The lovely Annie from Annie Hearts is stopping in today to share her latest adventures in kitchen organization. Check out her super spice solution!
Hi Pretty Organized people! So happy to be here with you today to share my tips!
Today, I want to show you how I organize my spices. When I first moved in to the little house on the river, I remember looking around my kitchen, thinking, “Damn, there’s nowhere convenient to put my spices.”
I kept my spices in magnetized stainless round jars on a steel plate kinda like this, but with a bigger surface that held more spice jars:
via
I wanted to mount the steel plate on the wall like I had in my last home, but there was no wall space big enough for it. Then it occurred to me. Duh. I have a behemoth of a range hood made of stainless steel. It has miles of steel to hold my magnetized spice jars, so I got rid of the steel wall-mount plate and put the spices right on the range hood.
I have to tell you, I really love it. It couldn’t be more convenient, as it’s right above the range.
I put the spices we use most often in the middle.
The baking spices (and seeds) go on the left.
And the exotic spices, powders and steak spice go on the right.
In case you were wondering, I got the round labels at the dollar store.
I realize this won’t work for everyone, but for anyone who has a steel range hood that’s relatively flat, it’s worth a try!
Thanks for sharing, Annie!! Your spices work beautifully with your range hood!
About Annie
Wow! That sure beats the makeshift space I’ve carved out in my cabinet. Do you find that your spices lose flavor more quickly since they are right above the stove? I’ve always heard it’s important to store them in a cool spot.
Sorry it took a while to reply! I just saw your comment now.
I haven’t noticed a difference. Maybe I’ll have to do a little experiment by keeping some basil in the cabinet and some above the stove.
I do know that any food my chef makes (i.e. husband) tastes really good, so no complaints from me.
Annie XO
I love the idea, and heat has never seemed to bother my spices. But, I have a stainless steel refrigerator, and magnets won’t stick to it. Stainless steel is not magnetic. So how does this work?
Sorry to be a buzz-kill.
Hey Amy,
I think different alloys have different magnetic properties, so some stainless finishes are magnetic, and others aren’t, depending on the mixture. Here’s a link with info & some ideas that could work for your non-magnetic fridge: http://brokensecrets.com/2010/09/01/stainless-steel-appliances-are-not-magnetic/
Here’s some more scientific info if you’re interested: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=why-dont-magnets-work-on
Hope it helps!
What a great idea, Annie! You are officially a genius.
Thanks Beth! You’re a sweetheart (and a genius too)!
Love your ideas! So organized and so inspirational!
Thanks Kristin! It’s so nice of you to take the time to say so!
Annie XO