Kitchen storage: what actually gets used after year one

When we revisit kitchens a year after handover, a pattern appears: deep drawers near the hob are used constantly, while tall corner units and complicated pull-out mechanisms often go untouched.

That is why we now plan kitchens around the cooking triangle first, placing the most-used utensils, spices and vessels within one step of where they are needed.

Tall units work best for dry groceries and appliances, while overhead cabinets are kept lighter so they are easy to reach. Open shelves are limited to a few pieces that are used daily.

The best storage is the storage you never have to think about — and that comes from understanding how a household actually cooks.