Rental homes

Kitchen Storage Design for Rental homes

Plan storage around frequency of use and the route between use and return. Measure the actual items, including handles and cases.

Explore the ideas
Parallel kitchen with teal cabinets, a pale backsplash and profile lighting
Kitchen inspiration: two opposing work runs in a compact plan.

Plan in this order

  1. Sort items into daily, occasional and surplus stock, then measure each group's largest pieces.
  2. Place daily items at the point of use and reserve a separate area for overflow or refills.
  3. Choose shelf spans, pull-outs and closures only after checking how items are loaded and removed.
Worked example

Tall oil bottles and a countertop mixer do not fit the shallow drawers planned beside the hob.

Measure the actual bottles and mixer with attachments; reserve a tall pull-out for oils and a reachable shelf for the appliance.

How to test it

Put the largest item into a mock-up and remove it with the adjacent doors or work surfaces in use.

Apply it to this space
Layout
Keep movable prep and pantry storage clear of appliance access and the cooking route.
Detail
Use freestanding carts, removable shelf liners and plug-in task lights where appropriate.
Trade-off
Portable additions avoid permanent changes but can reduce already tight aisle space.
  • Confirm what may be attached or altered
  • Measure appliance access before adding carts
L-shaped kitchen with pale green lower cabinets, white upper cabinets and a tiled backsplash
Kitchen inspiration: a light palette and continuous counter run.

The Elixir portfolio

Details worth a closer look

Photographs for design inspiration
Straight kitchen with sage base cabinets, white wall units and under-cabinet lighting
Kitchen inspiration: a single-wall arrangement with task lighting.
White L-shaped kitchen with gold-tone handles, under-cabinet lighting and a chimney
Kitchen inspiration: an L-shaped work surface and integrated lighting.

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