Expert Tips for a Well-Organized Kitchen
The kitchen is home to a vast array of articles we use on a daily basis: pots, utensils, small appliances and dishes, recipe books, etc. To be efficient, you need a clear workspace. Shelves, racks, compartments, hooks, pull-out units all come to your rescue. Here are some ideas for smart storage.
Start with the cabinets
Adjustable shelves
An assortment of plastic compartments and racks to create storage layers
A rotating platform under a corner cabinet
Hooks to hang utensils and cutting boards inside cabinet doors
Sliding drawers for easy access to items at the very back of deep cabinets
Dividers for cutting boards, platters and pot lids that can be stored vertically
Storage modules attached to the inside of cabinet doors
Sliding modules to store the garbage bin and recycling box under the sink
You can add storage under the wall cabinets, thereby freeing up work surfaces and keeping objects used most often within easy reach. Consider installing:
A rack for paper towels and plastic wrap
A glass rack, because as well as uncluttering space in your cabinets, they are pretty to look at
Cup and mug hooks
Horizontal magnetic strips on the backsplash for knives and spice canisters
Horizontal rods with hooks attached for measuring cups and other equipment
Put items used less often above the wall cabinets in boxes or baskets, or in various decorative containers.
You can use base cabinet panels and doors to hang tea towels and hand towels. Storage modules attached to the inside of the door to store cleaning products, brushes, washcloths and other items are also available.
Optimize the Pantry
The pantry is coming into its own!
No longer restricted to a cabinet or two, it can be installed in a small room off the kitchen. Think walk-in closet with shelves on all four walls.
Allow space for vertically stored items, such as a broom, a small stepladder, a vacuum cleaner hose and other accessories. If you don't have the option of a walk-in pantry, you can create a space between a cabinet and a corner of the room.
Pullout drawers and shelves are ideal in the pantry for quick and easy access to food.
Keep your Drawers Neat and Tidy
A wide assortment of compartments is available to increase storage possibilities in drawers. For example, layering two utensil organizers makes it possible to store cutlery you use for formal occasions underneath and keep your everyday cutlery on top.
Free up Space on Counters
Try to group items together, such as cooking and food preparation utensils in vases or bowls that are both attractive and practical. A knife block is an excellent solution for keeping knives together and close to the food preparation area.
Avoid the eyesore of a mess of wires on the counter and designate a specific spot for recharging cell phones and MP3 players.
Use Wall space
Vertical spaces are often underused in kitchens. Walls are great places to store items, so think storage from floor to ceiling.
Traditional shelves are still unbeatable for holding dishes, bottles of oil, spices and various ingredients.
Increase the number of:
Hooks to hang utensils, pots, and cutting boards
Magnetic strips to store metal utensils and knives
Bars with hooks to hang oven mitts, cloths, and other small items
Spice racks
Don't Forget the Ceiling
A pot rack installed above the island makes a practical and attractive addition to your kitchen décor.
Some pot racks include lights, which is useful.
Think about the Floor as Well
For small kitchens, islands on wheels with cabinets and racks are a great solution. You can increase your food preparation space and have more storage space for your cookware and accessories.
When it's no longer needed, simply roll it into a corner, leaving more floor space to move around.