Over the past year and a half we have all been spending more time at home. For some it is more than we ever have in the past. The time has perhaps prompted us to minimize our belongings, organize our wardrobe or make our homes cozier. We think the kitchen is truly the heart of the home (perhaps we are a bit bias.) The kitchen table is a place where friends and families gather to share meals and have important conversations. We think the kitchen operates like the brain of the home. How does your kitchen feel? Is it a place you want to spend time nourishing your body and those of your loved ones? While the new year is still fresh and we are ready for change, it may be time to examine the elements of your kitchen, is it performing like it should?

Rasberrys 10 Elements for a Healthy Kitchen

Light - natural light, task lighting, proper light for dining
Air - temperature, flow of fresh air, plants for oxygen
Color - wall color, countertop color, cabinet color, furniture colors
Comfort - standing mats to stand on, inviting dining furniture
Smell - essential oil diffuser, natural cleaning products, placement of trash
Fresh - fresh fruits and vegetables are easily accessible
Water - taste and accessibility
Function - placement of most commonly used items
Flow - meal prep is easy and inviting
Style - the heart of your home reflects you

A well organized kitchen in any home can make cooking time and meal prep a joy. Here are a few simple steps to make sure your kitchen is ready for every day use and entertaining the same.

1. Empty cabinets - pull everything out of the cabinets. Discard broken items, donate duplicates or unwanted items. Keep only the things you LOVE.

2. Group items - baking together, glassware together, holiday items together.

3. Organize the cabinets - consider the best place for each grouping. Think about less trips back and forth across the kitchen to make your morning coffee.

4. Use clear containers - see through glass can be pretty and also functional

5. Store containers and lids together - discard containers without lids, those not used often or not LOVED.

6. Make use of vertical space - hang things to save space in flat drawers

7. Use lazy Susans - did you know lazy Susans are great for refrigerators too?

8. Use drawer dividers - store more in each space with dividers

9. Sort papers - a desk or countertops in the kitchen can be a dumping station.

10. Clean out the refrigerator - condiments can multiply when you are not looking and foods have expiration dates too.

Happy organizing! Visit Ketchum Kitchens (next to Atkinsons) for all things kitchens in Sun Valley.

Healthy Kitchen for a Healthy New Year

Organize your kitchen