Here is the breadbox that used to be in my kitchen. I actually did use it for bread, but it also housed my blender. I found that because of the lack of counter space, more and more items kept getting shoved in there, and I couldn’t stand it. My plan from the minute we moved in was to take it out. Bye-bye breadbox.
One day on a whim, I got gutsy enough to figure out how. I removed all the clear caulking with this tool (along with a knife) and took down the trim. Then I got my rubber mallet and began pounding on it to remove it in one piece. My kids thought I had lost it. I was thrilled that it came out much easier than I anticipated. Removing the caulking was the hardest part.
I was so pleased with removing the breadbox that I was oozing with DIY confidence, and my enthusiasm went a little haywire. I was in tear-down mode and decided to remove the backsplash too. It looked just like a thin matching sheet of laminate. How hard could it be to take down? Um, yeah, big mistake. Once I began ripping it out, I realized there was another sheet of laminate underneath it with some kind of reddish glue over it, and that one was really attached, so any effort to remove it would probably take the drywall off.
I worked for over an hour to remove the first layer off this wall. Since the plan is to eventually replace the cabinets and countertops in here, I knew that would be the best time to tackle removing all of it, so I racked my brain to figure out a temporary solution. Thank heavens the hubs was out of town!
I decided to go to my tried and true solution–paint. Yep, I pulled out my trusty can of Zinsser Primer and went to work. I primed all the backsplash throughout the kitchen–just 3 small walls, thankfully. In that moment, I was grateful my kitchen was small.
After dry time, I continued on by painting the backsplash the same color as my freshly painted walls, Benjamin Moore–Edgecomb Gray. The idea was to camouflage the backsplash and make it look like painted drywall. I knew this would appease me for a while and brighten the kitchen a bit (win, win people).
I can live with this until I replace the cabinets and put in my lovely white subway tile for the backsplash (another thing I miss from my previous home). And here is another shot of what it looks like every day.
If you look closely, you can see a few places where it needs some touch up paint, but since it doesn’t bother me, I left it as is. It’s also good motivation for me to leave projects in a zone where it bothers me just enough to keep moving toward realizing my plans.
And the view of the other side of the kitchen. Now it’s time to save for cabinets, countertops, and reconfiguration. Next up we’ll be putting canned lighting in here. Yes!!!
I must say that I have seen a resurgence in breadboxes and hidden appliance compartments in recent years, and for good reason. It is nice to have an easily accessible space that can hide the kitchen tools you use frequently. This was a picture I snapped at Parade of Homes last year, and if my kitchen was large enough, I might be tempted to do something similar.
Here is another configuration I saw at Home Depot recently which would also be a good option to maximize counter space while having a dedicated space for your breads, muffins, or bagels, although I probably wouldn’t use clear glass.
And a few more beautiful appliance compartments, just for kicks and giggles. This one below comes from Z Design at Home. I love Bree’s entire kitchen. It’s beautiful.
Can you tell I’m drawn to white cabinets? Only problem, the hubs wants to replace ours with wood (which can be beautiful too, I might add). He thinks it’s easier to clean. Guess we’ll have to compromise (or not) 🙂
I also love this idea if you legit use your breadbox. Why not use a drawer that you pull out to keep your baked goods fresh yet out of sight? You could also keep an actual metal box or glass dome to display your tasty carbs. The pantry would be a bonus hiding place as well.
Whatever cabinet you choose in your kitchen–whether an appliance compartment, traditional corner built-in breadbox, or drawer, the only thing I wouldn’t suggest–my current method of just tossing bread on the counter. Blast, I find that the bread still wants to cozy up and stay next to his pal, the toaster!
I would love to hear what your preference is in a kitchen. Do you cringe when you see those accordion cabinet breadboxes or do you love the newer version of the appliance compartment?