The Cabinet Tip Nate Berkus Swears By To Maximize Storage Space In Small Kitchens

Living with a tiny kitchen may seem like you don't get to have enough storage space for all your cookware and utensils. But according to celebrity interior designer Nate Berkus, you don't need to look far to find what's lacking in your kitchen. After revealing the interior design mistakes everyone should avoid, Berkus is back with his strategy to make even the smallest of kitchens feel more functional.

In an Instagram post, the HGTV star answered some fan questions about home design. When one fan asked about the best way to maximize a small kitchen space, Berkus responded: "Bring the cabinetry up to the ceiling, if you can, to maximize your storage." When the next question asked, "Should cabinets go all the way to the ceiling?" He doubled down on his previous statement by saying, "Absolutely yes."

Traditional cabinet designs usually leave a 12 to 24-inch gap between the cabinet and the ceiling. Until you decide to give your kitchen cabinets a modern update, you are just allowing this gap to accumulate dust and cobwebs. Berkus wants you to extend your cabinet to the ceiling to make use of this underutilized space. Aside from adding valuable storage space, this will also create the illusion of having a high ceiling and a more expansive room.

Berkus also suggested using a vintage armoire as a pantry storage. Though not a space-saving solution, it can provide more room for things you want hidden out of plain sight.

What's good about Nate Berkus' design tip is you don't need to gut your entire kitchen to pull it off. If you are already in the process of renovating your kitchen space, tell your contractor to extend the cabinets all the way to the ceiling instead of stopping at the usual height. If you don't have the budget for a professional renovation, you can always DIY your way to achieving the same result. For instance, you can stack small cabinet boxes above the existing kitchen cabinets to close the gap. You can then use the additional storage to keep non-everyday items, like holiday platters, small appliances, and even dry goods.

If you are renting and your landlord prohibits you from altering existing cabinets, Berkus' second suggestion is worth considering. Just look for a tall furniture piece, like an armoire or freestanding hutch, and use it as a pantry or storage space for your non-essential kitchen tools. This will allow you to increase storage in your tiny kitchen without committing to built-ins.

Meanwhile, if you are determined to make the most of vertical storage, consider other clever storage ideas for the above-cabinet space, like adding baskets, clear bins, or labeled containers to keep high-up items organized. Just be sure not to overload the space so it does not look cramped and untidy. Also, keep a slim step stool nearby so you can access your new top storage space easily.