Smart Storage Solutions

Framed family photos that act as cabinet doors disguise ample storage for dinnerware.

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

To keep large and unattractive laundry baskets off the floor, this homeowner custom-designed shelving inside the island in the laundry room. The functional baskets are used to separate laundry loads. The storage island also doubles as a folding area for clothes coming right out of the dryer.

Just because an entryway is used, doesn’t mean it has to look cluttered or drab. These bright shades hide away bins of shoes and toys while adding a nice pop of color.

Custom open built-ins and closed closets provide ample space in this hardworking mudroom.

• Video: Tour the Mudroom

Open shelves for cookbooks and dishes are mixed with closed cabinets in this walk-in pantry. A wine fridge and countertops offer extra storage and prep space.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

A vertical plate storage rack helps prevent dishes from chipping.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This well-organized multipurpose laundry room designates separate areas for gift wrapping, odds and ends storage, and laundry. The canvas cubes all in the same shade of blue keep the room looking spick-and-span.

An open island gives quick visual access to pots and pans.

A second shelf for reading materials leaves more space for a wide based lamp and keeps the top of the bedside table clutter free.

Hide utilitarian features by choosing a cabinet with a pullout waste bin and adding an outlet to the back of a cabinet for the microwave.

Built-in beds are a smart use of space in a small room. You can add storage in the headboard with shelves.

Disguised behind what looks like a kitchen pantry, this compact washer and dryer fits snugly into a nook in the kitchen. Cabinets above the washer and dryer can be used to organize detergent, dryer sheets, and other laundry essentials.

Keep all ironing supplies in one convenient place. Many big box stores carry stow-away ironing board systems that can be easily hidden behind a cabinet door or over-the-door iron and board hangers that are designed to hold any style of ironing board. Look for units that have a shelf to store spray starch and other supplies.

The room's size didn't allow for a freestanding dining table. A lower, custom-built extension of the island in a dark natural wood provides the ideal solution.

Open backed shelves are great for small kitchens. Install them in front of windows for extra storage while still allowing light to come in.