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


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.
A post shared by @mrs_savannahrj
A photo posted by on
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.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
'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
This spice rack is highly functional and beautiful enough to be displayed proudly on the countertops, as well as hidden in a vertical shelving unit.
We love this simple style: it's sturdy, stylish, and surprisingly inexpensive. These jars make for great staples in vertical storage units, as you can stack them on top of one another.
This turn-table organizer is ideal for just about anything you need to hand – from herbs and spices to our favorite sweet snacks. The double tier is ideal for vertical cabinets, with height allowing for maximum storage.
Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
-
Take it from the experts, these 7 spring gardening tasks are a waste of time
Save yourself the effort by focusing on easier alternatives
By Jill Morgan Published
-
I tried a three-month clothes-buying ban to reduce clutter – it taught me a crucial lesson about my hoarding and saved me nearly $500
Plus, it has drastically changed how I see my shopping habits
By Chiana Dickson Published