Living in a tiny urban apartment, I thought I'd figured out a way to utilize every inch of space in my kitchen. Then I saw Brooke Shields' space and realized I could be doing.
In her beautiful neutral kitchen, Brooke showcases tall, vertical storage in the form of her cabinets, which stretch high to the ceiling. While these cabinets are subtle, they make excellent use of 'dead' space that would conventionally exist above standard-sized cabinetry, turning an unused area into precious storage space.
While Brooke's all-white kitchen is certainly not compact, her vertical cabinets prove that it's never a bad idea to think intelligently about how best to use space.
When you're working with a small kitchen like mine, incorporating such cabinets will almost double my storage area, but in larger rooms, extra storage is still welcome. It offers yet more opportunity to be organized, whether you fill your high spaces with lesser-used items (to keep everyday essentials closer to hand) or cookbooks that you don't read often. There is no wrong way to store items in these cabinets.
Shop my kitchen organization essentials
Having smart cabinets is one thing, but making use of this extra space is another. Here are some of my go-tos to keep my shelves organized.
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.
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.
The benefits of Brooke Shields's vertical shelving aren't lost on me as I plan to make the best use of the space I have. However, I am not alone in my admiration for these kitchen storage ideas.
'Maximising space in a small kitchen takes more than just about decluttering; it’s also about designing smarter. Vertical kitchen storage is a game-changer for compact spaces, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal,' comments Sicotas' organisation expert, Sara Guo.
'Vertical kitchen cabinets make efficient use of underutilised wall space, ensuring that every inch of the kitchen is optimised. They not only provide additional storage but also create a sense of height, making a small kitchen feel more open and spacious.'
Plus, when it comes to storing those lesser-used items, Sara recommends going higher instead of lower and deeper.
'Unlike traditional lower cabinets that can lead to deep, hard-to-reach spaces, vertical storage keeps everything within easy view and access. Tall cabinets also help reduce countertop clutter by offering more designated storage for appliances, pantry items, and cookware,' she says.
'Vertical kitchen storage is a smart and stylish solution for maximising small spaces. By prioritising height over width, homeowners can achieve a clutter-free, efficient kitchen without compromising on design.'
I'm replicating Brooke's cabinets at the first available opportunity, and am imagining how I'll use the extra space already. Won't you join me?
