What To Consider When Planning For Your New Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of every home. It's not only a place for cooking and eating, it's a space for daily living and entertaining guests. Whether it's time to remodel because you've outgrown your current kitchen or you are planning to build a brand-new custom home, designing a kitchen takes careful consideration so that the space looks the way you want it to look and functions the way you need it to function. As you develop the design for your new kitchen, be sure to integrate specialized storage systems into the plans to ensure that everything has a place and can be tucked away but accessed easily, leaving your countertops neat and tidy. 

Kitchen Organization And Storage Ideas

Kitchen cabinets are, of course, made for storage. But, how do you use the space inside the cabinets efficiently to keep yourself highly organized? Check out our 12 ways to design an organized and decluttered kitchen for ideas and inspiration.

1. Pull-Out Shelves

Most kitchens have base cabinets with doors and stationary shelves inside. Instead, install shelves that pull out to make it easy to see what is way in the back - no more rooting around trying to find a lid or other small item.

2. Drawers, Not Just Doors

Dishes, pots, pans and other large items can be stacked inside deep drawers for maximum efficiency of space. Customized, adjustable dividers can keep everything neatly in place.

3. Extending Lazy Susan

A corner cabinet can often be wasted space. You can't really reach to the back corner, so only the front of the cabinet is utilized for storage. Installing an extending Lazy Susan will solve that problem. The rotating shelves make the entire cabinet functional and will keep pots and pans, small appliances, or canned food items perfectly organized.

4. Spice Cabinet Pull-Out

Spice bottles can become a disorganized mess when they are on your kitchen counter or stuffed into a large cabinet. In your new kitchen design, plan for a special pull-out spice rack right next to your cooktop. All of your spices will be organized and right at your fingertips while staying tucked out of sight when you aren't using them.

5. Flatware and Utensil Built-In Dividers

Add built-in dividers within your drawers to keep your flatware and other utensils neatly in place. Vary the size of each space so larger items will fit in nicely, too. 

6. Lift-To-Open Upper Cabinet Doors

Doors that lift-to-open on upper cabinets, instead of those that swing out, can save space if you have a tight spot in your kitchen. You can also see what's stored in the top of the cabinet more easily. This cabinet style opens easily and looks great in modern and transitional style kitchens.

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7. Trash and Recycling Center

A trash and recycling center in a base cabinet that is next to or under your sink will keep unattractive bins out of sight. It will also make separating your trash and recyclables simple and convenient.

8. Cleaning Supplies

A built-in, sliding caddy or shelves near your sink can keep your cleaning supplies organized and at your fingertips. Having your cleaning supplies handy will help you to keep your new kitchen spotless!

9. Pantry

A pantry in your kitchen is the ideal place to store all of your non-perishable food items or small appliances. Customized shelving and bins can be installed so that everything has a place, keeping your pantry organized. Adding electrical outlets inside your pantry will enable you to plug in a rechargeable vacuum or your family's electronics at night.

10. Built-In Furniture With Storage

A customized, built-in unit designed to look like a beautiful piece of furniture can offer additional storage space. A lovely hutch or bookcase can be a striking focal point in your new kitchen and a place to display special items.

11. Kitchen Office

Since the kitchen is the hub of all activity in your home, carving out a centralized place to keep your family's daily life organized is important. Having a small desk, compartmentalized drawers for filing paperwork, a spot for a calendar or note board, and a charging station for your computer and phones will keep your kitchen, and your life, orderly and neat.

12. Go High-Tech

These days, most people use the Internet to find recipes and cooking tips, so declutter by getting rid of piles of cookbooks that take up so much space. Ask your homebuilder to install a charging station for your devices inside of a kitchen cabinet or in your pantry to keep your tablet or laptop handy.

Also, consider buying a smart refrigerator to keep you organized. They come with built-in electronic grocery list applications so you will know what you need before heading out to the store or placing a delivery order.

A professional homebuilder or kitchen designer can work with you to create your ideal kitchen. Share your goals and objectives from the start. Be clear that you want organizational systems as part of your kitchen design. Ask about the best and most creative ways to organize your space so that it is functional and clutter-free. Collaboration with experts is the surest path to loving your new kitchen!

At Meridian Homes, we specialize in luxury remodeling and custom home building in the Washington, DC area. Our mission is to create exceptional residences that exceed expectations. Our highly personalized design process and careful management of every project have earned us a reputation over many years for outstanding client service and solid, beautiful craftsmanship. Contact us today to begin your custom home or remodeling project.