If you're looking to design a truly functional kitchen, there are a few rules Martha would suggest you follow. At the top of her list: Use every inch of space available to you. Our founder would be quick to tell you that using shelving in place of upper cabinets can help make the room feel lighter and airier. "I use everything in my kitchen regularly, and shelves make it all accessible," Martha says. "These nearly reach the ceiling, putting underused space to work." At the same time, the shelving allows you to showcase your arsenal of kitchen tools, dinnerware, and glassware.

Beyond shelving, Martha has many tips for creating a kitchen that's both practical and stylish—from her best tips for making the most of an island to how to fold linens—and you don't need ample space to do it either. One of Martha's best tips applies to drawers: Hers are outfitted in a way that creates plenty of storage, demonstrating her belief that it's possible to maximize even unseen spaces to their fullest potential. Focus on grouping like items together, using containers and dividers to customize each designated spot, and adding labels in order to reduce the need to rummage.

Another go-to kitchen organizing trick: Drawer-liners, including an essential liner that can help maintain delicate silver tools and Martha's system for optimizing a tall cabinet by lining the shelves with DIY stainless steel sheeting, which protects the integrity of the cabinetry while making it easy to access everything from spices to dry ingredients.

The possibilities for making your kitchen an appealing and practical space are seemingly endless. Read on for more of the ideas Martha has employed in her homes over the years.

Related: But just how organized are you REALLY? Take our quiz to find out!