People are always asking me how to improve their kitchens. Here are a few things you can do for a better kitchen now:

Pitch It
Just as you go through your wardrobe to get rid of things you don't wear or that are out of fashion, go through your cooking utensils and pitch the ones that you never use, that don't work, or that have outlived their usefulness (like those charred wooden spoons that you left a little too close to the flame). It's  not so important to have the most; it's better to have a few really good kitchen tools.

A Cut Above
Every kitchen should have at least two cutting boards, one for cutting up proteins and one for cutting up vegetables and breads. I prefer wood, because I feel like you get a better grip with your knife.

Premium Pots
Invest in good-quality pots and pans, because they'll get better with time. Find a good 10-inch pan with a rim, so you can use it for sautéing fish or chicken breasts, as well as rice, couscous and potatoes. You should also have a cast iron pan, a Dutch oven and a 3-quart pot. With just these, you can cook a lot of different kinds of food. Be sure you have lids that fit. A tight-fitting lid can save energy and cooking time. It also makes it possible to quick-steam foods.

Hot Tip
A new stove is a big investment, but if you are in the market for and your budget permits, get a stove with induction burners. They produce very direct heat without wasting energy.