Jessica Alba's vertical kitchen storage solution balances elegance, simplicity and functionality

Cabinets are the gold standard of kitchen storage. But how can you make sure they accommodate all of your kitchen wares? Jessica Alba has the answer, and it's extra-long vertical cabinets. 

The actress took to Instagram to share a reel of her family getting ready for their holiday meal in her Los Angeles home, designed by Clements Design (yes, the same team behind Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's Beverly Hills abode).  

As the camera panned across Jessica's kitchen, we couldn't help but notice the size of her kitchen storage – and how they balance style and functionality, seamlessly. 

Interior experts say Jessica's kitchen idea taps into one of their favorite organizational methods: vertical storage. Jennifer Ebert, digital editor at Homes & Gardens, says, 'For clutter-free storage, vertical organization is the best method. It's so effective because it allows you to use all of the space you have. When all of your closets and countertop storage are full, the only place to go is up.'

Jennifer Ebert

Jen is the Editor (Digital) of Homes & Gardens. Before starting this position, she had completed various interior design courses at KLC Design School, as well as working across Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes and Country Homes & Interiors as an interiors writer.

Carlin Van Noppen, interior designer and owner of Fig Linens and Home, adds on Jessica Alba's, 'Vertical storage in the form of kitchen cabinets is so great because it draws your eye up. In a space with high ceilings, these extra tall cabinets make the ceilings appear even higher by elongating the space. This type of cabinet maximizes storage and gives you a place for any appliances that you rarely use.'

Carlin Van Noppen

Carlin Van Noppen is a Connecticut-based interior designer, and the founder of Fig Linens and Home, a luxury linens boutique based in Westport. She has over 20 years of experience providing design expertise for beautiful homes, hotels, yachts, and private planes.

However, organizing this type of kitchen cabinet requires forward planning. 'It's important to organize from the items you use most to the items you use least,' says Jennifer. 'In cabinets this tall, the items at the very top can be difficult to access, so you'll want to put the items you use the most on the lower shelves.'

Carlin adds, 'Installing a chic, sliding librarian ladder can be a cool way to access these taller shelves while adding a chicness to the design of your kitchen.'

Shop the Jessica Alba Edit

Vertical cabinets aside, we can tap into Jessica's beautiful kitchen with these similar picks below.

To maximize space and make your kitchen look as chic as it possibly can, extra tall cabinets are a great option.