Cooking is a time consuming task that, when done right, involves juggling multiple ingredients at multiple times with very specific instructions, measurements, and timings, in order to produce what is essentially an edible work of art. During this task, the kitchen is your work area, your field of battle, the laboratory within which you concoct your delicious mixes. As such, it should be more than a room made up of a random assortment of devices, it should be carefully crafted to help you in the task of cooking, in any way it possibly can. The idea is to create a space that is conducive to culinary creations, a space that fits around the cook like a glove, proffering whatever utensil is necessary at less than an arms length away.

The first thing you should do is consolidate. Whether you have a huge kitchen with tons of space, or a cramped square of space for cooking, you want to have only the most important items in your immediate cooking vicinity. Anything else will get in the way, cluttering your work space and your mind, and diluting the focus you may have when trying to work.

Next, you should consolidate your space itself. Again, this is true whether you have a huge kitchen or a small one. You want to try and create a single area, preferably near the sink, where the vast majority of your favorite cooking tools are. Bowls, spoons, ladles, beaters, and mixers, should all be within easy reach of this space. This will create a pocket of convenience that will allow you to work unimpeded when the creative culinary urge arises.

In a kitchen, you should try to use all surfaces effectively. Counters are important, so much so that they are at a premium, so rather than storing items there use the walls, and even racks hung from the ceiling, in order to maximize the functionality of the room. You need to find as much efficiency as you can in this space in order to make it the most functional room possible.

Kitchen decorating is about accommodating the chef. Whether you’re adding inspiration or function to the room, you have to try and create an atmosphere that accommodates the cook’s needs, in order to help them in their goal, the creation of tasty treats for you to snack on.