Martha Stewart’s Clever Knife Drawer Trick Solves a Problem Every Small Kitchen Has
With Martha Stewart’s space-saving cork liner, every knife finds its place –keeping your kitchen neat, stylish, and stress-free for 2026
With the arrival of the new year comes the inevitable urge to get a little more organized – and, often, this starts with the kitchen. As ever, we look to the original influencer, Martha Stewart, to refine our habits, just as she first did in this footage four years ago.
As we often say, her best kitchen storage ideas have no expiry date – one example is her knife drawer solution, shown in the footage below. In the video, Martha demonstrates storage solutions that work in any-sized kitchen, and her knife drawer is arguably her smartest.
'[An] organizational tip is to make a knife drawer, starting with small knives and working up to larger ones,' she says.
'Do not forget your serrated knives for bread. They are so great. This cork liner [similar to this one on Amazon] is a good idea. Do you want to see the best knife I have? Look at this one. It was signed by me. It is for chopping something big.'
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This moisture-resistant cork shelf liner adds both beauty and functionality, naturally resisting mold and mildew while dampening sound. Its non-slip texture keeps tools and other items securely in place, combining practicality with understated style.
This 14-piece knife set offers a complete range of essential cutlery, from a versatile chef’s knife to a precise santoku and paring knife. Crafted with high-carbon blades and ergonomic handles, each knife delivers professional-level performance, while the sleek block keeps them beautifully displayed on your countertop.
This fine-grain cork roll can be cut to any size or shape, making it perfect for walls, desks, or creative displays. With natural heat and sound insulating properties, it also serves as an ideal underlay for walls and floors, combining practicality with thoughtful design.
His classic metal pot rail, finished in sleek silver stainless steel, combines durability with understated elegance. Equipped with 10 sturdy hooks, it provides ample space to hang your pots and pans, keeping your kitchen organized, the Martha way.
Crafted from iron, the Metal Pot Rack Bar brings timeless charm to your kitchen. Its array of hooks makes hanging utensils and pans effortless while adding a stylish, functional accent to any space.
This frying pan is both beautiful and practical. Lightweight, scratch-resistant, and dishwasher-safe, it makes a standout addition to any hob while offering reliable performance and effortless cleanup for the modern kitchen.
Alongside her kitchen knife storage, Martha expands on the benefits of a pot rack, similar to this beautiful option from McGee & Co.
'Hanging pots on a rack is such a handy way to keep your pots and pans. You just reach up and grab what you need. For example, if you are going to steam some eggs, you take the pot that size. It makes it easy to keep your pots and pans in sight, clean, and looking great,' she says.
Lastly, if you're working with an ultra-small kitchen, she recommends rethinking how you use your refrigerator. The secret is to hide one in your drawer. Yes, really.
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'If you are limited on space and do not want a big refrigerator taking up all your wall space, put in an under-counter refrigerator,' Martha says.
'Another nice thing to do to keep your pantries organized and groceries fresher is decanting. Take items from plastic bags. This is rice. Put it in a nice container with a tight-fitting lid [like these from Amazon] that goes right into your pantry. I really like having a pantry where I can see where everything is.' If there's ever a time to get organized the Martha-way, it's at the start of this fresh new year. Which tip will you be following first?

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.