Effective Ways to Add Storage Space to Small Kitchen Spaces

Small kitchens can feel claustrophobic without enough storage, but fear not! Here are some clever ways to add more storage:

Make Use of Your Vertical Space

Turning vertical space into storage is a smart move in small kitchens. Here are practical ways to do this:

1. Install Floating Shelves Above Counters
   Adding floating shelves above your counters gives you extra room for your dishes and glasses. It's a great way to keep things you use daily easy to grab and also frees up a lot of space in your cabinets. Plus, it can make your kitchen look bigger and more open. When planning this, it's important to maintain Keys to Open Communication with Your Contractor to ensure the design meets your needs.
   
   
2. Utilize Pegboards
   You can hang utensils, small pots, and even some decorative items. This way, you organize your space better and keep these items off your counters. You can also rearrange the hooks to fit your changing storage needs.
   
   
3. Use Wall-mounted Racks for Pots and Pans
   Storing pots and pans on wall-mounted racks can save you a ton of cabinet space. It also makes it easier to find what you need when you're cooking. Hanging your pots and pans can add a cool, professional kitchen vibe to your space, too.
   
   
4. Hanging Baskets for Fruit and Vegetable Storage
   Hanging baskets can be a cute and practical way to store fruits and veggies. They take advantage of vertical space that would otherwise go unused. Plus, keeping your produce in sight might even inspire you to eat healthier.
   
   
5. Magnetic Spice Racks
   A magnetic spice rack can tidy up your spices without taking up counter or cabinet space. Stick one on the side of your fridge or any magnetic surface. It's a neat, space-saving way to keep your spices organized and easy to reach when you're cooking.
   
   

Maximizing Cabinet Space

Every inch of cabinet space counts. Here are some effective ways to make the most out of your cabinets:

1. Use Risers
   Risers can double the usable space in your cabinets. They're perfect for stacking plates, bowls, or even glasses, allowing you to utilize the full height of the cabinet. This way, you can easily access what you need without having to remove a stack of items first.
   
   
2. Use Under-shelf Baskets
   Under-shelf baskets are a clever way to add extra storage without permanent modifications. They slide onto shelves, providing a handy spot for smaller items like tea towels, utensils, or snacks.
   
   
3. Install Pull-out Drawers
   Pull-out drawers can transform cabinets from cluttered messes into organized, accessible spaces. They're great for pots, pans, and even small appliances, making it easy to grab what you need without digging through a pile.
   
   
4. Use Tops of Cabinets
   The space on top of your cabinets can be a hidden storage goldmine. Use it for items you don't use daily. Keeping less frequently used items up high frees up more accessible space for the things you use every day. Just be sure to store them in bins or baskets to keep dust at bay.



Optimizing Counter Space

Here’s how you can free up some room and keep your counters clutter-free:

1. Use Appliance Lifts for Heavy Appliances
   Appliance lifts can be a game-changer for storing heavy items like stand mixers or food processors. Installed inside a cabinet, these lifts allow you to easily raise your appliance to counter level when you need it and tuck it away when you don't. This keeps your counters clear and makes using heavy appliances less of a hassle.
   
   
2. Magnetic Knife Strips
   Instead of a bulky knife block, consider installing a magnetic knife strip on the wall. It securely holds your knives in place, makes them easy to grab when you're cooking, and saves a ton of counter space. Plus, it adds a professional touch to your kitchen.
   
   
3. Foldable Drying Racks
   Foldable drying racks are perfect for small kitchens. They can be extended to dry dishes and then folded away when not in use, keeping your counters free for cooking and prep work. Some designs can even be mounted over the sink to save even more space.
   
   

Utilize Every Corner

Don’t let any corner of your small kitchen go to waste. Try these:

1. Lazy Susan
   
   A Lazy Susan can turn a hard-to-reach corner cabinet into a highly functional storage area. Perfect for storing spices, condiments, or small jars, it spins so you can easily access everything with a simple turn. It’s a smart solution for making the most of those awkward corner spaces.
   
   
2. Over-the-door Organizers
   
   Over-the-door organizers are a fantastic way to add extra storage without taking up floor or counter space. Hang one on the inside of a pantry or cabinet door to hold everything from cleaning supplies to snacks. This utilizes space that would otherwise be wasted and keeps your essentials neatly organized and within reach.

Smart Use of Drawers

With a bit of strategic use, these can significantly enhance your kitchen’s functionality:

1. Drawer Organizers for Utensils
   
   Keep your utensils tidy and easy to find with drawer organizers. These separators can be customized to fit your drawers and specific needs, whether for flatware, cooking utensils, or small kitchen tools. By assigning a spot for each item, you'll save time looking for what you need and keep clutter at bay.
   
   
2. Use Deep Drawer for Pots and Pans
   
   Instead of stacking pots and pans in a cabinet, use a deep drawer. This allows you to organize them side by side, making it easier to grab the ones you need without having to unstack them. It’s a simple change that can make cooking less of a hassle and your kitchen more organized.
   
   
3. Hidden Trash and Recycling Bins
   
   Integrate your trash and recycling bins into a drawer. This keeps them out of sight and makes use of the space more efficiently. Many drawer systems come with compartments for separating waste and recyclables, helping you keep your kitchen clean and organized without sacrificing floor space.
   

Space-Saving Furniture and Appliances

1. Compact Kitchen Islands with Storage
   
   A compact kitchen island can offer extra counter space and additional storage underneath. Look for models with shelves, drawers, or cabinets to keep your kitchen items organized. Some islands even come with wheels, making them easy to move when you need more floor space. For more on maximizing space, see our article on Maximizing Space: Tips for Home Additions.
   
   
2. Convertible Dining Tables
   
   Convertible dining tables are perfect for small kitchens. They can be expanded to accommodate more guests or folded down to save space when not in use. This flexibility allows you to adapt your dining area to your needs without sacrificing valuable kitchen real estate.
   
   
3. Choose Appliances Wisely
   
   When space is limited, opting for appliances that match the scale of your kitchen is key. Look for compact, multi-function appliances that can perform the work of their larger counterparts. Consider appliances like mini dishwashers, smaller refrigerators, or microwave-convection oven combos to maximize space and utility.
   
   

Additional Helpful Tips

Beyond furniture and layout tweaks, here are some extra tips to keep your small kitchen organized and feeling spacious:

1. Declutter Regularly
   
   Keeping your kitchen clutter-free is crucial. Regularly go through your items and get rid of anything you don't use or need. This not only frees up space but also makes it easier to find and access the things you do use. A less cluttered kitchen is a more functional and inviting space.
   
   
2. Use Inside of Cabinet Doors
   
   Maximize every inch of space by using the insides of your cabinet doors. Attach hooks or stick-on organizers to hold measuring cups, spoons, or small jars. This hidden storage solution keeps items off your counters and neatly organized, yet easily accessible.
   
   
3. Magnetic Spice Racks
   
   Magnetic spice racks can be placed on the side of a refrigerator or any metal surface, offering a space-saving way to store your spices. They keep your spices organized and within reach without taking up valuable cabinet or counter space. Plus, they add a modern touch to your kitchen decor.
   

Conclusion

By making use of vertical space, optimizing cabinets and drawers, selecting space-saving furniture and appliances, and embracing additional helpful tips like decluttering and utilizing hidden storage solutions, you can significantly enhance the usability and appearance of your kitchen. 

If you're planning a kitchen remodel or looking for expert advice on making the most of your small kitchen space, Tubro Construction is here to help. With a wealth of experience in maximizing the functionality and aesthetics of small spaces, our team can provide you with customized solutions that bring your vision to life

Contact us today to discover how we can transform your small kitchen into a beautifully efficient part of your home.