When most homeowners in Southeast Michigan think about remodeling their kitchen, one of the first frustrations that comes up is storage. Not enough room for pots and pans. Pantries that don’t actually hold what you need. Countertops crowded with small appliances. Drawers that turn into junk catch-alls.
The truth is, even the most beautiful kitchen design falls flat if it doesn’t solve these storage challenges. At Lincorp Borchert, we’ve spent decades helping families create kitchens where every item has its place, so the space looks organized and functions effortlessly day after day.
On this page, we’ll explore some of the best storage solutions for modern kitchens, including real examples from local projects in Oakland and Macomb Counties.
Why Smart Storage Matters
Storage isn’t just about cabinets and shelves — it’s about how your kitchen works. Smart storage solutions make cooking faster, cleanup easier, and clutter disappear. More importantly, the right storage creates a sense of calm and order in a room that sees constant activity.
Think of it this way: the less time you spend digging for the right pan or clearing off counter space, the more time you have to enjoy your kitchen.
Common Kitchen Storage Frustrations
- Crowded Countertops – Toasters, coffee makers, blenders, and air fryers all fighting for space.
- Deep, Hard-to-Reach Cabinets – Items get lost in the back, only to be rediscovered years later.
- Unusable Corners – Wasted space where cabinets meet.
- Small Pantries – Not enough space to store bulk items or keep food organized.
- Limited Drawer Space – Especially frustrating for utensils, pots, and baking tools.
Sound familiar? These are exactly the issues a well-designed remodel can fix.
Smart Storage Solutions for Today’s Kitchens
Pull-Out Pantry Systems
Pull-out pantries keep everything visible and within reach — no more digging through deep shelves. Tall pull-out units can be designed as narrow as 12 inches wide, making them a great fit even in smaller kitchens.
Deep Drawers for Pots & Pans
Instead of stacking heavy cookware in a low cabinet, deep drawers allow pots, pans, and lids to slide out effortlessly. This is one of the most popular storage upgrades we install for families who cook often.
Corner Cabinet Solutions
Corners don’t have to be wasted space. Options like Lazy Susans, blind-corner pull-outs, or LeMans shelves make use of every inch while keeping items easy to access.
Appliance Garages
If you love small appliances but don’t want them cluttering your counters, appliance garages hide them behind cabinetry doors. Perfect for coffee stations, blenders, or toasters.
Custom Pantry Design
Walk-in or built-in pantries can be designed to fit your exact needs — from adjustable shelves to pull-out baskets and even dedicated snack drawers for kids.
Hidden Recycling & Trash Centers
Pull-out cabinets designed for trash and recycling bins keep waste out of sight while making cleanup more efficient.
Charging Stations & Tech Storage
Many modern kitchens now include hidden outlets and built-in charging drawers, helping keep devices organized without cords taking over the counter.
Southeast Michigan Trends in Kitchen Storage
We’ve noticed a few storage trends specific to homeowners in our area:
- Bigger Families, Bigger Pantries: Many Oakland and Macomb County families prefer walk-in pantries or extended cabinet pantries to hold bulk groceries from Costco or Sam’s Club.
- Multi-Purpose Islands: Islands often double as storage hubs with deep drawers, open shelving, and built-in beverage coolers.
- Open Shelving for Style: While homeowners want hidden storage for most items, many also like a few open shelves to display dishes, glassware, or décor.
- Durability First: Families here want storage solutions built to last — soft-close drawers, sturdy shelving, and finishes that hold up to daily use.
Mistakes to Avoid with Kitchen Storage
- Relying Only on Upper Cabinets – Tall cabinets look nice but aren’t always practical for daily use.
- Ignoring Accessibility – Think about ease of use now and as you age.
- Underestimating Pantry Needs – A too-small pantry quickly becomes a frustration.
- Forgetting Small Appliances – Plan for where they’ll live when not in use.
- Overcomplicating Storage – Too many gadgets or inserts can make a kitchen harder to use, not easier.
Tips for Planning Your Kitchen Storage
- Take Inventory: List everything currently in your kitchen. This helps determine how much storage you really need.
- Identify Pain Points: Where does clutter build up most often? That’s the first problem to solve.
- Plan for Growth: Families grow, cooking habits change, and storage should be flexible.
- Work with a Designer: Our design team creates CAD renderings that show how your new storage solutions will look and function before construction begins.
Next Steps
Smart storage is one of the most impactful parts of a kitchen remodel. By planning carefully, you can have a kitchen that not only looks beautiful but also supports your daily routines with ease.
Once storage is in place, the next big decision is choosing durable materials and timeless finishes that bring everything together.
👉 Explore the next guide: Durable Kitchen Materials & Timeless Finishes
And if you’re ready to create a kitchen that’s as functional as it is beautiful, our team at Lincorp Borchert would love to help. We’ve been serving Oakland and Macomb Counties for more than 30 years with expert design-build remodeling.
📞 Call us at (586) 992-8400
