Options to Maximize Kitchen Storage

Kitchen storage limitations can make even the most beautiful kitchen a nightmare. We store so much in our kitchen and use it as the hub of our home, when there is not enough storage it can impact our quality of life and enjoyment of our space. A disorganized kitchen can quickly carry over into making our home less organized. While your kitchen may not include previously installed storage options there are ways to optimize the space and create more room for storage. When renovating a kitchen storage should be at the top of your mind and there are many options for maximizing your space. We focus first on practicality and accessibility and aesthetics second to ensure your kitchen functions well. 

Kitchen storage is more than just storing pots and pans, the options are endless and can be customized to your unique needs. When looking at functional storage you will want to consider your daily use items, specialty items and other focuses you may have. 

Go Vertical

When designing a new kitchen you will want to consider the vertical space. Oftentimes when thinking of ways to expand a kitchen designers will add more cabinets or shelving horizontally but going higher can be an easier solution. By installing kitchen cabinets to the ceiling you can add more space without changing the layout of your kitchen. We often leave space above the fridge open as well as the space between the counters and upper cabinets. Appliance garages are a great option for a counter top height cabinet, some homeowners find that having the appliances tucked away gives them a cleaner look but doesnt require more cabinet space. 

Rethink the Tops of Cabinets

Instead of going to the ceiling with your cabinet you may want to consider turning that space into a display shelf. This open space is a great way to show off collections, special items or just store less commonly used items. Many homeowners prefer this option to adding cabinets to the ceiling because it looks more open. 

Open Shelves

Open shelving is a great way to add storage and keep your space looking fresh and modern. Open shelving works well in all sorts of spaces but is becoming increasingly popular in kitchens and bathrooms. Open shelves can be added to an existing kitchen as a way to add more storage without a big renovation. Homeowners love that open shelving can serve as storage and decor. Many people choose to display glassware, china, platters or other serving platters. 

Most kitchens mix open shelving and cabinets but some homeowners want a more eclectic look and choose to do no upper cabinets but instead include only open shelves. Open shelves can create a farm style look and do offer a great deal of storage. They can alleviate countertop clutter by giving you a place to store all the items you may have left on the counter previously. Open shelving also makes it easier for guests to find what they need. People often choose to store cups and plates on their open shelves and when they are in plain sight guests can help themselves to a glass for water without having to peek through different cabinets. 

Kitchen Islands

Kitchen islands are a great addition if you are looking for options to create storage in your home. If your kitchen has enough room to add an island you will gain a lot of storage and counter space. Islands often have more workable counter space because they are wider than a countertop and dont have the cabinets above them to interfere with your work. 

Small Appliance Storage

Small appliances can be a nightmare to store especially if you don’t have a lot of cabinet space. An appliance garage at counter height is one great option. Additionally, you may want to cut down on small appliances you don’t use regularly. Appliances like a kitchenaid stand mixer may need to be left on the counter because they are so large but with the right color they look more like decor than clutter. 

When creating kitchen storage you may need to get creative. Kitchens can become cluttered easily but with some of the solutions we listed above you will likely find that you can store more than you thought. Additionally consider adding drawers to lower cabinets, adding hanging overhead storage about your island, or install narrow cabinets in dead spaces to create more storage. Sweetwood cabinets is here to help with your kitchen remodel and can also help with adding storage to existing cabinets. If you are ready to discuss your project we would love to meet with you. Call Sweetwood cabinets to schedule your kitchen consultation today.