Small kitchen? Welcome to the club. Between cabins in Big Sky, ADUs in Bozeman, and townhomes across the Gallatin Valley, we’ve built plenty of tight spaces that cook like a chef’s line—efficient, durable, and downright comfortable. The trick isn’t cramming in more; it’s designing smarter. Here’s a practical, contractor-level guide to small kitchen storage that actually works in Montana’s real-world homes.
The Montana small-kitchen reality (cabins, ADUs, townhomes)
Montana kitchens pull double duty. They handle winter boot traffic, big cookware, and family gatherings when the mercury drops. In cabins, ADUs, and compact townhomes, every inch matters—and every cabinet needs a job. We design around short winter daylight, snow gear near entries, and dry-air season that can shift wood a hair. Translation: smart storage, tough finishes, and layouts that keep you moving.
12 custom storage ideas that make a small kitchen work big
- Deep Pot Drawers
Swap standard doors for full-extension drawers under the range. No more squatting to dig for cast iron. - Tray & Sheet Pan Dividers
Vertical slots beside the oven or fridge keep baking sheets, cutting boards, and trays upright and easy to grab. - Spice Pull-Outs
Narrow pull-outs (6–9 inches) next to the cooktop keep spices and oils at your fingertips—no avalanche when you open the door. - Trash & Recycling Centers
A double-bin pull-out near prep space keeps mess off the floor and counters. Add a third for compost if that’s your thing. - Blind-Corner Solutions
LeMans or kidney-swing shelves pull pots right out of the dead corner. No more losing gear to the abyss. - Toe-Kick Drawers
That 3–4 inches at the floor? Turn it into storage for baking sheets, placemats, or kids’ art supplies. - Integrated Pantry Pull-Outs
Tall pull-outs (or a full pantry cabinet with roll-outs) hold a week’s worth of groceries without eating floorspace. Think “storefront for food.” - Appliance Garage
Hide the toaster, blender, and espresso setup behind a lift-up or tambour door. Counters stay clear; mornings run smoother. - Vertical Baking Storage
Narrow dividers near the mixer park cooling racks, sheet pans, and muffin tins—no clanging stack needed. - Island Drawers That Do It All
If you’ve got space for a petite island or peninsula, load it with deep drawers, a hidden microwave, and a utensil top drawer. Small footprint, big utility. - Cutlery + Utensil Inserts
Custom inserts beat store-bought trays every time. We size them to your actual tools so everything has a home. - Tall Broom/Laundry Cabinet
A 12–18 inch tall cabinet for brooms, vac, and soap keeps cleaning supplies out of the pantry and off the counter.
Want mouldings, panels, and trim details that make small spaces feel finished (not cramped)? See our millwork and moulding options
Workflow and lighting tweaks that multiply usefulness
Small kitchens live or die by flow and light. Set up prep, cook, clean zones so two people can work without shoulder checks. Add under-cabinet LEDs for winter evenings, and a simple toe-kick night light so early coffee doesn’t wake the house. Inside the boxes, choose soft-close slides and full-extension hardware—you’ll use every inch, every day.
If your existing cabinets need modifications, refits, or pro finishing, our shop can help. Check out Additional Services
When a micro-remodel beats a full gut
You don’t always need to tear it all out. A micro-remodel—new drawer banks, upgraded pull-outs, added pantry cabinet, fresh doors and finishes—can transform how a small kitchen works at a fraction of the downtime. We’ll measure, suggest high-impact changes, and build to fit the boxes you have or craft new where it counts.
Ready to see what your space could do with the right storage plan?
Book a 45-minute layout session; we’ll send a sketch and estimate
Bring measurements, photos, and your wish list. We’ll talk through the twelve ideas above, pick the right ones for your space, and build a plan that fits your budget and Montana lifestyle.
FAQ
What’s the best first upgrade for a small Bozeman kitchen?
Swap base cabinet doors for deep drawers. Full-extension drawers use the whole box and make heavy cookware easy to reach.
Can you add pull-outs to my existing cabinets?
Often, yes. We retrofit spice pull-outs, trash centers, and roll-out trays if the boxes are sound. If not, we’ll spec replacements where it makes the most difference.
How do I fit a pantry in a townhome kitchen?
We like a tall, narrow pull-out beside the fridge or a shallow-depth pantry with roll-outs. Both pack surprising capacity into tight footprints.
Will toe-kick drawers hold up in a snowy Big Sky home?
Yes—when built correctly with moisture-conscious finishes and good hardware. We’ll spec them away from heavy splash zones and seal edges for longevity.