Text by Hannah Jones
The joys of cozy cottages can often be their downfall: they’re quaint and charming, but with that often comes a lack of space. This leads cottage homeowners to come up with some pretty innovative storage solutions, especially in the kitchen, where extra space is at an absolute premium. Luckily, through years of visiting homeowners and designers, we’ve seen every trick in the book, and we’re sharing all of them with you here!
Create slots for cutting boards and sheet pans.
Whether fashioned with a few wooden dowels or a pre-purchased set of dividers, this simple storage hack makes cutting boards and baking pans easily accessible.
Hang pots, pans, and utensils.
Run out of cabinet and countertop space? Start hanging things! Above the island, above the sink or stove, and even on the ends of your cabinets—you’ll be amazed at how much extra space you can find in a small kitchen when you think outside the box.
Add storage above cabinets and windows.
If you’re in the process of a renovation, definitely opt for ceiling-height cabinetry, but even if you’re not, you can still extend your storage space all the way up! Add wire or wicker baskets on the top of your cabinets or install a shelf above a window to hold a basket for storing less used items. You can also use that space to store your lesser used pieces of serving-ware—they make beautiful accents!
Use a magnetic knife strip.
This is one of the easiest, most cost-efficient solutions available. Open up an entire drawer of space just by purchasing a simple magnetic strip for hanging your knives on the wall.
Display spices.
Use a decorative spice rack, hang containers from the bottom of cabinets, or install a small shelf for your spices on the wall instead of storing them in much-needed drawer space.
Add a shelf above the sink or use your windowsill.
So often the space above a sink gets totally wasted. If you have an open wall space or a window above your sink, install a small shelf there, or make use of a large windowsill.
Hang utensils, cleaning supplies, and pot tops inside cabinet doors.
Your cabinet doors are just as valuable as the space inside! Attach a few hooks or over-the-door organizers and make use of that extra space.
Add a tilt-open drawer below your sink.
Most of us have the false drawer fronts right below our sink. Installing a tilt-open drawer to store soap and sponges is an easy weekend project that adds countertop space.
Use wire shelving, plastic dividers, and lazy Susans inside cabinets and drawers.
Getting organized might not necessarily save you space, but it will save your sanity and time. When your utensils are easy to find, your small space will feel less frustrating and much larger.
Add an island.
If you don’t already have one, consider purchasing a small rolling island or adding casters to a shelving unit. You’ll have extra prepping space that doubles as storage space and moves around as needed.
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