No matter how much effort you put into your kitchen storage ideas, it feels like there is always something that gets lost at the back of a cupboard. Whether it's the extra parts to a food processor or ingredients that go far past their best-before date, dead space at the back of cupboards causes so much frustration.
It often means that instead of regular organisation maintenance, you result in needing to do a 'take it all out and start again' approach to cleaning, which can be arduous. While there are many storage solutions you can buy to help solve this issue, fixing the design flaw will make your life far easier.
So, I've spoken to kitchen design experts to discover the design tricks that will make your cupboards work for you, rather than against you.
1. Deeper cupboards aren't always better
'One of the biggest mistakes in kitchen design is creating cupboards or drawers that are deeper than they are practical,' explains Tom Howley, creative design director at the eponymous kitchen company.
It's easy to think that deep cupboards are the solution to creating more storage in a kitchen, but actually they can work against you.
'While extra depth might seem like you're gaining storage, it often results in items disappearing into the back, where they're forgotten or difficult to reach,' Tom adds.
Opting for regular depth cupboards means you can create functional organisation, and it will be much easier to stay on top of.
2. Plan for specific purposes
Storage is one of the most important conversations to have in the design planning process. Understanding not only how much storage you need, but also what each cupboard and drawer will be used for, will avoid any wasted space.
Whether it is space for small appliances, cookware or pantry goods, planning around those items can help determine the depth, shelf space and configuration needed within the kitchen. A well thought out kitchen is less about as much storage as possible and more about ensuring it is usable,' explains Ntola Obazee, brand director at Kutchenhaus.
Tom Howley adds, 'Wider drawers are often more efficient than deep cupboards because everything is visible from above, while pull-out larder units and internal drawers make the full depth of a cabinet accessible.'
3. Pay attention to corners
Corner cupboards can be the biggest culprit for losing kitchenware, with the tricky construction meaning that it's hard to access.
'Corners deserve particular attention too. Rather than leaving awkward voids, thoughtful layouts can incorporate corner drawers, angled cabinets, or accessible corner mechanisms, depending on the design,' Tom explains.
Think about what you are going to use a corner cupboard for - if it's small appliances then opt for a pull-out storage system that comes up to worktop height to avoid injuring yourself. Alternatively, a carousel with smaller shelves will be great for storing pantry-style items.
Shop space-saving cupboard storage solutions
If a kitchen redesign isn't possible right now, then there are a number of storage solutions you can buy to avoid wasting any dead space at the back of a cupboard. Here are my picks.
If you have a disorganised corner cupboard, adding this unit in retrospectively will allow you to access the back with ease.
Storage for herbs and seasonings can be difficult to manage - this handy two-tier unit means you can see everything and access the back of the bottom rack.
If you're finding that there is wasted space on your shelves in a cupboard, add this easy pull=out self to maximise the storage potential for the full height.
Another simple way to optimise your kitchen storage is by choosing nesting or stackable products where possible - this handy shopping edit has options for every type of kitchen essential.
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