Organize in Zones
A popular way to divide up a kitchen is to use zones. With zones, you store similar items together in areas of the kitchen that make the most sense. For example, you can store glassware and bowls next to the dishwasher, which will make it easier to empty it after a cycle is complete.
Store the items that you use every day, like plates, bowls, mugs, glasses, and silverware, within arm's reach. For most people, that means the lowest shelves in upper cabinets and the highest drawers in base cabinets.
For example, knives, mixing bowls, chopping boards, spices, and other prep utensils should be stored where you do most of your prep work, in the preparation zone. Cooking utensils, pots, pans, and bakeware should be stored as close to or near the stove or oven, in the cooking zone.
Items that should be nearest the stove: Cooking utensils: spatulas, wooden spoons (preferably in a crock on the counter) Spices (either in a drawer, or on a riser in a cabinet/on the countertop) Oils, vinegars, and commonly used condiments (on a tray next to the stove, and/or on a lazy Susan in the cabinet)
“Back-of-the-house workflow — receiving, storage, prep, production, service — is ultimately driven by the menu. However, the design of these areas is a well-coordinated dance.
Zone 1: Everyday Dishes and Utensils
You will want to put the everyday dishes and utensils to the right of the dishwasher or above the dishwasher. If you don't have a dishwasher, use the sink instead. The reason you do this is because it makes unloading the dishwasher or sink easy and practical.
As a general rule, keep frequently-used glassware in a cabinet or on a shelf that is located next to the sink or dishwasher. "I've cooked in a lot of people's kitchens, and searching for a glass when I wanted some water always puzzled me," she says. "It also makes putting away dishes so much easier!"
The idea of centers is that you group all the items that will be used on a task close to each other. For instance silverware, plates, and glasses, are stored close to the dishwasher or drying area so you can just stand and put them away rather than carrying them across the room.
Store Items As Close To Their Related Zone As Possible.
Knives, mixing bowls, chopping boards, spices, and other preparation items should be kept near the work area where they will be used most often. In the kitchen, the cooking zone is the area closest to the stove or oven where food will be prepared.
Upper kitchen cabinets are most often used for storing dishes, glasses and dinnerware, but they can also be used to store spices, mixing bowls and small appliances, or even as a small pantry.
Perhaps one of the most practical design solutions is placing a microwave above a wall oven in a tall cabinet. It works visually because cooking appliances are kept together. Aesthetically, that maintains consistent look. Positioning the microwave above a wall oven will also have your microwave at the perfect height.
It's generally recommended for the cabinets to be done first, protecting their integrity and making countertop installation as smooth as possible. This will ensure that: The countertop material(s) are only moved/installed once. There is less chance of cracking, breaking or chipping of countertop material(s)
How do you arrange kitchen counter appliances? For appliances you want or need to keep on your kitchen counters, it is best to keep them grouped together and towards the back of your counter in order to make space for preparing food.
✓ Keep tea towels, dish cloths, curtains or loose clothing well away from stoves or hotplates, even after they have been turned off. ✓ Remove the covering or lid from the far side of the heated dish so that steam rises away from you.
With open cabinets above the fridge, you could add decorative baskets for extra storage. You can add dividers or show off your beloved cookbooks. Tray dividers are very useful for this space, to store baking sheets and items you may use as frequently. You may keep this space open or have cabinets doors.
It all depends on your vision for your new kitchen. If you have your heart set on a certain stove or refrigerator, you might want to start with the appliances. If you're looking to do more with the space, it makes more sense to buy cabinets first.