Another Mess Up Due to Client's Lack of Instructions

This was written for a client, per their specs, who then said they "forgot" to tell me it had to be for a UK audience and therefore didn't want it unless I would rewrite it with UK English and terminology. I don't have time to rework it to their new guidelines so it's mine now.

How much of your kitchen space contains appliances you rarely use? Do you long for excess cupboard space, bare counters, and no clutter? If so, a minimalist kitchen is perfect for you.

With a minimalist kitchen, everything has a place. Only the essential appliances have a home within the kitchen. Best of all, the clean counters and organized cupboards make it fun to cook a meal and quickly clean up.

Beneficial Built Ins

Every kitchen needs three, possibly four depending on your floor plan, appliances. These appliances include an oven/stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and possibly a washer dryer. While many homes have the washer and dryer in the mudroom or basement, they do appear in the kitchens of many apartments or mobile homes.

When it comes to a washer and dryer, there are space-saving combination units that are perfect for a kitchen. Look for front-loading washer/dryer units. When the wash load is done, the machine doubles as a dryer. While these washer/dryer combination units have been popular in Britain for years, they are becoming easier to find in appliance stores throughout the United States. Alternatively, there are space-saving units that have the washing machine on the bottom and the dryer sits over the top-loading washer.

Ranges provide the stove top and oven in one unit, and that saves space. Plus, many have storage drawers beneath the oven, so you have a great spot for storing baking sheets.

A dishwasher often seems like a splurge, but it eliminates the need for a draining rack in a sink or on a counter. They also make it easier to ensure that bacteria die during the longer wash in hot, soapy water.

Essential Decluttering

Decluttering is often harder than it seems. You pull out an item, only to find yourself reminiscing about special times when you used that item. Set clear goals before you start decluttering your kitchen. Decide what will fit with your minimalist plans and get rid of everything else.

If you use a small appliance once or twice a year, there's no reason to keep it. Only items that are used at least once a week should have a place in your minimalist kitchen. Cupboards with glass doors force you into avoiding clutter.

Innovative Space Savers

Even with a limited number of cupboards, there are innovative space savers suitable for kitchens. The wasted space under a cabinet is ideal for a coffee maker or lock radio. Magnetic strips on the wall are the perfect place to hang knives or metal spice jars. Save cupboard space by hanging your pots and pans from a pot rack that hangs from the ceiling or wall.

Necessary Small Kitchen Appliances

There are small appliances that speed up prep time. Keep them small enough so that they fit in a cupboard when they're not in use. Typically, the items that most people use daily or weekly include a coffeemaker, food processor, and microwave.

It's hard to store a microwave in a cupboard, but there's an easy way to save space. Choose a wall-mounted microwave that hangs over the oven/stove and saves space.

Remember with a minimalist kitchen that clutter is your biggest issue. Avoid temptation to add small appliances, dishes, and gadgets without removing something else first. Always make sure the counters are bare at the end of the day by putting everything you've used back into its appropriate place. By stopping clutter from building up, you retain the clean look of your minimalist kitchen.