Sandgate Kitchen
Under-sink cleverness Despite being an area that’s generally dedicated to cleaning products, the under-sink cupboard is often the messiest part of the kitchen, with plumbing and pipes and the sink bowl itself negating any functionality. Damp dishcloths and paper towels tangle with plastic bags; bottles of detergent and insect spray tumble about, and you can never quite put your hand on the item you actually need.
Using just one or two glass doors toward one end of the island also gives a feeling of openness and lightness, and it breaks up a bold colour choice, such as this rich purple, to give a sense of balance. It’s perfectly suited to cabinets that store attractive glassware, serving dishes or display pieces, especially as it allows guests a peek inside so they know exactly which cabinet to open.
In either of these cases, consider getting the best of both worlds by putting seating and deep cabinets next to each other. This kitchen (the same one as the previous image) has just enough seats for a small group to gather around and chat with the chef, while the rest of the island is devoted to easily accessed storage.
Half doors, half seating Some islands don’t have enough depth to include two-sided storage cabinets with seating in front like the past few examples do. Also, in many open-layout kitchens, it isn’t really necessary to include a large number of seats at the island when a larger dining area is available just steps away.
13. Enclosed rubbish and recycling Bins take up floor space, can smell bad and are a source of mayhem for family pets. Hidden storage is optimal, but if you don’t have that option, at least make sure your containers have lids. Keeping bins and bags together makes it easy to separate waste and recyclables. Cabinets can be retrofitted to house custom pullout containers, but if you’re looking for an easy solution, check out popular retailers like Kmart and Ikea for a variety of bins that will work to fit your existing space.
12. A well-defined catch-all space Daily life makes it impossible to have an organised home 24/7. Papers, keys, footwear, water bottles, bags and other various items tend to pile up quickly in certain areas. Avoid surface clutter by giving each of your things a designated home. Keys, mail, phone chargers and pens should all have a dedicated landing spot, whether it’s a full-fledged, built-in command centre, the back of a cabinet or organised space inside a closet.
9. Sturdy hardware Protect your cabinets with hardware. Over time, oil from hands can wear down the finish and dirty up or scratch the paint. Avoid unnecessary wear and tear with sleek pulls or knobs that will extend the life of your cabinetry. Look for a solid metal or something sturdy with substantial weight. It will benefit you – and your cabinets – in the long run.
8. Dedicated appliance storage Hidden storage for small appliances frees up bench space for more valuable uses. When designing your kitchen or renovating cabinets, consider adding an appliance garage to keep your tools tucked away. Homeowners also can convert an existing cabinet by installing pullout shelves that offer quick and easy access to appliances when you need them. Whatever you do, assign a designated space for each gadget so they don’t end up awkwardly stacked on top of the fridge or out on the benchtop. Kitchen design solutions you didn’t know existed
7. Pullout corner storage Clever cabinet organisers offer easier accessibility and help maximise the otherwise dead space where your Tupperware lids are probably hiding. You can find a multitude of products like this online or through your local cabinetry company, and most corner features can be retrofitted to your existing cabinetry.
6. Pot and pan (and lid) organisation If you are able to grab a pot or pan and its lid without shuffling the rest of your cookware around, you’re golden. Hanging them from hooks is a great way to achieve this feat and make efficient use of vertical space. The pullout cabinet organiser seen here glides out of any standard base cabinet for easy access to pots and pans, and it can be adapted for use in pantries, closets and other areas of the home.
Organisation for food storage containers always seems to be an afterthought (and one of the messiest parts of most kitchens). How many times have you reached for a piece of Tupperware only to find its corresponding lid has vanished? Cabinets eat loose lids, so keep them together. We prefer glass storage for food as it is microwaveable and stays in good shape longer.
5. Organised drawers Divide and conquer! Save your time and sanity by keeping things neat and easy to find. Inserts and dividers add structure to drawers where loose items tend to pile up. Having designated spaces for all odds and ends will help you avoid overflow. When shopping for organisers, remember to first measure your drawers. Avoid cheap plastic options that warp over time, and instead search for something just as durable as the cabinetry. Utensil storage is key. It’s better (and cleaner) to neatly tuck away tools than to have a bouquet of spatulas sitting out on the benchtop.
Grey, timber and white
Classy and love the lighting
Colour
Not white
Sleek, artwork, grey and timber
Beach style
2. Repeat it Contrast shiny white lower cabinets with warm wood uppers. This row of high wall-mounted cabinets is covered with a dark wood that matches the flooring and contrasts with the white floor-mounted cabinetry below. The addition of a wood panel on the side of the island bench ties the two tones together.
Timber brings warmth
Cool lights
Features: Using the end of your kitchen island for a wine-storage cubby is a great use of space and keeps bottles within easy reach for the chef
Features: Specifying the same timber tones for your kitchen and living room joinery is a clever way to create a sense of cohesion between the two different spaces
The bins, in sky blue and lime green, are made by and available through Blakes of Sydney
WHAT IS A PORCELAIN OR SINTERED COMPACT SURFACE?
An oversize square benchtop mimics the shape of the dining table and provides plenty of space for guests to pull up a chair with a glass of wine while the chef is busy prepping dinner
7. Lighting “Feature lighting over island benches is still trending and it can really define your space. There is so much great lighting out there, but you need to choose one that complements the style of your home. And don’t forget to put the lights on a dimmer
Top tips for a perfect kitchen island layout: 1. Keep seating localised in one area, so everyone can have access to the island. 2. Set up plates and cutlery at one end when entertaining and food at the other for an instant self-serve buffet, perfect for feeding a crowd. 3. Incorporate storage into the island to service both sides - draws on the kitchen side and open shelving where it faces the living room to display objects and keep cookbooks within easy reach
Lighting bar
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