Can I make my new kitchen space work as hard on the inside as it does at being beautiful on the outside?

Open drawer showing herbs and spices organised into storage containers and wooden divided drawer sections.

Interior designer Natalie Jahangiry is one of Ideal Home's new Open House contributors, sharing her thoughts on decorating a home to suit a busy family life while sticking to your aesthetic values, too. See the rest of her articles here.

Have you ever watched Sort Your Life Out with Stacey Solomon? Because that is exactly how I felt when the entire contents of my kitchen/dining/ kids’ play area were suddenly laid out in front of me as I unpacked what felt like hundreds of boxes from pre-renovation life.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I am, by nature, a very organised person. Back when I lived alone in my first flat, friends used to come over and laugh at my strict “everything has a place” system, labels on everything, of course. Oh, how times have changed. Kids will do that to you.

And while I wouldn’t change it for the world, I still crave that sense of order, especially when I have three people constantly asking, “Where is this?”... yes Tom, that’s you included!

(Image credit: Natalie Jahangiry)

The thing is, I had decluttered before the renovation. But what I’d conveniently forgotten was:

• Every single millimetre of the old kitchen had been packed like a game of Tetris
• I love stuff… especially kitchen trinkets. Glassware, dinnerware, candles, cocktail bits, hosting pieces, you name it, I probably own it (and want it on display)
• There was also a whole extra stash of “bits” living in the garden office
• This time around, I actually want to find things easily. No more dodging a waterfall of chopping boards just to get to the blender!
• And let’s not forget the chaos of kids toys, crafts, makeup, and endless paper creations thrown into the mix

(Image credit: Natalie Jahangiry)

Even though we’ve doubled our storage and built in a dedicated kids area, I knew I needed help… and not from the hubby this time. So I called in reinforcements… hello Dunelm.

After putting out a cry for help to create a Dilly Carter level transformation, the amazing Charlotte from the Dunelm team came through with a dream setup of organisers, boxes, dividers, jars, drawer inserts. Honestly, it felt like Christmas had come early!

For me, having a kitchen that looks beautiful on the outside isn’t enough, I want it to feel just as satisfying on the inside too. And let’s not forget the new arched pantry… she needed a little TLC as well.

Label maker at the ready… let's get stuck in.

(Image credit: Natalie Jahangiry)

My favourite kitchen organising pieces

Inspired by my vision of an American style dream pantry, here’s what I have found has sorted my life out in my new kitchen/dining space.

Wooden Drawer Organisers

I’ve used these in several drawers, and they’ve been especially helpful for organising my spice drawer and tea collections. The small compartments work brilliantly, they really help break up a larger drawer into clearly defined, easy-to-use spaces.

Oxo Pots

And speaking of the spice drawer, it’s become one of my favourite spots in the kitchen. What used to be a bit of a chaotic mess is now neatly organised, making it so easy to find exactly what I need. The airtight lids keep everything fresh too, which makes a real difference. I’d highly recommend these delightful little pots!

Jars

Ohh jars, I have them all. Big ones, small ones, teeny tiny ones, ribbed, smooth, smoked… I’ve been collecting them for years. There’s just something so satisfying about a good jar, and they make storing everything so much easier. And don’t even get me started on labels, I love a label. So, Dunelm kindly sent me even more jars (yes, more!) to help organise even more of my dry pantry staples.

Stackable Storage Containers

I don’t know why these feel so much more satisfying than your usual cereal container, but with their sharper edges and cleaner shape, they just feel more sophisticated. Plus, they stack neatly, which is a game changer. The perfect solution for organising my pantry cupboard breakfast offerings.

Plastic Storage Boxes

I honestly couldn’t have organised the children’s cupboards without these boxes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. The bright colours really appeal to the kids, and the variety of sizes makes stacking and organising all their bits and bobs an absolute dream. I love them!

Scalloped Boxes

For larger items in the children’s cupboards, these worked perfectly. They break up the space nicely, making it much easier for them to find exactly what they’re looking for. They’re also really well designed, so they look great every time you open the cupboard doors.

And just like that, what once felt like total chaos now feels calm, considered, and (dare I say it) actually enjoyable to use every single day. It’s proof that with the right systems in place, a busy family kitchen really can look beautiful and work beautifully too.

(Image credit: Natalie Jahangiry)

Now when someone asks, “Where is it?”… there’s a very good chance I actually know the answer. And honestly? That feels like a total win.

The Edited Life 8 Compartment Wooden Drawer Organiser Set of 4 Oxo Softworks Pop Mini Acacia Ribbed Glass Jar Stackable Rectangle Storage Container Ribbed Storage Box Scalloped Storage Box