Kitchen Organisation: Drawers, Open Shelving & Glass Fronted Cabinets 

20th February 2026
Freestanding kitchen dresser with bespoke storage solutions

Kitchen organisation has never been more important. As bespoke kitchens continue to evolve into multi-functional spaces, thoughtful storage planning is essential for creating a calm, practical and efficient environment. 

Organisation practices like the KonMari method are a great way to bring order to existing spaces, often using drawer dividers and simple storage solutions. A bespoke kitchen takes organisation much further, with layouts and storage tailored to the way you live and use your kitchen. 

When you invest in bespoke kitchen organisation from the outset, you store every item exactly where you need it, maximising both space and ease of use.

Kitchen Organisation Starts With Well-Designed Drawers 

One of the simplest ways to improve kitchen organisation is to prioritise drawers over traditional cupboards. In a well-planned kitchen, drawers aren’t just for cutlery – they’re ideal for pans, china, utensils and even dried goods. 

Deep, fully extendable drawers allow you to access everything at a glance, making it easy to locate items. You can position pans beneath the hob, keep crockery near the dishwasher, and store food close to preparation areas. This level of bespoke kitchen organisation not only saves time but also ensures every inch of space is used efficiently. 

Compared to cupboards, drawers significantly reduce wasted space and eliminate the need to reach awkwardly into dark corners. These small details in luxury kitchen designs make a noticeable difference to everyday use. 

Spice drawer within a drawer in bespoke kitchen design

Putting the Right Items in the Right Place 

Effective kitchen organisation is about placement to aid day-to-day use. Careful planning ensures that frequently used items are kept within easy reach, while occasional-use pieces are stored elsewhere. 

Cupboards remain valuable for storing items such as cake tins, roasting trays and seasonal appliances. These pieces don’t need prime positioning, freeing up lower drawers for everyday essentials. This balance between accessibility and practicality is at the heart of successful kitchen organisation ideas. 

By zoning your kitchen storage according to how often items are used, you create a space that feels intuitive and effortless to work in. 

Kitchen Larders and Walk-In Pantries for Storage 

A dedicated kitchen pantry space is one of the most effective organisation solutions available. Whether designed as a walk-in pantry or a bespoke larder cupboard, these spaces keep food items visible, ordered and easy to access. 

A high quality kitchen larder typically includes adjustable shelving, internal drawers and dedicated compartments for dry goods, bottles and small appliances. Everything has its place, making it easier to keep track of supplies and maintain order. 

Well-planned pantry storage also reduces waste, as ingredients are clearly displayed rather than forgotten at the back of cupboards. When designing your pantry, consider these practical benefits that enhances everyday living. 

Bespoke kitchen larder cupboard with deep drawer storage and worktop space

Open Shelving and Glass Fronted Cabinets 

In kitchens with generous space or a central island, many homeowners are choosing open shelving instead of traditional cabinetry. Display shelves and glass-fronted cabinets are seeing a resurgence, offering a more open and decorative approach to kitchen organisation. 

Used thoughtfully, kitchen open shelving allows you to showcase ceramics, glassware or decorative pieces that complement the overall design. While these storage options require regular upkeep, they can significantly enhance the character of a space, particularly in country or contemporary kitchens. 

A carefully designed display supports kitchen organisation rather than detracting from it, ensuring shelves remain practical as well as visually appealing. 

Bespoke kitchen dresser with cabinetry storage and wooden open shelving
Integrated kitchen storage cupboard with glass doors in an industrial kitchen

Storage for Long-Term Kitchen Organisation 

Lasting kitchen organisation starts with high quality craftsmanship. Precision-built drawers, durable internal mechanisms and tailored storage solutions ensure your kitchen continues to function beautifully over time. 

Bespoke kitchen organisation lets you design storage around your lifestyle, rather than adapting to standard configurations. The result is a kitchen that feels considered, balanced and effortless to use every day. 

Kitchen Organisation That Works for Real Life 

A well-organised kitchen should support how you live now and how you’ll live in years to come. From intelligently planned drawers to a bespoke larder cupboard or open shelving, the right kitchen organisation ideas create a space that is practical, elegant and easy to maintain. 

FAQs About Kitchen Organisation 

What items should be in lower cupboards? 

Lower cupboards and drawers should store heavier items such as pans, plates, mixing bowls and small appliances to support safe and practical kitchen organisation. 

What are the four steps to organising a kitchen? 

The four steps to organising a kitchen are to declutter what you no longer need, plan clear storage zones, choose the right storage solutions for each area, and maintain order through thoughtful, practical placement. 

Where should plates and cups go in a kitchen? 

Plates and cups are best stored in lower drawers or cupboards near the dishwasher for efficient kitchen organisation and easy unloading. 

What items should be in upper cupboards? 

Upper cupboards are ideal for lighter, less frequently used items such as serving dishes, baking tins and seasonal appliances. 

How to organise spices in a small cupboard? 

Use tiered shelving or drawer inserts to keep spices visible and easy to reach, so nothing gets lost at the back of the cupboard. Group similar spices together and decant them into uniform jars where possible to maximise space and create a more organised, efficient kitchen. 

Discover Bespoke Kitchen Organisation With Harvey Jones 

If you’re planning a new kitchen, investing in bespoke organisation ensures every detail is tailored to you. Explore our range of luxury Harvey Jones kitchens, pantries and practical storage solutions. 

Discover even more inspiration in our brochure and discover how thoughtful kitchen organisation can transform the way your space works.