Try some or all of these solutions to declutter and organize your kitchen cabinets, drawers and pantry items.
1. Utensil drawer insert. If you care about getting your flatware and serveware in order, check out designer and Houzz writer Yanic Simard’s column from this week. He looks at nearly two dozen solutions and tips for organizing drawers and decluttering utensils, such as the tiered drawer insert shown here.
2. Built-in pantry cabinet. If you think there’s no hope for your compact kitchen cabinet, you may be wrong. Clever storage solutions like this built-in pantry system can help squeeze vital inches and organizational capacity from any size space.
3. Appliance garage. If you have often-used small appliances but want to keep your countertops free and clear, an appliance garage is a great solution. The system keeps your toaster, mixer and other appliances within easy reach while allowing them to be shut away when not in use for a clutter-free look.
4. Mini spice shelf. In tight spaces such as the kitchen in this narrow Washington, D.C., row house, you’ve got to get clever with your storage. Since countertop and cabinet space is limited near the cooktop, the homeowner installed a slim shelf that holds often-used spices and other ingredients. In this case, a little effort goes a long way.
5. Undercabinet pot rack. Speaking of having things within easy reach, this home in Scotland offers a smart solution for copper cookware. A long rail beneath high-hanging upper cabinets puts pots and saucepans always at the ready — and on gorgeous display when not in use.
not in use.
6. Step-stool cabinet. Figuring out where to put a step stool might seem like a trivial matter, but when you use one often and don’t want it cluttering up the kitchen, the situation can become a bit frustrating.
7. Back-of-island cabinets. Island seating is a popular choice for many homeowners. One thing to remember is that having seating there doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t also have storage there. Many homeowners use this undercounter cabinet space to store large serving platters or rarely used appliances.
8. Island carts. Since we’re on the topic of island storage, let’s take a moment to appreciate the storage versatility of compact island carts. These workhorse pieces are great for small kitchens, providing an extra chopping and prep surface as well as Swiss army knife-like storage for things such as dish towels, bottle openers, serving platters and more.