Eliminate kitchen clutter with a top design

Keep your kitchen space in tip-top shape by eliminating the clutter with some handy kitchen tips.

1. Go for a raised serving bar

A raised servery or bar can give you space on which to put serving dishes and platters, while hiding your sink and cooking area from view. However, it will only hide mess while guests are seated, and additional kitchen cabinetry is likely to be required with stone benchtops.

2. Install a kitchen utility cupboard

These are great for disguising mixers, coffee grinders and other electrical equipment. Those with roller doors are best, as bi-fold versions often stick out. Resist boiling water or toasting bread inside, as this will harm the cabinetry. A cheaper alternative is to build an alcove-type area, where everyday items can be kept out of the way.

3. Hide your home phone

Reduce the number of appliances vying for space on a socket by disguising your transformer (required by the base station in many phone systems). The transformer, power point and phone socket can be positioned below the benchtop, with the cabling discreetly tucked into a separate faceplate in the splashback, preserving a clean, minimalist look.

4. Opt for extra sink space

In minimalist kitchens the sinks are often under-mounted, meaning they sit below the benchtop surface. Rather than choosing a one-and-a-quarter under-mount set, go for two good-sized under-mounts. Dirty dishes can then be easily hidden in the sink, out of sight.

5. Implement some simple clutter-reducing ideas

Drawers or caddies under the sink will keep cleaning gear close at hand and not scattered near the sink. Keep tea towels on a side rack on cupboard doors - not on the oven door. Rather than let your microwave occupy bench space, build it into the cabinetry with a trim kit, to avoid clutter on the top and sides of the cabinet.

6. Don't get all your gear off the deck

It's feasible to have two or three machines that you use on a regular basis on your benchtops, without compromising a seamless look. You can even spot colour your kitchen with appliances. It may be more economical to buy a designer-red toaster than install a utility cupboard to hide your old daggy one.

To find out how you can maximise the kitchen space, talk with a kitchen designer in your area: