If you open your kitchen cabinets and want to run away screaming from the tumbling and entropic heap of half-used packages - and you're starting to consider dropping a whole paycheck at The Container Store to finally fix your life (for real this time) - Wait! Let us share with you a far cheaper and more whimsical solution: vintage tea tins.
No longer does your sponge squat flatly beside the faucet, on the counter, or in the bottom of your sink bottom, where it wallows in that residue and water. It instead drains through the 30-plus holes, of varying sizes, carved into the bottom of this device. That keeps your sponge well-drained and dry between each use, helping to avoid bacteria buildup and associated odors.
These stands with individual slots to hold bread upright were popular in the Victorian era and have hung around, especially popular among those of us looking to incorporate vintage elements into our kitchens. Toast racks are handy, no doubt, as they keep each slice from piling on top of each other, making each piece soggy if they've been pre-buttered. But they may be of even better use as a savvy kitchen organization hack.
Figuring out what deserves counter space versus cabinet real estate in your kitchen can feel like a constant puzzle, especially when you are dealing with limited space and wanting aesthetic storage solutions. That's why being thoughtful in how you get things organized matters, like choosing to store copper cookware or baskets from a curtain rod. The latest organizing solution I can't stop thinking about? Using a vintage magazine rack as kitchen storage.
These bins are soft and flexible yet sturdy and durable, and they're spacious, too, at 11 by 10 ½ by 10 ½ inches. Plus, they only cost just over a buck each and come in plenty of neutral hues, meaning it's easy to stock up and create a clean, classic, coordinating look in your kitchen. These are often used in other rooms like in your bedroom closet, or in your bathroom linen closet or laundry room.
For many of us, organization is the final boss in getting our kitchen set up the way we want. Creating a harmonious flow and ensuring easy access in a clean, organized space can be difficult. Luckily, there are solutions, and one of the best comes from Costco. The iDesign kitchen bins sold by the retailer can be used in the fridge or the pantry. They don't have any bells or whistles. They offer simple, clean organization, and the results are hard to beat.
But for most of us, we're just trying to enjoy wine and have it on hand, and we're forever looking for ways to keep it organized within the tight space of our kitchens, dining rooms, or home bars. It would be especially appreciated if we could do so in a way that's aesthetically pleasing, but is that too much to ask?
Holding a baby in one arm while trying to cook with the other feels like an Olympic event-minus the cheering crowd and shiny medal. New moms, parents recovering from injury, or anyone managing daily tasks with limited mobility know how real the challenge can be. Cooking with one arm doesn't mean giving up on good food or settling for takeout every night. It just takes a little planning, the right tools, and a shift in approach.
The Bulevina Stainless Steel Sponge Holder is an over-the-sink caddy that slides over your double-sink divider to corral sponges, brushes, and cloths while keeping everything lifted, dry, and organized. It features two roomy compartments and a minimalist stainless steel frame. It measures 3.11 inches deep, 6.77 inches wide, and 3.11 inches tall, and it fits most standard double-sink dividers. It currently retails for $12.99 on Amazon.
Whether they are margarine containers, ice cream tubs, or even takeout containers, anything with a lid can do the job. In the fridge they can hold leftovers and in the pantry you might find anything from dried rice and cereal to cookies, lentils, or even piping bag tips. Plenty of kids grew up peeling the lids off with no idea what was inside until they checked. If it could fit in the container, it was fair game.
We're always on the hunt for ways to upgrade our kitchens, whether that's picking out a new paint for the backsplash, changing the countertops, or sleuthing the best hacks for making organization a breeze. Shoving all the unsightly stuff in a drawer might make the space feel more organized and less cluttered, but it can be hard to remember where you put those cookie cutters once you finally get the homemade cookie dough rolled out.
This gorgeous red marble tray from Westbourne is the latest addition to my setup. Made in collaboration with Montana Labelle, it's crafted in hand-honed Rosso Alicante marble that's quarried in Spain and features beautiful striations that are unique to each piece. I'm using mine to hold my everyday cooking oils (the Westbourne avocado oil and whichever extra virgin olive oil I'm currently working my way through), and thinking of ordering a second to gift to a lucky someone this holiday season.
This drawer was previously full of tea which didn't really feel like the best use of space. It's a shallow drawer which is ideal for flatware, so I decided to make a switch! We had a couple of sets of pretty stainless flatware (with bamboo detail!) that I like to use for holidays and entertaining that didn't have a convenient or organized spot, so this location made a lot more sense. It's right across from the table!
Chances are, we've all lived the nightmare of trying to cram and stack a bunch of heavy stainless steel, nonstick, and cast-iron pans into a dark kitchen cabinet. Not only is storing pans in a small cabinet frustrating, but stacking pans isn't recommended since it risks damaging them. Luckily, there are home and kitchen pros like Martha Stewart to make organizing easier. For instance, a clutter-free storage method that makes pots and pans accessible, organized, and within reach, Stewart uses a hanging kitchen rack.
The Songmics Cabinet Organizer Shelf acts as a riser, so it maximizes vertical space within your kitchen cupboards or countertops. They're available in 12 colorways, including natural wood and solid color finishes, and measure 11.7 inches wide by 6.2 inches high (a larger width is also available). Pair them side-by-side or stack them on top of each other; they're great for plates, drinkware, spices, cans, and more.
Kitchen appliances are supposed to save you time, but when the cords trail across the counter they can become an impediment to efficiency. They get caught on drawer pulls, dangle dangerously close to burners, or just sit in a tangled nest behind the toaster. Still, for the sake of your sanity and safety, it's important to unplug your appliances. A cheap fix comes from self-adhesive plastic hooks.
If you always find yourself stuffing dinnerware and packaged foods into your kitchen cabinets, there's a better way to keep the room organized, especially if you have some open wall space that you're not using. As with many other clever storage spaces you may be ignoring in your kitchen, you can transform that forgotten free wall into DIY gold with an ingenious hack: Install Ikea ENHET cabinets for storing mugs, spices, loose Tupperware, and more.
