Quotes from Sara Kate Gillingham-Ryan

Island or cart. One of the best ways to improve nearly any kitchen is to add a small, movable, butcher block island, which gives you extra storage and counter space and can be pushed against the wall when not in use.

Kitchen design experts recommend that there be at least four feet of space between each point of your work triangle (e.g., between your refrigerator and sink) but no more than nine feet across the furthest points (think about how inconvenient a ten-foot walk between your sink and stove would be!).

Kitchen (and people) maintenance is not very complicated. It boils down to two basic precepts: Handle fragile things with care, and clean up your messes as soon as possible. Anything else is extra.