Decades Later, Martha Stewart’s Turkey Hill Kitchen Shows How Intelligent, Hidden Storage Ideas Can Inspire Space-Smart Living
Martha's innovative storage proves makes expert use of dead space, proving that small details can have a dramatic impact
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Cucina
Whether you’re passionate about hosting exquisite dinners, experimenting with culinary trends, or perfecting your kitchen's design with timeless elegance and innovative functionality, this newsletter is here to inspire
I've long admired Martha Stewart, but after moving into my first apartment this year, I've gained even more appreciation for her elegant and innovative design choices.
Take the kitchen in Martha's Turkey Hill home, for example. Upon first glance, it's a bright, sophisticated space, awash with sleek marble and hints of brass. Look closer, however, and you'll spot a treasure trove of kitchen storage ideas, particularly in regard to hidden cabinet shelves.
Now that I'm the proud resident of a tiny home in the city, these details have never felt so huge – and Martha's use of space continues to inspire me, even after all those decades.
After embarking on my own kitchen organization journey, it didn't take me long to realize just how difficult it is to harness the full potential of under-sink cupboards. They're dark, awkward to reach, and usually cramped – which is why pull-out organizers are so revolutionary. Martha's comprises a flat tray which allows her to maximize both the height and width of her space.
Channel Martha's Turkey Hill Kitchen Organization
Available in a variety of different sizes, this pull-out shelf will revolutionize your kitchen or pantry. Like Martha's, it's designed to help you maximize space, granting easy access to all of your kitchen essentials.
If you're looking for some particularly sturdy storage options, I'd go for metal racks like these. Add bins or canisters and your kitchen will feel like a professional restaurant.
If you don't fancy committing to any kitchen DIY, you can still improve the efficiency of your space using organizers like these. They'll transform your pantry cabinets and drawers.
Recreate Martha's countertop organization using simple glass jars. These boast a classic, vintage-inspired look, and they'll streamline your kitchen by placing ingredients on display.
Bring some subtle texture to your counters with these pale green jars. They're ideal for dry goods and baking supplies, but they're stylish enough to show off, rather than hiding them in your pantry.
These jars make a bolder statement, but they're the perfect way to create an uplifting space. I love the floral design – and the pale wood lids add a hint of rustic charm.
Martha's original Turkey Hill kitchen was defined by sycamore wood cupboards and dramatic stone countertops, and even after she redesigned the space with a lighter color scheme in mind, it was a reminder that classic kitchen design simply doesn't date.
This photo showcases Martha's updated kitchen, which was completed in the 1990s, and it's clear that Martha is an expert when it comes to seamless storage. I love that the wood drawer pays homage to the rustic feel of space, while the luminous marble counters add a dash of contemporary flair. Thanks to sleek glass jars, the counters are perfectly organized –and blissfully uncluttered.
Martha is also a master of cohesive color schemes, and you'll spot her trademark green theme in this space: the green metal vases perfectly coordinate with the vintage-style green jars, and even the dish soap has been decanted into a particularly elegant bottle. It's proof that small touches can elevate the simplest corners of your home.
As someone who is forever searching for clever ways to organize a small kitchen, I'm taking plenty of tips and tricks from Martha. Even with limited counter space, I'm determined to invest in some stylish kitchen storage containers that I can keep on show – and I'll definitely be trying out pull-out drawers, too.
Just like Martha's, this rustic kitchen makes use of deep drawers and tall cabinets to maximize storage space
Experts say that Martha's kitchen is the perfect example of storage that blends both style and function.
'The pull-out wood in this space reinforces the idea that luxury kitchens aren’t just about aesthetics; they’re about intuitive movement and ease of use,' reflects Michelle Rosen, the founder of Hop To It Organizers, LLC. 'It’s a beautiful example of invisible functionality: where organizing solutions are installed within concealed spaces. It maximizes deep cabinet space by bringing contents forward, increasing accessibility while also avoiding items getting lost in the back of the cabinet.'
And while the pull-out drawer is the epitome of practicality, the glass canisters place stylish storage on show. 'The combination of warm wood and clear glass (with a subtle pop of green) creates a balance of organic texture and visual clarity, making the space feel curated and intentional,' Michelle adds.
Martha's kitchen storage is simple and yet utterly transformative. It demonstrates that small details can make a huge difference – and even basic storage solutions can be stylish, too.
