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Big ideas for small kitchens

Architect Laura Jane Clark believes it is innovative, well designed and customisable accessories that keep clients happy at their sinks - and she knows where to find them

In association with
Everything clients need all in one place: The Blanco Unit is designed to make everyday life in the kitchen easier, especially important in more compact spaces.
Everything clients need all in one place: The Blanco Unit is designed to make everyday life in the kitchen easier, especially important in more compact spaces.

Designing any small space requires careful consideration, even more so one that needs to accommodate food preparation, cooking and baking and cleaning and clearing up afterwards.

But from layout and cabinet choice to storage and lighting, there are plenty of practical tips and ideas to make designing small kitchens a joy.  

Making the most of every square millimetre is, of course, key to maximising the space. First, I try to identify any awkward or wasted areas, including odd angles or lost space at the back of deep kitchen units or under the kitchen sink. This helps ensure that every area has a practical purpose that’s fully utilised.

The triangle of preparation comes in here too and linking the storage area or fridge, the cooker and the kitchen sink within a few steps of each other will ensure the kitchen flows optimally.

Make sure the general circulation in and around the room doesn’t cut through this triangle of preparation as it can make even a small kitchen feel more spacious and considered.

  • Blanco Unit with integrated Orga shelf and drawer and Worktop Organizer set.
    Blanco Unit with integrated Orga shelf and drawer and Worktop Organizer set.
  • A handy container from the Worktop Organizer Set.
    A handy container from the Worktop Organizer Set.
  • Blanco Unit with Select II two-container waste organiser and a Blanco Squeeghee reusable cleaning tool.
    Blanco Unit with Select II two-container waste organiser and a Blanco Squeeghee reusable cleaning tool.
  • Blanco Unit with removable Storage Caddy for cleaning products.
    Blanco Unit with removable Storage Caddy for cleaning products.
  • Blanco Unit with Choice Icona semi-professional tap and in-sink draining rails.
    Blanco Unit with Choice Icona semi-professional tap and in-sink draining rails.
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German manufacturer Blanco's space-saving products

Counter space is precious in a small kitchen so I’m a fan of anything that can help keep countertops clear from clutter.

A Blanco Unit combined with the brand’s state-of-the-art Choice drinks system does just that. Choice combines the Choice Icona semi-professional tap with the Choice.All water-conditioning unit to offer sparkling, boiling hot, chilled, filtered and unfiltered water. This removes the need for a kettle, bottled water and carbonated drink appliances, which frees up worktops.

With countertops clear, you can then turn to smart storage and organisational solutions to provide the harmony.

The area under the sink is often cluttered and untidy, but Blanco has addressed this problem with its waste and organisation products that fit seamlessly into standard base cabinets.

With easily accessible bins for waste and recycling and portable storage caddies for cleaning products - plus the Orga shelf, which adds storage in front of the sink - you can transform the no-go area under the sink into a tidy, efficient workspace.

Blanco understands that the water hub is about more than sinks and taps so it offers designers integrated elements such as worktop organisers, matching soap dispensers, chopping boards and colanders, and removable in-sink rails that can hold pots and pans.

No matter how small the kitchen, smart storage and accessories like these can double up the function of the water hub to ensure it’s a fully functional area that looks stylish too.    

As an architect, it’s important to have options to suit different kitchens and client preferences. I can rely on Blanco to offer beautifully engineered and well thought-out products in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style of kitchen.

For more insider tips and insights from Laura Jane Clark, go to blanco.co.uk/laura-jane-clark

Find out about Blanco's full portfolio of products and services at thenbs.com/blanco

For more information and technical support, visit blanco.co.uk


Contact:
Mark Craine, contracts manager
07909 682757
mark.craine@blanco.co.uk


Laura Jane Clark is an author, TV presenter and founder of London practice Lamp Architects.

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