No matter the size of your kitchen, it's likely that you'll always look for ways to maximize storage. Take Eva Longoria, for example. We'd hazard a guess that the actress's home isn't notably compact, yet her cabinets teach us storage lessons that translate to the smallest of kitchens.
In her neutral wooden kitchen, Longoria exhibits the most strategic storage solution of all: vertical cabinets – seen stretching up to her ceiling. Vertical storage is often (understandably) associated with small kitchens, but often, they're incorporated in custom-designed spaces (of all sizes) where every inch is used strategically. It's unsurprising, then, that experts count vertical storage among the most intelligent kitchen trends shaping how we decorate for 2025.
'As we look to next year, the need for tailored storage solutions will only increase, continuing to serve individual needs and lifestyles centered around the home,' begins Matt Phillips, the head of operations at Rotpunkt.
'I predict vertical storage solutions that maximize footprint will continue to rise as they help to utilize space more effectively by creating new planning options for the modern kitchen living space.'
Vertical storage makes utilizes of 'dead' space that might otherwise go unused – however, as Phillips explains, the trend also celebrates craftsmanship – most specifically regarding door design.
'Vertical style is now infiltrating the door itself, with highly structured door fronts that are designed with deep vertical grooves placing new emphasis on the furniture itself while, at the same time, helping modern kitchen interiors to move away from the standard slab door and accentuate full height cabinets,' he comments.
Molly Chandler, a designer at Willis & Stone, agrees. As Longoria demonstrates, she recommends choosing vertical storage in the form of tall cabinets or shelves that reach right up to the ceiling – making use of room that we never realized we had before. Further to this, she suggests maximizing storage further with clever racks or hooks [such as these from Amazon] behind our kitchen cabinet doors.
'You may also want to consider pull-out pantry shelves or racks between cabinets or next to appliances to maximize storage for spices and other pantry items,' she adds.
Making the most of our kitchen storage begins with the cabinets, but it's not possible without the right accessories. As Chandler explains, wall hooks are a versatile choice, but we also love these essentials, available below.
When we first covered this organizer from Nate Berkus after its launch, our readers adored it. It has a handy slide-out functionality that offers instant accessibility.
Designed for corner cabinets over 28 inches, this lazy Susan turntable for cabinet efficiently utilizes hard-to-reach areas.
'In smaller kitchens, it's advisable to design tall or wall cabinetry to reach maximum height, as this not only optimizes vertical storage space but also creates the illusion of taller ceilings, contributing to a greater sense of spaciousness,' Chandler adds. This trend can benefit every kitchen, and if it's good enough for Longoria, it's good enough for us.
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