Kitchen
lide out storage for the lower section of the cabinet Most under-sink cabinets have restricted depth due to pipes and plumbing. Adding sliding storage to the lowest part of the cabinet is great for addressing access into these hard-to-reach areas. This is more true if you have a shelf in the middle. Slide-out bins come in a wide range of depths so it may be an option. Tip: Consider practical issues for the placement (and size) of your bin. A bin placed directly under the sink may create access issues if you have a large family or a very busy kitchen.
This is a clever use of space. The narrow section in front of the sink is generally overlooked and considered far too small. Converting the space into a tilt drawer is a great way of storing all the small items that are constantly used. Tip: It’s important to check the hardware materials and the warranty to ensure it’s suitable for wet items. These space-saving storage options can be a pricey inclusion, so make it an investment that will last.
Similar to the drawer, these wire U-shaped drawers provide more air circulation and better drying for sponges and wet items. This solution is a little less flexible, so will require mixing and matching to make them fit around the sink and still be compatible with the cabinet size. Tip: As noted earlier, using regular chromed or coated steel (ie, not stainless or aluminium) can lead to rusting surfaces over time.
JACK ROSEN CUSTOM KITCHENS SaveEmail Upper cabinet sections A U-shaped drawer can be made to suit the shape of your sink. It’s a very flexible solution and uses the nooks on each side of the sink, which would otherwise be wasted. Tip: If using a drawer, ensure the edges are kept as dry as possible (or sealed) to prevent damage if the drawer is made using a timber-based board.
Timber-based shelves Where you have a shelf or are considering a drawer (or anything that has a timber/melamine base) be sure to keep them dry. In just about all under-sink areas that I’ve had in my home, the shelf had to eventually be removed due to swelling in the melamine. If timber-based products are your only option, try to seal the edges as best as possible, or store only dry items in this area. Timber-based drawers are generally an expensive inclusion, so it’s best to avoid the replacement costs.
Stick to a theme In the kitchen, ancient plastic beakers and containers are best hidden away in a cupboard, but open shelves are great for displaying pretty matching glassware. Here, triangular sections on the end act as both brackets and useful ‘bookends’, while cup hooks underneath provide another handy storage option.
Show off a collection If you really want your shelving set-up to be beautiful, why not use it to display something you collect? Whether that’s tea cups, 1950s glassware or pottery, your arrangement can really elevate a nondescript space. To make the biggest impact, display your objects on a series of shelves instead of just one long shelf. You’ll need to think about the scale of the items you want to put on display, and then size the gaps between your shelves to suit.
Shorter shelf under other shelves tiles
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