To get the most out of your kitchen and enjoy the time you spend there, several factors need to be in place. Many homeowners give a lot of thought to the esthetics of their kitchens, but functionality is just as important. You’ll be most productive if your kitchen has ample counter space, lots of storage, and a good, efficient workflow. These are just some of the elements that go into smart condo kitchen design; read on for more.

Not Enough Storage

If your kitchen doesn’t have quite enough storage space, there are a few workarounds that can make a big difference. Try adding a vertical, wall-mounted storage solution, such as shelving or a pot rack. If you are installing new cabinetry, choose deep drawer cabinets, so there will be plenty of room for all of your pots and pans to be neatly stored away. Corner cabinets can be tricky; we recommend adding a lazy susan so you can make the most of this space and easily access everything stored within. 

Not Enough Counter Space

It’s important to have enough of a work surface, so you’ll have room for all the tasks you perform in the kitchen. To increase the amount of space available, try a rolling or portable kitchen island with a durable work surface: marble, butcher block, or stainless steel are popular options. This will give you additional workspace when prepping food, cooking, and baking. Most come with drawers, shelves, or cabinets as well, offering handy extra storage.

Insufficient Lighting

If you’re lucky enough to be blessed with lots of windows and natural light in your kitchen, simply having one source of illumination, such as standard overhead lighting, may be enough. If not, a good place to start is to add task lighting; under-cabinet lighting properly lights your countertops so you can see clearly and prep food with ease. Some opt to go a step further and add accent lighting. This could be recessed or ambient, flush-mount, semi-flush mount or pendant, even track lighting, depending on the layout. 

No Designated Space For Garbage

When there isn’t a designated space for garbage that is neatly tucked away and out of sight, your only solution is to have a garbage receptacle that is visible and takes up floor space. If you have the room, we recommend installing an under-cabinet pull-out waste disposal area, so that it’s easily accessible but hidden away. Ideally, there’s also a bin for items to be recycled alongside your garbage. 

Inefficient Workflow

Consider your kitchen in terms of specific task zones. Do you have what you need in each? You’ll want to ensure there’s enough space to unload your groceries, chop and prep food, cook and bake, and do the dishes. When you have ample space for each of these tasks, including what you’ll need close at hand, you can maximize efficiency. Good space planning can solve any challenges here and usually just requires reorganizing the tools and equipment you already have.

Some common condo kitchen design problems can be solved with a bit of ingenuity. Do what you need to make the space functional, so you’ll get the most enjoyment out of it. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to follow the Gemterra blog for more great kitchen renovation tips.