Storage space doesn’t have to be along your kitchen’s perimeter—or even built-in. Islands have become an increasingly essential workspace, while freestanding pieces like hutches and armoires are quickly finding their way into the kitchen, adding visual interest and enhancing the room’s style with antique charm.

Don’t overlook their value as storage spaces. An organized kitchen is one that puts what you use where you use it. If you use your island for food prep, installing a cutting board, cutlery drawer, small sink, or trash drawer will save you valuable time. Similarly, locate pots and pans, pot holders, or serving platters on and in cooking islands.

Your options for storage solutions include:

Islands

• Place your cooktop on your island, freeing up the wall space formerly taken up by the ventilation unit.

• Consider installing a microwave in your island—they can eat up your countertop space.

• Add a storage and work space that can be moved around when entertaining with a wheelable cart or rolling island.

• Attach hooks or bars to island ends for hanging dishtowels and potholders.

Showcase your cooking penchant—open shelving lends itself to cookbook storage.

Freestanding Pieces

• Place a hutch near your dining area to store fine china.

• Keep linens like placemats, napkins, and table cloths, in an armoire in your eating area for quicker table setting.

• Situate a hutch near your table—its surface can double as a serving area.