How to Double Your Kitchen Workspace
Space-expanding solutions for your kitchen workspace, so you can have more room to prep
I can’t even begin to tell you how many people have defended their eating out habits to me because they ‘don’t have room in the kitchen’. Sure, having skimpy bench space can be a huge hindrance, but a solution needn’t be put in the too-hard basket. Whether you’re planning a kitchen from scratch, or just need a quick fix, these smart ideas will help maximise your kitchen quarters and give you more room to prep – so your inner gourmet can really shine.
Find more inspiration from thousands of kitchen photos
Find more inspiration from thousands of kitchen photos
Slide away. Nifty pull-out drawers are a great space-expanding solution. They can fit snugly under just about any surface – underneath the microwave or higher up above – which means you can benefit from different worktop heights, too. Different workspace heights gives you flexibility with tasks and accommodates different people’s statures.
Find the missing piece. This pull-out bench reminds me of a jigsaw puzzle, the way its carefully considered dimensions fit perfectly under the benchtop and around other kitchen necessities, so not an inch of space goes unused. The bonus that comes with this type of kitchen addition is that it can double as an eat-in kitchen space and can set down just about anywhere within your house, should the need arise.
Go vertical. Sometimes the only direction left to build is up. A raised benchtop can double your workspace, and can also act as a separate eating area when accompanied by some stools. S2 Architects chose slender support beams, so as to take up minimal space, and secured them in a cantilevered fashion that was least obstructing to the existing workspace.
Roll in, roll out. Just think how much more prep space you’d have if you could pull out your kitchen cabinetry and work on top of it. If you’ve got an unused void under your benchtop, try adding a cabinet on wheels. This one doubles as a chopping block and could even be used as a bar cart when guests are over.
Wheels in the kitchen have a multi-functional edge and can save you lots of room. This rolling cart, for instance, can be used as a prep zone, stores kitchenware and could also work as a serving table or drink stand. The trick is to find a little nook for it (not necessarily in the kitchen) when not in use.
Put it on the chopping block. Chopping boards can be used for more than just slicing and dicing. Simply lay a large chopping board over your sink or cooktop and voila, more kitchen workspace. You could even have one custom-made to fit neatly over your sink, like the one shown here.
Hide behind. Consider making room for a bench within your cupboard or pantry. This large cupboard provides a workstation and ample storage area for food and appliances. Floating shelves don’t impede the workspace and bi-fold doors hide away the clutter. Also great if you can position it in the dining room as a prep zone, or in the hallway, to save on essential space in the kitchen.
More cleverly concealed kitchen storage spaces
More cleverly concealed kitchen storage spaces
Lay it out on the table
If space permits, add a table or breakfast nook. The homeowners of this kitchen didn’t want the clunky effect of sitting at bar stools, so they divided the island in half to form a table-height eat-at counter. However, any type of table will do – you don’t necessarily have to build in this feature. Adding a small existing table from around your house, whether table height or at the same level of your benchtop, will add a new dimension to your kitchen, and more workspace, to boot.
If space permits, add a table or breakfast nook. The homeowners of this kitchen didn’t want the clunky effect of sitting at bar stools, so they divided the island in half to form a table-height eat-at counter. However, any type of table will do – you don’t necessarily have to build in this feature. Adding a small existing table from around your house, whether table height or at the same level of your benchtop, will add a new dimension to your kitchen, and more workspace, to boot.
The placement of something as simple as a table can also transform your workspace. Consider making the dining table an integral part of your kitchen, so it can double as a workspace when the troops have yet to be seated.
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How have you maximised or added more workspace to your kitchen? Show us a picture or tell us in the Comments section.
Find a kitchen designer in your area
TELL US
How have you maximised or added more workspace to your kitchen? Show us a picture or tell us in the Comments section.
TIP: If installing an appliance garage, don’t forget to plan for electrical outlets.
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