In this article, we will share five ideas to help you streamline the heart of your home - your kitchen, and ensure that you are making the best use of the space you have, creating a beautiful kitchen that is also functional and efficient.
Did you know you can extend your countertops by adding shelving supports or corbels to islands and cabinets? Corbels are structures that project from the wall to other surfaces, typically countertops and shelving. You can keep corbels in mind if you want to extend the countertop over an island. Many designs and varieties of corbels will also add a nice touch to your kitchen.
Why not take full advantage of your kitchen space by utilizing freestanding pieces?
For example, rather than installing lots of cabinets, you can invest in a hutch that can fit against the wall with the ability to move it as needed. In addition, you can build or buy a piece that matches your existing aesthetic or use it as an accent piece with a different color or style.
Larders are making a comeback with a freestanding design that adds to the traditional look of a “cook’s kitchen.” Traditionally, a larder is a cool area for food storage which keeps best at lower temperatures.
Manufacturers are adapting larders to include hideaway storage for appliances like kettles and toasters to keep worktops clutter-free. A moveable kitchen island or butcher’s block is another excellent idea for prepping food in different kitchen areas.
If your china is collecting dust, it’s time to show off your dishware with open shelving! Placing your dishware on open shelves frees cabinet space for other items. In addition, contrasting open shelves with cabinets works well in smaller kitchens and utilizes free space on the walls.
It is, however, wise to consider putting dishes on open shelves that you use frequently ensuring they are regularly washed keeping the shelves clean and dust-free. Plus, you won’t have to waste time opening and closing cabinets when you put your dishes away.
You can streamline your shelving by organizing each shelf to hold items that pertain to what is close by, such as dishes near the dishwasher and spices and utensils near the stove.
Another neat idea would be to repackage your dried goods in attractive containers such as ceramic canisters, glass jars, or carafes to display on your shelves. Just be sure not to overload them, as shelving needs space to breathe and to prevent it from looking cluttered.
We have said it before, but your drawer and cabinet space can never be too organized. Dividers or pegboards at the bottom of deep drawers can be unsung heroes for organizing pots and pans. In addition, deep drawers allow for stackable items like casserole dishes, lids, and Tupperware, and lazy susans can store canned goods or spices.
Consider a split trash pull-out system to hide unsightly trashcans and divide them into two compartments for regular trash and recycling and a small “wet” or compost bin below the sink cabinet.
Considering the above ideas, it is wise to strategically plan your organization by placing items you use daily within reach. An efficient kitchen doesn’t mean that you have to hide everything away. You can display decorative dish towels on a metal rack, knives on a magnetic strip on the wall, or hang your pots from hangers on the ceiling, for example.
We hope this inspired you to plan an efficient kitchen that meets all of your family's needs for your next kitchen renovation project in the East Bay area.
Whatever your desire is for your next kitchen remodel, the Custom Kitchens Design team can help. If you have more specific questions regarding products, styles, no-fuss design, or you’d like to set up a consultation to discuss your project, please contact us at Custom Kitchens.
We are an award-winning design/build company that has been in business since 1950, and we would love to help you remodel the heart of your home, the kitchen.
