In addition to a introduction to kitchen organization, I 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 setup is a variation on 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 to at least one side of the oven and counter, so that you don’t have to walk anywhere with something that is boiling. Another is that the cabinet doors do not open one step, where people walk to get to the table or the door. Yet another is to have the dishwasher right next to the sink and not create a blockage when the door is opened.
Some people disagree on whether plates, silverware and glasses should be stored near the dishwasher or the table where it is used. The latter arrangement makes setting 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 cabinets are basically regular-sized boxes that allow 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 also corner units, and some ranges have special pieces like trays, wine racks, etc. These are built for people of average height.
Standard units can be lifted onto a custom-made plinth, so no need to bend over for those who are taller than average. Place drawers in the base for more storage space. Your work surface can also be made deeper than usual from back to front / This is a clever ruse to give more counter area if there is only limited space. Have your kitchen custom built by a specialist company or a local or ‘DIY’ carpenter. Taller and deeper units will provide plenty of under-counter storage space.