Kitchen Organization: 7 Custom Storage Solutions

No one ever says, “I wish I had less storage.”

And that’s because great storage isn’t just about having space. It’s about having the right space, designed for your life and your home.

So, now you might be wondering: “How do I get the right storage solutions for my kitchen and do I really need to spend money?”

Usually, when you’re buying a new home, it comes with builder-grade cabinetry that looks fine at first glance. But the moment you start putting your groceries and kitchen items away, you quickly realize it’s missing the thoughtful storage and day-to-day functionality you actually need that comes with custom cabinetry. These standard builder-grade cabinets typically have one basic shelf, leaving a lot of space underutilized. That’s why so many of us eventually choose to upgrade our kitchens with custom cabinetry.

Choosing to work with a custom cabinetmaker, isn’t just about elevating the look of your space, it’s also about designing storage that actually works for your lifestyle. Whether it’s adding pull-outs, built-in organizers, or maximizing tricky corners, custom solutions turn cookie-cutter kitchens into spaces that truly fit how you live.

At CW Kitchens, we specialize in unique cabinetry that goes beyond aesthetics. Our work is as much about functionality as it is about finish. We offer a wide range of custom storage solutions that transform your kitchen, bathroom, mudroom—or any room—into a space that makes your life easier, while looking great.

Here’s a look at some of the most popular (and practical) storage features we add into kitchens every single day:

Roll-Out Pantry Shelves

We can probably guess where your spices, dry foods, and canned goods are stored: in an upper cabinet with one or two basic shelves. And we bet it’s nearly impossible to get anything out efficiently. To grab that packet of rice at the back, you’re probably removing three spice jars, two random condiments, and a can you forgot you even bought.

How is that practical for anyone?

Say goodbye to messy, hard-to-reach cabinets once and for all. One of our favourite features to recommend to clients for pantry storage is roll-outs. No more stretching to the very back or reorganizing half the pantry just to find what you need.

Roll-outs keep your spices, dry goods, and snacks visible and within reach, making meal prep so much easier. Just open the cabinet, pull the roll-out drawer toward you, and there it is: effortless access.

Hidden Trash and Recycling Bins

Keeping waste bins hidden but still accessible is one of the most common requests we get from clients redoing their kitchen cabinetry. It’s not enough to just make a cabinet tall enough to fit a garbage bin. You need something that’s actually built into your cabinetry, not an afterthought.

We design integrated waste and recycling pull-outs that blend seamlessly into your kitchen, usually placed near the sink or prep zones to create a more efficient working space. They stay out of sight, but are easy to access when you need them.

And if you need more than one bin, that’s no problem. We can build double or even triple-bin pull-outs, perfect for separating garbage, recycling, and compost. Most units also come with lids, so you don’t have to worry about unwanted odours drifting into the kitchen.

Built-In Cutlery and Utensil Dividers

You know that drawer in your kitchen you always promise to keep clean, but it’s always a mess no matter what you do? Yeah, don’t worry, we’re all guilty of that. And who can blame you when all you have is one massive drawer with no customized organization built into it?

Forget about the mess, just come see us when you’re ready for a change. We’ll create create custom dividers that perfectly fit your utensils, cooking tools, and whatever else you need tucked away neatly. We can build everything from simple utensil dividers to full cutlery organizers, knife blocks, and spice inserts. No more digging, no more clutter, no more mystery items disappearing into the chaotic mess.

Corner Cabinet Solutions

Corner cabinet space is something we talk about a lot during our design consultations. No one ever knows what to do with that awkward area of the kitchen. Most of the time, it ends up being dead space, but for anyone who wants to maximize storage, that’s far from ideal. If you’re someone who needs every inch of your kitchen to work for you, that corner unit absolutely needs a proper solution.

There are several ways to make a corner cabinet functional. Lazy Susans are the classic choice, but we’re seeing more clients move toward LeMans units instead. They pull out smoothly, bring everything directly to you, and make accessing pots, pans, and small appliances so much easier. No more reaching into the dark void of your corner cabinet.

Vertical Tray and Baking Sheet Storage

Stacking baking trays and cooking dishes on top of each other is a nightmare. The last thing you need while making dinner is to play a game of Jenga with your cookware just to get food on the table for your family.

Instead of awkwardly piling everything together, we can integrate vertical storage slots into your kitchen design so cutting boards, baking sheets, and trays are always easy to grab.

This feature can be placed wherever it’s most convenient for you. On top of a pantry? Yup. Above your wall oven? Absolutely. Next to the stove? Mhm.

The best part? You can rearrange the dividers whenever you want. Every slot can be adjusted to fit your dishes perfectly, no matter the size.

Pull-Out Spice Racks

Are you still storing your spices in an upper cabinet with no organization strategy whatsoever? Yeah, we’re going to put an end to that so you can keep your sanity.

Nothing is more irritating than having to move four spice jars just to reach the paprika hiding in the back. Instead of dealing with that every time you cook, keep everything organized and easy to access with a custom spice pull-out. Our spice drawers are a hit with homeowners for a reason. Every jar is visible, every label is easy to read, and nothing mysteriously disappears into the back of a cabinet.

The best part? A spice pull-out can be added almost anywhere in your kitchen. Want it beside the stove so you can season as you cook? Done. Prefer it in your island where you prep your meals? Absolutely.

Back-of-Island Storage

Imagine standing at your kitchen island, ready to cook or entertain, but instead of a clean, functional space, your island is cluttered with bags, appliances, or odds and ends.

It’s frustrating—and honestly, it doesn’t need to be that way.

With custom back-of-island cabinetry, we can turn that underutilized space into smart, organized storage. Everything from cookbooks and small appliances to serving trays and extra pantry items can have a dedicated spot, out of sight but still easy to access.

A well-designed island storage solution keeps your kitchen looking tidy, maximizes every inch of space, and ensures that all the essentials you need are right where you want them.

Why Custom Matters

Off-the-shelf cabinets just don’t cut it when it comes to real life. Choosing custom means choosing something that’s uniquely yours. Our team works closely with you to understand how you live, what you need, and where your pain points are, then builds cabinetry around that.

Whether you’re renovating a home in Cambridge or planning your dream kitchen from the ground up, CW Kitchens is here to create storage that’s built for real life and real people.

Ready to Design Smarter Storage?

Contact us to book your custom cabinetry consultation, or visit our showroom to explore the possibilities. Let’s build a space that’s beautiful and brilliantly functional.