Ask any cook and they would tell you that plenty of storage is one of the most important things to have in the kitchen. Kitchen cabinetry does not have to be boring and bland, but it does need to be functional. Today more than ever you can have the best of both worlds and get attractive kitchen cupboards that are designed especially for your kitchen and will provide heaps of storage space in several ways.

Not only can cupboards be fitted into corners and small spaces, they can have customised fittings inside to make storage more efficient, easier to access and just right for a myriad of small kitchen utensils. So what are some of the latest trends used by professional kitchen renovation experts that you can choose from if you are building a new home or renovating your kitchen? Here are some of them.

• Ceiling to floor cupboard space – this is usually placed on the opposite wall from the stove and other large appliances. You may think that it would be just too much to have a whole wall filled with cupboard doors, but this can actually become a feature by having several of them made of glass so that your most attractive china or some curio you love can be displayed, yet kept clean and free of dust.
• Drawers not shelves – old-fashioned kitchens had just two shelves in the cupboards under the kitchen sink. Drawers have replaced them. You can fit lots more in the drawer as well as being able to pull it out. This makes access much easier, especially for older people who may have trouble bending or getting down on their knees. It also makes cleaning easier.

• Deliberate mismatch – when all the colours and surfaces are the same the effect is rather boring and bland. Having one cabinet – perhaps the island – made of a different material or painted a different colour will add an accent to the room and provide visual interest.
• Open shelves backed with colourful wallpaper – or paint. This is another way to provide extra colour and accent and is especially effective when the rest of the room is done in white or off-white.
• Adding embellishments – such as fancy feet, an under counter corbel or arched openings; inspiration coming from more traditional or even antique cupboards can be added to modern ones for a different look.
• Cabinet doors made from stained glass with colourful patterns interspersed with plain painted ones can make your kitchen rock.
• Customising the inside of the drawers so that small appliances or even cutlery can be stored more efficiently. You can fit more in when drawers are customised.
• A table can replace that island so long as it is only used for storage, not a sink or hotplates. Having a table there will offer versatility as you can use it for food preparation as well as a breakfast bar. You would need to have plenty of alternative storage.
• A walk-in pantry with open shelves – or not, can free up space in the kitchen and keep it looking tidier.

There are also the doors of the cabinetry to be considered. While many people like the sleek, plain look, your inner interior decorator may prefer fancy carved doors to enclose your cupboard space. Choosing what you like best will give you a kitchen that you will adore for many years to come.