By Jamie Goldberg, Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer and Member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association

It can't be done, you say? There's only one miniscule cabinet between your refrigerator and your stove. The contents of that blind corner cabinet next to the dishwasher haven't seen daylight since the Carter administration. And finding a spatula in your utensil drawer sounds like a dress rehearsal for the Broadway musical Bring In 'Da Noise, Bring In 'Da Funk. These are stories I hear every week as a kitchen designer. The good news is you can increase your storage without remodeling your kitchen. The key words are organize and optimize.

Kitchen designers often define the space bounded by the range or cooktop, refrigerator, and primary sink as the work triangle. This is the all-important space where meals are prepared, fresh food is stored, and cleanup is handled. The only items that should "live" in this prime real estate are those you use for daily meal preparation, regular food storage, serving, and cleanup. That's it. The fondue pot, Christmas dishes, champagne flutes, and chafing dish need new homes in outer areas. Clearing out work triangle cabinets of nonessential items will likely lighten your load somewhat. But you still have more stuff than space, you say. Let's make it easier to use.