1. CONCEAL YOUR KITCHEN TRASH CAN BEHIND A CABINET DOOR
A kitchen island is one of the optimal places to hide your kitchen trash can. Typically coming up to waist height, there is a lot of space that you can devote to concealing kitchen waste. A kitchen island is also prime for cabinet integration. 'This is always my first choice,' says New York-based interior designer Kristina LoMonaco. 'If you're in the process of planning your kitchen layout, consider integrating your trash can within your cabinetry. This discreet setup involves concealing the trash can behind a cabinet door or drawer.'
2. GO UNDER THE SINK
In my own home, I have hidden my food waste trash can under the kitchen sink. It used to sit above the sink and on the window ledge, but this meant the waste was on full display and somewhat disrupting the view into the backyard. Placing it under the sink has opened up this window ledge space for a few plants instead, and means my waste bin is out of sight, out of mind.
3. DISGUISE YOUR BIN ALTOGETHER
Get creative with your trash can disguises and create or buy a decorative cover. 'If you’re not amid a renovation or prefer not to make permanent changes to your kitchen, you can invest in a decorative option to cover existing trash can,' says Kristina. 'One kitchen trend I love is opting for a large woven basket with lid. It is a decorative yet stylish way to hide the unsightly fixture.' 'Not all utilitarian objects in your home need to feel like one,' agrees Genevieve Ghaleb. 'Disguising your trash in an elegant vase rich in color and pattern (think chinoiserie umbrella stand!) takes it from eye sore to kitchen décor!'
4. ADD A MINI CURTAIN COVER
Cafe curtains have taken off in a big way over the course of 2023. No longer are they only used as a smart window treatment, beautifully diffusing light as it enters the room, but they are also used to hide white goods and areas of a utility room or kitchen that are more on the unsightly side.
5. OPT FOR A TILT TRASH CAN
Think about incorporating your trash can into your kitchen cabinet with a tilt that allows you to seamlessly pull your trash can out with ease. This style works perfectly in a Shaker-style kitchen, and these sorts of disguises are typically made from wood, giving a rustic feel to your kitchen. They are super easy to use and work with your trash can stuck with adhesive to the door of the cabinet, meaning easy access.
6. OR TRY A GARBAGE FLAP
For a minimalist kitchen, a garbage flap could also be a great solution to your waste bin woes. Although more synonymous with coffee shops, these cutouts in your counter can be used in a residential setting too.
7. PICK A STYLISH DESIGN
Ultimately, one of the best ways to hide your trash can is to make a virtue of a necessity. Ok, it's not necessarily concealing your bin, but rather embracing your trash can with a stylish design that almost hides in plain sight. By going for this look, the design dominates and almost forcing you to forget about the function. 'Freestanding stainless bins are a great idea,' says Kristina. 'While it may not be my first choice, freestanding stainless-steel bins with lids can work well to conceal your trash can. Though they have a more industrial kitchen aesthetic, they can be a practical solution for kitchens with a modern or minimalist style.'