When you live with a small kitchen, every inch counts. That’s why I wanted to share the custom cupboard we had built. A clever storage solution that has completely transformed how we use our space.
This cupboard is shallower than a standard unit, just deep enough to hold two glasses. Yes, I really did ask our carpenter to measure the depth of our glasses! The idea was to create something streamlined and functional that wouldn’t get in the way when we’re sitting at the kitchen table, especially when we have family round.
We made a few smart changes to simplify things too. For example, we switched from stemmed to stemless glasses (much easier to stack and store), and we limited our selection to only what we actually use. It still looks like a lot of glasses but trust me, it’s far fewer than before!
We also made room in this cupboard for other essentials:
– Water bottles and coffee cups on the lower shelves
– Everyday glasses for guests, kids, and my grandson to grab easily
– Crackers up top which I purposely keep a little out of reach to stop myself from grazing all day!
And while I usually love a good home purchase, I’ll admit we did end up with some double-walled coffee glasses that don’t get much use. It’s a reminder that even organised people have moments where things don’t quite go to plan, and that’s okay. I’ll be moving them into our everyday use now.
This unit also cleverly hides the electrical box and meters behind a sleek panel, while giving me a tucked-away spot for placemats and table linens (just the essentials, I don’t have the room for much more!).
And because space is tight, we added thoughtful touches like:
– Push-open doors to avoid snags or bumps in a narrow walkway
– Protective bumpers where the fridge meets the cupboard to prevent dents
– A small hidden plug station, perfect for my laptop, phone, and ring light when I’m working at the kitchen table
I always say: just because your kitchen is small doesn’t mean it can’t be smart. With shallow-depth cupboards, thoughtful layouts, and a realistic approach to what you actually use, you can turn even the tiniest corner into a beautiful, functional storage wall.
If you’re planning your own kitchen makeover or just looking to simplify your space, I hope this gives you a few ideas.
Karen x
P.S. Want to see the cupboard in action? You can watch my full video here.
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