A kitchen island with storage is one of the most functional and convenient additions you can make to your kitchen design. Not only does a kitchen island provide extra prep space and seating, but integrating storage into the island maximizes the functionality even further. From drawers to cabinets to open shelving, there are many creative ways to incorporate storage into your kitchen island design. Keep reading to explore how you can maximize the functionality of your kitchen island with smart storage solutions.
Benefits of Adding Storage to Your Kitchen Island
Before diving into the different storage options, let’s first look at why adding storage to your kitchen island is such a smart idea:
1. Increased Storage and Organization
More storage and better organization are perhaps the biggest motivations for adding storage to a kitchen island. No matter how much cabinet and drawer space your kitchen has along the perimeter, you likely need more centralized storage. An island with storage creates readily accessible storage in the heart of the workspace.
2. Storage for Specialized Items
An island provides the perfect place to store items that you use frequently while cooking or baking. Store cutting boards, baking sheets, cooking utensils, knives, and more in your island for easy access while you work.
3. Hide Clutter in Enclosed Storage
Not everything needs to be on display in the kitchen. Enclosed storage like doors and drawers allow you to tuck away small appliances, pots and pans, and other clutter to keep your space looking clean.
4. Customized to Your Needs
With the variety of storage options available, you can completely customize your island storage to suit your needs and preferences. Maximize the functionality by incorporating the types of storage that will work best for you.
Storage Options for Your Kitchen Island
From drawers to shelves to cupboards, there are many ways to build storage into your kitchen island. Consider which storage options will help you stay organized and maximize functionality.
Drawers
Drawers are one of the most popular and versatile types of kitchen island storage. Some advantages of drawers include:
- Fully customizable – choose the size and configuration of drawers. Combine shallow and deep drawers.
- Easily access contents. Drawers bring items out for convenient access.
- Flexible organization. Use dividers or trays to customize drawer organization. Designate certain drawers for cooking utensils, baking pans, cutting boards, etc.
- Hidden storage. Close drawers to conceal contents and keep clutter out of sight.
- Storage efficiency. Drawers maximize vertical storage space.
Opt for soft-close drawers to prevent noisy slamming for a luxury kitchen feel. For a smart use of space, include some pull-out drawers that provide easy access to items stored towards the back.
Cabinets
Incorporating cabinets into your kitchen island provides discreet concealed storage:
- Cabinets keep contents hidden behind doors to maintain a streamlined look.
- Options like upper and lower cabinets provide abundant storage space.
- Glass-front cabinet doors help keep the space feeling open while still concealing contents.
- Use cabinets to store larger items like stand mixers, blenders, cookbooks, or dishes.
- Customize with adjustable shelves, pull-out shelves, or interior organizational systems.
Shelving
Open shelving is great for frequently used items you want to access quickly:
- Display decorative cookbooks, orchard baskets, or potted herbs.
- Store bulk ingredients like onions and garlic in wire baskets.
- Display pretty dishware for an easy-access dining option.
- Customize with adjustable shelves at different heights.
Hybrid Combinations
Don’t limit yourself to just one type of storage – combine different options to maximize functionality:
- Mix upper and lower cabinets with drawers and open shelves.
- Use open shelving above for display with enclosed drawers and cabinets below.
- Incorporate a couple of specialty pull-outs like wine racks, spice drawers, or trash/recycling bins.
Smart Organizational Features
Take your island storage to the next level with built-in organizational must-haves:
- Pots and pan drawers keep bulky cookware organized.
- Cutlery dividers in drawers keep utensils from sliding around.
- Pull-out baskets provide easy access to contents stored in back.
- Tray dividers organize cutting boards and baking sheets upright.
- Wine glass holders keep delicate stemware secure.
- Splashguard backing will help protect drawers from spills.
- Charging station for electronics like phones and tablets.
Design Tips for Maximum Island Storage
If storage is a priority, keep these tips in mind as you design your kitchen island:
Optimize Dimensions
The dimensions of your island will dictate the size and volume of storage possible. While a narrower island may work for some, prioritize function over form by maximizing the footprint of your island. This allows you to incorporate more storage options.
Work Triangle Flow
Think about traffic flow when planning island storage. Frequently accessed items should be positioned for easy access from the refrigerator and stove while prepping. Store less used items towards the backside out of the main work zone.
Multi-Height Storage
Incorporate storage options at varying heights to maximize every inch. For example, include upper cabinets or shelves plus lower drawers and base cabinets. You can potentially add a storage hutch on top as well.
Seating vs. Storage
If your island will include seating, be sure to allow adequate leg room at the ends or along one side. Prioritize storage on the side that won’t be used for seating.
Access on All Sides
If possible, allow access to storage on all sides of the island. Drawers and doors that open on two or more sides provide better access.
Durable, Low-Maintenance Materials
Opt for durable, low-maintenance finishings that will withstand heavy usage and simplify upkeep. Stainless steel, solid hardwood, or moisture-resistant laminate are ideal options.
Lighting
Don’t forget the lighting! Incorporate interior lighting in cabinets and under cabinets to illuminate the workspace. Dimmable pendant lights above create ambiance.
15 Creative Kitchen Island Storage Ideas
Now let’s look at some unique and creative ways to incorporate storage into your kitchen island design:
1. Drawers Galore
Maximize storage with a streamlined, drawer-front design. Shallow, medium and deep drawers provide specialized storage for cooking tools, lids, baking sheets and more. Consider including a few handy pull-out drawers as well.
2. Rustic Wood Crates
Give your island a rustic farmhouse feel by using vintage-style wood crates to create charming open storage. Label crates like “Root Vegetables” or “Apples” to help organize produce.
3. Underside Storage
Utilize the underside area of your island by adding pull-out drawers orinstalling suspended wire baskets for fruits and vegetables.
4. Cutting Board Rack
Store cutting boards vertically in a specialized rack built into your island. This keeps them easily accessible and organized.
5. Towel Rod
Install a towel rod along the side or front of your island to keep dish towels and pot holders within easy reach while working at the island.
6. Wine Fridge
Integrate a wine fridge into your island to liberate counter space while keeping wine perfectly chilled and stored. Install near seating area.
7. Hidden Recycle/Trash Bins
Incorporate pull-out recycling and trash bins inside cabinetry to discretely store waste out of sight. Install near prep area for food scraps.
8. Extra-Deep Drawer
Add one or two extra-deep drawers suited for storing bulky items like stand mixers, bread machines, blenders, and other small appliances.
9. Plate Storage
Designate a drawer or shelf specifically for pretty dishware to create a built-in dining area for casual meals.
10. Charging Station
Install outlets and USB ports in a pop-up compartment to create a convenient charging station to power phones and other devices.
11. Spice Racks
Utilize vertical space for wall-mounted or drawer spice racks to keep spices organized and within easy reach while cooking.
12. Display Shelving
Incorporate glass-front cabinet doors, open shelving, or glass cabinet inserts to display pretty cookware and serveware.
13. Pots and Pans Drawers
Include deep, wide drawers designed specifically for storing bulky pots, pans, and lids while keeping them accessible.
14. Drop-Down Mixer Shelf
Allow a stand mixer to be stored upright against the wall with a drop-down shelf that pulls out when needed.
15. Appliance Garage
Designate an enclosed “appliance garage” area on the end panel to store small appliances out of sight.
FAQs About Adding Storage to Your Kitchen Island
If you’re considering adding storage to your kitchen island, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How much storage should I add to my kitchen island?
This depends on your specific needs, but in general, it’s ideal to maximize storage as much as reasonably possible. Multiple drawers, a couple cabinets, open shelving, and specialty storage inserts will provide abundant storage solutions.
What kitchen items work best for island storage?
Items you use frequently while prepping and cooking are ideal for island storage like cooking utensils, cutting boards, prep bowls, spices, dish towels, cookbooks, and everyday dishware.
Should everything be stored in cabinets and drawers or is some open storage ok?
This comes down to personal preference, but a combination tends to work best. Enclosed storage hides clutter and keeps things neat while some open shelving provides easy access to frequently used items.
What about seating? How do I allow room for seating and storage?
If incorporating seating, allow adequate leg room at the ends or along one side. Prioritize storage along the side without seating. An L-shaped design can incorporate seating on one side and storage on the other.
How can I stay organized and make the most of the storage?
Consider your kitchen workflow and store things you use together near each other. Incorporate organizational inserts like divided drawers. Label containers and shelves. Purge items you don’t use often.
What finishings are best for high-use island storage?
Durable, low-maintenance materials like stainless steel, solid hardwoods, and moisture-resistant laminates hold up best. Self-closing drawers and doors are also useful.
Conclusion
Adding storage to your kitchen island is one of the smartest ways to maximize functionality and organization. From drawers to cabinets and organizational features, there are endless options to create specialized storage tailored to your cooking needs and preferences. Incorporate a variety of storage types like drawers, shelves, and cabinets at different heights to optimize the space. With an island that provides both additional prep space and abundant storage, you can truly maximize functionality in your kitchen.