Eliminate wasted steps.

When planning how to design a kitchen, think about your most frequent tasks. You'll save time and energy by placing items needed to complete a job close together. For example, keep coffee cups, coffee grounds, near the coffee machine. Your groggy early-morning self will thank you.

Similarly, keep wraps and plastic containers in one handy spot near a work surface for wrapping leftovers. Locate dish ware and flatware near the dishwasher to ease the process of unloading.