Storage space planning

Think about work processes.

Always keep your cooking utensils within easy reach.

The five kitchen zones

When planning storage space, it helps to think of your typical routines in the kitchen. Then assign them to the different zones:

  • Cooking/baking
  • Washing
  • Cooling
  • Storing
  • Preparing


Compare your plans and check in which zone you need to have particular items within reach. The more precisely you go through those steps in your head, the easier it will be to see where you might need extra storage space.

Don't be afraid to completely redesign existing storage areas - this can lead to surprisingly good solutions.

Here's how you identify your storage space needs

Assess your needs before you start planning the storage space.

Tips for assessing your needs

Make a list of all the things you want in your kitchen: crockery and cooking utensils, appliances and accessories, groceries, etc. Your second step is to allocate these to the respective kitchen zones and corresponding drawers or cupboards.

Ideally, you should print out your individual planning views or load them onto a graphics programme. Label the respective drawers, pull-outs and cupboard compartments with your planned contents. See the example above. Please note: When planning your storage space, the internal dimensions of drawers, pull-outs and cupboard compartments are crucial. It's the only way to reliably calculate whether the planned space is sufficient. Ask your kitchen planner specifically about the suitable cabinet heights and grid dimensions for your individual storage space requirements.

A well thought-out storage system makes kitchen working in the kitchen as easy as pie.

Play it safe: measure the goods you want to stow. Also note that handles and stems need extra space. For example, a pot with a diameter of 18cm needs a storage space width of approx. 25cm.

Excellent storage space planning is particularly important in small kitchens where space is limited. But even here, real space miracles can be achieved if you use the right kitchen cabinets in a targeted way. Manufacturers offer an impressive range of diverse cabinet solutions that you can tailor to your individual needs.

Tips for more storage space

There are many ways to increase your storage space.

Position worktop higher

If you are tall enough, simply raise the height of your worktops. This way you can fit in one more drawer and gain up to 20% more storage space.

Pull-outs with higher back and side panels

Pull-outs with higher back panels and closed side panels can be filled much higher. This way you gain up to 50% additional storage space per pull-out.

Deeper cupboards

By using deeper cupboards, you can create up to 30% more storage space.

Intelligent recess solutions

With plinth drawers and recess pull-outs (e.g. for tea towels) you gain additional valuable space.

Checklist

Have you factored in everything you would like to store? Enter all your utensils in the respective kitchen zone.

Next step

Which worktop height and appliance installation heights are ideal? In an ergonomically planned kitchen, work is more fun - with no back problems in sight.

More kitchen planning inspiration

Design inspiration

Design the kitchen you always wanted. Perhaps you dream of a central cooking island, or a material mix of wood, stainless steel and stone? When it comes to designing a new kitchen, the possibilities are seemingly endless.

Be inspired

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