Kitchen Resolutions for 2026

Wed Jan 07 2026

Kitchen

The start of a new year is the perfect time to rethink your kitchen, one of the most used and important spaces in your home. Whether your goal is to cook more efficiently, maintain your appliances better, reduce waste, or simply enjoy your space more, setting intentional kitchen resolutions can help you get organized, upgrade thoughtfully, and stay productive all year long.

Here are practical, achievable kitchen resolutions that will elevate your space, combining smart habits, better organization, and meaningful upgrades.

1. Keep Your Kitchen Clean & Organized (Daily Habits)

A decluttered, clean kitchen isn’t just about looks, it improves workflow, reduces stress, and makes cooking more enjoyable. Try these habits:

Clear the sink daily: Don’t let dishes pile up, rinse and load them into your dishwasher right after meals.
Wipe down surfaces: Daily quick wipes prevent buildup and keep counters ready for prep.
Declutter regularly: Remove excess gadgets or items you rarely use, so your counters and cabinets stay purposeful and functional.

Small routines lead to big results. When you maintain a tidy kitchen, you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your space.

2. Maximize Refrigerator Efficiency

Your refrigerator runs constantly, so proper care and organization save energy and preserve food longer:

Regular interior cleaning: Wipe spills right away and check for expired items.
Check seals and vents: Clean seals weekly to ensure a proper airtight close.
Use organizers and bins: They help separate produce, condiments, and leftovers for better visibility and less waste.

For stronger performance and storage solutions, consider upgrading to a modern refrigeration model that offers better temperature control and energy efficiency.

3. Declutter Cabinets & Improve Storage Accessibility

Cluttered cabinets make it harder to cook efficiently and enjoy your kitchen. Make it a resolution to:

Empty and reset every cabinet: Remove mismatched containers, expired spices, and items you never use.
Use vertical storage and pull-outs: Smart storage techniques help you maximize space and access items easily.
Designate zones: Group like items (baking, prep, small appliances) together so everything has a logical spot.

Organized storage not only makes your kitchen more functional, it also makes meal prep quicker and more enjoyable.

4. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient, Smart Appliances

If your appliances are more than a decade old, resolving to upgrade can save energy, time, and frustration. Modern models offer:

Smarter refrigeration and temperature control.
Energy-saving dishwashers that wash with less water and lower utility costs.
Smart cooking ranges and ovens with connectivity and precision tech.
Efficient laundry options that reduce water and energy use.

Switching your old appliances to Energy Star certified appliances can save you up to hundreds of dollars every year. You can estimate how much energy your appliances use with this calculator.

Work with Bray & Scarff to explore cooking appliances, dishwashers, refrigeration, and laundry that match your goals, whether that’s sustainability or everyday convenience.

5. Invest in Thoughtful Kitchen Design Improvements

Not all resolutions are about cleaning, some are about enjoyment and function:

Update lighting: Better lighting uplifts the atmosphere and supports tasks like chopping or reading recipes.
Refresh cabinet hardware and finishes to modernize your kitchen’s look without a full remodel.
Consider open shelving or smart storage systems that put everyday essentials within easy reach.
Reimagine your kitchen layout if traffic flow or task zones feel awkward.

These upgrades enhance usability, help you love your kitchen more, and can increase home value when done thoughtfully.

6. Plan for a Longer-Term Kitchen Refresh or Remodel

If organization and minor updates aren’t enough, consider planning larger improvements this year:

Maximize storage with custom cabinetry or pull-outs to use every inch of space efficiently.
Add specialty zones like coffee stations, beverage centers, or a pantry upgrade.
Update key appliances to blow-out performance models that make cooking easier and more fun.

Start with a kitchen plan that includes workflow, storage, lighting, and appliance updates tailored to your needs.

Make This Your Year for a Better Kitchen at Bray & Scarff

Ready to take your kitchen from functional to exceptional? Whether you want smaller organization upgrades or are considering new appliances and long-term improvements, Bray & Scarff is here to help. Explore our appliance brands, bring your kitchen vision to life, or visit our showroom to see personalized kitchen design ideas in action.

Looking to incorporate custom cabinetry storage, or other personalized solutions into your kitchen remodel? Bray & Scarff’s kitchen remodeling program is designed to guide you every step of the way to bring the kitchen of your dreams to life. Explore our virtual kitchen designer tool and see how you can discover custom cabinet storage solutions that best suit your kitchen design layout.

Visit one of our showrooms proudly servicing locations across the Maryland and Virginia area to browse our curated kitchen collections online, from refrigeration and cooking to dishwashers and laundry, and let our experts guide you toward obtainable kitchen resolutions this year.

FAQs: Kitchen Resolutions for 2026

How often should I clean and organize my kitchen?

Daily cleaning habits combined with weekly organizing sessions help prevent clutter from piling up and make your kitchen more inviting and functional.

Are energy-efficient appliances worth upgrading?

Yes, modern appliances often reduce utility costs, provide better performance, and are kinder to the environment, adding value over time.

What’s the first area I should tackle in my kitchen?

Start with the most used areas: sink and dishwasher workflow, refrigerator organization, and accessible storage near your prep zones.

Should I hire a designer for my kitchen upgrades?

If you’re planning larger layout changes or appliance upgrades, a professional can help optimize function and ensure your budget is used wisely.