Storage Solutions

Clients Using Space Wisely, Note Kitchen & Bath Dealers and Designers

Kitchen dealers and designers agree that their clients are focused on using kitchen space more efficiently, and getting that space well-organized in order to streamline functionality. Additionally, as super-sized “trophy” kitchens lose popularity, and many homeowners decide to stay within the kitchen’s existing footprint when remodeling to minimize costs, efficient, customizable interior fittings become more important than ever before, they note.

“We are using every inch of space,” says Steven St. Onge, president, Rhode Island Kitchen & Bath in Warwick, RI.

Robin Wong, a designer with Kitchen Interior Showcase in Spokane, WA, agrees. “Every nook and cranny has some sort of function,” she explains, adding that she is often looking to “move things around” to create the optimum design.

Tall, relatively narrow pull-out pantry cabinets are creating a lot of buzz. Ideal for smaller areas, they maximize that key space. “Tall storage units seem to be gaining ground,” notes St. Onge, adding that the units allow for “more pantry space that is accessible.” Indeed, easy accessibility to all cabinet and drawer space has become an increasingly important factor in kitchen design.

Jeanné Sei, chief executive officer for Santa Fe Kitchens by Jeanné in Santa Fe, NM says that clients are also looking for “interior cabinets that are completely functional.” Sei explains that people want to customize their cabinets with inserts placed for very specific functions. For example, says Sei, a client may want lid dividers in a drawer above where the pots and pans are located. Interior drawer systems can have very specific places for everything from utensils to that box of plastic wrap.

Pull-out chopping blocks, knife blocks and knife slots are also at the top of clients’ must-have list, kitchen designers agree. Wong cites one of her favorites: a pull-out chopping block, made of 1-1/2" maple, located in the top 6" drawer.

Sei points out that the location of these items is also important. The knife block should be close to both the trash can and the cutting board, for example, to maximize efficiency.

Those interviewed agree that pull-outs and drawers are popular with clients. “Roll-out features are hot items today,” remarks St. Onge. Today’s pull-outs are narrower than before, he notes, adding space to the drawer or cabinet. St. Onge points out that undermount glides with a soft-close feature are in demand, as well, since no one wants to hear doors or drawers slamming.

While corner cabinets have seen an update of the traditional “Lazy Susan” design, Sei points out that the technology for that hard-to-reach corner cabinet has improved dramatically. The blind corner cabinet can be transformed with pull-outs and customized baskets and shelves, and suddenly, the homeowner has more storage space.

St. Onge and Wong both point out that drawers are being used for just about everything. St. Onge claims drawers are especially popular in specialty and food prep areas. They can be customized to the client’s specifications, creating a unique and efficient storage option.

In the future, St. Onge anticipates a growing demand for pull-down racks with a spring-loaded pull mechanism. As clients embrace the ideas of aging in place and Universal Design, this kind of storage space is likely to generate more interest, he concludes.