ALL IN ORDER

Storage needs to be smart in a kitchen but it can also be beautiful

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BUILT-IN BENEFITS

To keep kitchen items contained, Hutley & Humm recommends banquette-style storage. When assessing this area for its storage potential, co-founder Melissa Hutley aimed for elegant and not too cluttered. A built-in banquette allowed the table to be positioned closer to the wall, providing better flow in the kitchen, she says. 'We designed drawers under the bench. The glass-fronted unit houses plates and platters, plus inner drawers for cutlery.' Melissa advises ensuring built-in seating is longer than the table to leave space to slide in. 'Choose a table light enough to move out for easy access to the banquette's storage,' she adds.

Built-in banquette by Hutley & Humm, in Folly Green estate eggshell, £78 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Seat in Lost and Found in Green by Kit Kemp, £245m, Christopher Farr Cloth.

SHADOW PLAY

Look beyond wall cabinets to create compelling storage that showcases the items you love. 'We adore an open shelf moment to highlight the things that bring clients' joy from thrifted collections to gorgeous glassware,' says Kathryn Murphy, principal designer of Kathryn Murphy Interiors. 'Creating a shadow box-inspired display on this wall, with the blue background that perfectly highlights their collection of vintage hobnail glassware, allowed us to have useful storage and create an art piece all without blocking the light from that beautiful window.' The vibrant teal backdrop of the shelf unit is a simple way to ensure the pure white pieces really pop. The jewel-like colour was also picked up on the adjacent cooker hood.

Bespoke walnut and granite kitchen designed by Kathryn Murphy Interiors. Shelf unit interior in Largo Teal aura interior matte, £87.55 for 3.79ltr, Benjamin Moore.

CARVE YOUR NICHE