Designing an efficient chef's kitchen

Whether you’re in the kitchen whipping up a meal for a formal dinner party, preparing the menu for a casual Sunday brunch or just trying out the latest and greatest recipe, your kitchen layout should aid your efficiency. These tips can help you create a chef’s kitchen design that puts a focus on productivity and organization.

Opt for low-maintenance materials
Efficiency is above all else when it comes to your kitchen design, but that doesn’t mean the space can’t be beautiful! A stainless steel finish is preferred when it comes to your fridge and faucets. The material is durable, easy to clean and perfect for a number of kitchen design styles. For your kitchen island, consider a butcher block surface. This type of material will help you be more productive because you won’t have to get out a cutting board to slice and dice. Plus, this surface is easy to clean and long-lasting.

Install a deep sink
When you cook as often as you do, chances are dirty dishes pile up quickly. A deep basin, like a farmhouse sink, can accommodate all of those dishes and help keep your kitchen organized as you cook. You may even want to consider having two sinks in your kitchen – one on your countertop and another on your kitchen island.

Invest in the right appliances
Of course appliances like stand mixers, gas stoves and spacious refrigerators are necessary for a chef’s kitchen, but there are other items that you’ll want to have as well. For instance, a warming drawer is helpful if you do a lot of entertaining. It allows you to keep your food warm until you’re ready to serve it. You may also want to consider a double oven to ensure you never run out of cooking space.
Be smart about storage

There are certain items that should sit out on your countertops, such as cooking oils and seasonings that you often use. This way, they will be easily accessible when you need them. But for everything else that must be put away, consider these convenient storage options:

Glass-faced kitchen cabinets: Glass cabinets are not only beautiful, they allow you to see inside and quickly identify what you need.

Stacked drawers: These drawers are great if you have a small kitchen, as they don’t take up much space.

Pot racks: Instead of piling up pots and pans in the back of your cabinets, install a hanging pot rack above your kitchen island. This storage option keeps your pots and pans out of the way, but easily reachable.