In our experience of designing and installing custom kitchens in Liverpool, one of the most common questions we get asked is how to create more bench space in the kitchen. After all, you can never have too much food preparation space!
Here are some of our favourite solutions for freeing up your kitchen worktops and creating the ultimate functional, space-saving kitchen.
1. Add open shelving
Many of us like to keep our most frequently used items easily accessible, which is why kitchen worktops are so often used as storage space. One solution is to create an “extra level” by adding open shelving above your counter tops. This means all your favourite cooking items are still within easy reach, but it leaves your worktops free for food preparation.
It also looks neat, and is ideal for creating a homely feel in your kitchen.
2. Include hooks
If you currently use your bench tops to store your favourite utensils, pots and pans, there’s a better way! By installing hooks in the walls, you can still have your best items on display, but no longer cluttering your kitchen counters.
By hanging decorative baskets from the hooks, you can also create storage for all your cooking essentials like olive oil, spices and condiments.
Hooks don’t even always have to go on the walls! You can store smaller items out of sight by installing hooks in the backs of your cabinet doors.
3. Invest in removable sink inserts
When your sink isn’t in use, the space can come in handy as an additional food preparation area. More and more people are now opting for removable sink inserts, which fit over your sink to create more bench space.
Some of the smartest options even come with integrated chopping boards and mixing bowls, for the ultimate convenience.
4. Choose a wall-mounted drying rack
Dishes can take up valuable bench space while they’re drying, but this doesn’t have to be the case. A wall-mounted drying rack can be installed above your sink, allowing the dishes to drain while leaving your bench tops tidy and clutter-free.
5. Use the space on top of your kitchen cabinets
Kitchen counter space is often taken up with items that you don’t use very often. Provided your kitchen cabinets are strong, these infrequently-used items can be stored on top of them. This makes the best use of the available space in your kitchen, and is also a great solution for keeping items like blenders out of the reach of children.
Make sure you keep a step-ladder handy for when you need to reach them – for safety reasons, don’t try to pull things down from above your head.
6. Consult a professional kitchen designer
The best way to maximise space on your kitchen worktops is to consult an experienced designer. They will be able to plan a kitchen specifically designed to fit the size and shape of your room. They know all the best storage solutions to use, and will plan your bench tops to give you the largest possible food preparation areas.
If you’d like more information and ideas about maximising your kitchen worktop space, please get in touch. As designers and installers of custom fitted kitchens in Liverpool, we have plenty of expertise to share, and we’re always happy to advise.