, so there it is!
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