Really Organized Kitchens
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and a stay-at-home mom.
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst,... More »
I was inspired this morning by this ideabook from txranchgirl. She and her husband have moved so many times that she's got design down to a science. I don't envy her the moves, but I know how she feels - and I can especially appreciate this comment, "my mom said that if the bathroom is very very clean and the kitchen is organized, the rest of the house can wait."
She's right. I've just gone through a major home remodel and right now, my in-laws are remodeling their own kitchen. It's a pain, but the process makes you really think about what's important in a kitchen - and the answer is simple: organization and storage. Everything else is just a bonus.
Here are some of the key organizational ideas that can help make a kitchen great:
She's right. I've just gone through a major home remodel and right now, my in-laws are remodeling their own kitchen. It's a pain, but the process makes you really think about what's important in a kitchen - and the answer is simple: organization and storage. Everything else is just a bonus.
Here are some of the key organizational ideas that can help make a kitchen great:
The magic triangle - the ideal organization of the sink, stove and refrigerator - is the core of any kitchen. Get the spacing right and you'll have a functional space.
This kitchen might be narrow, but the easy move between the sink, stove and counter would make prep work perfectly simple.
Little built-ins, like this microwave above a pantry and below a cabinet, save precious counterspace. Plus, the look is much cleaner than if a big, clunky microwave was plopped on the counter.
Good lighting in a kitchen is really key - when you're chopping, it helps to see where the carrot ends and your finger begins! Of course, great lighting doesn't only come in cans - I love this chandelier. Functional, plus it adds a little romance when prep time is over and dinner begins.
If you've got the space, extra sinks can be an amazing help. I love these two prep sinks - they leave room for that many more helpers in the kitchen.
I do wonder, though, if the stove's in the best spot. It might be more convenient on the near side of that island.
I do wonder, though, if the stove's in the best spot. It might be more convenient on the near side of that island.
In tiny kitchens, great organization is even more important than in big spaces. This narrow expanse of kitchen gets some of the most important parts of the space all into one small stretch.
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| Ah, the KitchenAid mixer. Even for non-bakers like me, it's a godsend. I'd never make Christmas cookies without it.
It's a great looking piece of equipment, too - sculpture for the kitchen, as far as I'm concerned. But it's big. And heavy. So it's a good thing it looks nice, really, because I had to lug it out of a cabinet, I'd never use it. This cottage kitchen places it perfectly - in the corner. It's not in the way and when it's not being used, it adds a great visual element. Love the red! |
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| This island is perfectly placed for eating, hanging out, or additional help. Sometimes you just need the extra counter space.
Plus, I love that wall! |
In an old house, we had a cool butcher block that used to belong to my parents. It was narrow and tall, with hooks on top, where I hung my most-used pots. It was great - they looked cool and it was super convenient.
In my current kitchen, I keep my pots in a cabinet with slide-out shelves next to my stove. Also convenient, but I miss the hanging look.
In my current kitchen, I keep my pots in a cabinet with slide-out shelves next to my stove. Also convenient, but I miss the hanging look.
Ideabook updated on June 7, 2010.
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I recently cleaned out all of my kitchen cabinets. Although I'd only been in my current house a few years, it was amazing how much chaos there was. Though it took me FOREVER, it was very enjoyable and now I open up cabinet doors just to admire my hard work (yes, I know, I really need to get a life!) :) Also, I had no idea it was possible for my pot rack pots to get quite so dusty! Yikes!
Great ideas!