LeBron and Savannah James' tall kitchen cabinets are an impressive use of 'dead' space – designers say their technique is 'discreet and highly organized'

The Los Angeles Lakers player set the precedent for smarter kitchen storage – his intelligent cabinets deserve to be replicated in every small kitchen

LeBron and Savannah James
(Image credit: VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)

Whether you have a small kitchen or not, the possibility of turning 'dead' space into storage is likely a welcome thought. Take it from Savannah and LeBron James, the latter of whom is known for his Los Angeles Lakers fame. The couple's Brentwood home is by no means compact, yet their space is a masterclass in optimizing kitchen storage, some of which you might not even know exists.

Designed by Tiffany Brooks and her team, the all-white kitchen features tall, vertical cabinets that stretch up to the ceiling. No space is left without a use. Instead, the cabinets utilize every inch possible, including the highest point of their kitchen.

As you would expect, LeBron and Savannah are not contending with an ultra-small kitchen, but their use of space is inspiring nonetheless. It's a reminder that it's never a bad idea to make use of the areas you have, because extra storage is never a bad thing.

With their benefits considered, it's unsurprising, then, that design experts are hailing vertical storage as one of the top kitchen trends for the remainder of the year.

'In 2025, the need for tailored storage solutions will only increase and continue to serve individual needs and lifestyles that centre around the home. I predict that supersized cabinetry and vertical storage solutions that maximise footprint will continue to rise as they help to utilise space more effectively by creating new planning options for the modern kitchen living space,' comments Matt Phillips, the head of operations at Rotpunkt.

Savannah and LeBron James's use of wood is just as on-trend for 2025. They have painted their wooden cabinets white, but Matt notes that dark wood is just as beautiful.

'The rise in wood décors is not only inspiring a stronger connection with nature but also satisfying the market's continued love of dark colours, statement vertical pieces in the home and kitchen living space,' he explains.

'Most of us are keen to optimise the ground floor by making the best use of the space available, which is why tall units are ideal for creating more options for compartmental storage, which is discreet and highly organised.'

Staying organized continues inside your cabinets, too. We keep returning to these storage essentials, perfect for keeping your dried food goods, spices and teas in order.

Shop our vertical storage edit


Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.

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