FOOD FOR THOUGHT
For most of us, the kitchen is the heart of our homes. It’s where we rustle up delicious meals for ourselves and those we love the most. Here are the latest tips, tricks and must-haves to help you make yours the cooking space of your dreams…
DESIGN MUST-DOS
Can a clever design tweak make a difference? We asked pros in the know what makes the perfect at-home set-up
● CONSIDER AN ISLAND
‘If you’re redesigning your kitchen, do think about an island. I’ve always got so much stuff on the go – spices out, flour, weighing scale, a massive chopping board – that I need space, and an island makes that possible. It’s great for extending prepping space – mine is all worktop!’ Claire Thomson, chef and author; @5oclockapron
● CHOOSE DRAWERS
‘We just did a kitchen renovation and having drawers rather than cupboards is easily the best thing we changed. I can access everything and they are Tardis-like!
I use them as essentially my dry store: one massive drawer full of tins; one with rice, pasta and noodles. We also have wide drawers for cutlery and utensils, all within dividers. I love them!’ Ed Smith, cook and writer; @rocketandsquash
● THINK ABOUT PRIORITIES
‘I’m in the process of renovating a rundown house, and I am prioritising a really good oven. Higher-quality ovens tend to have wider internal space, meaning I can fit wider baking trays in.’ Edd Kimber, baker and food writer; @theboywhobakes
● GET SAVVY WITH STORAGE
‘I have a galley kitchen, so I’ve had to find some clever ways to maximise storage. I have some nifty magnetic knife blocks that are mounted on the wall. I also love an open shelf – we asked our fitters to save worktop offcuts, then bought brass brackets and made them into high shelves.’ Rosie Birkett, food writer; @rosiefoodie
● RE-USE GLASS JARS
‘I always re-use my glass jars, filling them up with flour, beans or pulses.
The display makes it easier to see what you need when you’re cooking; filled with different colours, they can be really aesthetically pleasing, too.’
Interiors expert Laura Jackson; @iamlaurajackson
● DON’T FORGET PLUGS
‘I love pop-up plug sockets; they’re tucked out of the way when not being used but super handy for plugging in appliances directly to your prep area. Remember that you’ll need to think about installing them at the design stage.’ Tamsin Burnett-Hall, senior food producer, Sainsbury’s magazine
● MAP OUT YOUR MOVEMENT
‘Planning your work zone is very important. My hob is on the kitchen island, with drawers underneath containing all my utensils and pans. My small appliances, like the electric whisk and blender, are i
