A kitchen remodel is one of the most rewarding upgrades a homeowner can make. While aesthetics are always top-of-mind, functionality plays an equally important role—especially when it comes to cabinetry. Smart cabinet storage can dramatically improve how your kitchen works for you every single day.
So, what are homeowners asking for most in today’s remodels? Here are the top cabinet storage solutions that are leading the way in modern kitchen designs.
Pull-Out Shelves and Drawers
Pull-out shelves are a game-changer for base cabinets. No more getting on your hands and knees to dig out a pot or pan buried in the back. These full-extension drawers make every inch of cabinet space accessible and keep everything neatly organized.
Popular for:
- Pots and pans
- Small appliances
- Food storage containers
Lazy Susans & Corner Storage Solutions
Corner cabinets are notorious for being awkward and hard to access. Lazy Susans, swing-out shelves, and blind corner pull-outs are highly requested because they maximize this tricky space without sacrificing usability.
Why homeowners love them:
They turn wasted corners into fully functional storage zones.
Built-In Trash & Recycling Bins
No one wants to see the trash can sitting out in the open. That’s why built-in waste and recycling bins are near the top of the list for cabinet storage upgrades. These usually slide out smoothly from under the sink or within a designated base cabinet.
Bonus: Keeps smells contained and the kitchen looking clean.
Vertical Tray Dividers
Cookie sheets, cutting boards, and baking pans are a hassle to stack. Vertical tray dividers solve this problem by storing items upright for easy access. These dividers are often built into upper cabinets or narrow base cabinets next to the oven.
Perfect for:
Bakers, meal preppers, and anyone short on patience.
Appliance Garages
An appliance garage is a dedicated space with a lift-up or roll-top door where small appliances can live while staying out of sight. They’re ideal for coffee makers, toasters, and blenders you use frequently but don’t want on display.
Design tip: Add outlets inside for easy plug-and-play access.
Deep Drawers for Pots & Pans
Replacing traditional lower cabinets with deep drawers is one of the most requested upgrades. These drawers make storing and retrieving heavy pots and pans much easier—and they can be customized with built-in dividers or peg systems.
Why it works:
It combines form and function without compromising storage capacity.
Spice Pull-Outs & Drawer Inserts
Nothing ruins the cooking experience like a cluttered spice cabinet. That’s why many homeowners are choosing narrow pull-out spice racks or tiered drawer inserts for easy sorting and quick access.
Pro tip: Install spice storage near your cooktop for maximum convenience.
Pantry Cabinets with Roll-Out Shelving
If a walk-in pantry isn’t an option, a tall pantry cabinet with roll-out shelves is the next best thing. These offer tons of space for dry goods and can be designed with custom configurations, like can racks or adjustable shelves.
Ideal for:
Compact kitchens or those looking to maximize vertical space.
Under-Sink Organizers
The space under the sink is often wasted or becomes a cluttered mess. Custom organizers can make room for cleaning supplies, dish soap, and extra sponges, all while working around plumbing.
Common additions:
Pull-out caddies, towel bars, and tiered shelving.
Drawer Peg Systems & Custom Dividers
Organized drawers make a huge difference in daily kitchen use. Custom peg systems for dishes, dividers for utensils, and knife blocks built into drawers are highly requested features that bring order to the chaos.
Design smart:
Think about what you use most often and organize around that.
Final Thoughts
Today’s homeowners are looking for kitchens that are not just beautiful, but also thoughtfully organized. Investing in smart cabinet storage solutions makes your kitchen more enjoyable to use and can even boost your home’s resale value. Whether you’re planning a full remodel or a small upgrade, consider integrating some of these most-requested features to elevate your kitchen’s form and function.
