11 kitchen storage ideas to make cooking easier in a small space

The battle for kitchen storage space is never-ending. Whether you're stuck in a tiny apartment kitchen with barely enough room for those tiny spice jars or you happen to have a massive gadget collection in a spacious suburban kitchen, you've probably tried to somehow conjure extra space out of thin air more times than you'd like to admit. While we don't know the magic spell to create extra space, we've come up with a few storage tricks with the help of Clever home tours. Read on for only the best inspiration.

Make use of window frames

In this colorful Maine home, window frames act as little shelves.

Everyone always talks about wanting a window over their kitchen sink. At least, Big Sean and Justina Blakeney have both spoken about it. While wanting a nice view while you're washing dishes is fine, the best thing about a kitchen window is the extra surface area. Admittedly, it may not be the most money-saving hack in the kitchen. largely Kitchen space is limited, but window sills provide extra surface area that you can use however you like. Compared to the precious resource of your kitchen counter, you can use that space for guilt-free decor. Display framed photos, display your favorite mugs, or even copy homeowner Matthew JC Clark's arrangements. In the photo above, one of Matthew's kitchen window sills is used as a place for his plant collection and the other to store fresh fruits and vegetables. Both have contrasting painted trim. See? Window sills are the perfect place to add a little personality and free up countertop space for practical items.

Hanging pots from the ceiling

Sam Kremic knew a loft bed would be key to the apartment: “From the moment I knew I was moving into this space, I knew I wanted to put in a loft bed to take advantage of the extra space the high ceilings give us,” she says.

Photo: Ye Lin Mok