Smart Storage Solutions For Your Kitchen

More than ever before has it become essential to be organized, as kitchens become more of a living and entertaining space, and with just about everyone getting into cooking and entertaining.

In any kitchen, especially a small one, day to day living becomes more of a pleasure if you have planned your kitchen and dining areas well. In a large kitchen, it is equally important to optimize the space to realize its potential. If your kitchen is already fitted, you can rationalise and implement extra touches to your storage even more effectively. If you are putting in a new kitchen, then you have no excuse not to be really putting into practice the 'science' of storage.

Here are my ten essential tips for smart kitchen storage:

1 ] Utilise redundant space.

This is important if you already have a fitted kitchen to add personality to bland units; a small area of shelving with your own quirky objects combined with practical kitchenware. If you are installing shelving, think laterally with your installation - you can go floor to ceiling for example. Use insides of cupboard doors for hanging, quality hooks are good if well installed, however, be 'clever and don't crowd'

2] Display rather than conceal.

Be creative when storing your utensils, pots and pans and ornaments and make it fun. Create open and closed storage by combining closed cupboards with open displays units, these can be bought or custom made.

3] Get rid of the fitted kitchen look.

Free up the walls, use freestanding antique dressers, [glass fronted ones let you see everything at a glance] rails for hanging, metal industrial shelving units, or bakers racks from catering suppliers - store the least used things at the top!

4] Organize Draw space.

You can get an array of different drawer dividers, my favourites are the wooden ones which add a bit of interest and don't mark like their plastic counterparts, make sure you measure accurately before purchasing

5] Thoughtfully load your larder.

If you are lucky enough to have a larder [or pantry as it is also called] you should use the space thoughtfully, mainly for storing groceries. In our house we have shelves in the upper half, with containers at the back with less used ingredients and the good looking jars, containers, packets and tins at the front which are a display in their own right. The lower section has two wire basket trolley units which are pulled out for ease. The design of your pantry should be a bit like the inside of your fridge - with all the surfaces utilized.

6] Group items by function.

Whether it's an interesting ceramic pot with your wooden spoons in, or bake ware in a dedicated drawer - it is always far easier to find things in logical places.

7] Circulate your gadgets.

We are all proud of our latest gadgets, but more often than not we build up a space hungry collection - too much to display all at once. So put away the sandwich toaster in the summer and get out the zinc beer cooler ready for that bar be que.

8] Get Containers for every use.

Clear plastic containers are good for cereals, but best stored in a cupboard and bought out only at breakfast, whereas tall elegant glass ones containing pastas and pulses in great shapes, textures and colours can go on display in large glass containers. Square containers are good in cupboards for space savers, although we use a collection of wooden square Cuban cigar boxes, Victorian enamel bread bins and flour containers can be found at your local bric-a-brac/antique shop and make a great authentic addition to any kitchen.

9] Be Clean and safe.

Long gone are the days when you had a plastic bin hidden under the sink unit, where dirt and germs collected - this space is now freed up for cleaning and utility product as bins and recyclers are designed to be space effective and look great. Corner bins are often practical where space is limited.

Make sure you have a good range of clips, pegs and fasteners to keep food fresh and plan a cycle of storage cleaning to ensure everything hidden is kept regularly spic and span. Think of kids and pets when planning to keep certain things like cleaning product out of harms way.

10] Cut out the distance.

Utensils, cutting knives are best near their place of use, there are now a diverse range of storage products for knives from work top freestanding units to wall magnets.

Also consider practicality of where things are, i.e.it is good to have your large dinnerware quite close to the dishwasher to save time and effort.

With a bit of planning and enthusiasm you will be able to treat kitchen storage as a creative project - not just a functional chore.