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The kitchen is considered the most complex and challenging space to organise and design. However, the key to an optimised kitchen is its kitchen storage design and layout.
For many of us, kitchen storage lies in finding a place for the essentials – cutlery, plates, pots, pans, mugs, blenders, bread makers, and other must-have tools, along with the usual storage cabinets for assorted packets, bottles, and cans that accumulate over time.
In addition to kitchen storage design, each of us has distinctive preferences, some might be perfectly fine standing on a stool to access high cabinets, while others may prefer not to bend down to grab a bowl.
Let’s look into some kitchen storage design ideas that can help you cook, clean, and stay organised without wasting time and effort.
Key Kitchen Storage Design Tips
1. Maximise Storage with Cabinets that Reach the Ceiling
One of the best storage solutions for a small kitchen is to go vertical! Extending your cabinetry upward helps utilise the space more efficiently and effectively, significantly increasing storage capacity. The key to smartly organising vertical kitchen storage cabinets is to keep everyday essentials within easy reach and less frequently used items in the upper cabinets. This design not only optimises the kitchen but also creates a more open and decluttered space.
2. Hang Pots & Pans
Pots and pans can take up a significant amount of space in your kitchen cabinets when stored flat. However, by hanging them, you can free up valuable storage space for other essentials. Consider installing a rack or a ceiling-mounted hook system to keep your cookware within easy reach and off your countertops. This not only maximises cabinet space but also improves accessibility to your pots and pans. In addition to reducing clutter in your cabinets, this solution adds a touch of style to your kitchen.
3. A Multifunctional Kitchen Island
Kitchen island offers a comfortable work surface, much like a kitchen helper. However, do not limit its function to just an additional workstation, you can also use the space below the island as part of your kitchen storage design. Choosing a kitchen island with spacious storage shelves to hold dishes and other cookware is ideal.
For smaller kitchens, movable and foldable kitchen islands are the best storage solutions. After use, you can relocate them to other areas and repurpose them as storage for other rooms. You can also use bins or baskets to organise cutlery and other items, making your storage solutions even more efficient.
Also Read: Kitchen Island Calculator
4. Additional Storage with Organisational Inserts & Drawers
Adding organisers to your cabinets can save time in finding and using your kitchen items. Using pullout racks, pantry pullouts, knives, and spoon dividers can make your kitchen storage cabinets and drawers well-organised.
Dividing drawers helps create a well-organised kitchen. Designating specific spaces for knives, spoons, scissors, etc. make it easier to find small essentials. You may not be able to store more in a given drawer, but what is stored will be easier to see and retrieve.
5. Use the Corners as Storage Cabinets
Instead of wasting space, install well-mounted corner storage cabinets. Corner storage cabinets are efficient and store more than you might expect! Look for models that include rails on the shelves to secure items.
This design creates an efficient L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen layout, with revolving shelves that combine both functionality and aesthetic appeal in your kitchen storage design.
Also Read: How to Organise Kitchen Cabinets
6. Install Open Wall-Mounted Shelve
Sort your items by priority, and install shelves accordingly. Wall-mounted shelves are ideal for spaces that are too small or awkwardly placed to accommodate kitchen storage cabinets.
These shelves can also hold fruits and vegetables, allowing you to wash and use them easily while keeping track of when it’s time to head out for some grocery shopping!
7. Carve Out space on the Backsplash
While cabinets take up your kitchen space, you can keep your countertops and drawers less cluttered by using your backsplash for storage. For example, install a magnetic strip to hold knives. Another option is to add a horizontal rail system with specific components like hooks for utensils, spice racks, paper roll holders, a foil holder rod, and more.
8. Hide and Go Sleek
Keep your kitchen clean and uncluttered by hiding storage behind the backsplash. For example, a sliding panel can reveal rows of spices within easy reach. When the panel is closed, the area returns to a sleek, seamless appearance of stone or tile backsplash.
While cabinets and shelves are the primary focus of a kitchen storage design layout, consider installing hidden charging units within the cabinets to maintain a decluttered and organised space. This type of storage design idea enhances functionality and saves counter space for other activities.
9. Experiment with Dowel Rods
Vertical storage helps to maximise space, reduce clutter, and create a more organised and functional cooking environment. Introducing dowel rods within cabinets or on open shelves adds more space for storing pans and boards. These rods act as dividers or hanging points for various kitchen items.
Learn More: Pot Rack Ideas for Kitchen
10. Use Clear Containers
Using clear containers, such as glass jars and canisters, enhances visibility and helps in better organisation and categorisation of kitchen items. This approach also adds aesthetic appeal to your kitchen, with its elegance and uniformity complementing the practicality of the kitchen storage design layout.
Also Read: Smart Kitchen Design for a Healthier Lifestyle
11. Integrated Appliances
Opt for built-in refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens to free up counter and cabinet space. These can give your kitchen a cleaner and less cluttered appearance. Create a cabinet with a retractable door (appliance garage) to hide small appliances like toasters, blenders and coffee makers, keeping them within reach but out of sight.
To sum it up
Optimizing a home’s kitchen storage design is important as it maximises space, increases efficiency, and boosts organization during meal prepping. Make decluttering a regular activity. Purge unused or expired items from your kitchen periodically. It helps create a more enjoyable, accessible, and functional kitchen space that enhances the overall cooking experience. Additionally, it simplifies the maintenance and management of the kitchen.
Also Read: 10+ Tips to Plan Your Kitchen Storage For Maximum Efficiency!
Kitchen Storage Design FAQs
1. How can I use my kitchen backsplash for extra storage?
You can either install magnetic strips for knives, hooks for pots and pans, or even rails and racks for spices, on the kitchen backsplash. This not only increases efficiency but also helps in easier accessibility.
2. How can I keep my kitchen organised if I have high ceilings?
With high ceilings, you can maximise vertical space by installing detachable, movable tall units or by extending cabinets up to the ceiling. Use top shelves for less frequently used items while keeping essentials within easy reach.
3. Is it good to incorporate multifunctional furniture into my kitchen design?
Yes, multifunctional furniture in kitchens optimises space, adding both functionality and flexibility.
4. What are the best ways to use the corners of a kitchen?
Installing swivel or pull-out corner cabinets helps utilise otherwise wasted space, making it easy to access and store kitchen items efficiently. This can be used for storage spaces or even trash cabinets.
5. Is it worth investing in pull-out shelves or racks for kitchen storage?
Yes, it is definitely worth investing in pull-out shelves and racks as they enhance accessibility, improve organisation, and help maximise storage in cabinets, making it easier to retrieve items.