Home Kitchen

Introduction to kitchen organization

In addition to a introduction to kitchen organizationI will provide tips and guidance on kitchen storage, which depends to some extent on the shape and layout of the kitchen. The four classic kitchen arrangements are the U-shape, the kitchen, the L-shape, and the island. The U shape has a work surface on three sides, the kitchen has a counter along one or both long sides of a rectangle. The L shape is exactly that; on two sides at right angles to each other. An island configuration is a variation of the L shape, with a work surface block with storage underneath.

To make the kitchen safer and more efficient to work with, there are certain guidelines. One is to have a flat, heat-resistant surface immediately on at least one side of the oven and hob, so that you don’t have to walk anywhere holding something that is boiling. Another is that cabinet doors do not open into a hallway, where people walk to get to the table or door. Yet another is having the dishwasher to the side of the sink and not creating a blockage when the door is opened.

Some people disagree on whether plates, cutlery and glasses should be stored near the dishwasher or the table where they are used. The latter arrangement makes setting up the table quicker and easier, but the former makes emptying the dishwasher less tedious. This is clearly a matter of personal preference.

Planning the kitchen from scratch means drawing it on paper first. If you have time, make cutout shapes to represent appliances like the refrigerator, as well as furniture. Feel free to move the cutouts around the confined space until you are satisfied.

Mass-produced kitchen units are basically boxes of regular sizes, allowing you to fix doors and work surfaces. The height of a base unit is generally 36 “with a depth of 24”. Widths tend to be more varied. There are corner units as well, and some kitchens have specialty pieces like trays, wine racks, etc. They are designed for people of average height.

Standard units can be lifted on a custom made pedestal, so no need to bend down for those who are taller than average. Place the drawers on the plinth to add storage space. Your work surface can also be made deeper than usual from back to front / This is a nifty trick to give more counter area if there is only limited space. Have your kitchen custom made by a specialist company or a local carpenter or ‘DIY’. Taller and deeper units will give plenty of under-counter storage space.