If you enjoy baking, setting aside a portion of your kitchen specifically for this activity can be a great use of space. This can be easily accomplished in many kitchens without too much effort or the need for construction work. A baking center will reduce time and effort in the kitchen by making sure everything is convenient and accessible. In fact, you’ll probably bake more often as a result of this simple kitchen enhancement project.

Assessing Your Kitchen Space

Choosing the best location for your baking center is probably the most important step. In most cases, the countertop area closest to the oven will be the best choice. You’ll need plenty of cabinet space for baking pans and baking supplies. An ample amount of countertop space will also be an asset to your baking center. If you find you don’t have enough existing space in your kitchen, consider building an island. Islands can add a lot of functionality to a kitchen by increasing countertop and cabinet space. You’ll want to position the island within close proximity to the baking center for maximum usability. If your kitchen is small, consider positioning the island in the center of the room. Positioned in this fashion, the island can also be used for other purposes when you are not baking.

Designing the Perfect Kitchen Island

If you’ve decided to enhance your baking center with an island, give some careful thought to your actual needs. In most cases, the best choice is to design the island using base cabinets, as this can add significant storage space to the kitchen. Depending on its location, you might also want to add upper cabinets over the island space. Upper cabinets can effectively double your island storage space, while visually setting it apart from the rest of the kitchen area. If you are designing the island specifically for use as a baking center, consider making the cabinets several inches shorter than your other kitchen cabinets. By doing so, the countertop height will be more comfortable for rolling dough and mixing ingredients.

A good countertop surface is also important. Many people feel that a marble or stone countertop is perfect for rolling dough. However, a butcher block surface can also be a great addition to the baking center. If you plan on using the island space for other purposes besides baking, you can install a more multi-purpose countertop surface, while still including a marble or butcher block insert.

Maximize Your Space

If your kitchen is small, you might only have a small amount of space to designate as a baking center. If so, you’ll want to maximize your storage and work space as much as possible. A canister set that fits neatly on the countertop surface can make it easier to access flour, sugar and other baking staples. Cabinets that allow baking pans to be stored vertically can increase storage space while making it easier to find the pan you need. Install a spice rack on the inside of one of the upper cabinet doors to keep these small containers handy. A rack which is specially designed to hold boxes of aluminum foil, waxed paper and parchment paper can also be installed on the inside of a cabinet door. A set of space-efficient stacking cooling racks can add the perfect finishing touch to your kitchen baking center.

About the Author

Professional designer Jessica Ackerman, writes for WallDecorandHomeAccents.com, and specializes in decorating with Celtic wall crosses and flowers wall decor.