How to Create a Functional Kitchen

Organization and efficiency are the hallmarks of a functional kitchen. If you’re planning to remodel, start by assessing where your kitchen is versus where you want it to be. Does the layout make food prep or cooking difficult? Is there storage, or is clutter a concern? Do you need a kitchen that multitasks as an office or entertaining space? How easy is it to clean? Are there safety issues to address such as slippery flooring or non-GFCI outlets. Once you evaluate the function of your existing space, you’ll be able to create your ideal kitchen.

A functional kitchen has several must-have features. There should be no wasted steps or spaces. A functional kitchen has an effortless and effective “work triangle”. The lighting makes cooking, cleaning and food prep easier. Everything has a place, with frequently used items stored within reach. Surfaces are low maintenance, easy-to-clean and clutter free. Appliances are energy-efficient and often use smart technology.

All kitchens need a “work triangle”. The work triangle is the path between where food is prepped, stored and cooked. The dominant work triangle in a kitchen is usually from the stove to the refrigerator to the sink. An efficient kitchen triangle lets you flow easily from one task to another. Navigating your work triangle should be a smooth, continuous motion. There should be a minimum amount of crossover, stops and obstacles. For optimum flow, each part of a work triangle should be around 26 feet.

Any size kitchen can become a storage workhorse with wall shelves and hooks. Most kitchen tools and cookware you don’t use often can be neatly stored this way. Open shelves add character and style to kitchen walls. Display attractive items and put others away in decorative boxes or bins. Wall storage also helps keep cooking spaces neat and works especially well with layouts with minimum cabinet space.

Adding a kitchen island is a great way to instantly add several forms of functionality. Islands are a multipurpose space in the kitchen. They provide room for food prep, dining and working. Islands increase storage with drawer and cabinet options. As part of the kitchen work triangle, an island improves flow and allows more than one cook to work in the kitchen. Just make sure there’s 36 inches to 40 inches of space to walk around your island for optimum efficiency.

Details make all the difference in a functional kitchen. Task lights are one of those details. Used with general lighting, task lighting makes any kitchen perform better. They bring brightness to specific areas of countertops and work well over ranges or sinks. They improve the safety and accuracy of cutting food. Task lights make it easier to read recipes and the back of packages. Consider adding task lights inside drawers or cabinets too, to facilitate identifying items or ingredients quickly.

Choosing energy-efficient appliances adds functionality to your kitchen in several ways. Appliances that save energy cost less to operate, perform better and work faster. Many energy-efficient appliances are also smart appliances. These appliances streamline and simplify cooking and food storage. A smart range can cook food and keep it warm without any extra effort on your part. Make shopping easier with a smart refrigerator that sends you a shopping list. Energy-saving appliances such as induction cooktops can cook faster and safer.

A well-performing kitchen uses every inch of space well. Speed up prep time and increase storage by making good use of hidden spaces. Make maximum use of awkward corners with carousels that store cookware. Eliminate clutter in upper cabinets with plate dividers, glass racks and other organizers. Devote an entire drawer next to the stove for spices. This will make them easier to see and use. Use roll-out shelves in lower cabinets for quick access and increased visibility of contents. Putting furniture like cupboards or desks in unused corners improves a kitchen’s functionality and its usefulness.