Find out how smart storage can make your kitchen easier to live in — and a lot more enjoyable to look at.
Kitchens today are doing triple duty. They’re where we cook, work, gather, and occasionally hide with a glass of wine. But too many kitchens — especially in older homes — were never designed to keep up with how we live today.
If you’ve recently moved into a home with a dated kitchen (or have been eyeing your current one with mild resentment), you probably know the feeling: cluttered counters, cabinet storage that doesn’t make sense, and the daily frustration of digging through a drawer just to find a whisk.
In the past, kitchen design focused mostly on how things looked: the door style, the countertop color, maybe a fancy backsplash. But in today’s homes, function is just as important as form. That’s why more homeowners across Oregon are turning to modern kitchen storage solutions that make their kitchens more livable and less stressful.
In this post, we’re sharing five must-haves for modern kitchen design — practical upgrades that transform how your kitchen works, no matter how big or small it is.
1. Trash & Recycling Pull-Outs
Let’s start with something unglamorous but essential: trash. If your garbage can is floating around the kitchen, or worse, wedged between your fridge and the wall, this upgrade is for you.
Trash and recycling pull-outs are integrated into the cabinetry — often under the sink or near the prep zone. Ideally, you want two bins (one for trash, one for recycling) or even three (if you compost). Different sizes can accommodate your habits and keep you from dragging bags out daily.
You can upgrade your trash pull-out with a ServoDrive mechanism that allows you to open it by gently pressing it with a knee if your hands are dirty. It’s the kind of small luxury that pays off every day.
2. Le Mans II Corner Unit
Blind corners in cabinets often feel like a black hole. Most kitchens waste this valuable space. Clunky Lazy Susans that jam up every time you need a pot don’t really rise to the occasion.
The Le Mans II is a sleek, German-engineered solution. Its shelves swing fully out of the cabinet, bringing every pan, lid, or casserole dish right to you. Each tray can hold up to 50 lb, which turns your blind corner into a functional, easy-access storage zone.
This is one of the best modern kitchen storage solutions for U- or L-shaped layouts.
3. Undersink Roll-Outs for Cleaning Supplies
Most people’s undersink cabinet is a mess. Bottles fall over. Cloths get crammed in corners. You waste time (and buy duplicates) because nothing’s visible.
A roll-out insert under the sink lets you neatly organize dish soap, sponges, gloves, and sprays. It’s designed to work around plumbing, making use of awkward space in a smart way. It makes a big difference in your daily routine.
4. Utensil Pull-Outs
We’ve all lived with the “junk drawer.” But in a well-designed kitchen, there shouldn’t be one. Especially not for the tools you use every day.
A vertical utensil pull-out keeps everything upright and easy to grab. Think: spatulas, whisks, tongs, wooden spoons — all stored in divided containers within a narrow cabinet right next to your stove. Some designs also include space for cutting boards and knives.
This type of insert is a staple in many Oregon remodels we do — it takes up barely any space but adds real, daily convenience.
5. A Real Spice Rack
How many times have you bought cinnamon only to find two bottles in the back of the cupboard?
A pull-out spice rack or spice drawer keeps everything labeled and front-facing. You see what you have. You use what you buy. And the cabinet next to your range actually works like it should.
Whether you cook often or not, it makes your kitchen more organized and more enjoyable to use.
Bonus: Appliance Garages for a Cleaner Look
One of the biggest trends in modern kitchen storage solutions is minimalist design — uninterrupted lines, clean countertops, and less visual clutter. But how do you live like that when your toaster, blender, and espresso machine are daily-use items?
Enter: appliance garages.
These are hidden zones behind pocket doors or flip-up fronts that store your go-to appliances out of sight — but still easily accessible. They help you keep that magazine-ready look without living like a minimalist monk.
Function First: Why Storage Changes Everything
Having a modern, functional kitchen means walking into your space and knowing where everything is. These modern kitchen storage solutions make even small kitchens feel bigger — and make every moment spent in them feel better.
If you’re planning a remodel or even just exploring cabinet upgrades, don’t start with color swatches. Start with how your kitchen works.
And if you’re wondering what it costs to upgrade your space? Check out our detailed guide.
👉 Read: How Much Do Custom Cabinets Cost in Oregon
Or come by the showroom. Let’s talk about how you actually use your kitchen — and how we can help make it better.
📍 Serving Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, and beyond
