One of the basic elements of any kitchen is the kitchen cabinets. They are essential for the design and function of the kitchen, so planning what, where, and how many you should have are very important. Kitchen cabinets dictate the layout of the kitchen, so this is a crucial part of your planning.
The types and sizes of cabinets and drawers will have a significant impact on your storage capabilities, but so will their placement and organization. You have to make sure you can access them easily, and they should contain the things you need at any time.
This is not as easy as you might think. All these factors will depend on your lifestyle and the way you use your kitchen. Your kitchen has to cater to your needs and wants to make it as efficient and enjoyable in use as possible.
Professional designers need to know your habits when they create a design for your kitchen remodel. The kitchen can be the perfect place for you if you plan for the function of the kitchen cabinets and drawers before you decide on the design. Here are some expert organization and layout tips for kitchen cabinets to help you optimize your storage.
Put drawer sets on either side of the cook top
You can get base cabinets with a single top drawer, or a set of drawers with no cabinets at all. You want drawer sets for both sides of the cook top to store your pots, pans, and cooking tools. Drawer sets usually come in threes, with the top drawers just six inches in height, and the two bottom ones at double that to accommodate larger pots.
The logic behind putting drawer sets within easy reach of the cook top is to minimize the number of steps and movements to get the stuff you need. Using drawers instead of cabinets allows you better visual access to the contents. If you have existing cabinets in that area ad have no budget for or intention of replacing them, you can install pullout shelves with wire baskets as a facsimile for the absent drawers.
Make space for appliances
The great thing about planning a kitchen remodel with your cabinets is you can decide how to use the space. You can design it so that everything has a place where you can store them with easy access to where you use them. You choose use semi-custom cabinets with shelves that can accommodate all your small appliances such as your blenders, slow cookers, and food processors.
However, you have to pay particular attention to where you want to put your large appliances such as your dishwasher, refrigerator, and so on. You can plan the layout of your cabinets and kitchens to leave spaces for these appliances, ready for the move in after installation of your kitchen cabinets.
Plan for wall cabinets close to the cook top
While you should have drawer sets right next to your cook top for your pots, pans, and cooking utensils, you should also organize your wall cabinets to hold your trays, serving platters, baking tins and cookie sheets nearby. In most cases, you should put them above a wall oven or as the top half of a tall cabinet you use as a pantry. This gives you easy access to them when you need them when baking or entertaining.
Place trash bins and storage for knives by the sink
Most cabinet manufacturers offer special accessories such as roll out trash bins, and you should take advantage of that when you choose your new kitchen cabinets. A roll-out trash bin means you can keep it out of sight when not in use, and you can even choose to get separate bins for biodegradable and non-biodegradable trash.
For best results, choose to keep your roll-out trash bin near the sink, so that you have fewer steps when discarding scraps, peelings, and empty cans. For the same reason, assign a drawer near the sink and food prep area to store your knives. This makes for better work efficiency and safety.
Place cutlery, spices, and cooking tools in top drawers
This might seem like a no-brainer, but make it part of your plan anyway. Most people use cutlery, spices, and cooking tools every day, so placing them in top drawers makes it easier to get at them without any trouble. You can use slanted organizers for your spice drawers so that you can easily see the labels.
You might also consider getting special roll-out spice racks that fit in the narrow gaps on either side of the refrigerator or range to save on space. These are neat and can accommodate more than spice bottles. They are especially helpful if you have a small kitchen.
Conclusion
Kitchen cabinets and drawers keep your kitchens neat and organized, but their efficiency depends on careful planning. Use these organization and layout tips for kitchen cabinets. You can also consult with your cabinet supplier for some suggestions.
Cabinet Land Kitchen and Beyond offers free consultation services and quotes, so you can have the benefit of our expertise without spending a dime.
We are a local remodeling company with a showroom located in Schaumburg, Illinois. We work only with quality natural stones for countertops as well as the best cabinet brands at the best prices compared to our competitors such as Advance Cabinets and Handsome Cabinets.
Visit us today to see what we have to offer. We service Chicago land and have the expertise and resources to complete virtually any type of countertops and kitchen cabinets – ON TIME and ON BUDGET with top quality craftsmanship that will exceed your expectations.
