Creative Storage Ideas for Small Open Kitchen Designs

Every kitchen tends to accumulate a lot of stuff over the years, and thoughtfully designed storage is essential to keep all of it well organised. In fact, the more storage you can pack into your kitchen, however small it is, the better! Even in the most compact kitchen, you should be able to access anything you need without having to rummage through every cabinet.

We do understand that this can prove to be quite challenging, especially in a kitchen that’s small to begin with! Which is why we’ve rounded up plenty of creative storage ideas for your small open kitchen design. From sleek pull-out drawers to clever cabinet door storage, drawer divider ideas and much more, here are the most practical storage hacks you could hope to find. 

Read on, and see if any of these ideas appeal to you!

Under-sink storage in Small Open Kitchen Designs

In your small open kitchen, every inch counts, and you cannot afford to neglect the often-overlooked space below the sink! This space can get damp and mouldy, and it’s important to maintain a clean and hygienic aesthetic. Traditional cabinets with shelves can leave awkward corners unused and create a cluttered feel, so look for cleverly designed under-sink storage accessories that will make the best use of every bit of free space.

Pull-out drawers below the sink, with a cut-out in between for the sink bowl and plumbing, are a great idea. This allows full access to the entire space, eliminating all and any wasted nooks. Choose drawers with dividers or organisers for items like cleaning supplies, dish towels, trash and recycling bins.

Make sure that all trash bins are lined with garbage bags and have tight-fitting lids to prevent the breeding of cockroaches. By keeping things tucked away and organised, you can get a sleek and streamlined look that goes well with your open kitchen concept.

Pull-Out Drawers in Small Open Kitchen Designs

Pull-out drawers are a value-add in any kitchen, but especially so in a compact one! They glide easily on tracks, allowing easy access to even the farthest corner. Deep drawers can hold bulky items like pots, pressure cookers and kadais, while shallow drawers are just right for cutlery, cups and katoris.

Pull-out drawers come in various widths and depths, making them perfect for utilising those often-wasted narrow spaces between cabinets or beside appliances. These versatile storage units are ideal for storing tall items like bottles and cans, or even small appliances like mixers and toasters. A tall, narrow unit of just 8 inches in width can neatly tuck away mops and brooms and help to stash extra cleaning supplies.

For better organisation, opt for tiered drawers that allow you to put away similar items at different levels. For instance, dinner plates and quarter plates can go in one level, while glasses and bowls can be stored in another; both within the same deep drawer.

Kitchen Drawer Organisers in Small Open Kitchen Designs

When there’s limited storage space in your kitchen, keeping drawers organised becomes even more crucial. This is where kitchen drawer organisers become your best friend! They help to maximise every inch, keeping kitchen tools and utensils in their designated spots and preventing them from getting messy. 

A few tips:

• Look for drawer dividers that can be adjusted or removed to fit different-sized utensils and tools. This flexibility allows you to customise the layout for the best use of space.
• Expandable trays that extend as you open the drawer, offer valuable extra surface area for frequently used items. This keeps them readily accessible when you need them.
• Clear drawer dividers not only help compartmentalise items, but also maintain a sense of openness within the drawers, preventing them from feeling cramped.
• If you are storing similar-looking items, label the drawers for better organisation and easy access.
• Cutlery trays with compartments for different types of spoons, forks, ladles and small tools are a must-have in your small kitchen.

Cabinet Door Storage in Small Open Kitchen Designs

There’s an often-unused space that can prove to be a game changer in your small kitchen — and that’s the inside of your cabinet doors!

Depending on the clearance available, you can install hanging racks, or even just hooks or rails, on the back of cabinet doors. Store frequently used utensils, spatulas, whisks, or other tools on a rack—this keeps them readily accessible while freeing up drawer space and maintaining a clean look on your countertops.

Fabric or mesh pouch pocket organisers that hang over the door offer additional storage for smaller items like pot holders, trivets, or dish towels.

Another great idea is to install spice racks on the inside of cabinet doors. This keeps your spices organised and easy to find while cooking.

For a more versatile approach, try installing pegboard panels on the back of the cabinet doors. This solution allows you to arrange hooks and shelves for a medley of items, like cups and mugs, ladles and small pots and pans. 

Pot and Pan Hanging Racks in Small Open Kitchen Designs

Open kitchens often present a challenge: where can you store bulky pots and pans without cluttering the limited countertop space? A pot and pan hanging rack is the answer!

Make use of the space in front of the window to install a rail with hooks. This will allow you to easily grab the utensil you need, even in the midst of cooking. Or, you can put the vertical space above your island stovetop or sink to good use, with a ceiling-mounted pot and pan rack! A rail that’s fitted to the backsplash next to the cooktop will also serve you well to hang up your daily-use pots and pans.

If you have vintage pots and pans in brass or copper, you can even hang them up as chic kitchen décor! Display the most visually appealing and one-of-a-kind antique finds on your pot and pan hanging rack.

Floating Shelves in Small Open Kitchen Designs

Floating shelves are a lovely way to express your creativity, and can be fitted into any bit of available space in your kitchen! They eliminate bulky cabinets, creating a sense of visual openness that makes your small kitchen feel larger and more inviting. Light can flow freely, further enhancing the feeling of spaciousness.

Floating shelves offer a space to showcase your collections of kitchen essentials, keeping them within easy reach when needed. They ramp up your small kitchen style — even daily-use items like pretty ceramic bowls, chic cutting boards and recipe books can double up as stylish décor! Stick a few potted plants in decorative pots to add a touch of green and breathe life into your kitchen.

An added bonus: floating shelves are a great cost-effective alternative to closed cabinets, as they use much less material! Choose from wood, metal or glass to complement the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.

Corner Cabinets in Small Open Kitchen Designs

Corner cabinets can be a double-edged sword in small open kitchens.  While they offer valuable storage space, traditional designs can create awkward blind corners and hinder accessibility! Here’s how to make corner cabinets work for you:

• Thoughtfully designed accessories like pull-out shelves or Lazy Susan mechanisms allow you to access the far reaches of the corner space below the counter. 
• Consider installing corner cabinets with a diagonal shutter, in both the upper and lower run of cabinets. This eliminates the blind corner issue and creates a more visually open feel in your small kitchen.
• If closed storage isn’t a major concern, transform your over-the-counter corners into open shelves—this creates a light and airy feel and allows you to display your precious collections of artefacts.
• You can also plan to have corner cabinets with glass fronts and double-hinged shutters that open completely out for easy access. Add display lights within, and showcase visually appealing dishes or cookware while maintaining a sense of openness.

Moveable Kitchen Island in Small Open Kitchen Designs

A kitchen island is a dream for many, but in a small open space, it can feel like a luxury you can’t afford. Why not think of a moveable kitchen island that offers oodles of functionality without sacrificing precious floor space?

Here are some innovative ideas:

• Wheeled Islands: Think of a compact kitchen island with wheels. You can easily move it around the kitchen when needed, creating additional workspace. Tuck it away when not in use. Use your wheeled island as a breakfast bar, prep area, or even a casual dining space.
• Folding Islands: A folding kitchen island is a godsend in a small kitchen When space is at a premium, simply fold it down against a wall; and when needed, unfold it for extra prep or dining area.
• Drop-Leaf Islands: Explore islands with drop leaves. These offer additional counter space when open, and fold down to create a more compact profile when closed.

Ready to Get Your Dream Kitchen?

We’re sure you loved our storage ideas for small open kitchen designs—and we’re just as sure that you’ll love our modular kitchen layouts and trendy designs even more! For end-to-end kitchen design services and solutions, get in touch with HomeLane today. Visit the nearest Customer Experience Centre, and take the first step in a trendy home makeover. 

Live your best life, with HomeLane by your side!

FAQs

1. What are some small kitchen storage ideas?

Small open kitchen designs can be big on functionality with the right storage solutions. Here are some ideas:

• Utilise vertical space: Install floating shelves, wall-mounted pot racks, and over-the-door organisers.
• Embrace pull-out drawers: They maximise space compared to deep cabinets and keep everything readily accessible.
• Compartmentalise drawers: Use drawer dividers and organisers to categorise utensils, spices, and other items.
• Think outside the box: Use the inside of cabinet doors by installing hanging organisers for towels, oven mitts, spice racks, or anything else you might find useful.
• Get creative with corners: Install pull-out shelves or Lazy Susans in corner cabinets to eliminate blind corners.

2. How do you store items in a small kitchen?

Small kitchens call for smart, thoughtfully designed storage solutions. Here’s how to approach it:

• Choose space-saving appliances: Consider smaller countertop appliances or multi-functional ones.
• Utilise stackable and nesting containers: This helps maximise vertical space in cabinets and drawers.
• Store bulky items elsewhere: Reduce clutter by keeping large pots, pans, or bulky vessels in a pantry or loft.
• Embrace under-sink storage: Use organisers and shelves to make the most of the space beneath your sink for cleaning supplies, trash cans, or other essentials.

3. How do you organise a small kitchen?

When it comes to keeping a small kitchen beautifully organised, efficiency is key. Keep these tips in mind:

• Categorise and compartmentalise: Group similar items together in cabinets, drawers, and shelves. For instance, cereals can go together, spices in one place, ingredients for Chinese cooking next to each other, and so on. You can corral items on trays or in small wicker baskets for easy identification.
• Label everything: Clear labels help you find things easily and maintain organisation. Put the labels where they can be easily seen, without having to lift up or move around containers to find the label.
• Employ the “prime zone” concept: Store frequently used items within easy reach on countertops or lower cabinets. Also, store newer items near the back, and older items that are closer to the expiry date out in front. 
• Utilise space-saving organisers: Plan to add drawer dividers, shelf risers, and hanging organisers to eke out more storage space.
• Maintain a designated spot for everything: Having a defined space for each item prevents clutter and makes it easier to keep things in their designated spots. Even if you’re whipping up a meal at the very last minute, you won’t have to search for the items you need; they’ll be right where you have left them!

4. How to increase space in a small kitchen?

While square footage might be limited, you can easily create the illusion of more space in your small kitchen with a few clever design hacks:

• Pick a palette of light and airy colours: Choose light-coloured cabinets, countertops, and walls to create a sense of openness.
• Incorporate reflective surfaces: Backsplashes with a glossy finish, mirrors in strategic places, or stainless-steel appliances can reflect and bounce around the light and make the space feel larger.
• Banish clutter: Clutter visually shrinks the space. Keep surfaces and countertops clear and maintain organised storage solutions. Plan a ruthless decluttering schedule every couple of months.
• Plan for open shelving: Floating shelves with thoughtfully placed items can add visual interest without feeling overwhelming.
• Install good lighting: Proper lighting can brighten your space and make it feel warm and inviting.