Design Notes
Storage and organization have always been important to homeowners, but over the last year and a half, they have become a priority as so many of us work from home and children complete their schoolwork between the classroom and home. Houses have always served multiple roles, but this need has only grown, prompting owners to reevaluate the functional space available to them. Since we are spending more and more time at home than anywhere else, it is essential that things have their proper place, as it reduces clutter and stress. Most of us would say we want to be more organized, but the layout of the home can hinder our ability to maximize storage or find a spot for our things to stay organized, and they admit they could use some help. Today, many homes come with ample storage, but for many, it is still not enough. Homeowners are looking to renovate their current dwelling to gain more storage and more space to organize their lives according to their specific needs. A place for everything begins with a plan, and that plan starts by knowing what you need for specific areas in the home.
Kitchen Organization
The kitchen has always been described as the heart of the home because that is where we gather to eat, to talk about the day’s events, and to celebrate the wins. Recently, it has also become the center hub for everyone’s activities; all members of the family have one reason or another to be in the kitchen. From planning meals and writing shopping lists to working on school assignments and even attending Zoom meetings, we have all spent extra time in the kitchen. In addition, for many, they have not had to cook as much as they have in the past year, or perhaps never again, since many restaurants were closed. All of these needs have led homeowners to realize just how badly their kitchens were in need of a renovation, but not just any renovation; they had specific storage and organization needs, such as:
- Deep drawers for dishes
- Trash can pull-outs
- Spice pull-outs
- Larger base cabinets
- Butler pantry
- Built-ins
All of these components help create order in the kitchen by providing a place for everything. Deep drawers are perfect for storing platters, dishes, Tupperware, pots, and pans. They are also easy for the younger members of the household to access. Trash can pull-outs mean the trash is tucked away in a cabinet rather than in the flow of traffic, and spice pull-outs keep spices neatly stored when not in use but within easy reach when needed.
Keeping the countertops clear of clutter has also moved to the top of many owners’ lists, since that can lead to more clutter later. Choosing larger base cabinets provides additional storage for items like crock pots and mixers, keeps countertops clear, and complements butler pantries and built-ins. Both of these options provide extra storage for items not always in use, while keeping them in the kitchen area, and allow you to hide any messes from surprise visitors. Designers are also encouraging their clients to browse their items to see if there are things they no longer need and can pare down. Understanding what you have is the first step to planning your renovation; it helps designers determine the type of cabinets and accessories you need to create the perfect place for everything in your home.
Walker Woodworking