Design Notes
Kitchens are the headquarters of the home. Everyone in the family will be there at some point. From morning to evening, the kitchen stays busy as we grab that quick breakfast, jot down that list of errands, or start cooking dinner. With so much going on, it would seem the space needs to be the largest in the home, but sometimes that is not possible. When space is limited, it needs to be maximized. Often, there is more space than we realize, and with good planning and a few simple organization tips, you can make your small kitchen seem bigger. Here are four organizational tips to help you gain more usable space in your kitchen.
Periodically Purge
While this is not the same thing as minimalism, there is a common thread between the two ideas: get rid of what you don’t need. When looking to maximize space, it is a good practice to periodically go through your kitchen cabinets, countertops, and even the nearby closet and decide what is needed and what can be eliminated. Some helpful questions to ask yourself when purging your stuff are:
- Have I used this in the last six months?
- Is this item similar to another I have that does the same job?
- Would I repurchase this?
- Is this a duplicate?
- Does it still work?
- Would I pack it up and move it with me?
The answer to these questions can help you eliminate certain items faster. As you make your way through your kitchen, ask yourself what you use daily and put that in one area. Items you rarely use should be placed in a separate pile and reviewed again. As you do, think about what you want to keep, like those special dishes, but it might be best to box them up and place them in a storage area. This means you can keep it, but not in a limited area like your kitchen. If you have a garage, consider storing items like air fryers and toaster ovens there, so you have easy access when needed without taking up valuable space in your small kitchen. Read a few more helpful ideas in this blog by Real Simple. A purged kitchen will be a well-functioning kitchen that eliminates stress.
Clear The Counter
Countertops are a key part of the kitchen. This is where we prepare food and can spread out. Countertops are also among the biggest culprits of kitchen clutter. A cluttered countertop can make us feel stressed, lead to disorganization, and hinder our cooking ability. Again, the kitchen often becomes the center of the home, making it easy to accumulate clutter, but there are things you can do to eliminate it and prevent it. Some of these suggestions include:
- Keeping appliances off the counter
- Dirty dishes belong in the dishwasher
- Have a designated spot for mail
- Limit decor items
Clutter can creep up on us easily, but if you keep these traps in mind, you can win the war every time. Your countertops are meant to be a usable workspace for you, which means the things that help you should be there, such as a knife block or certain spices. Appliances such as the microwave are best stored off the counter and instead placed in the cabinet design. Dirty dishes immediately make a kitchen look smaller and should be dealt with immediately. Make it a point to leave your kitchen clean every night, as it reduces stress the following morning and helps you wake up feeling energized. When you have a small kitchen, it’s essential to limit the number of decor items, as they can quickly take up valuable space. Consider using your backsplash or even the countertop itself as decor. Choosing a stunning granite slab with an elegant vein or a colorful backsplash can make just as much of a statement as a piece of wall art or decor. Keep your countertops clutter-free, and your peace of mind will be rewarded.
Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking