How to create more counter space in your kitchen

Areas where you can utilise space in your kitchen

If there is one thing that we can all agree on, it’s that there never seems to be enough space in your kitchen: that potato masher always sticks as you try to ram an overflowing kitchen drawer shut, tupperware will always fall out of the cupboard and pulling out a saucepan is like a game of kitchen jenga — sound familiar?

You might think there is no alternative but to cram kitchen cupboards and clutter countertops, but there are a number of sneaky spaces in the kitchen you might have overlooked. Check out our list below as we reveal the most commonly forgotten spaces and how to utilise the additional space. 
 

• Above a microwave — install a microwave shelving rack
• Window sills — check out windowsill storage solutions such as long thin wicker baskets
• Shelf risers — add these to the counter top
• Behind the cabinet doors — attach hooks and pots
• Above cabinets — add storage baskets, shelves or a wine rack
• Under cabinets — install plinth drawers
• Nooks within stud walls — this is clever — use the space between the studs that make up the walls’ framework
• The gap between the fridge and the wall — perfect for slotting in a slim wire shelving unit on wheels

Transformation of your stovetop to a workspace

A handy way of creating more workspace in your kitchen is to cover the stovetop when it’s not in use. You can buy chopping board-style covers with adjustable feet which are just placed on top of the stove. They’re available in a variety of materials such as wood, glass, granite or bamboo, so you can choose one which is both practical and in keeping with your kitchen style.

Utilise your sink space to handle chopping 

Another way to extend your kitchen countertop is to buy a cover for your sink. Whether you choose to cover your sink, or hob, or both — the result is to streamline and provide an overall sense of order to the whole kitchen. Clean, clutter-free worktops will make you feel a sense of zen and peace when you walk into the room. This is partly due to the fact that the sliding boards over the kitchen sink can hide all the dirty plates waiting for the dishwasher! 

If you’re surprised by a friend who suddenly drops round without giving you any notice, you can quickly shove all the messy dishes into the sink before you answer the door. If you add a steaming hot water tap for extra stylistic refinement, you can also retire the unsightly kettle! 

Backsplashes for hanging accessories

Another way to create more worktop space is to move anything you can to a more orderly location. Instead of cluttering up your counter with messy pots of random utensils, consider installing a glass splashback with a built-in hanging rail. Glass splashbacks are fashionable because they look so stylish, glossy and glamorous — but they’re also highly practical, providing a continuous, smooth surface which is easy to clean (unlike tiles where the grouting becomes discoloured and dirty). There are a huge range of designs available — even bespoke images — so your utensils will become part of a stylish focal point as well as being within easy reach! 

FAQ:

Can I extend my kitchen worktops?

The easiest and most economical way to extend your kitchen worktops is to simply lay a large chopping board over the kitchen sink or hob. Job done!

Why is corner space in your kitchen the best place to start renovating?

If you have a small corner in your kitchen, don’t overlook it — put it to use. Using the kitchen corners can free up the central space in the kitchen. It depends on the size of the corner, but think about using it for a purpose: an eating nook with circular seating and a bistro table; a corner dining set; a cookery bookshelf; a tall, bespoke-made cupboard for brooms and mops; a corner shelf for herbs and spices; a pull-out corner unit for pots and pans...this is space just waiting to be utilised. Don’t cut corners!

How can you add more cabinet space to your small kitchen?

If you find that you never have enough space in your kitchen cabinets, take a look at our quick to-do list:

• Throw away, throw out and consolidate
• Add tiered shelving inside your cupboards
• Decant bulk items into labelled storage containers
• Add a saucepan rack to a wall, ceiling or freestanding in a corner
• Add a stylish cutlery tray that can also accommodate bigger utensils
• Utilise extra storage space to the side of your fridge
• Hang your favourite mugs on hooks
• Add dividers inside the cupboards for baking sheets, pans and lids