The One Unexpected Furniture Piece Nate Berkus Says More Kitchens Should Have

A lack of storage space isn’t uncommon when it comes to kitchens. There just never seem to be enough cabinets, drawers, and shelf area to keep cooking utensils and ingredients out of sight. But according to Nate Berkus, there’s an easy and beautiful fix to this: Add an unexpected furniture piece to pick up the slack.

Berkus says that a freestanding bureau or armoire can lend a hand in the storage department, while also adding more style and design to a space that can sometimes lack layering.

“I always talk about finding extra storage in the kitchen, especially if you don’t have enough cabinetry, which, truthfully, most people don’t,” Berkus said in a recent Instagram video. “So, adding a piece of furniture in the kitchen is an amazing way of keeping the things that you need really close by and also having something really beautiful that isn’t cabinetry. I love a shallow armoire [or] a chest of drawers.”

Berkus has a small chest of drawers in his own kitchen — more specifically, in the dining room spot — where all the table setting details are stored. Because the kids set the table every night, Berkus wanted to create a station where they could easily grab the things they need and set the table in a flash.

“Couldn’t agree more with this,” one person commented on Berkus’ video. “I love mixing built-in cabinetry with vintage or handcrafted furniture pieces. It makes it so much more unique and feels so creatively curated.”

While a chest of drawers is great for keeping linens and table settings clean and neat, you could also use a bureau for plates and silverware, your collection of food storage containers, or to act as a coffee station. An armoire is a handy way to add overflow pantry space for food items or store pots and pans.

Cabinets aren’t the end-all, be-all storage for kitchens. Get creative, choose something beautiful, and use a freestanding furniture piece to fill in the gaps.