My Kitchen Plan (2)
All of it! Leave off upper-cabinet hardware. If you want a clean-lined modern kitchen, forgoing hardware on upper cabinets is a good option to consider. “Clients are loving the clean lines of no hardware on upper cabinets, mostly in contemporary spaces,” says Louie Katsis of Olympic Kitchens in Toronto. “Pulls on upper cabinets can often look bulky, depending on the pull selected.” Katsis opted to forgo hardware for the high-gloss upper cabinets in this recent contemporary kitchen remodel. The stained-wood lower cabinets have low-profile pulls.
Cabinets, counters, backsplash No matter the cabinet hardware material, getting the combination of pulls, knobs, latches and other hardware elements just right is key to a successful kitchen renovation. Pulls and knobs. The most common kitchen cabinet hardware types are pulls and knobs, but deciding where to use them and where to forgo them can make a dramatic difference in the overall look of the space. “I usually suggest pulls for all drawers, and knobs for doors,” says Esslinger, the Chicago designer. “Except when it comes to taller doors, like pantry doors, I like to use longer pulls.” Esslinger used this combination of pulls for drawers, knobs for doors and longer pulls for pantry doors in this recent kitchen renovation, with great success.
counter tops, cabinets, flooring
Beveled subway tiles on the backsplash add dimension without looking too busy in the small space. The quartz countertops Karen had researched on Houzz add lots of movement and shades of gray for contrast. She was drawn to quartz for its durability and the option of a classic marble-like look.
Overall color pallet; counters
Thermofoil Cabinets These doors are molded out of MDF (medium-density fiberboard), wrapped in a plastic-type coating and then baked under intense heat to create an impervious seal. Durable and cost effective, they come only in solid colors and imitation wood grain. Often mass-produced, thermofoil cabinetry comes at very competitive price points. It’s durable, but it’s also extremely difficult to repair any damage to it. Some lighter colors can also yellow from sunlight and heat over time.
White & wood cabinets
This close-up of the pullout to the left of the cooktop also shows one of the electrical outlets Curovic placed under the upper cabinets to keep the backsplash uninterrupted.
paper towels in cabinetry; space for bags behind cans
garbage drawer with compost on top (separate pull out); spice drawer; upper cabinets open upward
Some waste pullout systems even integrate a special bin with a securely sealing lid specifically to hold compost, so you don’t have to change it with excessive frequency just to keep odors in check. Keep in mind how quickly it will fill; you’ll want to plan ahead so that organic waste isn’t left sitting exposed to air for too long.
This wide drawer places multiple sizable bins side by side, while still leaving room in the back for the sink plumbing. Ultimately, the exact configuration that’s best for you will depend on your layout and your typical food waste, but a system like this that holds freestanding bins can always be reconfigured a bit down the line if your needs change.
Here the three-drawer front on the pullout copies the look of the nearby drawers so the look of the Shaker fronts isn’t interrupted by a single massive drawer. Nobody would guess what was inside. can sitting, not hanging and room for bags
pots over stove, cabinets, counters, floor
colors
Wellborn Cabinet showcased several storage systems, including this pull-down option, which allows a user to bring items in upper cabinets down to a more reachable level. Grip the handle and pull, and the shelves swing out and down for easier access.
Hardware Resources launched the pullout shown here. It comes in 5- and 8-inch widths and has a magnetic knife storage insert, utensil cups and other storage features. The unit is available now.
Drawer and cabinet organizers. It’s getting rare these days to open a cabinet and see a basic cavity with a shelf, or a drawer that’s merely empty space. Inserts, rollouts, pullouts and dedicated dividers maximize capacity and organize everything efficiently. Rev-a-Shelf’s new 4WTMD drawer system is intended to get a household’s junk drawer in order. The natural maple tiered insert fits standard 24-inch-wide and 22-inch-deep drawers and has pull-up trays and adjustable dividers.
Beko’s new French door refrigerator has a produce drawer with temperature and humidity control, as well as a light that simulates natural light to keep produce fresher longer.
Sharp’s new convection microwave drawer and oven features an air fry option and has voice command technology.
Sharp’s new microwave drawer has a touchless feature that allows you to wave a hand in front to open it. The sensor detects only up and down motion so it isn’t activated when a person or pet walks by.
Signature Kitchen Suite’s new 24-inch undercounter dual-drawer refrigerator allows users to program the temperature of each drawer separately, from minus 7 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also monitor and adjust the temperatures from a smartphone app. The appliance will be available at the end of March.
Drawer appliances. Many manufacturers seem to be taking a cue from the popularity of drawers substituting for cabinets in the kitchen and are offering drawer appliances. Fisher & Paykel has been making drawer dishwashers since 1997. Its newest version, the Series 11 shown here, features a 60-minute wash-and-dry option and comes in stainless steel or integrated panel exterior.
And Samsung’s new Slim OTR (over-the-range) microwave, available in summer, offers style and function in a sleeker footprint. The appliances comes with Wi-Fi and voice connectivity.
Thor introduced the lean 24-inch-wide gas range shown here. It also comes in an electric version. Both will be available later this year.
Slim appliances. Many appliance manufacturers released lines intended for small homes and apartments, rental properties and empty nesters or retirees who’ve downsized and don’t need the capacity of larger family appliances. Miele’s new G 5000 series of dishwashers offers a slim 18-inch size, shown here. It features a quick wash-and-dry option that completes the cycle in 58 minutes. It will be available in June.
5 rules of lighting
cabinets & countertop (white Caesarstone - engineered quartz)
hidden custom hood
cabinets - upper & lower; countertops
It houses small appliances, which keeps the countertops across the room clear. Ferris outfitted it with LED strip lights, outlets, shelves, slats and pullout drawers.
drawers!
cabinets countertops, backsplash, flooring
narrow pantry with sliding shelves
cabinets - contrasting colors
colors & countertops
Appliance garages such as this one help eliminate countertop clutter near the refrigerator station. Cookbooks can be stored anywhere in the kitchen, but the refrigerator center is a good place to keep them since cookbooks are used in initial food prep. Place a small bookshelf in a place where it will remain dry but be within reach, as shown here. Consider storing brooms, dustpans and mops in a pantry or small closet near your refrigerator center.
cabinets
cabinets
cabinets, countertops, lighting
cabinets & wood!
cabinets, counters - colors!
cabinets, countertops
dry storage bins - idea for short wall
handles
Q