Whether your space is large or small, thoughtful storage solutions can greatly improve your overall experience in the kitchen. From pullout spice racks to tray dividers, these small details can keep you organized and effi cient!

Corners are notorious for being ‘black holes,’ but with the use of a Lazy Susan or swing out shelves; access to that mixing bowl is right at your fi ngertips. Rollout shelves also do the trick, by allowing easy access to items behind doors.

Adding some deep drawers next to the dishwasher or cooktop for dishes and/or pots and pans is even better, making it super easy to quickly access your favorite pieces.

Appliance garages on counterspace tops work well if you’d like to hide that coff ee maker or mixer; go a step further and add outlets inside for further convenience. Dividers in top drawers keep cutlery and utensils in their proper place. Add dividers where you’ll need them, for example in a drawer base adjacent to the breakfast table, with placemats below for ease in setting the table or put them next to the cooktop for your spatulas and tongs.

Pullout or door mounted spice racks are fantastic; they allow visual access to your spices, oils and cooking spray. Keep them adjacent to your cooking area, but just far enough away from the heat of the oven. Heat can shorten their lifespan, so incorporating them into the wall cabinets to the right and left of the vent hood gives you a buff er from the direct heat of the oven, and keeps them at eye level.

Tray dividers are not only handy for trays, but for cookie sheets and shallow baking pans. Adding them over a double oven or above the refrigerator makes good use of space and allows for easy accessibility.

Hide trash cans and recycling bins in a pullout base cabinet, and keep them close to the sink for ease of use. Some pullouts off er baskets incorporated into the pullout rack for your trash can liners. A well-organized pantry can also make life easier-a corner pantry closet or tall cabinet with rollout shelves keeps food items accessible. Decorative touches like a glass French door on the pantry adds style. Talk to your Kitchen Designer about what storage options are available within their cabinet line-and a good layout layered in with thoughtful storage solutions can make all the difference!

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CHRISTINA SIMON
Christina is the spark behind the innovative designs that cause people to knock on doors to ask who built their homes. Christina has 20 years’ experience in design/build, kitchen/bath design, residential and commercial interiors, textiles, and architecture. She is NCIDQ Certified, a Certified Kitchen Designer and a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers. encompassdb.com