Making Space

It can be hard to keep a busy kitchen clean and organised. Try out these aesthetically pleasing storage solutions to create a well-organised kitchen.

Fold It

Photograph: Murray Fredericks; Interior Design: Tribe Studio Architects

Use bi-folding slide-away doors to neatly conceal a shelving unit when not in use. It will save space and provide a clean aesthetic when both open and closed. ‘It’s also great for hiding dirty dishes at the end of a dinner party,’ says architect Hannah Tribe. Who to contact

Independent Woodworks are experts in joinery and will custom make your cabinets according to your kitchen’s specific needs.

To the Ceiling

Photograph: Dook

Floor-to-ceiling cupboards are an ideal way to maximise storage space. Recreate this look

Choose cabinet doors with a simple detail – such as these done in a shaker style – to add architectural detailing with a light appearance. Go to Easylife Kitchens for a full turnkey kitchen-design service.

Through the Glass

Photograph: Line Thit Klein

The use of glass panels on upper cabinet doors adds interest by breaking up the monotony of solid cupboard façades. What’s the secret

Store crockery in these semi-exposed cupboards – stacks of plates and bowls are easy to keep tidy. Reto Kitchens is the best at this style.

Keep it Open

Photograph: Jean-Marc Wullschleger / Living Agency

Open shelving is a low-maintenance way to create interest on a bare wall and also provides easy access to essentials. Where to go

For a DIY solution, get timber shelves and shelf brackets from Builders Warehouse or contact The Kitchen Studio for a professional service.

Mind your head

Photograph: John Granen; Architects: Deforest Architects; Interior Design: Nancy Burfiend

Add versatility to your standard cabinet storage by hanging pots and pans above countertops. Hanging rails with butcher hooks look great above a kitchen island. ‘This particular pot rack incorporates concealed lighting and keeps frequently used items close at hand,’ says designer

Go to Sybaris Kitchens for a modern interpretation of this traditional feature.

Marvellous Marble

Photograph: Roger Davies

A slick marble top is a sure-fire way to glam up any kitchen. Get the look

Lars Nielsen from Natural Stone Warehouse recommends Volokas marble– its colour makes it a very versatile choice that goes with many different kitchen styles. ‘We suggest the honed or matt finish for a kitchen surface, because acidic substances can dull a polished finish over time.’

Scandinavian Simplicity

Photograph: Jacqui Way; Design: OSR Building and Interior Design

Mix a warm yellow timber, such as Oregon pine, with a slate-coloured top for a Scandinavian-inspired look. Whats the secret

Try Neolith in Basalt Black– its sintered porcelain countertop is similar to this one. It is incredible heat-resistant, which means that you can place hot pots on the surface without damaging it and its durability means that you can cut directly on the surface without it being scratched or chipped.

Stainless Steel

Photograph: Pete Maltbie

This stainless-steel island top paired with surrounding timber cabinetry creates interesting contrast. The key points

Cabinetworks owner Andy De Klerk used stainless steel because ‘on a functional level it introduces unrivalled hygiene as well as versatility’. The use of black ghost glass is an interesting decor element because it reflects like a mirror but is also semi-transparent.