5 trending kitchen organisation hacks on TikTok

The kitchen, often considered the heart of the home, should ideally be a warm, welcoming, and functional space for social gatherings and meal preparation. However, several common design and decor choices can inadvertently create an unappealing atmosphere, giving designers the "ick." This article, drawing insights from three interior design experts—Aino Heinäsuo, head designer at Redecor; Peter Spalding, chief creative officer and co-founder of Daniel House Club; and Nina Lichtenstein, founder of Nina Lichtenstein Home Design—identifies seven such features and offers practical solutions to enhance kitchen aesthetics and usability. One significant point of contention for designers is overloaded open shelves. While open shelving can exude a minimalist appeal, it often becomes a receptacle for clutter and dust, leading to visual disarray. To avoid this, designers suggest using open shelves sparingly, perhaps a single shelf in a prominent location like above the sink, dedicated to displaying aesthetically pleasing cookware or bakeware rather than serving as general storage. Cluttered countertops are another major "ick" identified by experts. Countertops packed with visible appliances make the kitchen feel less clean and can hinder movement and cooking. The recommended solution is simple: store as many appliances and utensils as possible out of sight in cabinets to free up surface area and create a more serene and organized environment. Huge kitchen islands are surprisingly controversial. While popular in renovations, excessively large islands can render a kitchen less usable, appearing more like a commercial bar than a home kitchen. To make a large island more approachable and integrated into the living space, designers advise reducing the number of bar stools and incorporating decorative elements such as lamps and trays. Chaotic cabinet hardware is another design faux pas. While updating hardware is a cost-effective way to refresh kitchen cabinets, uncoordinated or overly ornate choices can make the space look heavy, dated, or unbalanced. Mixing metals can be sophisticated if done carefully; otherwise, a jumbled array of finishes appears jarring. A refined approach involves using one metal finish for larger fixtures like faucets and lighting, and a complementary finish for cabinet hardware, with matte black, brass, champagne bronze, and brushed nickel being contemporary favorites for sleek handles. Too-busy backsplashes can overwhelm a kitchen, competing for attention with other elements like countertops and cabinetry. While a backsplash can add personality, overly intricate patterns or loud colors are discouraged. Instead, designers recommend building visual interest through texture and subtle tonal variations, using materials like ceramic subway tiles, brick, or natural stone to create a more harmonious look. Harsh overhead lighting can make a kitchen feel cold and unwelcoming. The goal is a well-lit space, but overwhelming brightness should be avoided. Indirect light sources are preferred to create a gentle, cozy ambiance and offer greater control over the mood. Solutions include installing pendant lights over an island or motion-activated LED strips under cabinets. Finally, artificial plants and greenery are a common "ick" for designers who champion natural elements. Overdone fake plants tend to collect dust and convey an inauthentic feel. For those who desire greenery, low-maintenance living herbs or houseplants that thrive in low light, such as pothos varieties, are suggested as more appealing and natural alternatives that also serve a decorative purpose. #KitchenDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #KitchenOrganization #DesignTips #HomeImprovement #KitchenTrends

This article provides practical strategies and product recommendations to optimize kitchen cabinet storage, aiming to eliminate clutter and enhance functionality. It emphasizes that effective kitchen organization is crucial for maintaining order, especially given the high traffic and numerous items typically found in a kitchen. The article highlights that adopting a systematic approach is key to achieving an organized kitchen. Various organizational products are suggested to customize kitchen cabinets and drawers. These include stackable airtight food storage containers for visible and organized storage of dry goods, accompanied by labels and measuring tools to prevent mix-ups. Plate racks are recommended to protect dishes from chips and scratches while maximizing vertical space, as noted by user testimonials praising their space-saving benefits. Two-tier turntables, or lazy Susans, are highlighted as versatile solutions for countertops, pantries, or refrigerators, ideal for spices or condiments. For optimizing vertical space, over-cabinet door organizers are presented as an easy-to-install option for storing baking sheets, tins, and cutting boards, and also suitable for plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Magnetic spice jars are featured as an innovative way to keep spices accessible and organized, with clear lids and labels facilitating quick identification. Pull-out drawer cabinet organizers are suggested to improve accessibility to lower cabinet contents, eliminating the need to bend and search for items. Mesh food storage organizers with multiple sections are recommended for keeping plastic container lids and bases together, with various sizes available to suit different needs. Compact three-tier can racks are introduced as an efficient solution for storing up to 36 canned goods in a small footprint. Door-mounted organizers are also listed as effective for storing plastic wraps, tin foil, and sandwich bags. Under-shelf mug hooks are proposed for saving space and time by hanging mugs, and potentially other utensils or oven mitts, when space permits. Expandable bamboo drawer organizers are recommended for decluttering drawers by grouping utensils into categories and accommodating larger tools. Lastly, a grocery bag storage holder is presented as a neat solution for storing reusable plastic bags, which can be mounted under the sink or on a pantry wall for convenience and to keep them out of sight. The article concludes by encouraging readers to implement these ideas to transform their kitchen into a tidy and efficient area. #KitchenOrganization #HomeMaintenance #SpaceSaving #StorageSolutions #KitchenHacks #DeclutteringTips #CabinetOrganization #PantryOrganization #KitchenProducts

The article discusses a viral kitchen hack introduced by Turkish architectural designer Melisa, known as @melisacicekdinc on Instagram. This hack features two pull-out stepping stools, seemingly manufactured by Hideaway Solutions, integrated into her lower kitchen cabinets. The purpose of these built-in stools is to facilitate easier access to higher shelves, a practical solution for children and shorter adults. These stools are designed to be space-efficient, folding length-wise into the cabinets, making them nearly invisible when retracted. They are also equipped with wheels for smooth operation and can pivot within their frame, allowing users to reach cabinets on either side. The article highlights that this seemingly modern innovation is, in fact, a design throwback. Kitchens in the 1950s often featured similar 'hidden helper' shelves, which served the same function of providing access to elevated storage. House Beautiful's TikTok account also showcases examples of these historical pull-out stools, drawing a parallel to Melisa's contemporary application. Despite its practicality and historical precedent, Melisa's kitchen hack has generated a mixed reaction on social media. While comments on her original Instagram post were largely positive, a repost by another account, @adatewithyourspace, led to considerable debate. The reposting individual, Gwendolyn Jones, expressed strong support for the design, calling it a 'genius build.' However, the comment section on Jones's post revealed a spectrum of opinions, ranging from endorsement to outright criticism. Negative comments primarily centered on the perceived cost and permanence of the built-in stools. Critics argued that a traditional, portable step ladder would be a more economical and flexible solution. Some pointed out that a permanent installation would be difficult to remove or replace if it broke, contrasting it with the disposability of a conventional step stool. This perspective often emphasized the financial and logistical advantages of simpler, more temporary alternatives. Conversely, supporters of the built-in stools countered these arguments by highlighting their benefits, particularly in homes with high ceilings or for individuals who struggle to reach upper cabinets. One commenter noted that such an installation is not a 'waste' when ceilings are 10 feet or higher. Another user, who relies on a traditional step ladder, shared frustrations about it occupying space, obstructing other items, and often being misplaced by other family members. These proponents view the built-in solution as a smart, convenient, and permanent answer to an enduring household challenge. The article concludes by emphasizing that the ultimate value of such a hack rests with the homeowner. It suggests that if the integrated steps enhance convenience and accessibility for the resident, then the solution is inherently successful, regardless of external criticism. #KitchenHack #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #StorageSolutions #ViralTrend #KitchenCabinetry #SpaceSaving #HomeOrganization

The article introduces The Cabinet Face, a Denver-based company that offers a cost-effective solution for custom kitchen designs by providing customizable fronts, doors, and drawers for standard IKEA cabinet systems. The concept originated when Matt Dandurand, seeking a custom kitchen for his midcentury ranch home in Applewood but constrained by budget, discovered the idea of using IKEA cabinet bases and customizing the fronts. This inspired him to co-found The Cabinet Face with veteran furniture-makers Kyle Kwiatkowski and William Wolff. The Cabinet Face aims to bridge the gap between affordable, modular IKEA cabinetry and the desire for high-end, custom aesthetics. IKEA cabinets are highlighted for their durability, 25-year warranty, and versatile, modular design, making them suitable for various spaces. The company enhances these basic structures with stylish options such as grain-matched wood and scratch-resistant laminates, offering alternatives like wood shaker, textured melamine, acrylic, or flat wood panel facades. This approach allows homeowners to achieve a custom look at a more accessible price point compared to fully custom cabinetry. The process involves The Cabinet Face designers working with homeowners to develop a plan compatible with IKEA's system. Customers then purchase the basic IKEA cabinet components, and The Cabinet Face manufactures and delivers the custom facades within approximately three to six weeks. To further assist customers, the company expanded its North Denver workshop to include a showroom, allowing prospective buyers to experience the product firsthand before making a purchase. Beyond just custom fronts, the article also provides practical tips from local design professionals for subtle kitchen facelifts. These include incorporating plants for added life and character, with hanging planters for fresh herbs suggested by Lee Mayer of Havenly.com. Katie Schroder of Atelier Interior Design recommends splurging on hardware upgrades, such as changing knobs to pulls or opting for modern metallic finishes like satin gold, to refresh the kitchen's look. Additionally, Schroder suggests installing under-cabinet lighting, a project that can be done by an electrician or even as a DIY task, to add visual interest. Jennifer DesJardin of Motif Design Solutions encourages bold color choices, proposing non-traditional cabinet paint colors like deep grays or blues to make a significant impact without a large expenditure. These tips collectively offer homeowners various strategies for updating their kitchens, from major customization to minor, impactful changes. #KitchenDesign #HomeRenovation #IKEAHack #CustomCabinetry #InteriorDesign #DIYHome #BudgetFriendlyDesign

This article showcases five kitchen makeovers in Northern Virginia, highlighting how each renovation combines optimal functionality with pleasing aesthetics to create the heart of the home. Each project addresses specific challenges, such as outdated layouts, limited space, or a need for improved storage, and offers unique design solutions tailored to the homeowners' preferences and the architectural style of the house. The first makeover, a 'Modern Makeover' in Purcellville, involved knocking down a wall to expand a 144-square-foot builder-grade kitchen. Designer Stacey Dobrovolny of Two Navy Lane created an open, spacious area reflecting the homeowners' love for cooking and midcentury-modern design. The new kitchen features perimeter cabinets in a cool-toned wood stain, flat panel doors, sleek chrome pulls, a green island base, and a hexagonal tile backsplash. The flooring mimics a larger-scale hexagonal pattern with a Terrazzo feel, evoking a vintage aesthetic. The expanded layout includes a large working island and built-in pantry, providing ample storage and an inviting space for family and entertaining. The second project, a 'Classic Cottage' kitchen in Falls Church, began with removing a superfluous patio door to install a bank of sunlit windows and a sink wall with an apron-front farmhouse sink. Interior designer Amy Fischer of Rosehill Design Studio collaborated with Keystone Design & Build and St. Clair Kitchens for this family of five. The design transformed a dark, disconnected kitchen into a functional and beautiful space with smart storage, seamless flow, and an island for gathering. The custom cabinetry features creamy white upper cabinets and soft blue lower cabinets in a full overlay Shaker style, complemented by handmade subway tiles and brushed gold hardware. An adjacent scullery kitchen centralizes cooking appliances, keeping the main island clear for prep and entertaining. 'Storage Solutions' in Old Town Alexandria tackled a kitchen with a massive redbrick fireplace and a dated L-shape layout in an 1852 house. Anne Marie Hauer of Choux Designs aimed to honor the home's heritage while integrating modern appliances and thoughtful storage. The renovation, done with William Cromley Construction, replaced orange wood cabinets and ochre yellow walls with reclaimed pine flooring and custom white cabinetry. Given the home's narrow 16-foot width, Hauer maximized storage, incorporating cabinets above the cooking cove that conceal the range hood and offer additional space. Tall, mesh-fronted cabinets efficiently house large appliances, and all upper cabinets extend to the ceiling. A new landing area at the back of the kitchen with a bench and glass doors enhances natural light. The 'Bold Balance' kitchen in Oakton, designed by Pamela Harvey of Pamela Harvey Interiors, showcases a crisp, high-contrast look. The renovation removed an angled wall to create a more efficient, squared-off layout, incorporating a main kitchen and a scullery with pantry storage, an additional dishwasher, double oven, and prep sink. Custom cabinetry combines quarter-sawn white oak with brass mesh display doors and solid maple lower cabinets painted black. White Cambria Luxe Quartz in Everleigh was used for both counters and backsplash, ensuring a clean and modern finish. A custom black hood with brushed brass straps complements the hardware and fixtures, and an oversized window above the main sink brings in natural light. Finally, an 'Improved Layout' in Vienna addressed an impractical U-shaped kitchen that obstructed the breakfast area and family room. Jennifer Gilmer and Nancy McCarren of Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath removed a peninsula, reorienting the new larger island parallel to the bay window and sink wall. This created an open, efficient space for cooking and entertaining. The design features warm white and rift oak cabinetry, a custom white oak apron for the hood, and new wide-plank oak flooring. The island boasts a combination of durable white quartz and a cantilevered white oak wood top, providing a beautiful and functional spot for meals and gatherings. These five projects demonstrate diverse approaches to kitchen renovation, all resulting in spaces that are both beautiful and highly functional for modern living. #KitchenMakeover #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ModernKitchen #ClassicCottage #StorageSolutions #BoldDesign #EfficientLayout #NorthernVirginia