Images: Dewhirst
HOMES & GARDENS
LESS IS MORE
Clear the
CLUTTER Ditch the kitchen chaos and create a more relaxing and orderly living space with our 5 top tips.
Get rid of multiple duplicates even if you think they may be useful in the future. Seriously, how many mugs and tea towels does one family really need? Give them to someone who needs them now – a student or local village hall. Also throw out old condiments and anything else which is past its best.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Tackle your clutter hotspot. It can be a drawer, shelf or even a corner, where letters, bills and ‘to-do’ lists accumulate. Bulletin boards are a great way to keep your paperwork pinned in one place and make clear visual notes of the important events or tasks coming up in the week ahead.
RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
If you own more cookbooks than you’re ever likely to need or read, decide which ones you use the most and consign the rest to the charity shop. Arrange those you keep on easy access shelves close to your food preparation area. Store heavier books on lower shelves to avoid them toppling on you.
OUT OF SIGHT
Where possible remove larger items and appliances from the countertop and store in a cupboard or pantry. A clear surface not only makes your kitchen look less cluttered but it’s practical too, saving time and stress of moving things out of the way when you’re preparing dinner.
OUTSIDE THE BOX
You can add up to 50% more storage space in your kitchen through utilising the layout more efficiently. Create additional space with vertical storage, over-door hanging solutions and moveable shelves. If you like to decant food into jars, buy square jars for more effective use of space. URBAN FOX MARCH 2020 33
