Gone are the days when we lived in homes with opulent reception rooms and kitchens large enough to cater for a small army. Nowadays it is all about open-plan entertainment areas or cramped modern living. So what do we do if we want to still have a functioning kitchen but don’t have the space to do it? We get creative of course! Here are some kitchen space-saving solutions for you:
Maximise your wall space by going to the ceiling with shelving. High shelving isn’t going to be useful for everyday items or groceries, but it will take care of all the vases, platters and pretty things you seldom use but love.
There is nothing worse for your creativity than feeling cramped and unable to prep properly. Reclaim your counter space by using rails with hooks as your utensils can then hang on the wall making them accessible but not ‘counter thieves’.
Make the most of your cupboard space by using the inside of the doors where you can. A small rail or a few strategically placed nails can accommodate the pot lids. Spice racks can also be used on cupboard doors to hold soup packets or Ziploc bags. The possibilities are endless.
In addition, invest in some space-saving gadgets: Racks for wine glasses that hang under the top cupboards; over-door rails to hold your potholders and dishcloths; plate stackers; spice racks to name a few.
Another cupboard space-saver is to hang your pots on a rack above the stove. In years gone by, gorgeous copper pots would often hang above the stove. Make it a feature in your kitchen and you’ll free up lots of space in your cupboard.
The use of a moveable butcher block (or island) will give you storage space and additional counter space. If you make or buy one, make sure that is has shelving underneath it for preps bowls and appliances.
Storage of your large platters and items you only take out once a year could be stored in cupboards elsewhere in the home (space permitting). These will still be accessible if you keep them in the dining room sideboards or even the hallway cupboard.
Tame your ‘tupperware’ cupboard by limiting the amount you buy and going through your ‘stock’ every 6 months. Ditch the lids that are cracked and the bottoms that don’t have lids. When organizing these, stack similar ones together and keep large storage Tupperware separate from smaller ones you use every day. Keep lids separate too. (Although on this point I am certain we won’t find consensus as everyone has their own take on taming this cupboard.)
We all need groceries but they do tend to take lots of space. If your kitchen is cramped, think carefully about how your groceries will be stored as well as what they will be stored in. Get containers that will stack well and consider the depth and the height of the cupboard in which they will be stored. Then arrange items by group, not by size and remember to keep groceries you use most regularly in the front and at eye-level.
Finally, use lighting and colour to make your small space seem larger. Our eyes often play tricks on us, and the change of wall colour and additional lighting will make your cramped kitchen feel light and spacious.
Happy cooking!
