Organize Your Kitchen

By Southern Living

An organized kitchen is a useful kitchen. Use these tips and tricks from our editors to get your kitchen clutter under control.

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Paper Towel Cubby

For a discrete and convenient paper towel roll location, remove a drawer and install a paper towel holder in its place.

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Hidden Cutting Board

Photo: Annie Schlechter

A slide out cutting board cleverly adds work surface to a kitchen.

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Pull-Out Pantry

Photo: Annie Schlechter

A pull-out pantry component can help take advantage of an awkward slender space.

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Corner Shelves

Photo: Roger Davis

Corner shelves can be an efficient use of a sometimes awkward space. The brackets supporting these shelves are local architectural salvage pieces that add character to the kitchen.

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Produce Bins

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Vented produce bins can be used to store produce that doesn’t require refrigeration.

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Tool Rail

A tool rail over the cooktop keeps utensils at an easy reach.

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Hidden Work Surface

Photo: Charles Walton IV

An additional work surface is hidden in cabinetry with false cabinet fronts.

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Cute Canisters

Photo: Van Chaplin
Decorative canisters cleverly allow you to store dry goods in a visible area.

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Shelves

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

These homeowners didn’t want to hide everything behind cabinet doors, so instead they chose to have a mix of open shelves and closed cabinetry.

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Open Pantry Shelves

Using baskets and buckets to store dry food items help keep an open pantry looking neat and functional.

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Vertical Plate Storage

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

A vertical plate storage rack helps prevent dishes from chipping.

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Base Cabinet Drawers

Base cabinets with sliding shelves make it easier to see and reach items in the back of the cabinet.

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Add Vintage Storage Space

Not enough built-ins? Use vintage cabinets or hutches for added storage.

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Hanging Pot Rack

Hang a pot rack over the island for easily accessible cookware.

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Wine Rack

Slender spaces like compartments under the kitchen island are perfect for storing bottles of wine.

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Linen Storage

Several shallow drawers are ideal for storing linens. Add them to a cabinet that is near the dining space for extra convenience.

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Open Shelves

Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Scott Martin
Open backed shelves are great for small kitchens. Install them in front of windows for extra storage while still allowing light to come in.

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Message Center

Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Help keep your family organized by installing a family message center in your kitchen.

Make your own message center with our simple instructions.

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Recycling Center

A small recycling center in the kitchen makes it easy to be green. Having a separate bin for glass, paper, plastic, and tin will make sorting a breeze.

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Chalkboard Paint

Apply chalkboard paint next to the phone for an easy message board.

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Appliance Garage

Install electrical outlets inside cabinets, and keep small appliances inside for a less cluttered countertop.
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Window Space

You can utilize the space across the window by installing tool rails or shelves.

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Vertical Space

Add dividers in tall, narrow cabinets to create perfectly-sized storage sections for flat items like cookie sheets, cooling racks, and paper grocery sacks. 
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