A well-organised kitchen is more than just aesthetically pleasing — it’s essential for daily comfort, efficiency, and even safety. Whether you’re designing a new kitchen or refreshing an existing one, getting the layout and organisation right can transform how you use your space.
With over 30 years of experience in the kitchen industry, I’ve helped countless homeowners on the Costa Blanca design and organise their kitchens for real-life living. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you organise your kitchen in a way that’s smart, stylish, and truly functional.
1. Start with the Kitchen Work Triangle
At the heart of every practical kitchen layout is the work triangle – the space between your sink, hob, and fridge. These are the areas you use most often while cooking. Keeping them in close, ergonomic reach reduces unnecessary movement and makes your kitchen easier to use.
🔹 Tip: Avoid placing the sink and hob too far apart, or placing the fridge in an isolated corner. Balance and accessibility are key.
2. Categorise by Zones
Think of your kitchen in zones based on how you use it. For example:
- Cooking Zone: hob, oven, microwave, spices, pots & pans
- Preparation Zone: chopping boards, knives, mixing bowls, food processors
- Cleaning Zone: sink, dishwasher, cleaning products
- Storage Zone: dry food, tins, pasta, snacks
- Serving Zone: plates, cutlery, glasses, cups
Organising your cupboards and drawers by zone makes everything more intuitive and faster to access.
3. Use Drawers – Not Just Cupboards
Deep drawers are often more useful than traditional lower cupboards. They let you pull everything out into view, making it much easier to find what you need — especially when it comes to pans, Tupperware, or utensils.
🔹 Expert Tip: Invest in soft-close, heavy-duty drawers to make everyday use smooth and durable.
4. Maximise Vertical Space
Many kitchens waste valuable space above cabinets or inside tall cupboards. Consider adding:
- Extra shelves or pull-out racks inside tall units
- Hanging rails for utensils or mugs
- Magnetic knife strips or spice racks on the wall
- A pantry tower with pull-out shelves
Every bit of vertical storage you gain helps reduce clutter on your worktops.
5. Declutter & Group Items Logically
Be ruthless with items you no longer use. If you haven’t used it in a year, do you really need it?
Then, group similar items together:
- Store baking items in one drawer
- Keep breakfast foods together
- Have one section just for hot drinks
- Keep cooking oils near the hob
Logical grouping saves time and avoids mess.
6. Prioritise Daily Use Items
Not everything in your kitchen needs to be front and centre. Items you use daily — like plates, cutlery, mugs, and pans — should be easily accessible, ideally between waist and eye height.
Less-used appliances (bread maker, waffle iron, Christmas-themed dishes) can go into harder-to-reach spaces or be stored outside the main kitchen if space is tight.
7. Label and Containerise
Clear, labelled containers and jars make it easier to find things — especially in pantries or deep drawers. Uniform containers also stack neatly and prevent wasted space.
🔹 Pro Tip: Choose airtight jars for dry goods like flour, sugar, rice and pasta to keep ingredients fresh longer.
8. Make Room for Waste Sorting
A tidy kitchen includes a well-thought-out waste system. Set aside space for:
- General waste
- Recycling (plastic, cardboard, glass)
- Food waste/compost
Built-in bins inside a drawer or under the sink help keep things clean and hidden.
9. Use Lighting to Your Advantage
Good kitchen lighting helps with visibility and enhances mood. Aim for:
- Bright task lighting for cooking and prep zones
- Ambient lighting under cupboards or inside drawers
- Soft lighting for dining or evening use
Even organising your kitchen is easier when it’s well-lit!
10. Keep Worktops Clear
The golden rule of kitchen organisation: clutter-free worktops. Keep only the essentials out, such as:
- Kettle
- Toaster
- Coffee machine (if used daily)
Everything else should have a home inside a cupboard or drawer. The cleaner your worktops, the more enjoyable your kitchen becomes.
Bonus: Work With an Expert
Organising a kitchen isn’t just about tidying up — it’s about making sure your kitchen works for your lifestyle. As an independent kitchen advisor here at Lacasadon, I offer personalised, no-pressure advice to help you design, plan, or reorganise your kitchen in a way that’s stylish and efficient.
Need help reviewing a kitchen quote, layout, or storage solution?
👉 Contact me for a free consultation
Final Thought
An organised kitchen saves time, reduces stress, and helps you enjoy cooking again. Whether you’re planning a new space or just refreshing your current one, use these tips to get started – and remember, the right advice can make all the difference.
Let your kitchen work with you, not against you.