The Cookbook Rack Solves a Problem
No matter where you live, whether you rent or own, living spaces create challenges. If you've lived in your home for a long time, you've probably overcome all, or most of them. At least I hope you have.
Moving into a new home means new challenges and our new home has a few, to say the least. If you remember the first kitchen post, one of the those challenges was the dishwasher. Its size and location were problems so we removed it and this is what we did:
Adding the drawer cabinet gave us great space, but a standard cabinet wasn't quite wide enough and we were left with about a 3" space on the end. Yes, we could have ordered a custom cabinet, but I wasn't willing to spend that kind of money.
No worries, I had a plan! Here's how it looks from the front now:
Before we move on, yes, I know there is also a space on the right side of the cabinet, next to the stove. That's a countertop issue and a challenge for another day!
I knew it needed a cookbook rack and I searched Pinterest until I found this:
Just what I was looking for - with a couple of modifications. Since this one is right next to the stove, it went directly to the floor. I needed mine to outline the side of the cabinet. Also, I didn't need a countertop. I contacted my contractor who did the bathroom remodel and he said, "No problem!"
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The first step was to 'mud' and paint the side of the cabinet since it was exposed MDF.
Sorry, no pics and it was pretty boring anyway!
Next, the outer frame was built and fitted to the space:
Once satisfied with the fit, the frame was removed and the shelves, cross pieces (to hold the cookbooks in), and the bottom kickplate were added.
Back to the kitchen it went and was attached to the side of the cabinet.
Add the cookbooks and a couple of extras and I'm loving it!
Before you ask, let me explain the color. The plan is to paint the kitchen cabinets one day. Painting the cookbook rack white gives me options for the future look.
I also thought about beadboard for the back. The problem with that idea was the need to buy a LOT of beadboard for just the small piece that would be needed. Wallpaper? Same issue. I decided to wait.
So, for now, everything is white. When I paint the cabinets, the cookbook rack will blend in and I can revisit options for the back of it.
I like having options! Don't you?
Before you go, though, let me tell you about the cookbooks. Starting on the top left, The Elements of Pizza is the perfect book for anyone learning to make homemade pizza. It's a great gift for the pizza-lover in your life!
Below that, with the red cover is The Working Woman's Cookbook and Entertainment Guide by Pat McMillan. She was the Executive Producer of the Phil Donahue Show. How's that for a blast from the past?
Published in 1983, this is where I got the apple pie recipe that I still use today.
To the left of Pat McMillan's book is Cooking for Two by Janet McKenzie Hill, a book I found as a teenager in a neighbor's barn. They used to let me rummage around in their old barns for treasure. Originally published in 1909, you get a glimpse into life from a simpler time.
Behind that is The Simple Paleo Kitchen. If you're interested in gluten or grain-free recipes this is a good place to start. While we still love our homemade bread, there are several recipes from this book that are on our regular dinner rotation.
Last, but not least is the Juicy Miss Lucy Cookbook. This was the very first cookbook I purchased in my early 20's. Who wouldn't with a title and cover like this?
If the cover doesn't get you, the Table of Contents will!
So, there you have it. My problem-solving cookbook rack is still a bit of a work in progress, but that's OK.
Aren't most things in life?
Thanks for stopping by and be sure to visit again to see how I navigate the challenges in my quest to create this Charming New Cottage!
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