Soaring ceilings are a high point (pun intended) for many homeowners; not only do they expand a space, but they often provide more vertical storage opportunities – a boon as the holidays approach and we look for extra space to store specialty dishes and entertaining accessories.
Case in point: Tom Brady's kitchen. The former NFL quarterback recently shared a video clip on his Instagram page of him at home cooking, and we immediately were drawn to his long, wooden kitchen cabinets, which seem to provide ample room for any and all storage ideas.
It's yet another example we have seen of vertical space being utilised, rather than having 'dead space' go ignored.
Shop the Tom Brady-inspired edit
Tom’s kitchen features just the right amount of items on display to keep the space from feeling sterile or impersonal, including glass storage jars on the countertop, much like this one.
The stack of cookery books we noticed shows that Tom is a passionate cook. If you’re after a reliable go-to recipe collection, this Ottolenghi duo is a great addition to your own kitchen shelves.
Bring elegance and simplicity to your space with this striking large vase. Made from refined ceramic in a calming ivory tone, it adds a subtle touch of sophistication to any kitchen counter.
The matte white ceramic of this utensil holder is beautifully complemented by its matching base and classic wooden spoon, making it a charming and functional accent for your kitchen counters.
Refresh your kitchen countertop with a durable maple cutting board featuring elevated feet. I’ve just picked up this one and plan to use it as a platform to display my pots of fresh herbs in style.
Tom’s shelves showcase simple white stoneware, perfectly aligned with his minimalist aesthetic. Place this papier-mache-style vase on your own shelves for a similarly elegant and understated touch.
'Dead space' typically refers to any area in a kitchen, especially above existing cabinets, that does not have a defined purpose. 'Tom Brady's vertical cabinets are a fabulous example of how to maximize storage and eliminate dead space in a kitchen,' Homes & Gardens' editor Jennifer Ebert states. 'Though cabinets are often sectioned off, having individual, tall cabinets is highly beneficial for keeping a space tidy and organized.'
Ebert suggests being strategic about what items are being stored in vertical cabinets like Brady's. We can also choose floor-to-ceiling kitchen storage that draws our eyes upwards and makes our space feel both airy and organised – perfect for showcasing festive crockery or seasonal accents.
'I would recommend placing items that you don't frequently reach for on the top shelves and keep your everyday essentials on the bottom shelves,' she states. 'For example, specialty appliances or dishes that only get taken out on special occasions [like Thanksgiving or Christmas] could go on top, while cereal bowls or blenders could go on the bottom.'
With vertical cabinets comes the consideration of height; while we don't see a ladder in Brady's space, Ebert suggests having one on standby.
'Kitchen safety extends beyond knives and heated appliances,' she says. 'If you're going to opt for high, vertical storage, make sure to use a proper ladder so items can be reached with ease.'
Finally, from an aesthetic point of view, vertical cabinets are an excellent choice for those who want to make their kitchens feel more expansive.
'Vertical storage is a great way to make a room seem like it has higher ceilings than it actually does,' Ebert explains. 'By going tall rather than wide, a kitchen will automatically look sleeker and airier, in addition to the functional elements of extra storage.' Will you be following his example? Let me know in the comments below.
