Simplify Your Kitchen in 5 Easy Steps

Five Ways to Simplify Your Kitchen

From preparing coffee in the morning to meals throughout the day, our kitchen is often the hub of family life. We perform so many tasks in the kitchen on a daily basis it's no wonder they become unorganized and cluttered. How can we simplify and enhance this space that gets so much use? Here are five areas where just a few changes can help you simplify your kitchen.

Kitchen Design

The over all kitchen design is important if you want to simplify your kitchen. Does the space work for you? Is everything easily accessible? Do you have enough counter space? When it comes to kitchen design, most of us can’t afford a major remodeling job so we have to live with the kitchen design layout as it is. But even so there is a lot you can do with what you have. Start by decluttering . Clear off the counter tops and clean out the kitchen cabinets. Get rid of things you don’t use and assign a storage space to those you do. If you’re short on work space add a movable kitchen island. They have lots of extra storage space and if you need to you can roll them out of the way. If your kitchen is too small for an island make your sink do double duty by adding a large over the sink cutting board. It makes a great food prep center and adds some much needed work space.

Kitchen Cabinets

Inside or out, keep it simple when it comes to kitchen cabinets. If you're replacing your old cabinets, opt for smooth surfaces with less trim or ornate detailing. If your budget’s tight or you simply want to give your kitchen cabinets a face lift, paint them white. Use an eggshell satin finish to help hid imperfections and make for easy cleaning. Use utility bins or baskets to store spices and other small items. Then when you need something you can simply pull out the bin or basket without having to move everything around in your kitchen cabinets just looking for one small item.

Cabinet Hardware

Keep your cabinet hardware simple. Choose cabinet knobs and pulls that have a smooth surface, with less detailing to trap dirt. Use satin nickel cabinet hardware for a clean and almost understated finish. Not only is the use of simple lines in your kitchen cabinets and cabinet hardware a way of keeping things clean but it also creates a calming, uncluttered and uniform look to any kitchen. If you’re looking for something a little more dramatic, try oil rubbed bronze cabinet hardware. Simple doesn’t necessarily mean plain. Cabinet knobs and pulls come in a variety of styles and finishes and choosing cabinet hardware with smooth, simple lines can be equally as striking as the most ornate pieces.

Kitchen Light Fixtures

If you’re like many homeowners, you may still be living with the original kitchen light fixture that was installed when your house was built. So it’s probably time for something new. Choose recessed lighting or kitchen light fixtures with clean smooth lines. Avoid detailed fixtures such as Tiffany style lamps that may appear too heavy and busy and may also be a chore to clean.

Home Accents

Home accents are what add the personal touches to your kitchen. If you’re looking to simplify your kitchen keep knick knacks and refrigerator magnets to a minimum. All those little pieces give the impression of clutter and can be difficult to clean. Instead use home accents that are functional and easy to clean. Choose things like canisters and dish towels in vibrant coordinating colors and if you usually keep your kids art on the refrigerator, try framing it instead using plastic photo frame boxes and creating an easy to clean photo gallery. Remember when it comes to home accents less can often be best.