Organization in the kitchen speeds up all tasks from creating shopping lists to preparing meals and even cleaning up. Being able to find what you need quickly is key to freeing up time for other activities. Here are some tips to help you take control of the kitchen storage in your Charlotte home.
Brainstorm with a Storage Designer
Seeking advice from a storage designer to improve your pantry space can be very helpful. But first, you need to think about what you need and want.
If friends have kitchens with storage solutions you admire, take photos to share with your designer. Add these images to a file of ideas and inspiration that you find online or from magazines. All of these samples will come in handy during a brainstorming session with a designer.
Renovate Pantry Closets and Cupboards
Consider awkward or underused areas in your kitchen so you can discuss the problems and possibilities they present. Make a list of what works and what doesn’t. For example, you may want to:
- Move pan storage to eye level so you can see what you’re reaching for (no more bending over and digging through your cabinets)
- Increase the size of your pantry space
- Vary shelf depths and heights for a variety of snacks and food items
- Add shallow racks to the back of doors for spices
- Use pullout shelves and cabinets to easily reach pots, pans, and baking sheets
Don’t forget to improve lighting in a pantry closet for easy viewing of supplies. Also keep in mind that labeling baskets, bins, and clear containers helps everyone find what they need and maintains organization.
Access Under-Utilized Space
Hidden, unused space exists in most kitchens. Make use of it by adding custom cabinetry. For example, toe-kick drawers at the base of the cabinets can accommodate cookie sheets and muffin pans as well as pet water and food bowls. When not in use, the drawers easily slide back under the cabinet.
Be Adaptable about Storage Locations
Don’t limit yourself to just your kitchen area when it comes to storage.
For example, kitchens that are adjacent to utility rooms can use that space for storage to hold bulk items such as paper towels, bottled drinks, economy-sized boxes of snack packs, and cleaning supplies and tools. If you like to buy produce such as apples or potatoes in bulk or if you are a home canner, your designer can help you find room for these items and supplies, too!
Start making the most of your kitchen pantry with solutions built around your life. Our designers at Closet and Storage Concepts in Charlotte can help you make this dream come to life. Please contact us for a free consultation.