This Clutter-Concealing ‘90s Kitchen Feature Is Making a Huge Comeback

If the sight of the toaster, an air fryer, or a stand mixer permanently parked on the counter sparks mild irritation every time you walk into your kitchen, there could be an easy solution in your future. As homes become smarter and more functional. many homeowners are rethinking how much visual clutter they’re willing to tolerate on their countertops. Enter the appliance garage: once a relic of the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s, it's back and better than ever.

As with any trend that circles back, the modern version is just that—more modern. The purpose of today’s appliance garages is the same: to conceal small kitchen appliances from view. But they’re also designed with convenience and functionality in mind. We spoke with an expert about the resurgence of appliance garages and the considerations to keep in mind if you’re hoping to install one in your home.

The Original Appliance Garages

Originally designed as discreet countertop cabinets with roll-top tambour doors, appliance garages first began popping up in the early 1970s. They were popular through the '80s and '90s but eventually fell out of fashion as kitchens shifted toward a sleeker, more minimal aesthetic. But thanks (at least, in part) to viral food trends, homes now have more small appliances than ever before. Think air fryers, crock pots, espresso machines, juicers, and more, many of which are likely currently sitting on your countertops. 

This appliance boom, combined with the shift toward cleaner visual lines and custom home organization, has opened the door for a new generation of appliance garages. They’re made more intentionally than their retro counterparts, but they still help declutter without sacrificing convenience.

The Clutter-Concealers Make a Comeback

To better understand the revival and how homeowners can make the most of these built-in hideaways, we spoke with Jeff Andrews, principal designer and founder of Los Angeles-based Jeff Andrews Design. “We are seeing a rise in designated shelving to store small appliances such as microwaves, blenders, toaster ovens, air fryers, and Instant Pots," he says.

Andrews also explains that the appliance garage aligns with other kitchen design decisions, such as custom pantries and spring-up shelves for heavy stand mixers. “The appliance garage is currently trending alongside the rise of sculleries and prep kitchens,” he adds. “We are working to eliminate clutter throughout our homes, and kitchen appliances are at the top of many homeowner lists.”

If it’s not in the cards for you—whether because of budget or space constraints—to add something like a scullery in your home, appliance garages offer a more accessible storage solution. “Built-ins are ideal for major appliances like microwaves and coffee makers,” Andrews says. "[But] when that is not possible, we prefer to create a custom solution.”

What Makes Modern Appliance Garages Different?

If the old-school version was about hiding messes, today’s appliance garage is driven by both aesthetics and function. In other words, they’re no longer just countertop cubbies. Instead, they’re part of an intentional flow of storage and workspace. “It’s all about planning–you need to know which appliances are in play and plan for their size, weight, and how the homeowner plans to use them, so that we can create a custom, user-friendly solution,” Andrews says. In other words, there should be no more guessing whether or not your blender will fit. Today’s appliance garages may include shelves that lift, pull-out trays, integrated outlets, lighting, heat-safe surfaces, and even multiple zones for different types of appliances.

Some homeowners are choosing countertop-height garages with doors that open vertically, while others opt for pantry-style installations with deep shelves. And if you’re doing a total kitchen renovation, you can have a garage blend seamlessly with cabinetry, matching the style, finish, and hardware. One of the most noticeable differences is that, instead of traditional tambour doors (which are prone to sticking), garages now come equipped with a variety of door types, such as hinged, bi-fold, or sliding panels that operate more smoothly and can better match your kitchen design. The result is a storage solution that doesn’t just hide clutter; it supports how you actually use your kitchen on a day to day basis.

The Potential Downsides of Adding an Appliance Garage

As with any renovation choice, appliance garages aren’t without their potential pitfalls. According to Andrews, almost all issues stem from one thing: a lack of planning. “The major con is if you don’t plan properly, and then the desired appliance doesn’t fit well or function properly with the storage solution,” he explains. Because small appliances vary widely in size, a garage must be measured with precision. A too-tight fit or a shelf that can’t bear the weight can render the garage useless.

“Another obstacle comes when you upgrade an appliance and the dimensions change,” Andrews notes. If your coffee maker dies and your new espresso machine is two inches taller, you might suddenly be without a designated home for it. This is where you’ll need to balance aesthetics with flexibility. Should you design for the appliance you have today, or leave a little wiggle room for the one you might own later? It’s simply something to consider when planning a kitchen design project.

How to Make an Appliance Garage Work for You

Whether you’re renovating top to bottom or refreshing a few areas of the kitchen, making the most of an appliance garage begins long before construction. “Plan, plan, and plan some more!” Andrews emphasizes. “This is where I really ask the homeowner a lot of questions about the appliances they use and the appliances that they would like to use in their new kitchen.”

Here are a few pro tips to make an appliance garage work in your space:

Take inventory of your small appliances: Make a list of everything you use at least once a week. Then measure each appliance (height, width, depth, and cord length) to determine storage zones.

Think about your workflow: Do you make coffee every morning? Blend smoothies frequently? Bake often enough that your stand mixer deserves quick access? The answers will help determine placement.

Consider installing help for heavy items: Spring-up or pull-out shelves for heavy appliances (like your Kitchen Aid mixer) can make a huge difference, and may even motivate you to use them more often.

Keep outlets in mind: Integrated outlets keep cords tidy and eliminate the need to haul appliances further out onto the counter.

Plan ventilation for hot appliances: Air fryers, toaster ovens, and microwaves need breathing room to function safely and efficiently, so keep that in mind when designing an appliance garage.

Leave room for future appliances: Adding an extra inch or two of clearance can save you headaches when you get a new appliance or need to replace an existing one.