Unlocking the full potential of your kitchen begins with the art of maximizing this space that is so often considered the hub of any home. So, thoughtful organization and thinking outside of the box for ways to make the most of your kitchen can have a big impact on both functionality and enjoyment.

Below are several organizational tips and some recipe thought-starters for motivation. Armed with these ideas, you’ll be cooking up memories with loved ones in no time, whether it’s a cozy meal for two or an evening spent with friends around the table.

Clear the Countertops

The concept is simple but impactful – maximized space reduces clutter and translates into a larger and more functional workspace, so try to reserve the countertops for things that you genuinely use daily. It might initially seem a bit inconvenient to pull out the stand mixer to make a batch of cookies or the blender to whip up a smoothie, but if space is at a premium, you’ll find it’s a worthwhile trade off in exchange for those efficient, clutter-free countertops.

If you have items like seasonal dishes or a Le Creuset Dutch oven that you love but only use once in a while, consider moving these out of the kitchen altogether. The top shelf of a closet or an under-the-bed storage bin are two good alternatives for items you want to keep but only need occasionally.

Organization Is Key

This one can be done in tandem with clearing off the countertops and it helps ensure that you can easily access items stored in the kitchen. If you have both drawers and cabinets, any go-to, frequently used items that will fit in drawers should go there. To help keep cabinets in order, using lazy Susans works great for bottles, jars and spices, while pull-out cabinet shelves make it easier to get to items in the lower cabinets, especially things stored toward the back.

If you don’t already do so, consider decanting pantry items into similar size glass jars or food-storage containers. Doing so will not only reduce overall chaos but will help make the most of your pantry because things fit more neatly than mismatched boxes and bags.

Put Your Appliances to Work

Rely on your full-size appliances to pull double duty. A stylish flat wood cutting board stove top cover instantly provides you with more food prep surface in addition to the countertops. This is a great solution when you’re only using the oven for a one-dish meal and don’t need the cooktop. Plus, most are functional and decorative enough that they can be put to work in other ways, like doubling as a charcuterie board tray when you’re having friends over for tasty bites and a glass of wine.

Have a pocket of unused space on the side of your refrigerator? Sturdy and functional magnetic refrigerator shelves can be a stylish option to store small items. And since they’re available in several neutral colors, they will likely match your kitchen style and décor. Just be mindful to avoid overloading the shelves so they don’t go from being organized to looking cluttered. This is where adding a small houseplant or succulent to keep things visually pleasing and maintain balance with the practical items could be helpful.

Minimalism and Cleaning: A Perfect Pair

You might be wondering about the connection between maximizing your kitchen space and cleaning minimalism. But think about it: the under-the-sink cabinet is often a catchall space for several bottles of cleaning supplies. Fewer cleaning products translates into more space for other kitchen items. Try replacing three different spray cleaners with one all-purpose cleaner. Use up multiple containers of cleaners in the same category and then restock with a minimalist mindset.

Simplify Meals

With a streamlined and efficient kitchen, you’re ready to get cooking. Shifting to a simplified approach for meals – for example, cooking one-dish meals – offers several benefits.

1. Saves space: One-dish meals typically require fewer pots/pans and utensils, which means less kitchen clutter. This can make it easier to maneuver, work more efficiently and have fun trying out new recipes.
2. Saves time: With less clean up, you can look forward to more time doing other things you enjoy.
3. Minimizes prep: These meals often have a simple approach to prep, reducing the need for extensive chopping, slicing and dicing.