• Searches for “morning get ready for school” are up 130% on TikTok as families seek ways to stay organised during the back to school season.
• Darren Watts, kitchen expert at Wren Kitchens shows how smart kitchen design and clever storage solutions can reduce morning stress and streamline routines.

As families juggle the demands of the back to school season, from preparing packed lunches to managing homework, it is a timely reminder that kitchen design plays an important role in supporting the routines of everyday life.

 With searches for “family-friendly kitchen layouts” (+56%)and “kitchen tips and tricks” (+100%) on the rise, households want spaces that do more than provide a place to cook. They are seeking kitchens that help them stay organised, save time, and create a central hub for family life.

Darren Watts, kitchen expert at Wren Kitchens has shared his practical ideas to help families cut down on morning stress and make the most of the heart of their home. To keep the kitchen running smoothly, Darren explains how smart placement of storage and appliances can make all the difference during the school run.

1. Dedicated breakfast stations for smoother mornings

A kitchen island breakfast station can transform mornings from stressful to streamlined. Instead of gathering items from multiple cupboards and worktops, families can centralise cereals, bowls, spreads and mugs in one organised hub.

“By positioning this station within an island or near the fridge, families create a natural flow that reduces unnecessary movement. The concept links to the traditional kitchen triangle theory which keeps the main zones for preparation, cooking and refrigeration within close reach”, says Darren. Kitchen islands can be customised with pull-out shelves and compartments so that every item has its place and the morning scramble is kept to a minimum.

2. Pull-out pantry drawers for snack organisation

“One of the most effective ways to speed up school lunch prep is to opt for pull-out pantry drawers that bring the entire contents into view. Tall pantry units keep snacks and lunchbox fillers at eye level, so nothing gets lost at the back of a shelf, where it risks expiring or going to waste. Wire or solid baskets can be designated to each child, so they are responsible for collecting their own items,” says Darren.

This not only saves parents time but also encourages children to build independence. Smaller drawers can be dedicated to storing lunchboxes and reusable bottles, so the full lunch routine is centralised in one place.

3. Slim pull-out larders for better meal prep

Larders remain one of the most versatile storage solutions, but slim pull-out larders take the concept a step further. They provide a compact way to keep trays, baking sheets and chopping boards neatly upright, which stops stacks of items from toppling in crowded cupboards.

“During busy school weeks when families prepare quick dinners or bake in advance for lunchboxes, these larders allow essential items to be reached in seconds. The narrow design makes them ideal for maximising tight kitchen layouts without sacrificing valuable space,” advises Darren.

4. Appliance garages for clutter free counters

Counter space is one of the most contested resources in a family kitchen. Parents need room to prepare sandwiches, while children may use the same space for homework or crafts.

“Appliance garages provide a practical way to hide away toasters, coffee machines and blenders that otherwise take up room. Keeping these appliances accessible but hidden means the kitchen feels calm and orderly while still being functional. It allows families to keep worktops clear which makes the kitchen feel larger and more versatile,” says Darren.

Additionally, with seating built in, kitchen islands can double up usage. Islands with a mix of deep drawers, shelving and hidden compartments make them versatile for family life. “An island with seating creates a natural hub for the whole household,” Darren explains. “Parents can cook while children do homework in the same space, which is invaluable for busy families.”

5. Making use of awkward spaces

Every kitchen has areas that can feel wasted such as the gap under the sink or narrow spaces between appliances. “Families often overlook these, but they can become valuable storage when properly planned,” says Darren. Pull-out larders or slim towers turn them into homes for chopping boards, baking trays or cleaning supplies. By ensuring every item has a dedicated place, families avoid clutter building up on worktops.

Open shelving looks great, but as a family of young children, visually stacking up plastic items on open shelves can make a space feel cluttered and disorganised. Opt for cupboard storage instead, not only is this a more efficient use of space, but it can help you tuck things away and maintain a clean, clutter-free space,” says Darren.

The back to school period proves that the kitchen must function as the heart of the home, not just a place for cooking. With well thought out storage, breakfast stations, efficient larders and clutter free counters, families can reclaim valuable minutes every morning.

Wren Kitchens continues to design solutions that respond to modern family life, ensuring that no space is wasted and every item has its place. Explore more storage ideas at https://www.wrenkitchens.com/kitchens/storage.