Ideas for storage in small kitchens

Go Vertical With a Ladder

Don't limit storage to places within arms' reach. Designer Katie Ridder selected for a sliding ladder to reach ceiling-height cupboards, which are ideal for that bread maker you never use.

Try a Etagere for Added Height

An open shelving unit adds more storage, but doesn't take up visual – space or too much floor –. A classic étagère placed on the counter of Mary Jo Bochner's Savannah, Georgia, kitchen holds publications and bowls.

Hide Clutter Behind Closed Doors

In a Chicago kitchen designed by Mick De Giulio, all the turmoil of the kitchen is concealed behind closed doors, which open to reveal an expansive pantry. Pull out willow baskets hold vegetables and fruit.

Store With an Old Door

You don't want the pressure of installing a pegboard to have a place to hang your favourite kitchen supplies: A slatted wooden door is the perfect area.

Kitchen cabinet Mississauga

Add a Crockery Drawer

"Crockery drawers mean you are not on your toes, striving to reach a collection of heavy china," Julie Stevenson says of her sleek, streamlined kitchen designed by Alexander Adducci in Lake Bluff, Illinois. The drawers are outfitted with movable pegs so that it is simple to adapt various size dishes.

Get Creative With Cabinets

Inspired by a classic printer's desk, Monica Bhargava had the cupboards in her California kitchen made to look like drawers.

Create a Cleaning Corner

Keeping your kitchen clean is more straightforward if materials and your favourite sprays are always on hand, like in this DIY pipe solution.

Add an Antique Piece

Designer Samantha Lyman wanted to give some historic pieces like this classic armoire to a fresh California kitchen. It was initially only 12 inches deep in – not big enough for bowls that are big and large platters. So Lyman place it into the cabinetry to give it more depth. The cabinet maker expanded it and removed the back to 26 inches in. Subsequently, Lyman painted a darker colour to conceal the difference to the inside.

Try a Pull Out Pantry

In designer Stephanie Stokes's 48-square-foot New York kitchen, the "pantry" for dry goods consists of two cabinets that slide out over the countertop so that everything is simple to locate.