Nine kitchen storage secrets
1. Use your island to display dinnerware
Forgo the bar stools
and use the space to
show off a beautiful
collection in a way that
is stylish and practical.
Get this look: Design
by Lee Wilder. Millwork by Georgian Kitchen Centre.
2. Designate a pantry area
A full-length pantry and closed cabinets provide a streamlined look while hiding your not-so-pretty stuff like canned goods and cleaning supplies. Pullout shelves and drawers put everything you need right at your fingertips.
3. Consider a countertop range
Don’t be confined by a conventional range. Instead, mix and match wall-mounted ovens with an industrial cooktop. Pots and pans in pullout drawers are out of sight, but quickly at hand.
4. Keep clutter at bay with inset shelving
Replace traditional cabinets or
a hutch with shallow open shelves.
Use the area to display meaningful
collectibles or favourite pieces.
Tip: To pull off designer style,
group pieces together by colour.
5. Carve out cabinets in unexpected place
Turn narrow columns of bare wall or the
awkward area under a staircase into useful
storage by creating custom cabinets to fit
inside. If you’re not handy, work with a
contractor to design the perfect height and
depth. And remember, if there’s only room
for really shallow cabinets, that’s okay. Use
them for special-occasion stemware that
breaks easily.
Get this look: Design and mill work, Sauer & Steiner Toolworks.
6. Install cupboard and drawer dividers
These smart organizing tools help
you maximize storage space by
keeping tableware and glassware
neatly stacked and sorted.
Tip:
Dividers come in many shapes and
sizes, so make sure you write down
all interior measurements of the
space (even height) before going
to the store.
Get this look: Rationell variera p ate
holders, $13 and $15, Ikea.
7. Label everything
Instead of cramming the pantry with all kinds
of random dry goods, place spices, rice, pasta
and baking supplies in labelled glass jars.
Whether you prefer to keep jars on display
or store them away, charming stick-on labels
make it easy to stay organized. And you’ll
never end up with five jars of the same thing!
Get this look: Wooden box, $24, Urban Outfitters. Paint in Sudbury Yellow, $80, Farrow&Ball.
Labels, $15 The Paper Place.
8. “Build” a faux pantry
Who says a pantry has to be built-in?
To create your own portable version, get
two or more matching shelving units and
place them close together in an unused
space in your kitchen, mud room, basement
or garage. Use your new “pantry” to store
the overflow of everyday items.
Tip: Wire
units are a great choice because they’re
sturdy and keep all your goods in view.
The industrial patina is a striking contrast
in traditional kitchens or works seamlessly
in a modern space.
Get this look: Coop tower, $199 each, CB2.
9. Create stations
Make your kitchen more efficient by
grouping things like garbage, compost
and recycling in one zone. The best place
to put them is in one large, deep drawer
close to the sink or prep area. Try creating
a bar, work zone or play space as well.
Get this look: Rationell pullout waste sorting
tray, $32, recycling bins, $9 to $13, Ikea.
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