Having a tiny kitchen can present unique challenges when it comes to organization and functionality. Maximizing space in a compact kitchen requires innovative solutions and strategic planning. In this article, we will explore a range of tips and techniques to help you optimize your tiny kitchen, from efficient storage solutions to smart layout design and stylish decor ideas. By implementing these suggestions, you can transform your small cooking space into a well-organized and functional area that maximizes every inch available.

Efficient Storage Solutions

Utilizing Cabinet Space Effectively

When it comes to tiny kitchens, every inch counts. Make use of vertical space by installing shelves or racks inside cabinets to maximize storage.

Drawer Organizers and Dividers

Keep your drawers organized with dividers to separate utensils, tools, and other kitchen essentials. Drawer organizers help prevent clutter and make items easy to find.

Strategic Organization

Grouping Similar Items Together

Arrange your kitchen items by category to create a cohesive and organized space. Grouping similar items together makes it easier to access what you need without rummaging through clutter.

Implementing a “First In, First Out” System

To prevent food waste and keep your pantry organized, adopt a “First In, First Out” system. Rotate items so that older products are used first, ensuring nothing gets forgotten at the back of the pantry.

Multi-Functional Furniture Ideas

Foldable Tables and Chairs

Save space in your tiny kitchen by opting for foldable or extendable tables and chairs. These versatile pieces can be tucked away when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space.

Kitchen Islands with Built-in Storage

Invest in a kitchen island that doubles as storage. Look for models with shelves, drawers, or cabinets to keep cookware, utensils, and pantry items neatly stowed away.

Creative Space-saving Techniques

Wall-mounted Racks and Hooks

Utilize your kitchen walls for storage with wall-mounted racks and hooks. Hang pots, pans, utensils, or even spice racks to free up cabinet and countertop space.

Over-the-Sink Cutting Boards

Maximize counter space by using an over-the-sink cutting board. This innovative solution provides extra prep area while allowing you to rinse and chop ingredients conveniently over the sink.

Smart Kitchen Layout Design

When dealing with a tiny kitchen, every inch counts. One key tip is to make the most of your space by optimizing the layout. This includes arranging your stove, sink, and refrigerator in a functional triangle to streamline your cooking process efficiently.

Optimal Work Triangle Configuration

The work triangle configuration refers to the arrangement of the stove, sink, and refrigerator in a triangular layout. This design minimizes unnecessary movement and maximizes efficiency in a small kitchen.

Open Shelving for Airy Feel

Open shelving can create an illusion of more space in a tiny kitchen by making the area feel less enclosed. It also allows for easy access to frequently used items and provides an opportunity to showcase your favorite kitchenware.

Decluttering and Simplifying

A cluttered kitchen can make even a spacious area feel cramped. Embrace a minimalist approach to kitchen tools and streamline your cooking area for maximum efficiency and visual appeal.

Minimalist Approach to Kitchen Tools

Consider decluttering your kitchen tools and keeping only the essentials within reach. Opt for multi-functional items to save space and reduce unnecessary clutter on countertops and in cabinets.

Purging Unused or Duplicate Items

Take inventory of your kitchen items and purge those you no longer use or ones that have duplicates. Clearing out unnecessary items will free up space and make it easier to organize and find what you need.

Utilizing Vertical Space

When floor space is limited, look up! Utilizing vertical space in your kitchen can provide valuable storage solutions and help keep your countertops clear of clutter.

Hanging Pot Racks and Shelves

Install hanging pot racks and shelves to store pots, pans, and other kitchen essentials. Not only does this free up cabinet space, but it also adds a decorative element to your kitchen.

Tall Pantry Cabinets

Invest in tall pantry cabinets to maximize vertical storage. These cabinets make use of ceiling height and provide ample space to store pantry items, appliances, and additional cookware.

Stylish and Practical Decor Ideas

Your tiny kitchen can still be a stylish and inviting space with the right decor choices. Incorporate elements that not only look good but also serve a practical purpose in maximizing your kitchen’s potential.

Color Coordination for Visual Cohesion

Choose a color scheme that creates visual cohesion in your kitchen. Opt for light colors to make the space feel larger, and coordinate accents for a stylish and put-together look.

Incorporating Plants for a Fresh Look

Add some green to your kitchen by incorporating plants. Not only do plants add a fresh touch to the space, but they also help purify the air and create a lively atmosphere in your tiny kitchen.

Bottom-line

With the right strategies and creative thinking, organizing a tiny kitchen can be a rewarding and satisfying endeavor. By incorporating efficient storage solutions, strategic organization techniques, and space-saving ideas, you can make the most of your limited kitchen space. Remember to declutter regularly, utilize vertical space effectively, and embrace multi-functional furniture to optimize functionality. By following these tips, you can create a harmonious and efficient kitchen that meets your needs while making the most of every inch available.

From a lavish, “acoustically perfect” movie theater in 1930 to an internationally acclaimed venue for Polish music and dance shows & other ethnic arts, the Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Avenue, remains a mecca of entertainment for Chicagoans and visitors.

In the Beginning…

As Wikipedia sources discuss,  the Gateway Theatre opened  as a flagship theater for the new ‘talking pictures’ in the movie industry.  Ceilings and walls were designed and hand painted in a maze of connected Greek/Roman scenes of Deities and custom patterns by noted Chicago artist Louis Grell (1887–1960). However, the design group hedged their bets: If the “talkies” were just a fad, the sound stage could easily be replaced with a full stage house with a complement of dressing rooms, proper rooms, and space for the scenery.

All the Chicago daily newspapers covered the theatre’s opening. The Chicago Herald-Examiner proclaimed The Gateway as “the most acoustically perfect theatre in the world.” The owners of the Gateway, the Balaban and Katz movie theater chain, were pleased.

Over the next four-plus decades, the theater enjoyed life as a first-run movie theatre northwest of the city. Wikipedia notes that The Gateway had perhaps its wildest days in 1973 when 45,000 patrons packed the old place weekly for an extended run of The Exorcist.

Becoming the Copernicus Center 

As time marched on, and the neighborhood searched for first-run movies in suburban malls or multiplex settings, the Gateway became available for redevelopment. Throughout the 20^th Century, Polish immigrants had settled along what became the ‘Polish Triangle’ at the intersection of Milwaukee and Ashland Avenues. later became known as ‘Polish Downtown,’ near the Gateway Theatre.

Enter The Copernicus Foundation, founded by Poles in Chicago in 1971 to raise funds towards a monument for the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus in front of the Adler Planetarium. After dedicating the monument in 1973, the Polish-American community decided to use leftover funds towards the purchase of a cultural and civic center for Chicago’s Polonia. In 1977, opportunity met preparation in the now shuttered Gateway Theatre. The Copernicus Foundation raised the money for remodeling the theatre, keeping the acoustically perfect, 1852-seat theater, while dividing the original 40-foot entry lobby and constructing three floors of office, meeting room and classroom space for the Cultural Center. The Baroque spire is a replica of the Royal Castle in Warsaw. The building was dedicated in 1979.

Today, the Copernicus Center hosts small to large scale events and concerts, theatre, educational workshops, culturally diverse activities, as well as community engagement. They are also home to the LARGEST Polish music fest, Taste of Polonia Festival, held annually in September on Labor Day Weekend.

Upcoming Events:

Musical concerts, plays, athletic competitions, seminars, dance recitals, children’s plays, choir competitions, and Candidates’ Nights are just some of the many programs presented in the theater.

On September 19, the Copernicus Center hosts a pioneer in the fields of electronic music, progressive rock, music videos, computer software, and Internet music delivery in  all-round rock legend Todd Rundgren, creator of such a hits as “We Gotta Get You a Woman,” “Hello It’s Me,” “I Saw the Light” and many others. For a complete list of events, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Clothing is an investment for many of us, so knowing the best way to store them can help them last for a while. There are several things to consider, like how much space you have in closets and drawers, what fabrics your clothing is made from and what type of garments you own. Here are a few tips on when to hang and when to fold.

What to hang: 

• Anything made of flowy materials like chiffon or silk should be hung — preferably, on a padded hanger to prevent shoulder creases.

• Linen pieces should also always be hung. Linen is delightful but will wrinkle just looking at it! Also give it space in the closet, as cramming linen pieces in next to other clothing will cause wrinkles before you even put the garment on. 

• Pants should also always be hung. Jeans of course can be folded but anything dressier should be hung the long way. Folding over a hanger can cause a crease if the pants are not worn frequently. 

• Blouses and jackets of course should always be hung to prevent major wrinkles and to preserve structure. 

• Dresses for the most part need to be hung, again on padded hangers to preserve the shoulders. The only exception are heavy sweater dresses or heavy dresses of any kind. If hung, they can stretch. The best storage for these is individual flat storage containers. 

What to fold:

• Thick knit sweaters should be folded. Some delicate sweaters can be hung folding around the hanger to prevent hanger marks, but for the most part fold those sweaters. 

• Any active wear or anything you wear to the gym should be folded. They can get stretched out on a hanger. 

• Seems like common sense but always fold your shorts, unless of course they are made of linen! 

There are a few items that will do well either folded or hung. This includes:

• T-shirts, since hanging will keep them relatively wrinkle free. But most t-shirts contain Lycra or some other stretchy fabric so folding is also fine. But use padded hangers to prevent that hanger distortion. 

• Jeans again can go either way. Hang if you have closet space. 

• Scarves can be folded, rolled or hung. The best is probably folded, but there are nice scarf hangers that work well and let you see them all together.

 So, let’s go out and invest in some padded hangers so those items we are hanging will stay looking great for years to come. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

As we all know, Labor Day marks the “unofficial” end of our summer season here in Chicago.  But let me tell you “Summer’s Not Over Yet” as this Labor Day Weekend Holiday will prove!

The oldest of Chicago’s free summer lakefront music festivals, Chicago Jazz Festival takes place this weekend with free neighborhood concerts and additional programming throughout the city leading up to the main show at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park on Sunday (4 p.m.-9 p.m.).  This year’s lineup runs the gamut from jazz legends to influential modern masters, local talent, and new voices in this genre’s continuing evolution.  Click the link above for the full lineup and schedule.  It’s one of Chicago’s Labor Day Weekend traditions!

Another of Chicagoland’s biggest Labor Day Weekend parties is the North Coast Music Festival returning to the recently renovated campus at SeatGeek Stadium (7000 S. Harlem Ave.) in the Bridgeview neighborhood.  This year’s lineup brings some of the biggest names with over 100 artists on 7 stages each with a distinct vibe and top-tier production which includes electronic music, hip hop, and rock acts.  In addition, there will be plenty of areas to get away to view art installations and have a bite to eat at the many food vendors.  Plus, late-night adventures at various locations are available for you to choose the one that suits you best.  It’s a festival for everyone!

The 4^th annual ARC Music Festival is taking over Union Park (1501 W. Randolph St.) in the West Loop this Labor Day Weekend.  This festival celebrates Chicago’s house music roots by welcoming an international lineup of dance music artists along with local house music legends Derrick Carter and DJ Lady D on multiple stages spread throughout the park.  Plus, enjoy food from local chefs and attend afterparties at over 13 venues as you enjoy a Chicago-born genre!

Returning for its 6^th year, the hugely successful West Loop Art Fest returns to Fulton Market (1215 W. Fulton Market) this Saturday (10 a.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-8 p.m.) featuring over four blocks of amazing local art vendors offering a diverse range of art mediums available for purchase.  In addition, this family-friendly festival offers interactive art, children’s crafts, and live music.  It’s a perfect destination for late summer shopping or just an ambient evening stroll!

The largest Polish festival in the U.S. returns to Copernicus Center (5216 W. Lawrence Ave.) in the Jefferson Park neighborhood this Labor Day Weekend with Taste of Polonia.  This popular, one-of-a-kind food festival not only features authentic Polish cuisine, but it also features over 30 local vendors, a craft beer tent, a beer garden, tastings and cooking classes, non-stop live music, a casino, and more.  For families, there’s bounce inflatables, a climbing wall, face painting, clowns, a dedicated Kids Stage, carnival rides and games.  Come join Chicago’s Polish heritage for an unforgettable holiday weekend!

Labor Day Parades in America date back more than a century, even before Labor Day was declared a federal holiday in 1884.  This year’s Chicago Labor Day Parade will be held on Saturday stepping off at Noon from 107^th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue, heading south on Cottage Grove and ending at 112^th Street.  Afterwards, Eddie Fest will be held at Arcade Park (11149 S. Saint Lawrence Ave.) in the Pullman neighborhood featuring live music, food, and plenty of family-friendly activities.  Eddie Fest is held in honor of prominent union labor leader, Edward Sadlowski and celebrates union pride, solidarity, and community togetherness!

Grab your bike and reconnect with family and friends at this year’s Bike the Drive on Sunday (6:30 a.m.) with the main location at Butler Field in Grant Park (235 S. Columbus Dr.) in The Loop.  This annual biking event closes the lakeside DuSable Lake Shore Drive to vehicle traffic and allows cyclists to ride through a 30-mile route with rest stops, water, and snacks along the way.  Ride as little or as much of the 30-miles you’d like while taking in sweeping views of the lake and skyline.  Plus, rental bikes are available if you don’t have one.  Afterwards, enjoy a post-ride festival in Grant Park.  It’s a once-a-year event where bikes reign on DuSable Lake Shore Drive!

Enjoy your Summer Labor Day Weekend!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

While Gaijin means ‘outsider’ in Japanese, Chicago’s first and only Okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake) restaurantbrings locally-sourced combinations of meats and vegetables home for a truly authentic experience. 

Gaijin is the brainchild of James Beard Award finalist and Iron Chef runner-up Paul Virant (Vie, and the upcoming Petit Vie). Their 60-seat space is anchored by a custom 12-foot griddle and chef’s counter and offers individual Hiroshima teppan griddles for table service.

As their website explains, “okonomi=have it your way  yaki=griddled.” 

The savory Japanese pancake is served Hiroshima or Osaka style. 

What does that mean? According to Samurai Tours, in Osaka style okonomiyaki, all of the ingredients are mixed and cooked together. In Hiroshima style okonomiyaki, all of the ingredients are layered almost like a cake. Soba or udon noodles are added to Hiroshima-yaki in another layer as well. (Although they do add noodles to okonomiyaki in Osaka.) The savory cakes are griddled and customizable with everything from cabbage, noodles and veggies, to pork, shrimp, fried eggs and “dancing” bonito flakes, plus lots of tasty toppings. 

For dessert, Gaijin is also  the home of Kakigori, a Japanese shaved ice dessert flavored with sweet sauces and syrups…amazing on hot summer days! 

 But for starters, try KOMBU MARINATED VEGETABLES, made with celery, fermented green beans, radish and sesame. VEGGIE KOROKKE has mushrooms, rice, curry,  tomatoes, and daikon pickle in  tonkatsu sauce.

Gaijin embraces more than just the savory Japanese pancake on their menu, with an assortment of Yakisoba, the Japanese noodle dish that first appeared in food stalls in the 1930s. VEGGIE YAKISOBA has spinach, mushrooms, sweet corn, cabbage, scallions,  carrots, sauce, and sesame, while SHRIMP YAKISOBA combines shrimp, cabbage, scallions, carrots, bean sprouts, sauce, and sesame. For something completely different, try OCTOPUS YAKISOBA, combiningoctopus, cabbage, scallions, carrots, bean sprouts, sauce and sesame.

OSAKA-STYLE OKONOMIYAKI offerings include VEGETABLE OKONOMIYAKI combined tempura-fried vegetables and arare (savory Japanese crackers), CHICKEN OKONOMIYAKI is a blend of Amish chicken confit and bonito. TOFU OKONOMIYAKI hasphoenix bean tofu, shichimi togarashi (Japanese spice blend,)  mushrooms, spinach, and arare.

HIROSHIMA-STYLE OKONOMIYAKI, where the ingredients are layered (rather than mixed), with the addition of yakisoba noodles, include a TRADITIONAL HIROSHIMA, with yakisoba, bacon, egg  and bonito, and a MUSHROOM AND YUBA HIROSHIMA, with yakisoba, mushrooms, egg,  yuba (tofu skin,) and shio kombu (seasoned kelp.)

If it’s tough to make up your mind, you can opt for a flight of three mini Osaka-style okonomiyaki of your choice for $25 per person (available Monday – Thursday. NOTE:  octopus and smoked fish are not included.)

As we say when it’s appropriate…save room for dessert! The dessert menu features kakigori, the aforementioned shaved ice dessert, along with mochi donuts and other Japanese-inspired treats. Try the SHIRO KUMA, with buttermilk pineapple sherbet,  coconut syrup, cherries, sugar cookies, and chocolate coffee beans. SESAME YUZU pairs black sesame ice cream, yuzu syrup, strawberry compote,  honey sesame brittle, and snowcaps. Gluten-free UJIKINTOKI pairs matcha ice cream with red bean paste,  matcha syrup, and coffee jelly, along with ube mochi and  snowcaps.

GAIJIN BY PAUL VIRANT is located at 950 W. Lake Street. Their hours are Monday – Friday  4pm to 10pm, and Saturday – Sunday, 11am to 10pm. Happy Hours are Monday – Thursday 4pm – 6pm. For information and reservations, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago