MAXIMISING STORAGE

A small space doesn’t mean you can’t think big. Start by identifying possible structural improvements. Can the kitchen be relocated or extended, a boiler rehoused, a fireside opened up or a suspended ceiling removed? Even a small alteration, such as widening the doorway or removing the wall between the kitchen and living room, can transform the feeling of space and increase light levels.

List your “must haves” versus your “would likes” and prioritise them accordingly. If you haven’t used that juicer or bread maker in the past six months, let it go. Every item needs to earn its place in a small kitchen.

Larders always sound extravagant, but they use the room’s height and can prove the most practical storage provider in a kitchen. You can even house a microwave or coffee machine inside, freeing up workspace.

It’s wise to avoid a layout with too many corners, but if you do have a corner cupboard, fit it with a carousel unit, which turns to bring contents into view. Drawers are also considered more practical than standard cabinets in terms of full access, plus there are no dark recesses to reach into at the back.

Think about rhythm and logic. We might not realise it, but we all move around our kitchens in a particular pattern. Designing a new kitchen presents the opportunity to improve movement throughout the space.

Consider what currently works and what doesn’t, and how repositioning a bin, sink or preparation area might improve the way you navigate the space while cooking. Be prepared to break with tradition. You might prefer having your dishwasher near the dining table rather than next to the sink, as it can save you time when clearing away dishes after a meal.