A kitchen remodel needs adequate storage to function efficiently. Clutter detracts from the look you want and makes the kitchen high maintenance. How do you declutter to get the most out of a kitchen and let the style shine through? It starts at the planning stage when you and your designer consider storage requirements alongside style.

Custom storage solutions transform a basic kitchen into a multi-functional one. High-end countertops and cabinets can look stunning while reaching their potential when the space is organized.

Think Ahead

Assess what you store in your current kitchen. Are there items you never use? Broken things you intend to fix? Cull accordingly, keeping only what you actually use. Then work with your designer to assess how best to store these items, incorporating classic solutions and recent innovations. Look at current ideas like dual islands or beverage bars. Consider how to use every corner of the kitchen, storing everything comfortably without compromising on style. Our storage solutions guide goes deeper.

Ultimate Coverage

Streamlined storage continues to be popular. Tailor-made cabinets go floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall, resulting in a sleek look that stores everything. This works especially well along one side of a galley kitchen to retain flow and maximize storage. Streamlined cabinets work in any kitchen whether space is at a premium or not.

To complete the smooth style, handleless doors are ideal, with push-open models gaining popularity. Recessed handles are another option, and you can add interest by choosing hardware colors and materials that accent the cabinet doors. The focus is the quality of the cabinetry; expansive clean lines dictate the tone of the kitchen. Whether you choose a glossy or natural finish, the craftsmanship has to be flawless.

Store Bulky Items

Leaving large items out on countertops may seem logical for accessibility, but it creates clutter. Stashing bulky items on a high shelf takes up space and makes them inaccessible. A kitchen remodel is the time to give these items a proper home that maintains the design.

Deep drawers work well here. They store pots and pans as well as plates and bowls, organized with a peg system. Incorporate dividers so flat items like trays and baking sheets can be stored on their sides. The deeper the drawers, the taller items you can fit. Cooking utensils or water bottles stand upright, or a slide-out shelf within the drawer gives you two levels. Lids go into a shallow drawer that slots over or under the deep drawer, so pots and lids stay organized.

Hidden Functions

Many ways exist to incorporate items you use regularly into the design. A cutting board can slot underneath a counter to slide out when needed. Store a pull-out trash can underneath to neatly dispose of compostables.

Island countertop extensions are possible the same way that table extensions work. Include a hidden countertop that rolls out or pulls out with fold-down legs, giving you extra workspace or dining space at a moment's notice. Appliance garages can also conceal essential worktop appliances behind a pull-down door.

Keeping a Sleek Aesthetic

It's possible to store everything in closed storage to give a kitchen uninterrupted flow. Dishwashers and refrigerators can be integrated behind seamless cabinet doors. Small appliances used on countertops can be kept in lower cabinetry and brought to the surface with appliance lifts. Use empty space by creating a recessed storage niche in the backsplash.

It's easy to use the space underneath lower cabinets by making the baseboard a toe-kick drawer. A push-activated mechanism opens it for storing baking trays and table linens discreetly. Slim, slide-out cabinets are ideal for vertical spaces and can be transformed into spice racks, narrow pantry storage, or pull-outs for cooking utensils. Instead of keeping dishcloths and dish cleaning products by the sink, incorporate a tilt-down compartment in the space at the front of your sink.

Consider Open Storage

Kitchen design has embraced open storage as both functional and aesthetic. It works especially well in open plan kitchens because you can combine functional and aesthetic items on shelving throughout the kitchen and living area. It's more budget-friendly than installing a row of cabinets, but the newly exposed wall will need finishing.

Open storage needs regular maintenance to look good. Dusting and cleaning of shelves and contents is essential, especially near a stove. Open storage also needs to be curated well or it becomes cluttered. Group things in no more than groups of four items, with each item in a group sharing a similar color, texture, or purpose to create cohesion. Small items go in front of larger ones for depth.

Open storage injects character into a stark kitchen and balances well with cabinetry. A large shelf over lower kitchen cabinets is a good solution. Other practical open storage includes a magnetic strip for knives or spices, a pegboard, and rails and hooks that hold everything from utensils to potted herbs.

Allocate Pantry Space

Pantries are the ideal storage solution for a cluttered kitchen. Custom storage, whether cabinets or shelving, means food and cooking essentials can be stored together. Seasonal items like Christmas platters can be stowed away on a high shelf until needed.

Use clear containers in your pantry, so it's easy to see what you have. If you don't have space for a separate pantry, you can create a pantry within the kitchen design. An alcove with shelving and a bi-fold door makes excellent use of space. Even a kitchen cabinet with pull-out racks and lazy Susans can dedicate a section of the kitchen to pantry function.

Consolidate in Style

Whether you're keeping things in a pantry, open storage, or on a counter, containers should suit the design aesthetic. Industrial design suits metal and tin, with structured wire trays. Baskets and wooden boxes look great with rustic or country styles. Ceramic and glass jars suit most styles and provide pops of color.

Containers can tie elements of kitchen design together with their texture, color, and style. Use them unconventionally to bring character: recipe books in a basket, utensils gathered into a cocktail shaker. Containers can be visual pieces in themselves.

Island Potential

Islands store a lot, from pet bedding to dishwashers. Modern kitchen design places the island as a focal point. It's where food is prepared and served, where we work and entertain. Adding a second island maximizes storage and functionality. Each island can serve a different purpose: one for cooking, one for dining. Both store items relevant to those functions and keep clutter off counter space. Concealed outlets and charging stations mean technology integrates without wires and devices taking over. We cover this more in our kitchen layout guide.

Dedicate a Space to Beverages

Beverage bars are increasingly popular. They're a clever way to store all your drink-making requirements. For coffee aficionados, a built-in coffee machine means water plumbed directly in for easy brewing. A cabinet holds glasses, cups, and everything else needed. A mini-fridge stores cold drinks, and a sink consolidates all functions into one area. Countertop storage can be covered by a shutter or doors when not in use.

Talk through storage with a designer

Take time to assess what you need to store, then go through every inch of the kitchen. We can design a kitchen with all storage requirements catered for in a way that suits your style and lifestyle.

Schedule a showroom visit at our 5,000 square foot showroom in Norwell. No pressure, just a real conversation about your home.

Transitions Kitchens, Baths & Remodeling
433 Washington St, Norwell, MA
(781) 871-0881