Kitchen Storage Ideas — 15 Clever Ways to Boost Your Space's Practicality

The right kitchen storage ideas mean that no matter the size of the space, functionality, and your home's good looks will never be compromised. Yes, even the tiniest of kitchens can be a breeze to work in if you have the perfect storage and organizational elements in place. 

'When it comes to kitchens, extra storage units, counter space, islands, and cabinets and drawers are essential to make the room more functional,' Joshua Smith, principal designer and founder of Joshua Smith Inc, tells us. 

To help make cooking and socializing in this room more enjoyable while also keeping it tidy, we asked experts for their top tips on how to make storage better. Here are some of their best ideas for a modern kitchen. 

1. Store kitchen accessories in baskets

(Image credit: Marie Flanigan/Julie Soefer)

Have open storage units in your kitchen? Consider adding baskets to your kitchen shelves. These are super handy and flexible storage pieces that can be used to keep kitchen towels, napkins, and other small miscellaneous things. 

'Baskets are always an aesthetically pleasing storage solution,' says Marie Flanigan, founder of Marie Flanigan Interiors. 'They add a natural texture and a way to organize accessories.'

2. Use the island to store plates

(Image credit: Leonid Furmansky and Casey Dunn. Studio credit Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects. Forge Craft Architecture + Design)

Flatware needs to be kept close at hand in a kitchen to making serving easier, but where's the best spot for them? Incorporating storage into a kitchen island is a great idea, especially if you consider including a shelf to store and show off your favorite plates to make a display of them. If you want to give the plates and cups extra protection, add a glass front to the shelf. Consider fluted glass that looks stylish and still allows you to see the inside contents. 

'A kitchen island isn't just functional because it provides extra counter space or another place to grab a quick bite,' says Joshua Smith, principal and founder of Joshua Smith Inc. 'An island can also add additional storage to your kitchen. This is particularly helpful if the kitchen is the smaller size, but you still want the luxury of a kitchen island. '

3. Consider Shaker style cabinets 

(Image credit: Melinda Kelson O'Connor Architecture & Interiors)

The classic shaker kitchens have been around for a long time and while the true Shaker cabinetry was once quite plain in its squareness, it has now seen a more modern rendition with bright colors and even more textural finishes.

'Our goal was to accentuate the historic character, details, and flow of spaces wherever possible while implementing a more modern design in this kitchen,' says Mindy O'Connor, principal designer of Melinda Kelson O'Connor Architecture & Interiors. 'We added a grounding dark blue in the Shaker cabinetry and backsplash, with an airier white feel above. The pendants add a little fun to the color story and connect to elements in other spaces of the home. Overall, it is a true blend of vintage and modern – practical and pretty.'

4. Add shelves over a countertop

(Image credit: British Standard)

Shelving ideas make for amazing style and storage solutions in any room, but they are especially lovely to bring into a kitchen as they give you the opportunity to get a bit more creative and add some of your style into an overall practical space.

'Choosing a bold color becomes a statement and creates a focal point, adding excitement and interest into an otherwise traditional kitchen,' says Eddie Maestri, principal architect, creative director, and owner of Maestri Studio.

5. Build in a shelving unit for display and storage

(Image credit: Trevor Tondro. Studio crdit Jeremiah Brent)

Much like shelving, a kitchen backsplash or side wall can work harder and incorporate storage as well as adding so much character to a space. This is such a clever and easy idea to copy in your space. 

'Maximizing storage in a kitchen is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing,' says Ajay Arya, founder & interior designer at A Square Designs. 'One effective approach is to integrate open shelves or cubbies directly into the backsplash or walls. This clever design strategy allows you to keep essential kitchen items organized and easily accessible while maintaining a clean and uncluttered countertop. By incorporating this element, you can strike a balance between functionality and visual appeal, enhancing both the practicality and the overall look of your kitchen.'

6. Take your cabinets up to the ceiling

(Image credit: The Stylesmiths)

The standard kitchen layout is a combination of wall cupboards and floor cupboards. It makes sense, as you get plenty of storage and plenty of surface space. However, you are left with a huge gap in the middle of the two, which really could be put to much better use. If you can forgo surface space, say you have plans to have a large island or you could go for the classic floor-and-wall cupboard layout on one side of your space, go for cabinets. A perfect small kitchen storage idea too. 

'Maximize storage in your kitchen by running the cabinets to the ceiling,' says Irene Gunter, founder of Gunter & Co. 'It eliminates this otherwise dead space and creates a smooth continuous look. Don’t forget that you’ll need a means to access the top shelves. If a ladder doesn’t suit the style of your kitchen, keep a stylish step ladder to hand.' 

7. Incorporate plenty of drawers as well as cupboards

(Image credit: Anna Stathaki)

The majority of kitchen storage is of course going to come from your kitchen cabinets, but also ensure you have a good balance of cupboards and drawers. You might find, in fact, that more drawers than cupboards work better in your space. 

'When it comes to innovative drawer designs for kitchens, there's a world of possibilities to explore,' says Ajay. 'Consider concealed drawers that seamlessly blend into cabinet panels, providing a sleek and minimalist appearance. These hidden storage solutions not only maximize space but also contribute to a streamlined and clutter-free kitchen. Additionally, pull-out tray dividers for utensils and deep pot drawers offer optimal storage and organization for your cooking essentials. These thoughtful designs not only enhance functionality but also elevate the overall efficiency and aesthetics of your kitchen space.'

8. Bring in freestanding storage 

(Image credit: James Merrell)

Opting for a freestanding kitchen storage piece is a great way to add some extra storage to your current space, or to bring extra character into a new kitchen. This is a space-saving kitchen storage trick professional organizers love. Your best bet for these pieces is to shop secondhand or buy one online. 

'A well-chosen freestanding storage unit can be a game-changer in your kitchen, offering both style and functionality,' says Ajay. 'One excellent option is a sleek rolling cart with shelves or drawers. This versatile piece not only provides additional storage but also serves as a stylish accent in a modern kitchen. It can be effortlessly moved around to adapt to your changing needs and can even double up as a prep station or a serving trolley when required. The flexibility and elegance of such a freestanding storage unit makes it a valuable addition to any contemporary kitchen.' 

9. Add a pantry cupboard for style and storage

(Image credit: Roundhouse)

Pantries are the thing of kitchen dreams, right? But, as this pantry idea proves, you don't need copious amounts of space to incorporate one into your design. Pantry cupboards can provide all the food storage you need and fit seamlessly into your kitchen design. This is the perfect approach if you want a more minimalist look, where your pantry essentially just looks like a kitchen cabinet from the outside. 

'The good thing about pantries is that these can be stand-alone spaces, and are not bound to being the same color as the kitchen,' says Donna DuFresne, principal at Donna DuFresne Interior Design. 'For example, if using a different cabinet color on the pantry, using the same tile or countertop material as the kitchen will unify the spaces.'

10. Opt for a breakfast cupboard to conceal appliances

(Image credit: Blakes)

Smaller than a classic walk-in pantry, but still with all the room you need for storage and 'breakfast' appliances, a breakfast pantry is the perfect kitchen storage for hiding away the clutter and freeing up surface space. 

A pocket door would work wonders here and build-in lighting too that automatically turns on and off when you open and close the doors. You could also add your microwave as seen in this gorgeous white kitchen to rid your space of one more piece of essential, but let's face it – a bit of an eye-sore, tech. 

'A breakfast cupboard is a dedicated storage space specifically designed to house breakfast essentials such as cereals, bowls, mugs, and coffee makers,' says Ajay. 'By having a designated area for breakfast essentials, you can prevent kitchen counters from becoming cluttered and maintain a clean and tidy look. To enhance the overall aesthetic of your kitchen, it's advisable to employ clean lines, minimalist design elements, and a consistent color palette. These design principles not only contribute to an organized and efficient space but also create a sleek and contemporary ambiance in your kitchen.'

11. Make the most of cupboard space

(Image credit: James Merrell)

If you just want to add more storage to your current space, organizing your kitchen so it works harder could be all it takes. Dedicate a whole weekend to it, and get everything out so you can see what you have to store. Have a cull before you even think about putting things back too. Then just get clever with making the most of the space you have got. It's not glamorous stuff, but drawer dividers, shelf inserts, racks, hooks, jars, etc. all will help your space function better and you'll find you can fit more in too. 

'I always recommend pull-out drawers or trays below eye level so you see what’s in the back of the cabinets,' says Jennifer Morris, founder of JMorris Design. 'And there are clever, above-head pulls-outs that get to the deep back areas above the fridge.'

12. Break up banks of cabinetry with glass doors

(Image credit: Mary Wadsworth)

You want your kitchen storage to be aesthetically pleasing where possible, especially when it comes to the main component – cabinetry. As with most design decisions in the kitchen you want there to be a balance between form and function and we think this pretty pink kitchen gets it spot on. 

The mix of solid and glass-fronted cabinetry works perfectly, no storage space is compromised but the wall cabinets add so much more than just storage – light, texture, shape, it's all there. 

'When all the cupboards in a kitchen have solid fronts, it can sometimes feel a little imposing,' says Irene. 'To break up the monotony – as well as lighten the overall look of the kitchen – we design wall cupboards with a variety of glass fronts. To maximize the flow of natural light, I suggest keeping it simple with transparent glass. If clients prefer not to have the contents of their cupboards on display, I recommend smoked glass. Keep in mind that whatever is on display will need to look pretty, so be prepared to do some styling when specifying glass-fronted cabinets.'

13. Use hanging rails to keep everything accessible

(Image credit: Julie Soefer)

Hanging rails look cute and add some really handy extra kitchen storage, which works especially well if you are tight on space. What we love about a hanging rail is that it add an instantly rustic, slightly farmhouse charm to any kitchen and is a really quick, easy, and affordable update too that you can easily do yourself. 

In terms of where to hang a rail, they always work well above a cooker to keep utensils close at hand. They also look lovely running along the top of a backsplash or underneath the bottom of wall cabinetry. 

'For this space, the copper pots added a beautiful patina to the room that complemented the beautiful old-world-inspired kitchen,' says designer Marie Flanigan. 'Further, in small spaces and kitchenettes, racks are a great way to save storage for other items while still being visually pleasing.'

14. Bring back the plate rack

(Image credit: deVOL)

The plate rack is making a strong comeback. Once a reserve for stuffy, stately kitchens, we are now seeing them being incorporated into every style. It's the color used here that turns this simple piece of storage into a focal point. The deep rich red stands out against the pale putty pink, creating this lovely warming, tonal effect. 

You'll find most kitchen companies will make a plate rack that can be incorporated into your design, but we think for the best look go for the real deal; something vintage with texture that's not only going to provide a handy space to store your crockery but will add character to the room too. 

'We love to use wood for plate racks; it has an organic feel to it and can also be oiled repeatedly to keep it looking fresh,' says Donna DuFresne, founder of Donna DuFresne Interior Design.

15. Use narrow shelving for easy-to-reach ingredients

(Image credit: James Merrell)

Wondering how to organize spices? Narrow racks that run between a worktop and wall cabinets can be used to store spices, tea, coffee, sugar, oils, etc. Turn it into more of a feature by decanting your dried goods into storage jars, or picking out the most colorful packaging for your essentials so the shelf adds something to the room too. Depending on how narrow the shelf needs to be to still be practical, you could also use it to house a few houseplants, some bud vases, or a selection of leaning prints. 

'Alternatively, we love pull-out drawers that feature spices,' says Donna. 'Putting the drawer next to the range makes cooking an ease as everything you need is right there.'

How can you add more storage to a kitchen?

The best way to add more storage to a kitchen is to really make every cupboard, every drawer, every shelf work hard. That means investing in pieces that are going to make these spaces more efficient – drawer dividers, shelf insets, hooks, rails, jars, canisters, bins, boxes, baskets. It's all these small accessories that are going to really max out the storage space in your kitchen.

Now in terms of design, if kitchen storage is really key to you and your lifestyle it should dictate all of your design decisions. You should always be thinking – will that compromise on storage? Is there a way this layout can add more storage? You might want to consider going floor-to-ceiling with your cabinetry or at least taking your wall cabinets all the way up the ceiling so you aren't wasting space. Adding an island will also provide you with plenty of storage and surface space which can mean you can forgo worktops elsewhere in the kitchen and add full-height cabinets.

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