6 kitchen storage ideas to steal from restaurants

By nature, home kitchens have always been a more casual, intimate version of a restaurant — but that doesn't mean they can't be as efficient as a bustling restaurant kitchen. Between prep, serving, ambience and cleanup, even those with the smallest of kitchens have to stay nimble, and creating the right storage solutions is key to that success. Follow these six restaurant-approved storage tips to ensure that your kitchen runs smoothly, no matter what's on the menu.

Clear containers

There are countless ways to use the clear, plastic containers you often see stacked in restaurants. Tall ones are perfect for large quantities of stocks, while shorter ones can house pesto and dressings. The best part? These lids are interchangeable, so you don't have to worry about a stray topper.

Labels

You know that tasty tomato sauce you made a while ago? Its leftovers are now sitting in the fridge, and you can't quite tell if that smell means it's still good. This would never happen in a restaurant, where all items are promptly labeled, making it easy to see what's still fresh and what's past its prime. Get in the habit of writing the contents of your leftovers on masking tape with a permanent marker, and include the date.

Bench seating

There are likely two reasons why banquettes are a classic part of the dining experience: They fit as many people into one space as possible, and they feel cozier than individual chairs. If your kitchen has a breakfast nook, consider adding a banquette or a bench. Either option provides the option to add storage underneath the cushions as you also expand seating. A drawer would be perfect for linens, but open-air baskets would do the job too.

Work zones

Restaurants get food out quickly because everyone on the line knows their place. And even though no one should expect a meal on the table at home within minutes, they should be able to move around the room in a flash. All utensils, cups and plates should be gathered in the same area of your kitchen and set at least a few feet from high-trafficked areas of refrigerator, oven and microwave. Store once-in-a-blue-moon appliances in a pantry or cupboard.

Shelving

If you've ever worked in a restaurant or peeked in the back, you've probably noticed that no space goes to waste. Shelving spans above and below countertops, and walk-ins are lined with tiered units. If you have a pantry, place the items you use most at eye level, the heaviest items beneath and the specialty items above. If you don't have a pantry, add open shelving to a blank wall — for everyday items like plates and cups — or place a cart beside a small countertop. And add extra shelving to cabinets to maximize the number of pieces that will fit inside.

Pegboards

There's a reason why Julia Child used a custom pegboard in her famous kitchen. By having her trusted pots and pans within reach, it was easier to pick the items she needed on the fly. Take her advice and install a pegboard for everything from pots and pans to ladles and spatulas.

No space for a pegboard? Opt for a single rail beneath upper cabinets to hang your favorite items from hooks. A bronze one will patina over time, making your vignette look as perfectly lived in as Child's.