Jessica Chastain's vertical kitchen cabinets make clever (and unexpected) use of 'dead' overhead space

Those with large kitchens often have dead space that is not being used to its full potential. While this may be looked at as a curse, it's actually a blessing in disguise. Need proof? Look no further than Jessica Chastain's high-ceilinged kitchen in her Manhattan home, which just so happens to be up for sale.

The Molly's Game actor's space, which is currently listed for $7.45 million, takes advantage of its ample vertical space by implementing a neat row of white, painted cabinets above the main, glass-fronted ones.

Kitchen storage strategies can be highly dependent on the size of the room itself; however, even those with smaller kitchens than Chastain's likely have 'dead' or unused spaces that can be modified into maximal storage space.

'Jessica Chastain’s kitchen is a perfect example of this; traditional cupboard storage is used to its full potential by being extended to incorporate the overhead space,' says Space Station storage expert Vlatka Lake. 'Doing this breathes life into previously dead space by allowing you to store items you might not need every day, such as specialist cookware or spare crockery, without creating clutter in the places we use every day.'

While Chastain's ceilings are noticeably high, Lake says that even those with lower ceilings can utilize the double cabinet method to give off this appearance.

'Doing this can also create the illusion of higher ceilings as the continued doors up to the ceiling will give the impression that the space above the counter is taller and therefore make the room feel bigger,' Lake explains.

One important consideration to make with vertical storage is access. We can see in the images that Chastain has hung a ladder on a rail, which is reminiscent of libraries and bookstores.

'Whilst this adds an elegant touch, it may not be realistic for everyone,' Lake states. 'One way you can ensure you’re able to reach the top spaces is by getting a stool that you’re able to put to one side and bring out whenever you need it. If you’re extremely space-conscious, you can also get stools that are foldable and can easily slot inside a cupboard or a drawer and be put together easily when needed.'

Ellen Kapit and Cathy Taub of Sotheby’s International Realty are selling Jessica Chastain's home. It's currently listed for $7.45 million.