13 simple storage tricks for your kitchen

Finding space in the kitchen can be tricky.  That doesn’t mean impossible. It’s time to rethink how you use every inch to keep this central space beautiful and functional.

In some kitchen designs, counter space is hard to come by. Before you start planning for demolition, invest in an island that can serve as a workspace and storage spot.

When it comes to storage, keep it out, but keep it orderly. You try stacking and nesting your pots and pans…but you never have room. Sound familiar? Hang them on a pot rack or sit them on a nearby shelf.

Open shelves and no place to hide your spices? Store them in pretty jars and keep them on display. A variety of colors adds a dash of personality.

When you want to add just a touch of color to cabinets, think inside the box. Line the back of your cabinets with a pretty pop of color or wallpaper to brighten it up.

A storage wall like this makes it easy to keep your kitchen clean and tidy. (Oh, and Julia Child would be so proud.) Every tool has its place, thanks to handy painted silhouettes. Hang your pots and pans on the coordinating spaces and voila! It’s artwork.

Not enough space? Installing a cabinet in the corner of a kitchen can create the perfect little spot for holding coffee mugs and drinking glasses.

You’ve got a collection of mugs (and there’s no letting go to any of them). Maximize cabinet space by adding additional hooks to easily hang all of those pieces.

The kitchen isn’t only reserved for dishware. Add a bookshelf to store your cookbooks, mom’s secret recipes, and tchotchkes for that added dose of charm.

Let’s admit it. We all have that overflowing drawer of loose articles, pictures and important phone numbers stashed away. Create an easily-accessible corkboard fridge that the whole family can use for posting notes, reminders, and important documents. Your kids will never miss a homework assignment again. Promise.

We believe in using every spare inch. Yep, that includes

the space above

the fridge, too. Put that tea pot collection on display.

You’ve got quite the spice collection. Store the jars in a drawer so that it’s a cinch to find the cinnamon and the pepper. It helps to organize them according to how frequently you put them to use.

It can be frustrating to be in the middle of making cookies for your daughter’s class, and then find that you don’t have enough sugar in that pesky container. Make it simpler by storing go-to ingredients in containers that allow you to see how much is left.  You’ll know in advance to swing by the store when it starts to get low.

Not only do clear containers help assist in keeping your kitchen storage organized, but it gives you another opportunity to use that amazing label maker you’ve been obsessing over.