Kitchen storage seems like a no-brainer—until you’re constantly shuffling cutting boards to find a pan or dealing with an avalanche of Tupperware every time you open a cabinet. After several kitchen remodels (and more than a few frustrating mistakes), I’ve learned that smart storage makes ALL the difference.
If you’re planning a kitchen upgrade, here are 15 kitchen storage ideas (and hard-learned lessons) to help you get it right the first time.
1. The Deep Drawer for Pots and Pans
One of my biggest mistakes? Relying on traditional lower cabinets for pots and pans. They turn into black holes where lids disappear forever.
What works better: A deep, wide drawer with sturdy dividers.
Easy access to pots and pans without digging.
A separate section for lids so they don’t get lost.
2. Vertical Dividers for Cutting Boards and Baking Sheets
Stacking cutting boards and baking trays flat is a recipe for frustration. You always need the one at the bottom.
The fix: Install vertical dividers in a cabinet or deep drawer.
Everything stays upright and easy to grab.
No more precarious balancing acts.
3. Pull-Out Pantry Shelves
A standard pantry with deep shelves sounds great—until you realize half your food is hidden in the back, never to be seen again.
Solution: Pull-out pantry shelves.
Maximizes storage space.
No more forgotten (expired) cans of beans.
4. The Hidden Spice Drawer
I used to keep my spices in a regular cabinet. Big mistake. They’d get lost, and I’d end up buying duplicates.
What I wish I’d done sooner: A slim pull-out spice rack or a dedicated spice drawer with labeled jars.
Everything is visible at a glance.
No more rummaging mid-recipe.
5. Appliance Garage for Countertop Clutter
Toasters, coffee makers, and blenders take up way too much counter space.
The fix: An appliance garage—a cabinet with a roll-up or lift-up door to hide small appliances.
Keeps counters clean.
Appliances stay plugged in and ready to use.
6. The Corner Lazy Susan (But the Right Kind!)
Corner cabinets are tricky. I once had a Lazy Susan that constantly jammed and wasted space.
What actually works: A sturdy, full-circle Lazy Susan or deep corner drawers.
No dead space in the corner.
Everything is accessible without awkward reaching.
7. Drawer Inserts for Utensils & Knives
A messy utensil drawer = daily frustration.
Upgrade: Custom drawer inserts for silverware, cooking utensils, and even knives.
Keeps everything in its place.
No more rummaging for the right spatula.
8. Pull-Out Trash & Recycling Bins
A visible trash can is an eyesore, but hiding it under the sink wastes valuable space.
The best solution: A dedicated pull-out cabinet for trash and recycling.
Keeps garbage out of sight.
Frees up floor space.
9. Floating Shelves for Everyday Items
I used to keep my most-used dishes in an upper cabinet, but constantly opening and closing doors got annoying.
What works better: A couple of floating shelves for everyday plates, mugs, and bowls.
Easy access.
Adds a stylish, open look to the kitchen.
10. A Coffee Station Nook
If you’re a coffee lover, having everything in one spot is a game-changer.
What I wish I had sooner: A small dedicated coffee station with:
A drawer for coffee pods, filters, or tea bags.
A mini shelf for mugs.
A spot for the coffee maker that doesn’t take over the counter.
11. Roll-Out Trays for Deep Cabinets
Deep lower cabinets without roll-out trays = a nightmare.
Fix: Install roll-out trays so nothing gets lost in the back.
Ideal for heavy items like mixers and blenders.
No more crawling on the floor to reach things.
12. A Pegboard Drawer for Plates
Stacking plates in a cabinet is fine—until they start sliding dangerously.
Better idea: A deep drawer with adjustable pegboard inserts.
Keeps dishes neatly stacked.
Easy to adjust for different plate sizes.
13. A Slim Pull-Out for Baking Ingredients
If you bake often, a slim pull-out rack for flour, sugar, and baking essentials is a lifesaver.
Why it works:
Keeps everything organized in one spot.
No more digging through cabinets for sugar mid-recipe.
14. Hooks Inside Cabinet Doors
Cabinet doors are wasted space—unless you use them smartly.
Best use: Install small hooks for measuring spoons, pot lids, or dish towels.
Keeps small kitchen tools handy.
Uses space that would otherwise go to waste.
15. A Narrow Pull-Out for Oils & Vinegars
Bottles of olive oil, vinegar, and sauces always seem to clutter up the counter or get lost in deep cabinets.
The smart fix: A narrow pull-out near the stove.
Keeps cooking essentials within reach.
No more tipping bottles over to find the right one.
Final Thoughts
If I could go back in time, I’d rethink my kitchen storage from the start. Small changes—like roll-out shelves, deep drawers, and vertical dividers—make a huge difference in everyday cooking.
Planning a kitchen remodel? Take the time to optimize storage now—you’ll thank yourself later!