Ten smart kitchen storage ideas and DIY projects that make the most of your space!

I’m always trying to utilize our storage spaces well — from small drawers to big closets, I really enjoy trying to figure out how to use all the available space and make them function better. 

Even though I’m a decor lover and want things to look great, my priority is to make them function just as well as they look! 

Over the years I’ve figured out some great ways to create an organized kitchen that fits our needs. These storage solutions work for smaller gadgets to larger appliances, and make our spaces work how we use them! 

I’ve gathered ten of the best ways I’ve made the most of our kitchen storage…some are easy, some are more involved DIY projects. 

Most of these solutions are hidden, but I’ve also created some storage that has become part of the design of the kitchen! We’ll start with the pretty ones first…

1. Utilize the side of your fridge

This is one of my all time favorite kitchen DIY projects! If you have a built in fridge with cabinets around it, you may be able to put that big space on the side to good use.

I just love how it looks! The leather straps and wood boards add some warmth to our kitchen. 

But it’s also so nice to have such easy access to serving and cutting boards like these. They are large and awkward, so finding a spot to store them in lower cabinets is difficult. 

You can also use the side of your fridge to hold a family command station with calendars and mail, or add small shelves to hold spices or oils if you don’t have a lot of pantry space. 

2. Window seat storage in the kitchen

This is another favorite…because what’s prettier than a window seat in a kitchen? Nothing, I tell you. 

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It was wonderful! 

That deep extra storage space is perfect for items that you don’t reach for every day — maybe appliances you only use occasionally or big serving dishes. 

It’s such a great secret space and of course looks great from the outside! I always knew the window wall in our dining area off the kitchen would be the perfect spot: 

We use that storage for some outdoor items like citronella candles and bug spray, since it’s so close to the patio door. The other side is usually empty, so I use it to store year-round decor from around the house when I decorate for Christmas. 🙂

3. Add storage by extending your kitchen island

This is another one that adds so much storage but also looks GOOD! 

Even the rod with hooks to hold the towel and pot holders was so handy!

Now let’s move to the storage ideas inside the cabinets! 

I discovered these when we were building our first house and thought they were brilliant. 

They are small, but in the kitchen hold sponges, the sink stopper, scrapers and our dishwasher pods. You just tip the drawer out to access the trays. 

We had two in our first house pictured above, and now we have a long drawer front that has two: 

They can be a little tricky to install because you’re working in such a small space. It’s easier to install these before the sink, but you can definitely do so after as well. 

They are so useful, we used them in our bathroom as well. They are perfect for toothbrushes and toothpaste!

5. Awkward pan and tray storage

I use the Variera organizers from IKEA so I can slide these longer kitchen necessities in and out easily. 

The key is storing these items vertically — if you stack them up it’s a pain to get what you need. 

Although you could build very small shelving inside those cabinets that holds one item on each shelf. That brings me to my next simple fix!

6. Make base cabinets functional with DIY shelves

They allow me to store way more in that tall space, and are super easy to make! I usually have plenty of scrap wood to throw one together. 

The assembly isn’t fancy — I use a couple screws into each “foot” or the side supports. 

7. DIY pull out pantry drawers

I just shared this project last week, and it has allowed us to store SO MUCH food in the new pantry makeover. 

I used tall pantry cabinets in there, and as is, those are almost as bad as the base cabinets I hate. I knew I could make them way more functional with these pull out pantry drawers: 

You can make them fully extend or soft close (or both!). 

The best part is they allow you to create storage that works for your family — add a bunch to hold a ton or space them out for taller items. 

8. DIY pull out shelf for appliances

These rolling shelves are along the same lines, and work well both inside a cabinet or on open shelves. They are a great way to free up some counter space in the kitchen! 

Our pantry had melamine shelving before I started the redo, and a few years ago I wanted to store some of our small appliances on one shelf. 

We quickly realized we’d need more clearance above (especially for the toaster!), so I used full extension drawer slides to create this easy pull out appliance shelf: 

If you’re planning to use this for a mixer or other heavy appliances, make sure the shelf your pull out is attached to is secure and that the slides can hold the weight. 

Those IKEA racks are also great for storing container lids or plates. 

And finally, some of my favorite organizing products for inside the kitchen drawers! 

9. Expandable drawer dividers 

They come in different sizes that fit narrow to wide drawers. 

Not only do they keep things separate, but also keep things from moving around when you open and shut the drawers. 

The spots for Ziploc bags are GREAT and make for very easy access. The rolled items like the foil aren’t quite as handy, but we don’t reach for those as much anyway. 

This organizer can go in a drawer or hang on the wall. 

10. Coffee pod drawer storage 

My husband started drinking coffee about a year ago, so all the sudden we had all of his coffee items I wanted to corral into one spot. 

It allows us to see what we have at a glance — I’m always looking for hot chocolate, he only wants his coffee. 😉 

These K-cup inserts come in a ton of sizes and shapes. Check the depth of your drawers to make sure it will fit! 

Thankfully we have full extension drawers so we can open them allll the way out and access everything. 

There you go…my top ten favorite pantry and kitchen organization ideas I’ve incorporated in our home. I’m always thinking about how we use our spaces and trying to figure out the best storage solutions. 

Do you use any of these as well? I’d love to hear some of the ways you’ve organized your kitchen!