Make a Design Statement with These Kitchen Storage Choices
For many homeowners, the start of a renovation process is exciting – filled with renovation reality shows, glossy kitchen magazines and aspirational Pinterest kitchens, the possibilities seem endless.
But when reality sits in – factoring in room for food prep, kitchen storage, appliances and other elements within the available space in your home – those stylish kitchens often end up losing out to a space that prioritises function and accessibility over all else.
Having renovated hundreds of kitchens, we’ve helped many homeowners realise that function doesn’t have to come at the cost of form. There are lots of clever kitchen storage solutions that can add to the aesthetic of your kitchen, rather than detract from the overall look and feel of your space – here are some of our favourites.
1. Island benches
A centrepiece of modern kitchen design, island benches aren’t just a great choice for their extra preparation space – they can be a really clever way of integrating more storage, too.
Island benches can be a great home for an appliance like the dishwasher. Integrating this into the island cabinetry can create a sleek, streamlined look when paired with flat cupboards. For a minimalist look, opt for finger pulls over handles.
The shorter sides of the island can be turned into shelving for extra kitchen storage, too. Use this for your cookbooks, potted herbs or special crockery to create a design feature.
2. Open or recessed shelves
A perfect way to squeeze extra storage out of a smaller kitchen, open or recessed shelves make excellent use of kitchens that have a lot of vertical wall space.
Open shelves are a popular alternative to upper cabinetry thanks to the way they open up space. Making the room feel less top-heavy, open shelves in a timber finish can make a good home for pots, pans, plates or seasonings.
Recessed shelves on the other hand are a clever way to sneak in extra kitchen storage, particularly when next to your cooktop. Use these shelves to keep your bench free of clutter, which will in turn maximise your preparation space.
We’ve created a comprehensive eBook that covers everything from kitchen design trends to new innovations. Download your copy of our guide to design principles.
3. Hanging shelves
Another popular design choice that doubles as a clever way to add kitchen storage? Installing a hanging shelf above the island bench.
Great for keeping the kitchen feeling open and maximising light, a hanging shelf is perfect for storing things like glassware, crockery or ingredients in storage containers.
This can free up a lot of cupboard space and allows for an additional talking point in your kitchen design. If desired, you can soften the industrial appearance by incorporating climbing indoor plants. Alternatively, opt for colourful plates or bowls that complement your palette.
4. Custom cabinetry
Opting for custom joinery in your kitchen design can not only help you make the most of any available kitchen storage, but can also create a cohesive look. This is especially effective for open plan kitchens, where the boundaries with other areas of the home can be blurry.
Work with a kitchen designer to create custom solutions for awkward spaces, such as deep cabinets, narrow gaps between appliances, or corners.
They’ll also be able to help you with design decisions like cabinet door profile, the height of your cupboards and colour scheme for a striking overall aesthetic that’s in keeping with your chosen design style.
5. Wine racks or fridges
Lastly, for those who entertain frequently or just enjoy a good drop, built-in wine storage can be both practical and stylish.
Narrow spaces can easily be turned into kitchen storage for wine bottles, with the final product creating an interesting feature that can also create a vertical line that draws the eye up through the kitchen – making it feel bigger.
For avid wine drinkers, you may also consider installing a dedicated wine fridge or cabinet. Temperature controlled, these replicate the conditions of a wine cellar to keep your bottles at the optimal temperature for drinking. Lit from within, they also make a great design feature that’s sure to be the envy of your guests.
Our team of design experts can help to create the perfect custom kitchen storage solution for your home. Visit a showroom to see how these solutions can come to life across a variety of kitchen layouts and design styles.
