11 Kitchen Hardware Inclusions That Will Change Your Life
These bright kitchen ideas will reduce workload, save time, conjure extra space and bust clutter
Gabrielle Chariton
2 May 2017
Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance writer and editor. I write about anything and everything but I specialise in housing design, kitchens, bathrooms and sustainable living. I pass the time by painting old furniture white, photographing animals, haunting op-shops and dreaming up renovation projects. See more of my work at www.gabriellechariton.com
Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance writer and editor. I write about anything... More
Do you remember when deep drawers replaced cupboards in the kitchen? It changed our lives, because suddenly we could find the right Tupperware container, see what was lurking in the back of the pantry, and retrieve a saucepan without doing a complete reshuffle. Hardware technology has continued to grow, as manufacturers expand the scope and usability of drawers and pull-outs with various types of electronic operation and automation.
Designers are also constantly finding new ways of putting these innovations to work in the kitchen. The result? Rooms that are easier to work in, a snap to clean, able to store more items, and generally save time and effort. Read on to see 11 great examples of technological and design wizardry that put the fun into functional.
Designers are also constantly finding new ways of putting these innovations to work in the kitchen. The result? Rooms that are easier to work in, a snap to clean, able to store more items, and generally save time and effort. Read on to see 11 great examples of technological and design wizardry that put the fun into functional.
1. No more crumby benchtops
Here’s a pull-out idea that’s better than sliced bread: a perforated breadboard with an integrated crumb-catching tray. You’ll save hours wiping crumbs off the bench and sweeping up the floor. And best of all, when you’ve finished making lunch, just push the board away out of sight.
Here’s a pull-out idea that’s better than sliced bread: a perforated breadboard with an integrated crumb-catching tray. You’ll save hours wiping crumbs off the bench and sweeping up the floor. And best of all, when you’ve finished making lunch, just push the board away out of sight.
Does your computer always find its way into the kitchen? Imagine how great it would be to have a clear, crumb-free section of bench space where you can look up recipes, pay bills, and supervise homework. A pull-out study nook at the island bench creates a dedicated space for the computer, right where you need it. Make sure the pull-out is set low enough that you can push it away, computer and all, when it’s not in use.
2. Storage heaven
This nifty set-up solves the age-old dilemma of how to store containers and their lids. Stacking containers in a cupboard or drawer typically has you wasting time searching for a matching lid, and stacking containers with lids attached wastes valuable space. Varying the depths of the shelves in this pull-out cabinet allows easy access to both.
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This nifty set-up solves the age-old dilemma of how to store containers and their lids. Stacking containers in a cupboard or drawer typically has you wasting time searching for a matching lid, and stacking containers with lids attached wastes valuable space. Varying the depths of the shelves in this pull-out cabinet allows easy access to both.
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3. Practical magic
Who wants daggy and damp tea towels messing up their beautiful kitchen? That’s right, no-one. To maintain the visual perfection of this stunning French country-style kitchen, designer Dominique McAdam installed a slimline pull-out rack behind a cupboard front. The top section contains space to hang the damp tea towels, and there’s a little shelf for dishwashing necessities below.
Who wants daggy and damp tea towels messing up their beautiful kitchen? That’s right, no-one. To maintain the visual perfection of this stunning French country-style kitchen, designer Dominique McAdam installed a slimline pull-out rack behind a cupboard front. The top section contains space to hang the damp tea towels, and there’s a little shelf for dishwashing necessities below.
4. Instant bench space
Sydney design firm Minosa faced a number of challenges when renovating this kitchen, not least of which was a shortage of bench space. To solve the problem, they engineered these electronically operated appliance cupboards – complete with benchtops and internal drawers – that pop out from either side of the kitchen’s central joinery.
One side is dedicated to breakfast prep, the other side houses the tea and coffee station (pictured), which includes a bench, powered space for the kettle and espresso machine, and drawers for mugs, teaspoons, teabags, etc.
Sydney design firm Minosa faced a number of challenges when renovating this kitchen, not least of which was a shortage of bench space. To solve the problem, they engineered these electronically operated appliance cupboards – complete with benchtops and internal drawers – that pop out from either side of the kitchen’s central joinery.
One side is dedicated to breakfast prep, the other side houses the tea and coffee station (pictured), which includes a bench, powered space for the kettle and espresso machine, and drawers for mugs, teaspoons, teabags, etc.
When breakfast’s over, the bench and storage unit simply slide back into the cabinetry, freeing up floor space in this small area.
5. No more lifting heavy appliances
Queensland kitchen designer Kim Duffin put technology to work in this super-streamlined Brisbane kitchen. This electronically operated appliance storage unit, which is large and sturdy enough to hold a number of heavy appliances, pots and pans, emerges from the bench when needed, and completely disappears when prep’s done leaving a clear, uncluttered work space.
Queensland kitchen designer Kim Duffin put technology to work in this super-streamlined Brisbane kitchen. This electronically operated appliance storage unit, which is large and sturdy enough to hold a number of heavy appliances, pots and pans, emerges from the bench when needed, and completely disappears when prep’s done leaving a clear, uncluttered work space.
Purpose-built pull-out shelves can also be used to take the hard work out of using heavy appliances. Here, a lift-up cupboard door conceals a pull-out shelf that securely holds the coffee machine and sandwich press.
Tip: Ensure the pull-out is full extension (meaning its entire length can be pulled out); this will ensure full access to the unit and enable easier cleaning. And when selecting a pull-out unit, make sure the weight capacity of the runners and base of the pull-out are sufficient. Strength is paramount, so choose components from a reputable hardware manufacturer.
Tip: Ensure the pull-out is full extension (meaning its entire length can be pulled out); this will ensure full access to the unit and enable easier cleaning. And when selecting a pull-out unit, make sure the weight capacity of the runners and base of the pull-out are sufficient. Strength is paramount, so choose components from a reputable hardware manufacturer.
6. Power charge
Is your kitchen overflowing with appliances? Almost every meal or snack involves the use of an electric appliance these days, and in my house there’s often a queue of iPads and phones waiting their turn for charging. Electric sockets are prized real estate. But is there anything uglier than a wall bristling with double-adapters?
This pop-up power point will solve your kitchen power dilemmas. Install one on your island or prep zone for all the power you need, when you need it. These towers include several electric sockets as well as USB ports. So you can whizz up afternoon smoothies, froth milk for the coffee and charge the phones all at once. Sorted.
Is your kitchen overflowing with appliances? Almost every meal or snack involves the use of an electric appliance these days, and in my house there’s often a queue of iPads and phones waiting their turn for charging. Electric sockets are prized real estate. But is there anything uglier than a wall bristling with double-adapters?
This pop-up power point will solve your kitchen power dilemmas. Install one on your island or prep zone for all the power you need, when you need it. These towers include several electric sockets as well as USB ports. So you can whizz up afternoon smoothies, froth milk for the coffee and charge the phones all at once. Sorted.
When not in use, the only clue to the existence of this multitude of power points is a small stainless steel disc which sits flush with the benchtop. Can you spot it on the left-hand side of this island?
7. Range hood rethink
Cooking is a messy business and a powerful range hood is essential to draw steam, odours and fats away from the kitchen. But many of them dangle dangerously over the cooktop… hands up if you’ve ever whacked your head on the corner of one? Fortunately for all, technology has come to the party in the form of in-bench downdraft range hoods. These fabulously streamlined units pop up out of the bench to suck away steam and smells while you’re cooking – without any risk of head injury.
Compact and essentially invisible when not in use, downdraft vents provide added design flexibility, allowing you to position the cooktop and range hood within an island without losing visual flow.
Tip: Downdraft range hoods are integrated into the base cabinet and suck steam off the cooktop and downwards, where it is either filtered and recirculated or ducted outdoors. Different manufacturers offer different options in this respect, so do your research when choosing one. A range that extends higher above the benchtop will be more effective at drawing away steam and grease particles when cooking with tall pots.
Cooking is a messy business and a powerful range hood is essential to draw steam, odours and fats away from the kitchen. But many of them dangle dangerously over the cooktop… hands up if you’ve ever whacked your head on the corner of one? Fortunately for all, technology has come to the party in the form of in-bench downdraft range hoods. These fabulously streamlined units pop up out of the bench to suck away steam and smells while you’re cooking – without any risk of head injury.
Compact and essentially invisible when not in use, downdraft vents provide added design flexibility, allowing you to position the cooktop and range hood within an island without losing visual flow.
Tip: Downdraft range hoods are integrated into the base cabinet and suck steam off the cooktop and downwards, where it is either filtered and recirculated or ducted outdoors. Different manufacturers offer different options in this respect, so do your research when choosing one. A range that extends higher above the benchtop will be more effective at drawing away steam and grease particles when cooking with tall pots.
8. Ouch-free overhead cupboards
Electronically operated cupboards glide open and shut at the touch of a button. Lever arms open the door in an out-and-up motion, allowing clear access to the entire contents of the cupboard. This system also keeps the space in front of the cupboards clear, so you can keep them open during prep and move about freely without having to dodge intrusive doors. The open-close operation button can be discreetly installed at the base of the cabinet.
Electronically operated cupboards glide open and shut at the touch of a button. Lever arms open the door in an out-and-up motion, allowing clear access to the entire contents of the cupboard. This system also keeps the space in front of the cupboards clear, so you can keep them open during prep and move about freely without having to dodge intrusive doors. The open-close operation button can be discreetly installed at the base of the cabinet.
9. Under-sink cleverness
Despite being an area that’s generally dedicated to cleaning products, the under-sink cupboard is often the messiest part of the kitchen, with plumbing and pipes and the sink bowl itself negating any functionality. Damp dishcloths and paper towels tangle with plastic bags; bottles of detergent and insect spray tumble about, and you can never quite put your hand on the item you actually need.
Overcome these issues and restore order with a purpose-designed drawer unit that neatly fits around the sink and pipes, allowing you full access to the remaining space. The drawer unit pictured here even includes a handy spot to store the dishcloth, right under the sink.
Despite being an area that’s generally dedicated to cleaning products, the under-sink cupboard is often the messiest part of the kitchen, with plumbing and pipes and the sink bowl itself negating any functionality. Damp dishcloths and paper towels tangle with plastic bags; bottles of detergent and insect spray tumble about, and you can never quite put your hand on the item you actually need.
Overcome these issues and restore order with a purpose-designed drawer unit that neatly fits around the sink and pipes, allowing you full access to the remaining space. The drawer unit pictured here even includes a handy spot to store the dishcloth, right under the sink.
Another way to organise the under-sink area is to install sliding racks on either side of the space. No more reaching into the dark depths of the cupboard to find those little-used cleaning products. This also frees up the base of the cupboard for larger items such as a bin and dustpan.
10. Saucy solution
Are you constantly clearing bottles of olive oil, vinegar and spice jars away from the bench? Many chefs have a habit of taking these cooking essentials from the pantry during prep and leaving them to clutter the benchtop until the next mealtime. Save everyone time and save your own sanity by installing a small drawer beside the cooktop to stash your everyday ingredients such as vinegar, oil, soy sauce, salt, pepper and other condiments. All the chef needs to do is keep the drawer open while cooking for easy access to everything, and slide it shut when they’re done. Easy.
Are you constantly clearing bottles of olive oil, vinegar and spice jars away from the bench? Many chefs have a habit of taking these cooking essentials from the pantry during prep and leaving them to clutter the benchtop until the next mealtime. Save everyone time and save your own sanity by installing a small drawer beside the cooktop to stash your everyday ingredients such as vinegar, oil, soy sauce, salt, pepper and other condiments. All the chef needs to do is keep the drawer open while cooking for easy access to everything, and slide it shut when they’re done. Easy.
When renovating a dark, dated and decidedly impractical timber kitchen in Sydney’s Inner West, Provincial Kitchens integrated plenty of clever storage options into the Hamptons-inspired design. These cute little spice drawers, which form part of the architectural mantelpiece above the range hood, are a nifty and convenient place to store all the flavour essentials.
See more of this kitchen
See more of this kitchen
11. In-built domestics
Will a fold-out ironing board change your life? Probably. It means items can be quickly ironed on the go without going to the trouble of wrangling a freestanding ironing board into position and away again. Pull it out, fix that crinkled collar pronto, then slide the whole shebang back into the drawer – quick, easy, no fuss. And you can store the iron and spray bottles in the cupboard below.
Tip: When unfolded, a pull-out ironing board can be anywhere from 800-950 millimetres long, and it should be installed perpendicular to the bench. Ensure there’s enough clearance for it to be used comfortably without blocking the kitchen thoroughfare. And don’t forget to include a power point nearby.
Will a fold-out ironing board change your life? Probably. It means items can be quickly ironed on the go without going to the trouble of wrangling a freestanding ironing board into position and away again. Pull it out, fix that crinkled collar pronto, then slide the whole shebang back into the drawer – quick, easy, no fuss. And you can store the iron and spray bottles in the cupboard below.
Tip: When unfolded, a pull-out ironing board can be anywhere from 800-950 millimetres long, and it should be installed perpendicular to the bench. Ensure there’s enough clearance for it to be used comfortably without blocking the kitchen thoroughfare. And don’t forget to include a power point nearby.
How far do you have to travel to fetch a mop when there’s a spill? Or do you keep it shoved in the space beside the fridge? Here’s a fantastic solution: this pull-out keeps the cleaning essentials hidden away and beautifully organised – ready to clean up spills immediately. Amazingly, this broom cupboard will only steal 200 millimetres of floor space from your kitchen, but having the broom, dustpan and mop on hand right when you need them will prove to be one of life’s essential luxuries.
Tell us
What innovative inclusions have improved the functionality of your kitchen? Share pictures and ideas in the Comments.
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Tell us
What innovative inclusions have improved the functionality of your kitchen? Share pictures and ideas in the Comments.
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Browse more kitchen photos
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My kitchen is not fancy... but its been great NOT updating it and making it work and realising what I really want. Its compact and I love not having to wander everywhere to get stuff. The simplest innovation was to stick some cube storage under the bench. Now, I have a mostly hate relationship with cube storage, nothing ever fits in it properly, and I figure its because ultimately nothing much is cubed, most things are actually rectangular (books and toys etc). BUT I find so many things in the kitchen fit perfectly into the cubes!!! Its the perfect appliance hub. It holds the sandwich press, the toaster, large mixing bowls, rice cooker. They always seemed so awkward in cupboards and they are all easy to reach. When we get around to the do over in the kitchen I will be insisting on built in cube storage.
Another thing... a very simple addition to the kitchen which has made a huge difference to de-clutter the bench and freed up a whole drawer. My kitchen honestly had no pantry which has made it tricky to use for a family of 5! But there have been many little nooks and spaces that have added more. The side of the oven and to the left of the cooktop I have stuck some little hooks and all the larger irregular shaped utensils are within easy reach. I also permanently have all the cutlery at the table which works great for a family. They are all just in old tin cans which looks fine in our old country house.
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