As one of the busiest zones in the home, the kitchen can get messy pretty fast. Sure, you can use the KonMari method to clear the clutter away but the best way to keep this space organised is to start with a solid foundation. Here are some solutions to keep in mind for an always-tidy kitchen.
- Tame overburdened drawers
It’s easy to get lost in the labyrinth of space within drawers. Give cutleries and chef’s tools a place they can call their own by apportioning interiors with adjustable trays, dividers and inserts. This way, your implements don’t get jumbled up and stay where they’re supposed to – so you waste less time searching. We also love how the modular nature of these interior fittings enable you to create a customised arrangement that suits your needs. Plus, they’re really easy to install.
Image credit: Crate & Barrel
- Make top cabinets more accessible
Accessing the upper reaches of kitchen cabinets may seem like a challenge especially for the petite, but now there’s no need for a step ladder or to call in help. Smart innovations such as Hafele’s iMove lift system save you the trouble by bringing the items from the wall units down towards you – in one effortless movement. In fact, you can even operate it one-handed. Now that the space up there is within reach, home dwellers are able to fully maximise precious shelf real estate. In fact, this system is also useful for households with young children or the elderly since only minimal effort is needed to pull it down.
Image credit: Hafele
- The problem with corners
Corners are difficult to tackle because they’re dark, inaccessible and awkward to work around. But when space is of a premium, you can’t afford to waste it. Throw in a couple of neat tricks such as the Space Corner by fittings expert BLUM. This system allows drawers to fit snugly into these tricky spots to utilise every inch of available area. The best part is they can also be fully extended to provide clear visibility of all contents.In fact, even lower corner cabinets can be fully optimised. Take for instance the LeMans corner unit from Hafele. No need to bend over in discomfort and force yourself in an ungainly position just to reach into that yawning abyss. This system swings out all contents stored on its movable tray in one fluid motion. As the space here usually run deeper than most, they’re suitable for storing bigger items such as your pots and pans.
Image credit: Blum
- Open up the view
Open shelves are oft utilised in commercial kitchens – and for good reasons. There’s a practicality in having everything at arm’s reach and in plain sight particularly in a busy cooking zone. This style also works for petite kitchens because it helps to optically open up the space – as opposed to the closed-in feeling you get with top cabinets. Plus, you finally get the opportunity to shine the spotlight on your collection of a treasured dish and serve ware.
Image credit: IKEA
- Clear clutter off counters
Apart from making a kitchen appear unsightly, a messy worktop also hinders the home cook from carrying out her tasks efficiently. Keep commonly used items such as spices and even knives clear off counters and up on walls – so they can still stay within reach. Utilise nifty wall storage solutions like magnetic bars, racks and rails to free up precious prep space.
Image credit: IKEA
- Upgrade your pantry
Like the kitchen version of the walk-in wardrobe, a full-size pantry houses all of your food supplies and ingredients in one place. This dedicated provisions storage unit is typically fitted with a motley of storage implements including drawers, baskets, roll-out racks and pocket doors. Some are even equipped with lighting to make searching for a quick midnight snack ever so effortless. What’s more, these larder units are built tall and slender to conserve the use of floor space – allowing its use even in compact kitchens.
Image credit: Hafele
