If you're anything like most people, you're in and out of your kitchen multiple times per day. Doesn't it make sense to create a valuable and comfortable space when you're present in it so often? Here are just a few tips for maximizing efficiency, improving organization and flow, and building a kitchen that makes you proud.

1. Use It as a Lifestyle Space

The kitchen is often the heart and soul of a home, especially where families are concerned. It isn't just a place where onions get chopped. It's a sanctuary where people connect and memories are made.

To this effect, you might want to stop thinking of your kitchen in terms of eating. Broaden your mind to include other aspects of your life as well, including working, studying, pursuing your hobbies, and spending quality time with your loved ones.

Your new perspective can determine the direction of your remodeling. For example, you might install a large island where people can socialize comfortably. You might create "nooks" for reading, working on your laptop, or supervising the kids with their homework.

2. Utilize Oft-Forgotten Spaces

Everyone wants to re-do their cabinets and countertops. Fewer people think about the space above their fridge or the backsplash behind their sink.

When you pay attention to these details, however, you unlock an entire world of possibilities. There's so much that you can do with these new areas. Aesthetically, you can use them to complement your interior decor or highlight existing features. Functionally, you can utilize their extra, newly-opened spaces for things like storage. Have you ever heard of vertical organization?

These are just a few ideas for taking advantage of your kitchen's entire layout. There are many more, so don't be afraid to get creative.

3. Do a Deep Clean

Be honest: How long has it been since you've wiped down those hood vents? How long have you been "putting off" getting on your hands and knees and scrubbing out that spaghetti stain on the lower cabinet?

If you're serious about improving the functionality of your kitchen, you'll need a clean space to serve as the foundation of it all. Don't worry if it's been awhile since you brought out the Swiffer. You can divide the kitchen into zones to tackle a particularly difficult cleaning mission.

You can also make a checklist of necessary tasks. It might look something like this:

- Empty your pantries, cupboards, cabinets, and drawers

- Wipe down your fridge and freezer

- Dispose of expired items

- Hang organizational trays and racks

- Spray-clean reflective surfaces

- Dust the light fixtures

- Clean out your appliance trays

- Sanitize all surfaces, including knobs and buttons

- Mop and sweep the floor

4. Rethink Your Appliances

Note the word "rethink," not "upgrade." While there's nothing wrong with buying new tech, it isn't a necessity for a functional and well-styled kitchen. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that you need to buy newer and shinier gadgets every few years.

Instead, consider the actual usage rates of your current appliances. Determine your return on investment (ROI) if you repair, replace, or recycle them. You might benefit from getting rid of little-used appliances and either freeing up their countertop space or consolidating them with other, more multipurpose devices. For example, you don't need a separate air fryer if you have a convection oven with the same setting.

Don't forget to clean your appliances as well. You can combine this step with the one above for a truly efficient kitchen overhaul.

5. Have a Cohesive Vision

It's important to have vision for your kitchen. This is true whether you're making small, incremental changes or building a brand-new home from the ground up. It's easy to get caught up in the little details, but you don't want to miss the forest for the trees.

Your floor plan, for example, is the foundation for everything else. Does your kitchen adhere to the work triangle design that maximizes flow? You'll also want to be careful with the installation of water lines and electrical outlets. Moving these things at a later date can be a massive expense, so it's best to get them right the first time. Lay them exactly where you want them and where they're productively utilized in your kitchen space.

Last but not least, consider your design style. Try to have an overarching theme that ties everything together. Whether it's "cute country rustic" or "gleaming modern minimalism," your theme can be your guidepost for all design decisions that come after it. You can simply ask yourself, "Does it follow my theme?”

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Southwest Advanced Cleaning Services