Are you in need of more storage space? Thinking of extending? Enter: kitchen ladders. Before you start knocking down walls, consider creating more space by expanding up and not out.

Traditionally used in library spaces, today more and more kitchen designs include the use of rolling ladders to access high cupboards.

Could the kitchen ladder be the next big thing? We’ve collated some of our favourite designs to get you inspired…

Bold as brass

The owners of this stunning property in Bath wanted to make the most of their high ceilings and opted for white cabinets with a pop of brass that would reflect the afternoon sunshine and add character and interest to the space. “The clients wanted brass accents as a nod to the traditional features seen throughout the home,” explains Zoe Holland of Sustainable Kitchens.

The growing family were looking to create more storage in the kitchen design and ensure that everything had a space. They felt it was important to keep the worksurface minimal and not take away from the beautiful brass finish. “Our designers suggested the use of the ladder to be able to reach the upper cabinets, allowing us to build all the way up to those beautifully high ceilings,” she adds.

Perfect kitchen symmetry

Featuring Devol’s Classic kitchen units painted in a deep, muddy olive green, combined with soft pinky creams, this large, symmetrical kitchen in a grand home in Oxshott has bags of preparation space and ample overhead storage, accessed by a handy ladder. With a copper worktop and extraction hood, which add a warm glow to this spacious design, plus a very useful haberdasher’s pantry, it’s a kitchen of dreams.

Less is more

Clare Savage’s period home in South Dublin features, unusually, a kitchen on the first floor. Placing cupboards up high is an excellent use of otherwise wasted space. And it made a great deal of sense in this design by Carlow-based kitchen designers Woodale, where they have used panelling to cleverly conceal an entrance to a bedroom and bathroom.

Rolling forward

Jessica Davis, founder of the Library Ladder Company, started her business when she was working as a kitchen designer and couldn’t find safe and beautiful ladders for her clients. “Fast forward to today, and we’re the go-to supplier of ladders in the UK and Europe,” says Jessica. “We offer an array of ladder options, from rolling to hook. We work with kitchen owners, and KBB industry professionals, from small bespoke joinery companies to big names like Martin Moore, John Lewis of Hungerford, and Smallbone.”

Timeless kitchen design

The kitchen in this large, detached property in Surrey was created by Adaptations. “The ceilings are very high, so we decided to extend the tall cabinets by adding walnut open shelving and wine storage in order to give the right perspective aesthetically,” says Ian Cross, owner of Adaptations, who designed the spacious kitchen. “The ladder is essential in accessing these high cabinets, but it also looks great in the design.”

Old world charm

Bespoke cabinetmakers Humphrey Munson included a solid oak ladder and rail system in this Surrey Hills kitchen to allow access to the upper cabinetry but also to add a dash of nostalgia. “Using ladders in kitchen design brings a touch of old-world charm – I think there’s that sort of apothecary-shop vibe to them,” says Louise Eggleston, creative director of Humphrey Munson, “but they are also a practical solution for reaching high cabinets. I find that a ladder and rail system adds an element of tradition and surprise that elevates the overall aesthetic of the room.”

Enduring style

This handsome, custom-built dresser in Olive is part of Neptune’s Chawton modular furniture collection. With oak shelving and soft-closing doors, it’s fully customisable. And a kitchen dresser with a built-in ladder is the perfect investment because it’s transportable – just take it with you when you move house!

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