Clever cupboards

Specialist cabinetry can be an ideal mess-saver. The easiest way to cut benchtop clutter is an appliance cupboard to conceal commonly used gadgets, such as the toaster, coffee machine and kettle, while keeping them in reach. It’s a saviour if you don’t have room for a butler’s pantry – just position it at the end of the bench (as pictured, right) so items can be easily pulled out, kit it out with power points and conceal it behind a roller door or concertina doors that won’t swing out too far.

As the ultimate hidden helper, a butler’s or walk-in pantry (below right) can contain as much or little as space permits. As a guide, eight square metres provides ample room for major appliances, storage and prep zones. “If you like to hide mess, consider a second sink and even a dishwasher,” says interior designer Lisa Santamaria of Santamaria Design. “Fridge drawers are also a fabulous idea if you want a bit more space but don’t necessarily need another fridge.”

For pantries both big and small, purpose-built sorting systems – such as the Häfele ‘Tandem’ pantry unit, which attaches to the door as well as the cupboard itself, or the Blum ‘Space Tower’ – ensure everything is close at hand thanks to individual pull-outs.