Home Home Decor Ideas Smart Storage Solutions By Southern Living Editors Updated on March 10, 2017 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Helen Norman Free up space and avoid clutter in areas like the kitchen and laundry room with these clever household storage solutions. 01 of 32 Disguised Cabinets Helen Norman Framed family photos that act as cabinet doors disguise ample storage for dinnerware. 02 of 32 Paper Towel Cubby For a discrete and convenient paper towel roll location, remove a drawer and install a paper towel holder in its place. 03 of 32 Storage Island Photo: Laurey W. Glenn 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. 04 of 32 Functional Foyer Photo: Laurey W. Glenn 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. 05 of 32 Mudroom Storage Photo: Laurey W. Glenn Custom open built-ins and closed closets provide ample space in this hardworking mudroom. 06 of 32 Floor-To-Ceiling Storage Photo: Erica George Dines 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. 07 of 32 Pull-Out Pantry Photo: Annie Schlechter A pull-out pantry component can help take advantage of an awkward slender space. 08 of 32 Hidden Cutting Board Photo: Annie Schlechter A slide out cutting board cleverly adds work surface to a kitchen. 09 of 32 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. 10 of 32 Hidden Work Surface Photo: Charles Walton IV An additional work surface is hidden in cabinetry with false cabinet fronts. 11 of 32 Produce Bins Photo: Laurey W. Glenn Vented produce bins can be used to store produce that doesn't require refrigeration. 12 of 32 Tool Rail A tool rail over the cooktop keeps utensils at an easy reach. 13 of 32 Open Pantry Shelves Using baskets and buckets to store dry food items help keep an open pantry looking neat and functional. 14 of 32 Vertical Plate Storage Photo: Laurey W. Glenn A vertical plate storage rack helps prevent dishes from chipping. 15 of 32 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. 16 of 32 Base Cabinet Drawers Base cabinets with sliding shelves make it easier to see and reach items in the back of the cabinet. 17 of 32 Add Vintage Storage Space Not enough built-ins? Use vintage cabinets or hutches for added storage. 18 of 32 Hanging Pot Rack Hang a pot rack over the island for easily accessible cookware. 19 of 32 Appliance Garage Install electrical outlets inside cabinets, and keep small appliances inside for a less cluttered countertop. 20 of 32 Wine Rack Slender spaces like compartments under the kitchen island are perfect for storing bottles of wine. 21 of 32 Window Space You can utilize the space across the window by installing tool rails or shelves. 22 of 32 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. 23 of 32 Linen Storage Several shallow drawers are ideal for storing linens. Add them to a cabinet that is near the dining space for extra convenience. 24 of 32 Designate Spaces Photo: Laurey W. Glenn 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. 25 of 32 Open Island Photo: Laurey W. Glenn An open island gives quick visual access to pots and pans. 26 of 32 Multiple Bedside Shelves Photo: Laurey W. Glenn A second shelf for reading materials leaves more space for a wide based lamp and keeps the top of the bedside table clutter free. 27 of 32 Disappearing Act Photo: Laurey W. Glenn 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. 28 of 32 Built-In Shelf Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Leigh Anne Montgomery Built-in beds are a smart use of space in a small room. You can add storage in the headboard with shelves. 29 of 32 Compact Laundry Space Photo: Charles Walton IV 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. 30 of 32 Ironing Station Photo: Laurey W. Glenn 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. 31 of 32 Double-Duty Island Photo: Laurey W. Glenn 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. 32 of 32 Suspended Shelves Photo: Laurey W. Glenn Open backed shelves are great for small kitchens. Install them in front of windows for extra storage while still allowing light to come in. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit