Designer-Approved Kitchen Hacks for Small Spaces
The struggle for kitchen storage is a universal one. Whether you’re confined to a compact apartment kitchen, struggling to fit even a modest spice collection, or a homeowner with a vast suburban kitchen and an ever-growing arsenal of gadgets, you’ve likely found yourself wishing for more space. While we can’t conjure extra square footage out of thin air, we’ve gathered some ingenious storage solutions from inspiring home tours to help you maximize your kitchen’s potential.
Maximizing Vertical Space and Accessibility
1. Install a Hanging Rail Over the Stovetop
Just as accessories can elevate an outfit, a well-placed hanging rail can tie a kitchen together. In this small kitchen, the bronze rail above the stovetop complements the existing hardware and range. Beyond aesthetics, it offers practical benefits, making frequently used items readily accessible during cooking. It also contributes to a charming “working kitchen” vibe, allowing for pops of color and texture.
- Ferm Living Kitchen Rod
$115.00, 2Modern - Rejuvenation Greta Rail System
$349.00, Rejuvenation
2. Hang Pots and Pans from the Ceiling
If your kitchen features lofted spaces, staircases, or simply lower ceilings, consider utilizing this vertical expanse. Installing hooks on beams or the ceiling can be a highly effective storage solution. This approach not only frees up cabinet space but also draws the eye upward, visually expanding the perceived scale of the room.
- Enclume Handcrafted Offset Hook Ceiling Bar
$199.00, Wayfair - Rejuvenation Under-Shelf Swiveling Hook Accessory
$65.00, Rejuvenation
3. Shelve to the Ceiling
For kitchens blessed with exceptionally high ceilings, extending shelving all the way to the top is a fantastic way to maximize storage capacity. This strategy not only accommodates a greater volume of items but also accentuates the height of the room, making a small kitchen feel more expansive and functional, even for those with extensive culinary needs.
Smart Drawer and Cabinet Solutions
4. Consider a Tiered Silverware Drawer
In smaller kitchens, the smallest details can make the most significant difference. Tiered drawer organizers are a game-changer, allowing you to fully utilize the depth of your drawers. A pullout drawer within a drawer, for instance, can effectively double the storage for silverware and small utensils. If your drawers aren’t deep enough for tiered solutions, consider custom-fit dividers to achieve a professionally organized look.
- Williams Sonoma Expandable Drawer Organizer
$80.00, Williams Sonoma - The Container Store 2-Tier Flatware & Utensil Tray
$40.00, The Container Store
5. Build in Flipper Doors
Flipper doors, also known as pocket doors for cabinets, offer a sleek solution for small appliances. When not in use, these doors can disappear into the cabinet, instantly decluttering the visual space. This design choice allows for easy access to kitchen tools without compromising the overall aesthetic of the room, making it easier to work in a compact environment.
6. Differentiate Your Cabinets
Introducing variety in your cabinetry can inject personality into your kitchen design, regardless of its size. This can be achieved through different materials (like stainless steel), bold color choices, or a mix of open and closed shelving. In spaces where the kitchen and living areas are adjacent, varied cabinet styles can effectively delineate these zones, creating a layered yet uncluttered feel.
7. Use Both Sides of Your Island
If your kitchen features an island, or you’re planning a renovation, think about utilizing both sides for storage. Instead of opting for drawers on just one side, consider incorporating storage on the opposite side as well. This can involve open shelving for display or closed cabinets for less frequently used items, maximizing the island’s utility.
8. Add Under-the-Cabinet Hooks
Is your mug collection consuming valuable cabinet space? Hanging mugs on under-the-cabinet hooks is a charming and practical solution. This not only frees up shelf space but also adds a cozy, homey touch to your kitchen. It’s especially effective if you have a collection of unique or visually appealing mugs you want to display.
- Williams Sonoma Under Cabinet Storage
$60.00, Williams Sonoma - Rejuvenation Undermount Triple Hook
$44.00, Rejuvenation
Creative Surface and Wall Utilization
9. Add Open Shelving
While closed cabinets are essential for keeping clutter at bay and reducing dusting, open shelving can add visual interest and accessibility in smaller spaces. Open shelves can be used to artfully display ingredients in chic canisters or attractive storage containers. This approach turns pantry items into decorative elements, ensuring they are visible and not forgotten.
10. Use Your Window Sills
Beyond the aesthetic appeal of a window with a view, kitchen window sills offer valuable extra surface area. This space can be used for decorative items like framed photos or to showcase your favorite mugs. Alternatively, as seen in some kitchens, window sills can provide a practical spot for storing fresh produce or displaying a collection of plants, freeing up valuable countertop space.
11. Add a Tiny Ledge for Spices
A short, shallow ledge dedicated solely to spices can be both a charming and highly functional addition to any kitchen. This is particularly effective in kitchens with a farmhouse-inspired aesthetic. These ledges provide an easily accessible home for your spice collection, keeping them organized and within reach.
- StoveShelf Magnetic Kitchen Stove Shelf
$45.00, Amazon - Yamazaki Home Plate Magnetic Spice Storage Rack
$30.00, Amazon
12. Make Your Stovetop Your Prep Station
Large cutting boards, especially butcher blocks, can be challenging to store. Instead of sacrificing valuable cabinet space or opting for less functional smaller boards, consider utilizing your stovetop when it’s not in use. A cutting board placed on top of the stove creates an instant prep station, ideal for kitchens with limited counter space. This works best with flat stovetops like glass or those with grates.
- StoneWon Designs Co. Cover Noodle Board
$560.00, West Elm - Crate & Barrel End Grain Cutting Board
$160.00, Crate & Barrel
13. Add a Magnetic Knife Strip
For kitchens where every inch counts, a magnetic knife strip is an invaluable tool. It offers convenient access to knives for meal preparation without taking up drawer or counter space. This solution is particularly useful in very compact kitchens or for those who prefer their essential tools to be readily visible and accessible.
- Hoshanho Magnetic Knife Strip
$38.00, Amazon - Sur La Table Bar Magnet
$35.00, Sur La Table
14. Use a Pegboard
A pegboard is an airy, convenient, and often inexpensive way to add versatile storage to your kitchen. It can be customized with various hooks and shelves to hold utensils, pots, pans, or even small appliances. This adaptable solution allows you to keep frequently used items within easy reach while maintaining an organized and visually appealing space.
- Honey Dreamers LV Wall Mounted Pegboard
$434.00, Etsy - SKÅDIS Pegboard Combination
$68.00, Ikea
Integrating Storage with Furniture and Display
15. Use a Proper Cabinet
When cabinet space is at a premium but you have a bit of extra floor space, consider incorporating a hutch or a freestanding bookshelf. Unlike industrial-style wire shelving, a proper cabinet adds a sense of maturity and warmth to the kitchen. It also provides valuable closed storage for items you prefer not to display. In some cases, a cabinet can even serve as a functional divider between the kitchen and an adjacent dining or living area.
- Article Mysen Glass Cabinet
$1599.00, Article - West Elm Kody Wood & Paper Cord Kitchen Hutch
$2699.00, West Elm
16. Get a Shelf with Hanging and Surface Space
A shelf that offers both overhead storage and under-shelf hanging space is incredibly practical. This dual-functionality is especially useful for irregularly shaped items like pots, pans, and pitchers, which can be more easily stored when hung rather than placed on a shelf. This type of shelving unit can significantly enhance the storage capacity and organization of your kitchen.
