Kitchens often constitute the hub of the home, where people get together to prepare food, eat, watch TV and talk on the ‘phone. With all that activity, it isn’t surprising that clutter begins to accumulate and surfaces disappear. Creating logical and useful storage can really assist with the smooth running of the kitchen.

We don’t all posses a spacious larder, but we can still take advantage of smart ideas to bring organization and harmony to one of our most important rooms.

• Pot Racks. The option to suspend your pots and pans above the hob isn’t a new one, but it certainly means that they will be accessible and that you are able to consequently free-up room in your kitchen cupboards.
• Carousel shelves. This ingenious idea allows for a lot of storage without straining to reach the back of the cupboard. Wire or opaque shelves are available and swivel out for accessibility. If your kitchen didn’t come complete with these you can still purchase them and fit them yourself with a little effort.
• Door-mounted storage racks. This is a great solution for the back of your kitchen door, enabling you to stack your spices, canned-goods and pasta sauces etc. Again, you are creating further room in other areas by utilizing this normally ‘dead-space’.
• Shelves. It’s simple but it works. Putting-up shelves is a cost-effective solution which can help with maintaining clear work-tops. It’s a great way to display celebrity cookbooks and treasured knick-knacks.
• In-cupboard/under sink bin. If space really is at a premium in your kitchen, attaching a small bin to the inside of a cupboard (probably under your sink) may be an option. You won’t lose much storage as you can still keep items under there, but you will now have extra floor space.
• Folding table. Your kitchen may not be large enough to take a full size table and chair set, but you may be able to accommodate a small, folding table and chairs. They can be stored on hooks when not in use.