An increasing focus on the aesthetics and functionality of kitchens have made many of us opt for modular kitchens. They have well-organised storage spaces and can be set up and dismantled easily. The downside - their steep prices.

But, hang on. Your inexpensive traditional kitchen can also have fabulous storage. Today, the market has over a dozen manufacturers of stainless steel kitchen accessories, which provide super value-addition to any kitchen in terms of storage solutions.

Additional benefits

Most of these accessories are made of superior grade stainless steel (AISI 304 - 18/8) which is rustproof and durable; additional chrome plating enhances the looks and life. While conventional metal accessories (made of mild steel) have a life of around five years, the stainless steel ones can last nearly 20 years.

They make eco-sense as their application cuts down the use of wood for drawers, shelves, racks and hooks.

Of course, stainless steel is waterproof, termite- and borer-proof, cockroach-proof and fire-retardant, too.

Being made of “wire-like” meshes, you can see the items stored. It also ensures good ventilation, keeping fruits and vegetables fresh longer.

Cleaning is easy as most soft detergents can be used on stainless steel.

Purchase pointers

These are the things you must check while buying accessories:

Size and shape of your kitchen space and whether each accessory can be fitted or adjusted into it

Actual storage space offered by each accessory and whether you need it

Exact grade of steel used in the accessories and the thickness of wires used (3mm to 6mm in diameter)

Surface finishing

Visibility of the wire joints

Drawer channels must be the easy-moving and full-opening telescopic ones.

Above the counters

• Use the space above the sink smartly. Fixa wide dish rack as well as a glass and cup tray inside the wall cabinet. Add some hooks to hold cups

• A glass holder can be a convenient choice

Below the counters

• Opt for as many pullout baskets as possible. These are drawers mounted on channels fitted below the countertop. Go for a sensible mix of various basket types - cutlery basket on top, cup-and-saucer basket next, followed by baskets for utensils, and last a heavy jar basket.

• Add value with the indispensable bottle pullout - narrow (6- to 8-inch-wide) storage with two or three shelves - that can hold sauces and squashes.

• The corner counter, depending on its exact shape can have a ¾ carousel (270 degrees) or a ½ carousel (180 degrees, D-shaped). This way, you can use the deepest corner spaces and the rotating carousels to “bring out” the stored items

(The author is an interior design consultant, specialising in the design of corporate and residential interiors. As a senior faculty member at a Calcutta institute, she has delivered lectures, guided research and conducted projects in the field of ‘Housing & Interior Design’ for over two decades. She can be contacted at kusumsmail@yahoo.com)