By now most of us have heard of Marie Kondo’s KonMari method – the home organizing craze that encourages people to tidy up by only keeping things that speak to the heart. Through purging items that no longer “spark joy”, individuals create a calm and serene space. I am a big fan of decluttering and only keeping things that are useful or treasured. A cluttered space forces our brain to constantly re-assess what we need to do. When you declutter, you free up mental and physical energy to examine your inner state, and this can be life changing.
In the kitchen, similar benefits can be gained with a tidy space. So how does this apply to your creativity in the kitchen and ultimately effect your cooking? It’s all about inspiration, and loving the space you are in. If you have a calm, cheerful, organized space, you will have more time and energy to focus on creating meals and spending time with your family. And chances are, if you enjoying creating in the kitchen, your children will too. This is a great opportunity to teach them about whole foods and healthy choices. Don’t worry, you don’t have to do an expensive kitchen remodel! Here are five inexpensive steps you can take to reduce clutter, get organized, and improve functionality in your kitchen.
1) Purge items that are no longer useful to you. Start with items that are redundant. Do you need multiple sets of kitchen scissors or two dozen mugs? Move on to items that you use infrequently. Do you have utensils, dishes or pans you haven’t used in years? Do you have items in your high cabinets you haven’t touched since you put them there? Do you really need a strawberry corer? Items passed down that you keep out of guilt…Tupperware from your mom? Wedding gifts you have moved from home to home but never used? Do these deserve a home in your kitchen? Don’t let nostalgia get in the way – let them go!
2) Add culinary items you love. This may seem counter-productive but I’ve found adding special items can be just as inspiring as clearing items. Sparking creativity can come from anywhere. Cookbooks can open your mind to new dishes from around the world, or help you refine traditional recipes. Mini utensils can encourage children to get involved in food prep. A new knife set may allow you to enjoy chopping and prepping. Whatever it may be, invest in the equipment you need to support your goals.
3) Redesign and rethink the flow of your kitchen. Having a great flow leads to a clearer space. When your space is well organized, it will increase your efficiency and productivity. Rethink how items are arranged in cabinets. Place things you use more often on easiest to reach shelves. In the pantry, ditch packaging and empty contents into jars, containers and bin. This will visually create a more organized space, and allow you to see what you have. I love creating labels to lend an extra layer of organization. Rethink drawers – are the utensils you need closest to where you will be using them? Use drawer inserts and dividers to maximize the space in your drawers.
4) Add beauty to your space. The kitchen really is the heart of the home, so it is only natural to want to beautify the space. Plants are one source of beauty for me, and bring a bit of nature into my kitchen. They also have health benefits including reducing pollutants, and increasing oxygen and humidity. Our children’s artwork is always on display in the kitchen. This truly sparks joy with beautiful pops of color and energy. Items passed down from your ancestors can be another source of inspiration. One of my favorite items in our kitchen is a chocolate mold that my grandfather used in his chocolate shoppe after immigrating from Greece.
5) Create a kitchen for the kind of cook you want to be. Are you adventurous, trying new dishes, oils and spices? More of a traditional cook? Are you more of a baker? When rethinking the flow, prioritize your space, invest in the equipment you need, and purge items that no longer serve you.
Your kitchen should be a space you are inspired to come to. Rethinking your kitchen is a positive and empowering experience. Using the above steps as guidance will allow you to be more creative and productive, and will give you back more time and energy to focus on high-value activities.
