Sometimes a space needs a little makeover before we work our home organization magic. I recently had the opportunity to collaborate with the fabulous Kendall Sharpe Designs on a home renovation project. The only thing better than organizing a kitchen and pantry is getting to do it in a freshly renovated space. I had the best time helping this client organize their belongings back into a pantry with new shelving and freshly painted cabinets. They have so much more storage with pullout base cabinet shelving, hidden corner pullout shelving and the addition of new cabinets. Kendall and Kaylan do it right!
Read Kendall’s take on this fun collaboration below and get her top tips for your kitchen!
Pretty Isn’t Enough: 5 Kitchen Organization Tips to Make Your Space Work Harder
Kendall Sharpe with Kendall Sharpe Designs
Design a Kitchen That Looks Beautiful—and Functions Even Better
When remodeling a kitchen, it’s easy to get swept up in finishes, tile selections, and paint colors. But no matter how stunning your space looks, if it doesn’t support your everyday routine, it’s going to cause frustration.
At Kendall Sharpe Designs, we believe that a well-designed kitchen should be just as functional as it is beautiful. That’s why we always incorporate professional organization into our kitchen remodels. With guidance from Jill Moore of Organized Jill, we help homeowners set up systems that make their kitchens easy to use, maintain, and enjoy long after the remodel is finished.
Here are five smart tips we used in a recent project that can help you transform your kitchen into a practical, peaceful, and organized space:
1.Design Storage Around How You Live
The first step in creating a functional kitchen is planning around your daily routine. Rather than designing storage based on trends or aesthetics alone, think about how you actually use your kitchen.
Tip: Break your kitchen into zones—such as prep, cooking, cleaning, and serving. Then organize each zone so items are stored right where you use them. For example, keep utensils in drawers beside the stove, place dishwashing supplies under the sink, and set up your coffee station near an outlet and mugs.
2.Use Interior Organizers to Maximize Space
Cabinets and drawers can hold a lot, but if you can’t see what you have, things get lost—and cluttered—fast.
What We Do: We use clear bins, drawer dividers, pull-out trays, and lazy Susans to make items easy to find and keep organized.
Tip: Use containers to group similar items together (snacks, baking supplies, spices) and label them. Opt for clear materials so nothing gets hidden in the back of the cabinet.
3.Make Daily Items the Most Accessible
You shouldn’t have to dig for the things you use every day. Organizing by frequency of use keeps your kitchen intuitive and efficient.
Tip: Place your most-used items—like silverware, cutting boards, and mixing bowls—at waist or eye level. Store special occasion items and seasonal serveware higher up or in a different storage area altogether.
4.Plan a Place for Everyday Clutter
Even the most organized kitchen needs a spot to collect life’s little messes. Instead of letting clutter take over your countertops, plan for it.
What We Recommend: Add a drawer or cabinet specifically for mail, keys, chargers, or school papers. Use bins or drawer inserts to keep it contained but still accessible.
Tip: Think of it like a “junk drawer—but intentional.” Giving clutter a home keeps the rest of your kitchen looking clean and feeling peaceful.
5.Organize as You Unpack—Not After
One mistake homeowners make after a remodel is throwing everything back into the new cabinets without a plan. Taking a few extra steps during the move-in process can make a big difference in how the space functions.
Tip: Organize as you unpack. Don’t just place items wherever they fit—create systems that support your lifestyle. If the process feels overwhelming, a professional organizer can guide you through setup and help you maintain it over time.
A Kitchen That Works for You
A well-organized kitchen doesn’t just look good—it saves time, reduces stress, and helps your whole household run more smoothly.
At Kendall Sharpe Designs, we always incorporate functional planning and professional organization into our kitchen remodels. Because a kitchen should support your life—not slow it down.
If you need a hand decluttering and organizing your home, we’re here to help!
Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina & surrounding areas?
Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.
