The Countertop Solution Martha Stewart Uses To Transform Small Kitchens

Maximizing space is key when it comes to making the most of your small kitchen. Whether you are a Martha Stewart-in-the-making or a master at re-heating takeout, these tips can benefit anyone with a compact cooking space. There are countless small kitchen ideas to make your space seem bigger, but some are more innovative than others. If you're looking for someone to guide you through the most effective space-saving concepts, you can't beat advice from Martha Stewart herself. Most importantly, she suggests not to overlook the power of overhead storage and open shelving.

There's nothing more frustrating than not having enough counter space as you're moving around your kitchen. If you've been battling a lack of surface space, Martha Stewart was once in the same predicament. She explained on her YouTube channel, "In a small kitchen, countertop space is very limited. Adding a shelf takes items off the counter and puts them up here." The trick is to mount the shelf underneath your cabinets to add an extra row of storage. However, you have to follow a set of specific measurements to ensure that you're not crowding your workspace.

Martha Stewart's hack isn't quite as simple as just mounting an extra shelf. The last thing you want is to be ducking under the shelf to use the entire depth of your counter. She explains the precision required with the placement: "This shelf was mounted 22 inches above the counter versus the standard 18 inches. This way, if you're standing at the sink or the stove, you have plenty of room to work and nothing's right in your face." If you are currently renovating your kitchen, consider installing your cabinets slightly higher to leave enough space for the lower shelf to be mounted 22 inches above the countertop.

This isn't the only open shelving trend you'll want in your kitchen. You can also add shelving in unconventional places, like across the window or the kitchen door. Try turning any empty wall into extra storage, as long as it won't interfere with your workspace. Martha Stewart is a particular fan of bird's beak shelving systems, as there is no bulky hardware and the shelves can be moved if needed. A hanging rack is another Stewart-approved method for keeping pots and pans out of the way, allowing more space for dishes, spices, and utensils in your cabinets. Last but not least, don't forget this obvious storage space in the kitchen you are missing out on.