There’s no disputing that the kitchen is the center of activity in our homes. But as a result of all that attention, this space is also often the center of chaos. Countertops get cluttered, drawers get designated for “junk,” pots and pans are stacked precariously, and pet food bowls have their own real estate.
The solution does not necessarily come in the form of more cabinets and drawers. Instead, the answer might be designing those cabinets and drawers to work the way you need them to. Here are some hidden storage solutions that are quite clever and incredibly convenient.
Take in the trash
We’re starting with the basics. While they certainly won’t be the most glamorous feature in your kitchen, they almost certainly will be the most used. Trash cans have moved off the main floor into a cabinet near the sink. Two-bin units allow for both trash and recycling.
Get a charge out of it
It’s easy to clutter up a countertop with cell phones, laptops, Apple watches, chargeable flashlights, and other electronic items we’ve come to rely on. Tuck away those necessary items—and their ungainly cords—in a drawer equipped with an assortment of built-in power supplies. Select a drop off location near the door the family uses most.
You can’t beat this
The bakers among us love our large stand mixers, but they can be heavy to move around—especially when stored in a lower cabinet. A pullout shelf with a metal support lifts the appliance up and level with the countertop. These can be retrofitted to existing cabinets that are at least 12 inches wide.
Keep them hidden but handy
It’s not only coffee makers that are all the rage in small appliances these days. Toasters, air fryers, even countertop microwave ovens are taking up valuable space on our countertops. By including an armoire style cabinet which provides enough electrical outlets to power them up to use in place.
Stay sharp
Forego the knife blocks and magnetized bar and play it safe by storing knives and kitchen shears in a manner that keeps them handy but relatively secure. These can be a separate section in your utensil drawer, or in a vertical pullout next to your range.
Got you pegged
Most of us store plates, bowls and other serving pieces in upper cabinets. A great and possibly easier option is to keep them in a drawer designed specifically for their dimensions, pegs are placed to secure dinner plates, salad bowls, dessert dishes— whatever your family uses—keeping them securely stacked and within easy reach.
Make it yours!
If you, like most of us, spend a great deal of time in the kitchen, make it work the way you want it to. If you do your gift wrapping here, keep supplies handy with your own gift-wrapping station. Or take the roll of paper towels off the counter and give them a built-in spot within easy reach of the sink.
Consider a pet project
Those of us who have dogs and cats know that their water and food bowls have a designated spot on or near the kitchen floor. Tidy things up a bit by incorporating a feeding station into a side cabinet or even a pullout drawer. Allow enough space to keep their food nearby to make mealtime easier.
Get perks with your station
Avoid the lines and become your own barista with a built-in coffee—and sometimes espresso—station with all the flavor selections that go along with the beans. Make sure to include space for your favorite mugs and possibly an assortment of pods or teas. If you are remodeling, it would be super convenient to have a direct water connection here.
Join in on the kick line
Bonus storage space can be added to some cabinets by converting the toe kick area into a floor-level drawer. These open with a light tap of the toe, no knobs or pulls needed. This is a great option for storing items that may not be used frequently, but nice to have handy…possibly appliance manuals, batteries, light bulbs, picnic supplies….you get the idea.
Grab it and get busy
Keep pots and pans handy and within easy reach with custom inserts designed for the job, pullout drawers allow you to grab the vessel you need without a whole lot of clanging. Keeping these cabinets near the range—or even under the cooktop—is ideal.
Article originally appeared in February 2025