How to Simplify Your Kitchen
LIFESTYLE
NOV '24
Simplify
Step 1: Reorganize
Step 2: Use What You Have
First of all, what does it mean to simplify? We recommend only bringing items into your kitchen that will last you a long time, be easy to take care of and have a multitude of uses. This may mean saying “no” more often than not when you are bringing items into your kitchen. As for the items you already have- here are some questions to ask yourself that’ll tell you if you should donate or recycle an item:
Once you have downsized, begin the process of reorganization. Be realistic about how often you cook, what you cook and what items you gravitate towards (if you have a mixer and haven’t landed any recipes using it- why is it on your countertop). Keep your countertop limited to appliances that you use more than a few times a week.
Perhaps you have dozens of duplicates when it comes to cleaning supplies, spices, sauces and other perishables- the solution: combine them if you can and if not you will simply have to use up what products you have. It may take a long time, but simplifying does not entail throwing things out. Once you have used up what you have, consider switching to homemade cleaning supplies. This will cut down on plastic waste, save room in your cabinets and lessen your exposure to toxins. Most homemade recipes are as simple as vinegar, baking soda and water. As for spice mixes and sauces- depending on how comfortable you are in the kitchen- try making them on your own.
Blog written by Lieske
Blog written by Lieske
Quickly kitchens can become one of the most stressful areas of the house- piling high with mugs, niche appliances, cleaning supplies and so forth. It doesn't have to be this way. Your kitchen can and should feel like a beautiful space that you create memories in. Below are some of our tips for helping you simplify your kitchen, alongside items we recommend (if you are needing to upgrade).
Do you love it?
Do you use it often?
Do you have any duplicates of it you use more often?
Is it hard to clean?
Is it working properly (can it be fixed)?
This process will help identify if there are pieces you have been keeping, but avoiding. You may find that you’ll find more joy rehoming your items, than you ever did holding onto them.
How often are you using recipes from Cook Books- If you haven’t tried a recipe from one of your cookbooks in a while- give it a go- if not: let it go! No need to keep something you aren’t using, rehome it to someone that will.
Side Note:
Step 3. What We Recommend
Now let’s say you have taken all of our above advice and find that a few areas of your kitchen may be actually needing an upgrade. Here are some of our recommendations...
01. Kitchen Aid
The Kitchen Aid isn't only an aesthetically pleasing stand mixer- it is one of the biggest multiuse items in a home. There are so many attachments for this mixer that will replace other appliances in your home. I personally love using the pasta maker attachment for making pasta or flattening tortillas. They also have a juicer, grinder and food processor attachment for the kitchen aid!
02. W&P Stackable Cube Tuperware
Tupperware are one of the main stressors in a kitchen. These tupperware are BPA free and are made from high quality materials. They all fit the same lid- so you don't have to play the guessing game of what goes with what, and they stack all together no matter the size!
03. Spice Jars
Having matching spice jars makes finding what you need so much easier. They also open up the possiility of shopping in bulk for your spices. These ones specifically contain very little plastic and have both top and side labels! I use these ones specifically and they have changed my thoughts towards cooking!
04. A Good Quality Cutting Board
This cutting board is large enough for anything you will need, contains no plastic (it is made completely of recycled wood fiber for the base) and has silicon corners so it will never slip.
05. Sabre Cutlery
Try finding cutlery that feels good in your hand and is preferable all stainless steel (and not plated so it never wears down). Sabre has a few sets we like- and we even carry a few sets at our store front!
06. Hammer Wood Salt and Pepper Grinders
Outside of plates and silverware- your salt and pepper shakers are probably your most used items in the kitchen. Here are some we love- made of oak- sold locally in Seattle at Woodland Mod.
07. Reusable Cleaning Spray Bottles
Any zero waste store will sell something similar, however if you do not have a store like that in your area- we recommend these glass ones from Grove. They also sell tablets, that when combined with water, work to make cleaning sprays.
08. Convivial Ceramic Dining Ware
These pieces are timeless and perfect for any table scape. This company is female led and based out of Kansas City, Missouri- where they focus on creating high quality handmade ceramics.
09. A Wüsthof 8in Chef Knife
A kitchen isn't complete without one high quality everyday knife. This award winning knife is perfect for just about any task in the kitchen. With knives less is more. Find a few good ones and you will never need to find a replacement.
10. Convivial Ceramic Oil Cruets
Oil Cruets are a must for anyone who likes to cook. These are our favorite oil cruets (that we also sell them at our storefront)! Once you have one- you can easily find oil in bulk at the grocery store. (PCC in the PNW has a great bulk section!)
& last, but not least... a yummy smelling candle to celebrate a job well done. We love anything Jenni Kayne...
Thanks for reading! Be sure to read our other blogs found here.
