10 Tips for Creating Perfect Cooking Space

10 Tips for Creating Perfect Cooking Space – 10 Tips how to create that perfect space for cooking in the kitchen.

*Collaborative Post*

If cooking is your passion your kitchen should be a haven. Even if you’re not an expert in the kitchen, you still need a space to efficiently prepare meals. It can be frustrating when you’re halfway through cooking and you can’t find the right utensil. The best kitchen is an organised one. Try creating zones, and make sure there’s a place for everything.

If your space is limited, you need to optimise it for storage, worktop use, and dining, for example. With a few tips, you can organise your kitchen to boost your productivity, make it easier to clean, and prepare delicious meals without the headache. Here are ten tips for creating the perfect space for cooking.

Create zones

Create zones for both storage and preparation. You can use your own plan based on your routine, or try out popular ideas such as the six zones theory. According to this, you should be dividing your kitchen into everyday, cooking, pantry, storage, speciality, and under the sink.

Another idea is to set zones according to how you’re going to use them. One for making tea and coffee for example, with breakfast items, another for preparing fresh produce, and so on. Keep the utensils and ingredients needed in the allocated zones.

Group utensils and equipment together

The most frustrating thing is not being able to find the equipment you need. Group together utensils logically and always keep them in the same place. You could even consider colour coding or organising them by size.

Don’t mix up your drawers and cupboards and try to keep your kitchen tidy. You might have to let other people in your house know that they have to do the same.

Circular order

The idea of a circular order is one of the most popular kitchen organisation tips. Your store items in chronological order of how and when you’re going to use them. This helps you avoid wasting time wandering around the kitchen. Think of it as moving from A to B to C. You could start by your knife block and chopping boards, then move to your stove where you keep the spatulas, for example.

Keep a spice rack between your hob and the main preparation area so you can grab things easily without having to burrow through cupboards. It’s all about minimising time and maximising efficiency. You’ll get more frustrated having to rush around looking for things.

Keep everyday items in reach

Another way to order your utensils is to keep everyday items in reach and leave the items you use less often at the back. You don’t need the egg-poacher or piping bag every day unless you’re running a restaurant. Ensure you can easily grab things like your best pots and pans, knives, and everyday cups and crockery.

Light up worktops

You need sufficient lighting to perform at your best, whether you’re at work or in the kitchen. Light up your worktops so that you can see what you’re doing. This is important for safety purposes as well. You can opt for under cabinet lighting if you can’t get enough natural light. Here is some of the best under cabinet lighting in 2021.

Let in natural light

Arrange the layout of your kitchen according to natural light if possible. It’s easier to cook and clean under natural light. Sinks are often under windows because it’s a shorter draining distance, but you might want to consider freeing up a worktop surface under the natural light.

Choose your window coverings carefully and go for blinds or shutters you can partially open and close. Check out the range of Shuttercraft window treatments, for example.

Keep the dining area out of the way

If you would like to set up an area for dining in the kitchen keep this out of the way of your cooking space. It could get awkward otherwise and you might end up tripping over chairs trying to get across your kitchen.

Be space-conscious when you’re planning the layout and bear in mind your typical route around the kitchen when preparing a meal. If you have a breakfast bar or island, place the chairs on the outside, for example.

Choose your own style

Your kitchen should reflect your own unique style so rather than following the latest trends, create a space you’re comfortable with. If you prefer an open-plan kitchen that’s up to you, or if you’d rather a more rustic design, you can decide. If you want the perfect space to prepare your favourite comfort food you need to be comfortable as well.

Clever storage ideas

If storage space is your main limitation then check out these kitchen storage ideas. You’ll be surprised where you can fit a rack for spices or utensils. Utilising your wall space can also be a real space saver. Think about putting up extra shelves or even hanging items directly on the wall. Choose things you’ll use often so you can see them easily and simply grab them when you need to.

Don’t be afraid to go up high as well. You could keep less commonly used items on a high shelf or at the top of a ceiling-high cabinet. Store things low down and under appliances as well, but try to keep the more common items at a comfortable reachable height.

Declutter often

The perfect space for cooking is a clean one. You should declutter often to maintain a tidy organised kitchen. Clean out the fridge at least once a week and be mindful of what else you have piling up in your kitchen. You don’t need duplicate items, for example. Consider having a proper clearout and giving a few bits to charity.

This will free up some space. Tidy your kitchen as you go and put everything back in its place. If you keep on top of this it’ll make your life a lot easier. Plus there are plenty of benefits of mindful decluttering. It’s a great way to relieve stress and cooking in a clean kitchen is much more satisfying.