Kitchen organization is an important element of home design that impacts how we cook, clean, and live. With a bit of clever planning, it’s possible to maximize storage no matter the size of your kitchen. Here are some tips for great utility storage for kitchens both large and small.
Assessing Your Needs
Before implementing any storage solutions, take stock of what you need to store. Make a list of all your dishes, cooking tools, pantry items, and anything else kept in the kitchen. Consider frequency of use so most used items are most accessible. Also think about who does most of the cooking and organizing. Storage should suit their height and preferences.
Shelving Strategies
Open shelving is great for often used items you want to access quickly. Closed cabinetry hides less attractive items and prevents dust build up. A mix of both open and closed storage works well in most kitchens. Consider these shelving tips:
- Install shelves right up to the ceiling for max usage of vertical space.
- Use risers or extra deep shelving for specialized items like baking sheets.
- Incorporate a mix of shelf sizes to accommodate different height items.
- Pull-out shelves make items in back of cabinets accessible.
- Tiered shelves double your storage capacity.
Drawer Organizers
Maximize vertical space inside drawers with dividers and organizers. Consider using:
- Cutlery inserts for sorted utensil storage.
- Deep utensil organizers for ladles, spatulas, tongs, etc.
- Vertical dividers for cookie sheets, cutting boards, etc.
- Small compartments for spices.
Invest in quality drawers with smooth glides and stops for easy access.
Lazy Susans
Lazy susans efficiently use corner cabinet space. Great options include:
- Full-size susans for items like spices, canned goods, or plates.
- Tiered susans double storage for baking pans, cookbooks, etc.
- Small susans to hold oils, condiments and more.
Pull-Out Pantries
Pull-out pantries on rollers provide easy access to items stored deep in cabinets. Consider:
- Drawers for canned goods and other items.
- Deep pull-out bins for flour, sugar and bulk items.
- Shallow bins for spices, packets, etc.
Hanging Storage
Make use of vertical space with hanging storage options:
- Wall mounted pot racks free up cabinet space.
- Hanging utensil bars for commonly used tools.
- Under cabinet hooks for everything from towels to coffee mugs.
Mobile Carts
Carts with wheels or casters allow you to easily move storage where needed. Options include:
- Spice and knife blocks that can be moved as you cook.
- Tiered utility carts for specialized items like baking, bar items, etc.
- Rolling pantries with bins and drawers for extra storage.
Other Smart Ideas
- Use inside cabinet doors for foil, cutting boards, plastic wrap, etc.
- attaching mesh racks provides extra shelf space.
- Repurpose drawers or shelving from other rooms.
With some creativity and these storage tips, it’s easy to maximize utility storage no matter your kitchen size or layout. Proper organization reduces clutter and makes cooking far more efficient and enjoyable.
Great Utility Storage Solutions for Small Kitchens
Small kitchens present unique storage challenges but smart solutions can help maximize every inch. Here are great ideas to increase utility storage in tight spaces:
- Opt for shallow shelves to double storage capacity in a small footprint.
- Use vertical storage like hanging pots racks and upright utensil holders.
- Install pull-out drawers under sinks and appliances.
- Get creative like under stair storage for lesser used items.
- Multi-level carts provide storage on wheels.
- Fold down prep tables create temporary counter space.
- Opt for retractable hanging pot racks you can raise and lower.
- Use lid racks on insides of cabinet doors.
- Repurpose wall space with narrow floating shelves.
With some clever adaptations, even the smallest kitchen can function beautifully. Focus on frequently used items being readily available and minimize clutter.
Maximizing Kitchen Storage in Large Spaces
Large kitchens allow room for extra storage options like:
- A spacious walk-in pantry for food, dishes, appliances, etc.
- Pantry cabinets and pull-out pantries near work areas.
- Big islands with shelving, cabinetry and drawers.
- Additional storage furniture like hutches and sideboards.
- Deep drawers that accommodate pots, pans and containers.
- Upper cabinets to the ceiling for more shelf space.
- Pull-out cabinets for hidden storage behind doors.
- Built-in bookcases for cookbooks, small appliances, etc.
With more room, focus on creating specific zones like baking, wine, cuisine specialty, etc. Well organized large kitchens reduce mess and make cooking enjoyable.
Simple Makeovers for Better Utility Storage
Without a full remodel, small upgrades can vastly improve kitchen storage. Easy DIY ideas include:
- Adding new drawer organizers and dividers.
- Installing shelf risers, extra shelves, under cabinet hooks.
- Upgrading cabinets with pull-out shelves and lazy susans.
- Repainting cabinet interiors bright white to see contents better.
- Replacing door and drawer hardware with easier to grasp handles.
- Adding floor-to-ceiling pantry shelving.
- Transforming a closet into an adjacent pantry.
Even rented spaces can be improved with Metro shelves, utility carts and other portable options. Get creative transforming unused areas into improved storage space.
Conclusion
Smart storage is essential for functional kitchens. Carefully evaluating your needs and using space efficiently allows even the smallest kitchen to feel open and organized. Invest in quality materials like smooth drawers, sturdy shelving and easily accessible cabinetry. With the right combination of open and closed storage, even tight kitchens can store all necessities within easy reach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Storage Solutions
What are some tips for a small kitchen with limited storage?
Some great tips include using vertical space with hanging shelves or pots racks, installing pull-out drawers and shelves, rolling carts to relocate storage, using lid racks or hanging utensil racks inside cabinet doors, and repurposing closet or pantry space nearby for extra storage.
How can you maximize kitchen storage without a full remodel?
Easy DIY upgrades like new drawer organizers, shelf risers, extra shelving, new cabinet hardware, pull-out shelves or lazy susans, floor-to-ceiling pantry shelving, and utility carts or Metro shelves can vastly improve storage in any kitchen.
What types of storage should you put near the cooktop?
The most accessible storage near the cooktop should hold frequently used items like oils, spices, utensils, pots and pans. Open shelving or hanging pots racks work well for quick access.
What are some ways to organize a large walk-in pantry?
Consider installing shelving to maximize vertical storage, using bins or baskets to corral like items, incorporating drawer storage, hanging small storage racks or hooks, and adding a rolling ladder for hard to reach top shelves.
How can you add more kitchen storage without remodeling?
Portable options like rolling carts, utility racks, hanging wall storage, freestanding shelving, and food storage containers allow you to add storage without any building modifications. Repurposing furniture like hutches and sideboards can also add storage.
