Spruce Up the Office Kitchen

You probably spend more time in your office kitchen than you realize. It’s a place where employees take a break, socialize and regroup for the rest of the workday.

Tired of spending your lunch break staring at the same drab walls and outdated appliances? It may be time to spruce up the workplace kitchen. Don’t worry if you don’t have the cash – PINK found some ways to add function and style to the space on a budget.

Need to make the most of a small space? Martha Stewart has you covered with pantry dividers as a clever way to store dishes, hanging baskets that don’t take up counter space, and a serving tray perfect for neatly stacking the office’s coffee cups.

Bring your eco-friendly habits to work by encouraging colleagues to recycle. Duo trashcans, like these from Home Depot, allow you to separate paper from plastic. Having a supply of reusable coffee cups instead of Styrofoam will also cut down on waste, says Grinning Planet.

Want to add a splash of color? A small dirt-free indoor Aerogarden automatically provides flowers, veggies or herbs with the right amount of light, so all you have to do is water and enjoy without worrying about weeds or your not-so-green thumb.

Few would argue that a great coffeemaker is an office kitchen essential. A programmable 12-cup coffeemaker may be all you need, or an affordable 30-cup version will better suit larger groups.

Consider bringing in a few simple organizers to eliminate clutter before it starts piling up.

Bonus PINK Link: Check out our online exclusive for ways to cut down your time spent in the kitchen so you can focus on the Life/Work balance without going hungry.

By Caroline Cox

“The only thing I have ever successfully made in the kitchen is a mess.”
Sarah Jessica Parker