Organizing your kitchen is an art. Naturally, Martha Stewart is an expert in her field, and she has spent much of her career exploring her domestic crafts and hobbies, from cooking to housekeeping.
So it's no wonder that when Stewart recently shared a video from her farmhouse kitchen, our eyes were immediately drawn to the glass bottles lining her wide shelves. Storage containers not only conveniently store ingredients like spices and flour on the stovetop, but they also serve as decorations in their own right. This is a timeless kitchen storage trend.
The first step to decorating with storage-friendly items is determining what types of objects will fit with your existing aesthetic.
Designer Nina Lichtenstein says, “From a kitchen décor perspective, storage is not only functional, but also an opportunity to add style to the space.'' She says, “Glass jars, like mason jars and sleek canisters, serve a dual purpose: They add inviting aesthetics to your cooking space while keeping your ingredients fresh and organized.”
Lichtenstein says clear glass bottles are the most versatile. Mason jars with rustic lids evoke farmhouse style, while sophisticated canisters are appropriate for modern homes.
To keep these displays balanced, Lichtenstein recommends mixing and matching different containers.
“Vary the size and shape of the glass bottles to create visual interest,” says the designer. “Arrange them in bunches or arrange them neatly on open shelves, countertops, or cabinets. Mixing different heights and textures adds dimension to your kitchen décor.”
The advantage of using clear storage jars in the kitchen is that the containers can also serve as decorations.
“Take advantage of clear glass by displaying colorful ingredients like beans, lentils, colorful pasta, and spices,” says Lichtenstein. “It not only adds a pop of color to your kitchen, but also celebrates the beauty of cooking essentials.”
Finally, placement is very important to achieve an organized look rather than clutter. Open shelving, like Stewart's, allows storage jars to take center stage and is perfect for display. However, there are some alternative spaces that can act as a great place to put your jars (and just happen to be convenient).
Line up some jars near your cooking area for easy access to frequently used ingredients, suggests Lichtenstein. “Or use glass jars to decorate your kitchen island or bar cart to create a stylish focal point.”
Below you'll find a selection of storage jars to suit any kitchen style.
Hold it all in stackable glass canisters
Quinn Handcrafted Stoneware Canister