#15 Genius Kitchen Storage Solutions

I'm no stranger to a tiny, cramped kitchen. Thing is, I have a food blog and a passion for cooking and baking so I've had to get creative with my storage to make my operation run smoothly. Thankfully, with a little attention to detail (and some clever solutions), you can carve out counter space you didn't know you had and even organize your stuff so it's easier to find. (See also: 15 Things in Your Kitchen You Should Throw Out Today )

Here's how.

1. Wire Baskets

Don't discriminate when it comes to storage. Those decorative wire baskets used more traditionally for mail and magazines make a perfect place to stash stuff in your kitchen. Hang a double tiered basket on the side of your island or cabinets to wrangle tea towels, paper plates, or whatever else you need to get off your counters.

2. Shower Caddy

Speaking of repurposing, check out this produce rack made from a shower caddy. You can easily find a caddy of this size for less than $10. The rest is finding a spot you like and hanging it with Command hooks .

3. Magazine Rack

I love this idea to use an old magazine rack to hold baking pans versus stacking them in messy cabinets. Not only does this solution look great, but it also serve a major purpose. Though the blogger who served up this idea decided to paint her magazine rack, I would have kept mine natural for easier cleaning (all those chocolate chips from the cookies I make would inevitably end up on that crisp white paint!).

4. Tilt Storage

You know those fake cabinet doors by your sink? If you own your home, consider turning them into something functional with this DIY Tilt Storage tutorial. The tip out trays you'll need for this project cost about $10 each. Once you're ready to start, just remove the false drawer fronts, install your tilt hinges, hang your trays, and enjoy!

5. Folger's Tubs

Here's a brilliant example of turning trash into treasure: Repurposed Coffee Containers. They can hold your bulk goods or whatever else you might want to corral and they're virtually free. Just clean out the can, spray with your favorite color paint, and slap on some chalkboard labels. (See also: 15 Fantastic Chalkboard Paint Projects )

6. Hanging Pipes

I recently made my own Industrial Pot Rack using a couple plumbing pipes, connectors, and spray paint. Going with non-galvanized pipes helped save me some money on this project. Plus, you can paint them whatever color matches your kitchen. Best of all, the rack is an incredibly sturdy structure that will hold strong for years to come.

7. Freestanding Rack

If you can't drill holes in your walls, try this temporary pot rack (the last photo in the series) which is nothing more than an old ladder with S-hooks. You can take it wherever you decide to move. The biggest difficulty of the project is finding the right height ladder, so check out thrift and antique shops, as well as Craigslist and any local classifieds.

8. Door Organizer

Check out this other amazing (and temporary) solution: the Kitchen Door Organizer. The author of this project found a plantation-style door at her local Habitat for Humanity Re-Store (just $5!). From there, she gave it new life with a coat of paint and accent color. The storage works using a system of hooks, freeing up cabinet space for stuff that can't so easily hang out.