Page 20 - Designing Ways 289

KSA

KSA update,

April 2025.

Making the most out of a

small kitchen

odern living, and in particular
city living has seen the space
Mof our living spaces get smaller
and smaller. This has posed the challenge
of how to reduce the footprint of the
traditionally large South African kitchen
to a small, compact space without losing
storage, preparation area and the sense
of space to any large degree. Homes
are getting smaller but our kitchens are
getting bigger. Fortunately, there are ways draws that pull out and allow the appliance underside of the sink and the pipe work.
to maximise the usable space in your to be used in situ. Make use of storage Drawer runners are now available that
kitchen and ensure you get the best use of to accommodate knives and cooking will allow for drawer units under the sink
the small space. utensils or hang them on the wall. There to clear the plumbing works, allowing you
In order to maximise your worksurface are a variety of attractive ways to hang to capitalize on this extra bit of storage
area it is important to design your kitchen your utensils that can add to your kitchen space that is often overlooked.
giving at least one spot where there is aesthetic. New hardware innovations Give some thought to your sink –
a minimum run of 900cm - 1.5m of now also make it possible to have pull-out size, configuration, drainage etc. Going
undisturbed countertop space. Small countertops. This allows you to pull the smaller because your space is smaller can
appliances tend to be the greatest thief of additional work area out when needed and be impractical. Sinks are now available
countertop space so it is imperative your store it back in place when you are done. that a nifty and stylish cover that slides
kitchen design has easy and accessible Make good use of your corners. The over the bowls giving additional working
storage for these items. Leave only the few addition of a corner pull-out storage unit counter space and facilitating a clean and
essential smalls out on display. For the will allow you to maximise the storage tidy look when not in use. If this is not
others, think of adding specialised storage ability of that space while still having easy an option, look at an underslung basin.
behind lift up doors or roller doors or add access to everything you need. If you These are aesthetically non-invasive and
prefer drawers to cupboards, hardware is will not overwhelm the space as much
now available to facilitate fully extendible as a sink with a drainer. If you must have
corner drawer units. a drainer consider a sink in a colour to
Drawers are a lot easier to organise compliment your worksurface. This way
through the use of drawer inserts. They the sink will blend in rather than stand
also maximise your storage space better out. The new synthetic ranges available
than a cupboard does, all while helping ensure the durability of the colour in these
keep those lower back aches at bay. Ensure options ensuring they pleasing to the eye.
you use runners that allow for maximum The addition of a pull-out pantry to
drawer extension and that have a good maximise grocery storage and make
load bearing capacity. Drawers might be your items accessible is an absolute must.
more costly than cupboards however, the There are a variety of sizes as well as
additional storage will be well worth the configurations available that will suit your
investment. If you like to have cupboard space.
space, internal drawers can be added to Your choice of appliances is also
the cupboard. These units are only seen important. Be cautious of choosing
once the cupboard door is open and allow large bulky fridges or cookers; they have
you to use the dead-space usually at the a tendency to steal precious space and
top of a cupboard. This is a relatively dominate the room making a smaller
easy addition to make to your existing kitchen look cluttered and overwhelmed.
cupboard units. Look for cooking appliances with
The space under the sink is often under- sleek lines that are unobtrusive. Most
utilised due to the cut out required for the manufacturers now make a stackable

20 Issue 289 • dw