10 Genius Kitchen Upgrades You Can Actually Afford

Smart Storage that won’t break the bank!

As people bring their houses into 2016, everyone is looking at their kitchens and thinking, how can I make this space better? Want to make yours more organized, more orderly, and more outfitted for smart storage? These ideas from Hometalk bloggers will help you stow your kitchen ware in a much smarter, more efficient way, making you a happier homeowner and a happier cook this year!

Add a pegboard to a pantry wall

Add a pegboard to a pantry wall

Image: The Painted Drawer

How frustrating is it trying to find the space in your kitchen to store all those bulky pots & pans? Instead of trying to squeeze everything into your cabinets and drawers, create perfect pot order by attaching a pegboard to the back of your pantry wall and hooking all your cookware in place. (See how here)

Store baking sheets and tins in a pull-out cabinet

Store baking sheets and tins in a pull-out cabinet

Image: Two Feet First

Keep all your baking sheets and cutting boards in one easy-to-reach place, by building this simple pull out storage drawer into your cabinets. No more stacking or sorting – this is the perfect solution for all those flat pieces that don’t fit anywhere else. (Get directions here)

Keep utensils in a chalkboard divider

Keep utensils in a chalkboard divider

Image: Yesterday on Tuesday

Banish that utensil drawer chaos with a simple chalkboard organizer that fits in your drawer and has a space for everything. Mix up your storage to suit you, by labeling each section with chalk. (Here’s the how-to)

Put up inexpensive shelves for bulky items

Put up inexpensive shelves for bulky items

Image: On Bliss Street

Add more shelving to your kitchen to amp up your storage space, for less than $20. These easy floating shelves can fit anywhere you need, and they’re great for large serving dishes, ornate vases, and any other bulky items that are difficult to stow. (See how here)

Make custom pot and pan storage

custom pot and pan storage

Image: Tanya Marie Davis

If you have a pot or pan set and you’re looking for a good storage option that won’t scratch the surface or lead to a lot of reorganizing, this is what you need. Add drawer sliders underneath your countertops and create this clever sliding organizer, for easy access and clean-up. (Directions here)

Hang a tension rod above your sink

tension rod above sink

Image: Engineer Your Space

Everyone hates countertop clutter, but it’s easier to solve than you think! Hang a tension rod above your sink and simply line up your hand towels, sponge baskets, or even cleaning supplies. Not only will a tension rod help you clear that clutter, it will totally organize your kitchen counters. (Get instructions here)

Use the sides of your cabinet for cookbook storage

Use the sides of your cabinet for cookbook storage

Image: White Tulip Designs

If you’re not using the open space on the side of your cabinet, you’re missing an easy organizing opportunity! Turn that empty area into a space-saving vertical organizer for cutting boards or cookbooks. (Here are the directions)

Hang measuring cups inside a cabinet door

Hang measuring cups inside a cabinet door

Image: The Coconut Head’s Survival Guide

Turn the inside of a cabinet door into a convenient organizer that any part-time cook would love to have. Break out all of your measuring cups and spoons, and hang them on in a well labeled spot with a small hook. Next time you’re baking and need to measure ingredients, it will be as easy as grabbing the right tool of the hook and getting to work. Too easy! (Get the how-to here)

Keep cutting boards in a vertical holder

Keep cutting boards in a vertical holder

Image: Tikkido

Add an easy wooden pocket to the cabinet door under your sink or stove, to create an easy, in-reach storage option for cutting boards, cheese boards, and trays. This update is so easy, and it will save you a serious headache next time you’re preparing veggies. (Here’s how to make it)

Put spices on a magnetic board

spices on a magnetic board

Image:Sondra Lyn at Home

Sick of digging through your spice cabinet to find the paprika? Add a metal slab to the inside of a cabinet door, the side of your fridge, or an open wall, for a genius spice storage upgrade. Keep your spices in well labeled, magnetic containers, so you can simply stick them up onto your metal spice board when they’re not needed. (This is how)

For more amazing storage and organizing ideas, check out the organizing page on Hometalk!

Lindsay is the the Director of Media Engagement for Coldwell Banker Real Estate and manages the brand’s media and social media department. She is also a licensed real estate professional. In 2017 & 2018, she was named a top 20 social influencer in the real estate industry in the annual Swanepoel 200 power rankings.

Lindsay lives in Livingston, NJ with her college sweetheart and now husband Joe and rwelcomed another Joe into her life as she became a mom in June 2016.

Subscribe to Blue Matter and get the latest updates

Leave a Reply

Share on Facebook Share on Twiiter Share on Pinterest Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share on Telegram Share on Email