From browsing design inspirations to purchasing the most stylish fixtures and fittings in the market and installing them, remodeling the kitchen is truly a fun and rewarding experience. However, not all changes can be practical, especially if you cook often. Think about functionality.

The kitchen is not meant to sit pretty and untainted, like those shown in showrooms, Pinterest, and home design magazines – it’s a working space that’s meant to get messy and chaotic.

You’ll be chopping, spilling hot water, leaking sauces, spices, and powders, work with greasy hot pans, ruining tableware arrangements to get your food done. You’ll constantly use, wash, and store utensils, tableware, and cookware too. That said, you need a kitchen that’s organized, purposeful, and low-maintenance.

Here are 9 ways to create a cooking space that’s functional, organized, and easy to maintain.

1. Invest in smart storage solutions

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A kitchen with functional, easy to access storage units is a kitchen worth having.

Install a roll-out, compartmentalized drawer for your utensils, dinnerware, and other kitchen essentials. Add shelves inside your kitchen cupboards for food and other kitchen tools. You can also invest in a kitchen island for the center of the kitchen, not only for its visual impact but also for its storage capabilities.

For a functional yet stylish solution, think of building a hanging pot rack which gives your cooking space a rustic, country feel.

2. Rethink your flooring

Some types of flooring require a higher level of upkeep. For a low-maintenance kitchen, opt for a material that’s durable, resistant to potential splashes and spills, and may only require damp mopping for cleaning. Consider materials including Marmoleum, linoleum or sheet vinyl.

You might also want to avoid flooring with grout lines. If you have the budget for surfaces that look great for long-term, go for tiles or wood laminate. For tiles, choose large format ones which have fewer grout lines.

3. Opt for durable worktop materials

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Want to have a low-maintenance kitchen that’s easy to look after? Think beyond aesthetics and opt for a highly-durable worktop, which can endure all that chopping, staining, and burning.

One of the best bets is granite. The material is scratch-resistant, and it can endure high temperatures without breaking. It can be easily cleaned by wiping down with warm water and mild detergent and polished up to a nice shine. Laminate worktops are worth considering too. They’re cheaper than stone countertops yet are easy to clean.

4. Modify your kitchen layout

The layout of the kitchen plays a big role in keeping it low-maintenance and functional. Think of the way you cook or wash, and what you need next to each other.

There should be a good flow and an easy coordination in the kitchen. The washing area, hob, and bin should be located close enough to each other. The sink should be right next to the dishwasher. Keep food areas, like pantry and fridge, next to each other too. If you have an open floor plan, make sure the kitchen is closer to your dining table than your living room sofa.

5. Be creative with magnets

Photo credits: Pinterest

Magnets are your best buds in terms of keeping your kitchen organized and tidy – and we’re not only talking about fridge magnets used of sticking receipts.

Smart magnetic storage solutions are a thing. One clever innovation is the magnetic knife strip, which saves you from storing your knives in bacteria-friendly wooden blocks. Another must-have is the set of magnetic spice racks, which keeps your spices in sight. No more navigating through different bottles and jars through cabinets!

6. Save up for easy to clean cookware

With great cooking comes great washing responsibility. I mean, who finds washing greasy pots and pans easy and enjoyable anyway? No one. So if you cook regularly, it’s a must to purchase easy to clean pans and pots.

Non-stick versions are your best bet – they hardly require any grease when cooking and they don’t allow food to stick. If you’re too lazy to wash by hand, go for stainless steel which can go in the dishwasher.

7. Eliminate upkeeps with dark surfaces

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All-white cabinets and countertops have a super sleek aesthetic everyone loves. However, since white makes dust, grease, and grime pretty obvious, they’re the most high-maintenance choice for kitchens.

If you’re doing a kitchen remodel and you have no time to do regular round the clock cleaning, opt for darker surfaces. They won’t show every smudge and crack easily.

8. Go for specially adapted kitchen paint

Don’t just use any normal paint – go for specially-adapted, water-resistant kitchen paint. This means there’ll be less chance of mildew build-up and less paint peeling, which is crucial since kitchens usually get quite steamy during cooking.

9. Simplicity is key

Photo by Charles Deluvio 🇵🇭🇨🇦 on Unsplash

Old-fashioned, elaborate cabinets and drawers with moldings and embellishments give your kitchen a boost in character. However, they can become difficult to maintain and clean over time.

If you want no-fuss fittings, think sleek, modern, and minimalist. They have a clean and neat finish and make cleaning a low-effort activity. If you have the budget, go for high-gloss finishes which are easy to wipe down.

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a daytime writer for PAAL Kit Homes, a renowned construction company that specializes in manufacturing and supplying top-quality steel-framed kit homes in Australia. She loves writing articles focused in real estate and interior design.