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Passionate about crafting functional and beautiful kitchens, we understand the undeniable link between organised storage and a sense of calm in your home. With its promise of renewal, spring is the perfect time to establish a mindful kitchen decluttering and cleaning routine, creating a space that fosters peace and efficiency.
Mindful Decluttering: A Stepping Stone to Serenity
The first step towards a calmer kitchen is to declutter. Approach this process with a mindful perspective, asking yourself if each item truly sparks joy or serves a purpose in your home life.
Here are a few strategies to help you tackle the clutter before diving deep into cleaning:
- The rule of three: Assess every item in your kitchen and categorise them into three groups: keep, donate/sell, and discard. Be ruthless in letting go of items that no longer serve a purpose or bring joy.
- Digitalisation: Reduce paper clutter by digitising recipes, meal plans, and shopping lists. Phone apps or cloud-based storage platforms can allow for easy access to information while minimising physical clutter in the kitchen.
- Embrace the “less is more” mentality: When it comes to decorative items, adopt a minimalist approach. Opt for a few well-chosen pieces that complement your kitchen’s aesthetic and spark joy, avoiding cluttering surfaces with unnecessary trinkets.
- Functional zones: Designate specific zones in your kitchen for different tasks such as meal preparation, cooking, and cleanup. Organising related items within each zone can streamline workflows and optimise efficiency during daily routines.
- Seasonal rotation: Make it a habit to declutter quarterly. Store seasonal items like formal dinnerware or seldom used appliances away on higher shelves to free up space in prime storage positions.
Top 5 Storage Solutions for a Tranquil Kitchen
Once you’ve decluttered, consider implementing impactful storage solutions to maintain order:
- Embrace drawers and dividers: Opt for drawers with bespoke inserts for organising utensils, spices, and knives or deeper solutions for bulky pots, pans and trays. This keeps everything within easy reach and organised.
- Space optimisation: Evaluate your kitchen layout and identify underutilised areas such as cabinets, drawers, and awkward corners. Remember to maximise vertical space – adding shelves, cabinets, or hanging racks that use the walls and upper areas can create significant extra storage without sacrificing precious floor space.
- Invest in storage containers: Choose clear containers of various sizes for storing dry goods like pasta, rice, and cereals. This keeps pantry items fresh and organised and allows easy identification and inventory control.
- Time-saving breakfast stations: The breakfast pantry is perfectly designed for family living, allowing you to store your entire morning conveniently – from a coffee machine, Quooker tap, teas, bulky cereal boxes, and storage for everyday crockery. The best thing is that once you’ve had enough, you can close the doors behind you, concealing all the clutter.
- Bespoke bench seating with storage: In addition to offering a comfortable place to gather and eat, bespoke bench seating can relieve storage pressures in the kitchen. Integrated drawers or pull-out baskets can provide space for infrequently used kitchenware, toys, gadgets, and seasonal items.
Cleaning Methods for a Healthier Kitchen
For a fresh kitchen this spring, prioritise cleaning techniques that are both effective and environmentally friendly. We always recommend using warm water to wipe down painted cabinets, adding a small amount of dish soap for stubborn stains. Avoid harsh sprays to prevent damage and residue buildup. If you have quartz surfaces, these can be cleaned with a gentle natural detergent and a soft cloth; there’s no need for excessive polishing to maintain their lustre.
Wooden cutting boards or serving trays can often gather dust and grease; we love using a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice, which can act as a natural disinfectant. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before thoroughly rinsing and drying. To ensure the longevity and performance of your kitchen, we always recommend that you follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning methods.
Cultivating a Calmer Kitchen: Beyond Storage
Remember that creating a serene kitchen involves more than just organising and cleaning. Consider incorporating touches such as potted herbs, artwork that puts a smile on your face, or a calming diffuser with soothing essential oils like lavender or chamomile. Enhancing natural light can also boost your mood by increasing serotonin levels, promoting positive wellbeing. Choose light-reflecting materials and airy, natural colours while ensuring that nothing obstructs the flow of light from windows and doors.
With a little organisation and a touch of intention, your kitchen can become a space that sparks joy and inspires culinary creativity.
Explore more beautifully bespoke kitchen storage ideas by requesting a free brochure today or book a free design visit to see how we can turn your ideas into reality.
