Whether you’re remodeling or planning a new build, kitchens are one of the most crucial and challenging spaces to plan. As the heart of the home, and with most kitchens costing 30% or more of most home construction budgets, it’s important to strike the right balance between form and function. Whether you’re working with a designer or designing a project on your own, here are five tips to help you with space planning and kitchen organization.
Tip #1: Choose drawers instead of lower cabinets
If you are planning for new cabinetry, select more drawers than traditional cabinets. Cabinets can waste a lot of space, and they tend to become jumbled messes over the years. Another added benefit of drawers is that you can easily reach into the back of them. When planning for drawers, keep in mind the heights and depths that may be needed for pots, pans, casserole dishes, etc.
Tip #2: Think vertically for designing efficient storage
Utilizing vertical storage will make efficient use of your space, and allow you to see and quickly access your items. Drawers with vertical dividers are great for casserole dishes, cutting boards, muffin tins, and more. When organized vertically, it’s no longer a game of Jenga when sorting through a stack to get to the right dish. Having your dishes visible will also help you to use all of them, rather than forgetting about some or only using the one conveniently on top.
Don’t be tempted to store baking sheets in your oven’s warming drawer. Storing baking sheets vertically in a narrow, purpose-built cabinet can allow you to more quickly and easily access the items you need. You can accomplish this without taking up much of your kitchen’s footprint.
Tip #3: Consider utilizing open shelving
Incorporating open shelving in place of some upper cabinetry can help make your kitchen feel larger and more open. Open shelving is great for storing items you may use more frequently. They’re great places to store dishware and glasses, and gives you space to display art, plants, and vases. Do keep in mind that you’ll need to keep open shelving tidier than closed cabinetry.
In considering open shelving, you may choose to incorporate them as design elements to add visual intrigue. This can allow you to play with additional materials and textures. Shelving thickness and materials such as natural stone or hardwoods, can add visual appeal. There are also a number of mounting options to consider. These include floating, wood brackets, or metal brackets of bronze or unlacquered brass.
Popular options can range in price and quality, such as shelving from Shelfology, West Elm, and Ikea.
Tip #4: Maximize counter space by storing small appliances
Maximize your counterspace and decrease clutter by storing small appliances like microwaves, toasters, and coffee machines in a working pantry or appliance garage. Especially in kitchens with smaller footprints, it’s nearly as important to incorporate small appliances into the space plan as the large ones. Incorporating a nook to store small appliances can give you much needed counterspace, without sacrificing access or function.
Tip #5: Take inventory and plan for what you have (and want)
In order for any new kitchen build or remodel to be truly successful, it’s important to know what you really have and need to store, and where.
Build a list of your pots and pans, small appliances, and other cookware. Then, plan each cabinet and drawer with a purpose in mind to help you maximize the size and function of your cabinetry and space. Be sure to incorporate those kitchen items that you plan to add to your collection as well, and use this as an opportunity to throw away items you don’t really use, like that fondue pot or punch bowl that’s still in the box.
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