Kitchens

Kitchen Inspiration

The Need:

Maximize efficiency in a large kitchen used daily for cooking, baking, and meal preparation. All items were evaluated at the outset to identify redundancies and understand how the family moves through the space. The central island serves as the primary work surface, while the surrounding counters and extensive cabinetry make it essential to determine what should remain accessible and what can be stored away to support clear surfaces, intuitive workflow, and easy daily maintenance.

The Solution:

The first step was determining what should remain on the counters based on frequency of use. The central island serves as the primary work surface, so it was kept clear for prep, baking, and assembling meals. Weekly‑use appliances such as the air fryer, toaster oven, KitchenAid mixer, pressure cooker, and blender were placed on the surrounding counters where outlets are accessible and where the family naturally uses them. A dedicated coffee station was created on one counter, and oils and vinegars were placed on trays near the 48‑inch range to support daily cooking.

The deep drawers next to the 48‑inch gas range were used to store all stainless, non‑stick, and ceramic cookware, keeping pots and pans beside the primary cooking zone. Large pots and appliances not used daily were placed in the deep cabinets below the range for easy access without crowding the surrounding counters. The raised bartop, which offers additional depth, supports daily routines while keeping the island clear as the main work surface.

Onions were placed in an open basket on the counter near the cooktop. Fruit was stored in open baskets on the raised bartop, positioned at opposite corners above the sink to prevent off‑gassing from affecting nearby produce and to maintain clear access to the island and surrounding counters.

The client’s Apilco serving pieces were moved from one of the cabinets to the open glass‑front cabinet, giving these well‑loved pieces a dedicated place to be seen and easily accessed for gatherings.

Organizing systems were added throughout the kitchen to create clear zones for cutlery, everyday tools, and pantry staples, with frequently used items like wooden ladles, spatulas, silicone brushes, and whisks decanted for easy access.

Reuse and Upcycling of Materials:
TBD

Note:

Products and Sources Utilized in this Project are below.

Products and Sources Utilized in this Project:

1. The Container Store: Water hyacinth baskets, black label clips, acrylic drawers by The Home Edit, and Elfa white door and wall storage system

2. Walmart: Glass jars by Anchor (three sizes – small, medium and large)

3. HomeGoods: Extra-large glass jars for bulk items and acrylic turntables

4. Ikea: Black metal hook racks and charcoal-colored vented rolling cart

5. Costco: Large industrial wire shelving unit (one)

6. Amazon: Smaller wire shelving units (three), wire shelving liners for large unit and smaller units, and large‑capacity clear rolling dog‑food container

7. Custom Printed Labels: Client baskets, glass jars, bottles, and acrylic drawers