Popular Kitchen Storage Ideas and What They Cost
For kitchen remodels a lot of focus goes into what’s seen on the surface, and rightly so. Cabinets, appliances, countertops, paint colors — these are the big players that make your kitchen look the way it does. But oftentimes it’s the more subtle gestures that will make your space truly functional and efficient.

Pantry systems, pullout shelving, appliance garages, wall-mounted pegboards and more have long been popular kitchen storage ideas on Houzz, because they can take a gorgeous kitchen to the next level. But you might ask, “Yeah, but what’s that going to cost me?”

With that in mind, here are  kitchen solutions to consider for your remodel or new construction — and how much they might set you back.

 

Pullout platter storage. Entertaining often means getting out the stepladder to grab an oversize platter from the upper reaches of a cabinet or wall. Edo Rosenberg of Kitchens by Meyer came up with this solution, which integrates a pullout compartment in the end of a kitchen island. It commands a lot of space — it’s 30 inches wide and 24 inches deep — but houses large platters at arm’s reach in a divided, safe enclosure.
ost: Rosenberg says this custom feature cost his client roughly $1,200.

Countertop appliance garage. If you have enough countertop space, tucking away regularly used small appliances, such as a toaster or blender, in a dedicated space behind closed doors will allow you to keep your counter free of clutter and cords. Kayron Brewer of Studio K B designed this nifty niche to include an outlet and LED lights so all the small appliances can be used right where they are.

Cost: Brewer estimates that this appliance garage ran $1,600 to $1,900, including the cabinetry, LED lighting strip, power and labor. However, she points out that the appliance garage was part of a full cabinet and construction package, so it’s tricky to price it separately.

Corner drawers. Move over, lazy Susan. You’re not the only clever solution for corners anymore. Full-depth corner drawers are helping homeowners get the most out of tricky spaces.

Cost: Commonly $125 to $225 per drawer (hardware only).

Pullout spice rack. Spice containers are usually a messy lot, getting knocked over in pantries and stuffed into wall-mounted racks that don’t easily accommodate different bottle sizes. Organizing them in a pullout spice rack that fits into your cabinetry will keep them in check.

Pullout spice racks are usually 3 to 12 inches wide and can be installed in base cabinets or upper cabinets. Many homeowners opt for two pullout spice racks to flank a cooktop or install them on opposite sides of a hood for symmetry.

Cost: About $200, but varies depending on the manufacturer, material finish and size.

In-counter knife storage. If you don’t like the look of a freestanding knife block but want to keep knives close at hand, consider an in-counter knife slot. Austin, Texas, woodworker Daniel Vos of DeVos Custom Woodworking says he custom makes these slots in new wood countertops that he also fabricates.

A drop-in knife block is another option. It offers enclosed storage for knives within the confines of the knife block, which is inset into a kitchen counter or island. An existing piece can be retrofitted to include one, or one can be included in a new project, Vos says.

A custom knife block can be made out of any wood, either contrasting or matching the countertop. Slots for the knives are customized to the client’s specifications. (Vos says clients sometimes just send him their knives.) Vos then insets the custom-made block into a slightly smaller hole cut in the countertop, leaving the block overhang resting on the countertop for support. It’s raised ¼ to ¾ inch above the countertop level. The knife block configuration is also removable for cleaning.

Cost: A knife block and associated labor should run around $350. The cost for a knife slot like the one shown here is a $200 upcharge to the cost of a countertop.

Walk-in pantry. A kitchen with a walk-in pantry gets high marks on most folks’ dream lists. You just need to have the room. In lieu of a true walk-in, some kitchens have a closet that’s often poorly designed with scores of fixed shelves that don’t fit larger items, while space is wasted by disorganized smaller items. A professional closet designer or kitchen designer can help optimize your storage capacity and flexibility if you’re redoing or adding a pantry during a kitchen remodel.

The stunning pantry in this longtime popular photo on Houzz features a bevy of built-ins and pullout baskets, overhead lighting and an electrical outlet for small appliances. Generously sized at about 40 inches deep and 108 inches wide, the pantry can be closed off from the kitchen with the aid of two pocket doors.

Cost: Designer Marie Newton of Closets Redefined says the cost of this large pantry project totaled about $5,500.

Pantry system. If your kitchen can’t accommodate a walk-in pantry, consider a pantry system. Unfolding like origami, a pantry system offers unparalleled organization within a cabinet, so you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for quickly and easily. Many systems are available, with different configurations, heights and shelving options.

What I like about this one is that it’s rather simple and doesn’t have a lot of swinging components. Because its interior is oriented vertically and not horizontally, as in a traditional pantry, the visual barriers are eliminated and it’s easy to see items from top to bottom.

Cost: Varies, as different manufacturers offer an array configurations and sizes.  Designed by Jensen Design for Tommy Hein Architects, the system (by Häfele) seen here cost about $2,500 installed.