If you’re like most people, your kitchen is probably one of the most-used rooms in your house. And if you’re like most people, you probably don’t have enough storage space in your kitchen. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best kitchen storage ideas out there.
We spent hours researching ways to maximize available space in the kitchen and effectively use it. From tapping on structures like cabinets to organizing hacks that will make your kitchen a delightful experience, we have something for everyone. And cos we love you (totally feel the pain of a disorganized kitchen), we have attached a list of common kitchen tools to plan for storage.
Read on to see which kitchen storage ideas work best for you!
- Cover and concealment
- Slip and slide
- Hassle free prep station
- Float up
- Hang in there
- Mounted baskets
- Under-rated
- Hook it up
- Expand within
- Insert sideways
- Light top, heavy bottom
- Contain and control
- Compartmentalize the fridge
- Compartmentalize the drawer
- Lazy hack
- Kitchen island
- Mobile space
- Repurpose cabinets
- Recycle file folders
- Dish drying racks
1. Concealed storage
Built-in kitchens and appliances are perfect for any space, and makes you consider your needs. By configuring accordingly, your life and flow around the kitchen will be much easier. By hiding behind cabinets or pantry doors or cabinets, the kitchen looks seamless and neat.
2. Slip and slide
Opt for slide out cabinets for smart storage that slip between awkward gaps. From over abundant spices to messy utensils, narrow pull out cabinets are versatile organizers which tease out space and offer easy access.
3. Hassle free prep
Tired of having to clean up the mess from preparing food? Or find the 2 step process of finding a bin to shove shavings into a bin after preparing a hassle? Use an integrated slide out prep station with integration garbage bins. Not only does it expand space, it relaxes the preparation and cleaning process. having to clean up Tired of the 2 step process of cutting and having to shift and shove using as a handy prep station with integrated
4. Float up
If you prefer an open concept kitchen or would like to maximize vertical space, go for floating shelves. Or a chubby for those dreaded awkward angles. Floating shelves are also an excellent way to add in design features with existing cabinetry.
5. Hang in there
By using a simple rod or purpose built hanging racks, it works to give convenient access and organized storage to heavily used utensils that are otherwise ‘free to roam’. Apart from the usual suspects such as hanging pots and pans, stick knives or ladles to magnetic boards as a nifty design feature in the kitchen
6. Mounted baskets
If straight lines aren’t your thing, tap on wall mounted baskets (or a peg board) for visual interest and storage enhancing qualities. Baskets also come in natural materials which serve to soften and bring warmth to a space.
7. Under-rated
A lot of storage space is hiding under our noses. Tap on under sink space by using organizers or pull out racks to store cleaning and pest control products.
8. Hook me up
Another often overlooked place for storage is to hook organizers or holders behind cabinet doors. Not only does it assist in organization, there are many that offer no drilling/ adhesive options. These serve as great ways to store lids or garbage rolls/bags.
9. Expand within
To increase storage volume within the cabinet, sans the clutter, use under shelf pull out baskets or expandable shelves. These come in different sizes to fit varying cabinet spaces.
10. Insert sideways
Store baking trays and cutting boards sideways instead of stacking them up. Use inserts which fit into drawers and move flexibly.
11. Light top, heavy bottom
Place lesser used gadgets and dinnerware up top. Store often used and heavy cookery in bottom drawers for easy reach (be kind to your back!).
12. Contain and control
Nothing is more disconcerting than having to rummage around for an ingredient or tool. Store food in clear containers and label them for clear and unfettered access
13. Compartmentalize the fridge
Small bins and under shelf pull out baskets are particularly useful for refrigerators. Not only does it increase hygiene, it helps to organize food categories. No more furrowed brows when trying to pick out your favorite piece of ham!
14. Compartmentalize the drawer
Use drawer organizers to store items and avoid disarray. For big crockery, use simple adjustable pegs to categorize by size. If ready-made organizers leave small gaps in the drawer, use small bins from the dollar store to create custom-sized compartments.
15. Lazy hack
Keep countertops clear and neat by using rotating trays or ‘lazy susans’. They can also be installed within cabinets with deep recesses. Aptly named, they keep food and utensils within reach and help you to effortlessly keep the kitchen tidy.
16. Kitchen island
Not only does it act as a standout feature, the kitchen island is an excellent way to increase storage space with drawers beneath. Apart from being a stand alone, the island could also take the shape of an extended countertop. It serves to act as a differentiated space for dining, a plus point for small apartments.
17. Mobile space
If space is premium and an island is not ideal, consider a kitchen cart. It is portable, adds flexible counter space and is very affordable. Better yet, it could also double up as a bar station.
18. Repurpose cabinets
Take advantage of the character or stories that old cabinets bring. Spruce them up with a new coat of paint or some simple DIY (Do It Yourself) and you saved much more than a few dollars
19. Recycle file folders
Recycle old file organisers to store fruits, pesky paper bags or even k-cups! They can also be used as shelves. So many storage ideas, so little folders!
20. Dish drying racks
More than an option for quick drying, the rack can double up as storage albeit temporarily. It is useful for compact apartments with no dish-washer or minimal kitchen use. For example, a wall mounted foldable drying rack which serves to hold some cooking equipment and tableware.
List of Common Kitchen Utensils and Tableware to Plan For
These are a list of kitchen equipment that are commonly used. They are also the top suspects in messing and taking up the most real estate. Keep them in mind when planning kitchen storage and organization.
- Measuring utensils
- Knives
- Cutting board
- Garbage rolls/bags
- Paper towels
- Cookery ware: Pot, pans
- Baking ware
- Ladles
- Spice rack
- Cutlery
- Dinnerware: Plates, bowls
Wrap Up
We know that kitchens are often the busiest places in a home, but they don’t have to be cluttered messes. To make your kitchen easier to navigate and more efficient for cooking or entertaining, keep these simple kitchen storage ideas in mind when designing your new kitchen layout or remodeling project!
Have a look around our site for more organization hacks and home décor tips to spruce your home with ease!