How I Turned my Tiny Kitchen Into a Treasure Trove - the before and after with Rajiv Surendra!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ต.ค. 2023
- Rajiv transformed his tiny galley kitchen into a stunning space he's always dreamed of having.
Join him on an in-depth tour where he shares his approach to utilizing this small,
beautiful kitchen to its maximum potential!
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★ TABLE OF CONTENTS ★
• 0:45 Before with a broken countertop
• 1:30 Treasure Trove from thrift shopping
• 3:00 Marble countertops and cookie jars
• 5:05 Apothecary Jars for storage of bulk items
• 6:41 Dish and Glasses organization
• 8:30 Mason Jar organization
• 9:30 Painting your cupboard
• 12:30 Towel Bins organization
• 15:18 Under the sink pull out drawer tips
• 18:22 Knife holder from Etsy
• 18:57 Hiding potato chips container
• 19:46 Red clay pots from Sri Lanka
• 21:57 Louisville onion baskets
• 22:50 The characters in my apartment
• 23:47 Utilizing higher space and hanging items
• 24:40 Windowsill hack
• 25:10 Copper pot rails
• 27:00 The Flynn house tea kettle
• 29:00 Chippendale style mirror
• 32:30 End scene!
💡 TOPICS IN THIS VIDEO 💡
• Kitchen makeover
• Renovations of various scopes
• Yellow ware bowls
• Curating dishwasher from thrift shopping
• Thrift shopping tips for the kitchen
• Marble countertops
• Cookie jars and Items with beautiful packaging
• Apothecary jars for storage
• Ironstone bowls and plates organization
• Mason jars of various sizes
• Painting cupboards
• Brass hardware knobs
• Bin Pulls
• Marie Kondo tip to stack vertically
• Under the sink utilitarian pull out drawers
• Barkeeper’s friend
• It’s organized properly if no mess when looking for something
• Knife holder
• Dog bowls
• Sri Lankan clay pots
• Onion baskets organization
• Busts and Statues
• Windowsill extension tips
• Using higher space for more organization
• Hanging kitchen items
• Copper pots
• Tea kettle personality
If you enjoy Rajiv's videos and would like to see more, please contribute to the
gofundme campaign that is raising the funds to produce the content on this channel: gofund.me/fbcb3a22
✅ Instagram: / rajivsurendra
✅ TikTok: / rajivsurendra_
✅ Twitter: / rajivsurendra
🔴 ** ABOUT THIS CHANNEL **
Welcome to my TH-cam Channel! I've been immersed in the creative and domestic arts for all my life and its a real honor to be sharing my interests with you.
Click here to subscribe: / rajivsurendra
🔎 HASHTAGS
#kitchen
#Rajivsurendra
#diy
#kitchenhacks - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
Dear Rajiv,
I’ve been watching your videos lately and you have brought back purpose into my life. I’m 94 years young and have kept too much, so now it’s to give it away or share it [along with your videos] so others can be inspired. Remember it’s not how much we acquire but how much we inspire. You have inspired many, I’m sure. Bibby
94 years old! Love that you are still doing new things and how wonderful that you are sharing things with others. It reminds me of the book about „Swedish death cleaning“ which is about the idea of going through your things and organising them and giving them away to prepare for old age and death.
❤ More likes on your comment than years on this Earth. Well deserved for a lovely comment, Bibby! ❤
Bibby, what a sweet soul you are! I'm 61 this year and have suddenly felt this sense of great urgency to start getting rid of things. There are no daughters to give things to-to pass family history and furniture. I'll offer it once more to all of the sons and if they don't want it-it's gone. Anyway-you sound like an amazing person and are an example that we can be productive at all ages and stages of our lives. Stay well.
I am very fortunate to see great beauty daily I work in community age care and time with elders and they share and talk about their treasures everything has a story they inspire me no end thankyou for sharing your thoughts and Rajiv truly inspired he is a beautiful old soul ❤️🙏🥰
Great comment . After such a dark week in history this is the type of video I needed to watch and the type of mantra i needed to read . ❤
Everyone makes fun of me in my family…but I too believe every cabinet or drawer should open to beauty. We lived in Washington DC for years and I often visited Colonial Williamsburg and some of my favorite items came from that era in my life. I teach art and everything I touch has an esthetic value if only in my eyes. Love these videos knowing there is another soul out there like me.
I “decorate” my dish drainer when I do my dishes. I say make as much beautiful as you can!
You're not alone. 💕
❤
Hello fellow tribe members!
And I love Williamsburg too. An example of timeless beauty. I’m sure you inspire your students to see and create beauty everywhere.
To quote William Morris " have nothing in your house that you do not know to be beautiful or believe to be useful". Rajiv, your kitchen may be small but is so beautifully curated. I love your videos.
I DELIGHTED in this video, and as I was savoring it, my 13 year old son entered the room and listened to your stories, and he looked at me and said: you are like him. Everything in our home holds a story!. And indeed, I am. You can’t imagine how much joy you brought me in each of your videos.😊
Aw that's so sweet. Thank you.
Your son is quite thoughtful for his age ❤
Watching Rajiv makes me realize that i spend time too much free time watching celebrity drama or watching meaningless shows on Netflix or reality tv… when I could be beautifying my life and my home. Taking up new hobbies that enrich my soul and friends and loved ones. And bringing peace to my atmosphere.
When I see these videos and see that it’s real that people actually live their lives this way, it makes me want to live out the quote by Elsie de Wolfe “I am going to make everything around me beautiful - that will be my life.”
Bc that’s what I see Rajiv and his friends do. And I can do that too.
Thank you for that beautiful quote
@@jodavb 💟you’re welcome
You perfectly captured how I feel about this. Thank you so much for the quote.
Yesss! Beautiful quote ♥
Thats amazing. I've never been able to wrap my head around why people watch those shows. Life is way too short. Also, the one thing I definately don't envy those of my friends who are famous, is their celebrity, that's the curse of being great at a prifession that requires the publics appreciation, not a perk.
May I ask about your use of the word "epitome"? I can't make sense of it, are you confusing it with something else?
Rajiv has eclectic, impeccable taste. He's been recognized by a host of folks around NYC -- Ted, Drew, Morgan. It's high time he gets a big show. He's kinda like Bob Villa but with a twist.
Astounding, truly. This kitchen is asymmetrical, long, narrow, has a fridge that takes up huge visual and actual space immediately to the LEFT, odd gaps and a weird feeling that it gets smaller toward the back - AND YET: Rajiv made it sing like a opera. I mean, you can hear the music!
Joyful.
Warmest thoughts
Jennie
An* opera
Lovely comment!
One can do a lot with a small room with creative imagination; small spaces need more in fact. This is rented yet Rajiv envisioned a delightful and charming space that truly reflects his soul.
I came here instead of watching Nightly News, much too depressing right now. Thank you Rajiv for elevating beautiful old authentic objects. It's so much more fun than buying new junk made in China. You are a treasure & your apartment is a jewel box.
You have inspired me! Sadly because of my age, I can no longer use my copper pots, they are too heavy for my weak wrists to carry and I fear I might scald myself. My kitchen is also small but the shelve you made above the door, is I think a perfect way to get my copper pots out of the fruit cellar, and bring them back into view for me to savour and enjoy once again daily. Mine are Mauviel as well. Thank you so much. My husband does not know it yet, but he will soon have another project! 😁
Good idea, enjoy your beautiful pots as kitchen art. 😊
🎉They should be savored. Yes, brilliant to use your beautiful copper pots as art, displayed on open rails🎉. 💜Love pot racks anyway. Don't have to worry about them clanking together in an earthquake. 😉Much more practical to grab & go than dig out stacks in a lower cabinet anyway.
🤫Understand about weighty kitchenware, esp. things that grow even heavier when filled. 🍽 Used to love my hefty white stoneware (& crystal dishes too for that matter), but they all eventually got too heavy for me😂.
😊For everyday, I prefer my more kitschy pure white Corelle Classic pieces & also black glass octagonal from Arcoroc Octime that I inherited from parents. Both sets are 💯% easier for my grip.
Reverted to using my lightweight stainless steel nesting bowl sets for baking & prepwork too. They're a lot easier for me to manage over the heavier glass mixing bowls😔.
💗Have a pretty pink Mickey Mouse dinner set from my Disney days in a pine plate rack w/hooks on the bottom for the matching mugs. It brings me great ✨️ joy ✨️ to see 'em hanging on the wall.
💚Bridget from Cali☘️
(using my pal's YT acct )
Rajiv, you're an extraordinary human being. I love how everything in your house has a story and is well thought out before being purchased. Everything has a function but is also beautiful. It is clear you cherish those things, it's beautiful. Chapeau, you really are inspiring. Thank you
Dear oh dear .... Another Sunday morning here in Melbourne Australia and just when I should be getting a move on to prepare Sunday lunch - there goes Rajiv posting another of his mesmerisingly entertaining and informative videos - and my whole morning is shot! Sigh! Thank you Rajiv for your appreciation of the beauties of 'the everyday things' in life and for showing that there are such like-minded souls in this world. Good on you - and Thank you.
Thank you!
You're the kind of artist that when I finally get a home (61 yrs and still trying), I'd gladly fly you around the world to collaborate with me to design something exquisite. Couldn't give higher praise!
That packaging is not appropriate for the cupboard. I love it! 😂 Your reverence for your space is inspiring. ❤
As a designer, I’m so impressed at how you’ve managed to make gray look good 😂 I usually hate the color, but you’ve got a magic touch!
Designers don’t like gray? Is this just you or most designers?
True
especially yellow and grey together which is normally an unsightly combination
I've always loved yellow and gray together.@@mushy470
@@tonifoster7095 I think it's just her.
Rajiv, you bring such joy to the world. Your content is a balm during these dark times.
Rajiv, I think you must be my lost twin! I’ve been collecting antique ironstone, yellow ware bowls and Mason jars for over 20 years. It feels good to see you appreciate them as much as I do!
YELLOW WARE CROCK BOWLS WILL ALWAYS RULE !!:😊
I had to stop the video at 12:51 to reorganize my kitchen towels bin. I just HAD TO. 😂 Now it looks beautiful and I know it will stay that way. Thank you ❤
I have a rectangular not too tall basket that will be perfect for storing my kitchen towels. I wish I knew of someone like his friend who knows how to weave because finding a functional yet beautiful kitchen towel is one of my Holy Grails.
I told myself I need better kitchen towels lol
The knob placement and size of them is a total revelation. I LOVED the mirror story. It gave me LIFE. The kettle and the onion holder and knife rack are some of the best things I gave ever seen. Putting the knife rack on the inside of the door is GENIUS. You are a GENIUS. Thank you for the gift of this video.
The knife holder inside of the cabinet is such a good idea! It can be jarring to see knives on the countertop or on the wall.
I agree ... just so long as you don't have any children visitors!
I love the way Rajiv speaks fondly of every piece he's curated into his home, every piece has a story and he appreciates the history behind each piece and every "piece/item" has a bit of treasured history if only to himself the owner of said pieces.
I live in a small condo. Seeing this video has inspired me to want makeover my kitchen on a small budget. I love how organized and beautiful his space looked!!! My kitchen is the same size as Rajiv kitchen. I always feel frustrated because my kitchen is always looking cluttered. There are so many ideas in this video that I want to do in my own space. Thank you for this video!!! I needed to see it!!! I already have plans in my head on how to make my dream kitchen come to life. My hubby has no idea the plans I got stored inside my brain. Time to write down my vision and make my reality a dream come true! 😊🙏
And then you will enjoy being in the space.... maybe even doing the dishes! Hope it turned out the way you wanted...
Rajiv, just how many accents can you do?! Also, I laughed when you said RIP and did the sign of the cross. Your Irish aunt taught you that? You truly take advantage of all the opportunities you’ve had in your life to absorb information and knowledge. That’s inspiring.
I do LOTS of accents!
@@rajivsurendra I’ve noticed! You’re so talented, not just your TH-cam content, your beautiful calligraphy, acting, accents, singing, sewing, painting, floral arranging, woodworking, pottery, cooking, knowledge of historic artifacts and antiques, fine art, etc. , etc. and you’re a fellow Canadian and lover of Manhattan.
This is so strangely relatable. My kitchen cannot be done yet as it is shared with multiple roommates, but I am meticulous about finding my matching vintage glassware, and China, and making sure I keep consistent colors across the useful items. My cosmetics are already refilled into 1920s-1940s sterling silver compacts/lipstick cases, and other categories such as cleaning supplies, toiletries and so on are in matching colors with custom Cricut labels. The “nonpretty” items I still need tend to be stored in vintage luggage. I am amused to find someone else also appreciates they everyday practical items being lovely to look at. 😂
I absolutely love that you think having such organized cupboards is like shopping in a beautiful store. This is what I think every time I open mines and it inspires to cook better, eat better, and save money. it makes the whole cooking experience so much enjoyable.
His general attitude about surrounding yourself with small treasures is delightful...not extravagance, but meaningful.
Omg Rajiv! 😍
I must say this - I've noticed how each one of your videos have the same/similar kinda effect on me. For 2-3 days after seeing your videos I'll be SOOO actively scurrying around expressing my creative visions in every corner of my life and home. By the 4th day or so, the lazy devil in me takes over and she's happy just being the arm-chair creative day dreamer. And then a Rajiv video drops just when I need it 😍 Voila, my inner creative wakes up again!
So, going forward this shall be referred to as the Rajiv Effect 😊.. or one can say 'I got Rajiv-ed' again!!
I ADORE THIS SENTIMENT !!! So true and also made me chuckle ..thanks
I love your personality and style. Your videos have inspired me to choose more aesthetically pleasing decor in my home and to take more pride in how I keep my house. It is a process of getting rid of unused items and making use of my favorite things, and I have a long way to go but am getting there.
Me too
So true, I started ironing my kitchen towels (I hate ironing and only do it under duress otherwise) and got some beautiful old kitchen linen from a thrift shop, which has never occured to me before, even though I do get most things second hand. It's the small things.
I grew up with the strawberry cousin of your pineapple cookie jar! It was one of my mom’s first kitchen purchases as a young bride in the late 50s. We still have it. :) Thank you for taking us through your beautiful and inspiring kitchen space.
I just love how he even takes care of his kitchen towels 🥺
Yup. I am kinda glad I didn't put my iron in storage - used to love ironing things as a restorative for moodiness. Will try again next week. Rajiv is a tonic for the soul & an accelerant for the Essence.
they live in heaven !! yes
This video showed up as a recommendation. Not sure why, as I'm not a home makeover/home tour viewer; however, this video is so captivating. The music, the soothing, excellent narration, the passion with which you described the function and beauty of your pieces and space, and your bright, open demeanor have made me a subscriber and about-to-be binge watcher of your content. Pure loveliness.😊💜
Enjoy the pure joy and genius that he is
You're like the rest of his followers.....hooked! Enjoy!
Same here! Who is this guy? He’s so lovely.
Me too❤ he came on my feed, and I subscribed after watching this video
Well YT (aka Big Brother) knows us better than we know ourselves & thought that you're the sort of person who'd appreciate such a video, its music, setting, storytelling etc & so you are! Rajiv popped up on my reccommended y'day and I do watch home make-overs, interior design stuff but this.... this is in a league of its own and I'm hooked. Subbed and binge-watching too!
Hello Rajiv, it has been a real pleasure to look at your video. Your kitchen is gorgeous, and done very practically but is also very pleasing to the eye. I am living in France, 5 miles away from where your saucepan were made, and indeed, I know Mr & Mrs Mauviel, for having not only seen them in London at an exhibition of their wares, but also socially here In Villedieu les Poêles where their factory is situated. Les poêles meaning frying pans, copper of course ! This little town in Normandy is very well known for its copperware, going back generations, some beautiful pieces hand crafted. It is also well known for its artisanal Bell making, those being exported all over the world, and indeed all over France, including Notre Dame in Paris that had 8 huge bells made especially for the cathedral in 2012. Hopefully you'll read this and take delight in the fact that you have the best of the best hanging on your wall. Cheers and well done!
Thank you! So nice to read this, and I'm glad to know there really is a Mr and Mrs Mauviel!
Dear Rajiv - Spending time with you through your thoughtfully crafted videos is an oasis of joy, beauty, tranquillity and education each week. Thank you for shining your light on all of us who are fortunate enough to have found you. I loved this tour of your before and after kitchen. Your work and authentic aesthetic are an inspiration.
Hee, hee! My grandmother’s circa 1800s farmhouse in Virginia had the same gray wooden cabinets and bead board. Most had the same latches as your bottom cabinet. I’m 71 now and can’t remember anything about counters, but I do remember a storage nook under the kitchen stairs where we would sometimes hide and play.
Thanks for sharing your lovely kitchen.
I have had to be very careful with spending for my house’s interior.
My 1980s house had the dreaded brown cabinets and awful wallpaper when I moved in. I took the doors off of the top cabinets, painted the outside shiny white, changed the hardware to more traditional bin pulls, and installed white bead board wallpaper on the walls and backsplash.
I have collected English and Asian decorative tea and biscuit tins since I was about eight years old. They are mixed in with my white or fruit motif dishes proudly displayed in the open shelves. I used French figurative tea towels for cafe curtains above the sink. Every thing is used daily and when I glance at them it makes me happy.
I am thankful that I have discovered your channel and look forward to all of your posts.
PS It made me happy to see the beautifully arranged and decanted items inside your cabinets. 👍🏆👩🏻🎨
I've loved the videos about your home, but I think that this is my favourite. I so relate to everything that you have done.
Birmingham, the City of a Thousand Trades, is my hometown. My late aunt had a kettle almost identical to yours, and it came with a matching trivet. After my aunt's death, her family disposed of everything so quickly. I'd have loved to have bought the kettle off them.
When I first had my kitchen fitted, it had a sort of Downton Abbey butler's pantry vibe. Very Edwardian. When a couple of handles broke, and I saw the replacement cost, I decided to replace them all with Indian made knobs. The change was amazing. It went from butler's pantry to bohemian, a look I've continued to develop.
Inside my cupboards, I use woven baskets to store everything. It is very easy to slide them out to access cans, packets, and small items. Some are stacked so that they share the same shelf with larger items.
I do not drink much coffee, so I only have instant by Douw Egberts, which comes in glass jars with glass stoppers. It is not the easiest job to remove all the label glue, but well worth it. I use them to store small items, such as stock cubes and so on. Best of all, they are effectively free because I would buy the coffee anyway. I have lots now, and more than I have stuff to store, so a couple are now filled with my childhood glass marbles, which are well over 60 years old now
I'd already got utensil jars next to my cooker, but I became annoyed having to open drawers to get other things that I used, measuring spoons, cutlery that I use when preparing food, and so on. I now store them in old mugs and jugs, and I just need to reach out for them.
I love that you have decorative items in your kitchen. In my case, I have three collections, cockerels, jugs, and pewter tankards. People think I am mad, but it all pleases me. Some get used, some are purely decorative. However all meet William Morris's criteria of having nothing that you don't know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.
I find your style so inspirational. Thank you for sharing.
Good lord after watching your video I went on a kitchen refurbishment assault and I haven’t stopped ! Thank you for lighting this fire under me that is appreciated and long past due!
I really liked the end section about the mirror. Funny that you didn't remember making it but lovely that your friend reminded you and gave it to you. I especially liked the final shot of the mirror with the beautiful reflection. It reminded me of what my mother taught me about mirror placement. She said that we don't actually look into a mirror to see ourselves very often so what we should do is sit or stand where you will most often glance towards the mirror and see if it captures a beautiful image. That's how I ended up hanging a beveled mirror that she gave me so that when I'm seated on my couch it reflects a beautiful image complete with the beveled edge glimmering with rainbows from the prisms in my ceiling light.
Your mother is a wise woman. I adore mirrors and am often teased about wanting to see my own reflection 😂 But really, it’s about the light and the beautiful reflected vignettes that are captured by well placed mirrors that I love.
Never apologise for ironing your tea towels - the whole of Italy does too! I adore the organisation, care and pride you take in your kitchen-magnifique! Thanks so much for the peek into your kitchen cupboards- love this type of video! Love your kitchen!
So charming. The joy and the care that have gone into your little jewel box of a kitchen reflects the thought and care you have placed into each detail. Truly living life as art. Thank you for the tour.
What a lovely kitchen. BTW, that wire wall basket is actually a mail holder. I like your idea of using it for onions better. Well done!
Thanks for solving the mystery!
I love your kitchen! And seeing an image of Our Lady and the child Jesus on your fridge makes me feel at home. Truly a blessed apartment
I love how you integrate all your different cultural heritages. The Tamil pots and chippendale mirror work beautifully together!
I would love a tour of pioneer village. What a creative touchstone in your life.
What a great Saturday afternoon video. Thank you!!
Thank you for sharing this with us Rajiv.
I have only watched your channel for a short while, but it has been very positive aspect in my life. You are an inspiration for a man like myself. As someone who was constantly put down for "caring too much" about everything. Seeing you live your life with such care and thought has reminded me of who I really am and what I wanted to do when I was younger. It's also brought back many good memories of time I spent with my Grandmother, we were extremely close and like-minded. She also had a similar decorating taste as you, which I always loved.
Might be odd coming from a stranger like this. But I must sincerely thank you for helping me.
@Gog-Anog, Rajiv has that affect on people! Please keep true to who you are!! I hope you will be able to recapture the younger you and do the things you wanted to do!
Something about your whole apartment it radiates good vibes! It all just flows together lovely! Thanks for making these videos and inspiring us! Loving the Vintage feel in the kitchen! Never thought of putting the handles/knobs in the middle instead of the bottom!
The knobs are cute, but for shorties like me they would be a nightmare to reach without a tall stool.
He doesn’t use the middle knobs to open the cupboard. Notice, he just pulled the doors open from the bottom!
This isn't the first time I've come across your show. Each time I do, I have to stop and see what you're getting into -and it's always something of interest. My kitchen is the same size as yours but not nearly as interesting, and yours has a window! Another advantage of living in an older building. Keep on doing your thing, man. Love every show. I'm still trying to track down bluing from your laundry show. LOL!
Thank you.
I'm so glad you gave us this in-depth tour of your jewel box kitchen Rajiv! I didn't want this video to end. Loved when you broke in to singing while talking about your busts. Just adorable!
You are a master storyteller! Enjoyed very much the tour of your jewel kitchen - but the most precious, rare and beautiful “thing” in your home is … you! Thank you for sharing your insights in such a charming way. God bless 💐
YES R is the most rare and precious thing in his kitchen! Thank you for sharing. Bibby
Bibbyis such a sweet name
Gosh yes, he is!
Maybe a little too personal, but I would love to see how you organized your bathroom! Thank you for this absolutely beautiful and inspirational video!!
I did not want this tour to end 😭❤️👏👏
This channel just makes me want to enjoy my life more. It is hard to explain, but I have always loved beautiful things but thought (or was told) that buying beautiful things are a waste of money. It feels liberating to see someone who just loves and appreciates beauty.
I too iron my linen kitchen towels. I'm an American living in Sweden and there are a few people left (not many) who actually still use a mangle for table linens and sheets. In comparison to that, ironing a few linen kitchen towels doesn't seem too extreme. ;) Thanks for bringing more beauty into my world.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, for being you…..wonderful you. Lighting up your life thru beauty, excellence, intention, grace, and talents galore, then sharing it with us (mere mortals). Have been singing your praises to a friend this week. She’s asked me to help her turn her home of 15 years into the “jewel box” she’s always imagined it could be. It’s coming along nicely. She’s she’d a few tears of joy (and liberation) along the way. Channeling Rajiv in NE Florida, in as many ways as we can! ❤. P. S.- The potato chips in the bread box with the toaster is priceless. I keep my microwave in an 80 yr old cupboard in a room adjacent to the kitchen. Tried living without one for 6 months, caved in. Ugly buggers, they are.
Rajiv, you’re endearing and delightful. Your kitchen is beautiful and full of character. I love you. 💙✨
I'm away from my home now. In a lovely, comfortable flat.
I was about to go to sleep a bit dad.
Thank you 😊
Needed that.❤😊❤
Rajiv, you are an old soul. I could listen to you speak about your treasures all day.❤
Your kitchen is everything I imagined it would be. Jewel boxes, within jewel boxes. I have fully embraced your philosophy of using my beautiful things, everyday. Thank you for the thoughtful tour, and polishing the kettle.
Thank you for this. Your apartment is such a pleasure and an inspiration to look at. I really dislike the aesthetics of mass-market fitted kitchens, even those in the most expensive houses. I love the idea of kitchens where the cupboards are free-standing pieces of antique or handmade furniture. However, even though your kitchen is fitted, you have made it into a beautiful vintage space that shows me the potential of the style. I always love the care you take in selecting the objects you live with and hearing about their stories.
The Kondo folding and drawer "filing" technique is a TOTAL game changer! EVEN for kids.
When I initially saw how long this video is, I thought I’m not sure I’ll watch all of it, but of course with the way you went through explaining each piece and how valued everything is to you and how each piece is useful, near the end, I wished it were longer. Your kitchen is beautiful. My favorite pieces are the kettle and the mirror you made. Another thoughtful and interesting video. Thank you, Rajiv. ❤
Rajiv you are a joy to watch. Your jewel box of a Kitchen is absolutely beautiful. I love everything about it and the love in your voice as you describe each are and special pieces is a wonderful appreciation of all that you’ve done to make this a happy useful home.
Your bread board that you carved was one of my favorite pieces as I have a bread board that is the same size carved with wheat leaves.
It was my English Nana’s and my mom gave it to me with the bread knife my mother watched her mom use as she cut slices of bread at the end of the dining room or kitchen table for the meals. My mother is 97 now, still living in her own house, cooking and cleaning herself. My nana lived into her 80’s in England before and during WWII. So you know how old this bread board is… it has a lovely patina to it, as the years have gone the wheat leaves are not as prominent but it remains close to my heart.
I love all that you share, you’re a special, caring, kind soul of a man… not enough people like you.
Thank you for graciously sharing your home. ❤
Lovely to read about your bread board. The one I modeled mine after was very old, at pioneer village...that thing was so beautiful, had a patina that made the wood look like worn leather.
You didn’t mention it but the faucet with the living finish is so lovely. I believe they are made in England? I wanted one for my kitchen remodel, alas it was a bit too expensive in the grand scheme of all the stuff we needed but I have something similar. I just love yours!
Oh and I love the cutting board too (you didn’t talk about that either…I think you need another kitchen video! Lol)
I remember the first time I watch a Rajiv video, I was still living in NYC. That prompted me to do a extreme declutter and just have things that truly make me happy, I also realized that NYC was not making me happy and with that declutter I also quit my job pack the stuff that I loved and move to the forest.
I’ve always felt the key to organization was to designate a home for everything. So easy when you need something to go where it lives and get it. My husband passed away many years ago, but the one thing he did that made me crazy, was to use something and then put it away where it didn’t belong. He would actually move something out of its space to make room for the item he was “putting away”. Now there were two items I had to look for when I needed them. Never understood that, and he never understood why it was so important. But my gosh how I love your tiny kitchen. Form AND function. Bravo!
It’s insane how much I enjoyed watching you telling the story of your kitchen. I can really appreciate the attention to details like where you place the cupboard knobs and that you have to, absolutely have to, take stuff out of their bright and shouty packages but I never thought about the sentiment of opening your cupboard doors and shopping in a lovely expensive shop. I will infuse that thinking into my kitchen and appreciate all the nice tins and packages I saved because a) beautiful and b) as a graphic designer I appreciate good packaging. Loved it ❤️
You should have your own show! Everything you do,how you explain all the history and meaning of your home is absolutely beautiful 🫶🏽
Rajiv, I am so glad I found your channel. I am almost 80 years old and have been engaged in what is sometimes called Swedish death cleaning. I want to find new homes for the many, many objects that have brought me happiness over the years. I want to save my family from this task after I am gone. I really get joy in knowing my things will continue to make someone else happy too. Your videos are an inspiration, Thank you.
A beautiful soulful video! A home where kitchen towels are ironed is a good home. Your videos are therapeutic as they beat the chaos and craziness of the world outside. Keep'em coming!
Aha! Vertical folding! I also iron all my dish towels and cloth napkins (also pillowcases and top sheets), but usually end up only using the ones on top, because they're most accessible. This is a good solution. You have such a sense of presentation. You inspired me to put away all my countertop appliances, bring out my lovely (and wonderfully well designed) 1940s German tea kettle, and fold my dish towel over the edge of the sink instead of on the oven pull bar where it always ends up dragging the floor when I open the oven. Now...to find a mirror. :)
OMG I am obsessed with that onion basket!!!
I found your channel a few days ago, scrolling TH-cam seeking for inspiration to help me declutter and redecorate my kitchen. And here am I, watching you showing YOUR beautiful kitchen things while taking MY beautiful things out from the shelves, washing them, putting them to their new spots (or saying goodbye to them). A lot of crystal utensils from my granny, for example who didn't use them and died and now they are mine, and I don't quite know what to do with them. I would never BUY such things, but they are really beautiful and expensive. Decided to keep them as an investment :) Thanks, Rajiv. I feel like I have a new friend now.
Dear Rajiv, you always put a smile on my face. I'm renovating a tiny kitchen now, the tiniest I ever had, and you are such an inspiration. Thank you!
Rajiv, it's impossible not to love you. Loved every second of this little tour and all your inspirational tips. Can't wait for more!
When you are so cute that you could just stand in the middle of the room and make it a trove of treasure, everything else is sure to look fabulous 💜
Great video 😊
Rajiv, are you a time lord? How do you create the time to achieve all this?! Bravo!
Your apartment is a treasure...as you are too. Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. I experience peace/an inner calm when I view your videos. ❤ Mahalo.
Beautiful kitchen! It's great that you have the right to do all these changes in a rental app! Where I used to live, all you could do is paint the walls, nothing else. You didn't like the kitchen or the bathroom, too bad you live with it. You're lucky!
The kitchen is a work of love, beauty and appreciation of all thing’s beautiful!
I have an old dresser mirror and I built an oak shelf on top of it. I have been hesitant about hanging it. You have just inspired me to hang it in the living room of my cottage. It will reflect the light that bounces off of the river. Don’t know why I didn’t do it sooner. You are so inspirational.
It is amazing how you can elevate something as simple as mason jars. I did the same thing in my cupboard and it is so true it feels so good when you open the cupboard AND I can see what is in the jar, no need for labels.
Wow Rajiv!! You have inspired us so much as we can not wait to get started on our kitchen!!!! We especially like the idea of using the bread box as a hide away for other items so much that we have decided to pick one up and use it in a similar way in our kitchen. Your videos are beautiful and awesome!! Please do one about the bathroom to give us some ideas 😍🕺🏻💃🏽! Thank you Rajiv❤❤!!
I “save up” your videos because you are a special event!!! Thank you for sharing!!!😊
Who needs a big kitchen when you can have such a jewel box. I’m inspired to add a shelf or two in my kitchen even though I do ‘t need the storage.
Part of the purpose of these beautiful pieces is to get us to slow down, reflect, appreciate, connect and reconnect with others. Life is fleeting. (I iron my kitchen linens, too, Rajiv. 🤗🌸🐝)
My family laughs at me I have to much time on my hands. I like everything organized and neat. I can get up from bed to close a closet door for a night if my other half leaves it open.
You talk about it like the best storyline. You mesmerize with your voice and all of the sudden it just started and the end is coming…. I love your videos. You’re inspiring and influential.
Everything so carefully curated and beautiful. I love your analogy of a jewelery box. Your appartment is lovely. Your landlord must love having you there. Thank you for sharing it with us.
It is really lovely when we create surroundings that are aesthetically pleasing and make us feel joyful and inspired. I love how Marie Kondo talks about having only things that "spark joy." Isn't it wonderful how you turned Laura onto Marie Kondo and then Laura got you folding your towels according to the Kon-Mari method. Like you, I was first dubious about the folding. But after reading the book a second or third time, I decided to try it! That way of folding (I do it for my clothes, too) works brilliantly! Your kitchen really is a jewel box. And one of tgese summers I really have to visit Pioneer Village. I'm assuming it's still there. I love seeing things made the old way. Thanks, Rajiv!
You are probably the only other person, besides myself, that I know who irons their dishtowels! I also have never put them in the clothes dryer since the early 1970's when I lived in Manhattan (till 2007). Along with other things like cloth napkins, I would take them home damp from the laundromat a few blocks away, and hang them on hangers in my bathroom shower. Nowadays, I carry them upstairs to a drying rack. I was glad to hear that you only polish your copper pots a couple of times a year because that is something that I do not do although I have been cogitating polishing them at least once a year. Mine are also tin lined from France but not Mauviel. I actually got them at Zebras in the 1980's. Last year, I finally had to have them retinned. I live on Cape Cod and had to drive to RI. The owner of the shop, about your age, was so interesting. He was formerly a scientist and fell in love w copper pots while on a visit in France. He showed us his antique collection and told us a lot about the history. I do love the way the tin lined cook, but the insides are mostly grayish because of the acid I use w cooking like lemon. I still have not found a way to clean them. I have been lucky to find some additional tin lined copper ware here at estate sales. Your kitchen tour was wonderful and inspiring while bringing back memories of my many very small NYC kitchens. Unfortunately, I never thought to make any upgrades like you have beyond painting the kitchen cabinets. Many kudos to you for your youtube channel that spreads the word about appreciation and use of quality items in this world of fast food and fast everything. More is not necessarily better, but better is better. Many of your projects are meditative and are rarely a quick fix. I believe this aspect to be a necessary component of living La Dolce Vita.
You make so many cool things!! I’m laughing that you didn’t recognise one of your own, but coveted it like mad….everything in your life is a JOY to behold! Keep it up, good sir! Thanks for sharing your “bits and pieces”!
I just look forward to every video - the thoughtful insight, the beautiful artistry, the deep appreciation for craftsmanship and story. You remind me to pause and reflect on beauty most of us might initially miss. You also remind me to create, taking those beautiful items and see how they relate to one another in a space to welcome the visitor. I have a stressful (corporate) job, and I take care people when I’m not working (father with Alzheimer’s), and to me, your videos are like my meditation, and reawaken my inner artist. And I know I’m not alone in that feeling. Thank you for sharing you. ❤
The part where you talk about your drawer, your only drawer, you do it with so much love, and also, as always, seeing the potential on the object instead of dismising or complaining about your only drawer. Fantastic human being you are. Thank You!
I once was young like you, Raj, but now am old, nearing 70, and in the process of moving from my beloved home where I raised my family. But after watching your precious video I am inspired to make my new, albeit tiny, retirement cottage a thing of beauty. You are absolutely right: if you have a choice, choose the beautiful!
I just turned 61, and in an odd quirk of fate I found myself alone in a foreign country and searching for a place to call home. It's been a journey. But I want to encourage you to know that even in our sixties life can be full of adventures, beauty, love and friendship. I'll be wishing you all the best that life can offer
Because of you I am working on getting everything in my apartment to be beautiful. Either handmade, vintage or both for the most part. Ive loved handmade and vintage things for a while now but it never occured to me that most of the stuff I need could be that. I love most of my stuff now. I love using it. I never knew something as small as a pen could make me happy but its handmade and beautiful.
I absolutely love your kitchen and I love that so many things have a story.
So inspiring! Rajiv - the way you make the most sentimental and romantic pieces feel minimalist, zen and elegant is absolutely astounding. Love 🤍🤍🤍
I have recently moved home and this video has brought me joy, I now know how I will be organising my cupboards to give me everyday comfort 🧡 Thank you.
Thank you for this video. You bought tears to my eyes when you mentioned Joe Ley. He was a good friend of mine, I miss him so. I also collect yellow bowls and ironstone . I love what you have done to your kitchen.
I’d buy the tin can of whatever spice or cereal I wanted and then perhaps buy the boxed one next time when I run out , which I think it may be less economical , and just refill it with the other ! Lol
I agree. The bag of chips totally conflicts with the aesthetic of the cabinets. That was too funny.😂
I always put time aside in a special way to watch your videos and my 7 yr old son usually accompanies me. He asked me to write this for you: We love your videos and we gave you a like. Your kitchen stuff is very beautiful and shiny"
You are a jewel Rajiv! Love your kitchen, buy once, buy right...which you've done! Gorgeous!💙💙💙
Magnificent! The pedantry has not gone unnoticed, it is a thing of beauty! What a wonderful space to create food to nourish your body, mind and soul! Everything is harmonious and glorious! Thank you for sharing your treasure trove with us!
Rajiv, you created such a beautiful and charming kitchen it was a shock to see the before pictures. I love all the little well thought out details you've added and the story behind the mirror is hysterical.
Perfect BFF, and Teacher. I would learn something everyday from you ❤
This was lovely, I wish I could make my tiny house a tenth as stylish as yours! 😂 I also love hearing people say ‘BirmingHam’ in an American accent too, so cute, haha! Thanks for the inspiration xx