7 Storage Trends That Maximize Space

Storage space is often sought after by homebuyers and homeowners alike. Here are seven storage trends that offer both functionality and value, from Houzz. 

1. Vertically Stretched Cabinets 

In smaller kitchens and kitchens with higher ceilings, homeowners can take advantage of vertical space by adding ceiling-height cabinets. 

“The uppermost shelves are a great place to store lesser-used items, such as seasonal cookware, keeping lower cabinets free for more frequently used pieces,” Houzz says. 

Taller cabinets can also create a more finished look and draw the eye upward, resulting in a more spacious-looking kitchen. 

2. Glass-Front Cabinet Doors 

Kitchen cabinets with glass-front doors help break up the solid walls/cabinets and add visual interest. Homeowners can use these cabinets to show off their favorite dishes, display their organizational skills or make their kitchenware more visually accessible. 

3. Interior Cabinet Lighting 

Interior lighting adds further visual interest and an elevated feeling to spaces like kitchens and dining rooms.  

“Whether it’s built-in recessed lighting or low-profile lighting such as puck lights or tape lights, the extra illumination both adds beauty to kitchen design and makes it easier to see items,” Houzz notes. “This is particularly helpful if a cabinet is especially large or too high or low to be lit by the main kitchen lights, or for homeowners with waning eyesight.” 

4. Bifold or Retractable Cabinet Doors 

For homeowners who can’t decide between open or closed storage, bifold and retractable cabinet doors are the perfect compromise. This way, favorite items can be shown off without doors hanging open haphazardly, or they can be neatly tucked away out of sight. 

5. Countertop Towers 

“Adding a tall vertical cabinet to a countertop is a space-savvy solution, particularly helpful in a compact kitchen or bath,” Houzz says, adding that bathroom towers with ventilation holes are a nice touch to increase airflow and prevent moisture-related issues. 

These tower cabinets can also discreetly house items like toothbrushes, hairdryers, baking pans and more.  

6. Longer Vanities 

Many homeowners are choosing longer vanities for more storage and a more unified look in their bathrooms. Houzz reports that 46% of renovating homeowners opt for a vanity that’s longer than 60 inches.  

Some of these vanities also have additional storage features, including makeup stations/storage, pullouts and inserts for specific items, like hairstyling tools. 

7. Vanity Drawer Below Plumbing 

“Instead of having one big cabinet below the sink, which works around plumbing pipes but wastes space, or having several too-small drawers, designers and homeowners are getting creative,” says Houzz. 

“Some winning designs have an under-sink cabinet that’s smaller than usual, but with a drawer added below that cabinet. This full-size drawer can hold towels, hairstyling tools or toiletries with ease, helping keep countertops clutter-free and items within easy reach.”