10 smart storage ideas that make small kitchens feel twice the size

The high street is full of smart and affordable storage solutions that make the most of your kitchen cupboards – see 7 of the best budget kitchen storage buys here.

'Use your cupboards wisely,' says Andrew. 'There are some really clever storage hacks and systems which can help you make the most of the width, depth and height of your cupboards.'

Shelf risers and under-shelf drawers, over-door baskets, turntables and lid organisers save you an astonishing amount of space and cost next to nothing.

Pictured: Under-Shelf Basket at Argos

Combine seating and storage as Kate Spiers has done in her vintage-inspired shaker kitchen from Harvey Jones.

Drawers beneath the seat are ideal for table linen, serving dishes and small appliances that are useful but not needed every day. Lift-up seats offer even more capacity, although drawers are easier to access if the bench is used frequently.

Peninsulas give you all the benefits of a kitchen island without taking up as much floor space. Interior designer Danielle Tanner added a peninsula to her own kitchen renovation: 'It gave us extra seating and eating space without compromising on storage and I'm glad we have somewhere for friends to perch when I'm cooking in the kitchen.'

Tour the rest of Danielle's renovated home.

Very narrow spaces beside a fridge, at the end of a cabinet run or between the kitchen and an adjoining wall can seem impossible to use. Enter Mustard Made’s Skinny locker that stands 183cm tall and just 35cm wide with four adjustable shelves inside.

A freestanding piece also gives you the freedom to use an awkward gap without commissioning bespoke joinery, and it can come with you if you move.

Pictured: The Skinny Locker at Mustard Made

A wall-mounted plate rack moves everyday crockery out of crowded cupboards and onto a narrow stretch of wall. Because plates sit vertically, a rack can be surprisingly shallow, which makes it well suited to narrow galley kitchens where a deep shelf would feel intrusive. Position it close to the dishwasher or sink if possible, so putting plates away is quick.

Pictured: Bespoke kitchen by Olive & Barr

The space around a boiler is one of the most underused storage opportunities in your kitchen.

Interior designer Alice Grace has created one of the most whimsical workarounds we've come across, with painted shelves and little tea towels on pegs forming a patterned curtain.

Built-in everything is not always the best option. Freestanding butcher’s blocks and units on wheels offer total flexibility in small spaces – you can move everything in and out in a pinch and use the surface for food prep.

'Order is essential if a kitchen is to function well, especially when space is at a premium,' writes author and stylist Emily Henson in 6 lessons I learned from my budget kitchen reno. 'My solution was a bespoke island on wheels with 20 drawers – everything from cat food to Tupperware has its place.'

The exposed side of a tall unit, base cabinet or island can provide useful storage. A narrow rail can hold utensils or tea towels, while a shallow shelf can store spices, cookbooks or small jars.

Keep anything you add fairly slim so as not to intrude into your walkways.

Pictured: Arbor kitchen at Harvey Jones