Another clever use? Extra kitchen towels and rarely-used dishes. She would store bulk-purchased linens up high, folded and ready, and even kept our fine china safely stashed until the next special occasion.
Of course, safety and practicality were key. Lightweight items only, nothing that could be affected by the heat from the refrigerator. A stable stool was always used—no shortcuts. And temperature-sensitive items, like chocolate or certain oils, were stored elsewhere.
Now, I use those lessons in my own home. My over-fridge cupboard holds my cake tins, canned goods, backup baking supplies, and a few cookbooks that spark creativity. It’s not about creating a magazine-perfect space—it’s about making life just a little more manageable and peaceful.
A well-used cupboard, even one as out of the way as this, can be more than just storage. It’s an example of how small habits, passed down or learned over time, can turn everyday spaces into a source of calm and efficiency.