Cut Clutter in the Kitchen

Browsing the kitchenware aisle in any department store, it's easy to stray into a cluttered mindset and from there, a cluttered kitchen. Trendy single-use gadgets or designer pan sets are a sure road to a clogged kitchen and they won't make you a better cook.

When establishing centers in the kitchen, think "less is more" and limit each center to the bare-bones tools necessary to do the job. Pluck the three most-used saucepans and a good skillet from the big-box gift of matched pots and pans. Hone down the knife collection to the four or five knives you use most often. Focus on the favorite baking pans that see the inside of the oven on a regular basis.

Paring the contents of kitchen centers to essential tools makes the most of scarce kitchen real estate and simplifies food preparation, allowing the cook to focus on the food.