I have been cursing the kitchen every time I cook for the past two and a half years.

Michael repairing a leak about 8 months ago.

Notice the hood over the stove. It is hard to see, but it was located about 5" above the back of the stove. It was a perfect height for Irene when she cooked, and gave her more shelf space, which is at a premium in her tiny kitchen. She rarely needed any more than a single burner and only used small pots and pans. Aging eyes and dim light meant that cleaning wasn't a problem. However, we took over the cooking when we moved in two and a half years ago and we have different cooking habits. I finally gathered up the courage to ask Irene if we could take the hood down. She gave us the green light.

The hood removed.

The hoodless stove with temporary lighting.

I cleaned this small area for two days straight. I engineered a way to hang a light and another small shelf and Michael (who could reach places I could not) finished installation. I rummaged around in the garage and found some vinyl for a backsplash, which Michael got cleaned up. Between the two of us, we put the kitchen back together so Irene had a place to make her breakfast in the morning.

Still a small space, but it feels so much bigger! and cleaner!

I have been able to use all my burners at the same time! I've been able too take lids on and off without burning myself! I may even get to use my butternut elixir before it goes bad!

Irene gave her seal of approval to the new set up. We all like the lighting. This is a quick fix while we finish the addition. Irene will move into the addition, which will then allow us to move our bedroom into the space Irene is in now...which will allow us to put the kitchen where our bedroom is now!