PD Blog Article - Sorting Out Kitchen Storage

There’s a very simple, tried and tested trick when it comes to planning for storage efficiency in modern kitchens. The key is to take note of your kitchen inventory in advance, by writing a list of all the crockery, utensils and other kitchen items that you own and that you use regularly.  This way, your kitchen drawers and cupboards can be made to suit your exact specifications.

• Always use drawers where possible. While they might be slightly more expensive, drawers are also much more practical in allowing you to easily access everything at once, whereas cupboards have a front and back space that can make it difficult to retrieve certain items. Look at what you keep in your kitchen and confirm that the depths of your chosen storage unit match your needs. For example, if you like to store your gadgets in the kitchen, ensure that the drawers are deep enough to house all of your appliances, as well as your pots and pans.
  
• If you need to increase storage room, overhead cupboards are an ideal way to do so. However, it’s important to ensure that they don’t make the kitchen space feel closed in. Choose a light finish, such as Silk, 2 Pac or Gloss Vinyl, to reflect the light. You can even add glass or Perspex to your kitchen cupboard doors to give them a feature look and to help create a feeling of openness.
  
• Ensure that the runners and hinges on your cupboards and drawers are sturdy enough to support heavier objects, and arrange your kitchen storage so that the items you use the most are within easy reach. For example, a convenient kitchen layout might feature a dual drawer with a built-in cutlery and utensil compartment next to the cooktop for ease of access, with another dual drawer containing a spice rack on the other side.
  
• At the very least, deep shelving (and lots of it!) can solve the majority of your kitchen storage problems.  However, where possible and if your budget permits, you should aim to invest in wire pull-out pantries. These pantries are great space savers, as are pull-out wire drawers for vegetables and drawers with handy divider panels.
  
• When designing the space and storage in your kitchen, it’s important to get a feel for what works for you and your family.