One of the most common reasons our customers renovate their kitchen is for improved storage. Kitchens are always a challenge to organize. From bulky freestanding appliances, to cookware and gadgets of every size. Not to mention food, spices, cleaning products, bags, chargers, and papers.
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Modern Kitchen Must-Have
Pull-out shelves are “a modern kitchen must-have,” she says.
They work well in base cabinets as innovative vertical storage for baking sheets, dry goods, utensils, and cleaning supplies.
Pull-out shelves can also serve as multi-tasking cabinets like this option from Kemper Cabinets, which combines pull-out utensil storage and a pull-out knife block, freeing up valuable counter space.
They are also a smart upgrade for pantry systems, like this tall pull-out shelf from KraftMaid. The design keeps all of the items in view so you no longer lose sight of items in the back.
Julia says, “No more buying three more of what you already have on the shelf.”
Upgrade to a Deep Drawer
Another kitchen storage upgrade is a two-drawer base cabinet for dishes, pots and pans, pantry items and more. As seen in this option from Decorá, the depth of the drawers allows you to store a surprising amount.
While every kitchen should have a designated cabinet for cutting boards and cookie sheets, Julia says if the depth of the space is 15″ or more, then the pull-out drawer is even better.
These drawers are also a great alternative for homeowners who want to minimize above-counter shelving.
The Corner Upgrade
Julia also recommends the increasingly popular corner drawer upgrade. This is not your grandmother’s kitchen corner space.
“These are one of my favorite alternatives for people who would rather not have a lazy Susan,” she says. “You can fit extra-long utensils and even BBQ tools in these corner drawers.” A diagonal utensil insert for regular-sized drawers can also maximize space in a creative way.
A Spicy Upgrade
For those who prioritize spice storage, two popular upgrades from Kemper include the pull-down spice rack and the wall spice rack cabinet. Both keep all of your spice choices right at your fingertips. The choice typically just depends on the type of space available.
An Essential Upgrade
The final kitchen storage upgrade that’s become an essential to include is a pullout waste and recycling cabinets. Julia recommends positioning these cabinets with the sink on one side and the dishwasher on the other side for an efficient work zone.
Be Cautious With Some Storage Upgrades
Regardless of budget, Julia typically steers clients away from certain storage options. For example, an appliance garage can be a double-edged sword: great for someone who doesn’t like counter clutter, but challenging because they only fit extra-short appliances and still take up counter space.
Likewise, she generally advises against backsplash storage for knives, towels, and other small items. “This type of storage can look busy and actually make your space feel smaller,” she says. But again, it depends on the space. “If you have the extra space and want to create a nook or fun storage space, it could be great.”
Have A Plan
Julia encourages her clients to start re-imagining their kitchen storage by measuring the dimensions of their existing kitchen. This includes both the interior and exterior measurements of the cabinets.
Once they have that, she asks them to keep an open mind. There are all sorts of potential solutions that might be right for a given space.
“Our design staff will listen to your wants and needs, your struggles, and compile recommendations on what we feel will work best in your space.”
If your kitchen storage situation is a struggle, contact us for a free design consultation to get the process started. Just think of the extra space you’ll free up for all those kitchen gatherings in the future!
