From Paul Radoy, Design Services Manager
The Driehorst’s Good Life kitchen project is well underway! It is exciting to think in a short-time that this family will be able to have their kitchen transformed to not only be functional, but beautiful as well.
During the project, the Driehorsts along with Amy from KSI 
will create an organized space for a growing family of six. Fortunately, with a few storage accessories and some insightful tips this goal is more attainable than imagined. And with a little planning, any homeowner can create a clutter free space ready to accommodate a busy lifestyle.
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As a designer, one of the first things I consider is making sure to include enough storage solutions. I always look at kitchen organization and storage by viewing the room in sections. All kitchens have a cooking zone and a cleanup zone, and some kitchens may have an island, pantry or specialized niches. Each of these areas lend themselves to various storage opportunities. Click on any of the images shown to see a close up. You can also view all of Merillat’s accessories.
One thought for storage in the cooking zone is including a spice drawer organizer next to the cooktop, or a drawer organizer kit that accommodates everything from tableware to larger cooking utensils, these features can be adapted to any homeowner’s specific needs. Extra wide or deep drawers are a perfect storage solution when installed under a cooktop, as they are ideal for storing and organizing bulky items like pots, pans and mixing bowls. In addition, extra wide pull out trays make retrieving large pots and pans effortless.
Clean-up zones are very important and something homeowners often overlook. Simple things that make a huge difference are tilt-out sink trays, which keeps soaps and sponges out of sight, an under sink tote and base waste basket help to keep things well organized. Also, a cutting board kit close to the sink makes for easy cleanup during food prep.
My favorite tip is to think about items that need special storage and change over time as your needs and family grows and diversifies. Storage solutions like pigeon holes, plate racks and wall lattices can be used to display special items like collectibles, wine bottles or fine china and can accommodate many uses.
People are using their kitchens for so much more that just cooking these days and more than ever before kitchens have to be dynamic and adaptable. Being smart about storage not only brings order to your kitchen, but your life.
Good luck Driehorsts! I can’t wait to see your new finished space.
Tags: clean-up, cooking, growing families, Kitchen Design, kitchen organization, kitchen planning