In the design phase of kitchen planning, it’s always been important to make use of space; now, making clever use of space is the trend.
Mark Wirta, National Sales Manager at Crown Point Cabinetry, agrees: “There has always been a demand to maximize available space for storage in the kitchen. The fact that we are a custom shop allows us that flexibility in design and construction. However, we are fielding requests for ‘out-of-the-ordinary’ type storage, and have integrated everything from narrow utensil pullouts to drawer charging stations to toe kick feeding drawers for pets! Clients are looking for new and better ways to create just the right storage in their ideal custom kitchen.”
So what are some of the new and better ways to store everyday items that are trending? For storage inside the drawer, customized stainless steel inserts are on the rise. These include designs for flatware, long-handled utensils, knife blocks (still with hardwood sandwiched between blades) and even stainless steel spice rack storage, complete with stainless steel containers. There are even bins with sliding lids (with etched text noting the contents) for bread, snacks or vegetables.
Drawer charging stations are also becoming popular, providing electrical as well as USB power for phones and other devices. Generally, the combination outlet is mounted to the rear wall of the drawer box, tucked out of the way to still allow for full and normal use of the drawer.
Other “in the drawer” trends are cutting boards with integrated catch pans, pegged drawer bottoms for dish organization, and extra deep drawers to accommodate countertop appliances.
Clever storage trends also extend to inside the cabinet as well. There are now many variations on rollout storage, with options tailored to to can storage, heavy duty storage with removable wire baskets, and rollouts with wire sides and melamine floors. Not limited to just standard base height, these options can be used in tall cabinets as well.
Accessing items stored in a corner cabinet have never been easier, with trends showing that multiple levels of shelving operating independently of each other, such as the LeMans or the Magic Corner are very popular. The Lemans features gracefully curved shelves that operate by swiveling out on a cam, and the Magic Corner enables great storage access with sliding and pivoting shelving wrapped with wire rack.
Not to be forgotten, Wirta notes, is accommodation for a client’s pet. “We have seen trends in clever solutions for uniting a pet’s life closer to the family, from sleeping space in the kitchen, to food storage, toe kick feeding stations—even a well hidden litter box station.”
