Shelves or cabinets above the cook top can hold foods that aren't affected by warmth, such as pasta, rice and cereal. A shelf just below these cabinets but above the cook top can transform the space into a cooking workshop, providing a handy resting place for timers, spices, cooking supplies and implements. A large volume of kitchen goods can be stowed in a pantry, an efficient, relatively inexpensive means of storage. Since a pantry is essentially a closet lined with shelves, it's easy on the budget. Also plan to reserve part of the pantry as a utility closet, where mops, brooms and cleaning supplies can be easily stored.
Islands can serve as tables for informal meals.
A round table takes up less space but can accommodate more people if need be. Remember that a small increase in radius makes for a big increase in the circumference of the table and therefore the floor space it will take up. Cooking up a New Kitchen , by Steve Thomas, for a useful introduction to kitchen design. This Old House and the This Old House window and This Old House Online are trademarks of WGBH Educational Foundation. Neither WGBH Educational Foundation nor PBS endorses any product or service mentioned within This Old House Online or any web sites linked to or from This Old House Online.