Blum offers practical tips for making the most of your available storage space, creating an ergonomic, safe and comfortable area for your family.

Tip 1: Plan functional cabinets for lots of storage space.
As soon as children arrive, the cabinets quickly fill up with additional items such as bottles, baby food and snack boxes. The need for supplies also increases. The most important thing in every family kitchen is planning enough storage space. Cabinets with full extensions help you to access all available space, even into the farthest corner.

Handy pantry unit
The SPACE TOWER can be custom built-in to fit the width, height and depth of your space. The inner pull-outs let you store supplies in a clear and easily accessible manner.

Narrow cabinet solutions
Every gap, no matter how narrow, is valuable real estate. With special narrow cabinets, you can convert even the last inch into usable storage space. A narrow cabinet like the SPACE TWIN is  deal for bottles and chopping boards or baking utensils.

Lift systems for wall cabinets
With wall cabinets, you can make the best possible use of the space with spacious wall cabinets that utilise lift system fronts. The wall cabinet front moves out of the way and you don’t run the risk of hitting your head if, for example, you are momentarily distracted by a family member or two people are cooking at the same time.

Tip 2: Design workflows with lots of freedom and ergonomics
Avoid hurdles in everyday kitchen use — especially when things are chaotic or you need to get food on the table quickly. Your workflow should run smoothly. Keep these basic rules in mind when planning your family kitchen:
• Adequate freedom of movement. Where cabinets run parallel, a distance of approximately 1.2m between the front and rear bench is ideal, especially if several people are in the kitchen at the same time.
• Consider your five work zones: consumables, non–consumables, cleaning, preparation and cooking. Grouping these areas together will create a better workflow and be more convenient.
• Using full-extension drawers minimises the need for bending or stooping over to access hard to-reach items. Including interior organisation will also provide better and faster access to those items.
• Optimal storage requirements should be considered based on shopping habits and size of your household.
• Enhance user convenience with motion technology such as TIP-ON, TIP-ON BLUMOTION or SERVO-DRIVE products.

Tip 3: Safety can be built in
There are many dangers lurking in a kitchen, especially for small children. Child safety should be considered during kitchen planning. Instead of sharp-edged handles that children could bump into or get caught on, handle-less furniture or recessed grips are recommended. Handle-less kitchen furniture can easily be opened and closed with an electrical opening support system just by lightly touching it. As an added bonus, fit a switch so that drawers can be turned off if necessary and remain firmly closed. For electrical cooking appliances, we recommend an induction stove with controls that can be locked. Also, a wall oven protects your back and prevents curious little noses from getting too close to the oven door. Most importantly, cleaning products should generally be kept out of reach in family households.

Tip 4 : Ensure a long service life
On average, kitchens are used daily for up to 20 years. During this time, a kitchen has to withstand a lot of stress brought on by the chaos of everyday family life. Robust, durable materials help to keep the heart of your home looking appealing and attractive for many years. Good quality is crucial for functionality and convenience when it comes to interior fittings. Blum’s furniture fittings are designed for 200,000 opening and closing cycles. Find out from your local cabinet maker or designer how Blum can be specified into your kitchen designs and improve your quality of living.

Find out more on Blum.

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Whether you’re in an apartment or downsizing, decorating a smaller space calls for careful selection and arrangement of furniture to achieve a functional and visually appealing environment. In a compact living area, each piece of furniture should fulfill multiple roles while enhancing a cohesive design.

Oz Design has created this guide to provide tips for optimising your interior with smart furniture choices, including sofa beds, extendable dining tables, round tables, storage solutions, and modular sofas.

Sofa Beds: Versatile Dual-Purpose Solutions

A sofa bed is an ideal solution for limited spaces, especially for those who frequently host guests. When choosing a sofa bed, consider these factors to maximise functionality without compromising on style:

• Size: Measure your space to ensure the sofa bed fits well. Look for designs that allow for easy conversion from sofa to bed, ensuring there’s space for a coffee table alongside.
• Style: Select a design that enhances your existing decor. Options vary from sleek, modern styles to more traditional looks with plush upholstery.
• Storage: Many sofa beds come with built-in storage for bedding and pillows, helping you keep your space organised and clutter-free without needing an extra linen closet.

Adaptable Dining Solutions

In smaller homes, an extension dining table offers a perfect solution, allowing you to adjust its size according to your needs:

• Mechanism: Look for tables with easy-to-use extension mechanisms. Some have leaves that fold out and can be conveniently stored away when not in use, while others may have a sliding mechanism that can be easily adjusted.
• Material: Opt for durable and easy-to-clean materials like wood or high-quality laminate. Choose a finish that complements your overall interior style.
• Shape: While rectangular tables are common, round extension tables that transform into an oval shape can create a more intimate dining experience and are often easier to maneuver in tight spaces. Round dining tables are an excellent option for smaller spaces, as they foster a more open and welcoming atmosphere.

Storage: Optimising Vertical Space

Effective storage is vital for keeping your space organised and minimising clutter. Choose furniture that features built-in storage, like ottomans with concealed compartments, coffee tables with shelves, or beds equipped with drawers underneath. Additionally, maximise vertical space by adding tall buffets, bookshelves, or cabinets that draw the eye upward, enhancing the sense of height and openness in the room.

Modular Sofas: Customisable Comfort

Modular sofas are an excellent choice for compact living areas because they provide flexibility and can be rearranged to suit your needs. Typically made up of multiple sections, these sofas can be configured in various layouts to accommodate your room’s dimensions and adapt as your family grows. Lightweight modular pieces are easy to move, giving you the freedom to refresh your space whenever you like.

Here’s how to select the right one:

• Flexibility: Look for sofas that can be easily reconfigured. Modular pieces can be separated and combined in multiple ways, allowing you to tailor your seating arrangement for different activities or gatherings.
• Size & Scale: Measure your space before making a purchase. Choose a modular sofa that fits comfortably without overwhelming the room. A low-profile design can also help maintain an open atmosphere.
• Style: Pick a style that complements your existing decor. Whether you’re drawn to a sleek modern aesthetic or a cozy traditional feel, there are plenty of modular options available in a wide range of fabrics, colours, and designs.

For more information

Oz Design

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As one of the family’s children needs additional support, having enough room for a carer to help them with their daily hygiene routines was crucial. While the room size couldn’t change, additional space was created by removing the previously outgrown bath and hob. Removing these, and the corner shower, improved the ergonomics of the space, and provided provision for wheelchair access if needed. Better accessibility and light flow were also created by widening the doorway and installing an easily maintainable soft-close barn door. The inclusion of an intelligent toilet enables the disabled user to utilise it independently.

Under-floor heating provides improved air quality and comfort. The ceiling exhaust fan ensures superior removal of condensation, while a natural cross flow of air is achieved through the existing awning window. Ample storage was created via a generous recessed wall cabinet and 1-metre wide drawers in the vanity. A ledge wall provides shelf storage for toiletries and potted greenery, and the tiled window ledge also doubles as a shelf. Warm LED sensor lighting under the vanity and mirror cabinet creates a calming ambience, while task lighting is provided via ceiling downlights when needed.

This project was nominated for the KBDI Design Awards 2024 in the Instinct Interiors category. The KBDI Design Awards program is a well-established and highly regarded event held annually to showcase Australia’s top kitchen and bathroom designers.

For more information

Instinct Interiors.

Build Ben Davies (Blue Goat Constructions)

Photography Sophie Tomaras

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As the kitchen remains the heart of everyday living, Hettich enhances both convenience and quality of life with innovative fitting technology. Hettich’s intelligent kitchen fitting systems allow you to incorporate innovative functions behind sleek, attractive front panels. They maximise space efficiency by making small midway sections, narrow cabinets, and hard-to-reach corners easily accessible, offering unobstructed & convenient access to storage. The versatile organiser systems can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each user, enhancing both functionality and design.

These solutions simplify kitchen tasks, improve ergonomics, and offer pull-out systems designed to carry heavy loads, ensuring easy access to well-organised food storage. Ideal for modular kitchens, these wire-based products are available in various dimensions, perfectly suited for storing plates, cutlery, jars, cups, and more.

• Cargo IQ plus, 90° pot-and-pan drawer – Designed to optimise organisation and accessibility, this drawer system maximises space in modern kitchens, especially for storing pots, pans, and other bulky items. Engineered with smooth-gliding Quadro V6 full extension runners and a silent system, it ensures effortless, quiet operation. The 90° design provides full access to contents, allowing you to retrieve and store items with ease—no more digging through stacked cookware.
• Dispensa 90° – Dispensa is the perfect solution for tall larder units, offering generous storage for pantry items, cookware, and more. It maximises the space in your kitchen, keeping it neat, efficient, and ensuring everything is easily accessible. With height-adjustable shelves and baskets, Dispensa provides the flexibility to organise your kitchen exactly as you need, putting everything within easy reach.
• LeMans II – Designed for modern kitchens, this corner unit swivel pull-out system ensures effortless access to stored items. It features two independently swivelling trays that glide smoothly out of the cabinet, offering clear visibility and easy reach into the deepest corners. The trays accommodate a range of kitchen essentials, from pots and pans to smaller items, keeping everything neatly organised and accessible.
• 90° pot-and-pan drawers – Interior tall drawers, perfect for storing pots and pans, make optimal use of available space, offering a wide range of possibilities for both the system and the user. These drawers are designed to enhance vertical storage, accommodating larger cookware while ensuring easy access to all items.To explore more about these innovative wire ware solutions and more intelligent kitchen systems designed for modern living, visit designwithhettich.au. Discover how these products can transform your kitchen into a more efficient, organised, and functional space, tailored to meet your specific needs.

Find out more at Hettich.

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01. Show it or stow it
Beautiful concrete benchtops are striking and distinctive. Organic concrete is enduring and can suit virtually any style of home. Blend Concrete makes a dramatic statement with a concrete seat that can flow on to a benchtop and underneath there’s room to store drinks, barbecue utensils and other equipment you’ll need for outdoor entertaining spaces. On top you can also display decor items or a leafy potted plant to soften the space. Timeless and enduring, concrete benchtops and storage cupboards never go out of style. Blend Concrete Design

02. Child’s play
Kids love to play outdoors — there is so much to see, so much to do and discover, all within the safety of your own backyard. While they are playing in your undercover outdoor spaces, access to storage baskets and boxes helps to keep things clutter-free when playtime is over. A stylish kids’ tepee can be a snug inviting space on the deck for your child to play and have quiet time when they need it — it’s also a great place to store their toys out of sight. Sundays Daughter; Catty Wampus; Sweet Pea and Willow 

03. YOUR HAPPY PLACE
Whether your little private outdoor zone is a place to gather your friends together for a Friday cocktail and to catch up on the latest gossip, a place to unwind and lose yourself in a good book, somewhere quiet to do your art, crafts or whatever it is you love to do to relax and unwind, having a space to call your own is important. And of course you’ll need shelving, tables, boxes and other places to stow your supplies. lights4fun; Jungalow

04. Hide and Seek
A contemporary ottoman customises an outdoor living space. Lift the lid and it can be home to throws, decor and spare cushions. A nest of tables stacks together when not needed and can be pulled out and used as extra storage space. A coffee table with a top that slides open is a clever way to store items when you don’t need them and have them in easy reach when you do. An outdoor bar cart is a stylish design statement in an outdoor space, providing a place to store glasses and drink mixes when you have guests. When you no longer need it, you can wheel it back indoors. Sweet Pea and WIllow; Wooden Dot

05. Kitchen Connection
The outdoor-indoor connection trend has never been more popular. Outdoor kitchens can look fabulous and boast many, if not all of the elements you’d find in an indoor one. From pull-out drawers, cupboards, and in some cases even “now you see it now you don’t” integrated cabinetry, a well-equipped outdoor kitchen provides plenty of room for storage. This Hawthorne home by Saunders Building Company has ample storage outdoors with clever continuity in colour and style for a seamless look. Saunders Building

06. ON THE SHELF
Shelving can be adjustable, fixed, floating, pull-out, or you can have corner shelving. Custom shelving can take a bare wall from drab to fab, infusing character and instantly adding value. Or you can buy stylish ready-made shelving that allows you to store whatever you need for the outdoors with ease. Shelving can be the ultimate in flexible storage. String Furniture, founded by architect and designer Nils Strinning, is a Swedish design company that specialises in home storage. Strinning designed the classic String System in 1949. Simple, lightweight and stable, the side panels are simple to mount and the shelves are easy to reconfigure. Shelves of different depths can be combined in the same unit as the frame functions as a bookend. Great Dane Furniture

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With the addition of MERIVOBOX alongside Blum’s existing box systems LEGRABOX and TANDEMBOX, homeowners have a complete range of drawers that can provide the perfect solution for different requirements.

Maximise storage capacity

MERIVOBOX has several features that help homeowners make the most of their storage opportunities. With drawer sides that are straight on the inside, MERIVOBOX makes optimal use of the storage space available. Complementing the distinct drawer sides, MERIVOBOX allows the whole depth of the drawer to be utilised thanks to its full-extension runners, which have a weight-bearing capacity of 40kg and 70kg for perfect versatility throughout the home.

Distinctive design

Each of Blum’s box systems creates different styling options, helping homeowners carry the room’s aesthetics to the cabinet internals. MERIVOBOX boasts a distinctive drawer side design that makes a stunning light reflection, highlighting the top-quality look formed by the metal components.

The platform concept of MERIVOBOX allows homeowners to create a broad range of drawers and pull-outs, from gallery sides that provide clear visibility, to BOXCOVER, which creates unique design elements, and BOXCAP enclosed drawer sides. Whether you’re building a bright and vibrant space or a dark yet elegant ambience, MERIVOBOX comes in silk white matt, indium grey matt and orion grey matt.

Seamless inside and out

No one likes a messy drawer. The clean drawer sides of MERIVOBOX allow for Blum’s AMBIA LINE inner dividing system to be installed flush against the drawer sides, ensuring your drawers look stunning inside and out. Completely customisable, AMBIA-LINE lets homeowners personally configure their drawers to best suit their families’ organisational requirements. The spacious MERIVOBOX drawers created by their slim, straight drawer sides also help to declutter your cabinet interiors to make sure items are easily located at all times.

Experience quality motion

MERIVOBOX helps your kitchen look sophisticated, and its smooth featherlight glide also creates a pleasant experience for homeowners. With soft-close BLUMOTION as standard, MERIVOBOX can be equipped with Blum’s TIP-ON mechanical opening support system to complement elegant handle-less designs. With just a touch to the front, cabinet fronts will open to make all items easily accessible. To further enhance your experience, consider incorporating SERVO DRIVE, Blum’s electrical opening support system, which glides open effortlessly with a light touch.

When building or renovating your dream home, it’s important to use quality hardware that will stand the test of time. Blum products are backed by rigorous research and testing to ensure every homeowner has peace of mind throughout their building or renovation journey.

For more information

Blum Australia

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Here are a few reasons why we appreciate Feature Open Shelving.

Visual Interest

Open shelves look lovely and are incredibly simple to style for your needs, whether they’re used to hold books, decorative items, or even just a place to display glasses in your coffee or bar nook.

Open Shelves can be made to stand out as a feature by using a variety of textures, grains, and colours when designed properly.

Creating Balance

Any areas that appear too “heavy” can be broken up with open shelves. We frequently use them to create height in a study nook or to balance out a wall of cabinetry in a walk-in closet.

Doesn’t break the bank

However, using a standard range laminate color or wood-look from Polytec make for a cost effective and high end finish to your space. Of course, this is dictated by material as well; if you select a Timber or Timber veneer product, expect to pay more.

For more information

Designing Interiors

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Today’s kitchens are increasingly central in the home, and there is no limit to how amazing and functional they can be.

In order to love your kitchen, you will need adequate layout, functionality and storage space. Some of the most popular trends for kitchens in 2022 and 2023 include layouts that prioritize accessibility and features that make cooking easy. Additionally, kitchens should be stocked with the necessary utensils and appliances to meet your needs.

Storage & Organisation

As kitchens become increasingly crowded, many people are looking for ways to store their belongings more efficiently. This trend is especially evident on social media platforms like Facebook and Pinterest, where numerous kitchen storage groups have been created. According to Kitchen & Bathroom News, videos of organizing hacks on TikTok have garnered 1 billion views, and the topic of kitchen organization has received over 200 thousand online searches each week.

A well-organized kitchen requires a system for storing items, including containers and labels. This will help you to easily find what you’re looking for and keep your kitchen clean and tidy.

If you want to have a well- organised kitchen, you need the space to store things in the first place. This is why KitchenBanc’s new wall storage solution is so popular. It can be installed on walls or above an island in your kitchen, making the most of otherwise unused space. You can keep spices, glassware, recipe books and other cooking tools right where they are needed – all within easy reach!

Sustainability

Many designers are looking to use sustainable materials and practices when designing. This includes sourcing materials locally, using local manufacturers, and learning more about companies that operate in a responsible manner with regard to environmental issues.

When it comes to kitchen upgrades and construction, sourcing local products can help avoid delays due to global supply shortages.

By supporting local businesses and products, consumers can enjoy cost-saving benefits while still receiving high-quality items.

Lighting

2023 kitchens will feature plenty of light from skylights and large windows, which can compromise cabinet placement. To avoid this issue, choose a KitchenBanc storage unit that sits on your kitchen counter instead.

Looking for a reliable and convenient source of light to help you complete your tasks in the evening? Try KitchenBanc, which offers human-centric lighting capable of providing the brightness you need when cooking or reading. Alternatively, use it for peaceful relaxation at night with a snack.

Automation

Swipe your finger to start the appliance and “tap” on the door in order to see it through. This feature is just the beginning for motion-activated appliances; developers are working on ways to make them even more transparent so that you can easily see what’s inside.

In the next few years, appliances with motion sensors will become more popular. This technology will be used to simplify tasks such as shelf-lowering in kitchens.

Convenience

Kitchen designers are currently aware of the importance of having ample power points in kitchens, as appliances become more commonplace. From coffee machines to juicers and food processors, there is a growing demand for appliances with varying wattages. By providing this variety of choices, kitchen architects can help reduce consumer confusion and make shopping for appliances easier.

One easy way to improve the functionality of your kitchen is by installing power outlets that are capable of powering USBdevices as well. Another nifty feature offered with KitchenBanc products is a charging station that can accommodate Bluetooth speakers and iPads. Now, you won’t have to worry about having an outlet nearby to charge your smartphone.

When designing a new kitchen, consider opting for rounded edges instead of square ones. This will give your space a contemporary look and can be matched with any color scheme. KitchenBanc’s cabinets have an option to choose rounded edges that look sensational.

For more information

KitchenBanc

The post Remarkable Kitchen Innovations for 2023 appeared first on Completehome.

Quality finishes are at the forefront of this design, resulting in a luxurious yet practical storage solution for kitchen drawers. The calming Grecian colours pair beautifully, seamlessly linking each of the rooms together for a cohesive aesthetic.

Hettich’s OrgaTray 270 interior drawer organisation system fits perfectly into the AvanTech YOU drawer, offering additional order to what can be a cluttered space.

Proper organisation within the kitchen is not only more pleasing to the eye, but saves time with everything in its place. The high-quality interior organisation system is made of wood and is anthracite lacquered in colour. It fits an anti-slip mat that will keep it looking its best
for years to come.

Various cabinet body widths can be provided by combining individual articles, such as the OrgaTray 630 utensil and cutlery tray. The ability to customise the trays provides choice as to how to store kitchen items for ease and style.

Design ZouBuild
Photography Villa Styling

For more information

Hettich Australia

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By making use of Blum’s space-saving cabinet solutions, homeowners can use every inch of storage while also accommodating their own unique style and workflow.

Blum’s practical cabinet solutions create valuable additional storage space without needing to change the dimensions of the room. The SPACE TOWER, SPACE CORNER, sink drawer and SPACE TWIN can help transform hidden or tricky spaces into functional storage that substantially improves the ergonomics of the space.

THE PERFECT PANTRY

Blum’s SPACE TOWER pantry makes perfect use of storage space and ensures that every item is always close at hand using individual pull-outs, and allows homeowners to access the contents from three sides. At full extension, users can reach items at the back of the drawer with ease, so no items are lost or forgotten in the depths of the cupboard. With flexible design options such as gallery rails or glass elements, homeowners have complete visibility of the items to save time during busy meal preparation. Depending on your storage requirements, the cabinet can be as narrow or wide to best suit your needs. The SPACE TOWER isn’t limited to the kitchen; it can also be applied to other living areas such as the bedroom, bathroom and living room.

CAPITALISE ON CORNERS

Corner cabinets are often wasted because they can be uncomfortable to access and quickly forgotten. Innovative cabinet solutions like Blum’s SPACE CORNER makes great use of corner cabinets. The spacious angled drawers utilise the available space to its full potential thanks to the full-extension drawers allowing for easy access right into the back corner.

TRANSFORM TIGHT SPACES

Make use of even the smallest storage space in the kitchen while maintaining a seamless design with Blum’s SPACE TWIN solution. These cabinets are the ideal place to keep items such as bottles, chopping boards, herbs and spices and baking trays. To ensure good workflow in your kitchen designs, we recommend positioning these narrow cabinets close to the preparation bench or stove.

STORAGE FOR YOUR SINK

The sink is one of the most difficult elements to accommodate in a kitchen, making storage opportunities very limited. Blum’s U-shaped sink drawer contains a cut-out for the sink bowl to provide an additional, functional storage space. The sink drawer is the perfect solution for keeping cleaning utensils such as sponges and dishwashing liquids out of sight and stored close by for when they’re needed.

For more information

Blum Australia

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