A new kitchen is at the top of most people’s renovation wish lists – and with good reason. They’re a central part of the home and they’re huge when it comes to adding value. And they’re not all about looks. When you can improve the functionality of your kitchen you can essentially improve the functionality of your day-to-day life.

I’ve talked a lot over the years about adding more functional space in a kitchen, and people don’t always know what I mean. Basically when it comes to improving a kitchen’s functionality it all comes down to storage and organization. So with that in mind, I’ve listed some great ways to organize your kitchen storage and make it more efficient.

Waste/recycling centres – There aren’t a whole lot of ways to make garbage look better, but there is a way to make it less of an obstacle. Rather than have it out in the open, or even in a can under the sink, create a designated space with pullout bins. It keeps them hidden away yet easily accessible.

Rollout trays – Save time and give your back a rest by investing in these must-haves. Rollout trays allow you to maximize the use of even the darkest corners of your cabinetry by making items easily accessible.

Divided cutlery trays – You can purchase basic cutlery trays in any kitchen or organizing store, but I recommend that you opt for pre-installed trays instead. It’s the only way to ensure a proper fit.

Sink organization – If you’re like many people you probably use the space under the sink for cleaning products. Rather than just tossing bottles and rags in the cabinet, look into items like Thomasville’s CabMat™ which helps trap up to 4L of liquid (protecting your investment), and a tilt-out tray, which keeps sponges and brushes neatly hidden away.

Corner storage – The days of corner cabinets being space-wasters are over. There are a lot of options – including lazy susans and pullouts – which will maximize the space in corner cabinets and make items easier to access. With these inserts you can save space and time spent searching.

Message centre – Putting a message centre in the mudroom was one of the smartest things we did when we built our house, and I think every busy family should have one. Message Centres are a space-saving option to store your keys, mail, notepads, and gadgets. For us the mudroom was the most practical place to put it, but they’re also ideal for kitchens, where people gather and pass through several times a day.

Toe kick drawers – I’m a firm believer in maximizing space, and toe kicks are a great little resource that often go ignored. Toe kick drawers are super practical for smaller, everyday items.

Tech storage – Tech is a part of our lives and you’ve got to make room for it. In the kitchen think about including charging stations and holders for phones and tablets. Whether you’re using your kitchen as a gathering space, a workspace or both, these items will ensure you have everything you need at your fingertips.

Consider your lifestyle – When it comes to kitchen storage and organization there’s no “one size fits all” answer, so consider how you and your household use your kitchen. Avid cooks, for example, know the importance of keeping cooking tools organized and close to workstations. Things like pullouts for pots and pans, utensil pantry pullouts, and tray dividers can be very helpful.

If you’re not sure of how to organize your kitchen so that it’s as efficient as possible, I would suggest consulting a professional. I’ve been working with Thomasville Cabinetry, which is available exclusively through The Home Depot. Their design service is free, and the measure service is included with all installed kitchen purchases, so you won’t incur any extra cost for the expert advice.

For more examples of how to organize your kitchen cupboards check out my latest video for Thomasville Cabinetry. And you can check out examples of all the storage “must haves” listed above here.

 

Photos courtesy of Thomasville Cabinetry