Kitchen Storage Ideas: Pantries, Drawers & Appliance Garages for a Calm, Luxury Kitchen
The best kitchens don’t just look beautiful - they stay beautiful, because storage is planned around real routines. From deep drawers and pull-out pantries to appliance garages and hidden “back kitchen” zones, smart storage is one of the biggest levers for a kitchen that feels high-end and effortlessly organised.
Eco Squared designs, supplies and installs European-style cabinetry across the Sutherland Shire & surrounds, including Caringbah, Miranda, Cronulla, Kirrawee, Gymea and Sylvania Waters, creating storage that looks refined and works hard.
The 5 storage upgrades that change everything
1. Deep drawers over cupboards
If you do one thing, do this. Deep, full-extension drawers keep everything visible - pots, pans, containers, plates - without the “black hole” effect of base cupboards. Drawer-heavy kitchens are widely recognised as a more functional storage approach for everyday use.
Luxury tip: Use internal drawers (a drawer inside a drawer) for cutlery, wraps, spices and small accessories so bench clutter disappears.
2. Pull-out pantries for narrow spaces
A tall pull-out pantry (often 300-450 mm wide) is one of the most space-efficient storage solutions in Australian kitchens - ideal for oils, sauces and tins, especially in galley and smaller layouts.
Where it shines: Between fridge and wall, beside ovens, or anywhere you’ve got a narrow gap you don’t want to waste.
3. Appliance garages to clear your benchtops
Appliance garages hide the everyday “visual noise” - toaster, coffee machine, mixer - behind doors, so your kitchen reads clean and premium. This is a popular, practical strategy specifically aimed at reducing countertop clutter.
Best practice: Include a power point inside the garage so appliances stay plugged in, plus ventilation if housing heat-generating items.
4. Butler’s pantry or scullery zones (even small ones)
A butler’s pantry (or scullery) acts like a mini-kitchen for prep, storage and hiding mess mid-entertaining. Australian design media highlights how these spaces can combine practicality with a considered finish and still work in tighter footprints.
Modern take: A “back kitchen” can be partially open, styled and cohesive, rather than purely hidden - blending function with a luxe look.
5. Corner storage that actually gets used
Corner cabinets can become dead space unless they’re fitted with purpose-built solutions (think pull-outs or corner systems). Hardware brands commonly emphasise that maximising every inch is where “clever” storage delivers real daily benefit.
Pantry types to suit Sydney homes
Not every home needs the same pantry solution. The goal is to match your storage to your layout and shopping habits.
Tall cabinet pantry: clean look, great for most homes
Pull-out pantry: best for narrow spaces and small kitchens
Walk-in pantry: ideal for families and entertainers
Butler’s pantry/scullery: the gold standard for clutter-free hosting
If you want inspiration for pantry layouts, finishes and configurations, large design galleries show just how varied (and high-end) pantry design can be.
High-end storage details that feel “custom”
These are the touches that make a kitchen feel expensive, even before you talk about benchtops:
Tray and board dividers near ovens
Bin systems beside the sink for fast clean-up
Drawer organisers designed around your actual utensils
Hidden charging zones for devices
Integrated lighting in key zones (pantry, appliance garage)
Transform Your Space with Eco Squared
Embrace the elegance and functionality of European design with Eco Squared. Our Oppolia partnership provides access to premium materials and cutting-edge manufacturing, tailored for the way Sydney lives.
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FAQs
What is the best way to organise kitchen storage?
Start with daily-use zones: cooking, prep, cleaning and serving. Use deep drawers for everyday items, a pull-out pantry for staples, and an appliance garage to keep benchtops clear.
Are pull-out pantries worth it?
Yes. Pull-out pantries make narrow spaces highly usable by bringing everything forward in one motion - ideal for compact kitchens and galley layouts.
What is an appliance garage in a kitchen?
An appliance garage is a cabinet zone designed to store small appliances behind doors to reduce countertop clutter while keeping appliances accessible.
What’s the difference between a butler’s pantry and a pantry?
A pantry is mainly for storage. A butler’s pantry (or scullery) is often a secondary prep zone that can also hide mess, house appliances and support entertaining.
How do I maximise storage in a small kitchen?
Prioritise deep drawers, add a tall pull-out pantry, run cabinetry to the ceiling, and remove benchtop clutter using an appliance garage.
