Читать книгу 1001 Ideas for Kitchen Organization, New Edition - Joseph R. Provey - Страница 19

Of course, none of this is an exact science. You will need to compromise on the assignment of activities and placement of items based on many variables, including the availability of suitable storage, weight of the item, and indoor “climate” conditions. Spices, for example, are a bit tricky to place. Optimal storage as far as freshness is concerned is a cool, dark place away from light, heat, and humidity. But the farther away from your prep and cooking areas they are, the more time you waste retrieving them. You may want to keep small containers of your most-used spices a few feet (about a meter) from the stove and store the rest in a cabinet or drawer that isn’t too close to any heat or moisture sources. Rarely-used spices can be kept in the freezer.

The best location for an activity or item will not always be clear. Take glasses and mugs, for instance. Where do you put them? Near the dishwasher is often a good choice. Another option is near your dining table. You may want to store glasses near the fridge or sink and mugs near your coffeemaker.

If you’re reorganizing an existing kitchen, you’ll be somewhat limited in where you can put things. Scarce cabinetry around the range, for example, may force you to put some meal-prep items in less-than-ideal spots. But if you’re planning a remodeling, you have an opportunity to better match activities with the appropriate items, and items with ideal storage design. Show the lists to your designer or architect so he or she can accommodate your wishes.

Many cooks like to have flatware near the range for stirring and tasting, so don’t hesitate to store some in a nearby drawer.

Pots, lids, cutting boards, and utensil crocks deserve a home by the range, too.

A pullout pegboard on the side of a range is another great way to store necessary cooking implements at arm’s reach.

Open shelves above and below a cooktop, along with a backsplash rack, will help make cooking a pleasure.

Deep base-cabinet drawers—properly organized, of course—are the stuff of dream kitchens.

Even a narrow shelf under the range hood can make the difference between a good cooking experience and a stressful one.

Install your chopping block next to the base cabinet that houses your pullout trash can or compost pail to make handling kitchen scraps a snap.

Build a snack center around your microwave with a pullout shelf and drawer combo.

Put dish towels where you need them—right beside the sink. This pullout “filler” rack utilizes what might otherwise be wasted space.

A wet bar is a great place for stowing beverage-related supplies.