In my last post, I talked about how a beautiful kitchen only truly shines when it’s being used—intentionally and often. As a former registered dietitian turned kitchen designer, I’ve seen firsthand that efficient kitchens support healthier, more joyful lifestyles. Today, I want to dig into a part of the kitchen we all use daily—but may not think much about until we’re annoyed by it: the dishwasher.

Let’s Be Honest: Nobody Loves Unloading the Dishwasher

It’s one of those necessary tasks we all do… and often dread. So if you’re going to do it every single day, why not make it easier on yourself? Whether you’re designing a new kitchen or just rearranging what you’ve got, a few small changes can make a big impact on daily efficiency.

Smart Storage Starts with the Basics

One of my favorite tricks is placing your heaviest, most-used dishes and bowls in a lower drawer or pull-out cabinet right next to the dishwasher. These are the items you’re likely loading and unloading most frequently, so keeping them close—and easy to lift—can take a lot of strain out of the process.

Same goes for silverware and glassware. Think about storing them within arm’s reach of the dishwasher if possible. The fewer steps you have to take between appliance and cabinet, the more effortless your routine becomes.

You Might Not Be Able to Move the Dishwasher—But You Can Rethink Everything Around It

Sometimes the layout is what it is. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with inefficiencies. Try this:

• Reorganize and reassign drawers and shelves around your dishwasher to create a tighter work triangle for unloading.
• Use cabinet inserts or dividers to group similar items near where they’re used or cleaned. And to provide a “place” for awkward items like measuring cups and spoons.
• Try a drawer liner like felt or cork to help keep items in place, and reduce noise in a drawer or pull out shelf.

Zones Make It Easier to Live Well

The same thinking applies to other areas of the kitchen:

• Coffee station: Keep mugs and supplies in a drawer or cabinet near your coffee maker. Bonus if it’s close to the dishwasher too.
• Bakeware & cooking tools: Store mixing bowls, whisks, spatulas, and baking pans close to your prep zone or range.
• Pots and pans: Use deep drawers or rollout trays near the cooktop to keep heavy items accessible but out of sight.

These tweaks help your kitchen support your habits, instead of making you work around poor design.

Real Life First, Always

Designing a kitchen isn’t about creating a showroom—it’s about building a space that works for the way you live. In my own home, every drawer, shelf, and appliance placement has been chosen with daily use in mind. The result? Less friction. More joy. And a whole lot less grumbling about unloading the dishwasher.