Joanna Gaines' Solution For More Kitchen Storage Is As Stylish As It Is Useful

Your kitchen is one of the busiest places in the home — this is the hub where people cook, eat, gather, and clean. When it comes to space, some kitchens might feel like they run out quickly, especially if you prefer to keep your countertops and surfaces clutter-free. Joanna Gaines can always be counted on for budget-friendly solutions and clever upgrades, and her kitchen storage hack will have you wishing every room was this easy to organize. By installing open shelving above a kitchen island in an episode of "Fixer Upper," Gaines created more space for everything from pots and pans to dishware and even decor.

Not only does this hanging addition provide extra kitchen storage, which may impact a buyer's decision when it comes time to sell, but it is also a great way to insert a little divide in an open-concept floor plan. The shelving Gaines used in her "Fixer Upper" episode is made up of black iron bars; there are no front or back walls, nor are there doors that create a closed-off section that could otherwise block light and make the space feel less airy. The shelves provide necessary access without encumbering the kitchen.

To get the most out of Gaines' solution, it's helpful if your kitchen features an open expanse of space above countertops or an island where a shelving unit can be installed. Without a unit beneath the shelves, they might give off a random aesthetic that feels anchorless, whereas an island balances the floating rack and counteracts the top-heavy design. The shelves are mounted to the ceiling, and you can find a variety of selections across the internet to suit your interior designs. These ceiling-mounted floating shelves from Amazon are $348.69 and offer four shelf spaces to store items. For a budget-friendly option, consider this two-shelf unit for $130 on Amazon. If you already have extra planks of wood that can be used for shelves, you may only need to purchase the ceiling brackets, like these on Amazon for $66.90, saving you even more money. 

Decorating your suspending shelving unit is just as important as proper installation, as a cluttered piece can ruin your kitchen's overall aesthetic. Stick to matching dishware sets, but don't overload or overstack them, keeping extras in another cabinet or drawer nearby. Depending on your interior theme, wooden elements or matte black items can add earthy and contemporary pops, while plants will contribute the ideal amount of greenery to keep the section looking fresh. Make sure to match all the pieces you use with your overall decor scheme since these are on full display and act as a focal piece for your kitchen.