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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sam Wylie-Harris

10 ways to add flair and function to your kitchen

Add a bit of functionality to your kitchen (Smeg UK/PA) -

A powerhouse which caters to all our daily needs, it takes some clever tools to keep the kitchen in peak performance – and streamline those work surfaces to ease the morning rush.

Moreover, a few quickie kitchen updates, pops of colour and flexible, multi-tasking items can supercharge your space – and make it look bang up to date without having to spend heaps on a refurb.

Here’s what’s caught our eye and ticks all the right boxes…

1. ProCook Mini Blender, Black, £29 (was £39), ProCook

(ProCook/PA)

Give your smoothies, salad dressings and banana shakes a boost with this blender that packs a punch. With sharp chopper blade, two speed settings, pulse function and two 600ml cups with lids, it’s your best buddy for juices to go.

2. Kitchen Trolley with Bamboo Top, £99 (was £175), A Place For Everything

(A Place For Everything/PA)

This kitchen cart gives you the opportunity to extend your working space with the added bonus of a wine rack, spice drawer and cupboard space for special serveware… a workhorse on wheels.

3. Salter Silver Dual Digital Air Fryer 7.6 Litre 1700 W, £99, Next

(Next/PA)

It’s never too late to jump on the air fryer band wagon and make the most of this kitchen must-have for healthier meals. This model features an eight litre capacity, 1500 watts of power, a touch-sensitive display with digital temperature control and eight frying pre-sets. Includes removable non-stick cooking basket.

4. ProCook Cast Iron Casserole Dish Set (20cm and 24cm) Graduated Green, from £99, ProCook

(ProCook/PA)

With casserole season in full swing, now’s the time to up your stew game. Suitable for hobs including induction, and oven safe to 260C, this gorgeous green dish set is a showpiece to complement your wintry themed tablescape.

5. Joseph Joseph DrawerStore Grey Baking Tray Organiser, £20, Joseph Joseph

(Joseph Joseph/PA)

Streamline those roasting dishes and bakeware trays with these non-scratch, adjustable dividers which can be tailored to your needs – top drawer.

6. Black Bronx Wall Storage, £40, Next

(Next/PA)

When you’re short on space and don’t want to faff about finding a nook or cranny for kitchen towel, tea, sugar and mugs, this industrial style wall unit keeps everything close to hand.

7. Smeg Kitchen Scales in Matt White, £129.95, Smeg

(Smeg UK/PA)

Can’t afford the eye-watering price for a Fifties-style Smeg fridge? Cheer yourself with these stylish kitchen scales which offer ‘complete precision.’ With a 1.8 litre stainless steel mixing bowl (removable), LED display and other snazzy eco-friendly features, its clean lines are effortlessly chic.

8. Matteo Kitchen Stool With Backrest, Burnt Orange Velvet & Brass, £149, Cult Furniture

(Cult Furniture/PA)

Something as simple as a plush bar stool can raise the bar – and bring a sense of luxe to a breakfast island or neglected corner. With padded seat, curved backrest and brass base, this one’s right on point.

9. Long Open Weave Storage Baskets: Small, £18, Large, £38, Bohemia

(Bohemia/PA)

Woven storage baskets are the unsung hero of decluttering, and it’s amazing how much you can store in a slim, rectangular shape which slips easily against a wall. Think cutlery, napkins, oil and vinegar, spaghetti jar and bottle of vino.

10. Bo Touch Bin in Satin Taupe, 11 + 23 Litre, £239, Brabantia

(Brabantia/PA)

This trendy touch bin in a soft, warm brown is the closest thing to Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2025 – Mocha Mousse. And it’s bound to be a huge hit with 23 and 11 litre removable inner buckets for two kinds of waste, not to mention its neat design for a standing area against a wall or kitchen unit.

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