Raechal Leone

Modern Small Kitchens: How to Optimize Space (4 Ideas)

The kitchen is one of the places where different accessories and elements are occupied, such as pots, knives, pans, plates, cups, ladles, spices, ingredients, oils, etc. Because of this, ample space is required to be able to store and organize all those items, in addition to carrying out common cleaning tasks.

However, in small houses, the space available is very limited, so it is advisable to learn to take advantage of all the corners and inches of the kitchens. To achieve this, you need a good storage methodology and establish the functions that will be given to the furniture in the space, such as shelves and shelves for small kitchens, as they are the best allies to optimize spaces.

Ideas for keeping a small kitchen organized

Considering the functional storage systems put into practice by interior decoration experts, the first point we have to take care of is keeping the pots, pans or any other utensil that we frequently use within easy reach. In this way, we can start with observing the space available for storage and from there locate the drawers or surfaces closest to the stove burners to store those items that we will always need.

1. Utilizes the available surface space between the sink and grill

In large kitchens, one of the options is to hang the pans and pots on a higher structure because this gives a different image, but in small kitchens we require all the available space to be able to move without limitations, so we cannot do use of those structures. So to organize the utensils, we have the opportunity to occupy modern kitchen shelves such as the pan organizer with 4 levels and two different positioning options.

In the same way, to have the dishes and be able to serve quickly, a metal corner organizer can work perfectly, since this way we occupy the space in the corners that is sometimes not taken into account to store kitchen elements.

Another example of stainless steel kitchen shelves is a drainer with two levels for plates, glasses and spoons or a shelf that is placed on the bar and where you can also organize the jars of spices, oil, etc.

2. Empty tall spaces: a storage opportunity

There are also some accessories that can take advantage of the space under a floating cupboard drawer, such as the hanging cup organizer. Thus, we can make use of an area that is not occupied and use the drawers to store the pantry.

By hanging these containers, we take advantage of all the available space between the surface where the stove is to where the ceiling drawers begin. Some models of kitchen shelves make it easier to optimize spaces, since not only are the containers or utensils stored, but it also leaves the work area free to cook without obstacles. These basket-style accessories can even be hung from shelves that blend into the kitchen.

And mentioning the shelves, we can consider placing some of the types of shelves for storage in an available wall space. A set of shelves will allow us to organize whatever we want, be it glasses, plates, cups, cutlery, jugs, kitchen gloves and other items that are used.

3. Organizing the drawers

Likewise, we can obtain a gain in space by occupying each available space of the drawers that are already in our kitchen, such as the place under the sink, where we can save space with an adjustable organizing cart. This accessory has removable panels, is easy to clean, and maintains a chrome finish to last long.

Likewise, in the drawers available for storing spoons, knives and tumblers, we can integrate organizers with divisions, thus avoiding clutter and we can more easily locate each utensil to optimize time in the kitchen. However, it is important that we take care of each drawer from scratches with non-slip type drawer protectors, especially in places where metal objects are stored.

4. Carry out open storage

Although the options we have described are part of the air storage function, using stainless steel kitchen shelves helps us to identify all the species and ingredients when cooking. In this way, we have the option of occupying an organizer cart with many levels and wheels to be able to move it or place it as we please.

Open storage is very functional, especially because of the stylish view it gives to the kitchens. To make use of modern kitchen shelves we need to have each ingredient in jars or cans with a label, in addition to occupying the low space with heavy items. There we can also integrate boxes or drawers so that they give the same function as the cupboard drawers.

Types of shelves for small kitchens

As the most important thing in a kitchen is to maintain cleanliness and organization at all times, we have to make sure to integrate the ideal kitchen shelf models into the available space. For that reason, we have the opportunity to find functional designs and structures such as:

  1. Expandable mesh shelf: made of high quality metal and a nickel finish to guarantee its resistance over the years, this shelf keeps a modern, elegant design and is very practical to place all kinds of products, utensils, dishes, etc. . It is easy to clean.
  2. Hanging shelves: be it of the basket type, for glasses, cloths or other kinds of products, hanging shelves help us to keep the kitchen area free and, in this way, avoid accidents such as breakage of cups, plates, etc.
  3. Draining racks: draining racks are another class of kitchen shelves, because by implementing them for the organization we have the opportunity to take advantage of the space upwards. These storage instruments maintain different levels, some have specialized spaces for each utensil and can be found in different coatings to be able to combine everything depending on the design and colors of our kitchen.
  4. Staggered organizer: in order to take advantage of the space near the stove or kitchen bar, we can integrate an accessory with staggered levels. These do not occupy a large space and they are very useful for us to place spices that are always used when cooking, such as salt, pepper, aromatic herbs, ground garlic, oil, among others. Most tiered organizers have 3 tiers and are made of sturdy materials that withstand inclement weather, dust, and moisture.

Some extras to organize small kitchens

In addition to the previous recommendations, we cannot forget that we will need some items to be able to mobilize ourselves and prepare dishes in our kitchen with great success. One of these objects is a stool or small bench, since if we take advantage of the space in the heights we will have to work harder to reach what we need.

Now, thinking about the cleanliness and order of the kitchen, a lid to place on the dishes when heating in the microwave can be very functional, because it avoids splashing throughout the appliance.

In another sense, to reach all the things on the kitchen counter, we can use a large, rotating bamboo spice rack . There we can place the spices and, when cooking, turn to reach each jar. As if that were not enough, this object is also very useful if we leave it on the table so that everyone can reach the ingredients, such as the sauce, the salt shaker, napkins, etc.

Conclusion

At https://raechalleone.com/ we not only have quality and durable products for small kitchens, you can also find ideas and products to take advantage of every space in the home.

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15 Gardening Tips for Beginners

We have all dreamed of having a splendid garden that, in addition to beautifying our home, serves as a refuge when stress overwhelms us. Lack of experience should not discourage us! Gardening is an art that requires dedication and specific knowledge, but can be learned slowly.

Therefore, and with the aim of helping people who have been immersed in this magical world until now, we have decided to compile the following gardening tips for beginners. We hope they will be of great help.

1. First of all, you have to define the end of the garden

A garden can be used to plant flowers of a thousand colors, create appropriate spaces for recreation and grow vegetables. For this reason, from the beginning it is necessary to define the function that it is going to fulfill and clearly delimit the areas destined for each purpose.

That way we will be clear about what we want and it will be much easier for us to visualize how we will build it. If the budget allows it, it is worth hiring the services of a landscaper to help us with the design. Thus, we will obtain a perfect mix between colors, heights and locations.

2. Assess the climate of the area

Before buying the plants, we must know in depth the climatic conditions of the area in which we intend to develop our garden (hot, desert, tropical, humid, cold, etc.). In this way, when visiting the nursery we will be able to choose, with the advice of the professionals of the place, flowers, bushes, herbs and shrubs that will really adapt to the climate in which they will be planted.

In this regard, we cannot ignore the so-called microclimates, which refer to the specific climate of much smaller areas. For example, the microclimate of a place that receives sun all day is not the same as that under a leafy tree.

3. Take into account the light intensity

All plants require light to live, although in different amounts and intensities. For example, even if the label of a certain bush says it is for outdoor use, it may not withstand direct exposure to sunlight for a long time, or it may only support diffused sunlight, as is the case with orchids.

For this reason, before planting any plant, we must read the instructions in this regard well or request advice from the nursery where we buy them. Thus, we guarantee your location in the perfect place.

4. Evaluate the substrate or terrain

There are plants that require more sandy and drained soils to live, such as cacti; others, like heliconia, prefer more clayey and humid soils. That is to say: each type needs a specific substrate.

Consequently, before sowing we must know the type of land in our garden and cover it with organic compost. In this way, we fertilize naturally and promote biological activity in the soil, obtaining healthier plants as a result. The same logic applies to the bushes we plant in pots.

5. Water the plants at the correct frequency

Most beginning gardeners believe that the more water they apply to their plants the faster and healthier they will grow. Big mistake. Not all plants need the same amount of water to live.

Usually, outdoor plants should be watered at least once a week, but the cycle can vary depending on the species, weather conditions and evaporation levels in the area where we have the garden. Therefore, it is wise to seek the best advice in this regard at your nearest store with a gardening associate.

In any case, let us remember that the irrigation is done on the ground and not directly on the leaves or flowers of the plants. That makes them prone to pests and rot.

6. Proper fertilization

Another common mistake made by beginners is fertilizing plants just arrived from the nursery. There is no need for it. These are usually already well fertilized. The prudent thing is to wait for them to stabilize and adapt to their new home, or to wait for the first pot transplant.

Otherwise each plant needs different types of fertilizers.

7. Frequent pruning

If we want to see our plants healthy, we have to prune them with a certain frequency to eliminate the elements that prevent the passage of sunlight to the entire garden or affect their normal development (damaged flowers, rotten fruits or dry, broken and diseased branches).

Let’s not forget that specific pruning varies from one species to another; therefore, we must inform ourselves about it.

8. Acquire the basic tools

Part of being a good gardener is to acquire and properly select the tools and utensils to take care of our garden, some of the basic utensils that we must have are:

  • Shovel (various sizes for different types of garden and pots)
  • Rake
  • Pruners and brushcutters
  • Gardening scissors
  • Cut branches
  • An irrigation hose and sprinklers
  • Pots and containers
  • Gloves
  • Workwear

With these tools and utensils we can perform the basic gardening tasks, typical of those who until now are starting in this art. Over time our knowledge will increase, along with our equipment needs.

9. Take into account the height of the plants

When sowing our plants we must bear in mind the height of each one of them, so that when the taller ones grow they do not deprive the smallest of light, causing them to die. Or on the contrary, planting without considering the excess of sun for some.

10. Seed storage

One of the best gardening tricks is to store seeds, stems, and more in clean jars and dry places. This way we prevent them from germinating on their own.

11. Allow insects to live in the garden

Not all insects are harmful. Some, like bees and butterflies, pollinate flowers; others can be harmful if they are presented too much.

In the same way, worms, although they are not properly insects, provide nutrients to the earth through their excrement, aerate the soil and control its PH.

In that sense there are many more animals that are beneficial for our garden. We must ensure that they are preserved.

12. Watch out for the roots

There are plants whose roots can spread through the ground, preventing the growth of those that are next to them and even affecting the walls. The most prudent thing is to plant them in containers or in remote places where they will not cause any damage.

13. Care when transplanting

Many garden beginners make a serious mistake when transplanting newly purchased plants. These usually come in a pot. The inexperienced gardener simply takes them out of there and immediately introduces them into the previously dug hole. This can cause the roots to roll into each other and not expand, leading to rotting from watering.

The ideal when transplanting them is to take the roots, very carefully, from the inside out until they take their natural place. This step is essential, especially in cases where the plant has been in a pot for too long.

14. Beware of pests

It is important to periodically inspect the leaves and stems of plants for harmful parasites or fungi. In case of detecting them, we must cut the affected parts and burn them or discard them in closed containers to be removed by the relevant body. If the problem persists, we have no other solution than to immediately apply a specialized product , preferably natural or recommended by an expert in the field.

15. Keep an agenda of the plants

Once the garden has been planted, it is important to consolidate in a single agenda a list of the plants we have, noting their flowering, fertilizing, pruning and other important information for their maintenance.

These 15 gardening tips for beginners will help you get started in this beautiful art. Ideally, of course, we should start studying all we can about gardening and botany, in order to add theoretical knowledge to practice and become experts in the field.

To complete the ideal garden, it is recommended to review the accessories to the garden fauna, that is, the special outdoor furniture or the barbecues. Another example is lighting that helps our garden look just as impressive day and night.