The Joys and Challenges of Kitchen Renovation
One of the most exciting aspects of embarking on a home renovation is the opportunity to create the kitchen of your dreams. However, once that beautiful kitchen is functional, you may find that clutter can quickly diminish its aesthetic appeal. One of the primary culprits of this clutter tends to be small appliances—such as coffee makers, toasters, and microwaves.
According to Elizabeth Bennett, co-founder of Kobel & Co, an interior design firm based in Kansas City, Missouri, “Years ago, kitchens were often secluded spaces, hidden away from guests. Today, the kitchen serves as a centerpiece, reflecting the personality and style of its owners. Therefore, you want to avoid having all appliances cluttering the counters, which could spoil the inviting atmosphere.”
Interestingly, the presence of small appliances can even lead to disagreements between partners. Ms. Robins noted, “Typically, one partner is a heavy user of small kitchen gadgets, while the other partner may insist, ‘I can’t stand seeing those appliances on the counter.’ Yet, someone still needs their beloved smoothie maker!”
The good news is that with thoughtful planning, you can effectively conceal small appliances while ensuring they remain easily accessible for everyday use. Here are some strategies shared by Ms. Bennett, Ms. Robins, and other design experts:
- Assess Your Needs: It’s easy to accumulate a variety of plug-in kitchen tools, each serving a different purpose. Common offenders include immersion blenders, food processors, juicers, rice cookers, pressure cookers, mixers, waffle makers, toaster ovens, ice cream makers, and coffee grinders.
By taking stock of what you truly use and need, you can make informed decisions about which appliances to keep on hand and which can be stored away, minimizing countertop clutter.
With a little creativity and strategic planning, you can design a functional and aesthetically pleasing kitchen that reflects your lifestyle and keeps chaos at bay.
