Words: Francesca Seden

Featured Image: The Vauth-Sagel ENVI Water Plus with ENVI Space Lava Bin from Uform

According to Hafele’s Homes for Living 2026 report, storage (or a lack of it) once again tops the list of kitchen bugbears for homeowners, with 29% of respondents highlighting a lack of storage as their biggest kitchen pain point, due to limitations or difficulty accessing it.

When asked about their planned home improvements for 2026, 14% said they’ll be adding built-in or optimised storage to their kitchen, and 20% said they’ll be upgrading existing internal storage solutions.

According to Jonathan Hunt, head of marketing at Hettich UK, drawers now dominate internal storage, including deep pan drawers, internal drawer stacks and full extension runners providing the accessibility and ergonomic advantages consumers expect. Drawer platforms such as AvanTech YOU bring refined aesthetics and a premium feel to everyday use.

Larders and modern corner mechanisms continue to be essential, helping homeowners maximise footprint efficiency.

Taking a look at some of the most recent innovations, there are a few noteworthy examples. FurnSpin, an innovative corner solution, is among these as well as multi-stream waste sorting, breakfast station cabinetry and utility/bootility storage. “These growth areas reflect a shift toward clutter free, organised living,” Hunt explains.

On this, Getley marketing director, Dan Hughes, notes that a key trend is the emergence of kinetic and transformational furniture – storage that changes function and reveals different uses within the same footprint.

Hughes explained: “As kitchens continue to evolve into living spaces, there is growing demand for solutions that can adapt throughout the day, supporting cooking, entertaining and everyday living without adding visual clutter.

“Consumers are also looking for calmer, more architectural interiors, where complex functionality is concealed behind simple forms. Storage is becoming less about adding more cupboards and more about creating purposeful, intuitive spaces that feel considered and effortless to use – reflecting a broader shift across the industry to make space matter.”

Meanwhile David Milner, product manager at Kesseböhmer, available at PWS, explained: “Kesseböhmer’s new recently-launched Chef’s Table creates additional working space in the kitchen for large free-standing appliances such as food mixers and air fryers which, while very useful (and hugely popular!) otherwise take up a large amount of space on worksurfaces – and they’re not the most attractive things to permanently have on display!”

Pocket power

Caple UK’s furniture manager, Doug Haswell, adds that pantry storage is now the most in-demand feature in the modern kitchen, with over many UK homeowners now looking to add pantry cabinets to their designs. 

“Full height larder walls and dedicated pantry zones with bi-fold or pocket doors are increasingly standard as they offer visibility, organisation, and clutter free surfaces.” 

He also predicts that 2026 will also see an even broader uptake of engineered corner solutions such as LeMans style pull outs, corner carousels, and full extension mechanisms. These utilise previously underused space, especially valuable in compact kitchen designs.

Pocket door systems also eliminate the clearance required for swinging cabinet or pantry doors, letting homeowners hide entire appliance garages, pantries, coffee stations, recycling centres or work zones. This creates a clean, uncluttered look that aligns perfectly with the trend toward seamless, fully concealed storage.

Finally, Richard Gates, head of category management at Uform says he is very excited about the company’s new Essentio collection, and its new under-sink bin options, including the ENVI Water Plus system, a highly efficient solution designed specifically to house Quooker tanks alongside an integrated waste bin to make this traditionally awkward zone far more functional. 

Considering the marketing and selling of these products in the showroom, our contributors all agreed that demonstrations and tactile experiences are essential, along with some element of surprise which can deliver an additional ‘wow factor’. 

Hettich’s Hunt explains: “Retailers have much to gain from tactile demonstration. Showing the stability and smoothness of a loaded drawer, achievable with systems like Actro 5D, is more persuasive than providing a technical explanation. Emphasising longevity and everyday usability can help customers understand the value of higher specification internal systems.”

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Case study – Sheraton Interiors

What was the brief from the client?

“Our client wanted a kitchen that felt unique and expressive, with strong use of colour to match the theme of her home and her love of pastels. She wanted plenty of hidden storage to keep worktops clear, and a layout that worked hard for both entertaining and everyday family life.”

Why did you make the design decisions that you did?

“The fluted island softens the room visually and improves flow. It avoids harsh corners while maximising base storage internally. Behind the decorative exterior, deep drawers and shelving provide practical storage for pans, utensils and everyday items.

“Full-height cabinetry conceals larger appliances and pantry storage. This keeps the wallpapered walls from feeling cluttered and ensures the decorative elements remain the hero!

“Ribbed glass inserts in the cabinetry lighten the visual weight of the tall cabinetry, allow a glimpse of crockery without full exposure, and add texture and depth, while slim floating shelves break up the cabinetry run and allow the wallpaper to remain visible, which was important to maintain the decorative impact.

Case study – Et Lorem

What was the brief?

“Our clients wanted a space that would feel calm and refined, but one that worked hard behind the scenes. A key request was a dedicated walk-in pantry to house food, small appliances and bulk storage, ensuring the main kitchen remained uncluttered. The overarching goal was to design a space that supported organisation without compromising on individuality or luxury.”

What specific design decisions did you make in this project? 

“The walk-in pantry was fundamental to achieving both functionality and visual clarity. By positioning it behind elegant Crittall-style doors, we created a design feature that adds architectural interest while concealing high-volume everyday storage. Internally, the pantry was with generous shelving and clear zoning. It’s a real working pantry, fully stocked and labelled, demonstrating how the design of the space supports everyday life.

“Within the main kitchen, we incorporated pull-out spice racks and tailored internal storage solutions so that every item has a designated place. This reduces visual noise and enhances efficiency.” 

What are the key things designers should bear in mind when thinking about kitchen storage? 

“Zoning is critical and so separating preparation, cooking, entertaining and bulk storage ensures the space can function intuitively. Designers should also remember that hidden storage often has the greatest visual impact. 

“By removing everyday clutter from sightlines, the kitchen immediately feels calmer and more architectural. Finally, storage should never feel purely utilitarian. Even highly practical spaces, such as pantries, should reflect the same level of design consideration as the main kitchen. Function and beauty must always work together.”