Lily Collins uses this strategically-placed floating unit to make use of 'dead' space in her kitchen – for streamlined results

Lily Collins may currently be best associated with her character's Parisian apartment – but in reality, we can learn just as much from her mid-century LA home. Most notably, the Emily in Paris actress has set a precedent for smart storage solutions in her wooden kitchen, starting with her 'floating' unit that cleverly (and stylishly) utilizes space that might have otherwise gone unused.

In a recent shoot, Collins was pictured in front of the unit, which, unlike conventional kitchen storage solutions, appears to hang from the ceiling, far above her countertops. While it's not uncommon for cabinets to 'float' above work surfaces, Collins has placed her unit notably higher than those we're used to seeing. The cabinet, therefore, continues right to the ceiling, making use of every inch available.

It's unlikely that Collins is working with a particularly small kitchen, yet she makes the most of space in a way that translates to even the most compact of spaces, as experts explain.

'A cluttered kitchen can be frustrating and unappealing, and by maximizing storage space, you can organize your kitchen, drawers, and cupboards, which allows more worktop space. No matter the size of your kitchen, it's vital to optimize the entire space. You can do this by adding cabinets, drawers, and shelving to display your accessories and kitchen decor,' comments Matt Rotherham, the CEO of Gemini Worktops.

When following Collins's lead, Rotherham recommends investing in custom-built kitchen cabinets that are tailored to our specific needs, thus making the most of every inch in your kitchen. 'Floating shelves are also a great way to take advantage of your wall space,' he adds. This not only creates a cohesive space but allows you to display your kitchen items; this is a great way to add a feature to a plain and unused space. Clever storage solutions, such as pull-out racks and deep drawers, help keep everything organized and easily accessible.'

Interior designer Kelly Collins agrees. She, too, emphasizes that strategically placed cabinets, especially those that make use of an unused area, are a win-win – creating extra storage from space we never knew we had.

'When space is premium, you need to make use of everything you have available to you. There are random indents in the walls under the stairs, strange corners in the kitchen walls, etc,' Collins comments. Add floating shelves to these areas to make the space functional and practical. Since you weren’t using the space for anything already, it makes sense to dedicate the area to more storage.'

Floating units (and shelves) aside, we also recommend using these kitchen storage essentials – designed to make the most of every inch of the room available.