Get Cooking On Your Kitchen Storage
When it comes to kitchens, we all share two goals: keeping it clean and keeping it organized. Creating your dream kitchen means not only having a space that you love, but one that is also functional. If kitchen storage sounds boring, it’s time to mix things up. Read on for ideas and photos from some of our kitchen designs.
Move over, kitchen cabinets. Open shelving is making a play for our favorite way to provide storage in kitchens. If you spend any time on Pinterest or Instagram, you’ve probably also seen countless kitchen designs featuring trendy open shelving. As an alternative to traditional cabinets, open shelving lets you display the cups, plates, and mugs you lovingly chose for your home. Those pretty colors and patterns get hidden behind closed cabinet doors so often, it’s refreshing to see them out in the open. It also gives you a chance to show off decorative items, cookbooks, pitchers, candlesticks, and all the gifts you got from your wedding registry that have never seen the light of day.
If the thought of open shelving makes your heart skip a beat, you can always opt for an updated take on traditional kitchen cabinets. Make sure you include enough cabinets and various sized drawers to store all of your kitchen goods. Select a finish that fits the style of your home as the outside of your cabinets will be what you see most often. Think rich dark browns, inviting warm light woods, or even bright white (which keeps you trendy without any open shelves).
For those feeling mildly daring, a blend of kitchen storage items is the way to go. As seen here in this HHC Living design, you can easily blend traditional cabinets, those with glass doors, and open shelving all within the same space. This allows you to hide clutter or mismatched kitchen tools, while featuring your prettiest or most color-cohesive designs out in the open. Something extra fun about this kitchen is how many patterns are featured, from the tile back-splash to the patterns on plates, everything works together. Don’t shy away from color or patterns when planning your kitchen storage.
Another fun way to spice up your kitchen storage is with item-specific storage areas. In this case, a designated area designed for your mugs is functional and eye-catching. So many of us have mugs that were gifts from loved ones, souvenirs from family vacations, or ones that feature photos from milestones in life. What better way to get a smile than looking at those special memories featured right there in your kitchen design? As a bonus, not having to open your kitchen cabinet to get a mug is one less step between you and your morning coffee.
The design featured in the photo above has a ton of great storage options including a walk-in pantry, which is a must for families with young kids, or those that buy in bulk. Put it all away and close the door, keeping your kitchen neat and tidy. Another feature here is a glamorous take on an old standard, with a gorgeous metallic front on sturdy wooden kitchen cabinets, proving that you can update your design without abandoning what works. Lastly, using unique items such as cake platters as every day storage is fun and budget friendly, as you probably already own many pieces you can use. Consider an oversized mug as storage for whisks and spatulas, old mason jars for storing all your tea bags, or pitchers as a place for coffee pods or measuring spoons. The possibilities are endless!
If major changes to your kitchen storage aren’t in your current budget or time frame, think small for big impact. Add in bowls, serving platters, canisters, or decor that goes with your current kitchen design. If you want to add a little chic, think gold, silver, and shiny goods like the set of beautiful bowls above. For instant design, think patterns and selecting a set of several items that match, like the fun canisters with coordinating lids. For a quick feel of fresh, or a bit of bringing summer indoors, display a big bowl of fresh fruit, providing you with simple storage and beautiful design.
Kitchen storage doesn’t have to be overwhelming or require a whole renovation. The most important thing is that it makes sense to you, maintains a design you love, and is functional for yourself and your family. Keep in mind what little hands can reach, and keep sharp or dangerous items hidden away up high. Don’t forget to factor in what you use on a daily basis and keep those items in open canisters near your stove for easy use. If your kitchen is in need of an update, give us a ring anytime and we’ll be glad to talk about how we can help bring your vision to life. Until then, we’ll be reorganizing the junk drawer and doing the dishes in our own kitchens.
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All photos are property of HHC Living and may not be used in any way, altered or as-is, at any time without written permission. All designs seen here were done by HHC Living.