If you ever find yourself frustrated with the lack of space or organization in your kitchen, it’s likely due for a makeover. Before you worry about the time, labor, and financial commitment of a kitchen renovation, you can actually improve the space affordably and easily with some minor adjustments. You’re going to want to evaluate some of the features that make cooking a simple and efficient task.
Deep, Double-Basin Sink
Your kitchen sink helps you wash dishes, rinse fresh ingredients, fill pots, and much more. When you don’t have enough space to work with, it can be frustrating. A double-basin sink allows you to separate dirty dishes from the rest of the space so you can work without interruptions. The deeper the sink, the more you can fill up larger pots or water pitchers with ease. A pot filler extension can make meal prepping a breeze, especially when you combine it with a detachable sprayer faucet.
Built-In Prep Station
You don’t want to interrupt your cooking to juggle cutting boards or make room on the counter. A built-in prep station on your counters can give you what you need instantly. A pull-out cutting board gives you more room without you having to move anything out of the way. You can also install a cutting board surface inserted directly on the counter itself, though you’d have to make sure the space is clear before using it. These little conveniences add up to make meal prepping and cooking easier than ever.
Additional Shelving
Cabinet space can often be limited, especially in smaller kitchens or for those who enjoy a lot of cooking equipment. Leaving tools and appliances out in the open can look cluttered and limit your counter space. Solve the problem by adding more shelves to your kitchen layout. Find some suitable walls under or next to your existing cabinetry to hang some open shelving. These shelves are perfect for displaying your favorite dishware, kitchen decor, or storing your tabletop appliances when not in use. When it comes to an efficient kitchen, more organization and storage is never a wrong move.
Fresh Herb Garden
Cooking with fresh ingredients makes any dish taste better. Growing ingredients is an excellent way to be more informed about what goes into your dishes. A kitchen equipped with a miniature herb garden can help you season and flavor your recipes to perfection without a trip to the grocery store. Use a kitchen window and a shelf to add some small potted herbs to the space. If there’s no window in your kitchen, small grow lights will work well instead. Choose options you use (or want to use) often; popular herbs include oregano, thyme, rosemary, basil, and mint.
You don’t have to be intimidated by growing plants; most herbs, especially oregano and mint, are very easy to grow. You’ll just need a container, the herbs, water, and some nutrient-rich soil. Potting mix is excellent for containers, while topsoil is recommended if you’d prefer to plant outside in the ground. Make sure the soil you choose is suitable for herbs or edible plants. I found some potting mix and topsoil near me that worked perfectly for my edible garden. Once you’ve set up your herb station, you just trim the leaves or stems and use them in your dishes! Herb strippers can extract the leaves from stems in just a few seconds.
Cabinet Lighting
Sometimes, the most convenient additions are the simplest. Some LED strips or lights underneath your cabinets can emit a stylish glow to help you see and navigate the kitchen better at night. If you just want a quick snack, you don’t have to turn on every light available. Cabinet lighting helps you see better when putting away dishes or performing more detailed tasks like slicing. They also look sleek and modern in any kitchen.
Hidden Storage
Storage is a must in any kitchen for any cooking style. You can keep a sleek and clean look when your storage solutions are more subtle and creative. Hide the trash can disguised as another cabinet, for example. Your island can store more drawers and cabinets. Place additional cabinet shelves to take advantage of vertical space; pot lid storage, drawer organizers, and pull-out pantry shelving work wonderfully to organize a kitchen.
Stylish Kitchen Cart or Island
The middle of your kitchen is a good spot to add more storage and prep space. Most homeowners love a kitchen island that allows them to do just that. Some kitchen islands even have appliances on them, such as the sink or stovetop, to make the floor plan more efficient. Take advantage of your kitchen island to add to your prep and storage space. If you don’t have one, you can get one installed or utilize a movable kitchen cart to serve as an island. Mobile versions are convenient if you’re limited on space, as you can move them wherever you’d like.
Efficient Appliances
The stove, dishwasher, and refrigerator can play a major role in the efficiency of your kitchen. Dishwashers that take too long to wash or dry can add more chores to your schedule when you need dishes sooner. Ovens that have trouble regulating temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Invest in some energy-efficient, high-technology appliances to make cooking even easier. Most appliances can connect to your internet to help you remotely control them as a bonus. You don’t need to leave your prep zone to preheat the oven. Appliance upgrades also use less energy, lowering your greenhouse gas emissions and your energy bills.
Conclusion
You don’t need a major overhaul to make your kitchen work better for you. Add some creative storage, fresh ingredient access, and more convenient prep spaces to make cooking a breeze. Even if you aren’t a fan of cooking, a deep sink can help you rinse dishes and fill pots much more easily. More storage creates a cleaner and more organized appearance—no more clutter to sort through. Access to homegrown ingredients helps inspire you to create more nutrient-rich dishes as a bonus. Evaluate the pain points in your kitchen layout to make the most informed decision on potential improvements.