Kitchen Organization Design Tips

Making use of the smallest amount of space can increase the organizational efficiency of your kitchen.

Organizing a kitchen for maximum efficiency is best accomplished when you are building the kitchen from scratch. A remodeling job is the next best thing, but even those who aren't undertaking major renovations can make their kitchen organization design work better for them. Organization can mean everything from rearranging the layout of your kitchen to changing the position of your major appliances.

Assessment

The most comprehensive way to design your kitchen for maximum organization is to analyze what doesn't work about your current kitchen. Set goals for what you hope to accomplish with a new design. A notebook in which you write down specific necessities will lead you to design with more storage space in mind or a more efficient placement of appliances in relation to each other or the introduction of larger appliances, sinks and countertops so that more than one person can cook comfortably at a time.

Adjacent Spaces

Look around at spaces that are adjacent to the kitchen for repurposing to improve your kitchen organization. Determine whether you can remodel a spare room into a pantry and location for a large freezer. An island can be a very effective way to improve kitchen organization, but be sure you have adequate space to allow for normal traffic.

Adding On

Small kitchens are especially subject to disorganization as you attempt to make the most use of limited space. The result of overflooding drawers and cabinets with kitchen items can often lead to your having to remove a selection of pots, pans, plates or glasses to retrieve the object you really need. Adding on to your kitchen doesn't have to include new plumbing or electrical wiring. An addition of more counter space, cabinets or drawers can lend ease of access to your design without inflating the budget too much.

Changing Layouts

A full-scale remodeling job can increase kitchen organization efficiency by changing the manner in which the room is laid out. Converting to a U-shaped kitchen may suit your needs better than your current L-shaped kitchen or vice versa. The classic kitchen work triangle that situates the stove, sink and refrigerator within easy access of each other may not result in the most organized kitchen for your specific cooking requirements, so don't become dependent on a layout that meets traditional triangle specifications.

Baking Station

Those who use the kitchen quite a bit for baking will benefit from organizing a bake center. A 30-inch-high base cabinet is idea for making kneading more comfortable for the average person. Organization should also include a countertop that is 30 inches deep or more to provide enough space for rolling out dough.

References

• Buildingmoxie.com: Baking Center
• "Ideas for Great Kitchens"; Sally W. Smith, Ed.; 2006
• "The New Smart Approach to Kitchen Design"; Susan Maney; 2003