Put Function First

Create space based on your personal habits. If you never eat in the kitchen, for example, remove the table to make way for more clutter-busting, useful items, like a Pier 1 Imports under-cabinet glass rack ($12, pier1.com), and an Ikea Vurm wine rack ($10, ikea.com).

Create a Triangle of Efficiency

Make sure you can move unencumbered among the three key work areas: sink, stove, and refrigerator. An efficient work area is made by installing an Ikea Värde base cabinet ($249, ikea.com) with drawers and a countertop that is 30 inches deep, 10 inches deeper than average.