5 Ways to Enhance Your Kitchen’s Functionality
The kitchen is the place where we kick-start our mornings with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and scrumptious breakfasts. In some cities, it does more than that. Take the example of Long Island, NY. The city is among America’s 50 best places to raise a family. Family-oriented communities thrive there. In these close-knit neighborhoods, the kitchen often acts as a communal space for family members to connect, share meals, and discuss their day.
However, despite its important role, most kitchens don’t live up to their full potential. The good news is that there are countless ways to turn an inefficient kitchen into a functional masterpiece.
Keep reading to learn some simple ways to enhance your kitchen’s functionality:
- Invest In a Water Filtration System
Kitchen appliances sometimes get clogged with mineral deposits from unfiltered tap water. This buildup reduces their efficiency. That is where a water filtration system can come in handy. By using filtered water, you reduce the buildup of these deposits and increase the longevity and efficiency of your appliances. Most water filtration systems can be installed right at your kitchen sink. As a result, you will have instant access to purified water whenever you need it.
The installation of water filtration systems is crucial from a health perspective as well. It particularly stands true for cities like Long Island. According to CBS News, Long Island’s drinking water comes from an underground aquifer. Hence, dangerous chemicals like PFAS are more likely to contaminate the city’s water supply. So, if you live in Long Island and have not installed a water filtration system in your kitchen yet, look up Long Island plumbing company near me right away. This will help you find the right professionals for the job. These plumbing experts can also help you take care of other issues, such as burst pipes, clogged drains, gas or water leaks, etc.
- Incorporate a Pantry
If you have a busy household or love to cook regularly, a pantry can be a lifesaver. It enables you to stock up on non-perishable items like canned goods, spices, pasta, and snacks, keeping your kitchen cabinets clutter-free. The additional storage will also help you to take advantage of sales and buy items in bulk, saving you time and hassle during meal prep.
Think of it this way: You decide to make your favorite pasta dish, and you know you have all the key ingredients in your well-stocked pantry, including pasta, canned tomatoes, olive oil, and spices. This means you will not have to dash out to the store at the last minute or compromise on your recipe.
A pantry also gives you designated spots for different categories of items. For example, you can have separate shelves for baking supplies, canned goods, cereals, and snacks. This way, you will bid farewell to the frustration of rummaging through crowded cabinets once and for all.
- Upgrade Your Faucet
The faucet is hands down one of the most frequently used items in any kitchen. You utilize it to wash dishes, fill pots, rinse fruits and vegetables, and even for that quick glass of water. Given its central role in kitchen activities, upgrading your faucet can have a significant impact on the overall functionality of your kitchen.
Modern faucets come with a host of features. One of the most popular upgrades is a pull-down or pull-out spray head. It extends your faucet’s reach. This feature is particularly handy when you are washing large pots or awkwardly shaped dishes.
Furthermore, some faucets offer touchless or sensor-based technology. With that, you can turn the water on and off with just a wave of your hand. Apart from keeping your faucet cleaner, it also reduces the chances of cross-contamination when your hands are messy.
When purchasing a faucet, check its installation requirements. Some models may require additional holes in the sink or countertop. So, if you are prepared for potential modifications, opt for a faucet that aligns with your existing setup.
- Use a Magnetic Knife Strip
The magnetic knife strip is a metal bar that is mounted on your kitchen wall to store your kitchen knives. While it may not seem like much at first glance, a magnetic knife strip makes a substantial difference in the functionality of your kitchen.
Let’s say you are chopping vegetables for a stir-fry, and you need to switch between a chef’s knife and a paring knife. With a magnetic knife strip, you can smoothly transition between the two without pausing to open and close drawers or search through a block. Although small, this change can streamline your cooking process to a great extent.
Besides, a magnetic knife strip can be installed in various locations, such as above your countertop, near your prep area, or even on the inside of a cabinet door. This versatility ensures that you can place it in a convenient spot that does not interfere with your kitchen’s workflow. Since the knives are securely attached to the strip, they do not come into direct contact with the surface. It creates fewer possibilities for germs to thrive, which in turn reduces the amount of work necessary to keep a kitchen hygienic.
Guess what? Unlike traditional knife blocks, cleaning a magnetic knife strip is a breeze. You can simply wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge. The smooth and flat surface of the strip makes it easy to remove any dust, residue, or splatters that might accumulate over time.
- Install Open Shelving
The rise of open-concept living spaces in modern homes has contributed to the rise of the open-shelving trend. With open shelves, a kitchen flows seamlessly into the living or dining area. It allows for a visually cohesive look, ensuring that your kitchen complements the adjacent spaces in your home.
When it comes to functionality, open shelving makes it easier to access frequently used items. Think about those everyday dishes, glasses, or cooking utensils. With open shelves, you can grab them quickly without having to fumble through closed cabinets.
Moreover, open shelving could be an excellent way to save space, especially in smaller kitchens. Cabinets with doors sometimes make your kitchen cramped. In contrast, open shelves can give the illusion of a larger and more open kitchen. You can also maximize space by using vertical wall space for storage, which might not be possible with traditional cabinets.
Before installing the open shelves, consider the available wall space, the height and width of the shelves, and the distance between them. Do not forget to take into account the weight of the items you intend to place on the shelves because it will determine the type of brackets and supports you will need.
Conclusion
An efficient kitchen can enhance your productivity. With a well-organized workspace and easy access to necessary items, you can prepare meals more quickly and with less effort, allowing you to spend more quality time with your loved ones. If you want to make your kitchen more functional, implementing these tips will get the job done!
