During this past year, many restaurants were closed or forced to run at minimum capacity, and a lot of people were forced to cook at home. Parents with children were spending more time in their kitchen than they had ever anticipated. Kitchens come in all different shapes and sizes, and it’s important to make the most of the space you have. Whether small or large, a kitchen is a space where organization and continuity should be a priority to aid in reaching the room’s full potential. Here are a few tips to help your kitchen function as smoothly as possible, and cut down on any wasted space.
Take Advantage of Wall Space
Usually when homeowners start searching for storage space, they only identify the space that’s right in front of them. Wall space can often be an untapped resource for creating storage space within your home and especially your kitchen. When considering using wall space, it’s important to recognize that certain spots within your home are harder to manipulate. Often, interior walls are perfect candidates, so this depends on what you want to use the storage space for.
In your kitchen, a great start to creating storage space is building shelving within the walls. Open shelves in your kitchen can store almost anything you can think of such as spices, ingredients, plates, and other kitchen items. To get even more use out of your wall space, consider creative ways to use wall racks and hooks. For example, a pegboard is a great way to hang utensils and other kitchen tools. In addition, containers like baskets or trays don’t have to sit on the floor or countertops. Instead, rotate them around and strategically mount them to the wall where deemed fit. You can use these accessories for storage or décor purposes while adding new elements to your home.
Pick the Right Appliances
Regardless of the size of your kitchen, the most essential features are your appliances. It’s crucial to make the most of the space you have and choose the proper appliances, as cooking can become extremely difficult and taxing without them. Homeowners with a smaller kitchen might invest in smaller appliances to save room and make space for other items they might need. In other cases, some homeowners might want to consider appliances that are more sustainable or energy-efficient, which can lead to a drastic reduction in your electricity bills. In fact, investing in energy-efficient appliances can be more cost effective over time, as appliances account for approximately 20% of a homeowner’s electricity bills.
Either way, before purchasing appliances, homeowners must review their budget and how much they are willing to spend. Prior to purchasing, it’s important to plan the layout of your kitchen and measure the spaces where these appliances will be placed. Once you’re ready to make the purchase, homeowners should consider utilizing a home warranty to ensure these often-costly investments stand the test of time. This can create peace of mind for homeowners who are just moving into a new home or are looking for a fresh start.
Consider a Kitchen Renovation
At times, a kitchen can be a make-or-break aspect for people house hunting or looking to buy a new home. Similar to picking the right appliances, starting a kitchen renovation can take a lot of planning and budgeting. It’s imperative to accurately plan out a budget and clearly understand your wants and needs to make your kitchen the best space for you.
When it comes to the actual renovation aspect of the project, leave it up to the professionals. Hiring a contractor will help legitimize the process while saving homeowners from danger and time-consuming labor. Although it may seem like you have to go backward to move forwards, leaving tasks in trustworthy hands will save you a great deal of trouble in the future. In the long run, you will be happy you did the renovation as your kitchen will take on a more personalized and comfortable feel.
Utilize Extra Storage Space
In order to create more space, take advantage of the often forgotten spaces that a kitchen can provide. Kitchen storage is one thing that some homeowners often overlook and can cause frustration down the line. Utilize the space you have by maximizing your counter space and organizing your pantry. Take inventory or use baskets to label each item, so you know exactly where it is and how much space you need. Try using a pegboard or even wall hangers for items like pots and pans to provide excess room in your cabinets.
You should also consider purchasing a stainless steel drying rack for easy access after washing and drying certain utensils and other commonly used items. For essential cleaning supplies often located under the sink, place a rod underneath where you can hang spray bottles leaving room on the bottom of the sink for other supplies. Though there are plenty of other DIY items that can make your kitchen as organized as possible, these are amongst the most effective.
There is a sense of pride in having a well-organized kitchen that uses efficient ways to distribute space. For homeowners, parents, and caretakers, a kitchen is a place where organization is key to production. These suggestions can be used as resources for finding the most effective ways to approach your kitchen space.
