Can you truly ever have enough storage? We don’t think so! The more you have of it, the better your kitchen will look and function…

Here, at Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms magazine HQ, we cannot shut up about kitchen storage. It’s one of those things you must have in your design in order to benefit from a clean and clear space, but with plenty of practicality too. Which got us thinking, from space-saving solutions to secondary rooms, which are the most popular storage options everyone wants to have?

KBB journo Charlotte Luxford has found that the breakfast cupboard, pantry and utility room are the most wanted kitchen storage options at the moment. So, we’re breaking down how you can have each in your own home to help you maximise every inch of that much-needed space…

The breakfast cupboard

A breakfast cupboard is often used to store all those morning essentials, from tea and coffee, jams and spreads to cereals and bread, plus the relevant appliances, all in one neat and tidy unit. But it doesn’t have to be strictly dedicated to your breakfast treats – it can have a dual purpose such as a home bar or a smaller kitchen pantry.

Another perk is that it can be hidden behind pocket or bi-folding doors when not in use – a bonus in a hectic multifunctional kitchen-living space. For in-depth breakfast cupboard design ideas, click here.

The kitchen pantry

When planning your walk-in pantry, determine where you can place it and how much space you can allocate to it. Ventilation and temperature are key considerations when deciding on its location, to ensure whatever you keep in the larder stays cool and fresh.

The pantry is now a catch-all for storing not just non-perishables, but also bulky appliances such as juicers, mixers and blenders; even fruit and vegetables are best stored here rather than in the fridge, and may even last longer and taste better. And, if you’ve got ample space, consider plumbing in an extra sink and a second dishwasher for extra practicality.

In terms of aesthetics, the walk-in pantry should feel like a natural extension of the kitchen, but the latest trend is concealing your design behind secret ‘Narnia’ doors. Click here for more expert advice.

The utility room

A small but mighty space, a utility room often has multiple uses, so its location can be flexible. If its primary use is for laundry, designers recommend integrating a boot room within this space, especially if there’s a direct door to the outdoors. Alternatively, if you’re using your utility room as a prep or back kitchen, it’s best to position it near your main kitchen for practicality.

It’s also important to maximise the layout and internal storage to prevent it from turning into a dumping ground. More often than not, space is at a premium, so many designers advise stacking your washing machine and tumble dryer, leaving you with more room on your worktops and around your sink. 

Wall-hung designs are your friend in the utility, as well as built-in cabinetry. Discover more storage ideas and how to make this space work harder here.

Featured image from left: Middleton Country cabinetry in Middleton Marsh; Walk-in pantry by Luckin Kitchens. Photography: Sarah Griggs; Nickleby cabinetry in Trim by Humphrey Munson, from £18,000, excluding appliances. Photography: Paul Craig.

Enjoyed this post? Click here for ways to have a secondary storage room next to your kitchen

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