Kitchen Planning: Ingenious Ways to Expand Your Kitchen Worktop
Make your kitchen worktop do double duty with these space-maximising tips
I can’t even begin to tell you how many people have defended their eating-out habits to me because they ‘don’t have room in the kitchen’. Sure, having skimpy worktop space can be a huge hindrance, but a solution needn’t be put in the too-hard basket. Whether you’re planning a kitchen from scratch, or just need a quick fix, these smart ideas will help maximise your kitchen quarters and give you more room to prep – so your inner gourmet can really shine.
Slide it away
Nifty pull-out drawers are a great space-expanding solution. They can fit snugly under just about any surface – underneath the microwave or higher up above – which means you can benefit from different worktop heights, too. Different workspace heights gives you flexibility with tasks and accommodate different people’s statures.
Nifty pull-out drawers are a great space-expanding solution. They can fit snugly under just about any surface – underneath the microwave or higher up above – which means you can benefit from different worktop heights, too. Different workspace heights gives you flexibility with tasks and accommodate different people’s statures.
Find the missing piece
This pull-out table reminds me of a jigsaw puzzle, the way its carefully considered dimensions fit perfectly under the worktop and around other kitchen essentials, so not an inch of space goes unused. The bonus that comes with this type of addition is that it can turn your kitchen into an eat-in space and can be set down just about anywhere within your house, should the need arise.
This pull-out table reminds me of a jigsaw puzzle, the way its carefully considered dimensions fit perfectly under the worktop and around other kitchen essentials, so not an inch of space goes unused. The bonus that comes with this type of addition is that it can turn your kitchen into an eat-in space and can be set down just about anywhere within your house, should the need arise.
Go vertical
Sometimes the only direction left to build is up. A raised worktop can double your workspace, and can also act as a separate eating area when accompanied by some stools. S2 Architects chose slender support beams, so as to take up minimal space, and secured them in a cantilevered fashion that was least obstructing to the existing workspace.
Sometimes the only direction left to build is up. A raised worktop can double your workspace, and can also act as a separate eating area when accompanied by some stools. S2 Architects chose slender support beams, so as to take up minimal space, and secured them in a cantilevered fashion that was least obstructing to the existing workspace.
Roll in, roll out
Just think how much more prep space you’d have if you could pull out your kitchen cabinetry and work on top of it. If you have an unused void under your worktop, try adding a cabinet on wheels. This one doubles as a chopping block and could even be used as a bar cart when guests are over.
Just think how much more prep space you’d have if you could pull out your kitchen cabinetry and work on top of it. If you have an unused void under your worktop, try adding a cabinet on wheels. This one doubles as a chopping block and could even be used as a bar cart when guests are over.
Wheels in the kitchen have a multi-functional edge and can save you lots of room. This rolling cart, for instance, can be used as a prep zone, stores kitchenware and could also work as a serving table or drinks stand. The trick is to find a little nook for it (not necessarily in the kitchen) when not in use.
Put it on the chopping block
Chopping boards can be used for more than just slicing and dicing. Simply lay a large chopping board over your sink or hob and, voila, more kitchen worktop space. You could even have one custom-made to fit neatly over your sink, like the one shown here.
Chopping boards can be used for more than just slicing and dicing. Simply lay a large chopping board over your sink or hob and, voila, more kitchen worktop space. You could even have one custom-made to fit neatly over your sink, like the one shown here.
Tuck a worktop in a cupboard
Consider making room for a bench within your cupboard or pantry. This large cupboard provides a worktop and ample storage for food and appliances. Floating shelves don’t impede the work space and bifold doors hide away the clutter. It’s also great if you can position it in the dining room as a prep zone, or in the hallway, to save on essential space in the kitchen.
Browse a selection of stylish pantries
Consider making room for a bench within your cupboard or pantry. This large cupboard provides a worktop and ample storage for food and appliances. Floating shelves don’t impede the work space and bifold doors hide away the clutter. It’s also great if you can position it in the dining room as a prep zone, or in the hallway, to save on essential space in the kitchen.
Browse a selection of stylish pantries
Lay it out on the table
If space permits, add a table or breakfast nook. The owners of this kitchen didn’t want the clunky effect of sitting at bar stools, so they divided the island in half to form a table-height eat-at counter. However, any type of table will do – you don’t necessarily have to build in this feature. Adding a small existing table from around your house, whether table height or at the same level as your worktop, will add a new dimension to your kitchen, and more workspace, to boot.
If space permits, add a table or breakfast nook. The owners of this kitchen didn’t want the clunky effect of sitting at bar stools, so they divided the island in half to form a table-height eat-at counter. However, any type of table will do – you don’t necessarily have to build in this feature. Adding a small existing table from around your house, whether table height or at the same level as your worktop, will add a new dimension to your kitchen, and more workspace, to boot.
The placement of something as simple as a table can also transform your workspace. Consider making the dining table an integral part of your kitchen, so it can double as a workspace when the troops have yet to be seated.
TELL US…
How have you maximised or added more work space to your kitchen? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
TELL US…
How have you maximised or added more work space to your kitchen? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
If your kitchen workspace is limited, the first thing you should do is free up your worktop. As much as you may love that toaster of yours, unless you use it on a regular basis, you really should store it away. Consider installing an appliance garage to reduce worktop clutter but maintain accessibility. The same goes for cookbooks, salt and pepper shakers and food containers – if they’re currently lining your worktop, try finding them a new home.
TIP If installing an appliance garage, don’t forget to plan for electrical outlets.
See 10 ways to get the most out of your kitchen storage