From the Herb & Spice Forum: What Is Your Dream Spice Rack?
© Flickr user davedash3
I recently wrote an article on spice cabinet organization, and ever since, I've been imagining artful displays of herbs and spices in some future perfect kitchen. It's just been fleeting images of magnetic spice boards, and a kitchen herb garden à la the HGTV dream home, though -- nothing that's coalesced into a strong vision of my ideal kitchen storage situation.
But forum reader Starr asked " What is your dream setup? ," and I can't get her question out of my head. I've been so preoccupied with the icky industrial linoleum floor in my apartment kitchen that I'd forgotten to imagine the possibilities. Starr "...dream[s] of having an old fashion still room, a walk in pantry with a small sink, and shelves for drying, storing and making herb and spice blends..." Sounds divine. What's your perfect setup? Are you living your dream, or dealing with a kitchen challenge? I'd love to hear about it, and discuss your herb and spice storage ideas (and ideals!) in my forum.
Comments
I had a wonderful wooden spice rack bought over 30 years ago that had a door that closed and hung on my kitchen wall. I repainted and need to find one like my old friend but have found it to be an impossible task. Any suggestions?
Thanks
If you want something that matches, my first thought would be to ask a cabinet maker or local artisan to duplicate it. I also found a bunch of vintage spice cabinets on e-bay (try searching spice cabinets, spice cupboards, and spice racks). Most have pretty low starting bids, so you could always refinish one if you find something that’s almost, but not quite what you’re looking for. Etsy is also work checking — it’s an online marketplace dedicated to handcrafted goods.
I agree with Amy, the best bet is to have someone skilled to reproduce it.
Next suggestion, does your local school system have any vocational/woodshop classes?
They might be interested in reproducing it as a class project.
These old designs are so much more useful thatn the newer ones coming from overseas, that they should be preserved.
Take a photo and measurements into the teacher (make an appointment!)
And see if you can get it done. You might get away with the cost of materials, and the class could market it as a fund raiser for a good cause.
I think this would be a wonderful way to get your spice rack, and help the community. If you do it now, the class could produce it for fall fund-raisers. These classes usually have very tight budgets, and this could keep the class going.
With the economy the way it is, kids need to be taught life-skills. Learning to reproduce this rack, doing a cost study, laying out manufacturering schedules, etc. would teach them something they could bank on the rest of their lives.