Now that summer is finally here, it’s a great time to tackle some smaller scale organization projects at home! One small space that packs a mighty punch when it comes to luxury, organization, and value is a butler’s kitchen. Our Sorted Out^® organizers LOVE organizing butler’s kitchens because they’re basically little “mini kitchens”. A neatly organized butler’s kitchen is a huge convenience to have in your home, and we’ve got you covered on how to have exactly that!

As I said, butlers’ kitchens are essentially “mini kitchens”, and they should be approached similarly when organizing. The first thing you want to do is divide the space into zones. The ideal zones to include in a butler’s kitchen are a prep zone, a beverage/drink zone, a serving zone, and a storage zone. Once you’ve established these four zones, you can begin sorting items/supplies that belong in each.

• The prep zone:
  Include cutting boards, knives, and mixing bowls
• The beverage/drink zone:
  Include your coffee maker & beans, tea bags & strainers, mugs & barware (shaker, bottles, garnishes, alcohol, etc.)
• The serving zone:
  Include all platters, trays, and linens such as tablecloths, napkins, etc.
• The storage zone:
  Include your dry goods and back-stock/bulk pantry items. This storage zone is great for backstock items such as paper towels, canned goods, snacks, etc., because it allows them to be handy and easily accessible, but out of sight to guests!

Creating zones and grouping like items together will help save you time and reduce clutter. You can further make this space practical by having a “grab & go” section for napkins, candles, utensils, etc.

To make the space practical and entertaining-friendly, have the serving zone near the front of the butler’s kitchen and pre-stage frequently used hosting items together.

Butler kitchens are often smaller, narrower spaces so expanding vertically will maximize the use of the space. Use adjustable shelving and stackable bins or risers. Add hooks under shelves to increase storage opportunities. Keep everyday items in easily accessible spaces; we recommend between waist and eye-level.

Most people store their small appliances such as toasters, blenders, air fryers, etc. in the butler’s kitchen because it keeps your main kitchen clean and clutter-free. A butler’s kitchen doesn’t have to be a cluttered, over-stuffed, catch-all space if it’s organized well!  Use pull-out drawers and Lazy Susans to simultaneously keep appliances handy and your butler’s kitchen tidy. Pull-out drawers are great in deep cabinets that otherwise have limited access. Lazy Susans utilize corner spaces and make it easier to access the items stored there. In drawers, use dividers for utensils and bar tools, and in cabinets, use labeled bins for snacks and baking supplies.

Creating zones, expanding vertical storage, and using intentional storage will make a huge difference in your butler’s kitchen, but there are a couple of other tips our experts want to share with you. Ensure you label everything within the space. Labeling the bins, shelves, jars, etc. will help maintain the organizational systems long-term.

This is a big one! If you’re able, you want to leave space to grow! Have some open space to stage food and drinks when hosting. Empty space does not need to be filled; keep it empty! The more cluttered and full the space is on a daily basis, the less useful it will be as a prep area when needed.

We also believe a butler’s kitchen is instantly more useful when the space feels like a continuation of your kitchen. Use coordinated/matching containers throughout the butler’s kitchen and choose colors that are neutral or from a selective palette that flows with the main kitchen’s style. Add in small touches such as a small piece of décor or art that enhances the aesthetics of the space. Lighting is important too! Install under-cabinet lighting in the prep areas and use warm lighting for a cozier, upscale feel.

As I said, we LOVE transforming butler’s kitchens into upscale yet useful spaces within our clients’ homes. It’s truly a small space that can make a mighty difference when it comes to hosting and functionality. If you know you’re currently not maximizing the potential of your butler’s kitchen, we’re one quick email away and happy to help!

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Tonia