Are you tired of the scavenger hunt for coffee filters or the Tetris game with Tupperware?
Or maybe, finding a midday pick-me-up in your kitchen is super confusing?
Well, you are not alone!
We have all been there. That’s why, today, we will be talking about the top tips on office kitchen organization and layout. From clever storage solutions to creating a functional layout – the list goes on!
So, what are these tips?
Read on to find out!
Key Takeaways
✅Maximize your office kitchen space by storing kitchen items and gadgets by type or category.
✅A cabinet or pantry has versatile usage, as you can use the side space, or above space of a cabinet to store the kitchen utensils.
✅Always ensure regular decluttering and cleaning of your office kitchen and inspect it weekly for any damage or issues.
Tips & Ideas For Organizing Office Kitchen
A workplace kitchen should take up minimal space but provide counter space and a place to sit. A standing cooking space is much more effective if you wish to minimize loitering in the rest area.
So, on that note, here are 15 amazing kitchen organization ideas for your office:
Utilize Space-saving Storage Solutions
Office kitchens are usually small compared to home kitchens, so you need to think of space-efficient solutions.
Follow the below tips for a solution to this problem:
- Install pull-out shelves for easy access and open shelving to display kitchen items.
- Divide the cabinet space for necessary dishes, pots, and pans. It’ll make it easier to find what you need.
- Install pegboards or hooks for arranging cutlery & utensils. Thus you’ll get more drawer space and also keep the items within reach.
- Invest in a compact refrigerator that can fit under a counter to store drinks and snacks.
Store Kitchen Items by Category
Store your essential and temporary kitchen items by category on different storage options.
For example:
- Food canisters for essential or regular food items such as bread, eggs, etc.
- Cabinet organizers, pantry organizers, containers, spice racks, or storage carts for different items can really save your office kitchen space.
- Label each container if you need to for better access.
Add Spice Racks in Kitchen Walls
When there are just too many items to organize in your office kitchen, or you just want some added aesthetics, a spice rack on the kitchen wall is a great idea.
It also helps you keep the essential condiments away from mixing up with other kitchen items. And the spice racks on the wall offer better access.
Group the Dishwares with Glass Doors
For ample storage & organization solutions in your office kitchen, invest in a design-and-build cabinet with glass doors.
This will minimize your office kitchen, and you can store similar dishware in groupings with enough space between them. And as for glass doors, you can easily access what you need.
Use Pull-Down Shelves for Better Access
Often, the employees at the office face problems with the upper shelves as it’s difficult to reach that height.
Try installing a pull-down shelf to resolve this issue. Also, it’s easier to install. Just call in your fixed professional and he’ll install it in a bit.
Avoid Duplicate Kitchen Items
It’s better to use kitchen utensils, and gadgets, that have more than one use.
For example, it might be tempting to get an egg slicer or bagel cutter. But these have only one use and you can easily do without them. You can use a spoon to slice the egg or a knife for cutting bagels, and they also have other uses.
Turntables Are Your Secret Weapon
When you have dead space in your kitchen, turntables can make that space functional.
Turntables are especially great for organizing oils, bottles of sauce, or other kitchen condiments. Thus, you can easily access the exact bottle of sauce you want from the turntable solution.
Install Drawer Dividers Where Needed
Drawer dividers are another great solution to divide similar kitchen utensils and items.
It must bug you when you find the kitchen items on top of each other and you can’t find that one thing you need right now. Drawer dividers will direct your hand exactly where the item you need lies.
Use The Sides of the Cabinets
When you find no better place to put your kitchen utensils, the sides of the cabinets are the most effective solution in this case.
Adding hooks, rails, or even shelves can save you time for brainstorming to find the right place for your kitchen gadgets. Thus, you’re literally maximizing your square footage.
The Space Above the Cabinets Too
If the sides of the cabinets are not enough to organize your kitchen gadgets, above the cabinet is a good place.
The above-cabinet extra space can always come in handy. And you can easily use that space to store lesser-used pans or pots, bulky items, and extra ingredients.
You can even showcase some of that vintage kitchenware lying in some corner without any focus. It can also add some aesthetic flavor to your office kitchen.
Add Some Hooks Under the Shelves
It’s usual to have too many mugs and cups in your office kitchen, as there are many employees. So, it becomes a problem to store these mugs when they’re idle.
Well, just install some hooks under the shelves and the problem is solved. You can now easily hang those idle mugs and cups on the hooks without opting for some extra storage that demands more space in your office kitchen.
Magnets Under the Shelves Too
Yes, not only hooks, but you can also install magnets under the shelves to store those spice jars without taking up more space in the interior cabinet.
If you can’t do it, call your fixed professional, and he’ll do it for you for some small bucks. And it will be much more accessible for you to reach those spice jars when you need them.
Use Rolling Carts to Even the Pantry Storage
Opt for a rolling cart that fits the space in your pantry. This rolling cart will make it easier when you need more items from the pantry at once.
Also, it’ll maximize the allotted storage within the pantry but without hurting the functionality.
Use Baskets to Hide Away the Pantry Items
If can’t afford a pantry within the small space of your office kitchen, you can always go for baskets to hide away the pantry items.
Store similar items into the baskets, such as oils, spices, etc. Label each basket for easy access. Although it’s a “last resort” option, this can add a touch of vintage vibe to your office kitchen.
Use Corner Shelves in Smaller Kitchen
To give your office kitchen a farmhouse flair, use corner shelves to store kitchen items efficiently.
With a functional accent, these corner shelves really look good in a kitchen, be it an office or a home. Also, you can better reach essential items when you need them.
What to Consider Before Designing an Office Kitchen?
Designing an office kitchen is like brewing the perfect cup of coffee – it requires attention to detail and a dash of creativity. So, let’s whip up a recipe for the ideal office kitchen:
- Maximize the Working Layout: The office kitchen layout should minimize distractions to maintain productivity. It should be visible from the work area but have a soundproof door. You can include a counter space for discussions and a balcony for smoking to prevent employees from leaving during work.
- Spice it up with Purpose: Start by defining the purpose of your office kitchen. Is it a quick snack spot or a place for team lunches? Knowing this will help you tailor the design to meet specific needs.
- Build a Snack Area: Create a snack area with street foods and beverages to liven up the office and prevent employees from leaving for outside food. Plus, adding a coffee and tea station can also keep employees energized and motivated to work.
- Stir in Some Space Planning: Consider the flow of traffic. Nobody likes bumping elbows while reaching for the coffee creamer. That is, think about how employees will move around the space and design accordingly.
- Blend in Comfort: Furniture matters! Opt for comfortable seating. Remember, this is a place for your team to recharge. A dash of ergonomic chairs and cozy nooks can make a big difference.
- Garnish with Greenery: Add a touch of nature with some greenery. Not only does it improve air quality, but it also creates a refreshing atmosphere. A small herb garden can even double as a tasty garnish for lunch!
- Season with Good Lighting: Lighting is the secret ingredient. Ensure a mix of natural and artificial lighting for a warm, inviting ambiance. Bright spaces foster creativity and productivity.
- Toss in Tech-Friendly Elements: Make sure there are enough power outlets for everyone’s devices. A well-placed charging station can be a game-changer. After all, no one wants a dead laptop during lunch!
- Sprinkle Storage Solutions: Think about storage for snacks, utensils, and appliances. A clutter-free kitchen is a happy kitchen. You can consider trendy storage solutions to keep things organized.
- Brew a Coffee Haven: Coffee – the nectar of productivity! Dedicate a corner to a stylish coffee station. Equip it with quality beans, a variety of brewing methods, and of course, the obligatory motivational coffee mugs.
- Simmer in Safety Measures: Safety first! Ensure that the kitchen complies with all safety regulations. Fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and clear exit routes should be part of your safety recipe.
- Plate it with Personal Touch: Bring a pinch of personality to the space. Incorporate some artwork, personalized decor, or a bulletin board for team notes. After all, it’s the little touches that make a kitchen feel like home.
Adding a snack bar with street food and beverages allows the employees to feel more at home when they are working. Setting up a coffee and tea station in the office will also ensure the office members are always on their toes and eager to work.
Keeping the Office Kitchen Neat and Tidy
The office kitchen must be cleaned regularly to meet the health standard. Otherwise, an unclean kitchen can lead to diseases and affect the health of the workers.
Here’s how to keep the office kitchen neat and tidy:
- Declutter Daily: Encourage daily dishwashing and fridge cleanup to prevent mess buildup.
- Weekly Deep Clean: Schedule a weekly deep clean for appliances and fridges, and check condiment expiration dates.
- Effective Clutter Control: Use separate bins for organic and inorganic waste, assign daily trash duty, and designate spaces for each type of clutter.
- Storage and Labeling: Label containers and drawers for easy item location and return.
- Layout Optimization: Ensure easy-to-clean surfaces like marble countertops and consider open shelving for easy access and cleaning.
- Essential Supplies: Keep kitchen utensils, cleaning supplies, rubbish bins, and water filters stocked.
- Office Supplies Management: Replenish kitchen supplies monthly and track usage to manage budget efficiently.
- Snack Storage: Store snacks in separate cabinets and use containers to preserve freshness.
- Proper Use of Belongings: Clean and return utensils to their place, avoid clutter, and use appliances with care.
Ending Notes
An organized office kitchen is a surefire way to keep your employees happy. They will feel much more appreciated and motivated to work. It’s also a great space to wire down and hold non-work-related gossip.
Last but not least, an office kitchen can do wonders for any stale workplace.
So, with these practical tips, you can indeed turn your workplace into a model of efficiency.
So, are you ready to set the stage for a more efficient and enjoyable office life?
The journey starts here!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I create an organized kitchen in the office?
To create an organized kitchen in the office, start by decluttering and cleaning the space. Make sure all the necessary kitchen supplies are available and easily accessible for your team.
What are some essential steps to organize an office kitchen?
Some essential steps to organize an office kitchen include creating designated spaces for different items, labeling shelves and drawers, and implementing a cleaning schedule to maintain the organization.
What items should I make sure to have in the office kitchen?
In the office kitchen, make sure to have essentials such as paper towels, dish soap, plenty of mugs, coffee and tea supplies, and a fully stocked first-aid kit.
How can I keep the office kitchen table organized?
To keep the office kitchen table organized, use a table organizer for condiments, napkins, and utensils. Encourage the team to clear the table after use and wipe it down to keep it tidy.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when organizing an office kitchen?
Common mistakes to avoid when organizing an office kitchen include overcrowding the space with unnecessary items, failing to regularly clear out expired food or stale supplies, and neglecting the cleanliness and maintenance of appliances.
