Creating a Fun and Functional Kitchen

A kitchen is where you spend a lot of your time. Those who enjoy cooking could spend hours in the kitchen creating dishes. Others who don't enjoy cooking can spend hours gathering, socializing and connecting with family during mealtimes. Because it is a room you will be spending a lot of time in, you want it to be aesthetically pleasing and functional. This includes having the right amount of storage, proper staging and a fully stocked kitchen. Here are some ways to have a fun and functional kitchen.

Proper Storage

There are many items that are expected to fit in the kitchen. The food, dishes, kitchen appliances and other various odds and ends take up a lot of space. Some people are fine with leaving large appliances on the countertop, but that can make it difficult when cooking a large meal, such as a meal for Thanksgiving. Even if you prefer to leave them on the countertop, having the option to store them underneath the counters or in the cabinets is good for when you need the extra space. To maximize your storage, you might consider using a Lazy Susan, which is a turntable that rotates underneath your cabinet, making it easy to access things in the back of the cabinet. They can organize appliances, canned foods, food storage containers or just about anything else.

A Good Pantry

Consider having a walk in pantry built, so that you have ample space to store other items in addition to your food. If you have large pantry doors, you could install storage on the back of the doors, which can store some smaller items. In addition, consider the shelving and storage in the pantry. Using baskets can be a good way to keep snacks and individual containers in one spot. Label your baskets so things stay organized and easy to find. Having wall to ceiling shelves may be beneficial for large families or a professional baker. 

Decide Whether to Get an Island

A kitchen island is a counter located in the middle of the kitchen, unattached from the other counters in the kitchen. It provides additional storage space, both on the countertop and underneath. It can be the focal point of the room, which can provide you with decorating opportunities. Putting flowers, a flower bowl or a serving tray on the island can make the kitchen feel like a welcoming environment. You can store appliances or extra dishes in the cabinets underneath, helping maximize storage space, which keeps the kitchen looking less cluttered. Putting some barstools or tall chairs at the island gives more seating, which can be great when hosting or during the holidays.

Store Pots and Pans on the Wall

The wall is another opportunity for storage that you may not have considered. In a large kitchen with ample wall space, pots and pans can be placed in a pleasing way on the wall, leaving extra room in the cabinets for other storage needs. It also gives the room more personality, and can make the kitchen feel more homey. Placing the pots and pans up high on the wall will decrease the chance of them getting knocked to the floor. You also want to be sure your pots and pans are secure when they are on the wall, and can easily be removed. 

There are all ways to make your kitchen fully functional and fun to be in. Having enough storage in a kitchen is important for anyone who does a lot of cooking or has a large family. There are many ways to increase the amount of storage, such as by having a large pantry or an island in the middle of the kitchen. Using the wall to store things like pots and pans can make space in the cabinets for other things. Having a few decorative items, such as a centerpiece for the island, can make your kitchen appear more inviting and cozy. All of these things can help make your kitchen the focal point of your home, which you can enjoy with your family for years to come.