Kitchen Reset: The Heart of the Home

I like to think of the kitchen as the heart of the home. This is where life happens and love is served—whether through food, people, or memories. We naturally gather around the kitchen when celebrating holidays, getting ready in the morning, or enjoying time with friends. Reset your kitchen to bless others and bring life to the dinner table again.

Your heart as a woman is connected to your home, then the kitchen—being the heart of the home—matters deeply. I don’t love decluttering the kitchen, however, it is more fun to serve my family and create meals when the kitchen is clean and tidy.

Make sure to check out the Home Reset Post and the Living Room Reset.

With the kitchen being such a common gathering place, clutter is bound to collect on every surface. Horizontal spaces are already guilty of gathering “all the things,” but the kitchen takes it to another level. Before you begin, look around your kitchen and decide: What is the clutter? Why is it there? And how could you solve it?

Let’s reset your kitchen

Step One: Declutter

There are so many items in the kitchen that we overlook over time, pushing them to the side or the back so we don’t have to deal with them. But the time has come. Wouldn’t it feel good to open every cabinet at Thanksgiving and see clutter-free shelves?

Think of it like packing for a camping trip. What would you really need to take? Probably not the extra lime juicer or the melon baller. Ask yourself what you truly need in your kitchen—and how many of each item is realistic.

Years ago, I minimized our cups and plates to match the exact number of people in our home. It was an experiment, and it changed things. When the kids needed another cup because theirs was outside, they went and found it. After meals, every dish had to be washed and ready for the next one. It prevented clutter.

Now, I’ll admit this was extreme and sometimes inconvenient—especially during the holidays or when we had guests. So I don’t suggest it as a rule, but I share it to inspire you. Take the small steps that make sense for your family.

All the decluttering tips in this post.

And don’t forget your “maybe box.” If you’re unsure about certain items, set them aside and revisit after the holidays. If you didn’t use them, you don’t need them.

Homework

Clear counters. Remove everything from your counters and place it on the dining table. Wipe down the counters, then only put back the appliances you truly want or use daily. As Nester McQuillen says, if it’s out and you can see it, it’s decor—so make sure it’s pretty to look at.
Get rid of duplicates. Outside of serving spoons, most duplicates aren’t necessary. Toss broken items and donate extra gadgets or appliances. Don’t fall into the trap of buying every trendy tool. Think again about that camping trip—would you really need it?

Step Two: Organize

You cannot organize clutter—so only start this step after decluttering.

When organizing, don’t overdo it. We’re not creating a Pinterest fantasy. During this reset, avoid the urge to buy bins or baskets. You can shop your home if needed, but the goal is functionality and ease.

Group items together based on how they function and how often you use them. Put the most-used items in prime spots, and less-used ones higher or lower. You will make less decisions when you know how often you use something and what you use it for-whether cooking, serving, prep, or baking.

Homework

Group items. Start with baking, prep, cooking, and serving. Keep each group together.
Rearrange drawers. Place silverware near the dining side of the kitchen, utensils near the stove, and so on.
Evaluate cabinets. Consider whether certain areas would benefit from bins or baskets. Remember, putting items away should be as easy as leaving them out.
Glance at the pantry. We’re not resetting the pantry yet, but reviewing it now will help for next week.

Step Three: Deep Cleaning

This isn’t about daily cleaning like vacuuming or dusting—we’re going deeper. Light a candle, put on music, and let’s make the kitchen shine.

I like to use food-safe cleaners—baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, or Power Wash for the oven. But since those aren’t antibacterial, I’ll sometimes use a designated kitchen cleaner, like Method’s kitchen cleaner.

Homework

Dishes. Wash everything and run the dishwasher.
Sink. Scrub it clean. If you have a white farmhouse sink, Barkeeper’s Friend works wonders. Don’t forget the garbage disposal.
Cabinets. Wipe down inside and out. Use a handheld vacuum to catch crumbs.
Stove. Spray with vinegar and water, scrub stubborn spots with baking soda and a wool pad, and rinse well. Don’t skip the stovetop—Dawn Power Wash is great here.
Trash can. Take it outside, scrub with dish soap, and rinse. Let it dry completely.
Dishwasher. Sprinkle baking soda inside and run the hottest cycle. Then place a cup of vinegar on the top rack and run another. Wipe everything down afterward.
Fridge. Empty, then wipe shelves, drawers, and doors with vinegar and water. Use a vacuum for crumbs if needed.
Counters & floors. Wipe the backsplash and countertops, then vacuum and mop.

Step Four: Decorate (or Undecorate)

Now comes the fun part—adding warmth without adding clutter. Remember: the kitchen works best when counters are mostly clear. Staging experts know this well; look at photos on Zillow and you’ll see how clean, simple kitchens feel.

Still, a little cozy touch goes a long way.

Homework

Texture is king. A rug runner or dish towels in seasonal tones can add warmth. I picked up earthy brown towels this winter that instantly made the space cozier.
If it sits out, it must be beautiful. Keep only attractive, functional appliances visible. Consider setting up a small coffee bar for the colder months.
Lighting. Add a lamp or light a candle while cooking. It transforms the space and will bring the warmth this cooler season needs.
A good bowl. Place one on the counter to collect small odds and ends that otherwise create clutter.
Cookbooks. Display the ones you actually use—bonus if they’re pretty. They add charm and accessibility.
Accessories: Add in a plant, special plate on a stand, or family photo to personalize your kitchen.

Step Five: Finish

You did it! The kitchen is often the hardest space to reset—there are simply so many items stored here. So celebrate this accomplishment.

Finish by running your errands, donating items, rehoming what needs to go, and tossing the trash. Then, consider hosting a chili night with family or friends. Gather in your refreshed space and enjoy the reward of all your effort.