I feel like I spend half my life standing at the kitchen sink, so I’m a big believer that it should work really hard for you — and still look good while it’s doing it.

1. Leave yourself a landing zone

A clear patch of bench beside the sink makes a huge difference. It gives you somewhere for rinsed vegetables, dirty dishes, a vase or a hot pan — all the glamorous stuff.

If you’re renovating, plan for it. If you’re not, just keep one section deliberately clear.

2. Use the height under the sink

Most under-sink cupboards waste a lot of vertical space.

Add a small shelf, stackable drawer or slim pull-out for dishwasher tablets, cloths and cleaning bits. And work around the plumbing — two smaller organisers are often much more useful than one big one.

3. Get the clutter off the bench

Keep out only what you actually reach for every day.

Dishcloths can hang inside a cupboard door, brushes can live underneath and extra cleaning products can stay out of sight. I keep our Natural Multi-Purpose Cleaning Spray close because I use it constantly, but everything else doesn’t need front-row seats.

4. Make the sink earn its space

If you’re planning a new kitchen, workstation sinks are worth a look. Built-in ledges can hold chopping boards, draining racks and colanders, so the sink gives you some bench space back.

I’m also a fan of a generous single bowl. Anyone who has tried washing a baking tray in a tiny double sink will understand.

5. Treat the tap like part of the design

Your tap is basically kitchen jewellery, so look at the shape, finish and proportion just as you would handles or lighting.

Then keep the styling simple: a nice hand wash, one good-looking brush, a folded cloth, maybe a pot of herbs.

You don’t need to over-style it. You just want the everyday things you use to feel considered.

What to do this weekend

Give yourself 10 minutes under the sink. Pull everything out, ditch anything empty or unused, then add one shelf, drawer or basket to make better use of the space. And don’t just look in the kitchen section — office storage, desk organisers and drawer inserts can work brilliantly here too. One small fix, done.