Martha Stewart's Clever Pots And Pans Storage Idea Frees Up So Much Cabinet Space
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While there are design choices you likely won't see in Martha Stewart's home, there are also some that can be considered staples in her house. A notable example is Stewart's go-to solution for storing pots and pans: A ceiling-mounted rack. "Hanging [them] on a rack is such a handy way to keep your pots and pans," she explains in a video clip featured on TikTok.
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Stewart's overhead storage hack not only makes it easy for users to find the stovetop utensils they need, but it also keeps the kitchen organized. "It really makes it easy to keep your pots and pans in sight, clean [...] and looking great," she quips in the video. Additionally, the simple storage solution frees up valuable cabinet space, especially in smaller kitchens. In an interview with lifestyle magazine Frederic, the TV star even points out how it can be frustrating to keep pots and pans in under-counter cabinets. "It's very hard to use an under-counter space to store pots because they have to be stacked, and they're in small areas, and then you have to take everything out to get what you need."
With ceiling-mounted racks, meal prep becomes efficient. "You can see what you have and which pot you need for the specific job at hand, and grab it," Stewart notes.
What makes Martha Stewart's storage hack for pots and pans work?
Martha Stewart has shared simple organizing tips to help the kitchen run more smoothly through her shows and books. As someone who really knows her way around the kitchen, it's not surprising that she prefers overhead racks over traditional cabinets for storing her beloved copper pots and pans. The former offers full visibility and instance access, so there's no need to shuffle through clanging metal stacks just to retrieve the right utensil. Cooking also becomes faster and less stressful with this setup since every item is within arm's reach.
For her favored storage setup, Stewart likes having a large hanging rack suspended above an island or prep counter. She then uses large hooks to hang her copper pots and pans, which are arranged by size and function. The smaller ones are typically at the front, while the larger ones are at the back for easy access. What's good about this storage solution is that it makes use of vertical space, which is often underutilized even in small kitchens. It also boosts the overall efficiency of the kitchen by transforming the cooking space into a workstation.
Moreover, because the design of this storage is open, it is easy to find the cookware you need before cooking, and you can even swap pans or pots halfway through the process, or as the need arises. So, for people with tight kitchens or those simply looking to declutter without remodeling, Stewart's storage solution is worth checking out.
How to incorporate Stewart's smart storage hack in your kitchen?
Implementing Martha Stewart's ceiling-mounted storage hack in your own kitchen is easier than it looks. First thing to consider is the layout of your kitchen. If you have a central island or prep area with empty overhead space, that's the ideal spot to install a hanging rack. Choose a rack made of durable materials, like wrought iron, stainless steel, or brushed nickel, so there's an assurance that it will last. To perfectly mimic Stewart's signature rack, go for one with a copper or brass finish. To further maximize the setup's potential, choose one with a built-in shelf on top, where you can store items like colanders or decorative baskets.
If your small kitchen can't accommodate ceiling-mounted fixtures, consider wall-mounted racks or rails instead. Aside from being easier to install on any empty wall, they provide nearly the same functionality, especially when you place one near the stove or sink. There are so many options available on Amazon and Walmart. Choose one that includes hooks, so you don't have to buy separately. Regarding the lids, the TikTok video does not show where Stewart places them for safekeeping. But a popular option among homeowners is a lid organizer, which can be tucked inside a cabinet or displayed on the counter. For wall-mounted rails, some models can accommodate the lids in the gap between the wall and the rail. You can also transform a shelf riser into a genius pots and pans lid storage with the right tools.