Kitchen Storage Ideas – 21 Clever Ways to Store Groceries and Kitchen Utensils
Curb clutter and restore order with these kitchen storage ideas. Sign up to our newsletter for more home and decor inspiration.
The Secret to a Calm and Productive Kitchen
The engine room of the home needs to work efficiently and you can only maintain order and organisation if you know where everything is and worktops are not littered with utensils, condiments and cooking ingredients. Kitchens in the modern home are more than just spaces for cooking: they now often double up as open-plan living rooms for socialising and dining, and are where the family will often gather at the end of the day.
The Solution is a Well-Designed Kitchen
To make these spaces conducive to relaxation, they need the best kitchen storage ideas to reduce clutter – there is nothing more frustrating when you are trying to unwind than seeing mess everywhere. The solution is a well-designed kitchen where you utilise every nook and cranny and optimise even the most modest corners and spaces with clever kitchen storage ideas such as these.
Kitchen Storage Ideas
With a plethora of things all jostling for a place, the kitchen requires particularly careful consideration and a big part is knowing how to organise kitchen cabinets – but you still need the storage space in the first place. Luckily, modern kitchen designers have upped the ante with space-saving, super-strong drawers that can bear the weight of stacks of china or heavy pans – just some of the kitchen storage trends.
1. Opt for Open-Shelving
If you’re looking to add style as well as storage to your kitchen, then open shelving might just be the solution. Reducing the amount of upper wall cabinets and instead focusing on open shelving will help to open up the space while still providing some space for kitchenware and knick-knacks.
2. Make Use of Hanging Space
Finding room for pots and pans is always a challenge. They’re bulky and often awkwardly shaped, so you might want to plan in extra space for these in your kitchen.
3. Handy Undersink Drawer
Trade your traditional undersink cupboard for a more accessible drawer. Rather than having to root around the back of the cupboard for your lesser-used cleaning products, the pull-out drawer design in this kitchen ensures that everything is within easy reach.
4. Include a Pull-Out Larder
When space is tight, creative kitchen design is vital. Perfect for maximising narrow, awkward spaces – perhaps next to a fridge or at the end of a run of cabinetry – pull-out larders are a versatile kitchen storage solution.
5. Use All Dead Space
In this kitchen, the otherwise dead space in the wall of the chimney breast has been adapted to create small storage areas beside the range cooker, perfect for keeping oils, herbs and seasoning close to hand when cooking.
6. Plate Up a Plate Rack
“When used on a big scale, a plate rack can really add something special to a kitchen,” says Helen Parker, creative director at Devol. “Paint the rack the same colour as your kitchen cupboards and it will become an integral part of the room – it will also be much more interesting and useful than a shelf.”
7. Be Flexible with a Kitchen Trolley
While you may not have the space for a permanent kitchen island, a petite movable design is among the clever kitchen storage ideas for small kitchens.
8. Add a Kitchen Island
If your kitchen has space for it, a kitchen island could be the perfect solution to adding in some extra storage, as well as creating more prep space.
9. Make Your Storage a Stylish Display
Rather than try and hide things away in cupboards, embrace all your bits and bobs and make a display of keeping them out on shelves. Cook books, chopping boards, mugs, teapots – they can all be left out on display, especially if they match your colour scheme.
10. Kit Out Cupboards with Storage Solutions
Dedicate a kitchen cupboard to store all your household cleaning chore essentials out of sight.
11. Create a Multi-Tasking Kitchen Hub
Make family life run more smoothly with a strategically placed storage unit at the hub of your kitchen.
12. Showcase Everyday Essentials
While there’s a lot to be said for hiding clutter away behind closed doors, having favourite things on show gives heart to a home.
13. Slot in a Slimline Larder
Make use of an empty alcove or recess in a kitchen by creating a built-in larder cupboard.
14. Make a Display of Jars
Free up cupboard space at the same time as making a stylish countertop display by popping dried food into glass storage jars.
15. Choose a Multi-Functional Freestanding Unit
Here’s a neat kitchen storage idea – turn a kitchen trolley into a moveable work bench or cooking aid.
16. Consider a Pantry or Larder
A pantry or larder should be close to your fridge and freezer for instance, making it quick and easy to unload groceries.
17. Mix Freestanding with Fixed Storage
Use more glass fronted cabinets or open-shelving in non-cooking areas to create a distinction between spaces and prevent the whole room looking like one giant kitchen.
18. Use a Room Divider as Storage
The right storage system can double up as a room divider in an open-plan space.
19. Build Storage into Your Furniture
Use your kitchen cabinetry to introduce a smart alternative storage solution.
20. Hide a Charging Station Away in a Drawer
A busy family kitchen design can quickly become a clutter of chargers, phones and iPads. Keep all electrical safe and out the way with a built-in USB charging tray.
21. Under-Cupboard Drawers
Eke out another few inches from your kitchen with under-cupboard drawers.
FAQs
How do I Maximise My Kitchen Storage Space?
To maximise your kitchen storage space, think about what you actually need to store in your kitchen and try to relocate the items you rarely use to somewhere else.
How Do I Add Storage to My Open Kitchen?
To add storage to an open kitchen, it’s all about making smarter choices when it comes to storing your food and crockery.
How Do I Layout My Kitchen Storage?
‘It’s all about convenience’, says designer Dominic Ash. ‘Think hard about exactly where to create storage to make your kitchen user-friendly. For example, pans should be near the cooker, and crockery near the dishwasher so you can unload straight into the cupboard.’
Get the Most Out of Your Kitchen Storage
The right storage system can make all the difference to the overall functionality and style of your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for a full kitchen renovation or just want to tackle a cluttered corner, these kitchen storage ideas will help you get the most out of your space.
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FAQs
How do I Maximise My Kitchen Storage Space?
To maximise your kitchen storage space, think about what you actually need to store in your kitchen and try to relocate the items you rarely use to somewhere else.
How Do I Add Storage to My Open Kitchen?
To add storage to an open kitchen, it’s all about making smarter choices when it comes to storing your food and crockery.
How Do I Layout My Kitchen Storage?
‘It’s all about convenience’, says designer Dominic Ash. ‘Think hard about exactly where to create storage to make your kitchen user-friendly. For example, pans should be near the cooker, and crockery near the dishwasher so you can unload straight into the cupboard.’
