The kitchen is one the most used areas of your home, which makes clutter inevitable. Follow these top ten storage ideas from IKEA to create a relaxing and more organized kitchen.
1. Insert kitchen drawer dividers
Most people have a tray for cutlery, but what about larger items? Sharp knives, potato peelers and bottle openers are most easily found when organized with a neat kitchen drawer divider.
2. Utilise kitchen corner cabinets
Dead corner or blind corner kitchen cabinets are difficult to access. Rather than wasting this space, install a Lazy Susan carousel to enable easy access to kitchen products, or consider circular shelves, which pull out when you open the door.
3. Make use of kitchen walls and air space
When kitchen cupboard space is limited, look elsewhere for storage. Consider utensil hooks on the kitchen backsplash, a hanging ceiling rack for pots and pans, or shelves to display your prettiest china.
4. Use open shelving to control kitchen clutter
'Out of sight, out of mind,' goes the saying, and it’s worth bearing this in mind when considering a kitchen remodel. While open shelving creates an illusion of space, it also allows you to easily locate kitchen products and keep things tidy with minimal effort.
5. Prioritize your kitchen appliances
Got a bread machine you hardly use? You’re not alone. Keep rarely used kitchen equipment out of the way. Position those you do use regularly, such as your toaster or kettle, next to electrical sockets. The best advice though? Don’t get seduced by unnecessary kitchen gadgets.
6. Sort your kitchen rubbish
In theory, recycling kitchen waste is genius. In practice, it can be a nightmare when space is tight. Recycling demands separate food waste, garden waste, paper, glass and plastics. Rather than having multiple bins cluttering up your space, invest in a compartment bin, which will keep everything separate until collection time. Ikea’s Rationell collection has a great range of compartment styles.
7. Use kitchen Tupperware to store dry food staples
Transferring dry food stuffs into Tupperware, or chic glass jars, not only keeps everything fresh. It also limits mess and keeps a uniform kitchen style, as well and ensuring you have all your favourite ingredients at hand.
8. Keep a cleaning basket under the kitchen sink
From bleach to dishwasher tablets, cloths and washing–up liquid, every kitchen (hopefully) comes with an array of cleaning products. An under–sink tote, wire basket or bucket keeps everything handy but out of sight.
9. Install clever kitchen lighting
Kitchen accessories and equipment will be much easier to find if the kitchen cabinet or drawer is well-lit. Under–cabinet lighting strips, that turn on automatically when a cupboard is opened, or spot–lit bookshelves all help to brighten storage areas.
10. Store frozen food in a separate room
If you’re short of kitchen space, storing food can be a challenge. Consider putting a second fridge or freezer in the back room, for lesser–used ingredients. This will give you more kitchen space and hide unsightly kitchen appliances.
Everything you need to plan the perfect kitchen, from inspiration and furniture must–haves to stylish finishing touches and even recipe ideas, can be found online at The Kitchen.
