Kitchen storage solutions are essential for keeping your cooking space organized and decluttered. With so many kitchen tools, appliances, pantry items and more, it can be challenging to find a storage solution that works for your unique space. The style of your kitchen cabinets can also impact what type of storage will be most effective. Let’s explore some clever kitchen storage solutions for different cabinet styles.
Storage Solutions for Shaker Style Cabinets
Shaker style kitchen cabinets are characterized by their simple, clean lines and recessed panel doors. The flat center panels and lack of ornamentation allow Shaker cabinets to work well with a variety of kitchen storage solutions.
Pull-Out Pantry Shelving
Installing pull-out pantry shelving is an excellent way to maximize vertical storage space in Shaker style base cabinets. The shelving glides smoothly on tracks, allowing you to access items in the back that might otherwise get buried. Pull-out shelving helps organize food boxes, cans and other pantry staples.
Spice Drawer Organizers
Shaker cabinets often come with large drawers that are perfect for storing spices and other small cooking items. Consider installing pull-out metal racks or tiered spice drawer inserts to neatly organize spices alphabetically or by type. This makes it easy to locate and access spices while cooking.
Lazy Susans
A lazy Susan is a rotating tray that can be installed in a corner Shaker cabinet. They are great for storing oddly shaped cookware and keeping spices, condiments and other items accessible. The spinning design lets you easily see and grab what you need without rummaging around corners.
Tiered Storage Shelves
Stackable shelves are useful for splitting up the storage space in deep Shaker cabinets. You can separate cooking tools, baking pans, plastic containers, and more by installing shelves at different heights. This creates organized, designated spaces for everything.
Clever Solutions for Contemporary Cabinets
Contemporary kitchens often feature sleek, modern cabinetry with interesting hardware and materials like glass, metal and high-gloss finishes. Storage solutions that enhance the modern aesthetic work best.
Sliding Drawers
For a super streamlined look, install wide, sliding drawers in contemporary base cabinets. This allows you to access items without handles getting in the way. The drawers seem to disappear into the cabinets. For a touch of modern flair, opt for frosted glass fronts on the sliding drawers.
Pull-Out Cabinets
You can find pull-out cabinet accessories designed specifically for contemporary kitchens, like those with metal frames and wood veneer fronts. The slim design fits seamlessly into the cabinetry. Pull-out cabinets are great for storing cooking oils, baked goods and bulk dry goods.
Under-Cabinet Wire Baskets
Wire baskets that mount underneath wall cabinets keep items tidy but still visible. Positioning wire baskets near the prep or cooking area provides easy access to fruits and vegetables. The open air design is perfect for contemporary spaces.
Floating Shelves
Mounting wall shelves that “float” on the wall, supported by metal rails or nearly invisible brackets, is a hot trend for contemporary kitchens. Floating shelves are great for displaying cookbooks, plants and decorative items. Just be sure they can support the weight of whatever you’ll place on them.
Organized Storage for Transitional Style Cabinets
Transitional kitchen design blends elements of traditional and contemporary styles. Storage solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing complement this look best.
Pull-Out Cabinet Shelving
Custom pull-out cabinet shelves mounted on smooth metal tracks allow you to neatly arrange cooking items while keeping them hidden behind cabinet doors when not in use. Pull-out shelves are available with options like utensil dividers, knife blocks and spice racks built right in.
Peg Rails
Installing peg rails inside cabinet doors is a simple way to hang utensils, dish towels and pots right where you need them. Peg rails keep items visible and within arm’s reach. Opt for stainless steel, black metal or wood pegs to match transitional cabinet hardware.
Tray Dividers
Large, deep drawers in transitional cabinets can hold tray dividers to neatly organize utensils, cooking tools and more. Look for divided trays made from wire, wood, plastic or stainless steel that coordinate with your cabinet hardware and kitchen decor.
Glass Canisters
Transitional kitchens often incorporate glass elements, like glass-front upper cabinets or glass backsplashes. In keeping with the look, store staple ingredients like flour, sugar and coffee in clear glass canisters on the counter or in cabinets. This allows you to easily see contents while enhancing the transitional style.
Storage Solutions for Farmhouse Style Cabinets
Farmhouse kitchens have a rustic, vintage feel with details like visible wood grain, metal farmhouse sinks, and antique-style hardware. Storage solutions with rustic charm work well.
Hanging Racks
Installing hanging racks from the ceiling provides extra storage space in a farmhouse kitchen while contributing to the rustic aesthetic. Hang a wire or wood rack over the island to hand pans and cooking utensils where they can be easily accessed.
Rustic Open Shelving
Open shelving crafted from reclaimed wood or featuring visible wood grain has a fitting farmhouse look. Use open shelves near the prep area to store farmhouse ceramics and frequently used ingredients. Just be sure to display only your most visually appealing items since open shelves showcase everything.
Woven Baskets
Incorporate baskets made from natural materials like rattan, wood, jute and wicker for farmhouse charm. Baskets are perfect for stashing vegetables and fruit or holding cooking tools like silicone utensils and pot holders. You can nestle baskets right into original farmhouse cabinets.
Galvanized Metal
The industrial vibe of galvanized metal fits nicely with farmhouse decor. Try using galvanized buckets, bins and canisters to hold flour, sugar, coffee and other staples on countertops or open shelves. You can also find racks made from galvanized metal for hanging pots and utensils.
Clever Solutions for Maximizing Any Cabinet Style
While certain storage solutions pair especially well with particular cabinet door styles, there are also some universally smart ideas to maximize kitchen storage and organization no matter your cabinet design:
Cabinet Door Organizers
Installing racks, shelving systems and other accessories inside cabinet doors instantly multiplies your storage space. You can find options like over-the-door racks for cutting boards, utensil hooks for inside cabinet doors, and tiered shelves for organizing cans, bottles and boxes.
Drawer Dividers
Dividers transform wide or deep drawers into compartments for organizing cooking utensils, cutlery, gadgets, and other items that can quickly become jumbled. Dividers help keep like items together and make better use of drawer space.
Pull-Out Garbage/Recycling Bins
Incorporate pull-out bins inside lower cabinets to stash garbage, recyclables and compost out of sight. Some options feature dual bins on smooth-gliding tracks that make it easy to sweep food scraps right in. Others have stainless steel bins perfect for sorting trash and recyclables.
Under-Sink Roll-Out Trays
Maximize the space under your kitchen sink by installing roll-out trays designed for holding cleaners, sponges and scrub brushes. Look for caddies with adjustable compartments to customize spaces for large spray bottles. Roll-out trays make it easy to access items at the back of the cabinet.
Vertical Space Risers
Specialized riser shelves take advantage of vertical space between stacked pots, baking pans and other awkward empty spots in cabinets. Adjustable vertical space risers allow you to customize the height to fit your specific cabinet and items.
Tips for Picking the Best Storage Solutions
When shopping for storage accessories and organizing solutions for your kitchen, keep these tips in mind:
- Carefully measure your cabinets so items you purchase fit properly. Make note of any sloped ceilings or odd spaces that require custom solutions.
- Opt for organizing products made from durable materials like powder coated steel, thick plastic, wood or bamboo. Avoid anything flimsy.
- Look for storage solutions with smooth gliding tracks or rolling casters so you can access items in the back of cabinets.
- Choose accessories like drawer dividers, tray organizers and door racks that can be arranged or adjusted to best suit your needs and maximum storage capacity.
- Favor storage solutions that allow you to view contents at a glance, like clear canisters, glass jars and wire baskets. Visible storage prevents forgetting what’s inside.
- Think vertically and consider installing shelves or racks that allow you to stack and store items upward.
- Incorporate storage that suits the existing style of your kitchen, or gives it an enhanced look with smart yet attractive organizational solutions.
Kitchen Storage Cabinet Clever Solutions for Different Styles
Your kitchen cabinet style and storage needs should guide you in selecting the best organizational accessories and solutions for your space. But the options are virtually unlimited when it comes to keeping kitchen cabinets and drawers neatly arranged while maximizing every inch of space. Get creative with vertical shelving units, custom pull-outs, racks, dividers and more specially designed to bring order to any kitchen. With a little planning and innovative storage solutions, you can enjoy a kitchen that is optimized for efficiency and organization no matter what your unique cabinet configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Storage Solutions
Kitchen storage is an important consideration when designing and organizing your cooking space. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about implementing storage solutions:
What are some good storage solutions for a small kitchen?
For small kitchens, make the most of vertical storage space with wall-mounted racks and shelves. Also utilize drawer organizers, lazy susans in corner cabinets, and pull-out shelving for base cabinets.
How can I add more kitchen storage without remodeling?
Without remodeling, look for organizer inserts that fit inside existing cabinets, like pull-out spice racks, tiered shelving, and hanging racks that mount inside cabinet doors. Rolling carts, wall racks and freestanding shelving units also add storage.
What are some ways to organize my pantry?
Install pull-out drawers, shelving units and rack systems designed specifically to hold canned goods, boxes and pantry staples. Use stacking bins and baskets to divide items. Attach a spice rack inside the pantry door for frequently used seasoning.
How do I make use of wasted corner cabinet space?
Corner cabinet storage is greatly improved with lazy susans or specialized pull-out corner storage units with built-in shelving that spins for easy access. Vertical organizers for the corner also help.
Where can I find storage solutions to organize my pots and pans?
Pots and pans can be neatly organized with racks that hang from the ceiling or inside cabinets. Wall-mounted pegboards with hooks allow you to hang them. There are also pull-out cabinet accessories with designated slots for pans and lids.
What are some ways to store everyday cooking essentials?
Store everyday cooking essentials like oils, condiments, utensils, salt and pepper, etc. in easy reach on the countertops or upper cabinets using caddies, crocks, or wire baskets. Install a rail with hooks inside a base cabinet door to hang utensils.
Conclusion
With some creativity and the wide variety of storage solutions on the market today, you can find ways to neatly organize any kitchen no matter the size or cabinet configuration. Take time to think through your specific organizational needs and style of cabinets when selecting the best specialty racks, shelves, baskets and containers for your space. Investing in kitchen storage solutions tailored to your cabinets will make your cooking area more productive and pleasurable to work in. With a place for everything, you can spend less time searching and more time creating delicious meals and memories in your organized kitchen.