Kitchen storage is a vital element of stylish, uncluttered kitchen design. Customized storage takes care of everything from the smallest spoon to the bulkiest, rarely used appliance. Cabinet storage options are extensive, so here are six top ideas for organizing kitchen contents.

1. Good Things Come in Small Containers

Small items are often the hardest to organize and impossible to find when you need them. From spices to oils to utensils, customized storage transforms a kitchen and preserves sanity at busy mealtimes.

Spices last longer when stored away from light in airtight containers. A metal strip inside a cabinet door holds magnetic storage tins, but spice racks are the ideal solution for a lot of spices: extendable, pull-down, lazy Susans, or a custom spice drawer. Once stored in darkness, your spices can be in glass jars to easily show how much is left. Decant oils into airtight bottles in a designated, easy-to-reach cabinet. Other staples look good in clear containers, labeled with contents and expiry date.

2. Get a Handle on Utensils

Left to themselves, utensils take over any drawer. Peg systems, slots, boxes, and dividers can fit utensils of all shapes and sizes. Cork tiles in a drawer prevent items from slipping around. Try storing long utensils diagonally, between dividers, or upright in a customized pull-out with utensil organizers.

3. Doors vs Drawers

Sitting down with a designer at the start of the process lets you plan what to store and whether doors or drawers work better. Pots in a cabinet with lid holders inside the doors keep everything contained. Deep drawers are ideal for large items, tall storage containers, or stacks of plates separated by a peg system. Drawers also work for recycling and trash cans. Adjustable roll-out shelving has its advantages, especially with shelf inserts to keep everything organized. Both drawers and cabinet doors are versatile; consider both at the design stage.

4. Pull Out All the Stops

Roll-out shelves and pull-outs are ideal for large cabinets, so you don't have to climb in to find what you need. A roll-out shelf is ideal for small items: nothing gets lost and everything is visible. Your designer can work out which parts of your cabinet design benefit from roll-out shelving.

5. Behind the Scenes

A truly organized kitchen benefits from a well-functioning pantry. Any size works, but it has to be well ventilated and as dark as possible. Roll-out shelving holds cans, jars, seasonal cookware, and gadgets. Trays and miscellaneous items go on top of pantry cabinets or in a customized tray divider. The toe-kick area is also ideal for custom pull-out shelving, using every available inch.

6. Appliance Garage

An appliance garage is an excellent addition to any cabinetry. Use it to house appliances like toasters and smoothie makers, with a door that closes over them. Microwaves and built-in coffee machines free up counter space. Store everything you need on shelving near the appliances, making it the most efficient part of the kitchen. We dig into broader storage in our kitchen storage guide.

Talk through cabinet storage with a designer

If you're planning a kitchen and want to talk through storage options that fit how you cook, we'd love to talk.

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