As the home of appliances, cookware and every specialty gadget under the sun, the kitchen is and always will be a perplexing place to organize. The never-ending accessories and endless food cans, boxes and bags easily fill up every nook and cranny, especially in a not-so-big kitchen.
Houzz users have been finding and creating innovative organization techniques to help solve their kitchen dilemmas, from storing pots and pans to organizing a messy walk-in pantry. The favorite solutions below, pulled from our list of most popular photos on Houzz, have been added to tens (and in some cases hundreds) of thousands of users’ ideabooks. See if one of them will inspire an idea for your own kitchen.
1. Custom pantry. More than any other storage solution, Houzzers dream of a perfectly organized walk-in pantry. More than 410,000 users have saved this photo to their ideabooks, thanks to its pullout baskets, pocket doors and abundant shelf space.
“People love pantries because they house everything all in one place,” says storage designerMarie Newton, who designed this pantry. “You can see it all, so you don’t end up buying something you already have.”
2. Corner drawer. Ingenious corner drawers are a creative solution for awkward corners, which is why 250,000 Houzzers saved this photo. The drawers run diagonally into the corner, which makes them deeper than most and therefore lets them pack a bigger storage punch.
3. Utensil drawer. This clever utensil built-in keeps serveware and silverware conveniently in check. Added to more than 230,000 ideabooks, this image is one of the most popular on Houzz. If you want the look but can’t afford custom, take the DIY route by placing stainless steel pots in a deep, empty drawer.
4. Undersink drawer. The deep cabinet under the sink can seem like a bottomless pit, so it isn’t surprising that 187,000 readers love this easy solution. The drawer keeps cleaning supplies visible. DIY by purchasing and installing your own chrome sliding organizer.
6. Cookie sheet drawer. More than 179,000 users agree that this divided drawer is the solution for a range of muffin tins, broiler pans, cooling racks and cookie sheets. If you don’t have a drawer to spare, try a narrow pullout near the stove or add wood or metal dividers to the cabinet above your refrigerator.
7. Appliance garage. Just about all of us could use a clutter-free countertop, which is why appliance garages are popular. More than 135,000 users like this design, which keeps a blender, toaster and mixer nearby but out of sight.
8. Deep cabinet organizer. This pullout pantry organizer, paired with cabinet door racks, is a favorite for 127,000 Houzzers.“Many of our clients don’t have room for a walk-in pantry,” says Rhoda Fry, CFO at Bill Fry Construction. “Having storage on the doors and inside keeps everything organized and within easy reach.”
9. Rolling cabinet or cart. Acting as both counter and storage, this accessible rolling cart is worth adding. It can work as a kitchen island, especially in a small space, or a bar cart when rolled into any room. Nearly 100,000 people have this in their photo collections on Houzz.
10. Spice storage. This handy spice pullout and cabinet rack design has been saved to more than 90,000 ideabooks so far, mostly because it’s so practical.
Nathan Cross, president of NWC Construction and contractor of this kitchen, believes that builders should adapt to each individual homeowner instead of creating a one-size-fits-all space.In this instance the client loves to cook, so he ensured that an expansive spice collection was on hand at all times.
12. Dish drawer. Some 59,000 users love this sturdy, deep drawer, which keeps plates within reach for even the shortest members of the household. This one can hold 75 to 100 pounds, and adjustable pegs let you easily fit in all your breakables.
15. Pullout shelves. Saved to more than 52,000 ideabooks, this pullout shelf provides easy access to pots and pans. This system works great for reaching those back corners in deep cabinets: The front tray pulls out vertically and allows the back tray to slide over to the right.
