Small Kitchen Organization,
Making the Most of Your Small Kitchen
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Struggling with a cramped cooking area? You’re not alone. Many homeowners face the challenge of a small kitchen space, often finding themselves at a loss for how to create a functional yet stylish space. Adding to the puzzle are the essentials of incorporating everything within reach but out of sight. Here are some tips to help.
Strategies for Effective Kitchen Decluttering
Before delving into organization tactics, it’s crucial to start with decluttering. Begin by sorting your kitchen items into categories based on what you use regularly versus items you only use occasionally. This initial step lays the foundation for improving your kitchen’s functionality and creates opportunities for better storage solutions to emerge.
Decluttering your kitchen involves more than just getting rid of unnecessary items—it’s about streamlining your space and optimizing efficiency. Start by assessing each item and asking yourself if it serves a practical purpose in your kitchen routine. Donate or discard items that are rarely used or duplicates of other tools. Consider consolidating appliances and tools where possible to shrink down the overall footprint of your kitchen essentials. For instance, investing in a blender and food processor combo unit can save valuable counter and storage space. Streamlining your kitchen setup in this way not only reduces clutter but also enhances your ability to navigate and utilize the space effectively.
Make your daily kitchen chores a breeze – Explore these solutions:
- Magnetic knife strips: These can be mounted on the wall, saving valuable drawer or counter space.
Metal Magnetic Knife Strip: https://amzn.to/4bSHORY
Acacia Wood Magentic Knife Stip: https://amzn.to/3uNMo3s
- Paper Towel Holder: Make more workspace on your countertop with a versatile paper towel holder that can be mounted under cabinet, on the wall, or inside cabinet doors. This space-saving solution keeps paper towels within easy reach while maximizing available workspace: https://amzn.to/4bUxyJ1
- Hanging pot racks: Perfect for freeing up cabinet space and adding a decorative element to your kitchen. Some are ceiling mounted & some wall mounted.
Wall Mounted : https://amzn.to/49u4mHn
Ceiling Mounted (2 styles):
Metal: https://amzn.to/3TdTUxI
Metal & Wood: https://amzn.to/49Obheb
- Inside Cabinet unique Pot & Pan storage (2 Styles):
Vertical Storage: https://amzn.to/3OVOgOr
Horizontal Storage: https://amzn.to/49SE0P8
- Spice Storage
Create additional space in your cabinets by transferring your spices to a magnetic spice rack designed for your refrigerator. This innovative solution not only frees up valuable cabinet space but also keeps your spices organized and easily accessible. https://amzn.to/3P4dA4L
- Drawer Divider
Arrange your items just the way you like with this uniquel drawer divider. Your storage, your way: https://amzn.to/3SXXMla
- Fridge Storage:
Lazy Susan for your fridge! Get to those hard to reach items in the back. This one is rectangular but is designed to rotate & not take up any additional space: https://amzn.to/3UXkRXJ
These are unique storage containers to hold all those salad dressing bottles. Genius! https://amzn.to/3wzCmU6
- Draining Rack that fits over your sink and rolls up for small storage when not in use. This is a game changer! https://amzn.to/4a20dtR
- Under Sink Storage:
Maximize the unused space under your sink with this convenient two-shelf system, ensuring that every inch of available space is utilized effectively. Budget friendly too. https://amzn.to/49AEARF
FURNITURE – For More Prep and Dining Space
A kitchen island rolling cart with storage is a game-changer for small kitchen spaces. This compact yet versatile addition provides valuable extra countertop space for meal preparation, serving, or even as a makeshift dining area. Its mobility allows for effortless repositioning, catering to changing needs and layouts within the kitchen. This one has closed cabinet storage and some carts feature towel racks or spice holders, further optimizing storage efficiency. https://amzn.to/4bUt0Cl
Seats 2: A small footprint table and two chairs offer a versatile solution for compact kitchen spaces, doubling as a functional island for food prep and dining. https://amzn.to/48B2dbv
Seats 4: Table and seating for 4 that fits into a compact design: https://amzn.to/42YwBLy
Drop Leaf Table: This multipurpose table boasts a drop-leaf design that can shrink to a mere 10.5” in its storage position, making it exceptionally space-efficient. With its convenient wheels, moving and positioning the table becomes effortless, allowing for easy mobility and placement against walls or in tight spaces. Moreover, its adaptable design enables users to raise only one drop leaf if desired, providing even more flexibility in usage. From serving as a dining table for family gatherings to transforming into an office desk or craft station, this versatile furniture piece adapts seamlessly to various home needs. Explore all its features at the provided link to discover how it can enhance functionality and convenience in your living space. https://amzn.to/3UTfpVR
Brighten Your Space
Brightening a small kitchen involves strategic use of light and color to create an illusion of space and airiness. Opt for lightweight or sheer window treatments that allow sunlight to filter through freely. In addition to natural light, incorporate artificial lighting elements such as recessed lights, pendant lamps, or under-cabinet lighting to illuminate dark corners and countertops. Ways to easily install under cabinet lights is to choose battery-operated or plug-in options which do not require an electrician.
Under Cabinet Lighting with no electrical outlet nearby: These are rechargeable battery operated that comes with adhesive metal plates that lights attach to so they are removable. The plate stays where you place it and the light magnetizes to the plate. To charge, you easily remove from metal plate and hand carry to outlet to charge (instructions are included.) You can use as motion sensing, dimmable or power on/off with switch. Can also be used as a flashlight when power is out or take it camping. Check them out here: https://amzn.to/3Tcu11h
Amazon Link to under cabinet lighting, plug into outlet: https://amzn.to/3uLBM53
Want to cover up the electric cable going to the outlet, here is an Amazon Link to paintable covers: https://amzn.to/3ORNOAQ
Choose light-colored paint or wallpaper for walls and cabinets to reflect light and visually expand the space. If you fancy a touch of color, consider adding it through accessories or an accent wall color.
For example of colored appliances, here is an Amazon link to a blue toaster: https://amzn.to/4bKnfaB
Mirrors can also be strategically placed to bounce light around the room and create a sense of depth. Finally, consider adding pops of color through accessories like curtains, rugs, or small appliances to add personality while keeping the overall palette light and airy. By combining these elements, you can transform even the smallest kitchen into a bright and inviting culinary space.
Streamlining Storage: Condensing Your Space
This is one of my cabinets. I use corelle dishes. The combination of thin, stackable, durable, and uniform characteristics of Corelle dishes makes them an excellent choice for compact storage compared to traditional ceramic dishes. Corelle offers a wide range of designs, from classic and traditional patterns to more contemporary and modern styles. Check them out here: https://amzn.to/3uZKcWq
The stack of clear Pyrex Mixing Bowls with lids not only showcases their transparent design but also highlights their practicality with included lids. These bowls, which are dishwasher safe, are available in sets of 4 or fewer, offering flexibility for your kitchen needs. I purchased the 4-piece set, which comprises of four sizes of bowls, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen. With the purchase of two sets, it becomes an efficient use of space, especially considering their frequent use throughout the day. These bowls offer both functionality and convenience, ensuring that meal preparation, serving, and storage are streamlined and hassle-free.
From preparing a fresh salad to serving food at the table, they transition effortlessly from one task to the next. Plus, with the convenience of the lids, any leftovers can be stored directly in the fridge without the need for additional containers, simplifying cleanup and minimizing dishes. They seamlessly go from prep to serving to microwave reheating if needed, ensuring efficient meal management from start to finish.
I have had my Pyrex bowls for quite some time, and while I haven’t seen the same style being sold anymore, Pyrex has evolved its designs, now offering an attractive ribbed design. As companies update their product lines, they often introduce new features and designs to keep up with changing trends and customer preferences. Check them out here: https://amzn.to/49OpEip
Incorporate the products listed in this blog post and you can optimize your space, streamline your workflow, and create a more functional and enjoyable kitchen environment. So, roll up your sleeves, get creative, and transform your small kitchen into a space that works perfectly for you. Happy organizing!