Kitchen storage ideas – 15 expert-recommended ways to boost the functionality of this space

1. CONSIDER SHAKER STYLE CABINETS

The classic shaker kitchens have been around for a long time and while the true shaker cabinetry was once quite plain in its squareness, it has now seen a more modern rendition with bright colors and even textures.

2. STORE ALL THE CHINA INSIDE THE ISLAND

There are a lot of ways to boost the usability of a kitchen island. Along with adding kitchen island seating, also include a glass cabinet to store and show off your choicest china. Consider fluted glass that looks stylish and still gives a little privacy to the contents of the cabinet. 'In this kitchen, we opted for glass cabinets to showcase finer dishes and give the illusion of a larger space,' says Joshua Smith, principal designer and founder of Joshua Smith Inc.

3. HANG SHELVES TO ADD CHARACTER TO A KITCHEN

Shelving ideas make for amazing style and storage solutions in any room, but they are especially lovely to bring into a kitchen as they give you the opportunity to get a bit more creative and add some of your style into an overall practical space.

4. BUILD STORAGE INTO A BACKSPLASH

Much like shelving, a kitchen backsplash can work harder and incorporate storage as well as adding so much character to a space. This is such a clever and easy idea to copy in your space. Rather than sit almost flush to the wall this gorgeous dramatically veined marble backsplash protrudes further into the room making it deep enough to add alcoves.

5. TAKE YOUR CUPBOARDS UP TO THE CEILING

The standard kitchen layout is a combination of wall cupboards and floor cupboards. It makes sense, as you get plenty of storage and plenty of surface space. However, you are left with a huge gap in the middle of the two, which really could be put to much better use. If you can forgo surface space, say you have plans to have a large island or you could go for the classic floor-and-wall cupboard layout on one side of your space, go for cabinets. A perfect small kitchen storage idea too.

6. INCORPORATE PLENTY OF DRAWERS AS WELL AS CUPBOARDS

The majority of kitchen storage is of course going to come from your kitchen cabinets, but also ensure you have a good balance of cupboards and drawers. You might find, in fact, that more drawers than cupboards work better in your space.

7. BRING IN FREESTANDING STORAGE

Opting for a freestanding kitchen storage piece is a great way to add some extra storage to your current space, or to bring extra character into a new kitchen. This is a space-saving kitchen storage trick professional organizers love. Your best bet for these pieces is to shop secondhand or buy one online.

8. ADD A PANTRY CUPBOARD FOR STYLE AND STORAGE

Pantries are the thing of kitchen dreams, right? But, as this pantry idea proves, you don't need copious amounts of space to incorporate one into your design. Pantry cupboards can provide all the food storage you need and fit seamlessly into your kitchen design. This is the perfect approach if you want a more minimalist look, where your pantry essentially just looks like a kitchen cabinet from the outside.

9. OPT FOR A BREAKFAST CUPBOARD TO CONCEAL APPLIANCES

Smaller than a classic walk-in pantry, but still with all the room you need for storage and 'breakfast' appliances, a breakfast pantry is the perfect kitchen storage for hiding away the clutter and freeing up surface space.

10. MAKE THE MOST OF CUPBOARD SPACE

If you just want to add more storage to your current space, organizing your kitchen so it works harder could be all it takes. Dedicate a whole weekend to it, and get everything out so you can see what you have to store. Have a cull before you even think about putting things back too. Then just get clever with making the most of the space you have got. It's not glamorous stuff, but drawer dividers, shelf inserts, racks, hooks, jars, etc. all will help your space function better and you'll find you can fit more in too.

11. BREAK UP BANKS OF CABINETRY WITH GLASS DOORS

You want your kitchen storage to be aesthetically pleasing where possible, especially when it comes to the main component – cabinetry. As with most design decisions in the kitchen you want there to be a balance between form and function and we think this pretty pink kitchen gets it spot on.

12. USE HANGING RAILS TO KEEP EVERYTHING ACCESSIBLE

Hanging rails look cute and add some really handy extra kitchen storage, which works especially well if you are tight on space. What we love about a hanging rail is that it add an instantly rustic, slightly farmhouse charm to any kitchen and is a really quick, easy, and affordable update too that you can easily do yourself.

13. BRING BACK THE PLATE RACK

The plate rack is making a strong comeback. Once a reserve for stuffy, stately kitchens, we are now seeing them being incorporated into every style. It's the color used here that turns this simple piece of storage into a focal point. The deep rich red stands out against the pale putty pink, creating this lovely warming, tonal effect.

14. CLEAR CLUTTER INTO CUTE BASKETS

Easiest kitchen storage idea out there? Store any clutter in stylish storage baskets. If you have a gap between your cabinets and the ceiling, this is prime real estate for filling up baskets with your lesser-used kitchen equipment and storing them out of sight.

15. USE NARROW SHELVING FOR EASY-TO-REACH INGREDIENTS

Wondering what's the best way to organize spices? Narrow racks that run between a worktop and wall cabinets can be used to store spices, tea, coffee, sugar, oils, etc. Turn it into more of a feature by decanting your dried goods into storage jars, or picking out the most colorful packaging for your essentials so the shelf adds something to the room too.

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