How did he squeeze so much into 75 square feet? - kitchen cabinet

Sunset, May, 1986

How did he squeeze so much into 75 square feet?

The simplicity and success of its storage ideas make this 75-square-foot kitchen worth notice. Los Angeles architect T. Scott MacGillivray built each device in short order, without sophisticated woodworking tools or special skills.

Even within a very tight space, there was no stinting on appliances: the kitchen has two wall ovens, a four-burner cooktop, a full-size refrigerator, and a dishwasher. To achieve a clean, light look, the architect used white oak plywood cabinets, white synthetic marble (Corian) counters, and recessed lighting.

To make one drawer store 20 place settings of a nine-piece set of flatware, as well as assorted utensils from tea strainer to pizza cutter (below), MacGillivray laid everything out on graph paper, then drew a plan for partitions. To cut brazing rod into 3-inch pegs for hanging utensils, he used a hacksaw, then smoothed edges with a file.

Photo: In upper half of 26-inch-deep closet, adjustable shelves create beverage center for making coffee, storage for wines and liquors above, glassware below

Photo: In lower half of closet, two full sets of tableware for 12 store on stationary shelves. Placemats and napkins slide into view on shelves mounted on full-extension glides

Photo: Utensils hang from pegs of brazing rod set in oak 1-by-2

Photo: Dividers are lengths of 1/4- by 2-inch clear fir from hobby shop, glued into drawer. Draw layout on graph paper first

Photo: Floor to ceiling and wall to wall, partitioned cabinets and drawers control clutter in 8-foot-wide kitchen

Photo: Solid oak 1-by-2 trims front edge of oak plywood shelf. Woodscrews inside cabinets hold shelf in place