clever kitchens

These small-space strategies will help make the most of a compact room

- HUGH METCALF

1 Add a pull-out worktop

Worktop space is valuable, but for a small kitchen that's not overloaded with surface space when you're not cooking, designers are turning to extendable worktops. "To amplify this compact space, we incorporated a pull-out countertop that immediately adds that level of versatility to a working yet premium kitchen." Tala Fustok, founder of Tala Fustok Studio

2 use windowsills

In a London home, architect Robert Houmøller paid close attention to the interaction between the kitchen's worktop and windows to make the most of the space. "Bringing the sill height down to worktop level results in a deeper, more generous worktop as the windows are set within the depth of the wall, as well as maximising the light and views. Not having a splashback means there is one less surface to deal with so helps to reduce the amount of visual clutter." Robert Houmøller, founder of Merrett Houmøller Architects

3 Extend surfaces

For his own kitchen, architect Christopher Brandon used a simple trick of creating a cover for the sink from the same surface material, so it can be used as a way to extend the worktop. "My wife loves to entertain and wanted to have a beautiful sink to fill with ice and drinks during parties, but she also wanted to keep the functionality of having a full worktop. This idea evolved into this integrated marble sink, which is a space optimiser, aesthetically beautiful, and a conversation starter." Christopher Brandon, founder of Brandon Architects

4 Go island-less