Small Kitchen Renovations: Maximizing Storage
If you have a small kitchen, you know that every square inch counts. In St. Louis homes, space is often at a premium, and creating a kitchen that’s both functional and stylish can feel like a daunting task. But don’t worry—small kitchens can pack a punch when it comes to storage if you approach the design strategically. Effective kitchen storage can increase a home’s value by as much as 15%, which is something every St. Louis homeowner should keep in mind, whether you’re planning to stay or sell.
Let’s dive into some key storage solutions and design trends that can turn even the smallest kitchen into a highly functional space.
Pull-Out Pantries: Maximizing Narrow Spaces with Deep Storage
When space is limited, a full-size pantry is often out of the question. That’s where pull-out pantry systems come in. These are perfect for narrow, often unused spaces that don’t have enough room for traditional cabinetry. Instead of giving up on storage, pull-out pantries offer deep, slide-out shelves that make the most of every inch.
Slimline Pantry Units
These units are ideal for narrow spaces, sometimes as small as 6 to 12 inches wide, yet they provide ample room for dry goods, cans, and bottles. The key advantage of slimline pull-out units is their ability to fully extend, giving you easy access to items stored at the back without wasting any vertical space.
Tall Pull-Out Pantries
For taller kitchen layouts, a full-height pull-out pantry unit can be installed to reach from floor to ceiling. These are perfect for storing items that don’t need to be accessed daily, such as extra paper towels, snacks, or bulk items. Tall pull-outs often feature multiple tiers of adjustable shelving, allowing you to customize the space based on your storage needs.
Blind Corner Cabinet Storage: Smarter Solutions Than Lazy Susans
For years, the go-to solution for corner cabinets has been the Lazy Susan, but let’s face it—while these rotating shelves may seem convenient, they often waste precious space. They’re clunky, hard to access, and leave homeowners frustrated by the lack of storage efficiency in what could be highly functional corners. Fortunately, there are far better alternatives available that maximize every inch of your corner cabinets, transforming them from frustrating dead zones into easy-to-access storage spaces. Here are a few smart solutions that can take your blind corner cabinet storage to the next level:
Swing-Out Shelves
These modular units swing out as you open the cabinet door, allowing you to fully access the back of the cabinet. Many brands offer models with multiple tiers that smoothly glide outward, making it easy to reach cookware, small appliances, and pantry items.
LeMans Shelves
Named after the famous French race track, LeMans-style shelves are shaped to fit into the corner cabinet perfectly. These shelves pull out individually, offering easy access while using up every bit of available space. Each shelf operates independently, allowing you to customize how you store different items.
Magic Corner Units
This advanced system consists of multiple baskets that slide outward when the cabinet is opened. It’s a sleek, high-tech solution for homeowners who want the best of both worlds—ample storage and easy access. Magic corner units are ideal for storing heavier items like cookware or small appliances.
Vertical Storage Solutions
When floor space is at a premium, it’s time to think vertically. Utilizing vertical storage not only creates the illusion of a larger kitchen but also allows you to store items in underutilized areas, like above cabinets or along blank walls.
Floor-to-Ceiling Cabinets
One of the most effective ways to incorporate vertical storage is with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry. This style extends cabinets up to the ceiling, making use of space that often goes wasted in traditional kitchen layouts. Items that are used less frequently, such as holiday dishes or seldom-used appliances, can be stored on the higher shelves, while everyday essentials remain easily accessible at eye level.
Pegboards and Magnetic Strips
Vertical storage doesn’t have to be limited to shelves. Installing pegboards or magnetic strips on the walls allows you to hang pots, pans, knives, and utensils, freeing up valuable drawer and cabinet space. These options are perfect for small kitchens because they allow you to make use of every available surface while keeping items organized and easy to access.
Under-Cabinet Storage
Under-cabinet storage is often an overlooked solution in small kitchens, but it can drastically improve functionality without requiring additional square footage. These clever storage hacks use the space directly beneath your cabinets to store everyday items and clear off countertops.
Install hooks or rails under your cabinets to hang mugs, utensils, or small baskets for fruits and vegetables. This makes use of space that would otherwise be left empty and keeps frequently used items within easy reach. It’s especially useful in compact kitchens where counter space is limited.
In-Drawer Organizers
Drawers can quickly become cluttered, especially in a small kitchen where every inch counts. In-drawer organizers provide an easy way to sort and store utensils, gadgets, and other kitchen essentials, ensuring that everything has its place.
Customizable Cutlery Trays
Cutlery trays are a basic but effective way to organize your utensils. However, the best options go beyond standard plastic dividers. Look for customizable trays made of bamboo or wood that can expand to fit the exact dimensions of your drawers. These are ideal for keeping forks, spoons, and knives neatly separated.
Spice Drawer Inserts
If your spices are cluttering up your countertops or shelves, consider a spice drawer insert. These angled trays allow you to lay spice jars flat while still being able to read the labels at a glance. It’s an efficient way to keep your spices organized without taking up valuable cabinet space.
Image by William Sonoma
Knife Blocks
In-drawer knife blocks are a great alternative to countertop models. They provide safe storage for your knives, prevent them from dulling, and free up counter space. With multiple slots for different sizes of knives, these organizers can be customized to fit any collection.
Maximizing Storage in Style: A Balanced Approach
Maximizing storage doesn’t mean compromising on style. In fact, with the right design, your kitchen can be both highly functional and visually appealing. Many St. Louis homeowners are now opting for custom solutions that blend seamlessly into their kitchens’ aesthetics. Mixing cabinetry with open shelving or integrating storage into kitchen islands allows homeowners to achieve both form and function.
At Signature Kitchen and Bath, we focus on creating spaces that are not only practical but also beautiful. With a tailored design solution, your small kitchen can be just as functional and stylish as any large space.
Ready to create the kitchen of your dreams? Get started today with a complimentary design consultation with a Signature Kitchen and Bath designer.