Declutter Kitchen Drawers With A Clever Storage Solution That Doubles As Decor

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Some of us who grew up in a certain era recall those accordion racks in the kitchen where our dads hung their favorite white, diner-style coffee mugs. So synonymous were those flexible racks with coffee cups and the wholesome, stove-perked cup of Joe that went with them that the rack never seemed to get any other use. This is too bad. Repurposed just right, though, accordion racks become the oven mitt and hot pad holder we never knew we needed. One well-placed accordion rack on the wall near the stove is one of the simplest ways to make your kitchen look organized and beautiful while also giving you more drawer space to store things.

These handy racks have been around for decades -– since before the 20th century, at least. This explains why they are so ubiquitous at thrift stores, garage sales, and even in your nanna's basement. However, due to their usefulness and beauty, it's also possible to find them brand new in retail stores and online even today.

Some of the older ones are made from bamboo or brass, though wood seems to be the most common building material for them. Many are unassuming, with just a coat or two of varnish on them. Others, like the Dseap Accordion Wall Hanger, boast a stylish paint job that sees the pegs being hued one color and the flexible base another. All of this is to say that when you're looking for one for your kitchen, you'll do your decor a favor if you choose one you can decorate your kitchen with, instead of choosing one that's just practical.

In kitchen design, there is what's known as the kitchen work triangle. This design concept came about in the 1940s, and basically, it suggests that the stove, the refrigerator, and the sink should sit at the points of a triangle. At minimum, 4 feet stands between each point; at max, 9 feet. While there is some speculation about whether or not this concept is outdated, it's a useful model to follow when you're getting ready to hang up the accordion rack. Ideally, it should be hung up within the triangle to allow you to have easy access to the hot pads and oven mitts while you're cooking and baking.

Another thing to consider is how this clever kitchen decluttering trick will work within the room's design. Certainly, your choice of accordion racks will have a lot to do with how the display looks in the kitchen. However, you'll be missing an opportunity to dress up the kitchen if you don't also consider how the hot pads and oven mitts themselves will look hanging on the accordion rack and how they can enhance its appearance. For example, throughout the year, look for hot pads and oven mitts that sport holiday themes, like Christmas or Valentine's Day. Replace your regular oven mitts with a few of those to perk up the room.

Finally, you can extend this kitchen decorating hack to your towels, too. It'd be an especially cool way to display those vintage linen kitchen towels. Trim the towels with lace or ribbons. Then, hang them next to your pot holders to level up the design.