Making Sense of Storage: Some Inspired Ideas
By Linda Parker
Providing superb storage is one of the requirements that every kitchen designer has to address to be able to present perfect plan for a new kitchen space. Here we’re bringing you some thoughtful observations as well as other new ideas for stylish kitchens…
BESPOKE PANTRY FROM MAKERS WITH AMPLE STORAGE AND SPICE RACKS
Storage concepts have moved dramatically in recent years… It’s no longer a matter of cramming in as many shelves as possible, it’s about providing logical, easy to use and beautifully presented space that will enhance a kitchen. Lizzie Spinks, Head of Sales & Design, Makers, says ‘A balanced mix of drawers and shelves is best. Specify spice racks on the insides of the double doors to maximise storage space in a bespoke pantry’.
DARK OAK BESPOKE PANTRY WITH VEGETABLE DRAWER FROM MAKERS
Lizzie Spinks suggests including vegetable drawers as a very practical addition. ‘A mesh-fronted drawer is a Makers option, with the advantage of the visibility of the contents and it’s a beautiful feature in its own right. Bronze mesh is particularly popular, bringing warmth to the scheme as well as an edgy, slightly industrial look’.
POCKET DOORS FROM MAKERS CAN CONCEAL A MULTITUDE OF STORAGE IDEAS
Bespoke cupboards, such as a Breakfast Cupboard or a Bar/Cocktail Cupboard can conceal a busy area when it’s not actively in use. Lizzie Spinks, Makers, adds ‘Pocket doors are brilliant for areas that have more use at certain times of day. When the breakfast area or bar area is in use, pocket doors can be fully opened – and closed up afterwards for a clean and tidy kitchen look’.
INTEGRAGED WINE FRIDGE AND INTERIOR LIGHTING FROM MAKERS
Interior lighting adds another layer of luxury to a bespoke dark oak Breakfast Cupboard from Makers. Lizzie Spinks suggest incorporating warm strip lighting to the interior of the cabinet. ‘Allocate space for the drinks fridge/wine cooler and position the coffee maker there too, then everything drinks-related is to hand’ she advises.
UPLIFTING IDEAS USING AVENTOS TOP BY BLUM – THE NEW INNOVATION
Designers can take advantage of a greater level of design freedom offered by AVENTOS top, which allows the entire front of a cabinet to be raised up, and consequently providing full and easy access to the whole cabinet interior. AVENTOS top is designed to be compact – within the cabinet itself and the warehouse setting too. As far as the UK is concerned the shallower depth fits within standard UK-sized cabinetry, so no complicated calculations are required. Small solutions, but with big impacts on living spaces. Designers and homeowners can find out more here.
NEW SURFACE DESIGN INSPIRATION FROM FLORIM STONE
Florim Stone launched a range of new product designs during Milan Design Week 2025. Florim’s porcelain stoneware surfaces provide design excellence and functionality for kitchen and bathroom surfaces, which are NSF certified, safe for use in direct contact with food and food zones. The Florim range has a palette featuring over 50 shades, and the 320mm x 160mm format slabs are available in 6mm, 12mm and 200mm thicknesses so can be used throughout a project. The new collection includes Stone Dijon, shown here, inspired by French limestone and Dijon stone.
THE NEW BRUTON COLLECTION FROM MORGAN IN COLLABORATION WITH STUDIO SMITHMATTHIAS
Due to launch at Clerkenwell Design Week this May, British furniture designer/manufacturer Morgan, in partnership with SmithMatthias has produced Bruton, a modular furniture system using 100% natural materials and entirely without petroleum-based foam. It’s produced at the Morgan factory, which uses 86% renewable energy and is 50% powered by solar panels. Erin Johnson, Design Director at Morgan, says ‘We wanted to create a collection that challenges the conventions of modular seating. Our focus was to develop a system both structured and inviting, without relying on standard contract specification foams. Natural materials presented a challenge, but informed the design in exciting ways’.
RAKINO FROM MORGAN ALSO SHOWING ATA CLERKENWELL DESIGN WEEK
As week as showing Bruton, the Morgan team will also be presenting the Rakino collection of furniture designed by Tim Rundle. Rakino from Morgan sees the addition of a new timber-back dining chair and a selection of dining tables. Softened, organic edges feature within the designs. Jack Smith, co-founder, SmithMatthias says ‘Morgan’s openness to exploring new materials and techniques has allowed us to push the boundaries of sustainable furniture design. We have been able to maintain the integrity of using 100% natural materials without compromise’.
FIRED EARTH LAUNCH SECOND TILE COLLECTION WITH NINA CAMPBELL
The second collection from Fired Earth & Nina Campbell features three new designs. It was inspired by interior designer Nina Campbell’s travels to India and her passion for the shapes and patterns found in India’s grand palaces and architecture. There are three decorative designs and two plain colours added to the Rivage collection – Eucalyptus and Taupe. Each design is hand painted. Shown here clockwise, Goa Indigo, Cochin Blue, Udaipur, Cochin Green and Rivage in Eucalyptus and Taupe.
NEW MARIS CARE SINK FROM FRANKE FOR ACCESSIBLE LIVING KITCHEN DESIGNS
Designers looking for a sink that is ergonomically designed to work beautifully for food prep and clearing up can consider the new Maris Care Bowl sink from Franke. In Fragranite in Matt Black, Stone Grey or Polar White it measures 596mm x 422mm x 127mm deep. The reduced depth allows space beneath the cabinetry for wheelchair-users, or for a person who prefers to sit at the sink, to be able to adjusts their kitchen cabinet layout accordingly.
NEW BAR STOOLS FROM ROCKET ST GEORGE FOR A STYLISH NEW KITCHEN PROJECT
We rather like the look of these swanky new Blake bar stools from Rockett St George, they are just right for adding a luxury finish touch to a new kitchen-dining-entertaining space. The faux-leather shade here is Champagne Neutral, and it’s also available in Forest Green.
CROWN IMPERIAL HIGHLIGHT HIDDEN STORAGE WITH AVENTOS
Sophie Devonald, Designer at Crown Imperial has highlighted hidden storage and open shelving to add practicality as well as a light and airy feel to the kitchen. Crown Frameworks offers open shelving to maximise space underneath cabinetry, whilst AVENTOS HK-Top Stay Lift on the cabinetry above provides instant and easy access to everyday essentials.
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