It’s common to mistake quartzite for marble. After all, both stones look alike and are 100% natural. Some stone quarries may even mislabel them!

But, just because they look alike doesn’t mean they share the same characteristics!

While both stones have their advantages, it is important to know the specific traits of each stone. This helps future homeowners like YOU to identify the correct stone, which in turn helps you to care for and maintain these stones properly!

In this post, I will share everything you need to know about quartzite vs marble – what it is, its composition, its uses, and the pros and cons of each stone.

Read on to discover which natural stone is better for your home.

Related to Quartzite vs Marble:

• Quartzite vs Granite: Which Natural Stone Is Better For Your Kitchen?
• Quartz vs Marble – Which is the better option for my kitchen?
• Travertine vs Marble – What’s the difference and which is the better option for my home?

What is quartzite?

What it is: According to Geology.com, quartzite is a metamorphic rock made almost entirely out of quartz.

How it’s made: Quartzite is formed when sandstone is altered by Earth’s heat and pressure in addition to the chemical activity of metamorphism.

Texture and finish: Slightly coarser feel, but can come in different finishes like polished, honed, and leathered

Color: Primarily whites and greys

Pattern: Similar to marble as both stones have feathered strokes or swirling veins across the surface

Uses: Kitchen countertops, decorative walls, roofing tiles, stairs, and flooring

Cleaning Instructions: Clean daily with a soft sponge or cloth, gentle soap, and water. Use a non-abrasive stone cleaner designed specifically for natural stones for intensive cleaning.

Maintenance: As with all natural stones, quartzite requires regular sealing to maintain its quality. Always use coasters, trivets, and cutting boards to prevent stains and scratches. Wipe all spills immediately with a soft cloth.

Pros of quartzite

Looks like marble

Quartzite has a similar appearance to marble. Both have free-flowing veins across the surface, which makes both stones look beautiful, unique, and luxurious. In addition, both stones’ colors and textures look alike.

More durable than marble

In terms of hardness, quartzite is a 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale whereas marble is a 3 on the same scale. As a result, quartzite is much more durable than marble, making it less susceptible to scratches, chips, and cracks.

Doesn’t etch

Etching is a chemical process that occurs when acidic elements come into contact with the stone—for instance, lemon, salad dressing, wine, ketchup, etc. Etching essentially removes a stone’s shine and forms a dull rough spot on the surface.

One of the main differences between quartzite vs marble is that quartzite doesn’t etch. Quartzite’s main composition is quartz, which does not react to acid. On the other hand, marble consists primarily of calcite which reacts to acid. Hence, it is prone to etching when exposed to acidic ingredients or materials.

Heat-resistant

Since quartzite is formed under high heat and pressure, it can withstand high temperatures. This means it will not burn if you place a hot pan or pot directly on the surface.

Increases house resale value

As with all natural stones, having quartzite in your home increases its resale value. Not only does quartzite look beautiful, but its durability makes it a fantastic choice for high-traffic areas like the kitchen. Its longevity and quality make quartzite a highly-sought after stone.

Cons of quartzite

Requires regular maintenance

Not all quartzite is the same, as some are more porous than others. While quartzite is generally more durable than marble, it still requires regular maintenance. Therefore, it is advisable to seal your quartzite once every few years to prevent stains.

Can be more expensive than marble

The price of quartzite ranges from $60 – $100 per square foot and it depends on several factors such as location and design. However, quartzite can cost more than marble, if you include the cost of installation. Quartzite is harder, which makes it more difficult and expensive to install.

What is marble?

What it is: Marble is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of calcite and other minerals like clay minerals, micas, quartz, pyrite, and more.

How it’s made: First, limestone is subjected to the heat and pressure of metamorphism. Then, the calcite in the limestone enters a recrystallization process forming marble.

Texture and finish: Smooth with three common types of finishes – honed, leathered, and polished.

Color: There are many different colors including white, black, green, red/orange, yellow/gold, and brown.

Pattern: Streaks of free-flowing veins running across its surface

Uses: Kitchen countertops, islands, and backsplashes, bathroom countertops, walls, flooring, furniture, and decorative items

Cleaning instructions: Clean daily with a soft cloth, water, and mild water. Remember to wipe dry immediately. Do not use harsh, abrasive, or acidic cleaners, which include lemon juice or vinegar.

Maintenance: As with all natural stones, marble requires regular sealing to maintain its quality. Always use coasters, trivets, and cutting boards to prevent stains, etch marks, and scratches. Wipe all spills immediately with a soft cloth.

Pros of Marble

Beautiful, luxurious, and unique

Ask anyone what the most beautiful natural stone is, and I’m sure they will say it’s marble! Marble can blend in with a lot of interior styles, making it a popular choice for homeowners. Marble is also available in many colors, patterns, and finishes – no one slab is alike!

Easy to install

Being a softer stone, marble is easier to install than quartzite. As quartzite is a much harder stone than marble, installation may require specialized tools which may cause the process to be more tedious.

High resale value

Like quartzite, having marble in your home will increase its resale value. Due to its long history, beauty, and durability, marble remains one of the most popular natural stones to date. Installing marble for your flooring, kitchen countertops, bathrooms, and centerpieces can increase your property’s value.

Cons of Marble

Porous

Marble is porous, so it has tiny holes or pores on its surface. When a surface is porous, it is extremely hard to clean any liquid passing through the surface. That’s why stains occur when liquids are left lying on a marble surface for a long time.

Not as durable

Marble is one of the softer natural stones, which makes it more fragile compared to quartzite. Despite being heat-resistant, it is susceptible to scratches, etch marks, and, stains.

Requires regular maintenance

Since marble is less durable and more porous than quartzite, regular maintenance is a must. In fact, marble may even require more frequent sealing than quartzite does. Plus, you’re likely to spend more time cleaning a marble countertop over a quartzite one!

Can be expensive

Marble comes in a wide array of colors, patterns, and textures. If you like a bold and dramatic stone, Calacatta marble is your best bet. However, it is the most expensive marble in the world because it is only available from one quarry in the world. For that reason, production is extremely limited.

Quartzite vs Marble – which is the superior natural stone?

If you’ve made it to the end of this post, you’ll know that both stones have their pros and cons. They’re great but not perfect.

However, if I had to pick one for my home, I’ll probably go for quartzite. It’s the durability for me. I don’t have to worry about etching or staining the stone!

I know the imperfections add to a stone’s uniqueness, but I can’t bear to see the flaws, especially if the stone is expensive.

Ultimately, you’ll never go wrong with either quartzite or marble. Think about how you’ll be using the stone and how each con affects you.

Now that you know the key differences between both stones, you’ll be able to choose the best stone for your home.

Still not sure which natural or engineered stone to get? Check out these blog posts below:

• Dolomite vs Granite: Which Is Better For Kitchen Countertops?
• Sintered stone vs Quartz – Which Slab Is Better For Your Home?
• Quartzite vs Granite: Which Natural Stone Is Better For Your Kitchen?
• Quartz vs Marble – Which is the better option for my kitchen?
• Travertine vs Marble – What’s the difference and which is the better option for my home?
• Terrazzo vs Marble – Which is the better option for your home?

The post Quartzite vs Marble: Which Natural Stone Is Better For My Home? appeared first on That Isle Life.

Are you renovating your kitchen and looking for a natural stone countertop?

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when choosing natural stone, especially if you don’t know how each stone differs from the other.

From what I’ve heard, granite is a popular choice for kitchen countertops. However, more people are starting to find its speckled pattern too traditional for their liking.

On the other hand, a lot of people I know have expressed their love for marble but have refrained from installing it because of its high maintenance.

That’s where quartzite comes in. It’s a natural stone that looks like marble, but it is less porous and more durable than marble. In fact, quartzite shares a lot of the amazing qualities granite has.

In this post, I will share everything you need to know about quartzite vs granite – what it is, how it’s made, its uses, and the pros and cons of each stone.

Before we dive into this post, it is important to note that quartzite is NOT quartz. People tend to confuse both materials because their names sound so similar.

Quartzite is a natural stone whereas quartz is an engineered stone. Click here to learn more about quartz!

Related to Quartzite vs Granite:

• Dolomite vs Granite: Which Is Better For Kitchen Countertops?
• Quartz vs Marble – Which is the better option for my kitchen?
• Sintered stone vs Quartz – Which Slab Is Better For Your Home?

What is quartzite?

What it is: According to Geology.com, quartzite is a metamorphic rock made almost entirely out of quartz.

How it’s made: Quartzite is formed when sandstone is altered by Earth’s heat and pressure in addition to the chemical activity of metamorphism.

Texture and finish: Slightly coarser feel, but can come in different finishes like polished, honed, and leathered

Color: Primarily whites and greys

Pattern: Similar to marble as both stones have feathered strokes or swirling veins across the slab

Uses: Kitchen countertops, decorative walls, roofing tiles, stairs, and flooring

Cleaning Instructions: Clean daily with a soft sponge or cloth, gentle soap, and water. For intensive cleaning, use a non-abrasive stone cleaner designed specifically for natural stones.

Maintenance: As with all natural stones, quartzite requires regular sealing to maintain its quality. Use coasters, trivets, and cutting boards to prevent stains, etch marks, and scratches. Wipe all spills immediately with a soft cloth.

Pros of quartzite

Looks like marble

Quartzite’s biggest selling point is that it looks like marble but it’s far more durable than marble. Additionally, it’s less porous than marble. It is also one of the most beautiful natural stones in the market.

More durable than granite

Both granite and quartzite are resistant to wear and tear. They can endure and resist most stains, scratches, chips, and cracks. However, quartzite is slightly more durable than granite. Quartzite measures a 7 on the Mohs scale whereas granite measures a 6 on the Mohs scale.

Heat-resistant

One of the quartzite’s advantages is its heat resistance. Quartzite can withstand hot materials on its surface, making it perfect for kitchen countertops. However, using trivets or hot pads whenever you can is advisable.

Increases house resale value

Being a natural stone, quartzite will increase a house’s resale value. Its appearance plus durability makes it a desirable stone.

Cons of quartzite

Requires regular maintenance

Like all natural stones, quartzite requires regular maintenance like annual sealing. Besides that, it is essential to take precautionary measures such as wiping spills immediately to maintain the stone’s quality.

More expensive than granite

Quartzite is rarer than granite, therefore the former is more expensive than the latter. Quartzite starts from $60 per square foot whereas granite starts from $40 per square foot. However, prices for both stones vary depending on other factors like location, slab thickness, color, etc.

What is granite?

What it is: Accordingly to Geology.com, granite is an igneous rock that contains quartz, feldspar, and other minerals.

How it’s made: As an igneous rock, granite is formed from the solidification of molten rock material. In other words, granite is formed from the crystallization of magma below the Earth’s surface.

Finish: Granite comes in three finishes namely honed, polished, and leathered.

Color: Granite comes in a wide range of colors. Popular colors include white, beige, brown, and black.

Pattern: Granite has 3 primary patterns – speckled, solid, or marble. You can spot a speckled granite instantly because of the metallic-hued flecks or spots in the pattern. Solid, as its name applies, refers to granite that comes in one single hue with a little pattern on it. Lastly, marbled granite looks similar to marble as it has organic and unique veining across the stone.

Uses: Kitchen countertops and backsplashes, bathroom countertops and backsplashes, flooring, mantelpieces, and staircases

Cleaning Instructions: Clean daily with a soft sponge or cloth, gentle soap, and water. For intensive cleaning, use a non-abrasive stone cleaner designed specifically for natural stones.

Maintenance: As with all natural stones, granite requires annual sealing to maintain its quality. Use coasters, trivets, and cutting boards to prevent stains, etch marks, and scratches. Wipe all spills immediately with a soft cloth.

Pros of granite

Affordable

Since there is an abundant supply of granite, it is more affordable than other natural stones like quartzite and marble.

Durable

Granite is considered to be one of the most durable natural stones on the market. It. doesn’t chip or crack easily, and it’s also scratch and stain resistant.

Heat resistant

Like quartzite, granite is heat-resistant. You don’t have to panic if you forget to use a trivet when taking out a hot pan, as it probably wouldn’t damage your granite countertop.

Wide range of colors

This is where granite triumphs over quartzite. Since granite comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, the options are endless!

Cons of Granite

Requires maintenance

Like quartzite, granite requires regular maintenance. It is necessary to seal granite annually if it is used frequently. Protecting your natural stone will help it to last for years.

Quartzite vs Granite: Which Natural Stone Is Better For Your Kitchen?

While quartzite and granite may look different, they are more similar than one may think!

Choosing between quartzite and granite ultimately comes down to two things: appearance and budget.

If you like the look of marble with the durability of granite, quartzite is a great option. Just be prepared to fork a little extra for this beautiful and durable stone.

If budget is an issue, stick to granite. Since there are so many options in the market, you’ll definitely find something you like!

Choosing a natural or engineered stone for your home? Check out these popular tips below:

• Dolomite vs Granite: Which Is Better For Kitchen Countertops?
• Quartz vs Marble – Which is the better option for my kitchen?
• Travertine vs Marble – What’s the difference and which is the better option for my home?
• Terrazzo vs Marble – Which is the better option for your home?
• Sintered Stone vs Quartz – Which Slab Is Better For Your Home?

The post Quartzite vs Granite: Which Natural Stone Is Better For Your Kitchen? appeared first on That Isle Life.

When it comes to engineered or manmade stones, quartz is a crowd favourite.

People love using quartz, especially for kitchen countertops because they not only look beautiful, but they’re also durable and easy to clean and maintain.

However, there is a new and improved engineered stone in the market – sintered stone.

At first glance, sintered stone and quartz look alike.

They even share a few common characteristics such as durability and easy maintenance.

Despite their similarities, there is one stone that’s slightly superior to the other.

Read on to discover the key differences between sintered stone vs quartz.

In this post, I will share everything you need to know about sintered stone vs quartz – what it is, its composition and uses, and the pros and cons of each stone.

Related to Sintered stone Vs Quartz:

• Quartz vs Marble – Which is the better option for my kitchen?
• Dolomite vs Granite: Which Is Better For Kitchen Countertops?
• Travertine vs Marble – What’s the difference and which is the better option for my home?

What is sintered stone?

What it is: An engineered stone made completely from natural minerals

How it’s made: First, natural minerals are carefully selected for quality, colour, and texture before being heated under extreme heat and pressure to form a solid mass that is extremely durable. This process is known as sintering. After the mass is formed, patterns or veins are printed on the slab.

Texture and finish: Sintered stone comes in two types of finishes (high gloss and smooth matte. Both are smooth to the touch.

Colour: A wide variety of colours are available

Pattern: A wide variety of patterns are available. Sintered stone slabs can mimic marble, terrazzo, granite, and more.

Uses: Kitchen countertops, worktops, furniture, flooring, shelves, wall cladding

Cleaning instructions: All you need is warm water and mild soap for day-to-day cleaning. A nonabrasive cleaner works for some stubborn spills.

Maintenance: Day-to-day cleaning is sufficient. No sealing is required.

Pros of sintered stone

Extremely durable

Since sintered stone is an engineered stone, it is extremely durable and nonporous. Like quartz, it is resistant to water, stains, scratches, cracks, and chips. Sintered stone also doesn’t react with chemicals. It scores a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it a harder stone than quartz.

Heat-resistant

Since sintered stone doesn’t contain any resin in it, it is heat-resistant. Setting a hot pan or pot on a sintered stone will not cause any damage to the slab.

UV-resistant

Sintered stone is also UV-resistant and its colour will not fade or discolour even when exposed to sunlight over time. This makes it an excellent option for outdoor use.

Looks natural and organic

Sintered stone uses digital imaging technology to print a pattern on its surface. Popular sintered stone patterns mimic the appearance of natural stone surfaces such as marble. The technology used helps to make the stone patterns or veins look realistic, natural, and organic.

Easy to clean and maintain

Similar to quartz, sintered stone is very easy to clean and maintain. They do not require any sealing or waxing and can be easily cleaned with water, mild soap, and a sponge.

100% Natural

Sintered stone is made out of 100% natural materials. It does not contain any resin, unlike quartz.

Cons of sintered stone

Expensive

The cost of sintered stone runs from $60-$100 per square foot. Prices vary depending on the stone’s quality, design, brand, location, and installation difficulty. Overall, the cost of sintered stone is higher than quartz.

Patterns are printed on the top surface only

The pattern on the sintered surface is only visible on the top surface. This is different from quartz, where you’ll be able to see the pattern running through the sides as well.

What is quartz?

What it is: Quartz refers to a mineral of many varieties that consists primarily of silica, or silicon dioxide. However, engineered quartz is made from roughly 90% natural quartz and 10% poly resin. 

How it’s made: Engineered quartz is manufactured by grinding natural quartz and other natural stone or recycled industrial wastes like ceramic and glass and binding them together with resin.

Texture: Wide variety of textures from polished to honed

Pattern: Wide variety of patterns from flecked, smooth, veins to mimic natural stone

Colour: Wide variety of colours. Natural shades especially bright whites are very popular.

Uses: Kitchen countertops and backsplashes, bathroom countertops, indoor floors

Cleaning instructions:  All you need is warm water and mild soap for day-to-day cleaning. A nonabrasive cleaner works for some stubborn spills.

Maintenance: Day-to-day cleaning is sufficient. No sealing is required.

Pros of quartz

Durable and nonporous

Since quartz is an engineered stone, it is nonporous. This means it is resistant to stains, scratches, and acid abrasion. It also will not chip or crack. Thanks to its hardiness, quartz doesn’t suffer from obvious tear and wear marks over the years.

Wide variety to choose from

Engineered quartz comes in a wide variety of colours, textures, and patterns. Plus, with so many brands available in the market, it is easy to source and purchase different types of engineered quartz.

Consistent in colour and pattern

Since engineered quartz is manmade, they are usually consistent in colour and pattern. The pattern also travels through the slab, which means you can see the design running through the side of the countertop. This trait is perfect for people who love cohesion and uniformity.

Easy to clean and maintain

Engineered quartz is well-loved because they are so easy to clean and maintain! They do not require any sealing or waxing and can be easily cleaned with water, mild soap, and a sponge.

Affordable

Engineered quartz run between $55 to $75 per square foot installed. Prices vary based on colour choices, type of brand, sizes, configurations, and location. If you only need a small piece of quartz, consider going to the scrapyard as you may be able to score half-priced leftover pieces from someone else’s project!

Cons of quartz

Not heat-resistant

Engineered quartz is not heat-resistant because it contains resin, which can only withstand approximately 150 degrees. Placing very hot materials on a quartz countertop without a trivet will damage the surface.

Not UV-resistant

Additionally, engineered quartz is not UV-resistant because the resin is vulnerable to sunlight. As a result, quartz is not suitable for outdoor use as the colour may fade or discolour if exposed to sunlight over time.

Not as unique as natural stone

Compared to natural stone, engineered quartz lacks variations in patterning and veining. Therefore, the pattern or veins may look more generic and less realistic.

Sintered stone or quartz – which is better for your home?

After researching both engineered stones, I’m on Team Sintered Stone!

If you have the budget, I highly recommend selecting sintered stone over quartz. Despite their similarities, it’s obvious that sintered stone is the superior sister.

Sintered stone is a lot more durable, looks beautiful and natural, and can be used indoors and outdoors.

I’m definitely considering sintered stone for my laundry room countertops and backsplash. What’s your pick – sintered stone or quartz?

Are you still searching for the best natural or engineered stone for your home? Check out these blog posts before you decide:

• Dolomite vs Granite: Which Is Better For Kitchen Countertops?
• Quartz vs Marble – Which is the better option for my kitchen?
• Travertine vs Marble – What’s the difference and which is the better option for my home?
• Terrazzo vs marble – Which is the better option for your home?

The post Sintered Stone vs Quartz – Which Slab Is Better For Your Home? appeared first on That Isle Life.

Since I started sharing snippets of my home on social media, one of the questions I get asked most frequently is “Where’s your pantry?”

Well, I don’t have one!

When we renovated our home five years ago, we didn’t have a budget for a pantry.

Plus, we were very busy with our jobs and barely had the time nor the energy to whip up meals in the kitchen! As a result, we didn’t see the need for a pantry at that time.

However, a lot has changed since then. The kitchen is one of our most-used spaces since the pandemic.

At first, it was challenging to think of ways to organize our kitchen since we don’t have a pantry.

To top it off, we don’t have much counter space and we have a limited number of drawers and cabinets.

It took us some trial and error, but we finally figured out a few tips and tricks to organize our kitchen without a pantry.

Disclaimer: Our organization methods may not work for you if you own a ton of things in the kitchen! My husband and I don’t like clutter, so we only kept the minimal kitchen essentials.

If you’re like us, here’s how you can organize a small kitchen without a pantry:

• Use a kitchen cart
• Install wall shelving
• Build a spice wall
• Take advantage of vertical storage
• Organize kitchen cabinets and drawers
• Repurpose a bookcase
• Try a sideboard/hutch/credenza
• Utilize fridge space
• Maximize storage on your kitchen island

Related: How To Organize Your Under Kitchen Sink Storage Like A Pro

8 Ways To Organize Your Small Kitchen Without A Pantry

1. Use a kitchen cart

If you have a small kitchen, you NEED to invest in a kitchen cart.

Kitchen/pantry/utility/bar carts are perfect to store frequently used ingredients like spices and canned goods.

But, don’t be fooled by their compact sizes! They are usually spacious enough to store a whole bunch of things without taking up much space.

The best part? They are mobile! They can be wheeled around everywhere, which makes them so convenient in the kitchen.

Not only are kitchen carts inexpensive, but they come in a wide variety of designs and materials. Our is a stainless steel version from Ikea, which we fill with spices and dry goods we use daily.

I prefer displaying all my spices because I know I won’t use them if I don’t see them!

2. Install wall shelving

Want to organize a kitchen but don’t have a pantry? Wall shelving is the answer to your problem!

Not only is wall shelving practical, but it looks stunning in a kitchen. Plus, wall shelving is affordable and super easy to install!

With a small kitchen, too many built-in cabinets can make the room look and feel even smaller. That’s why we opted for exposed wall shelving instead.

Some people think open shelving can appear more cluttered, but the trick is to display beautiful things on them and save the cabinet space for less attractive items like half-open boxes of cereal.

Otherwise, you can always conceal your everyday pantry items in baskets, which will help to maximize space and make it look pretty.

3. Build a spice wall

If your kitchen is too small to accommodate a rolling cart, consider building a spice wall instead.

The great thing about a spice wall is that you don’t need a lot of space. You can fit a few shelves in a little alcove or nook in the kitchen.

Plus, there are so many options available in the market. You can choose from stainless steel, wood, and even acrylic shelves (my favorite!) You can even find magnetic shelves to stick on your fridge!

Here’s a tip: allocate a taller height between shelves so you can fit oil/sauce dispensers on the rack too!

4. Take advantage of vertical storage

The one spot people often neglect is unused wall space. When organizing in a small kitchen with no pantry, it’s crucial to take advantage of vertical storage!

Here are some great wall storage ideas:

• Hang magnetic strips for knives
• Hang a metal rod or a wire rack that can hold baskets of fruit, utensils, tea towels, pots, pans, etc.
• Use a pegboard to store utensils, pots, spices, etc.

Organize kitchen cabinets and drawers

The key to organizing a kitchen without a pantry is to make sure your existing kitchen cabinets and drawers stay organized.

Drawers and cabinets offer plenty of storage space but they can be very cluttered if not organized well. As a result, they may not be utilized effectively.

Use bins, baskets, or drawer dividers to group and organize similar items.

Other space-saving fittings for cabinets and drawers are:

• Interior drawers or pull-outs
• Raised cabinet racks/stands
• Mug hooks
• Lazy Susans/turntables

Besides these tips, here are some other ways you can organize a small kitchen without a pantry.

Repurpose a bookcase

Got extra space in your kitchen? Create your pantry by repurposing a bookcase!

Ikea’s Billy bookcase is a great alternative to a pantry. You can customize the color of the bookcase and the type of doors to make it uniquely yours.

The best thing about a bookcase is the ample storage it provides. You can store anything from dinnerware to pantry staples in clear bins. In addition, you can also store baskets and other decorative items like plants and candles.

Use a sideboard/hutch/credenza

Sometimes we have to think outside the box. In this case, try thinking outside the kitchen!

If you have extra space in your living or dining room, try using a sideboard, a hutch, or a credenza to store your kitchen essentials.

Although they are typically used for dinnerware and table linens, you can use them to keep anything you want because of the hidden storage.

Utilize fridge space

Don’t have a pantry? No worries!

Did you know you can utilize both your fridge’s interior and exterior space?

You can fully utilize your fridge’s interior space if you organize it well.

As for the exterior, many magnetic organizers can hold a kitchen towel roll, oven mitts, cling wrap, and aluminum foil dispensers.

You can also store baskets on top of your fridge!

Maximize storage on your kitchen island

This is a great tip for new homeowners who are starting their renovation plans.

If you have no space for a pantry, consider building a bigger island with storage! You can use the island to store tableware, cookware, and other kitchen appliances too.

These tips have taught us that we don’t need a pantry to organize a small kitchen. I think we’ve done well considering we don’t have a pantry. The kitchen always looks organized and clutter-free, which I LOVE.

I hope these tips will help to organize a small kitchen without a pantry. Let me know if you have other no-pantry storage solutions to share!

The post How To Organize A Small Kitchen Without A Pantry Effectively appeared first on That Isle Life.

Are you looking to organize your fridge for the first time? I can relate!

In the past, my fridge was mostly empty or filled with junk/processed food. I hardly cooked because I was always busy and I didn’t prioritize my health. Not to mention, I wasn’t a very good cook!

However, one of my personal goals this year is to take care of myself physically and mentally. This includes eating whole foods and making healthy meals.

I know the best way to motivate myself to eat healthily is to fill my home with fresh produce like vegetables and fruits.

If you share the same goal, this means you should organize your fridge too to encourage yourself to eat better!

Just like my under-the-sink cabinet organization, the first thing I did was to Google the subject.

There is a lot of information on this topic including first-hand experience of people organizing their fridges.

But, it was hard for me to resonate with them because their fridges looked PERFECT. I’m talking about fully-stocked color-coordinated fridges, y’all.

Since it’s just my husband and I (and our dog) living in the apartment, there’s NO way we can have a fully-stocked fridge and eat everything within a week.

So, I decided to organize our fridge based on what we eat regularly.

In this post, you’ll find a realistic account of how I organized our fridge along with some tips to help you organize yours too!

I always try to be as real as possible, so I hope this post will help you just as much as it has helped me!

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase any products via my links. I only recommend products that I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. Read the full privacy policy here.

Related:

• How To Organize Your Under Kitchen Sink Storage Like A Pro
• How To Organize A Hall Closet Like A Pro
• Organize A Junk Room Like A Pro (And Kick Your Clutter To The Curb)

How to Organize A Fridge In 9 Simple Steps

1. Start with a blank canvas

Just like all of my other organization projects, I always start with a blank canvas.

In this case, you have to empty the fridge before you start organizing.

I know some of you may find this step gross, but it’s absolutely necessary! After all, you can’t organize something if you don’t know what’s inside.

If you’re worried about food going bad, I suggest putting your perishable items into a cooler with some ice while you work on the next steps.

If you don’t have a cooler, that’s OK! You can work on one shelf at a time.

2. Clean the fridge

The next step is to clean and disinfect every surface on the inside of your fridge.

Chances are you’re going to find some stains, spills, and food remnants if you haven’t organized your fridge in a while. Been there, done that!

It’s very important to clean your fridge so that you won’t get infected by any foodborne illnesses or contamination.

I’m not a fan of chemicals near food, so I prefer using a homemade vinegar spray and paper towels to wipe down all the surfaces.

All you need is some distilled white vinegar mixed with hot water in a spray bottle. The acid from the vinegar will help to break down any gunk or grime!

If possible, take the drawers and shelves out and soak them in hot soapy water before wiping them down and putting them in.

Just remember to dry everything well before you put them back where they belong. And, don’t forget to give the fridge exterior a thorough wipe down too!

Pro tip: Want to avoid unpleasant smells in your fridge? Add two drops of vanilla extract to your homemade cleaning mix!

3. Go through everything in the fridge

Remember all of the food you removed in step #1? It’s time to go through everything you had in the fridge.

Start by discarding expired food and old leftovers. If you haven’t touched those leftovers in a week, they need to go inside a bin!

After that, do a quick stocktake of what’s left. It’s time to evaluate what you eat (or want to eat) weekly!

Since I started to eat healthily, I’ve been stocking our fridge with mostly fresh produce like vegetables and fruits.

Since we don’t have children, I try not to keep too many snacks or processed food like chocolate, candy, and soda.

Besides that, I’m not very adventurous when it comes to cooking. As a result, I stay away from buying novelty or specialty items that I know I won’t use frequently.

Look out for types of food you barely reach out for – this is a sign that you shouldn’t be purchasing them again to avoid food wastage!

4. Create different categories

Once you have a realistic idea of what you consume every week, it’s time to create different categories for your food items.

Doing this will help to speed up your fridge organization later!

Here are some popular categories:

• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Dairy
• Condiments
• Sauces
• Snacks
• Kids
• Deli
• Meat

6. Measure your fridge and plan your space

Before you go into full organization mode, I recommend measuring your fridge and planning your space first.

Trust me, you’ll save a lot of money if you don’t skip this step!

Fridges come in different sizes, so what may work for me may not work for you. So, measure the width, height, and depth of each drawer and shelf before you shop for your storage solutions.

This is optional, but I also sketched my fridge and planned the space in it in a notebook. I’m a visual person, so seeing it on paper helped me to visualize what the result would look like!

My fridge has four shelves and two crisper drawers. Here’s how I planned the space:

• Upper shelf – Sauces and eggs
• Middle shelves – Fruits, veggies, milk, snacks
• Last shelf – Raw meat, poultry, seafood
• Door – Condiments, sauces, dairy, bottled water, other beverages
• Crisper drawer – Veggies and fruits

7. Use the right storage solutions

The right storage and organization solutions can save space and make your fridge look more attractive!

A lazy Susan is great because it corrals like items together and saves so much space. These are perfect for sauces, condiments, and fresh herbs stored in jars.

I love these clear drawers because they’re stackable and clear, which means you can see what’s inside them at all times. Plus, you don’t have to move anything to take the items out.

Clear bins are also amazing for grouping similar and large items. Make sure to choose bins with handles so that they’re easy to take out from the fridge.

Finally, I can’t live without my airtight glass containers. They store everything from cut fruit and deli meat to leftovers.

8. Start organizing!

Here comes the fun part! It’s time to organize the fridge.

Remember my plan in step #6? Like the saying, “there’s a method behind the madness”, there are reasons why certain things are placed on certain shelves.

Here are some tips you need to know about how to organize a fridge:

• The top shelf and fridge door are the warmest spots in the fridge, so avoid storing your milk and eggs there.
• Since ready-to-eat items have a shorter shelf life, placing them right on top and in front of you will make you go through them quicker.
• Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood on the last shelf so juices don’t drip onto other foods and cause cross-contamination!
• Don’t wash your vegetables and fruits until you’re ready to eat them. Once they’re washed, they are easily infected by bacteria and viruses!
• Don’t chuck both your fruits and vegetables into the same crisper drawer. As a general rule of thumb, you should keep them separate. Otherwise, you can read this handy guide on which items to place in each drawer.

Pro tip: Use water-resistant shelf liners in your crisper drawers. Leafy and root vegetables and fruits can occasionally leave stains or residue when they go soft. Liners help make cleaning up a lot easier and quicker!

9. Use labels

Once you have all of your storage solutions, label them with vinyl stickers. This helps other family members and guests know where everything is supposed to be in your fridge.

I had mine custom made from a local seller, but you can purchase yours from Etsy. This seller has more than 20 fonts available and offers 3 different colors: white, black, and gold.

Alternatively, you can purchase a Cricut and DIY all the labels in your home!

P/S: Having labels also means you don’t have to be the only one putting away the groceries anymore! Your husband and children can help you out with this!

Pro tip: If the number of veggies and fruits you purchase changes weekly, use a “produce” sticker instead. That way you don’t have to worry about having insufficient bins with the right stickers!

Hopefully, these tips on how to organize a fridge will encourage you to eat healthier and avoid food wastage! All the best with your fridge organization!

Like this post? You’ll enjoy these other organizational projects that are loaded with tips and tricks…

• How To Organize Your Under Kitchen Sink Storage Like A Pro
• How To Organize A Hall Closet Like A Pro
• Organize A Junk Room Like A Pro (And Kick Your Clutter To The Curb)

The post How To Organize A Fridge To Promote Healthy Eating appeared first on That Isle Life.

Adding the unconventional hue was a big risk for the academician, but it paid off. The feature color not only revitalizes the space, but it unifies all of the different elements and textures found in the home like the mismatched wooden dining chairs, metal wall art, and rattan accents.

Although Amira’s day job revolves around science, she is equally creative. She knows how to inject character and style into her home. After all, she designed the home herself and curated all of the unique finds in her 4-bedroom house.

While she considers her interior style as a traditional farmhouse, Amira proves that you don’t have to stick to the typical decorating rules to make a home truly yours.

The result? An eclectic and personalized home that continues to inspire many on the ‘gram (myself included!)

Follow Amira’s journey and keep your eyes peeled for future updates here.

More Home Tours:

• This Dark And Moody Home Looks And Feels Like A Five-Star Hotel Suite
• This TikTokker’s Modern Grey Apartment Is Full Of Impressive DIYs
• This Railroad-Style Apartment In NYC Is Now A Bright Tropical Home

Name: Amira

Location: Sepang, Selangor

Type of home: Intermediate terrace

Number of rooms: 4

Size: 2150sqf

Years Lived In: 2

Rental / Owned: Owned

How would you describe your home style? 

I would describe it as a traditional farmhouse.

What inspired your home decor? 

I mostly get my inspiration from shows aired on HGTV such as Property Brothers and Fixer-upper. I also get a lot of ideas from Pinterest and most recently from the #ighometourmalaysia community.

What do you think makes your home you? 

I think that adding a bold color to the wall and choosing some elements that have bold colors in them makes my home me. I would choose a few features with bold colors and tie it all together with more natural and subtle tones such as white, natural wood tone, black, and cream.

What is your favorite element in your home?

The kitchen! I contemplated choosing green as my kitchen – I did it and I love it. It just gives me a sense of calmness whenever I sit at the island counter and appreciate how far we’ve gone through to get to where we are now. 

What is the best investment you made for your home? 

I would say the kitchen as well. Not only it has brought so much joy to our family, but the kitchen also allows us to create content, which has so far opened up so many doors and opportunities for us.

Of all colors, why did you choose green to be the featured color in your home?

I chose green as it complements my kitchen cabinets from Ikea.

What are your tips for people who are afraid to use color in their homes? 

I would recommend those who want to start adding color to their home decor to start small. For example, a small feature wall or space first and keep the rest of the tones natural and lighter. Darker colors like grey and brown also work well for a start.

What were the DIY projects in your home?

We did quite a few DIYs in the past years, but for our new home, we tried to minimize DIYs. My husband is the handy one, but since he’s working all the time, DIYs will typically take a long time to get done. However, here are some of the DIYs that we did; the floating shelf for our study area, the Ikea Trofast hack for our son’s study table, and the console table at our first-floor foyer. Other DIYs are mostly just furniture hacks to customize them to our style.

Name one regret you have about your home.

I wish I had designed my island to be bigger and added a few electrical sockets as well as a sink. We can dream, right!

Where do you shop for furniture and home decor? 

I mostly shop for my furniture at SSF home or Ikea previously, but now I settle for rare furniture stores that I found online. I tend to not spend too much as I constantly have a change of heart when it comes to home décor. Sometimes I change my décor within one or two years by selling my furniture as preloved items.

What will be your next home project?

So far, I would like to update my living room to a more subtle and natural tone. I also have a laundry room project in mind. Do wait for more updates.

Any advice you would like to share with others? 

I would say that home decorating is a constant journey. As we go about it, there are always new things that we want to add and update to our home, so what we can do is to enjoy it one step at a time and embrace what we have accomplished.

The post An Academician’s 4-Bedroom Home Is Full Of Bold Color And Unique Finds appeared first on That Isle Life.

P/S: This method works for ANY cabinet in your entire house!

When I was thinking of how to organize the cabinet under my kitchen sink, the first thing I did was Google the subject.

I was BLOWN away by all of the useful information the web provided, but something felt amiss.

Most of these articles gave great advice but barely anyone had written about their experience organizing their kitchen sink.

So, I gathered all the information I could find, tested them, and wrote this blog post for you.

This is my real-life experience of organizing my under-the-kitchen sink storage (complete with photos!)

Since I tackled this on my own, I discovered a few tips and tricks that came in handy for this project.

In this post, you’ll find a few pro tips highlighted along the way.

I hope these will help you just as much as they helped me!

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase any products via my links. Read the full privacy policy here.

Related: How To Organize A Hall Closet Like A Pro

How To Organize Under Your Kitchen Sink

Take stock of what you’re storing under your kitchen sink

If you haven’t cleaned this area in a while, I know this will be the hardest step.

Think of it like ripping a band-aid off – the sooner you do this, the less disgusting it’ll be.

The cabinet under our kitchen sink was fairly clean (phew), but it just wasn’t functional.

Our cleaning supplies were blocking smaller items like sponges and brushes, which made them so hard to find.

That’s also why you don’t see them in the photos!

We had a lot of half-used cleaning supplies as well, which I know is the result of being disorganized.

The cabinet under our kitchen sink was also severely underutilized.

Because it was so cluttered, we stored our cleaning rags, bin liners, and kitchen towels in different cabinets around the house.

This made cleaning the kitchen a total hassle because we often had to make separate trips to gather everything.

When I finally did this step, I sat on the kitchen floor, took EVERYTHING out, and made a list on my phone.

Once the cabinet was empty, I took the opportunity to wipe down all of the surfaces with a multipurpose cleaner.

I didn’t have a shelf liner with me, but I recommend using a water-resistant one to protect your cabinet from water drips or spills from cleaning supplies.

Purge, keep, and sort

This step is inevitable in every organizational project.

On the bright side, since most people don’t have anything sentimental kept under their kitchen sink, decluttering this space should be easy and quick.

We didn’t have much to purge except plastic packaging and empty bottles.

This is a good time to discard anything that’s expired, nearly empty, and worn out.

If you have a lot of half-used cleaning supplies as I do, you should make a note to consolidate them during the organizing stage later.

Once we decluttered and laid everything out, we grouped similar items and sorted them into three main categories:

• Cleaning supplies e.g. glass cleaner, floor cleaner, multi-surface cleaner, laundry detergent, and baking powder
• Cleaning tools e.g. brushes, sponges, bin liners, and kitchen towels
• Pet supplies e.g. pet food and treats

Pro tip: Don’t have enough space for everything? Separate your kitchen cleaners from your bathroom cleaners! Bathroom cleaners belong in the cabinet under your bathroom sink.

Related: How To Organize A Junk Room Like A Pro (And Kick Your Clutter To The Curb)

Plan your space and measure everything!

People often mistake organizing for buying a bunch of pretty storage containers and dumping everything into them.

Trust me, there’s more to organizing than buying a bunch of baskets and bins!

The key to efficient organization is to plan your space first and then measure everything.

If you fail to do this, chances are you may purchase storage containers that do not even fit the cabinet under your kitchen sink.

Remember, the winding pipes in that cabinet can be tricky to work with!

I measured our entire cabinet (length, width, depth) and kept the measurements before I started browsing.

I had a tight space to work with, so I cross-checked the measurements of every storage container with the measurements of our cabinet before I purchased them.

Pro tip: When it comes to taking measurements, don’t forget to take note of any obstructions in your cabinets like pipes and garbage disposals!

Shop for under kitchen sink storage solutions and containers

Smart space-saving storage solutions are essential for the cabinet under your kitchen sink.

Additionally, I highly recommend buying water-resistant storage solutions just in case a pipe bursts!

Here’s a round-up of the best organizers suitable for the cabinet under your kitchen sink.

Two-tier sliding under cabinet organizer

Let’s address the biggest issue with my under-the-sink cabinet.

First, I have a tall and relatively wide cabinet.

However, it lacks depth due to the pipes.

As a result, I often place my bulky cleaning supplies in front, but this kept smaller items out of sight.

With a slide-out system, I can easily access things hiding in the back of the sink. Plus, the tiered shelves give me more storage space.

My recommendation: White stackable 2-Tier Under Sink Cabinet Organizer with Sliding Storage Drawer

Related: The Ultimate Guide To Paper Decluttering (Plus 5 Steps To Organize Important Paperwork!)

Clear stackable bins with slide-out drawers

Since our cabinet lacked depth, we only had sufficient space for one two-tier sliding organizer.

We liked the slide-out system for easy access, so we used these clear stackable bins with slide-out drawers to store our smaller items like bin liners, rags, cloths, sponges, and brushes.

Now, I usually go for opaque storage solutions, but I wanted the ones under my kitchen sink to be clear so I can easily identify what’s inside each bin.

Believe it or not, our stackable bins were refrigerator organizers, but hey, they do the job well!

The stackable feature saves space, and they look so sleek. They completely elevated the look of my under-the-sink cabinet!

My recommendation: Acrylic stackable all-purpose drawer

Over-the-door and wall storage

When it comes to under-the-sink organization, it’s a MUST to utilize over-the-door and wall storage.

We used floating wire shelves on our cabinet doors to store pet food.

Since we prepare our dog’s meals by the sink, this was the perfect spot to keep her food.

The best part about these floating wire shelves is that there’s NO drilling required.

They come with self-adhesive clear pads, which makes them barely noticeable!

There are so many different types of over-the-door and wall storage.

From over-the-door bars and cabinets that come in all kinds of finishes to metal or plastic hooks and grommets, you are spoilt for choice.

Pro tip: If budget is a concern, you can also use clothes pegs or a spice rack to maximize your vertical storage.

My recommendation: White hanging/wall-mounted wire baskets (no drilling required!)

Lazy Susan

One storage solution that I didn’t have the space for BUT wished I did is the Lazy Susan.

We opted for the two-tier sliding cabinet instead to give us more space, but a rotating Lazy Susan is a great way to store and access all of your cleaning products easily.

You can see all of the products at a go, and you don’t have to move all of your stuff just to reach for the cleaner that’s stowed right at the back of the sink!

My recommendation: Acrylic Lazy Susan

Organize and label

This step is the most fun and rewarding for me. Now that you have all of your storage solutions, it’s time to organize all of your stuff!

Here’s how we organized everything according to the storage solutions we bought:

Two-tier sliding under cabinet organizer

Top drawer: Baking soda

Bottom drawer: Glass cleaner, multipurpose cleaner, stainless steel cleaner, extra spray bottles

Clear stackable bins with slide-out drawers

First bin: sponges and brushes

Second bin: Bin liners

Third bin: Cleaning cloths and rags

Plastic caddy

Kitchen towels (A plastic caddy is helpful because it is easy to grab and go. We can fill it with cleaning supplies if we have to clean another area in the house)

Additional bottles

Laundry detergent and floor cleaner

Wire shelves on the cabinet door

Pet food

I haven’t gotten the chance to label them yet, but that’s next on my to-do list.

Given that only I know what’s inside each bin, I know my husband will need some help!

Pro tip: I tend to waste cleaning supplies from large bottles since they’re hard to pour accurately. If you struggle with this too, try transferring them into smaller containers for better control!

What do you think of my under-the-kitchen sink organization? I hope you learned a thing or two about how to organize under your kitchen sink!

If you’re just getting started, all the best, and let me know if you have any organization tips to add!

Related: How To Organize A Desk Without Drawers In 15 Easy Steps

The post How To Organize Your Under Kitchen Sink Storage Like A Pro appeared first on That Isle Life.

We’re making it a point to document the present since we are going to make some changes to the apartment. That way, we can look back and see how far we’ve come!

In case you missed these posts, you can catch up on our living room and our master bedroom. In this post, I’m going to share what our kitchen looked like before and now.

Kitchen – Then

In this part of the world, having two separate kitchens (a wet and a dry kitchen) is extremely common. A dry kitchen is used for food preparation whereas a wet kitchen is used for heavy cooking like deep frying and messy food prep like filleting a fish.

Our apartment layout had an existing dry and wet kitchen setup. I initially thought of hacking some walls to create a large kitchen, but it was out of our budget. So, we kept the layout and designed our kitchen around it.

I have to be honest – I didn’t spend a lot of time working on the design of the kitchen. As a result, I sometimes feel that I may have chosen aesthetics over function. Do I have regrets? Absolutely.

But, I don’t want to beat myself up over it. When we bought this apartment, my husband and I were at the peak of our careers. Our schedules were crazy busy, and cooking just wasn’t a priority. Accepting this kitchen – flaws and all – means embracing that chapter of our lives.

Dry Kitchen

The one thing my husband and I both agreed on was that we didn’t want excessive storage, especially in the dry kitchen.

Storage is important, but we figured floor-to-ceiling built-in cabinetry would make us feel claustrophobic. We settled on a matte white solid surface for our countertops, blue-grey shaker cabinets, and floating wooden shelves for the final look.

Our other must-haves included a double-door refrigerator, a sink, and a peninsula.

We decided to go for a marble peninsula instead of a bar counter because I don’t like sitting on bar stools! I always feel like I’m about to fall whenever I’m on them! How do people find them comfortable?

We deliberately requested no cabinetry underneath the peninsula so that my husband has enough room to stretch his long legs.

The pièce de résistance of our dry kitchen has to be our matte white hexagon backsplash. Our interior designer suggested doing an asymmetrical pattern on one side, and we loved the idea! We thought it was such a clever way to modernize a classic tile.

Finally, we incorporated brass accents like the pendant lighting, cabinet knobs and handles, and faucet. I love how everything came together to create a contemporary yet warm kitchen. The final result was everything I’d envisioned and more!

Wet Kitchen

The original kitchen had floor-to-ceiling grey tiles. I was impartial to them, but I knew removing them would be very costly. Since they were a neutral color, we kept them because I knew they wouldn’t make or break a design.

We used the same cabinetry and floating shelves in our wet kitchen to maintain cohesiveness between the two kitchens. We did, however, add upper cabinetry for additional storage.

Our designer suggested building a custom hood, but we opted out because we’d already gone above our budget. In hindsight, this would’ve elevated the space, but I guess that’s something we’ll have to include in our plans next time!

Of course, we had to include our non-negotiables: an induction hob, a built-in oven, and a double sink for all the necessary cooking and cleaning.

For this kitchen, we decided to mix metals. We chose a chrome faucet and kitchen appliances but stuck with brass for our kitchen cabinet hardware. Mixing metals made this kitchen feel more casual and accessible.

Lastly, we installed a glass backsplash for both walls. I admit it wasn’t my first choice, but our designer recommended them because they were easy to clean and durable. Although that’s true, I really can’t stand how it gives off a green tint, especially in photos!

Kitchen – Now

I love our kitchen. I really do! Here’s a video about all the things I love about my kitchen.

Three years later, our kitchen still feels modern and fresh. We haven’t done many changes to it because why fix it if it ain’t broke, right?

The only thing I want to sort out this year is to organize the kitchen. We’ve decluttered a couple of times, and I’ve moved things around. But, I’m working on putting together a more structured system in place so we can optimize our space.

We don’t have a lot of storage, so I need to be smart about organizing! So far, I’m happy with ONE cabinet, and that’s the under-the-sink storage. Organizing everything is a work in progress, but we’re going to get there eventually.

Kitchen – What’s next?

I’ve been thinking about how to improve our current kitchen to make it more functional. Our wet kitchen leads to our service yard (where our laundry gets done) and a small room with an en suite. We didn’t renovate both areas (again, budget), so they’re looking pretty sad and neglected.

My dream is to have all three areas connected somehow. I don’t have a concrete plan, but I’m thinking of removing the door in the wet kitchen that leads to the service yard.

I would also like to transform the service yard into a proper laundry area. I think the key to tying both areas together is to change the floor tiles so that they match. This might be my opportunity to finally pick a tile that would brighten the wet kitchen!

Besides that, I’m thinking of converting the room into a walk-in pantry cum utility room. The room is currently a hot mess (sorry, no photos!), so the idea of having a purposeful and organized space excites me to bits!

I have A LOT on my wishlist, but I’m NOT going to tackle any of the above this year. Hopefully, we’ll get some things checked off next year.

The only thing I’ll be changing this year is the glass backsplash in the wet kitchen. I’m thinking of trying peel-and-stick wallpaper, which should hopefully do the trick. While I’m at it, I might add a kitchen rail so I can take advantage of much-needed vertical storage.

I can’t wait to see how these minor updates will instantly refresh the kitchen!

The kitchen is far from being completely done, but that’s the beauty of turning a house into a home. Creating a home takes time!

What are some things you’d like to change about your kitchen?

The post Then And Now: What Our Kitchen Looked Like Before And Now appeared first on That Isle Life.

Moving into a new home but don’t know what you should have in a kitchen?

I’ve been in the same position before.

Setting up a brand-new kitchen is daunting and expensive.

To be honest, I had no clue what to buy when I moved into my first home.

I spent a lot of money on unnecessary kitchen items – some of which are now white elephants in my house! I’m looking at you, air fryer!

There is a common misconception that you need a lot of state-of-the-art kitchen equipment to whip up delicious meals.

After four years of using our kitchen, I can assure you that’s not the case.

I cook daily, and all I have are minimalist kitchen essentials.

My secret to a minimalist kitchen? Investing in high-quality kitchen equipment that will save you time and energy.

Not only does this practice save you more money in the long run, but it also helps to save you so much time.

Imagine a kitchen where you don’t have to rummage through cabinets or drawers every time you’re looking for something you need.

Whether you’re a minimalist or just trying to stick to your budget, you’ll need this ultimate minimalist kitchen essentials list.

Related:

• The Best Minimalist Makeup Collection For Beginners
• Minimalist Shoe Collection For Women – How To Get What Works For You
• The Best Minimalist Makeup Collection For Beginners

Minimalist Kitchen Essentials List

Knife and knife sharpener

Notice how I wrote knife and not a knife set?

Let’s be honest. How often do you use all of the knives in your knife set? A knife set is bulky and takes up valuable counter space!

When it comes to knives, choose quality over quantity.

You only need one chef knife that’s sharp and easy to hold. If you cook a lot and prefer different knives for different products, you can add a paring and serrated knife to your collection.

Don’t forget to invest in a knife sharpener to keep your knives in good condition.

Cutting board

You may have lived without a cutting board when you were in college.

Who cares about scratching an ugly melamine countertop as long as you can get the job done in two seconds, right?

Well, guess what? Your priorities will change as soon as you start paying for everything in your house. And that includes your beautiful marble or quartz countertop.

Invest in a wooden or bamboo cutting board. You only need one, and it’ll last for decades if you take care of it.

Scissors

A pair of scissors is one of the most underrated tools in the kitchen.

I use mine frequently to cut food and open packages. It’s especially handy for someone who has subpar knife skills (re: me!)

Can opener

If you consume a lot of canned food, a can opener is a must. Bonus points if it’s multipurpose and can be used as a bottle opener too!

Peeler

Since fruits and vegetables make up a huge part of our diets, a peeler is necessary.

I recommend purchasing a peeler/brush combo; so you can give your fresh produce a good clean before peeling them.

Measuring cups and spoons

Now, I have to be completely honest here. I don’t own any measuring cups. I eyeball everything, and it works for me.

However, not everyone has the nerve to follow suit! If you need measuring tools, make sure to purchase nesting measuring cups and spoons as these save space.

Tea towels

These are a must-have in my kitchen. I’m a bit of a neat freak, and I hate it when stuff gets all over the counters when I cook.

I always have a cotton or linen tea towel on hand because they absorb moisture well.

Plus, having a tea towel means using fewer paper towels, which is great for the environment!

Minimalist Kitchen Utensils

Utensils are the type of things you probably don’t think twice about buying because they are so inexpensive.

But, these are also the main culprit when it comes to clutter!

Think about what you cook regularly and determine which utensils you need. Chances are you’ll only need one of each.

Don’t be tempted by the cheap utensil sets you see online. These come in 14-28 pieces, and you won’t need most of them.

These are five of the most commonly-used utensils in most kitchens:

• Spatula
• Ladle
• Tongs
• Serving spoon
• Whisk

Either bamboo or high-quality non-stick silicone will work fine.

Minimalist Kitchen Essentials For Cooking

A few pots and pans of different sizes

A few pots and pans of different sizes are all you need in a minimalist kitchen.

Many people get into the habit of buying a pot or a pan in each size. However, cookware is bulky, heavy, and takes up A LOT of space.

Rather than filling your cabinets to the brim, consider investing in these few must-haves instead:

• A stainless steel saucepan (get a 4-quart if you have a big family whereas 1-quart is perfect for 1-2 people)
• A 12″ stainless steel frying pan

A saucepan/stockpot is great for soup, stews, curries, and pasta. On the other hand, a frying pan is great for cooking eggs, vegetables, seafood, and tofu.

When in doubt, always get the medium-sized pot/pan.

A small pot/pan may cause overcrowding, which takes longer for food to cook and the taste to deteriorate.

On the other hand, big pots and pans are hard to work with because they are so heavy!

I highly recommend stainless steel pots as a material because they last for years.

While non-stick pans are great for cooking delicate food like eggs and tofu, the coating doesn’t last.

Spend your money on good quality cookware – these will last long and they make your food taste better!

Metal baking sheet pan

I LOVE one-sheet pan meals. They’re so yummy and easy to make! They truly make the perfect weeknight dinners. A baking sheet and some foil are all you need to make a simple and hearty sheet pan meal.

Colander or metal strainer

Whether you’re using it to drain pasta water or wash your vegetables, a colander or metal strainer is always a good idea. Just don’t use it to wash rice!!!

Silicone pad

A silicone pad is important to have to protect your countertops. Besides that, you can also use the silicone pad to hold hot handles and to help open tough jars.

Food storage

I know it’s trendy to have a Khloe Kardashian-inspired pantry these days. Nothing against that, but I generally prefer to only purchase what I need instead of stocking up for days!

Since we’re talking about a minimalist kitchen essentials list, here’s what I use to store spices, dry food, and leftovers:

• Salt and pepper grinder
• Spice rack
• Food storage containers
• Food containers for leftovers

Tableware

I don’t own a lot of kitchen gadgets or tools, but I must admit, I have a sizeable tableware collection because I love entertaining. That said, I hardly purchase 12 or 18-piece sets because I prefer mixing and matching my dinnerware.

If you’re starting from scratch, I highly recommend the basics:

• 12-set tableware in white – white matches every table setting
• 4 tall glasses – taller is better as these can double up as informal wine glasses
• 2-3 mugs
• 4 pairs of stainless steel cutlery
• 1 serving board

Kitchen tools I don’t need but I use often

Although the items below are not part of my minimalist kitchen essentials, I still love them to bits and I use them frequently.

Electric kettle

My husband and I love drinking hot beverages, so we can’t live without our electric kettle. We use it daily, and it saves us so much time! It doesn’t hurt that it looks super cute and can pass off as part of our home decor.

Rice cooker

We LOVE rice, and it’s a staple in our meals. We can cook rice on the stove, but the rice cooker does a quicker and better job at it.

Toaster

My husband eats bread for breakfast almost every day. Toast is one of his favorite meals. Safe to say, the toaster is extremely well-loved in our home!

Panini press

There’s a funny story behind the panini press. We never intended to own one! We were grocery shopping in England and came across the panini press for nine pounds. It was freaking amazing! We bought it instantly (duh) and brought it back with us.

I didn’t expect to use it so frequently, but it MAKES the most amazing grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s also surprisingly easy to clean!

Kitchen tools you don’t need

A rule of thumb to sticking to minimalist kitchen essentials is to lose any item that only serves a single purpose. Here are a few things that come to mind:

• Bread maker
• Garlic crusher
• Herb peeler
• Ice cream maker
• Multiple coffee machines
• Salad spinner
• Steamer
• Spiralizer
• Popcorn maker
• Juicer
• A stand mixer (unless you bake frequently)

Additionally, there are other appliances that you may be tempted to buy (or already have) but will rarely use!

For instance, we have a slow cooker, a juicer, a blender, and an air fryer that we barely touch. Since we’re so accustomed to using our regular pots and pans, we find it such a hassle to use and clean something new.

Try to avoid purchasing novelty kitchen appliances. If someone gifts you an appliance you’ll never use, sell, or re-gift. There’s no point keeping it until you find a use for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dishes do I need if I want a minimalist kitchen?

I love to host, so I have more than the average person. But, if you want a minimalist kitchen, one set per family member is sufficient. Add a couple of serving plates if you enjoy having family-style lunches or dinners.

What are the 5 things you consider essential in the kitchen?

Everyone uses the kitchen differently, but these are the 5 things I consider essential in the ktichen: a knife, a chopping board, a pot (or a pan), a spatula, a plate, and a pair of cutlery. Ok, I cheated, I named six things, but they’re absolutely necessary!

Analyze your kitchen habits

Before we dive in, it’s important to analyze your kitchen habits. Why? Because what works for me may not work for you!

Look at what you typically use your kitchen for. Do you cook daily? Are you cooking for two, or are you preparing meals for a big family? Are you an avid baker? Do you like to entertain? Are you running a small food business from home?

These are some of the questions you need to ask yourself before you create your shopping list.

If you’re cooking for a large family or running a small food business from home, you will probably need more tools than the average person.

Since I don’t bake and I only cook for two, the list below covers everything I need in the kitchen.

Conclusion

What do you think of my minimalist kitchen essentials list? What is the one thing in your kitchen you can’t live without?

Like this post? Check out these other posts about minimalism:

• A Cozy Yet Minimalist House Tour With An Unexpected Maximalist Kids Room
• 25 Minimalist Christmas Gifts Perfect For Everyone In Your Life
• Our Minimalist Christmas Home Tour – Trying This Theme For The First Time!

The post Minimalist Kitchen Essentials List: A Checklist For Everything You Need appeared first on That Isle Life.

Related:

• How To Declutter A Bedroom In Five Easy Steps
• How To Get Rid Of Sentimental Clutter (And Why You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty!)

How To Declutter Your Small Kitchen In A Day

1- Clear the counters

The easiest way to declutter a small kitchen is to keep the counters clear. We tend to leave our appliances on the kitchen counters because it’s convenient. Store these in your kitchen cabinets or an appliance garage, if space permits. However, consider placing one to three appliances you use daily on the counter if you have insufficient storage space.

Besides that, store all of your food items in the fridge or pantry whenever possible. This helps to keep food fresh. My husband and I only have our kettle and air fryer out on the counter at all times. Everything else is immediately put away once we’ve used it. It took us a while to adjust but it was well worth the effort. A clean kitchen gives me so much joy!

2- Check food supplies once a week

Food is one of the main clutter found in most kitchens. I’m definitely guilty of leaving around one too many ripped cereal boxes! Instead of constantly buying in bulk and hoarding food, make it a habit to check your food supplies once a week. Create lists for grocery shopping and replenish weekly. This practice helps to prevent food wastage too!

Since we don’t have a pantry in our condo, we allocated two drawers to store our food items. Having less space encourages us to live as minimally as possible. Before we stock up on groceries, we usually conduct a full sweep of our fridge and drawers. Not only does this give us an opportunity to discard any expired food, but it reminds us to only purchase what we really need!

3- Minimise cookware and tableware

Now, some may not consider cookware and tableware as clutter because they’re functional. But, let’s be real. Do you really need a dozen wine glasses if there are only two adults at home? Do you also really need a food processor, a blender, a juicer, a slow cooker and a mixer?

When my husband and I first moved into our condo, we had a grand total of four large plates, two small plates, six glasses and a handful of cutlery for two years. It worked out great because everything fit within two kitchen cabinets. We never had to worry about having insufficient storage space!

Although we have accumulated more cookware and tableware since, we made sure everything could fit within the designated cabinets. How did we achieve this? Well, we only buy multi-purpose cookware AND we don’t keep anything we don’t use!

4- Declutter any freebies

If you only have ten minutes to declutter your small kitchen today, start by decluttering any freebies you don’t use. Common freebies in every household includes free mugs, takeout containers, sauce packets and more. Don’t save them for later. If you haven’t used any of these things in the past week, it’s time to discard, donate or recycle them.

My husband and I had so many takeout containers during the pandemic because we stayed at home a lot. I initially saved most of them because I thought I’d be able to use them for something. After a few months, I still couldn’t think of anything other than using a few to store my spices. So, we decided to recycle them instead.

5- Choose space-saving organisational tools

*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.

If you truly lack storage space, choose practical organisational tools to help you store your kitchen essentials. Here are some of my favorites:

• Storage shelves – Put away kitchen appliances here when not in use (Recommended: #2 Ikea Lack wall shelf, #7 Target 2-tier corner shelf and #8 Amazon Basics 4-shelf storage unit with wheels)

• Carts – Set aside spices and other dried goods for your convenience (Recommended :#1 Target 3-tier Metal Tier Utility Cart)

• Storage jars and bins – Keep your fridge or pantry organized with storage jars (Recommended: #4 Target glass jar and lid and #5 Target glass storage container with wood lid)

• Baskets – Store similar products in baskets to create a simple organization system (Recommended: #3 Ikea Lustigkurre basket and #6 Spectrum Scoop Wire Basket)

6- Utilize vertical space

Vertical space is a great way to add storage without cluttering a specific area. Keep dishes and glasses you use on a daily basis on open shelves. If you cook a lot, hang your cooking utensils over a stove on a hanging rod.

While vertical space is valuable real estate in a small kitchen, be mindful to fill your storage solutions with necessities. Less is always more!

7- Declutter non-functional decorative items

When it comes to the kitchen, I’m personally a fan of using functional decorative pieces. Otherwise, they are simply clutter. And clutter attracts clutter.

I only make an exception for plants because they bring life and color to a space. This tip may seem a little severe but a tidy kitchen makes my mornings feel a lot more calm.

At the end of the day, I genuinely believe a clutter-free kitchen (and home!) creates a stress-free environment. It took me a while to make decluttering a habit but I promise it will change your life!

The post How To Declutter Your Small Kitchen In A Day appeared first on That Isle Life.