7 Ways to Maximize Kitchen Storage

No one ever complains about having too much storage space in their kitchen, especially those who love to cook. Planning a kitchen that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing can be an arduous task, but even the most compact kitchen can be designed to the fullest level of efficiency. After all, the kitchen is used as the family gathering room more often than any other room in the home, so it should be as fuss-free as possible. Here are some clever tips for making the most out of every inch in the kitchen.

Make use of those awkward nooks and crannies

Many kitchens that don’t follow a ‘cookie-cutter’ layout may feature one or two spaces that appear too small or unusually designed for a standard cabinet; however, you don’t have to let the area go to waste. Put it to good use by adding a desk space, open storage cubbies, or a cabinet that requires very little space, such as a spice rack. The area might also be perfect for a pullout accessory that is hidden behind a filler or decorative leg.

If you are working on a tight budget but wish to fill a bare wall and create new storage space, then open shelves may be precisely the creative solution that you need. If there is no wall space to spare, then you can even use the windowsill for extra storage, or install a shelf right across the front of the window.

Use a hanging pot rack

Free up the cabinets and countertop space by mounting a hanging rack on the ceiling of the kitchen. This will offer a convenient place for any bulky pots and pans that just need to be out of the way to avoid extra clutter.

Add an island or peninsula

Islands and peninsulas help to achieve an out-of-the-box kitchen design that is both functional and unique. If you have run out of wall space for cabinetry, then you may consider adding an island in the center of the room. Or add a peninsula that juts out from the wall to create a breakfast bar. Larger kitchens with an open floor plan will benefit greatly from this additional cabinet storage space and seating area.

Islands and peninsulas are also great for entertaining, as they provide a convenient place to serve food and beverages. Furthermore, they create a smooth transition from the kitchen to the adjacent room, whether it be the family room or dining area. You can add even more storage space by placing cabinets or open shelving units on the sides and back of the island or peninsula.

Do something about the empty space above the cabinets

When you look at that empty space between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling, you may see a space that appears to be wasted or impractical. But what we see is a tremendous window of opportunity. There are several ways to increase the functionality of this seemingly unworkable space.

You can take the cabinets directly to the ceiling by placing glass stacker cabinets above the wall cabinets. This is a great way to put your decorative dishware and knickknacks on display, but it also keeps them safely out of reach, especially if little ones are present. Stacker cabinets will immediately draw the eye upward and create a beautiful focal point in the kitchen.

If the ceiling is too high to take the cabinets all the way up, then crown molding may be the perfect option for adding a little extra height to the kitchen. Use either a single strip of crown for a simpler design, or a double-stacked crown molding to close the gap between the cabinets and the ceiling.

Use corner cabinets

When you have a lot of stuff that needs to fit inside a small area, you won’t want to skimp on the space-saving and additional storage solutions. One way to maximize your cabinet space is to make use of corner cabinets. Many kitchens are L-shaped or U-shaped and feature a corner that may otherwise be considered dead space. Blind corner cabinets, Lazy Susans, and diagonal cabinets are great options for avoiding unusable space in the corners of the kitchen.

Tuck away the bar stools

Choose bar stools that are narrow and short enough to be pushed neatly underneath the overhang of the countertop. This will help to give additional clearance for foot traffic when the stools are not being used.

Add hidden pullouts and accessories

Pullout accessories and rollout shelves are a convenient solution to help your cabinets reach their full storage potential. Rollout shelves and racks allow you to use as much room inside the cabinet as possible. They also keep the cabinets tidy and organized. The homeowner can avoid getting onto their hands and knees to reach for items in the back of the cabinet because the pullouts extend to give easy access to everything inside.

There are pullouts specifically designed for concealing the wastebasket inside the cabinet, which is a great alternative to the standard garbage bin that can often be unsightly in the kitchen. This feature will not only add to the functionality and cleanliness of any kitchen, but it is also an effective selling point, in terms of resale.