Use These Handy Storage Options and Tips in Your Kitchen

Storage is a fundamental part of every kitchen design. No matter the size of your kitchen, it can be hard to find room for all the dishes, gadgets and tools you have collected over the years, especially if you have downsized. Fortunately, there are many smart storage options for what is usually the most-used room in the house.

Step 1: Take Inventory

Your storage may be fine. The real issue could be too much stuff. Before adding storage, go through your kitchen and ask:

• When did I last use this?
• Do I have another appliance that does the same job?
• Do I really need it?

Step 2: Evaluate Your Space

If you still need more room after decluttering, plan for what you have now plus a little extra for the future. Then store items where you use them. Kitchens are designed around the work triangle between the refrigerator, stove and sink, so keep pots and pans near the stove and knives and mixing bowls near your prep area.

Step 3: Get Creative With Storage

A full renovation lets you add cabinets and drawers. If you are working with your current cabinetry, these ideas help reduce clutter.

Make the Most of Your Island

An island can be much more than a home for the sink or cooktop. Add drawers, cubbies and built-in wine racks, deep drawers for stock pots and end shelves for cookbooks or dishes. In a smaller kitchen, try a rolling island. Read why kitchen island design matters.

Use Your Doors

Racks inside pantry and cabinet doors hold spices, foil, bags and canisters, freeing up shelves and keeping everyday items within reach. Clips on a cabinet door keep pot lids organized.

Use Your Walls and Backsplash

A wall-mounted dish rack, magnetic knife strip or backsplash rail clears counters and keeps tools handy.

Upgrade Drawers and Corners

• A sliding insert turns one extra-deep drawer into two.
• Drawer organizers keep utensils sorted.
• A lazy Susan makes an awkward corner cabinet easy to use.
• Pull-out spice racks put seasonings at your fingertips.

Look Up

Add a cabinet or shelf above the refrigerator for seldom-used appliances. If your upper cabinets stop short of the ceiling, use that space for rarely used or sentimental pieces, or display collections on open shelves.

Hang It Up

Under-cabinet stemware holders and pot racks over the island or along a wall free up cabinet space and make grabbing what you need easier.

Put It Away

Store once-a-year items like a turkey fryer or giant stock pot in the attic or garage.

Need More Than a Few Tips?

If these ideas do not open up enough space, a kitchen remodel may be the answer. See more ideas in innovative storage ideas and our kitchen remodel projects, then call Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling at 678-450-1700 or contact us online.