From dishes and small appliances, to pantry items, cleaning supplies and knickknacks, the kitchen houses a million things, with about as many places to store them all. The table, counter and the top of the fridge aren’t among them, and those bins and baskets can only go so far. So, where to put it all?
From a designer’s perspective, storage is a critical part of every plan. It is the first step to creating a stylish and more important a functional kitchen. Here are three areas in your kitchen to amp up your storage, and examples of how I did it in this kitchen project (pictured).
Cabinets
Let’s start here, since these will eat up the biggest chunk of your kitchen budget, and account for a considerable visual portion of the picture as well.
From a use-of-space perspective, I always recommend adding extended uppers to maximize every inch. Typically, the area between the cabinet tops and ceiling only collects dust. Why not put that extra foot of vertical space to good use, with an additional cabinet shelf running the perimeter of your kitchen? While it’s a bit harder to reach, this area provides tons of valuable storage space for occasional or seasonal items.
Your lower cabinets can also be customized with custom drawers, shelves and racks, stored easily on hand, neatly and efficiently.
From an aesthetic perspective, extended uppers have a polished, streamlined look, and they don’t even have to run all the way up to the ceiling. In this kitchen (pictured) we left a gap above the cabinets, which became a nice visual detail. The cabinets include a combination of solid and glass doors, adding further visual interest and a lovely way to display select kitchen collections. Matching solid panels clad the appliances, giving the space a sleek look.
The island
This is the focus of most kitchens today, due to its central positioning in the room and its many functions. Whether it’s used to slice and dice food, to dish it out, or for entertaining and dining, the island is ground zero for much of the action that happens in the kitchen.
Your island takes up a significant portion of your kitchen, with lots of potential storage space that can be customized to meet your unique needs. Consider first how you will be using the island, then ensure it’s well-equipped to meet those needs. For example, if you intend to use it for food prep, your cabinets and shelves should accommodate cutting boards, knives, bowls, spices, and anything else you might need for the task. Keep in mind that if you plan to include a sink, cooktop or a pull-out trash bin in your island, those will reduce the amount of storage space available under the counter. Weigh your needs and wants, and decide what takes priority.
Furniture
This is possibly the simplest way to add storage to your kitchen, and probably the most cost-efficient, too. Kitchen furniture, aside from the obligatory table and chairs, doesn’t get enough credit – or enough use. Non-permanent pieces such as a side board or shelfs can help keep extra dishes or small appliances, while adding style without the commitment.
Before you buy, ensure your kitchen is big enough, with ample space to move freely around it.
The kitchen takes a lot of heat, particularly if it’s not cutting it storage-wise. A kitchen redesign or renovation is the perfect opportunity to evaluate your needs and wishes, and “bake” them right into the bones of the space. Work with a design firm like us to put those plans into action.