Lack of Storage
A common issue, particularly in compact kitchens is inadequate storage. And when cupboards are at capacity, benchtops often bear the brunt as a dumping ground, causing clutter which further compromises your prep space.
The solution can be to use your walls more effectively. Look to incorporate overhead cabinetry and take it to the ceiling. This could mean reducing the size of a window to allow for a bank of high set cupboards or installing a pull-out pantry to accommodate more in a compact space.
An island can also work twice as hard with storage running along the two longest sides. Instead of under-bench cupboards, a more user-friendly option is deep drawers with dividers.
Minimal bench space
As the kitchen is often the heart of the home, it’s important to create a space suitable for meal prep as well as socialising. If you don’t have space for a luxuriously long island, another option in more square or U shaped layouts is to include a deep central island with a breakfast bar on the side, teamed with stools. This creates a generous workspace with a social/entertaining zone on the periphery.
Poor workflow
Where appliances sit far apart or in impractical corners away from prep areas or a microwave takes up precious bench space, think about stacking your appliances such as the oven, microwave and dish-warming drawer to create an easy work/prep zone. Bosch appliances (above), for example, are great to look at and when stacked and aligned can create a stunning feature wall of kitchen tech.
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