As the weather gets warmer thoughts turn to making lighter, simpler meals. Fresh fruits and vegetables are more readily available. Grilling is a nice way to cook food without heating up the kitchen.

What about those rainy days when grilling is not a viable option? How can you minimize the time spent in the hot kitchen? Thinking ahead and optimizing the use of your space will make your spring and summer kitchen experiences more pleasant.

1. Fresh Flowers and Fruit

Even the kitchen warrants decorative touches. Fresh flowers will add a beautiful touch to your table, counter or windowsill. Pair the flowers with bowls of fresh fruits and vegetables for a display that adds both beauty and practicality.

Leaving bowls of fresh fruit or vegetables on the counter or table has the added bonus of being a reminder to choose to eat healthy snacks. Choose bright, colorful vases or bowls to add a touch of whimsy to your decorative endeavors.

Check out this video Flower Arranging Tutorial with Celebrity Florist Carly Cylinder:

2. Dining Table

When selecting a table for your kitchen space, consider all of the ways you use your table. Will it be used simply for an eating surface?

Will you use it as a decorative accessory? Perhaps you need additional prep space. Choose your table wisely to have a multi-functional surface that can last for years to come.

3. Cutting Boards

Warm weather lends itself nicely to making salads or simple meals using fresh vegetables. Perhaps you enjoy making meat and vegetable kabobs.

A good cutting board is a must for all your chopping needs. Many culinary specialists recommend having at least two boards–one for produce and another for meat.

4. Blender

Warm days make a cool treat a welcome addition to the menu. When the craving for a cool sweet treat hits, having your blender handy will make creating a delicious masterpiece that much easier.

Housing the blender on the counter within easy reach and near an outlet means you can simply plug in the device, add ingredients and blend a delicious snack in mere minutes.

5. Knife Set

Owning the correct tools for the job at hand means that your job will be less difficult, and efficiency will be optimized. A good set of knives is essential for preparing the foods of summer.

For ease of use, placing the knives near your cutting surface is optimal. Keeping your knives sharp will make your prep work even easier. Sets that are stored in their own block also add an attractive element of style to your kitchen counters.

Final Thoughts

With planning and efficient use of space, your kitchen doesn’t need to be the forgotten space of summer.

Choosing appropriate furniture and accessories will make the space a haven of functionality. Adding a touch of beauty will make even the most mundane task more pleasant.

Jessica Wheeler

Jessica is an east coast native who found her way to Austin, Texas. When she’s not writing about furniture or interior design topics, you’ll find her scoping out cute coffee shops, binge-watching a good Netflix show, or spending a Sunday in the park with her dog Ruffles.