Kitchen Storage The next step in planning your new kitchen is to plan enough storage to suit your needs. As already explained in Kitchen Shapes, different shapes of kitchens automatically provide different amounts of storage space. However, there are a lot more possibilities and styles than you might think. In this section storage solutions will be discussed and useful tips will be given to make the most of even the smallest of spaces. Below-worktop area It is obvious that the bigger the worktop, the more you can store below it. After you have planned the position of your sink, fridge and hob/oven, the rest of the space below the worktop is yours to play with, because cupboards are not the only option. Storage below the worktop is especially handy for heavy items such as electrical equipment and heavy pots, pans and oven dishes. Think about how many of those items you have and how much storage space you have to give to those items. Remember to leave enough room for expansion as in the future you will buy more utensils and the items you already have will take up more space than you think! Products like bottles of wine and vegetables that don't need to go in the fridge will also need their space beneath the worktop. Think of different ways to store them than the usual cupboard. For bottles for example a cupboard doesn't really work, as you can't see the bottles in the back of your cupboard. Think of a cabinet that you can pull out or maybe a pullout trolley. If you are a big wine lover you can think of special shelves to put your wine on display. Vegetables must be kept in a dry place to prevent them from early decay so don't store them too close to an oven or a hob. Wicker baskets will give a rustic accent to you kitchen and will keep your vegetables dry and dark. Most of your cutlery will be stored below the worktop as well. Try to store your cutlery close to the dishwasher or sink for quick storage after cleaning. Drawers are still the best storage option for cutlery, but you may find it handy to keep you ladles and wooden spoons in a jar on your worktop. Knives can be kept at a magnetic knife holder that you can attach to your wall or in a separate knife-block on your worktop. Make sure though that your worktop is free from too much clutter as this will give your kitchen a messy look. Above the worktop As the space below the worktop will mostly be used for cupboards, above the worktop storage can be more creative. The items stored are not as heavy and are sometimes more decorative and suitable for display. Think of beautiful plates and glasses and decorative spice racks. There are quite a few options for display of your kitchenware. For easy storage and display of your plates you can use a plate rack. This will also help to prevent plates from chipping, as you will not store them on top of each other anymore. Mugs and jugs can hang from pegs on open shelves for a country style effect. You can place your most used utensils on a utensil rail that you position above the main working area for easy access. Vegetables such as onions and garlic also can be hung on the rail. Ingredients such as pasta or sugar can be stored in glass jars and put on shelves. Try to work out a balance between the different storage options. Remember that items on open display are susceptible to steam, grease and dust, so this type of storage will only be usable for goods that are needed on a daily basis. A solution to this can be storage behind glass cupboard doors. Different styles of storage can break the monotony of a long cupboard area, but it has to work for you. If you prefer cupboards rather than open shelves and hanging mugs, then maybe you can experiment with different door materials, such as glass, frosted glass, wood, laminate or even stainless steel. To find out more about different cabinet materials, go to our Kitchen Design section.

 Other storage solutions

Tips

	In a small and narrow kitchen you can create more space by making the wall-cupboards taller rather than having them protruding outwards. You will create more headspace and the kitchen will look wider.
	Store items that you don't use very often on the highest shelve of your cupboard. This way easy accessible space will be available for most used items.
	Kitchens will always have drawers with all sorts of goods in it, like pens, buttons, matches and sandwich bags. To create more order, use little plastic boxes or special drawer organisers. You will find what you need much quicker.
	To disguise a boiler you can build a spice rack in front of it. This will not take a lot of space and will be an attractive display for all your spices.
	Store your utensils near to where you will are most likely to need them. This will make your kitchen more efficient.
	Think about where you want your main bin to be situated. Try to integrate it in the area below the worktop to keep outlook of the kitchen clean and clutter-free.
	Don't forget to give your cookery books a place in your kitchen.

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