Kitchen Organization Ideas

Install a wall-mounted shelf to keep baking supplies off the counter but within easy reach. Double the shelf's utility by adding hooks to hang towels, pot holders, and tools.

Pin up items to be kept out of sight, such as rubber gloves, sponges, and plastic bags, on the inside of a cabinet door. Using hot glue, affix magnets to the back of plain clothespins, and glue the other magnets directly to the door.

Vintage hutches make terrific storage for those who don't have adequate built-in cabinetry, and they can be found at almost every antiques market.

Paint one to match the kitchen, and then try a complementary color on the interior.

Customize it by adding even more organizing tools to the inside of the doors, such as a key rack, a message board, or even a basket to hold mail.

Prioritize by placing everyday items on low shelves, while stashing seldom-used pieces up high.

Arrange like items or any collections you may have together to create pleasing symmetry.

Store dry goods and snacks in airtight containers to keep them fresh and discourage pests.

Apply shelf paper to ease routine cleaning, or use old wallpaper remnants instead.

Furniture that fits anywhere, such as this unit with cubbies, will never go out of style. It's used here in a kitchen but would be just as at home in a mudroom, a crafting area, or in a child's room to corral toys, and can easily adapt as your needs change.

Presentation is key with open storage. Think about what you plan to store there, and choose baskets, containers, and filing systems that will keep clutter under wraps. The wicker baskets lined up along the bottom conceal a recycling center.

Consider the overall balance for visually appealing results. Place larger, bulkier items toward the bottom and showcase lighter, more decorative pieces up top. Try to create symmetry by evenly distributing the visual weight on each side as well.

Prevent a clutter resurgence by labeling the shelves or baskets so that family members know what goes where.

Stash kitchen essentials in charming fabric bags.

POCKET HOW-TO:

1. Cut four pieces of fabric in two different styles. Sew the contrasting pieces together with the right sides facing out. Select the fabric for the outside of the bag, and turn the pieces so that side faces in. Line up and sew the two halves together, leaving the top open.

2. Turn the bag right side out and turn over a one-inch cuff of the contrasting fabric.

3. Punch holes in the fabric and apply grommets following the instructions included with a grommet kit.

4. Hang with S hooks.