TIP #1 – USE THE WALLS

For most of us, lack of space is the primary reason our kitchens feel overworked and underpaid. A clever way to get around lack of counter and storage space is to look up and use the walls. Magnetic knife strips, wall hanging utensil and drying racks, pegboard wall storage, and floating shelves are all ingenious fixes for this common kitchen problem. Plus, if you plan these accessories well, your hanging storage will be both functional and fabulous to look at.

TIP #2 – INVEST IN CLEVER STORAGE SPACE

If you’re building a kitchen from scratch or undertaking a large renovation project, we highly recommend splurging on custom-made cabinetry that maximizes storage space. Bespoke corner cabinets, vertical pantry storage, and layered drawers will help you organize more efficiently than you ever thought possible. If a large-scale project isn’t on the horizon, you can pick up inexpensive drawer dividers and drying racks to creatively make the most of what space you have.

TIP #3 – DON’T FORGET THE INSIDE OF DOORS

Even the most organized homeowner can easily forget that doors have insides and outsides. One of the easiest – and craftiest – ways to maximize your space is to use doors as storage. Hang aprons, brooms, and dustpans on kitchen doors, organize spices and baking supplies on pantry doors, and store cleaning supplies and paper towels on lower kitchen cabinets to free up space inside the units themselves.

TIP #4 – ORGANIZE AND DISPLAY ALL IN ONE GO

Decorative storage is as popular as ever, but we think that if you’re going to go down this route, fill your Mason jars with things you actually use in everyday life. We prefer clear jars of varying shapes and sizes in order to see what we’re storing, but feel free to add chalkboard labels or tags if you plan on changing out your ingredients often.

TIP #5 – CHOOSE FROSTED GLASS CABINETS

We love the look of glass cabinet doors, but unless your contents are always organized to perfection, frosted glass may be an even better solution. This way, any lapses in your cabinet organization will be glazed over with a beautiful, classic finish.

TIP #6 – MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR ISLAND

An island is arguably the most important part of the kitchen (as homeowners who don’t have one will often lament), so make the most of what you have. Great kitchen organization tips include hidden trash storage, drawers and cabinets, and end shelving (or an end of island wine rack!), which can increase your storage space and free up your countertops for food preparation and appliances.

TIP #7 – MAKE ORGANIZATION A WORK OF ART

While this kind of look won’t work for everyone, we love the idea of combining kitchen organization and art. A wall-hung unit like this one doubles perfectly as a small utensil holder. If you like the idea of this but think it’s too far removed from your personal style tastes, stick to a traditional wall-mounted utensil rack.

TIP #8 – ORGANIZE THE REST OF YOUR LIFE IN THE KITCHEN

For most of us, the kitchen is the center of our home life, so it only makes sense that it also be home to an organized family command center. While we would love a smart fridge like Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard, an organized corner of the counter with a whiteboard and file tray will suffice for the time being.

TIP #9 – MAKE A VERTICAL WALL KITCHEN GARDEN

Homeowners with a green thumb probably have countertops and windowsills overflowing with fresh herbs, flowers, and microgreens. An unique way to organize this green chaos is to create a vertical garden on your kitchen wall. We love this idea because it not only saves precious space, but it also adds to the aesthetic of the room.

Using all or some of these 9 innovative kitchen organization tips and tricks in your overworked kitchen will make for a more cohesively organized space that will function better than ever! And, isn’t that what we all want?

Farmhouse Cabinets

Stylish, clean cabinets are the backbone of a beautiful kitchen. If farmhouse chic is what you are after, upgrade your existing cabinets with the simple addition of furniture feet. A little dab of wood glue is all it takes to attain the gorgeous (and luxe) look of a farmhouse kitchen.

Light Switch Frames

Framed light switches are a must for a bespoke, finished look. Before breaking out the router and miter saw, stop by the store (or the storage closet) and pick up some small picture frames and adhesive putty. The hardest part is knowing what not to frame!

Decorative Return Vent Cover

A beautifully painted and decorated wall can be easily ruined by an unsightly, old return vent cover. Instead of buying an expensive new cover that looks just like the old one, opt for a piece of decorative aluminum sheeting. There are tons of styles to choose from, and all it takes is four magnets and some hot glue to hold it in place.

Ceiling Fan Turnaround

Cheap, ugly ceiling fans seem to be unavoidable. However, new ceiling fans are quite the expense (even the ugly ones). Upgrade a boring, old fan by coating the blades and metal components with high-heat black spray paint.

Door Knob Facelift

Black door hardware is very in right now, and with good reason. It’s bold, classy, and gives a finished, pricey look to an otherwise standard door. Instead of changing out all of the existing hardware in your home, this trend can easily be attained with a light coating of black metallic wax. Let it dry, and the bold, black hardware is all yours.

Replace Kitchen and Bath Faucets

Replacing faucets makes a significant impact, especially in small spaces, like powder rooms.

They’re relatively easy to replace on your own and can overshadow a dated vanity. They’ll give you a fresh, clean new look to help your bathroom sparkle even when it’s dated!

Refresh Old Hardwoods or Choose New Carpet

Carpet in an old home? Remove the vent cover to see if hardwoods lie beneath. If you’re lucky, you can remove the carpet to expose and refinish hardwoods!

If there aren’t hardwoods and you can’t swing new, consider an inexpensive patterned carpet instead!

Refresh Old Hardwoods or Choose New Carpet

Carpet in an old home? Remove the vent cover to see if hardwoods lie beneath. If you’re lucky, you can remove the carpet to expose and refinish hardwoods!

If there aren’t hardwoods and you can’t swing new, consider an inexpensive patterned carpet instead!

Have a look through our DIY kitchen island ideas to find inspiration for your next transformative kitchen project. Especially, these ideas are for every taste and budget.

1. Use Paint and Wood Finish for that Farmhouse Look

DIY Project Details: grit.com

Have you ever wanted bar-style seating that doubles as a table? This rustic, farmhouse-style piece contains a 46” x 44” surface which ends in an overhang. The spacious surface allows for simultaneous use of plates, tabletop top decorations, and food preparation items. Additional kitchen storage space is provided by the cabinets in the base. If you go with this type of design, consider sticking to the two-tone color combination to provide a nice visual contrast to your kitchen.

2. Combine Rustic with Practical in this DIY Bar

DIY Project Details: remodelaholic.com

Adding metal elements to classic wood pieces brings a touch of the modern to the vintage styling. The original cabinet was retrofitted to add the brushed aluminum top. The overhang allows for bar-style seating. It is the perfect example of how creative you can be by combining parts from old furnishings.

3. Upcycled Door Doubles as Eating and Workspace

DIY Project Details: tcdesigns1968.blogspot.com

Thinking outside of the box when doing a DIY kitchen island can lead to some really unique designs. Take a look at this old door refashioned into a table. You would never think of a door in this way, but it totally makes sense! The long, heavy surface is perfect for a family-sized tabletop. Also, door engravings or designs offer a nice backdrop behind a tempered glass surface.

4. Simply Stunning Woodwork Kitchen Island

DIY Project Details: rainonatinroof.com

This is a smaller size DIY island that won’t consume the entire kitchen. It is sturdy, yet graceful. It was created in harmony with the rest of the kitchen as the tabletop matches the same material as the surrounding countertops. What makes this project distinct is the use of wood columns for legs and decorative molding around the edges. It gives the island an old-world feel which is juxtaposed with the fresh, white paint.

5. Consider Quick Access to your Trash Bin

DIY Project Details: shadesofblueinteriors.com

A trash bin is usually a foul-smelling, unsightly addition to the kitchen space. Yet, you can erase all the negatives associated with the trash can by hiding it in your DIY kitchen island. The enclosure also prevents smells from escaping into the kitchen air. Yet, throwing away the trash is still easy and convenient. You can even scrape scraps of food off the island surface directly into the trash.

6. Transform an Old Desk into a New Island

DIY Project Details: hystericallyeverafter.com

Following along the theme of re-purposing is this desk turned into a DIY kitchen island. With a few small alterations, including the addition of a bottom shelf, this study desk is instantly transformed into a kitchen centerpiece. When finding a new purpose for old furniture, your possibilities are practically endless. Experiment with different paint, textures, and materials.

7. Make an Island Part of Your New Open Floor Plan

DIY Project Details: remodelaholic.com

Your next DIY kitchen island might be as close by as your adjoining kitchen wall. An enclosed kitchen can be opened up to the rest of the home by knocking down part of the wall. The remaining structure can be used as a base for an island. Any type of wood or metal can be used to form the table surface.

8. Expand on an Existing Kitchen Island

DIY Project Details: ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com

Some homes are already blessed with a kitchen island. However, this doesn’t mean you have to be satisfied with it. You can always make your DIY kitchen island better by expanding the surface area. Adding additional leaves to the surface allows for more seating and workspace area. This DIY island opted for vintage legs and hardware for accent. The bright blue color makes it the dominant piece in an otherwise ordinary kitchen.

9. Pull-Out Drawers are Super Space Savers

DIY Project Details: sawdust2stitches.com

An important goal of DIY kitchen island creation is saving space. This is best achieved by adding several storage compartments to the structure. Here, pull-out drawers make it easier to access storage space. The smaller profile of pull-outs looks cleaner and doesn’t block passageways in the kitchen like open cupboards.

10. Give an Old Bookshelf a New Life as an Island

DIY Project Details: littleglassjar.com

Everyone has an old bookshelf at home that is not getting much use. You can breathe new life into this furniture piece by moving it to the kitchen. Bookshelves are probably the easiest piece to convert to a DIY kitchen island. They are the right height and come with built-in storage areas. In the example above, the backboard was removed to provide two-sided access to items. Plywood boards were added to the sides to present a tiling effect. The item was finished off in smooth, white paint in line with other kitchen items.

11. Big Kitchen Islands can Double as Breakfast Bars

DIY Project Details: cassiebustamante.com

Kitchen islands aren’t only for decoration or food prep. They should also be able to handle quick meals. This island uses the hangover as a tabletop for hungry family members. By making the base an open-air affair you can reserve space for dishes and other items.

12. Custom Built Your Island to Size

DIY Project Details: jenwoodhouse.com

If you don’t want to rely on old furnishings to base your project on, you can always go the custom route. This allows you to create a perfectly sized DIY kitchen island for your needs. It also gives you the ultimate choice over materials and styling. The attractive design here uses two layers of railings for extra shelf space.

13. Whimsical Wash Tub Island for Country Home Charm

DIY Project Details: magazineyourhome.blogspot.com

Nothing inspires a rustic, old-country feeling like a worn washtub. Once you fit it with a tabletop, it becomes the perfect island for a country kitchen. The good thing about using a free-standing tub is that the legs and base are already done. All you need to do is pick out a complimentary wood surface to finish off the top.

14. DIY Doesn’t Have to Look Simple

DIY Project Details: ninahendrick.com

A rustic look doesn’t have to be simplistic. You can feel free up the ante to match the desired styling of your kitchen. This is best done by using marble slabs for the table, or some other type of rare wood. The island legs provide another opportunity for creativity. Look for unique designs that resemble classic pillars or Victorian designs.

15. Find Free Kitchen Island Tutorials Online

DIY Project Details: cherishedbliss.com

Don’t overlook the importance of handles, knobs, and hinges when working on your DIY kitchen island. These are more than just pieces of metal. They are crucial accents that help define the island’s overall design. You can choose art deco styling for a modern look, or opt for an antique look.

16. Give Your Island a Face Lift with New Facing

DIY Project Details: bloglovin.com

If you have an outdated island sitting in your kitchen, give it a new look with some fresh paint and trim. You don’t have to go through the work of changing the table surface just to get a new look. Make use of boarding to frame straight lines and add depth. Paint in a sharp, contrasting color to give your island its own identity in the room.

17. Make Your Kitchen Island with a Few Mods to This Desk

DIY Project Details: myrepurposedlife.com

Modified desks make great kitchen islands. Here, an old desk was given new life through painting and paneling. The thin, wood top was removed to add a sturdier version. Perhaps the most interesting modification to this piece is the addition of wheels. Islands don’t have to be stationary. Mobile islands allow you to have ultimate control over the space in your kitchen.

Reimagine Your Cabinets

You don’t have to live with your ugly cabinets one minute longer! There are plenty of ways to give them a quick refresh without having to purchase replacements. Make a large-scale change by painting your units a bright color, or go for a mix-and-match effect by applying a few coats only to the top cabinets. Consider removing a door or two to create trendy open shelving, or use chalkboard paint on the doors or expanses of wall for a dose of cottage charm.

Wallpaper the Fridge

Give your basic fridge a style boost by covering it with removable wallpaper. While the application process depends on your specific fridge setup, this simple DIY takes no longer than an afternoon to complete. And when you’re finished, your fridge will be your kitchen’s exciting new focal point, shifting the whole dynamic of the space.

Craft Custom Storage

A cut-to-size section of rebar or wire mesh and a few coats of epoxy paint come together to create this grid-shaped pot rack that can play host to utensils, pans, and other items that clutter your countertop. Serving as both additional storage and a stylish wall accessory, this quick project provides a big return on a minimal investment of time and money.

Swap Out Standard Hardware

Despite their relatively small size, knobs, pulls, and handles can have a huge impact on the appearance of your cabinetry. If your door and drawer hardware looks like it hails from a bygone era, give your cabinetry a modern update by swapping in fresher models. Opt for something current yet classic to ensure that the pieces will remain stylish for years to come.

Refresh the Backsplash

If your kitchen sports a boring or outdated backsplash, consider remedying the problem with a roll of shelf paper or removable wallpaper. A floral or vintage print will add a pop of pattern and charm that will elevate your space from blah to brilliant in an afternoon. For easier cleaning, choose a paper designed to stand up to heat and moisture.

Clear the Counters

Nothing compromises the appearance of a kitchen quite as much as clutter. Consider taking an afternoon to clear your countertops—you’ll be amazed at the difference it can make, both visually and functionally. To prevent future pileups, install a wall-mounted rack or shelf to hold extra mugs, utensils, and accessories so that you can devote your efforts—and counter space—to important kitchen tasks like meal prep.

Relocate the Knife Rack

If a lack of space is stifling your culinary ambitions, try mounting a magnetic knife rack underneath your cabinets. This will free up precious real estate on your countertops, keep your collection organized, and provide you with easy access to your knives when you’re ready to channel your inner chef.

Give the Faucet a Facelift

Changing out the faucet is a simple way to enhance your entire kitchen and update its appearance. Replace your old-school model with a contemporary style that complements your decor. For the easiest installation, choose a faucet that features the same hole count and mounting style as your current model.

Install Undercabinet Lighting

Not only is lighting an attractive kitchen upgrade, it’s a practical one as well. Although pendant or overhead fixtures are usually easy to swap, installing a strip of undercabinet lights will probably make a bigger difference in your space, aiding in everyday meal prep while also lending a warm ambience to the room.

Cover Old Countertops

Dull laminate countertops can make even a well-appointed kitchen feel bland. Give tired, old countertops a modern makeover with this concrete tutorial from Design, Dining and Diapers. An industrial-style statement in any kitchen, concrete countertops are an attainable project for a determined DIYer, and even better, these kitchen counters cost less than $200 to complete.