They’re arguably a bit “old school”, and remind you of Nana’s morning tea, but kitchen trolleys are fast making their mark on modern kitchen design.

Kitchen design expert Michael Baldivia loves them. “There’s definitely demand for them,” he says. “In the quintessential U-shaped kitchen there are usually three to four steps from one end to the other, with lots of empty space in between. A kitchen trolley instantly makes the area more functional by providing extra kitchen storage and bench space.”

Stack it up: the benefits of a kitchen trolley

Right off the bat, a kitchen trolley gives you extra storage space. But if you need more help with decluttering, check our tips for decluttering your home.

Items like fruit baskets, napkins, and cutlery and utensils will finally have a home in your kitchen where they’re easy to grab – especially useful for a small-space living.

A rack for hanging tea towels or large utensils and wine storage are other options. And because many trolleys come with a solid surface, you also have a portable carving board. You can even wheel it out for your next dinner party. Impressive.

Solid wood or stainless steel?

So, we’ve established trolleys are in… but which one to buy?

Baldivia recommends stainless steel because “it’s easier to maintain and is more hygienic”, but also loves wood, which is “popular for its timeless appeal and warmth”.

Wooden trolleys are either finished with lacquer or unfinished. Regular treatment of unfinished trolleys with food-approved oil is required for their maintenance and to avoid staining.

Another option is a more permanent fixture. If you love to entertain or you have a big kitchen, you may prefer a fixed solution – an island bench.

If you’re thinking of purchasing a kitchen trolley, Baldivia’s’s tip is to look at function first. “Consider what you desire in drawer and storage space, as well as ease of mobility and manoeuvrability in terms of its weight, size, and quality of castors”, he says. “It needs to be easily accessible and ideally have a secondary location where it can be stored if not needed.”

So what are you waiting for?! Take a look at flexible kitchen storage solutions online for your home now!

Need more kitchen renovation inspiration? You can read more here, or find an expert to help you start planning your kitchen renovation.