Besides an introduction to kitchen organization, I’ll provide tips and guide 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 galley, the L-shape and the island. The U-shape has work surface on three sides, the galley 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 on the L-shape, with a block of work surface with storage beneath.
To make the kitchen safer and more efficient to work in, there are certain guidelines. One is to have a flat, heatproof surface immediately to at least one side of the oven and hob, so that you do not need to walk anywhere holding something that is scalding hot. Another is not to have cupboard doors opening into a through-way, where people walk to get to the table or door. Yet another is to have the dish-washer just to one side of a sink and not creating a blockage when the door is opened down.
Some people disagree on whether plates, cutleries and glass should be stored close to the dish-washer or to the table where it is used. The latter arrangement makes laying the table quicker and easier, but the former makes emptying the dish-washer less tiresome. This is clearly a matter of personal preference.
Planning the kitchen from scratch means drawing it on paper first. If you’ve the time, make cut-out shapes representing appliances like refrigerator, as well as furniture. Feel free to move the cut-outs around the scaled down space until you’re satisfied.
Mass-produced kitchen units are basically boxes in regular sizes, allowing you to fix doors and work surfaces. The height of a base unit is generally 36″ with depth of 24″. Widths tend to be more varied. There are also corner units, and some ranges have special pieces like tray stores, wine racks etc. These are built for people with average height.
Standard units can be raised up on a custom-made plinth so there’s not need to stoop for those taller than average. Have drawers set into the plinth for added 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 firm or a local carpenter or ‘DIY.’ The taller, deeper units will give plenty of storage space beneath the counter.
