My Kitchen, Re-Imagined

There are many days where I dream about having a more organized kitchen. I've started cooking more frequently, and unfortunately, my current apartment just doesn't have the space for it. File under New York City problems, I guess, but even the tiniest bit more counter space would make a difference. I'd love a spot where I could hang my mugs, and add a chalkboard wall, like the clever kitchens in the pics above.

Do you have a kitchen that's set up to cook in? How do you maximize the space you have?

(Image 1, Image 2)