The art of maintaining a perfect kitchen is knowing how to organize the inevitable chaos. While a perfect kitchen may not exist, having storage solutions that transform your space and reduce clutter brings you pretty close.
You may have an idea of how it feels to tackle overflowing cabinets and drawers that refuse to shut. It’s a common issue. Thus, reclaiming your kitchen may involve a few nails, baskets, and some sliding shelves.
Here are some life-changing kitchen storage ideas that will make you wonder how you ever lived without them.
1. Add a Bar to the Kitchen Island
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The kitchen island is great, but adding a bar space makes it even greater. While it is generally the goal to keep as much off the counter as possible, a designated space for items you use daily is smart.
Utilize a wet bar area to access everyday items like matching coffee mugs and water glasses quickly. This keeps your main cabinets less cluttered, makes life easier, and adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen setup.
If you don’t have an island or counter space, you can also add a small table in your kitchen as a cute drink space.
2. Create an Appliance Garage
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Imagine having a perfectly hidden toaster that only appears on demand. An appliance garage is a brilliant idea that involves a dedicated space, often with roll-up doors, where you can stash away appliances when they’re not in use.
It can similarly store dry goods, keeping them out of sight yet easily accessible. This is especially handy for small kitchens where countertop space is at a premium.
3. Make Use of Hooks
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Hooks aren’t just for coats and keys; they’re a terrific tool for kitchen organization, too. Install hooks under cabinets or on open wall space to hang mugs, utensils, or even pots and pans.
This frees up drawer and cabinet space for other essentials. If you want to be fancy, consider decorative hooks that match your kitchen’s aesthetic.
4. Use a Caddy as Storage
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Caddies are a fantastic way to keep frequently used items within arm’s reach while maintaining a tidy kitchen. Use them for spices, oils, or even cleaning supplies. The beauty of a caddy is its portability—move it wherever you need it most.
Consider a caddy with multiple compartments to further organize your items. A well-organized caddy can be a real eye-catcher on your countertop.
5. Use Containers in Your Freezer
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Sometimes, a freezer can look like a teenage boy’s bedroom. To avoid the dreaded freezer avalanche, use containers to organize your frozen goods.
Clear, stackable containers are best as they allow you to see what’s inside without having to open each one. Label each container with the contents and a date to track what you have and when it needs to be used.
6. Mount a Knife Rack
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Hang a magnetic knife rack on your kitchen wall and watch your drawer and counter space breathe a sigh of relief. A knife rack also ensures that your knives stay sharp and in good condition, preventing them from getting jostled around in a drawer. It also helps to keep the knives unreachable, especially when you have kids.
Choose a rack that complements your kitchen’s style for a seamless look that combines form and function.
7. Put Floating Shelves on Walls, Doors, Or Window Sills
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Any blank wall, door, or window sill is an opportunity to increase storage space in your kitchen with a floating shelf. Install shelves wherever you have the room, and watch how much more organized your kitchen becomes.
Use shelves of different lengths and depths to accommodate various items like cookware, spices, or even small appliances. Add baskets or bins on these shelves for extra organization.
8. Add a Pegboard Wall Organizer
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Rather than a shelf, a pegboard system can elevate your wall organization game. This customizable organizer allows you to adjust the pegs to fit your items perfectly in a space, from utensils to pots and pans.
A pegboard drawer organizer keeps everything in its place and makes it easy to find. A well-thought-out pegboard is a great option for showcasing matching, unique, or vintage items.
9. Install a Pull-Out Pantry
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A pull-out pantry is a fantastic solution for small kitchens with limited space. These narrow, vertical cabinets can fit into tight spaces and offer ample storage for dry goods, canned items, spices, and other pantry items.
The pull-out feature means you can see everything at a glance, making it easier to keep track of what you have and what you need.
10. Create Over-the-Door Storage
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Do you have mismatched kitchen towels that you want to keep out of sight? Over-the-door (inside the cabinet) storage would be great for them, keeping them hidden yet easily accessible. These can be used on cabinet doors to hold various items.
From cleaning supplies to snacks, over-the-door storage adds extra storage space without taking up too much valuable cabinet space for bulkier items.
11. Use Drawers Instead of Cabinets
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Opting for drawers instead of traditional cabinets can significantly enhance your kitchen’s functionality and accessibility. Drawers, or even drawers within cabinets, allow you to pull out and view all your kitchenware or food items at a glance, eliminating the need to rummage through deep cabinets.
This design choice is particularly beneficial for items like pots, pans, and utensils, as it makes accessing them much easier. You can even add dividers within the drawers to separate different categories of kitchen tools.
12. Make Use of Baskets
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Baskets are a stylish way to enhance kitchen organization while adding a touch of decor. Use baskets to store produce, snacks, or kitchen tools–keeping them handy yet organized.
Place them on countertops, shelves, or even within cabinets to keep items contained and easily accessible. Mix and match baskets of all sizes and materials to create a kitchen arrangement as eye-catching as your culinary masterpieces.
13. Hang Your Pots and Pans
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Utilize vertical space in your kitchen to transform the area’s aesthetic and functionality. Hanging your pots and pans creates a stunning display while keeping your cookware accessible.
Install a pot rack above your kitchen island or stovetop to showcase your favorite pieces. This allows for easy rearrangement and access to your cookware.
14. Make Your Storage Your Décor
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Incorporating storage solutions that double as décor can elevate the overall aesthetic of your kitchen while maintaining organization. For example, you can use decorative jars or clear containers to store pasta, grains, or snacks. They keep items fresh and add a charming visual element to your countertops or shelves.
Open shelving allows you to display your beautiful dishware or cookbooks, transforming storage into a focal point in your kitchen.