For or a moment there I thought I was looking at a friend's kitchen... They have a tall, above bench pantry cupboard located next to the fridge (it ends at bench level). It could be deeper than a standard wall hung cupboard with slide away or bifold doors perhaps? and if you didn't require heaps of storage for food and wanted to reduce visible clutter, then the bench 'shelf' could house your toaster, kettle etc. I would incorporate as many under bench pot drawers as possible as they make access easy and you might want to look into corner pull-outs. I have seen microwaves installed in a box surround hung under the upper cabinetry to get that off the bench too (not a great option though if you are short like me or have kids using it).

So exciting a new fresh kitchen! Here is an example of pantry next to fridge - top part is pantry and here the choice was for bottom pot drawers to maximise space as well as bench space in this kitchen. Think this would work nicely in your kitchen design next to your fridge or a full size pantry.

The window above the sink works well like in this shot. I recommend you seek professional kitchen design advice from kitchen companies in your area they know what works and will help you get the most out of your kitchen space - good luck with your kitchen renovation!

Have you thought about a slim pull out pantry next to the fridge making the most of that depth without loosing too much bench space? I agree that the current layout is pretty good and just needs a few tweaks in terms of storage. It's also better to have the cabinetry to the ceiling with a bulkhead for a more builtin look, I can't quite see what's happening in the pictures but it looks like you have some kind of bulkhead there already but it doesn't meet the kitchen cabinets? Perhaps this can be rectified in the reno. I agree with Zesta Kitchens engage an interior designer or kitchen designer to ensure you get the best possible outcome.

Your current wall cupboards look awfully high to me. (I am short!) Bringing them down lower however could contribute to the space feeling smaller. I would be inclined to have an open shelf under the cupboards and store food in decorative jars.

I personally have all my pasta in jars on display and also my sugars and flours. That way they are easy to access.

I'd also be inclined to have glass in the over head cupboards so it doesn't block the space in.

I agree with bigreader ..your kitchen looks in pretty good shape..it would just be a waste of money if you're not willing to move your sink , oven, fridge around..

is there anywhere else for the fridge? ..if you could move the fridge then that whole wall can be floor to ceiling cupboard/pantry/storage..

Actually I think the layout is fine - if you replace the fridge with an integrated one (not as deep as the current fridge) and pop a pantry alongside in place of the bench and overhead cabs it will look sleeker. An underbench oven and hobs would streamline it even more (or just reduce space around freestanding oven) and if you pop the microwave in a cupboard or open shelf under the bench you'll free up bench space.

Maybe a layout similar to this:

https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/orcondo-kitchen-bathrooms

Your kitchen layout is generally the same as ours, so I commiserate. Many times I have been tempted to renovate it - with a sledge hammer - but then remembered all the asbestos lurking inside the walls, so I reluctantly put the hammer back in the shed.

However, it is incredibly awkward to get things out of the low corner cupboards or the very high cupboards, which are the only places we have to store large pots. I would like to explore the possibility of getting rid of the high cupboards altogether and instead having some sort of overhead framework to hang utensils and LED down-lighting on.

I really need a new oven and cook top to replace the rusting solid hotplates. But before anything is installed, I'll make very sure that any gaps in the woodwork are carefully sealed to stop cockroaches from invading the kitchen from inside the walls. I found that if there are no gaps, there are no roaches.

Best of luck with your project!

Hi Lisa

Bellow is a concept drawing that we use a lot when we come across a space like yours. Also the window the leads to outside would be a great opportunity to turn into a bi-fold window with a servery going to the out side for entertaining.

I hope this helps and good luck!!

@trishok: I'm in Brisbane and I'm looking for someone to do a kitchen reno. Could you let me know the details of who you used? Thanks!

Hi Lisa! If your kitchen is staying in the same footprint then I would seriously consider getting a counter-depth fridge. The fridge really juts out a bit doesn't it! Good luck.

Hi iggs85. Metro Kitchens. A small two person company. Mick is the cabinetmaker and Sue runs the office, assists with colours, finishes etc. Excellent to work with and top notch work (husband is a trady too and was very impressed with the attention to detail). They mostly just get jobs word of mouth I think. They don't have a website but sent me photos and arranged for us to see some of their previous jobs. Number is 0418 887 380. Best of luck with everything!