A kitchen that lacks adequate space can be frustrating for homeowners who enjoy cooking or gathering with friends and family on a regular basis. While knocking down the walls and expanding may seem like the only option, for homeowners who are feeling cramped, rethinking the space may be a more practical choice.
The following tips, from Consumer Reports, will help you get the most out of your kitchen by taking advantage of every single inch.
1. Place your dishwasher strategically. Choose a location near the sink but where the dishwasher won’t stop traffic when the door is open. Remember to think about access to other appliances, too. You don’t want the dishwasher door to block the refrigerator door, for example.
2. Incorporate a landing spot for food by the refrigerator and for pots and pans on at least one side of the stove. These small details can easily improve your kitchen’s efficiency.
3. Install roll-out cabinets where possible. A roll-out spice rack near the range is a great use of space and eliminates clutter on the countertop or in a cabinet.
4. Drawers and pull-out shelves can make a big difference. They’re a perfect way to store pots, pans, kitchen tools and even dishware. Most commercial cabinets can be outfitted with pull-out shelves and other organizers.
5. Before making any updates, take an inventory of everything you need and use in your kitchen and where it’s kept. Remember to plan storage for small, easily overlooked items such as pot holders and plastic bags.
Source: Consumer Reports Kitchen Planning & Buying Guide