Design Notes
The kitchen is undeniably the most used area of the home, whether it is making the morning coffee before heading out the door, making the kids a snack when they come home, or sharing the day’s events as you make dinner. It is the central hub of the house, and where everyone can just relax. This also means that there is a lot going on, making it important that things have a place and stay there. There is nothing worse than a kitchen that is messy, cluttered, and dysfunctional. We wanted to share some organizational tips and helpful tricks that can help you organize your kitchen.
Stations
The kitchen is a multipurpose space, meaning that cooking, baking, and even drinking are done all within one space. Sometimes, the best thing is to create designated areas that have everything needed to accomplish the task. This means less bumping into one another and more getting done.
- Beverage: Creating a place where the to-go cups, coffee mugs, and sweeteners are all in one place can be the best solution to those early mornings or family gatherings. Consider placing the Coffee maker near the cabinet where the mugs are stored. Even better, how about a unique cabinet created just for that on an easy roll-out drawer?
- Spice rack: When you cook, it is tiring to have to constantly walk around the kitchen looking for that one additional spice before you can finish that meal, not to mention having to wipe your hands before opening the numerous cabinet doors to find what you are looking for. Having the spices all neatly tucked away in a simple roll-out cabinet or on a shelf tucked neatly beside the stove.
- Baking: Cookie sheets, rolling pins, mixing bowls, and cake pans can all be stored together in one area. A tray divider is a great addition to the lower cabinet, while the remaining items can be stored in an upper cabinet. Locate both near the oven, and baking will be much easier.
- Cooking: Pots and pans should be located near the stove and sink to make filling and washing easier. The less distance needed to transport a full pot to the stove, the less mess is likely to happen.
Each station serves a purpose and allows more than one person to be in the kitchen simultaneously, which allows more to be accomplished in the same amount of time.
Storage
There are a lot of things that end up in the kitchen, including larger items such as crockpots, air fryers, and Dutch ovens. These items are useful, but they are heavy and bulky to store. It’s usually best to keep them in a lower cabinet because it is easier to lift them up instead of down. When placing your items in the kitchen, plan on putting lighter ones in the upper cabinets and the bulkier ones in the bottom. Drawers are also a great solution since they allow you to pull everything out to see instead of trying to push things out of the way. Remember that if you rarely use an item, it can be stored in the pantry or even the garage, freeing up space for items used regularly. Talk to your designer about what you have and what is a must in the kitchen. They can help you find the storage solutions specific to your needs.
Space
One way a kitchen can be made to feel disorganized is through clutter. Since so much takes place in the kitchen, it’s easy for this space to become the homework station, office, and craft room. Keeping a designated drawer or specific area for these items will keep the kitchen area more organized. It is, however, essential that the kitchen stay as intended. If a little writing area is needed, make sure to include a space for a small desk in your design or double-sticker drawers for more storage.
Greenbrook Design
Walker WoodworkingDesign trends are shifting, and people are looking to maximize space by combining rooms, so the laundry room has been built to meet this demand. A mudroom combined with a laundry room can be a great area. As the family enters the home, they can drop off any dirty clothing, eliminating any major messes. This is also a logical spot to have the dog feeding area or even the litter box, both of which prevent your guests from seeing the dirty side of your pets. A small pet bathing area can be added, making it convenient to wash the dog and then dry it with the towel in the washer. There are a few other combinations, including a pantry or bathroom. Be sure to consider what matters most to you and your family’s needs.
GreenbrookWith more people spending extended time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many have realized their living spaces could use an upgrade. While you might think you need to wait for a design center to reopen to begin your renovation, that’s no longer the case. Greenbrook Design now offers virtual design consultations, allowing you to start planning your beautiful and functional space without delay. From concept to execution, our team can guide you through the process remotely—ensuring your project stays on track and reflects your vision, all from the comfort and safety of your home.
Walker Woodworking Accessible and Universal Homes are sweeping the home design industry! People are catching on to the IMMENSE VALUE of a home designed to make life easier. With all the challenges that life brings, the way you live in your home doesn’t have to be one. The techniques of Accessible and Universal Design can create greater ease and comfort right into your daily life before potential challenges become an issue.
Why are mudrooms so popular? We all know the scenario: that once-beautiful foyer quickly becomes a catch-all for shoes, backpacks, coats, and more, creating clutter and chaos. Everyone wants to keep their home organized and visually appealing, but life can get messy. That’s where the mudroom comes in.
Greenbrook Design
Greenbrook Design