6 Tips for Creating an Organized and Functional Kitchen

The kitchen is often the busiest room in the home. Most family members use it throughout the day, and it can quickly become a clutter trap for all things. The problem is real! Mail gets dropped on the island. Dishes clutter up the sink, and every knick-knack and jacket seems to lurk on the countertops and island chairs.

If you're ready to ditch the mess and enjoy clean, clear countertops, embrace functionality and organization. Create a set of rules for the home, make some modifications and relish in a room that you can use freely without feeling overwhelmed.

1. Decide What Deserves Kitchen Space

Because the kitchen is a social hub, it's easy for people to leave their items behind or choose to store them on the counter. It's visible and straightforward to grab. However, these decisions add clutter to a frequented space. Sit down and think about how much room you want. Then, make a goal to remove the excess to better locations that still maintain convenience.

Decide what should and shouldn't be kept within the kitchen. Keeping small appliances in the area may seem reasonable, but they're bulky and clog up the counters. If you only use the bread machine once a month, then put it in the hall closet.

2. Make Use of the Cabinets

Make a plan for your cabinets. Place items by the zones you use them. Silverware may go near the plates, both stored near the table or dishwasher. This decision helps you load and unload a bit easier and encourages little ones to set the table.

Group sections by similar concepts. Your spices should be in one place, accessible with a quick grab during cooking. Consider putting them in a pullout drawer or the cabinet next to the oven. Pots and pans should also hang out in the same locale, reducing your hunt to track down the correct cooking item.

As for the smaller appliance you use more than on occasion, they can go into the cabinets. Install pullout drawers. Place them in a corner section where you can snag what you need and put it back and out of sight.

Organize Your Medicine Cabinet

Specifically you should try organizing your medicine cabinet, especially if you take lots of vitamins or prescriptions. It’s important that everything has its place, like your daily immune support supplement so you can support your health.

3. Add Lighting in Smaller Spaces

While island lights add accents, drawer lights allow you to find what you need without a fuss. Add in lighting strips with motion sensors. When you grab a fork or pull out the spatula, these lights illuminate to improve your visibility.

4. Enjoy Openness

Keep the countertop clear and design a layout that allows for maneuvering. If you're building your kitchen, leave plenty of walking room around all sides of the island. This visual enhancement is excellent for creating an open atmosphere and reducing the cramped quarters. You can put a nice rug on the floor to add a pop of color, and multiple people can join you around the island for conversation as you cook. In current layouts, reduce any obstacles preventing walking patterns or interfering with cooking.

5. Use the Walls

If you have open wall space, use it to put items up in plain sight. Realsimple.com recommends several ideas that increase functionality and add style. Choose pieces that you like and use regularly. Magnetic strips allow you to hang knives on the walls. You might also put up a wine rack or spice jars.

6. Hide the Trash

The kitchen quickly accumulates trash. While the trashcan on the floor is helpful, it's not as aesthetically pleasing. Use a pullout drawer to house the recycling and waste. People can sort out their garbage appropriately, and because it's smaller, you're likely to empty it more, reducing unwanted smells.

Be happy with your kitchen, and enjoy the space. Consider what you want to change and how modifications could improve your time.