Making your Kitchen work for you

I thought it might be fun to do an occasional post on how I keep my kitchen organized. I'm not sure how big, or small it is, but I've definitely had to get creative with the space.
The space isn't THAT small, but I came from a mansion- cabinets as far as the eye can see, a granite island and so many appliances, pots, pans, dishes and baking trays that I felt like I was walking into Williams-Sonoma.
With some improvising, creativity and a knack for turning nothing into something, I've made my kitchen work for me. I forced myself into the mindset that I HAD to put things in places that made sense. I knew I wouldn't use them if they are too difficult to get or too much work to put away- I am just that lazy.
I'm sure this kitchen would be more than enough space for someone who only eats mac and cheese out of a box, but I had to find space for my Calphalon pots, crock pot, food processor and pretty new bowls from Anthropologie (!)
Over the next few weeks, I'll highlight a specific part of my kitchen. I'm quite proud of how it turned out- maybe it will give you some ideas on how to save space in your own kitchen.
As they say, "The kitchen is the heart of the home". Everyone gathers there, it's where our sense of taste, smell and sight come alive and let's be honest, there is never enough space for everything.

This is exactly what my kitchen looks like in the middle of a cooking adventure- a tornado scene, still waiting got FEMA to come in and survey the damage.
And yes, that is a basketball there in the middle.

That pretty blue thing in the middle of my kitchen is my pride and joy- my island from Ikea. My sister's bf painted it blue for me and I attached some yellow knobs to the side to hang things like kitchen towels. This piece is still morphing and I'll keep you updated on what I do to it. I'm hoping to add a piece of salvage granite to the top and screw in a wine rack under the top for things like paper towels, foil, etc.