When I first arranged my kitchen, I made what seemed like the most sensible decision: to keep everything within easy reach. My goal was practicality and efficiency. I wanted to have all my essentials—spices, bread, fruit, knife block, blender—right out in the open on the countertop, where I could see and grab them without delay. To me, this felt like common sense.

The logic was simple: the more visible something is, the more likely I am to use it. I envisioned a kitchen where nothing was hidden, where everything I might need for cooking or baking was immediately accessible, reducing friction and encouraging me to spend more time preparing meals. In my mind, a fully stocked, visible countertop was the ultimate formula for convenience, productivity, and culinary inspiration.

At first, this setup seemed perfect. I could reach for a jar of oregano without opening a cabinet, grab a measuring cup without rummaging through drawers, or slide a cutting board under my hand without any effort. Cooking felt smoother and faster because every essential was right where I expected it to be.