At Forever Kitchens, we believe a well-organized kitchen is a happy kitchen! When it comes to cabinets, it’s not just about looking good—it’s about finding everything without launching a treasure hunt every time you need a pot or that “missing” measuring cup. With the right storage solutions, you can maximize your space and keep your kitchen organized, even if it sometimes feels like a game of Tetris in there. Here’s how to make your cabinets work for you!
1. Deep Drawers for Pots and Pans: No More Avalanche
One of the biggest storage headaches is the towering stack of pots, pans, and lids that’s waiting to avalanche out the second you open a cabinet door. Deep drawers can make all the difference here, giving you easy access to each item without the teetering towers.
We had a client who used to store their pots and pans on a high shelf. They joked that grabbing a pot was like an “upper-body workout with a side of suspense.” After installing deep drawers, they not only saved on time but got their sanity back, too!
Forever Kitchens Tip: Use deep drawers for heavier items like pots and pans, and add drawer dividers if you want to keep lids and pots together. Your back—and your peace of mind—will thank you!
2. Pull-Out Shelves: Reach Every Inch Without Crawling Inside
If you’ve ever found yourself lying on the kitchen floor to reach the back of a cabinet, then you’ll love pull-out shelves. These handy shelves allow you to use every inch of space without the gymnastics.
One customer told us that reaching for baking sheets in her old cabinet felt like “spelunking” (yes, like cave diving). With pull-out shelves, she can now grab what she needs without the knee pads.
Forever Kitchens Tip: Pull-out shelves are perfect for cabinets that go deep, like those under the sink or near the stove. They’re also a lifesaver in corners where things tend to get lost. Just slide them out, grab what you need, and slide them back—no crawling required!
3. Lazy Susans for the Corners: The Spin to Win
Corners can feel like wasted space if not used well. Enter the Lazy Susan, a rotating shelf that makes items stored in hard-to-reach places accessible with a simple spin. They’re perfect for spices, condiments, and even small appliances.
One family said their kids loved the Lazy Susan so much they started calling it the “snack carousel.” Now, everyone gets a fair turn finding their favorite treats—no more digging or shouting, “Mom, where’s the peanut butter?”
Forever Kitchens Tip: Use a Lazy Susan in corner cabinets to keep things organized and within reach. Store items you use often toward the front, and give it a spin to reach everything else. Plus, it’s just plain fun to say you have a “snack carousel” in the kitchen!
4. Vertical Dividers: The Solution to “Pan-Demic” Disorder
For anyone who’s ever stacked their baking sheets and cutting boards in one wobbly pile, vertical dividers will feel like a revelation. Instead of stacking, you can slide each sheet or tray into its own slot—perfect for easy access and keeping things neat.
One of our clients referred to her messy bakeware cabinet as a “pan-demic” situation—trays and cutting boards piled high and tilting precariously. After adding vertical dividers, her bakeware was finally under control and ready to go.
Forever Kitchens Tip: Vertical dividers are great for cabinets near the oven, where you store baking sheets, trays, and cutting boards. You can customize the dividers to fit even small pans or trays, so you’re never fighting to pull out what you need mid-bake.
5. Pull-Out Spice Racks: A Cook’s Best Friend
A pull-out spice rack keeps all those little jars organized and visible, so you’re not constantly pulling out each jar to find the elusive cumin. It’s especially helpful if you’re a home chef who loves experimenting with flavors.
One chef told us her kitchen cabinets used to resemble a “spice explosion,” with jars piled randomly in the back. Now, with a pull-out spice rack, she gets to see everything she has in one quick glance—no surprises, no scavenger hunts.
Forever Kitchens Tip: Keep your spice rack near your stovetop for easy access while cooking. Organize spices alphabetically or by frequency of use. Not only will you save space, but you’ll also make cooking that much smoother.
6. Hidden Trash and Recycling Bins: Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Nothing interrupts a sleek kitchen design like a trash can sitting out in the open. Hidden trash and recycling bins keep everything tidy and within reach. Just open the cabinet, and there they are—ready to go, without breaking your kitchen’s style.
One of our clients joked that her hidden trash bin was the “best-kept secret in the kitchen.” Now, instead of tripping over the trash can, her kids know exactly where to put things (mostly).
Forever Kitchens Tip: Hidden trash bins are great for cabinets near the sink or prep area, making clean-up quick and easy. Many designs come with a double-bin system for trash and recycling, which keeps everything neatly sorted.
7. Open Shelving for Everyday Items: Functional and Stylish
Open shelving is great for things you use daily, like mugs, plates, or bowls. Not only does it make grabbing a cup of coffee fast and easy, but it also adds a decorative element to your kitchen.
One family told us they switched to open shelves so guests wouldn’t have to ask, “Where are the glasses?” every five minutes. Now, friends can help themselves, and the family loves showing off their favorite dishware.
Forever Kitchens Tip: Use open shelving for everyday items, but keep them organized—stack plates neatly and arrange cups in rows. And if you’re feeling creative, use the shelves to display plants, cookbooks, or decorative jars for a touch of personality.
8. Appliance Garages: Tidy Storage for Kitchen Gadgets
Appliance garages are cabinets with roll-up or pull-down doors designed to store small appliances like toasters, blenders, and coffee makers. They’re perfect for those who love a clutter-free countertop but want their gadgets within reach.
A customer once told us she felt like she was “hiding her gadgets in a spy den.” Now, she can tuck away her appliances without any hassle, and they’re always ready when needed.
Forever Kitchens Tip: Place your appliance garage near outlets so you don’t have to move gadgets around. They’re especially helpful if you have limited counter space but can’t live without your morning smoothie or espresso shot.
9. Drawer Organizers for Utensils and Tools: No More “Junk Drawer”
Utensil organizers keep everything in its place, so you’re not digging through a tangled mess to find the whisk. With drawer organizers, each tool has a designated slot, making cooking smoother (and way less frustrating).
One client told us that her unorganized drawer was like “kitchen roulette”—you never knew if you’d find a spatula or a stray takeout menu. Now, every tool has its spot, and she can cook without the mystery.
Forever Kitchens Tip: Use drawer organizers for everything from silverware to kitchen tools. You can even add knife inserts to keep your knives in the same spot without cluttering up the countertop.
Designing Your Dream Kitchen with Forever Kitchens
Organized cabinets make for a happier kitchen, and with the right storage solutions, you’ll save yourself time, space, and maybe even a few gray hairs! Whether it’s deep drawers for heavy pots, a hidden trash bin, or that legendary “snack carousel” Lazy Susan, each cabinet solution can make a world of difference in your day-to-day cooking.
At Forever Kitchens, we’re passionate about creating kitchens that are as functional as they are beautiful. We’re here to guide you through each design decision, making sure your kitchen not only looks amazing but works for you. Ready to get started on your dream kitchen? Let’s make it a space where you’ll love cooking, hosting, and spending time with family.
Forever Kitchens: Designing Kitchens, Crafting Memories.