The perfect kitchen doesn’t just look stunning on the outside: it also functions beautifully on the inside. And while taking time to plan the insides of your cupboards may not be as exciting as selecting furniture colours and worktops, you’ll be glad you did once everything is neat and organised.
The need for innovative storage has never been greater, especially when living space now comes at a premium. Incorporating clever solutions to make creative use of the capacity will improve your kitchen both aesthetically and practically.
We have an extensive range of kitchen storage solutions that can be adapted to suit your home’s style and limitations. Here, we answer some of the most common questions to help you make the right choices.
How much kitchen storage do I need?
As you’d probably expect, there isn’t one right answer to this question. It depends entirely on what the purpose of your kitchen is. You’ll need more storage if you use the space for dining, working or entertaining as opposed to just cooking.
In any case, the goal is never to add as many storage options as possible. Instead, you want to make carefully considered choices that contain as much kitchenware as possible. But equally, you don’t want things becoming too cluttered or hard to access. Replacing bulky storage with sleek alternatives ensures everything is well-organised and creates a more spacious kitchen.
How do I create storage in a small kitchen?
When you have a small kitchen, the aim is to get as much as you can out of the limited space available. Installing drawers in your base cupboards, for instance, can increase the capacity of your room by up to 50%.
We also recommend opting for fitted drawers and cupboards rather than plain shelves. These may be more expensive, but you’ll get more storage capacity for your money. A professional designer will be able to advise you on the best approach for your small kitchen.
How do I improve on my current kitchen cabinet storage?
Take a good look at your current kitchen storage and examine the pitfalls, considering what you’re missing is a solid starting point. For example, have you run out of space for bulky items such as casserole dishes, pots and pans? Do you need a dedicated place for certain items like your prized crockery collection? These are the things you’ll know to prioritise in your kitchen storage revamp.
How should I lay out my kitchen storage solutions?
Efficient storage isn’t just about clever inserts and drawers. It’s also about how these solutions are arranged. Placing units in convenient areas means your cabinets will have specific functions and can be easily reached. For instance, position pan drawers below the oven, cutlery and china drawers next to the dishwasher, and units for dry goods beside your food preparation zone.
The things you use regularly should be close to hand, while items that rarely come out (like Christmas crockery, for example) are stored in places that are harder to access, like high wall units.
What storage is best if I have an open-plan kitchen?
Storage is a key concern when designing an open-plan kitchen. If you have an open-plan kitchen-diner, allocate cupboard space on the dining side for crockery and glasses. This means you don’t have to walk from one end of the room to the other to lay the table. Or for kitchen-living areas, perhaps you could incorporate a bespoke kitchen island or open shelving so you have extra space to display books and personal items or anything else you can’t find a place for in the living room.
How do I match my kitchen items to storage solutions?
A professional designer will be able to choose the best options for your kitchen. For example, placing plates in drawers is often better than stacking them in cupboards because adjustable pegs can be installed to secure them. This prevents them from knocking against each other and chipping when the drawer is opened. And to keep small appliances such as blenders, coffee machines and toasters nearby yet out of sight, a tambour-fronted unit is a useful kitchen storage solution. Simply roll it up when you want to use something, then roll it back down to keep work surfaces clear and tidy.
Are there any bespoke kitchen storage solutions I should know about?
Bespoke cabinetry creates a combination of interior solutions best suited to your lifestyle. This drawer, for instance, sits below a hob. Spice jars are cleverly arranged so you can immediately spot the one you need, while the second half splits utensils into separate compartments so they’re easy to access when you’re cooking.
One of our most popular kitchen storage solutions is our signature Pantry Larder. This is the ultimate one-stop installation as you can keep all your dry goods in one place by concealing things like spice racks, drawers and wicker baskets behind closed doors. Larders also work as a handy breakfast station with space to store cereals, hot drinks, and even a kettle or coffee machine.
Other unique storage solutions include carousels and kidney-shaped pull-out shelving, which prevent you from ever needing to reach into the back of your cupboard. While non-slip shelves are perfect for keeping everything from dried goods to pots and pans in place.
Don’t hesitate to call us on 0800 389 6938 to discuss your kitchen storage requirements with one of our design experts.
