Nate Berkus' Chic Solution For Adding Storage To Kitchens With Limited Cabinet Space

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Storage is one thing that most people never seem to have enough of, and this is especially true when it comes to kitchens. With so many items vying for space, finding a home for everything can be a challenge — and adding additional cabinetry isn't always an option. If you're in this boat, HGTV's Nate Berkus has a suggestion: Incorporate a piece of furniture into the room as a chic and functional way to gain additional storage space.

"Adding a piece of furniture in the kitchen is an amazing way of keeping the things that you need really close by and also, having something really beautiful that isn't cabinetry," Berkus shared in an Instagram post. He notes that most people don't have enough cabinetry in their kitchens, and including furniture is a simple way to remedy that. Some storage pieces Berkus recommends include a shallow armoire or a chest of drawers. If you have the space, a dresser can also work well — not only to provide additional storage inside, but the surface on top can act as a coffee or cocktail bar, or be used as a serving area for food or drinks. 

Opting to add furniture to your kitchen rather than installing additional cabinetry is typically a more cost-effective option as well. There are plenty of budget-friendly pieces of furniture that can maximize your storage space. You can also consider vintage wood furniture you can thrift to add some unique character to the space while keeping costs downs. In his dining area, Berkus has a vintage, three-drawer chest which he uses to store placemats and napkins for easy access when setting the table.

If you're adding drawers or a cabinet near an eating area — such as in Nate Berkus' house – it can be a great place to keep items such as table runners, tablecloths, napkin rings, and kitchen towels. Depending on the size of the piece, it could also be used to hold larger items. Serving pieces, such as platters or large bowls, or even small appliances that you don't use every day can be stored inside, reducing clutter in your kitchen.

Regardless of what you're storing, Berkus believes it's important to keep things neat and organized inside. Purchasing drawer dividers or organizers, like Utoplike Bamboo Kitchen Drawer Dividers, is an easy way to do this. Your local dollar store may also have a lot of small, budget-friendly containers that work well if you're on a tight budget. You could also try DIYing your own wooden drawer organizer. By incorporating an organized, functional, and stylish piece of furniture into your kitchen, you're not only adding much needed storage space, but it's also a way to include a beautiful statement piece that elevates the overall aesthetic of the room.