The kitchen is not its own room, rather a continuation of the living space divided by a small counter bar.  The countertops are a dark grey and the cabinets are painted a bright white.  The sink and dishwasher are under the bar and the stove and refrigerator run along the same wall as the fireplace.  The refrigerator is white and the front is almost completely covered in magnetic poetry.  The informant explained to me that the poetry is a mix of the cat lovers and queer set which leads to some interesting combinations.  This is the fourth living space that the poetry has been present.  There is also magnets featuring Muppets, feminist post cards, a postcard sent from a friend while they were visiting Japan, photos of family pets, and sticky notes with the names of authors and books the informant hopes to use in research.  

On the counter next to the sink is a small white microwave, “I tried to go without one, but that only lasted about two weeks before I broke down and bought one,” the informant explained.  There is also an orange water kettle whose glass body has blue lights when it is turned on as well as small colorful coffee cups stacked in a metal stand.  The cabinets directly above hold all of the informant’s dishes.  Her mom had purchased her a set of colorful dishes before she moved away from her home state and she also has a collection of coffee mugs.  On the other side of the stove the counter holds a tea pot shaped like an elephant, a turquoise utensil holder with larger cooking spoons, and a glass bottle of olive oil.  On top of the stove are salt and pepper shakers that match the tea pot. 

Above the cabinet holds all of her spices and coffee and two French presses, storage containers and mixing bowls.  Below are drawers that contain silverware, towels, tea, and the bottom holds grocery bags.  On the opposite wall is a coat closet where the cat box is placed, the door propped open with a small notebook by the bottom hinge, and next to it a pantry full of appliances, canned food and dry goods.  There is a faint smell of curry that the informant had made for lunch lingering in the air as well as the smell of coffee.  The dishwasher rattles the entire room when it is running and the neighbor’s garbage disposal can be heard through the wall on occasion.