Nate Berkus's approach to extending kitchen storage uses a classic vintage piece – it's the simplest method that works in even the smallest schemes

Storage is always a hot topic when it comes to kitchens. Unless you have a sprawling space, cabinet space is quickly filled, always leaving you with a few essentials with no place to live. Bulky appliances, occasional crockery, barware, the odds and ends that are tricky to house.

I've been searching for a functional way to add extra kitchen storage that isn't a total eyesore, but nothing was hitting the mark. That was until I saw Nate Berkus' solution, a vintage chest that perfectly combines practical drawer space with timeless design.

It's a simple solution, but it's a much chicer alternative to the more utilitarian storage options you usually find. And the best part? It's an approach that suits every size and style of space, whether you live in a cozy apartment or a spacious townhouse.

When you run out of effective storage in your kitchen, it can be tempting to fill more walls with cabinets or even introduce a temporary shelving unit that ends up becoming a permanent fixture.

But both options will make your kitchen feel cluttered and crowded. Instead, looking for less obvious alternatives will ensure you create the additional space in a more visually appealing way, something designer Nate Berkus is well versed in doing.

'I always talk about finding extra storage in the kitchen, especially if you don't have enough cabinetry, which, truthfully, most people don't. So, adding a piece of furniture in the kitchen is an amazing way of keeping the things that you need close by, and also, having something really beautiful that isn't kitchen cabinetry,' he says.

It doesn't have to be a typical piece of kitchen furniture like a freestanding cabinet or pantry. The most impactful design statements come from using unconventional pieces, like Nate has done.

'I love a shallow armoire or chest of drawers. This little corner in our dining area works really well, and I want to show you our organization system at home,' he adds, as he showcases the charming wooden chest of drawers in the corner of his dining space.

'Our kids set the table – that is a chore that they do – but to make it easier for them, we have this drawer divider. Napkins are all folded the same way on the left, and then the place mats are on [the right] side so they can just grab them.'

It's not just a great solution for kids – I've taken notes from Nate's organized approach, and it not only makes finding items so much easier, but it also allows you to fit more essentials into a small space. A win-win!

But what I love most about this method of extending kitchen storage is that it creates a more curated, lived-in look. It appeals to the ethos of decorating functional rooms in the same way you would a cozier space. It instantly adds personality and character, especially when decorating with a vintage piece, as Nate has done.

'I love so much about this: A, you know I care about what's on the inside of drawers, but also, I love the chest of drawers. It's vintage Axel Einar Hjorth. It's just really beautiful, simple design. We've had it forever, and I love this. Everything the kids need to set the table is right in this chest.'

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While it's not one of the conventional vintage pieces every kitchen should have, it's a timeless way to extend your storage. It's a great example of how you can create a solution to a functional problem – in this case, storage – but make it feel stylish and elevated. It's a simple yet effective way to bring vintage pieces into a kitchen.