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Whatever the size of your kitchen, it\u2019s the room in the house which is usually the most used, especially if it\u2019s open plan. So it makes sense to utilise all of the space you have. Carefully planning how to use those extra bits of space can make day-to-day life so much easier. Check out the creative solutions below.

Tips on how to utilise extra space

Use the windowsill\u00a0

Kitchen windowsills are often used as a dumping area, but there are stylish storage solutions available to fit perfectly along this narrow space. You can buy narrow windowsill baskets in French cane, rattan, rope or wicker \u2014 or industrial-style in wire or metal. These baskets will neatly store any everyday kitchen cleaning products. The kitchen sink is often beneath a windowsill, so if you have an instant boiling water tap installed, you can neatly line up your favorite tea/coffee mugs in a windowsill basket or coffee cup holder. If you want to add some greenery, there are chic indoor windowsill herb planters on the market.\u00a0

Consider a breakfast bar

Breakfast bars are a useful way to fill an extra space in your kitchen. They\u2019re compact and don\u2019t take up much space, but provide somewhere to sit and have your morning coffee. If you don\u2019t have much floor space, then you can buy breakfast bars that pull down from the wall.\u00a0

Add a coffee bar or drinks station

If you have a spare wall that looks out of place surrounded by cabinets, create a coffee bar or drinks station. Buy a free-standing kitchen console table and then place all the items on the surface that you need to make hot drinks: things like a coffee machine, pods, caddies, cups and sprinkles. Add a sign, chalkboard or menu and a lamp to make it look inviting. Ideally place the console table near the kitchen sink for convenience.\u00a0

Add pantry pull-outs

For that extra space down the side of the fridge or between kitchen cupboards, you can buy pull-out trolleys with shelves for storing all your tins and dry food.\u00a0

Invest in a free-standing pantry

Walk-in pantries are the dream, but a free-standing pantry takes up less space. There are some beautiful designs on the market. Open up the doors and there\u2019s a place for everything.

Hang up your mops and dustpans and brushes

If you have space on a wall or behind the kitchen door, you can buy wall racks with grip holders for mops and brooms, so that they\u2019re kept neatly away, but ready to use.

And don\u2019t forget the space underneath

If balancing mugs on top of each other in the cupboard has become like a game of Jenga but without the fun, then remember that extra space underneath the wall cabinet. Just add hooks to the bottom of the cabinet to hang your mugs. Or you can add a magnetic strip for a handy magnetic spice rack \u2014 there are lots of designs and different magnetic pots to choose from.

What can I put in the empty space under my kitchen counter?

An empty space beneath a kitchen counter abruptly stops the flow of a kitchen design. Perhaps a large appliance was moved, or the mix of appliances and cupboards naturally leaves a gap. It can be difficult to know what to do with this cavernous space. Here are some ideas:

Add a wine cooler to show off your wine collection\u00a0

Measure up for storage on wheels, so that you can easily pull the shelves in and out

Use the space for a caddy to sort out your recycling (but to avoid unpleasant smells from rotting food waste, swap the food caddy for a food waste disposal unit)

Store a kitchen island or butcher\u2019s block on wheels \u2014 simply wheel it out when you need an extra kitchen surface for preparing food\u00a0

Solutions for awkward kitchen spaces

Awkward spaces call for new ideas! If wondering what to do with that awkward space in your kitchen is making your brain hurt, then check out the clever solutions below. \u00a0

The space around pipes on the wall

Kitchens sometimes have pipes or boxed wiring on the wall, which can be frustrating, especially if you want to use the space to put up shelves. Instead, buy a wire memo board or grid and simply fix it behind the pipework. This creates a handy place to add some kitchen utensils and to personalise your kitchen with your shopping lists, photos, your favourite recipes, reminders and a calendar.

A large shallow cupboard

If you have a large cupboard which is too shallow to be useful, you can adapt it to create a whole new area. Remove the cupboard doors and mount a strong piece of wood at table height to use as a desktop surface. Add shelves above it and you have a stylish home-working space. For a chic look, add statement wallpaper to the wall in the nook and set it apart from the rest of the kitchen.\u00a0

The corner of the wall above a kitchen countertop

Create a hanging display by putting hooks on both the adjoining walls and add hanging planters.

A bay window

Bay windows are attractive but create an awkwardly shaped space. Make the most out of the natural light and add a cafe table and seating. Or create a window seat by placing a made-to-measure bench cushion on the windowsill.\u00a0

The area above a washing machine

If you are lucky enough to have a utility room, add some floating shelves above your washing machine for rows of wicker baskets: perfect for clean, folded towels and laundry detergent.\u00a0

There\u2019s so much you can do with the extra space in your kitchen. It may be that you have space you hadn\u2019t even thought of using before. Small nooks don\u2019t have to equal unused space \u2014 there are some really innovative solutions out there.\u00a0

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What to do with the extra space in your kitchen