Modern Home Storage

One of the features of modern life is clutter. The home has never been a materially more complicated place, and the need for attractive and versatile storage never greater. It’s the same case for the kitchen. In the kitchen, typically we find a range of saucepans, dishes, mixers, grinders, graters, extractors, kettles and toasters, not to mention larger items such as cookers, refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers. And don’t forget the table and chairs. It will be a total mess if there are no proper storage systems that keep these stuffs in order in the kitchen. The following paragraphs are going to discuss some of the home storage solutions for the kitchen.

In the kitchen, storage is a serious business, and what you need and how you provide it will depend on what kind of kitchen it is and how you use it. The fully fitted kitchen is popular because it packs the most storage into the least space, whereas the farmhouse-style kitchen, with free-standing furniture, reduces the amount of storage space. There is, however, one big advantage with free-standing furniture: you can take it along when you move house.

An example of a kitchen storage idea here is how the utensils can be easily stored in which they are hung on “S” hooks from a rod above the cooktop. You don’t have to buy an expensive storage system — a simple towel rack, tension rod, or dowel can be mounted near the food-prep area.

Another storage idea is a built-in tall, wide stainless-steel backsplash, a roomy shelf and a row of utensil hooks provide on-location storage that doesn’t block ventilation.

In deciding what you want, analyze your storage needs thoroughly. Think about food, cooking utensils and small appliances for a start; all need a place close to cooking and food-preparation areas. Move on to items such as china, cutlery and glassware; do they need to be in the kitchen at all, or would the dining room be a better place to keep them? Then consider non-culinary items – cleaning materials, table linen and so on – and make sure that there is enough space for them.

Smaller utensils such as silverware and cutlery can be stored in a drawer which has divided storage.

A storage adapted from restaurant-style equipment to keep everyday utensils handy and organized.

Always make the best possible use of cupboards (closet) space. In the kitchen, built-in base and eye-level cupboards are an effective way of keeping things out of sight until they are needed. The range of modern materials, surface finishes and colors available is extraordinarily large, allowing your imagination wide rein. Other things which you can do is fit extra shelves where necessary, use wire baskets for ventilated storage, hang small racks on the back of doors and use swing-out carousels to gain access to corner cupboards.

The following picture shows a deep pullout drawers which ensure the right serving pieces, linens, and flatware are never out of arm’s reach. This drawer includes a modified pegboard approach that uses oversize pegs to keep dishes from sliding and chipping.

Another storage idea here is to use designated drawers for different kitchen tasks so unrelated items don’t have to share space. Frequently used baking supplies, such as sugar and flour, coexist with measuring spoons and cups in a drawer close to the baking station. You can use canisters with tight lids to keep previously opened ingredients airtight.

However, ideas from the past should not be overlooked. In a large family kitchen, or a country-style room, why not consider a traditional dresser? Dressers in traditional designs are still made today and most offer you a combination of open shelving, on which to display your best and most attractive crockery and ornaments, as well as closed cupboards beneath for all those less eye-catching items that you don’t want on permanent show. Perhaps the answer to your kitchen storage problem may be a mixture of the old and the new – in the food-preparation area, built-in, easy-clean units may be best, while in the eating area you may favor the friendly charm of a dresser or a set of open wall shelves.

A picture shows a tall, slim pullout unit next to the oven maximizes a small space by bringing larger items to the cook, then blending back into the bank of cabinets.

Another one shows a Rev-A-Shelf’s Slim Double Soft-Close Pullout Pantry which add plenty of food storage within a tall bank of cabinets or near the refrigerator. The storage system fits inside a 5-inch space and comes with six adjustable baskets and door-mounting brackets.

In short, do analyze your kitchen storage needs first before deciding on what to do. If you are a heavy user of the kitchen, do consider spending more on the storage so that you won’t regret later. If you are a light user, a free standing home storage system is probably enough to take care of the tasks.

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