Cabinetry Articles & Guides
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Designed by Lauren Marshall
If you’re struggling with a cramped kitchen, you’re not alone. Many people find it challenging to keep their small kitchen organized and clutter-free. The good news? With a few strategic changes, you can create more storage space without sacrificing style or functionality. Here are seven clever ways to maximize storage in a small kitchen.
1. Use Vertical Space with Wall-Mounted Storage
When counter and cabinet space is limited, think vertically! If you're considering new cabinets, you might then about taller cabinets that go to up to the ceiling. There are numerous accessories that make it easy to access and reach, even for taller ceilings. A more affordable option is to stack cabinetry, because you can use a stock-line instead of a semi-custom line.
Additionally you can consider installing shelves, pegboards, or hanging racks to store cookware, spices, and utensils. Magnetic knife strips, hooks for mugs, and wall-mounted baskets can free up valuable counter space while keeping essentials within reach. Find a tall friend or invest in a small step-ladder to get the most space from those top or tall cabinets. You're not going to believe this, but we actually have a cabinet with a built-in stepstool, so really, no tall friend required.
Designed by Brookwood Cabinet Company
2. Install Pull-Out Shelves and Drawer Organizers
Maximize deep cabinets by adding pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, or tiered racks. These solutions make it easier to access items without digging through cluttered spaces. Don't let the back of your pantry because the Vegetable Hospice drawer in your fridge. Keep canned goods, accessible so you can use them while they are still, well, good. Drawer dividers and organizers help keep utensils, spices, and kitchen tools neatly arranged.
Roll-out trays can be pre-installed in new cabinetry or ordered custom size to your existing cabinets. Don't dig around the back of a deep pantry cabinet anymore - you'll love adjustable roll-out trays that bring your ingredients to you!
3. Utilize the Right Size Cabinet Drawer
While you may have to sacrifice some aesthetics or symmetry in a kitchen, it can be well worth it to have a wide variety of drawer sizes to fit your space and how you actually use your kitchen. If you're channeling your inner Julia Child and wants all your spices nearby, pick a shallow drawer by the stove. Not much of chef? No problem. Snack drawers work really well in a small kitchen too.
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4. Transform a Room into a Butler's Pantry
Ok, hear us out - we know not everyone has the space for a butler's pantry, and that's completely understandable. However, you might think about creative ways to use nearby rooms as an extension of your existing kitchen. Formal dining rooms have been less popular lately, and we've seen multiple homeowners transform their formal dining room into a butler's pantry. It can be a great choice since they are usually right off the main kitchen. This can also be nice for entertaining since some open-concept kitchens don't let you keep the cooking mess out of sight.
You can also invest in furniture that does double duty. Consider an island with built-in storage, a fold-down table, or bar stools with hidden compartments. Rolling carts provide extra prep space and can be tucked away when not in use.
Designed by Lauren Marshall
5. Drawer Accessories & Organizers
Whatever kitchen cookware you own that just doesn't ever seem to have a good place to fit, or if it's a risky maneuver to pull it out of the cabinet (watch out for rolling pizza stones), we recommend custom accessory drawers.
Drawers for pans, pots, drawer organizers for plates, cutlery and knives. Get special feature items such utensil holders, spice racks and more.
6. Pantry Cabinets vs. a Pantry Closet
We highly encourage homeowners to remove built-in pantry closest and opt for pantry cabinets instead. This eliminates wasted space from thick walls and a door. Pantry cabinets also allow for customization with roll-out trays and other accessories.
7. Lean on Other Rooms for Storage
Sometimes with a small kitchen requires backup, and other rooms with additional storage can do the trick. Think linen closets for table linens and extra dishtowels, laundry rooms for all household cleaners, and garage cabinets for dry goods.
