Make use of empty spaces on kitchen walls by filling them with functional accents that reduce clutter, such as using a metal wire rack for hanging pots and pans that do not fit inside of oven or cabinets.
Simple shelves and hooks make the space under upper kitchen cabinets ideal for stemware storage. Prefinished T-molding (available where wood flooring is sold) mounts beneath each cabinet to hold cups, stemware and vases in their place.
Wire Baskets
Have you ever tried searching under your kitchen sink, only to be overwhelmed with cleaning supplies? Keeping everything organized can be especially helpful in terms of avoiding waste by knowing exactly where each item lies and knowing its exact contents.
Wire baskets can help organize everything from canned goods in the pantry to cooking utensils and supplies in your kitchen. In addition to home use, they’re versatile storage solutions for tools stored in garages or sheds or used as drying racks for washed cleaning rags.
Metal wire baskets come in various sizes and styles ranging from plain to fancy, making it easier for you to find one to suit any room or need. Hang one on the wall for more shelf or table space or mount it behind a door for quick and easy access to supplies. Stainless steel is by far the most popular material used to construct wire baskets; however, other alloy options exist as well.
Dry-Erase Board
Dry-erase boards are invaluable tools in classrooms and boardrooms for brainstorming sessions, presentations and meetings. Families also often utilize dry-erase boards for menu writing, grocery list keeping or creating chore charts and schedules – as they come in various styles and sizes to suit any space and need.
Over time, whiteboard surfaces may stain over time if improper cleaner or markers are used to clean them, causing ghosting and residue on its surface. A cleaning solution composed of isopropyl alcohol and water usually suffices in eliminating most stains; for even greater stain-removal potential, porcelain whiteboards with protective enamel coating or magnetic glass boards may be more appropriate options.
Melamine surface marker boards are an affordable whiteboard option, but are vulnerable to physical damage and less durable than other varieties. Framed porcelain or glass whiteboards cost more, but offer greater longevity without staining issues. When mounting one of these framed boards it is crucial that a wall stud finder be used and its mounting brackets attached directly over wooden supports (known as studs) of the drywall wall.
Measuring Cups
A measuring cup is a kitchen tool used for measuring bulk solid cooking ingredients like sugar or flour, typically marked by scale markings of various heights. Material to be measured can then be added until reaching desired volume; alternatively it can also be marked in either fluid ounces or pints for easier reference.
OXO makes several types of measuring cups suitable for liquid and dry ingredients, including this lightweight and stackable one with standard measurement markings and an ergonomic shape that allows users to look into it easily without having to bend over or crane their necks.
Another type of measuring cups includes sticky ingredient measuring cups, which are designed for wet ingredients like peanut butter or honey that are difficult to measure using traditional liquid measuring cups – such as those hard-to-measure ingredients like applesauce. Acting like plastic push-pops, they are easily used and clean up after each use, making these ideal additions to recipes calling for peanut butter, applesauce or similar wet ingredients by the ounce. A set is great to have on hand in recipes calling for such ingredients as well.
Under-Sink Storage
Under-sink storage spaces offer ample opportunities for organizing. By taking advantage of this often-cluttered area with effective organizers that maximize this often-cluttered area into a clean and efficient place where supplies are at hand, this often-cluttery space becomes a clean and efficient one where supplies are always close at hand. Look for ones with simple features, like clear divides that enable you to see contents without digging through containers, or expandable designs that fit around pipes and fixtures seamlessly.
Baskets and bins with lids provide a timeless solution for under-sink storage, perfect for keeping supplies dry. Stock these shelves with spray bottles, paper towels or microfiber cloths, disinfectant wipes and other cleaning supplies. A small message board placed under your sink provides a reminder when more garbage bags or sponges may be necessary.
If you need something bespoke, this expandable under-sink organizer may be just what’s needed. It fits snugly behind or alongside plumbing pipes to give it an integrated appearance and has two drawers that slide out for easy access of items as well as adjustable dividers to suit different storage needs. A worthy investment that could last years.
Rolling Cart or Island
Rolling kitchen islands or carts can provide extra counter space and storage without incurring the costs associated with an extensive remodel. The best models offer useful features like extra shelves, cabinets, drawers and hooks to help keep things in order. Look for models featuring sturdy worktops as well as enough space to house all of your most-used items.
Kitchen islands and carts come in all kinds of designs. Food blogger Aysegul Sanford recommends this model with a shelf dedicated solely for spices to keep her countertop tidy.
If you want the convenience of a kitchen island but can’t justify investing in permanent addition, this wood drop-leaf model is an elegant yet cost-effective solution. Expand it to double your workspace before folding away when not in use and take advantage of all its storage options, such as its pull-out tray and separate cabinet; plus its locking wheels will prevent it from rolling away when accidentally bumped by guests or yourself!
Cabinet Arranging
Your cabinets likely offer plenty of storage space, but to get the most from them it requires careful organization. Heavy items like pots and pans should be stored lower down; light serving platters should go on top shelves. And if you have children under 3, keep special occasion dishes out of reach by placing them higher up on shelves.
Use dividers in your cabinet to organize flat objects like cutting boards and baking sheets vertically rather than stacking them up, making it easier for you to find exactly the piece you need without unloading all at once.
Roll-out shelves provide easy visibility of all contents within deep cabinet spaces at once; or install a lazy susan or turntable for similar results.
Pegboard Backsplash
Pegboards make for an affordable kitchen backsplash solution. Use an entire sheet to cover an entire wall or hang narrow strips behind stove enclosures or as countertop backsplash. Like plywood sheets, pegboards come in sheets like these which you can have your local hardware store cut down to size free or for a minimal fee.
Organising cookware and utensils onto a pegboard display ensures they remain close at hand while saving space in cabinets and reducing overcrowded shelves. Furthermore, this set-up makes it simple to see and find what you need when cooking, plus easily add or remove pegs as necessary.
When renovating a small kitchen or cramped apartment, adding a mirrored backsplash can brighten the room and give the illusion of more space. Bold, textured designs work in both industrial and modern kitchen settings alike – herringbone patterns elevate their look further! For maximum effect use mosaic glass for pegboard backsplashes similar to what’s shown here as this type of material comes in a variety of shapes and colors for backsplashes like this.
Cabinet Door Storage
Mounting racks on cabinet doors is an efficient and space-saving way to store almost anything, such as pot lids, baking sheets and cleaning supplies. Plus, these handy racks make everything easily accessible when necessary – you could even use one as part of a pantry closet organization plan!
Many cabinets feature frames around their door panels to add an elegant, traditional appearance or provide structural support for taller doors. If you are using wall cabinets with these features, consider taking steps to eliminate these frames so as to expose more backside space for mounting hooks or other storage accessories.
If your cabinet doors are currently empty, turning them into message centers is easy and accessible. Most hardware stores or home centers sell two-foot lengths of plastic-coated hardboard (commonly referred to as whiteboard) and sheet metal that can be cut to your specifications – larger stores even provide custom cuts!
An efficient back-of-the-door rack makes it easy to grab foil, cling wrap and Ziploc bags quickly without digging through drawers – and can even double up as a place to dry hats and gloves!