There is a fine line in remodeling your kitchen when it comes to function and looks. I love to cook so function is the #1 thought when I’m designing someone’s kitchen. Looks are also important to me but never more important than how I will be working around in my space. Every person has their own preferences so that is usually my suggestion that I like to stress to a newer client that has given me their trust in guiding them through the many mazes of choices and decisions.

I’m amazed at some of the opinions that I see throughout our industry in publications from designers on this very subject. Some opinions are that base cabinets 12″ or smaller are useless or corner lazy susans are awful storage. To make that claim as a general is ludicrous. I love my skinny tray and spice pullout cabinets and my susan is great for easy access of my larger and most used food. Kitchens come in different sizes and each design decision will be predicated on that size, the client’s preference and their needs. The most important trait that I or any other kitchen designer must possess first and foremost is our skill in listening. Good listening skills are paramount in the creation and capturing of a clients dream. In my book Dream First, I stress this very idea. Budget minding clients shut down this process from happening which in turn, makes it impossible to understand what needs need to be met or thrown away. If looks are most important to a client then it isn’t as important what storage ideas gets introduced into the kitchen plan.

Fortunately kitchen storage ideas are on the forefront with cabinet manufacturers. They range from simple drawers or pullouts to peg or spice drawers. Large, wide and deep drawers are the preference with most woman these days. From pans and plates to casserole and small appliances, it’s an organized and convenient way to store these items for quick grabbing when cooking around the kitchen. With the introduction of nice gliding soft close drawer runners, effortless and slam free are the craze. Trays and cupcake tins are conveniently stored in small skinny bases to tray divider areas above ovens or fridges. Easy gliding spice pullouts are great in those small to medium width bases. Wine cubes take center stage for those beautiful red wines that you want displayed and plate racks are beautiful when displaying those colorful dishes that you want to see center stage instead of behind closed cabinets.

One of the most popular pullouts are the pullout waste basket base cabinets. The soft close runners are now available on these pullouts making storage of trash easy and neatly stored. They are available with 1 to 4 basket containers, depending on your trash and or recycling needs. Another favorite is the large, tall pantry cabinet with pullout drawers behind the doors to store all those cans and box goods. Open faced dog or cat dish areas at the end of islands or ends of bases are gaining popularity for your family animal kids. We like to use granite or quartz material for easy cleaning and wear needs. Kicking the dish over is a thing of the past when you plan this item in your design.

No matter what your needs, there are many storage ideas to choose from. Like I tell my clients, it matters with how they work around their kitchen that helps me determine what storage ideas will fit them. It’s up to the designer to identify those needs and help you make those decisions. A well organized and fully stocked kitchen will not only save you time but will also make working around your kitchen more pleasant and fun. One size fits all? I think not! Dream First and everything else will fall right into place. Bon Appetit!

Tim Holick

 

This entry was posted in Kitchen Design on March 12, 2015 by THblog.