Whether you cook everyday or stop to grab a cereal bar, we all have a home kitchen.  It’s the second most important area of our home (other than the bathroom) because it’s closely related to health, nutrition, and beauty.  We eat there, drink water there, and store our food there.

Do we consider how important it is to properly set up our kitchen?  Are we prepping this area according to our lifestyle?  In college, the process began and ended with grocery shopping, dropping off food, and then eating.  Now we have matured into adults and these things matter to be productive in our daily lives.

To get started, I like to look at the kitchen layout and see what’s available to me.  Do I have an island…is there a bar area…what’s the counter and cabinet space…where are the appliances located?  If I’m really meticulous I will analyze the floor type and whether the counters are granite but that’s related to interior design.

The next step is to start laying out kitchen tools, pots, and pans.  Place those items near the areas they will be used.  For example, olive oil, spices, and cutting boards can be stored near the stove.  You will more than likely use those items while cooking.  Scrubing brush, dish liquid, and dishwasher pods near the sink.

Baskets are perfect for cabinet storage because they help to eliminate lose items or (crumbs.)  It’s also easier to grab a basket when you’re on the go versus searching through a dark space.  It’s all about saving time and practicing cleanliness.

Consider a hanging rack for your pots and pans; I need to purchase one for my own kitchen but when preparing a meal you can visualize if you own a frying pan.  Nothing’s worse than starting a meal only to find out you don’t have all of the supplies needed to complete the dish.

Special touches include purchasing a wine rack (near the refridgerator) and setting up a correspondence area.  In terms of kitchen size, the correspondence area can include stationery and a mason jar filled with pens.  This is not your home office but a place for reminders.

Setting up a kitchen can be fun for any modern girl (or guy) but remember we’re striving to create an efficient space!  Read more at Real Simple Magazine.

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