When it comes to high-end kitchens, almost nothing contributes more to their ambiance and function than custom made cabinets. But because this opens up so many options, it can be difficult to choose which ones to incorporate into your kitchen build or remodel. Here are some fresh new ideas that will make cooking in your new kitchen easy and comfortable:
- Hidden Specialty Appliances
When you have custom cabinetry made, it can be fitted around any appliances you want. This opens up your possibilities far beyond your standard range. You can consider trends such as dishwasher drawers (either instead of or in addition to a full-sized dishwasher) and warming drawers. And if you don’t want your appliances detracting from your beautiful cabinets, you can have matching panels installed over the front of your appliances so they blend right in.
- On-Counter Storage
You might not think of cabinets going on countertops. But why not? If you have enough counter space, consider adding a few “garages” that either sit on the counter or function as the bottom section of a larger rack of upper cabinets. These storage boxes with roll-up doors can serve as built-in breadboxes and can tuck countertop appliances such as stand mixers or toasters out of sight when not in use.
- Space-Saving Solutions
Especially if you’re renovating an older kitchen, you’re likely to be tight on square footage. This is one area where custom made cabinets can really add functionality to your cooking and storage space. Two popular options to consider are corner storage cabinets incorporating lazy Susans for better access and pull-out pantries for storing small food items.
- Deep Storage Drawers
The drawer options in pre-assembled cabinetry can be quite disappointing. If you’re getting custom cabinetry, take advantage of the opportunity to add deep drawers for storing pots and pans into the design. Combined with full extension hardware, getting out exactly what you need will never have been easier, and you’ll avoid precarious towers of dishes that aren’t intended to be stacked. Just make sure both the wood and hardware used can handle the weight of heavy steel or cast-iron pots.
- Bolder Looks
There’s no sense in getting custom wood kitchen cabinets if they look like plain old builder-basic maple. Consider mixing in glass-front cabinets, or multiple paint and stain colors. You can even follow the “kitchen noir” trend with black cabinetry. Custom cabinets will almost certainly be made of quality hardwood, so you’ll be able to sand down and repaint if your current choice goes out of style.
Of course, the downside of custom made cabinets is that the best custom wood cabinets cost a pretty penny. Do you have any advice on getting quality cabinets while keeping costs under control? Share your thoughts in the comments.