If you are like most of us, there is never enough storage in your kitchen. As a designer, I hear, “I have kitchen supplies and equipment all over the house and in the garage.” No matter how much storage you have, there never seems to be enough. As a designer, we are always trying to find additional space, but that additional space doesn’t need to come from adding it, it may already be in the kitchen. You just need to identify it, and then decide how it can best be used. Many kitchens will have a soffit or drop ceiling. Either of these conditions are normally aesthetic, not structural and easily removed, normally with a little relocation of electrical and plumbing (Consult with a qualified contractor prior to removing any soffit or drop ceiling to confirm no structural or plumbing conditions exist that cannot be relocated.) This will allow an additional 6″-8″ of upper/tall cabinet height. May not seem like a lot, in a normal kitchen it represents an additional 13-18 cubic feet of storage. With adjustable shelves, this space can become an inexpensive source of additional storage.
Corners are always a challenge. As a designer, I try to eliminate the use of blind corner cabinets. Sometimes it’s not possible, given space limitations or layout of the room. If a blind corner cabinet cannot be avoided, there are several solutions. The first solution could be to use a lazy susan. Most clients are familiar with this accessory; many don’t know the different styles available. I find using a lazy susan without a center post, rather one mounted to a shelf, ball bearing rollers with a positive stop works best. Avoid using a unit with pass through doors; this can be hazardous to small children and their fingers. Doors that swing out, mounted with a pair of knuckle hinges operate in one motion, making it convenient to fully access the interior of the cabinet. In some kitchens I find space limitations, or alignment issues will not allow for a lazy susan cabinet. Blind corner cabinets with swing out shelves or a combination of door mounted shelves with rear mounted roll out shelves can be a great solution to access those dead corners. Rev-A-Shelf offers many wire rack style accessories that make access in hard to reach corners very accessible as well.
Roll out shelves are a convenient way to access the back of cabinets, and can be used effectively in both base and pantry cabinets. It is important to consider a few things when using this cabinet convenience. First, all roll out shelves should have full extension hardware, meaning the entire shelf comes out of the cabinet. The second consideration, not all base cabinets should have a roll out shelf. In narrow cabinets, because of the hardware it takes to install the mechanism, and the thickness of the shelf sides, it may take more storage space than helping to access. The third requirement, the shelf height should be easily adjustable.
I find for your pot and pan storage, drawers are a more convenient method of storage. Using a deep drawer, pots and their lids turned upside down can be stored and easily accessed by one movement, pulling open the drawer, as opposed to opening one or two doors, then pulling out the shelf. Always specify full extension drawer guides, especially for pot and pan storage so the entire drawer is accessible. Blum offers a drawer guide that’s under-mount, allowing for a full width drawer in the opening supported from underneath, full extension with a soft close feature which allows for a quiet closing of drawers and roll out accessories.
Many cities require separating our waste and recyclables, but where do we store the containers. There are several options, even if your city doesn’t require separation, we are all conscious of being green. Storing your trash and recyclables in a base cabinet is a very efficient way to store your waste containers out of sight using very little space. Base cabinet widths can range from 15″ to 21″ wide, storing two containers front to back ranging from 27 to 35 quarts each. The cabinet operation can be automated with a simple touch of your hand or knee to open the door.
We all love our animals but sometimes storing their food and providing a feeding area can be cumbersome, especially in small kitchens, such as condominium’s or townhome’s. A simple solution, use the toe space. This space along the bottom of your cabinets is often overlooked for storage of step stools or a roll out drawer, modified to hold a food and water dish. It can be pulled out for the convenience of your pet and if you have company quickly push in for a clean feeding area. As to the storage of your pet’s food, if you have a large pet that requires a large amount of food, using one of the base cabinet storage bins (trash/recycle container) can be an easy and convenient way to access their food.
Microwaves are a necessity in today’s kitchens, but where do you place it. If yours is an older kitchen, likely your microwave is on the counter, consuming usable work/preparation surfaces. There are several options depending on who may use it. They can be placed above the cooktop as a hood/microwave combination, in a wall cabinet above the counter, in a counter/wall cabinet, or in a base cabinet. NKBA suggests the following when deciding on where to install your microwave, “Locate the microwave oven after considering the user’s height and abilities. The ideal location for the bottom of the microwave is 3″ below the principle user’s shoulder but no more than 54″ above the floor. If the microwave is placed below the counter top the bottom must be at least 15″ off the finished floor.”
Where do you currently store your large serving platters, muffin pans, cookie sheets, and warming plates? Above ovens and refrigerators contains a space that isn’t normally accessible. Either the space is empty or used for items you may not even know are there. Vertical tray dividers are the perfect solution. All your large flat items can be stored on end. Even though the space is high to reach, these items are on end and can be accessed easily. Even small base cabinets 12″ or less in width are a perfect location for a single tray divider and storage of your heavier platters.
At most sinks, there are two false drawer fronts; this is a perfect location for additional storage using tilt out sink fronts. This will allow storage of your sponges, brushes, and some trays even have a ring holder for a safe space to store your rings while washing dishes.
Many of our clients have small specialty electrical appliances they store on their counters. The one item we feel should be easily accessible and stored in a convenient spot is the stand style mixer, like your Kitchen Aid mixer. A base cabinet as small as 18″ wide is the perfect space for your mixer. With a full height door, and swing up shelf with a heavy spring to help in lifting and lowering makes the mixer easy to access, use and store. With a roll out shelf at the bottom of the cabinet and the addition of an electrical outlet in the rear of the cabinet, everything you need for any mixing needs is in one convenient space.
In summary, enlist the services of a qualified designer and general contractor with design and build capabilities. Select a designer that is a member of the National Kitchen And Bath Association, with the CKD credential, you’ll get a wealth of experience in solving your storage issues. Working with qualified professionals will ensure you’re kitchen will not only be beautiful, but functional with all the storage and conveniences you desire.
Baccaro Construction is a premier “Design and Build” contractor with NKBA certified kitchen and bath designers, working with our clients from the initial “Wish List” to setting the final finishing nail. If you are ready for your first free consultation, call us.
If you have any specific questions or suggestions for future posts, please contact me at Peter@baccaroconstruction.com.