How do you design your kitchen so that it meets all your needs? How do you store everything you have in an effective an accessible way? Easy – you just need the right kitchen storage cabinets. A good kitchen storage cabinet can make an incredible difference in your home, and the right kitchen cabinet can effectively provide you with the storage space you need while also doubling as a beautiful design element that ties the room together. But what should you look for in a kitchen cabinet, and how do you know what kind are right for you?
Consider What You Need
The first step of organizing your kitchen with cabinets is to consider what you own, what you plan on investing in and what you need. You’ll want cabinetry for all of your current possessions that’s accessible and easy to use, making sure that you have the right installations for each of your items. Do you have a silverware drawer available? How much cabinet space do you need for glassware and mugs? Where will your plates go? Start by writing a list of everything you want and everything you need when it comes to your kitchen. If there are any particular dreams that you might have for kitchen storage, now is the time to write them down.
One way to easily determine your needs is to take inventory of all of your current items. This is also a good opportunity to dispose of or donate items that you don’t need anymore, which will help you to slim down your overall kitchen possessions. Make a list of anything that you currently own that you want to store in your kitchen cabinetry and items that you might want to invest in at a future date. Make sure to write down the quantity of your items as well, taking note of any particular styles of items that might need to be stored separately.
From here, you can divide your list of current possessions into organizational areas. What things can or should be stored together? By grouping your items, it becomes easier to see how many separate spaces you’ll need for each of your items and which items can be stored in a single area. This helps you to envision how much space you’ll need for each item, as well as whether you’ll need to slim down your expectations even further when installing cabinetry. If you currently have a kitchen that’s in a particular layout, pay attention to how its utilized and how you’ve arranged your possessions.
Consider the Future
Of course, selecting the right kitchen cabinetry isn’t just about what you currently have, it’s also about what you might have in the future. You’ll want a kitchen that allows you room to grow. Ask yourself what you may need in upcoming years. What’s the current size of your household, and will it have grown in ten years? Are there investments you’d like to make when it comes to particular kitchen appliances, both small and large ones? Do you have a kitchen pantry cabinet, or how are you currently storing your dry food items?
Turn your mental map of the future of your kitchen into a list of items that you will need and might need and consider how much room to grow you’ll need to incorporate into your kitchen when adding cabinetry. A good rule of thumb is to consider how many dishes, pots and pans you use on a daily basis, and then multiply that number by the individuals in your household. While small children may not need access to separate pots and pans right now, in the future they may want to cook their own food – so be prepared to add more to your kitchen.
Consider Your Space
Of course, you can only install as much kitchen cabinetry as you have space for. When it comes to adding kitchen storage, it isn’t just a matter of measuring out how many drawers and cabinets you’ll need. This is where your divided list of items comes in handy. Consider the individual sizes of cabinets and drawers that you’ll need to install when designing your kitchen, as well as the unique types of storage you’ll need. Do you need a storage cabinet with doors placed below your shelves? How large should your drawers be?
Designing your kitchen with room to grow doesn’t just mean adding more cabinets or drawers than you might need – it also means leaving empty space available. If you’re ever in need of extra cabinet space, it’s always an option to add free-standing cabinets that you can purchase from Chairish to add a little extra room. You’ll also need room for large appliances like stoves, dishwashers, refrigerators and microwaves – so consider the size of these items when adding kitchen cabinetry and make sure that they have the space you’ll need to use them effectively and cook with them. After all, a kitchen isn’t just used for storage, but cooking as well!
Consider Style
One last thing to think about when adding kitchen cabinetry is the aesthetic you’re after when designing your kitchen. Do you prefer cabinet installations or free-standing cabinetry? Antique kitchen installations and cabinetry options are a great choice for any kitchen that’s after a rustic look or a kitchen that wants to impress with a few centerpiece options. A single antique cabinet can completely change how guests, family members and even how you view your kitchen every single time you enter it. Antique cabinets often incorporate unique design elements as well and can be emblematic of certain furniture eras, lending additional style and beauty to your kitchen. Pair a beautiful kitchen cabinet with other installation elements and fixtures that bring the room together and add flair and class in an unexpected and exciting way.
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Lead photo courtesy of Current Interiors
