Whenever we peruse the sites of high-end European specialist kitchen makers, we find ourselves obsessing over the elaborate built-in drawer storage systems. In fact, we like them so much that Michelle DIY-ed her own silverware drawer in their image. For the less can-do among, here is a selection of readymade modular drawer components to instantly organize your utensils and knives.
The Inspiration: European Custom Storage Designs
Above: Everything in its place in a bespoke design from the Lubina Kitchen and Bedroom Company in the UK.
Above: A tailormade storage drawer with sections for knives, flatware, spices and other tools from SieMatic Kitchens.
Above: A row of tools descends down from under kitchen cupboards, another custom design from Lubina Kitchen and Bedroom.
The Finds: Readymade In-Drawer Knife Storage
Above: The Wüsthof 14-Slot In-Drawer Knife Organizer Tray in oak holds 6 large and 6 small knives with room for sharpening steel; $29.95 from Amazon.
Above: For drawers with less space (or chefs with fewer knives), the Wüsthof 7-Slot In-Drawer Beech Knife Tray is available in a light hardwood (left) for $19.95 and walnut (right) for $49.95 at Chef's Catalog.
Above: Ikea's Rationell Knife Tray is made from lacquered beech wood and holds up to 5 knives; $19.99.
Above: The Berghoff Neo 7-Piece Drawer Knife Block is made from rubberwood and carbon stainless steel; $165.32 on Amazon.
The Finds: In-Drawer Multi-Tool Storage
Above: From Häfele, the Wood Drawer Organizer comes outfitted with corresponding tools. The set ranges from the small "Art of Cooking" set, to the large, "Master Chef Collection" shown here. Contact Häfele's US outpost for pricing and ordering information.
Above: The Bamboo Expandable Knife Organizer by Lipper International stores kitchen knives and utensils; $34.99 from Amazon. For flatware drawers, see our previous post: Drawer Divider Roundup, which includes a vertical storage solution for the space pressed
For a full cutlery tutorial see our recent post, Expert Advice: 15 Things to Know About Knives.
N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on January 24, 2011 as part of our Shades of White issue.