Ask Design Mom: Sideboard
Ask-Design-Mom-Question:
Design Mom, I live in a large 1-bedroom Manhattan apartment with a huge (for New York—100 square feet) kitchen. Although I am not currently working in the field, I have been trained as a professional chef and I have quite a bit of kitchen “stuff.” My husband and I are going to be moving to a new apartment across town in a few weeks, and while the new apartment will be a bit larger and have two bedrooms, the kitchen in TINY (60 square feet). I have lived in tiny apartments with tiny kitchens, and I really should be able to handle this, but I can’t stand the idea of any kitchen “stuff” spilling out into our living room. I have been thinking about a nice buffet or sideboard to keep it hidden, the only problem is that I am on a budget, and don’t know where to begin to look for a sideboard that would look nice, but have a large amount of storage capacity. Thanks, Julia
Answer:
Thanks for the challenging question, Julia. When I'm looking for good-looking furniture on a budget I start as the usual suspects: Ikea. Pier One. Target online. CB2. Then move to the next pricing tier and check out places like Room and Board and Restoration Hardware. I'll try and see what I can find, and in the meantime, hopefully Design Mom Readers will chime in with some excellent sources.
Labels: ask design mom, home
posted by Gabrielle of Design Mom at Wednesday, August 15, 2007
6 Comments:
I love Craigslist and garage sales for that kind of thing. If you have the time and are willing to refinish, you can get stuff ridiculously cheap. If you want it to be gorgeous as is, you'll still have better luck used. It all depends what you mean by "budget" and whether you're willing to go for thrift stuff.
I like the idea that my stuff is one of a kind when I get through with it.
CraigsList is great. You can also find great deals for Amzon's deal of the day.
If you have clutter then getting rid of some will definitely make you dwelling more attractive.
Ways To Conquer Clutter
I also prefer Craig's List for furniture pieces, especially if you are on a budget and don't mind buying second-hand. Good luck with your search!
In terms of stores that sell buffet cabinets, West Elm has a bunch these days as well. I'm fond of this one.
But like everyone else here is suggesting, I actually got my own 1940s china hutch and buffet (a great sort of art-deco transitioning to mid-century design) on Craigslist for about $100. A steal, though they are in serious need of refinishing one of these days!
I know just what you mean! I lived in NY for a few years...on a budget...but wanted to store my things in cool places and in the right room!
I love using dressers, refinished, as "sideboards" for kitchen and living room items. In fact, I just finished one for my new tv stand. You could easily add a fun countertop to a dresser to increase the function.
John Boos sells wonderful wooden kitchen pieces that function as just more than butcher blocks. Many have shelves and other accessories on them; they could function as a "portable pantry" and a place to keep cookbooks, pots, pans, etc.
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