Design Minute: Storage Solutions for an Open Concept Kitchen

Love the idea of an open concept kitchen, but are afraid of the sacrifices you'll have to make in the way of storage? Don't worry -- we have options!

If you love the idea of an open concept kitchen, but are afraid of the sacrifices you'll have to make in the way of storage, don't worry, you have options.

In this post, Pinnacle Remodel owners, Rachel and Christian Raab, walk you through the common challenge homeowners face when moving to an open concept kitchen: how to keep generous storage when you've opened up walls and added a large island.

This post outlines the practical solutions we used to preserve—and even improve—storage in a remodeled open kitchen.

The challenge: opening the kitchen without losing storage

Open concept kitchens are popular because they create a welcoming place to gather with family and friends. The problem is, often times, the absence of walls where cabinets can be hung or attached to, leads to a drastic reduction of storage spaces.

Take a recent open kitchen project we did, for example:

We removed two walls to open the kitchen to the living room and dining room, and added a large island to anchor the space. The result was a modern, airy layout—but it also greatly reduced the available wall space for upper cabinets.

Where people traditionally store plates, cups, and everyday items on upper cabinets along the kitchen walls, that space simply wasn’t available after opening up the layout. The question became: how do we maintain ample storage while preserving the openness our clients wanted?

The primary solution: a large walk-in pantry

For this kitchen, the most effective solution was adding a large walk-in pantry. A dedicated pantry delivers several benefits that make it an ideal complement to an open concept kitchen:

• Tons of food storage: Open shelving and organized zones for canned goods, dry goods, and bulk items.

• Small countertop space: A short work surface inside the pantry provides a convenient spot for food prep, staging dishes, or housing small appliances out of sight.

• Additional drawers: Built-in drawers in the pantry add space for linens, small appliances, and other items that don’t belong in the main kitchen footprint.

• Flexible shelving: Adjustable shelves accommodate everything from tall cereal boxes to spare platters.

A properly designed walk-in pantry allows you to keep the open sightlines and entertaining flow of a modern kitchen without sacrificing organization or storage capacity.

Other cabinetry solutions to maximize storage

In addition to a walk-in pantry, there are several targeted storage solutions we often specify to make the most of available cabinetry:

• Trash pull-outs: Built-in waste and recycling pull-outs keep bins hidden and free up floor space.

• Dedicated knife and cutlery storage: Integrated knife pull-outs or cutlery organizers improve safety and free up drawer space.

• Cabinets on the back of the island: Adding storage to the island’s rear gives you a place for less frequently used items—like specialty bakeware or seasonal platters—while maintaining a clean front-facing look for entertaining.

An open concept kitchen doesn’t have to mean compromised storage. A thoughtfully designed walk-in pantry, paired with smart cabinetry features like pull-outs and island storage, gives you the best of both worlds: a bright, open room that’s also highly functional.

Thinking through design: what our team can do for you

Working with our design team helps you truly understand the potential for your kitchen. We evaluate how you cook, entertain, and store items to design practical solutions—whether through cabinetry layout, pantry design, or island storage—that align with your lifestyle.

If you’re considering a similar remodel, we’d love to help you explore the options. Give us a call to schedule a consultation and let our design team develop a kitchen plan you’ll truly love.