plan... Clever storage maximises space in the kitchen, creating a sense of order that allows you to cook and entertain with ease Advice Planning

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1 plan... Clever storage maximises space in the kitchen, creating a sense of order that allows you to cook and entertain with ease <#X#> BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS

2 Given the increasing amount of time we spend in the kitchen and the current trend for open-plan living, ample and well-organised storage is proving evermore crucial for a comfortable and clutterfree environment. This is especially true of compact schemes. Being able to store pots and pans away neatly Bi-fold doors close to conceal contents when not in use. Cabinetry, from 35,000, Martin Moore & Company can help boost the sense of space, while well-thoughtout storage solutions for ingredients and utensils will make cooking easier, and possibly free up room for a dining area or breakfast bar and stools. Make use of every inch with Blum s Space Corner drawer system, from around 1,200 With no central column, Häfele s Recorner maxx pole-free shelving unit, from 247, gives you the greatest amount of space possible The Bulthaup b2 kitchen-tool cabinet from Kitchen Architecture opens up to reveal storage for everything from knives and utensils to small appliances. Shown here with the b2 kitchen-appliance cabinet, 6,000 each, and b2 workbench, from 4,000

3 An artful take on a classic dresser, this Artisan Kitchen design incorporates glazed cupboards, drawers, tray slots and an overmantel display shelf. Kitchens priced from 20,000 at John Lewis of Hungerford IF YOU WANT A KITCHEN FIT FOR ENTERTAINING, SET THE RIGHT ATMOSPHERE WITH A LUXURIOUS SPACE FREE OF CLUTTER Bernard Otulakowski, managing director, SieMatic UK ALL WITHIN REACH Whatever size your space, a good kitchen designer can help create useful and flexible storage that s perfectly suited to your lifestyle and ergonomic needs. In a large, open-plan scheme, kitchen storage must be very carefully designed no-one wants to walk miles each time they prepare a meal, says Susan Humphries, design consultant at Nicholas Anthony. This means locating storage where it s most needed. For example, space for bread beside the toaster; tea and coffee next to the boiling-water tap or coffee machine; plates near the dishwasher for hassle-free unloading; glasses close to the drinks fridge or wine rack; and pans, spices and oils beside the hob. It s also best to plan for your larder storage to be beside the fridge and freezer, so that you can unpack your groceries in one go. SLIDING SUCCESS Cupboards were once considered the building blocks of the kitchen, but their popularity has been on the wane for a few years now. Base units with fixed shelves can make contents difficult to reach, whereas drawers offer ordered and accessible storage space. Look for fully extendable drawers that allow you to get right at the back, and can carry substantial weight (around 30Kg). Drawers can offer considerably more capacity than fixed shelves, simply because you can position them closer together, yet still reach all its contents. A symmetrical run of For stockist details go to page 134

4 drawers creates a contemporary, streamlined look, and you can include a drawer within a drawer to maximise internal capacity without interrupting the lines of your design. While most drawers come in a standard 60cm width, extra-wide versions (up to 2m) can be used to optimise storage and will suit even the sleekest of designs. And if you want the classic look of Shaker-style cupboard doors, you can use internal pull-outs for the best of both worlds. TALL STORAGE Many kitchen designs will include at least some element of tall cabinetry, to house a built-in oven at eye level, an integrated larder fridge and perhaps pull-out larder storage with wire shelves for dry foods and tinned goods. These optimise the use of floor-to-ceiling space, and should be loaded with the heaviest items at the bottom for stability. It s worth noting that some pull-out units can become very heavy, which is maddening if you just want to grab a jar of herbs, so you may want to explore other options. Blum s Space Tower pantry has pull-outs that can be opened individually and accessed from the front and sides, or try Leicht s Interior+ framed shelving system. Hettich s InLine XL system, meanwhile, has big sliding doors to conceal contents and appliances quickly, and the sleek design is perfect for a modern, open-plan space. ON DISPLAY There has been a definite move away from wall cupboards, which can be difficult to reach and too many can make a room looked crammed. However, a few strategically placed units are useful when space is tight, perhaps housing an extractor hood or simply to balance a design in a high-ceilinged room. Look out for remote control-operated slatted door systems (try Xtend+ system by Leicht), which are handy when you want your room to look tidy in an Everything s clearly visible inside Crown Imperial s Spaceworks mid-height, integrated pull-out unit. From 1,098 Neptune s Limehouse larder cabinet, 2,250, is designed for easy access A drawer within a drawer makes full use of space while maintaining a streamlined finish. Case System 5.0 kitchen starts from 36,000, Boffi Adjust these drawer dividers to suit your needs. Kitchens from 20,000, SieMatic BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS <#Y#>

5 Further options Make the most of drawers with adjustable dividers and boxes that compartmentalise interiors, or custom-made inserts for everything from cutlery to cling film. Non-slip surfaces, moveable pegs and plate holders ensure contents don t slide about when you open or shut the drawer. Use corners efficiently with pull-out or rotating cupboards, advises Paul O Brien, director of Kitchens International. Choose from a variety of shelf systems, including swing-out LeMans corner shelving, carousels or Blum s Space Corner drawers. An island offers versatile storage and can prevent the need to crowd walls with heavy blocks of furniture. Include a gadget garage on the worktop to conceal pluggedin small appliances behind a roller shutter or cupboard doors. Plinth drawers can make good use of unused space. A LeMans pivoting shelf system allows you to get the maximum out of an awkward corner. Modulnova kitchen, from 25,000, DesignSpace London Wine storage might include some purpose-built racks and a wine cabinet to store bottles at the perfect temperature. Or a spiral cellar uses dead space underneath the floor to provide room for up to around 150 cases. Prices from around 18,000. instant. Displays on open shelving can be a great way of adding character and setting the mood for a kitchen, says designer Johnny Grey. It s a sad place where everything is hidden behind doors. BESPOKE BENEFITS Most fitted kitchens come in standard-width blocks of cupboards or drawers (usually 50cm or 60cm wide), which may create restrictions, depending on your room s dimensions. There could also be structural challenges a chimney breast or pillar you want to conceal with shallow-depth cupboards, for example. Clever planning in a bespoke design will determine the best ways in which you can maximise cupboard and drawer storage to suit you and your room, says Andrew Hall, chief designer and managing director of Woodstock Furniture. FREE AND EASY If you don t want a fitted look in your kitchen or just want to supplement existing storage, consider a freestanding larder cupboard, lined with shelves, bottle racks and drawers with stepped shelves that allow easy access to all items. A kitchen dresser enables you to display your favourite pottery, usually with drawer space below, while a sideboard can work as a serving area and a useful link between kitchen and dining zones. You might also want a butcher s block or work table on wheels, that you can move around the room to where you re cooking. LARGER SCALE If you re able to use an existing anteroom or carve off a corner to make a new room, why not create a walk-in pantry? As well as cooking ingredients, it can also be used to store big platters, serving dishes and large cookware, such as a preserving pan or fish kettle. Traditionally built with wooden shelves and a cold marble slab, and located in the coolest, darkest part of the house (most foods need to be stored away from direct sunlight), a modern-day pantry is a great way to be able to see what you have in store and to utilise an otherwise challengingly dark corner. Alternatively, you may want to factor into your plan a utility or laundry room for drying clothes, storing cleaning materials, an ironing board, pet food and vases. FEATURE AMELIA THORPE <#X#> BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS Coming next: Modern galley kitchens