Kitchen layout

[mamab]

I know it's a great idea to have your kitchen broken down into different zones, but what do you do if your kitchen isn't that big? How would you organize it for the most bang for the buck?

[cat lover]

When I designed my kitchen 5 years ago, I did it all on paper several times.I'm talking from scratch since we were building. Then after we moved
in and finished the inside I had some ideas of how I would want it sit up to actually cook in it. We have a very open floor plan; a breakfast bar "separates" the kitchen from the combo dining room/great room/ office. I also planned a 8 x 10 walkin pantry that has 8 foot walls; one side is all shelves from floor to ceiling. The other side has some shelves, but also has plugs so the bread machine has a usable home and the counter top oven does also. So no moving them to be able to use them. All my small kitchen appliances are also in there on that side. So they can either be used right in there on the counter top or moved to the kitchen if necessary. My Kitchen Aid stand mixer sits right on my counter top in the kitchen and enables me to use it easily on a daily basis. I have an antique Hoosier cabinet that stores all my spices and baking needs so that means I have a counter top right there on that. I also keep all my mixing bowls right there.

I guess the best way to plan it is on paper and according to how you like to cook and what will work with the space you have; Good Luck!

I'd love to hear how you ended up planning it!

[barbszy]

I have a 10X10 kitchen so I can relate to this question. I try to keep stuff as close to point of use as possible. Therefore, I have the glasses & mugs next to the fridge, the dishes & silverware next to the dining room door (we can't all fit in our kitchen to eat there). Cooking spices and pots & pans are next to the stove. Baking spices are above the counter space, near the mixer. I organize small items with little plastic baskets in my cabinets.

[Bilby]

Our kitchen is big enough to fit our 6 seat dining table but we have an offset area (between kitchen and family room) where our table sits.
I think storage is the key, I have had that small kitchen before this one and if you can put things in containers they stack a lot better. Also found that the dishes and equipment like mixers etc if they are not used all the time can be stored anywhere in the house and brought out when needed.
The website BHG, which I get a newsletter for, has wonderful ideas, some are impractical but can lead you to something that fits you better. http://www.bhg.com/bhg/slideshow/slideShow.jsp?sssdmh=dm17.278798&slideid=/templatedata/bhg/slideshow/data/1190126060800.xml&esrc=nwhi15&email=449156958
Take a peek.