Kitchen is at the heart of every Indian home. And with the onset of COVID 19, most of us have taken the control of the kitchen again, perhaps more often than we would like…writes Puja Gupta.
Before the pandemic, kitchen was seen as a personal space where entertainment, functionality and aesthetic met. But now with the routine of daily cooking and need for longer term storage solutions, the kitchen feels more short on space and excitement.
Priyanka Kheruka, Brand Head, Borosil Ltd sharesa few tips to maximize your kitchen space and use smart storage solutions:
De-clutter
The most important thing to do is de-clutter and reorganize your kitchen. Decluttering will give you more space in the kitchen. When possible, move items that are not used daily off the countertops and into cabinets. Clear, organized countertops will transform the way your kitchen looks and feels. But avoid bumping into cabinets.
Ensure to move away the pots and pans that are not functional for some time. It’s probably time to rethink those unused dessert sets you got during your wedding which you have stashed on top of cabinets to be used ‘someday’. Only keep as many plates, bowls, mugs, glasses, and utensils as you use in your everyday life. Bring home Glass dishes that can be multifunctional- wherein you can Cook, Store, Serve and Reheat as well.
Store food so that you can see what you have
Arrange your food in a manner that you can actually see what you have. Neatly stack your pulses, grains, snacks and spices and other essential ingredients in airtight glass jars. Glass jars helps in freshness and retains the natural flavours. Glass Jars are also easy to use as they are transparent and food stored can be easily seen and accessed. It’s easy to clean and is hygienic.
Invest in smart appliances
Kitchen appliances are meant to make kitchen jobs easier. But too many appliances occupy space. Decide on appliances that are definitely needed as per your cooking needs or are multifunctional. Ensure one corner of your kitchen has all the appliances stacked neatly together which are lightweight, functional and are from a reputed brand. This will save money, time and effort.
Smart functioning
Maximise your existing kitchen space with practical solutions to make your kitchen look more spacious. For your spoons, knifes and glasses, buy free-range shelves, baskets and hanging rods to free your drawers and counters. This will also add a touch of design to your kitchen walls.
Organize and reinvent
Stack your containers vertically in kitchen cabinets to create more space. Additionally, add a cart or trolley if your pantry is full. This way, you can move it easily whenever you are cooking and can stash it away when family or friends come visiting. Add a kitchen ladder that can go up against your kitchen wall. This will not occupy space and you can decorate it with plants and use it to stack your crockery.
Sanitize the smart way
In this precedent times of Covid, safety and health of our family is the first priority. It’s of utmost importance to regularly sanitise and clean the kitchen surfaces, food material, regular grocery packets etc in the kitchen. Home makers often soak their vegetables in salt water or vinegar or spray it with disinfectants to kill the possibility of germs. Regular Chemical santisers pose health hazards. Invest in a UV Disinfection unit. Borosil’s ‘Suraksha’ UV Disinfect Unit is cost-effective specially designed for modern households. It is able to disinfect 99.9 percent germs and can sterilize fruits and vegetables, milk and other food packets, bread and grocery packets, electronics, personal use items and baby products such as toys and bottles.