When it comes to planning kitchen ideas, efficient spice storage is essential to ensure that your space works harmoniously, and you can plan your spice organization accordingly. With the kitchen and pantry coming under increasing pressure to perform a variety of crucial roles, adequate kitchen storage ideas are more important than ever. ‘High capacity, well-sited storage for spices and condiments is essential to keep everything neat and tidy, providing a clutter-free space that’s a pleasure to use,’ says Danny Lay at Caple (opens in new tab).
Spice storage ideas
Along with methodical organization, good spice storage ideas will make them much easier to work with, which in turn might result in better cooking overall, and we’ve compiled the best expertise to help you give yourself a good chance.
1. Invest in custom built-in storage
‘With the massive growth in specialist sauces, spices, and other ingredients that many of us now routinely keep in our kitchens, the need for well-organized storage becomes a necessity,’ says Richard Moore, design director at Martin Moore (opens in new tab). ‘A specially fitted-out larder cupboard is now a key element of the well-equipped kitchen, providing ample storage including spice racks, vegetable drawers, wine racks, and open shelving. Zone storage so that everything is to hand and you don’t have to walk from one side of the room to the other: keep spices and pots and pans near to the cooker/hob for maximum ease.’
2. U-shaped shelving offers a practical solution
‘My favorite style of pantry cupboard to design incorporates open u-shaped shelves with tiered steps to easily organize your spices and oils, all while having them easily visible and accessible,’ says Karen Harautuneian, founder of Hub of the House Studio (opens in new tab) and co-founder of Hart & Toth Cabinet Co (opens in new tab). U-shaped storage features efficient three-sided designs that max out storage possibilities with everything at your fingertips. If space is tight, these horseshoe-shaped cupboards offer plenty of space for spices and other condiments.
3. Consider a countertop cabinet
‘Finding the right kitchen cabinet ideas is pivotal to creating spice storage that you will love for years to come,’ says Jennifer Ebert, digital editor, Homes & Gardens. ‘The latest contemporary designs are all about multi-tasking, free-flowing design with a paired-back look, but maximizing space should be a priority, especially if you have a small kitchen. This is why a countertop cabinet is a fantastic option for spice storage that is frequented regularly.’ This clever option, above, features shelving compartments for storing spices by brand or flavor, and doors with extra shelves.
4. Opt for a wall-mounted option to save space
‘This spice rack was a one-off evolved version of a standard Roundhouse favorite,’ says Ben Hawkswell, senior design consultant at Roundhouse (opens in new tab). ‘In this kitchen design every inch was needed for valuable storage, so planning an open shelf rack that served the nearby hob made good sense.’ ‘This particular idea gives the client pleasure to use not just for spices, but clever dispensing of the kitchen roll and a handy home for their Roundhouse timber chopping board. Further details like the dovetailed joints make this particular piece a feature in itself within the kitchen.’
5. Add versatility and character with freestanding cabinets
There has been a rise in incorporating freestanding kitchen ideas into modern designs, and while fitted options will never go out of style, there has been a gradual shift to more relaxed-looking storage options, especially if this means you can add in new storage ideas. ‘There’s no such thing as too much storage, especially in the kitchen, and I always think a freestanding cabinet is a perfect excuse to add a statement piece to the room,’ says Sue Jones, co-founder of OKA (opens in new tab). ‘They’re great for use as larders or pantry cupboards, in which you can store and easily access essential cooking ingredients, such as spices and herbs. I’d always choose one with integrated spice and wine racks, as it just makes kitchen organization all the easier.’
6. Invest in pull-out style storage
‘All of our cabinetry can be tailored to your needs which means we can create storage exactly for what you need and want,’ says Rebecca Nokes, head of design and brand creative at John Lewis of Hungerford (opens in new tab). ‘We love this slimline pull-out which has been handily positioned between the two ovens to store essential cooking ingredients such as herbs, spices, and oils.’
7. Utilize the space under a wall cabinet
If you are designing a kitchen from start to finish, do consider the best spice storage ideas right from the beginning. ‘When designing this kitchen, I wanted to keep the spices and herbs easily accessible as they’re used every day for cooking,’ says Noor Charchafchi, CEO of Celine Interior Design (opens in new tab). ‘In a practical, family kitchen I find displaying spices on one row in an open cabinet easier than incorporating a spice rack.’
8. Prioritize ease and affordability with open shelving
Kitchen shelving ideas – whether open shelving or hidden – are a great option if you are a keen cook who appreciates having spices and condiments close at hand. Open shelving has always been a favorite design feature of ours and three sturdy shelves on the wall – keeps them off the countertop – is a great option. Instead of using the small jars, decant them into larger ones with clear labels, that way you don’t need to keep refilling.
9. Install a walk-in pantry to store multiple spices
‘This custom-made pantry designed by Lindye Galloway (opens in new tab) features all the clever storage solutions you want as an avid cook. ‘Neat compartments for vegetables and a shelf on top for spices, this pantry layout has deep shelves for dried goods too and baskets for larger pieces like napkins and runners,’ says Jennifer Ebert, digital editor, Homes & Gardens.
10. Make the most of alcove space
‘A nifty idea if you have a bit of an awkward space – see them as a blessing because if you have a good joiner they can create something wonderful for you that involves storage and as you can see here, even the smallest area can be made useful,’ says Lucy Searle, global editor in chief, Homes & Gardens.
