Introduction: Maintaining Order in the Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home and is often the busiest room in the house. Keeping it organized and functional can help make daily life easier and less chaotic. In order to maintain order in the kitchen, it is important to design the space in a way that is intuitive. By separating the kitchen into six distinct areas, you can create a workspace that is efficient and effective for everyday use.Daily Cooking Area
The daily cooking area is where you will spend the majority of your time preparing quick and easy meals for your family. This area should be located close to the refrigerator for easy access to ingredients. Ideally, it should also be close to the stove and oven to make it easy to cook and bake. This space should be designed in a way that makes it easy to find what you need quickly. A few tips for designing this area include:- Keeping frequently used pots and pans close by
- Organizing cooking utensils in a drawer or container
- Designating a spot for commonly used spices and seasonings
Cooking Area
The cooking area is where the bulk of your meal preparation will take place. This area should be designed with the stove and oven as the central focus. It is important to have enough counter space and storage nearby to make meal prep as efficient as possible. In addition, this area should be equipped with the necessary tools and utensils for cooking. Consider incorporating:- A large cutting board
- Pots and pans of various sizes
- Measuring cups and spoons
Pantry Storage Area
The pantry storage area is where dry goods, canned goods, and snacks will be stored. This area should be designed to make it easy to find what you need quickly. Consider installing adjustable shelving or pull-out drawers to make it easy to access items in the back of the pantry. Some other tips for creating an efficient pantry storage area include:- Organizing items by category (e.g. baking supplies, canned goods, snacks)
- Using clear containers to store items like pasta and cereal to make them easy to see
- Making use of vertical space by installing shelving from floor to ceiling
Specialties Area
The specialties area is where you will store items that are used less frequently. This might include specialty baking tools, serving dishes, or small appliances like a blender or food processor. This area should be designed to keep these items safely stored and easily accessible when needed. Consider:- Designating a specific area for each type of specialty item
- Using a label maker to clearly label each storage container or shelf space
- Storing items in an area that is easy to access but not in the way of everyday cooking and meal prep
Under-the-sink Area
The under-the-sink area is often overlooked but can play an important role in maintaining order in the kitchen. This area is typically used for cleaning supplies and garbage disposal storage. It is important to design this area in a way that keeps cleaning supplies organized and within easy reach. Consider:- Using a pull-out drawer or bin to store cleaning supplies
- Designating a specific spot for garbage bags and recycling bins
- Keeping hazardous cleaning chemicals stored safely and out of reach of children