Asked on Jun 13, 2016

Need some more storage in my kitchen

Lisa Stroman
by Lisa Stroman
We just moved into a new apartment & even though there seems to be a lot of cabinets there is not enough shelf space. On this blank wall between cabinets and above the sink I thought maybe shelving with hooks for coffee cups? Any more ideas?
This is the space 54"high by 40" wide
  13 answers
  • Leona Leona on Jun 13, 2016
    Maybe more solid shelves for small appliances that you don't use regularly
  • Gabrielle Falk Gabrielle Falk on Jun 14, 2016
    Shelves above the sink are a good idea, but steam from washing might affect any appliances you place on the shelves. Is there any way you could enclose such shelves - ie something totally different from the cupboards as a contrast. I actively avoided open shelving when my kitchen was renovated about 10 years ago. And I also made sure that the cupboards went right up to the ceiling. My old kitchen cupboards had a space of about 2' to the ceiling and anything on top would become greasy and dirty. What about using the small space on the top of the cupboards? Maybe use some sort of storage baskets (that can be scrubbed) for those items you use rarely. Good luck.
  • Birdz of a Feather Birdz of a Feather on Jun 14, 2016
    We had the same problem but not as much space as you (we still had a small cabinet). For you, I think a shelf is a great idea, but underneath it you could add a rail with S-hooks to put some of your utensils on it that you use every day. This keeps them handy. I've attached two pictures of what we did in our kitchen. The first one is our old kitchen. The second picture shows that we relocated our utensil rail in our new kitchen beside our sink - it was too useful to give it up in the new layout!
  • Dale Dale on Jun 14, 2016
    I think I would start out by putting in a mirror that doesn't quite go all the way across to bring light into this area. Next I would put up 2 or 3 shelves in either wood or glass (or would be a great spot for a higher shelf with an under counter microwave attached. a magnetic board would be great too with the rod & S-hooks to put up spice containers &/or sharp knives & scissors.
  • Mlh7432501 Mlh7432501 on Jun 14, 2016
    First I would check with the landlord to see if there is any restictions. Maybe then putting in some magnetic strips for knives and other metal things; or cup hooks that can hold large kitchen cooking utensils. Mary Lou
  • Liz Liz on Jun 14, 2016
    This would be a good area for a plate rack with you cups hanging from it. Putting some greenery above it.
  • Chris Chris on Jun 14, 2016
    First I would add wallpaper in a dramatic pattern or color to act as a backsplash across the counter and up into that space between the cabinets. Then consider adding shelves to showcase your dishes and glassware and some decorative items to keep it interesting. Be creative on hanging the shelves - try closet organizing systems where the brackets hang from a top rail. Make something that can sit on the two side cabinets and hang down the sides of the cabinets to support shelves. Paint all the brackets and shelves to coordinate with the wallpaper. Perhaps glass shelves too. Think outside the box for solutions. Hope this helps.
    • MrsSherri MrsSherri on Jun 14, 2016
      @Chris & Lisa there's this great new wall paper invented for renters it clings on instead of glueing on. One pattern looked like a tile back splash that could spruce that up some.
  • DJ DJ on Jun 14, 2016
    Hi here are a few ideas..My favorite is the plate rack, hope this helps.
  • Susan Susan on Jun 14, 2016
    Bold wallpaper or paint using stencils with one of dish drainer/storage items that attach to the wall The dishes drain on it and stay there until next use.
  • Pat Ruge Pat Ruge on Jun 14, 2016
    First let me say that I am a landlord - perhaps a rare one, who responds to my tenants needs - generally w/n 24-48 hours. My suggestion is that you come up with a really good plan, run it by your landlord and see if he/she agrees to pay for your design. I know I would, if it is a good plan and remains on the property. I would suggest adding shelves starting top down, it looks like 3 shelves could be added. I particularly like the hidden bracket shelving, but even a kitchen cabinet lifted to ceiling height might work. My advice ask your landlord to solve the problem at no cost to you, but go in with a solution that suits you as well as the landlord.
  • Tamar Lundeen Tamar Lundeen on Jun 15, 2016
    Don't forget that there are all kinds of things you can hang on doors and cupboard doors to help with clutter. Go on pintrest and look up kitchen storage to see what I mean. A lot of them are on the inside of the cabinets which is nice as too much outside of cabinets in a small space makes it look dirty and smaller.
  • Lisa Stroman Lisa Stroman on Jun 15, 2016
    Thank you so much! Everyone had great ideas. I will post a picture when I get it completed. A mirror and some shelves with some hooks for coffee cups is the final decision.