One of the things nobody tells you about being a food blogger (or maybe they do and I just missed that memo) is that no matter how big of a kitchen you might have, you will find a way to cram every available spot with ingredients, bowls, pots, pans, utensils, dishes, props and more. The concept of too much storage is like a joke; more likely than not, even in the best case scenario, you'll wind up with a system of organized chaos that you learn to navigate around. And yeah, my prop cabinets might currently be a mess of precariously balanced dishes, but dealing with things like that have taught me a lot about what I do and don't want in my future kitchen someday.
Since I spent four years studying interior design in college, chances are I'll have more ideas than I can possibly incorporate by the time I'm actually in a place to design a kitchen of my own... but so what? There's no such thing as too much inspiration, right? And I may hate drawing floor plans but I still love exploring design concepts - especially when it comes to the kitchen - so I decided to team up with Modernize.com to share some of the awesome ideas they've come up with for maximizing your storage space. Hopefully you guys get as much inspiration out of it as I did! Thanks to Kaitlin for the tips, and I'll be back at you Friday with a new recipe. :D
Nine Innovative Kitchen Storage Ideas
by Kaitlin Krull
Keeping a tidy and organized kitchen is the first step to great cooking. However, kitchens often come in shapes and sizes that make storage space complicated. Here are some creative ways to take your kitchen storage to the next level.
Built in pantry shelving
Make the most out of narrow storage spaces by installing vertical pull-out shelving units to house dry goods and other pantry items. This super creative hack more than doubles your storage surface area and looks fantastic (if you even know it’s there!).
via Modernize
Kitchen island storage
Keep your kitchen island free from clutter on the surface by creating shelves underneath and on the sides of your unit. This island storage space doubles as a clever and attractive display for cookbooks and wine bottles, a must have in every kitchen!
via Modernize
Baking accessory storage
Keep your baking trays tidy with customized shelves inside your kitchen cabinetry and make vertical spaces work in your favor. This clever hack uses both vertical and horizontal shelves to maximize storage space.
via Modernize
Frosted glass cupboards
Rather than hide away your fine china inside cabinets, consider open cabinetry or frosted glass cupboard doors. This way your storage is both functional and stylish, acting as part of the kitchen design.
via Modernize
Open shelving
If you want to showcase your kitchen supplies, arrange them creatively on floating shelves and other open surfaces for maximum visual effect. Add open shelves on bare walls, above white goods, and inside your island to get extra creative with your storage space.
via Modernize
Hanging storage
This hanging storage option is perfect for gallery kitchens, where counter space is low. Hang utensils, cutting boards, and anything else you can think of to keep counters clear.
via Modernize
Display quality storage
For the star bakers among us, café style pastry display cases and cake stands make perfect sweet storage and double as kitchen talking points. Just don’t expect the cases to stay full for long!
via Modernize
Bar style wine glass storage
Entertain your guests in style from your very own kitchen bar, set up complete with hanging wine glass storage and built in wine racks.
via Modernize
Hidden drawers
Double cupboard storage space by installing drawers inside taller units. Say goodbye to endlessly rummaging around for bowls and Tupperware and hello to smarter storage!
via Modernize
These are just a few of the more innovative ways to make your kitchen storage work for you. For more tips and tricks, check out Modernize.com!
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Paul Langley
Wow, I really like those hanging wine racks! I have been having a hard time figuring out what I'm going to do with mine when I move into a larger space, and that might just be the answer. They look so quaint and really add some flare to the room. Thanks so much for sharing!
alexandra
I love them too! Wish I had one myself! ;)
Sandy Fletcher
The kitchen is the place in the house that needs enough storage space, that is reachable and convenient. I agree that well organized and clean kitchen is the key to good cooking. I love cooking! When I am at home I love to spend time cooking delicious dishes and pies for the kids and my husband. Before we used to live in a tiny apartment and the kitchen was really small. There was not enough storage and it was a constant mess there. I wasn't feeling like spending any time there because of the mess. Really good post! Thanks for sharing!
Veronica Marks
Our kitchen is pretty small, and I'm always trying to figure out how to better utilize the space! I really like the look of the open shelving, and have a space where I think that could actually work really well. I love the hanging storage as well!
alexandra
Yay, glad you got some good tips from the post! I know what it's like having a small kitchen, definitley tricky sometimes!
Veronika
I really want an island in my kitchen. We have this GIGANTIC open space in our kitchen that would have been perfect for an island. But my husband wants to die at the thought of cutting into our hardwood floors.
alexandra
Hahah but the woman is always right, right?! ;)
Sandra Rose
I'll go for that vertical storage space - the built in pantry space! That is gorgeously clever!