Admired recently in the New York Times: this low-cost kitchen in a 250-square-foot converted garage in Seattle, designed and built by artist and designer Michelle de la Vega using a mix of new elements and reclaimed materials from local salvage yards. We can also see this configuration installed in a garden shed, a barn, or any other outbuilding to create instant (and separate) summer guest quarters.

Photo via NY Times.

Above: Illuminate the space with a 16-inch Benjamin Sky Chief Porcelain Stem Mount Light; $219 at Barn Light Electric.

Above: For an industrial retro look, consider the American Standard Enameled Cast-Iron Wall-Hung Sink; $408.48 at eFaucets.

Above: The versatile stainless-steel Grundtal Wall Shelf is $19.99 for the 31.5-inch-wide model at Ikea.

Above: John Boos Economy Stainless Steel Kitchen Island Work Table; $235 to $546, depending on size, at the Stainless Steel Store.

Above: Wine crates used as storage drawers and shelves is a great idea; contact your favorite winery to see about getting used wine crates. Other sources include your local wine store, Craigslist, or Wine Pine, which sells Classic Wine Crates for $20 each.

Above: New from Bialetti, maker of the classic stovetop espresso pot, the electric Bialetti Electric Mukka Express is easy to use and costs $95.98 at Amazon.

Above: We like the straightforward simplicity of the Grundtal Magnetic Knife Rack; $8.99 at Ikea.

Above: Japanese luxury camping company Snow Peak makes a convenient, all-in-one Chopping Board and Knife Set; $49.95 at L.L.Bean.

Above: A 20-piece set of Lyft Cutlery from Ikea is $14.99.

Above: A set of six 12.5-ounce Picardie Drinking Glasses is $21.25 at Design Within Reach.

Above: The 12-piece baked enamelware Pioneer Camp Set includes four place settings; $99.95 at GSI Outdoors.

Above: When there is no dishwasher, the Simplehuman Steel-Frame Dish Rack earns a spot on our must-have list; $70 at Williams-Sonoma.

Above: Not just for camping, the Coleman 2-Burner InstaStart PerfectFlow Propane Stove offers 22,000 BTU in two powerful, independently adjustable, high-performance stainless steel burners. It can cook for up to 1.1 hours with both burners on high (4.5 hours on low) on one 16.4-oz. propane cylinder (sold separately). Make sure adaquate ventilation is available; $68.99 at Amazon.

Above: The Cuisinart BRK-100 Brick Oven Classic can be used as a toaster and a small oven; $129.95 at Amazon.

Above: The 3 2/3-cubic-foot Sanyo SR-3770S Counter-High Refrigerator features a stainless-steel door and a black worktop; $199.99 at Amazon.

Above L: A trash bin with an open/close top is essential to an open space kitchen; the United Receptacle Defenders 3.5-Gallon Stainless Steel Receptacle is $181.88 at Industrial House. Above R: The United Receptacle 3+ Gallon Leak-Proof Trash Can is $86.15 at Amazon.