Kitchen Essential

FOOD PREPARATION

Frequently used items must be housed at hip height. Position wall mounted cupboards 45 cm from the base unit so that they are easy to reach but still allow space for small appliances below.

For easy accessibility, fit deep cupboards with one or two shelves on runners, or have a number of narrow adjustable shelves in the unit. Wicker or wire drawers make good containers for vegetables or cleaning equipment.

If you have limited counter space, consider putting a stainless steel top and castors on to your under counter cupboard. In addition to storage for your pots and pans you will also gain a generous preparation area.

A movable butcher’s block serves the same purpose (or you can fix a practical work top to a small chest of drawers on castors) and add hooks for pans and utensils, as well as a paper towel holder on the side. Alternatively, hang utensils from butcher’s hooks on a rack or rail, and try converting a wine rack to store oils. Floor to ceiling pull-out units are ideal for long, narrow grocery cupboards.

LET YOUR WALLS WORK FOR YOU

Store condiments, wooden spoons, whisks and colanders near the cooking area. Depending on the style of your kitchen, you might also keep pans within easy reach by displaying them on racks by the stove or suspended from the ceiling. Soften the look with baskets and dried flowers or garlands. Or keep your pots on a pull-out hanging rack installed inside a deep cupboard.

If you enjoy baking, create a dedicated corner. Glass or Perspex containers make it clear when you are running low on ingredients. Mount rolling pins on the backsplash area, and place cooking tools on a magnetic strip.

THE WALK-IN PANTRY

The luxury of a walk-in pantry has become de rigueur in large kitchens. Modest-sized homes are including small pantries too, because they offer such highly functional storage space. Choose a combination of open shelves, drawers and cabinets. This may be the place for extra crockery and table linen, or you may even be able to run some small appliances if there’s sufficient space for electrical points.

Wire mesh creates an interesting effect and doesn’t block air or light. To give it that inviting cottage look, provide generous storage for baskets, and allow a shelf for jars of homemade preserves, olives and bottles of oil and vinegar.

WINE STORAGE

If you have wasted space above your kitchen cabinets, consider running them to the ceiling, either for additional storage or to accommodate wine racks. Temperature, light and humidity all affect wine, so get advice from someone who knows a lot about the subject, so that you don’t damage your supply.

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