Storage solutions: In the kitchens

Southern Living, May 2000 by Joyner, Louis, Belden, Derick, Clavell, Alicia K, Griffin, Eleanor, Et al

The kitchen is both the heart of the house and a hardworking area for food preparation. It is also the most expensive room in your house, so storage should be planned to take maximum advantage of costly cabinets. Here are some suggestions.

* Inventory the kitchen items and appliances you use regularly. Assess your storage space, and then discard or relocate nonessential items. For example, holiday cookie molds and festive china could be stored with the Christmas decorations, freeing up cabinets in the kitchen.

* Store frequently used items in cabinets that are between knee and eye level. Lighter, less frequently used items can go on higher shelves. Save lower ones for heavy pots or appliances.

* Incorporate open storage for displaying china. Use glass doors to create a sense of openness; add lighting for a dramatic touch. But don't have glass fronts on all your wall cabinets-nobody really wants to see your collection of jelly glasses. t * If you are building or remodeling, consider a walk-in pantry with open shelves. Usually the cost is considerably less than for the same amount of storage in cabinets. You can use custom-built shelving or one of the modular systems available at home-center or kitchen-supply stores.

* In an existing kitchen, increase your space dramatically by adding shelves, baskets, and hooks to take advantage of otherwise wasted space (see sketch on page 218). * The back half of base cabinets of ten becomes the land of the lost pot. Use pull-out wire baskets or wooden trays to make access easier. You can find wire baskets in a variety of sizes at most home-center stores. Installation is a simple do-it-yourself job. An alternative is to install a lazy Susan that revolves for easy access.

* If you are planning a new kitchen, consider increasing the number of drawers. Use deep ones for pots and pans, and shallow ones for flatware, towels, spices, and other small items. If cost is a consideration, a less expensive alternative is to use shallow pull-out trays placed behind a cabinet door.

* Hang a pot rack over the island or near the stove to keep frequently used skillets and pans close at hand. Make sure the rack is hung at a comfortable height. t

* For extra counterspace and storage, add a movable island. You can push it to the side when it's not in use. Kitchen islands, often with butcher block tops, are available in a wide range of sizes, styles, and prices.

* A wheeled serving cart is another good option. Park it in an out-of the-way corner, and then pull it out when needed.

* If you have the space, add an antique hutch or pie safe to your kitchen or breakfast room. You can display extra china or use it as a spot for the television or stereo. If floorspace is at a premium, add a wall-mounted plate rack instead.

* For seasonal storage, build banquette seating in the breakfast room. A hinged top or drawers below allow access to storage space beneath the seat. t Expand the windowsill and use it as a greenhouse to get plants off the countertop.

* If you have children, create a separate snack area in a corner of the kitchen: You'll need a drawer or two for snacks, plates, and utensils. This is also a good place to store their lunchboxes.

* Set aside an area in the kitchen for your kids' toys, games, books, and art supplies.

* Pets also need storage for their food, feeding bowls, and other supplies.

U A second refrigerator can be very useful for storing large casseroles or cans of sodas, especially if you have a big family or entertain a lot. Locate it in the basement, garage, or playroom.

* Choose drawer pulls that can also function as towel racks.

* The kitchen often serves as the message center for the entire family. A large cork bulletin board near the phone is great for displaying messages, invitations, and announcements. You will need a drawer nearby for pencils, paper, and the phone directory. Include an electrical outlet for recharging a cell phone or pager.

* When planning a new kitchen, include plenty of open shelves for cookbooks. These can be located at the end of a cabinet or island in otherwise wasted space. It is important for the bookshelves to be convenient to a desk or countertop for menu planning.

* Set aside storage in or near the kitchen for light bulbs, screwdrivers, a hammer, and other tools and maintenance items. You'll also need a spot for the vacuum and other cleaning supplies.