6 Emerging Kitchen Storage Design Ideas with Form and Function

Last Updated on March 7, 2022 by Kravelv

The kitchen is known as the heart of the family, a perfect place for hosting and bringing loved ones together over a good meal. It’s a space that needs to be kept up to date hence it’s worth reading up on emerging kitchen trends which may provide inspiration and influence your design. Often, we encounter challenges when dealing with storage no matter how big the kitchen is. Fortunately, for every item that needs to be stored away, there is usually some sort of space and a storage solution that’s waiting to be discovered.

1. Slender Pullouts

Custom-built pullout drawers are the in-thing now and definitely a clever way to use up skinny spaces usually between two appliances; one example being the gap between the refrigerator and a full height cabinet.

Image sources: Shelterness | I Will Décor

Large pullout pantries are ideal for those who lack space for actual pantry storage as seen on the right-hand side image with several pullouts. Not only are they great for storing canned products and spices, but they can also be sleek and add a modern feel to your kitchen design while taking up less cabinet storage. There are plentiful ideas when it comes to pull out drawers, whether you want to store your pans, knives, cooking boards, small appliances, just have it built to your taste and you are good to go. You can also check out this article that will give you more storage ideas.

2. Cabinets to the Ceiling

You can never have enough space in the kitchen so why waste it on dead space. With emerging trends we witness bespoke kitchen cabinets being built all the way to the ceiling to recapture the space.

Image Sources: Designing Idea | A beautiful Mess

Although it might be a bit tricky accessing the top cupboard, it’s still a worthy storage option, especially in a small kitchen space. Alternatively, if you want to achieve this look with less expense, remove the existing cabinets from the wall and rehang them with the top right beneath the ceiling and then add a shelf below for extra storage.

3. Under Island Storage

With emerging kitchen designs, we see less of the typical island; dining and counter space, and more customized built-in features like storage for wine bottles and cookbooks.

Image Sources: Digs Digs | Apartment Therapy

Apart from being a visual anchor in the space, kitchen islands have increased functionality and efficiency. Tweak it to your taste and style and bring in practicality, colour and character into in the design scheme. What we love about bespoke kitchen island is how it can easily suit your day to day needs. There are endless options like one that incorporates a pullout or rolling cabinet to use as a workstation, or a simple storage for kids toys which allows you to watch then play while preparing a meal in the kitchen.

Also Read: 55 Great Ideas for Kitchen Islands

4. Customize Your Pantry

Everyone needs a well-stocked and well-organized kitchen pantry, which can be a built-in cabinet or a multi-functional walk-in space. One of the major key points of a fitted kitchen is that every inch of space can be made useful with any number of clever modern storage solutions.

Image Sources: Top Home Designs | Apartment Therapy

A walk-in pantry does mean sacrificing floor space and works pretty well in a large kitchen. What is lovely about a spacious walk-in pantry is it can be used for different purposes just like the one on the left-hand side image, such as a prep area for cooking ingredients and easily stores away kitchen gadgets that tend to be clutter in most worktops. The image on the right keeps things looking simple yet contemporary. When deciding on your bespoke pantry, be sure to choose the right door–opening to ensure everyone will be able to access it. Furthermore, discuss the right shelf height with your kitchen fitter after considering what exactly you are likely to store in it.

Also Read: Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Remodel

5. Wine Lover Storage

Every wine enthusiast dreams of a proper storage area to house their prized collection. Some people have special basements turned wine cellar, while others have to rely on the space available in the kitchen.

Image Sources: Mario | Improve Net

 Wine cellars with refrigerators are available on the market but they usually don’t fit in the room design well, plus they take up a lot of precious space. A custom built kitchen island works well as a wine storage unit and adds character and a sophisticated feel.

You can add shelves for wine glasses and an integrated refrigerator. A cabinet with wine storage works just as well. For instance, the image on the right show cases fitted wine racks with a pullout surface to serve your wine. The design is sleek while saving up on space and adding a personal touch, allowing you to get wine for dinner very fast and keep safe all your collection.

6. Worktop Solution

This is not a storage solution but it’s just as important as any design element to have in your kitchen. Pullout counters are bespoke worktop solutions and a handy way to expand your kitchen worktop. They fit snugly under any surface and allows for different or varied heights.

They are like mini life savers, very versatile and practical for everyday home use. For instance, a pull-out surface can be used as a chopping board, a dining table, home workstation area, an ironing surface, and when inserted lower, can be used as a step to reach high wall cupboards.

Image Sources: JAS Design Build | Shelterness

So that’s just six great storage ideas that I hope will improve your kitchen design. Every kitchen design has differing needs and challenges to overcome, so the number one priority is to avoid common kitchen design mistakes that will make the finished room impractical as well as useable.

There’s a wealth of styles and designs out there that can inspire you, so my advice is to get online and see just how some kitchens have achieved amazing storage results in the tightest and most difficult of spaces.