The kitchen is a multi-purpose space, meaning that cooking, baking, and even drinking are done all within one space. Sometimes, the best thing is to create designated areas with everything needed to accomplish the task. This means less bumping into one another and more getting done.

• Beverage: creating a place where the to-go cups, coffee mugs, and sweeteners are all in one place can be the best solution for those early mornings or family gatherings. Consider placing the Coffee maker near the cabinet where the mugs are stored. Even better, how about a unique cabinet created just for that on an easy roll-out drawer?
• Spice rack: when you cook, it is tiring to have to constantly walk around the kitchen looking for that one additional spice before you can finish that meal, not to mention having to wipe your hands before opening the numerous cabinet doors to find what you are looking for and having the spices all neatly tucked away in a simple roll-out cabinet or in a shelf tucked neatly beside the stove.
• Baking: cookie sheets, rolling pins, mixing bowls, and cake pans can all be stored together in one area. A tray divider is an excellent addition to the lower cabinet, allowing for the storage of remaining items in an upper cabinet. Locate both near the oven, and baking will be much easier.
• Cooking: pots and pans should be located near the stove and sink to make filling and washing easier. The less distance that is needed to transport a full pot to the stove, the less mess is likely to happen.

Each station serves a purpose and allows more than one person to be in the kitchen at the same time, which allows more to be accomplished in the same amount of time.