When it comes to interior design pet peeves, unused or dead space is high up on our lists. Empty walls and awkward gaps between shelves can easily be rectified – and beyond that, can be optimized for storage potential.

Looking at Gwyneth Paltrow's space, we are getting some excellent kitchen storage ideas from a clip she recently shared of her modern, minimal abode.

We admit, the space, designed by Brigette Romanek, is soluxurious, we almost overlooked her kitchen cabinets. However, after another watch of her reel, we decided her storage deserved a moment of its own. Alongside the chic, old money-style glass fronts, we love how the kitchen cabinets make use of vertical space by extending to the ceiling.

Between acting as a display unit for decorative and functional kitchen accessories, and providing visual interest in the space, Gwyneth's vertical kitchen cabinets are both timeless and designer-approved. They're also great for small kitchens, but as Gwyneth will show you, they're not limited to compact spaces.

Shop our small kitchen storage edit

According to experts, vertical kitchen storage of all kinds is fantastic, specifically in smaller spaces, where counter space can be minimal.

'In a small kitchen, every inch counts,' explains Westchester-based designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'While traditional storage solutions rely on cabinets and drawers, vertical storage can transform a compact space into an organized and efficient, chef-friendly workspace. From hanging pots and pans to utilizing wall-mounted shelves and pegboards, embracing verticality not only maximizes storage but also adds visual interest to your kitchen.'

Apart from customized or extended cabinetry, which Gwyneth makes the case for, Nina says that pull-out cabinetry can also fulfil a vertical storage need. It's especially wonderful for those who want to maximize kitchen storage without splurging on new cabinets.

'If you have a narrow gap between appliances or walls, consider a pull-out pantry cabinet to store dry goods, cutting boards, or trays,' she suggests. 'These slender, high-reaching cabinets make use of otherwise wasted space.'

Alternatively, while Gwyneth's cabinetry is ideal for keeping delicate objects safe, vertical, open shelving units are great kitchen wall ideas for accessibility of less fragile or frequently-used items.

'Maximize wall space with open shelving that extends to the ceiling,' Nina states. 'This works especially well for storing items you don’t need daily, such as specialty appliances or seasonal dishware. For a sleek and seamless look, match the shelves to your cabinetry or opt for floating shelves with integrated lighting.'

A caveat to introducing vertical storage solutions is that they may be harder to reach – installing a luxe but practical ladder, like Gwyneth has done, is a great (and safe) way to keep storage more accessible.