Construction costs have been rising steadily over the years. That’s why it’s important to optimize the surface area available in the kitchen, to avoid building too big unnecessarily. There’s now a whole range of practical accessories and specialized hardware to make kitchens more functional. That said, with the profusion of ideas out there, it’s a good idea to have a design consultant who takes a long-term view and doesn’t fall for useless gimmicks.
The pantry
With the popularity of Costco-style superstores, walk-in pantries have become very popular in recent years. Their storage capacity means you can buy in bulk and save on grocery bills. An additional freezer is sometimes fitted for frozen ready meals or for home cooking frozen in individual portions. However, when the house doesn’t have the space required, a vertical pantry with pull-out drawers can often store food while making it accessible, and at a lower cost than a major renovation.
Magic accessories
The “Magic Corner” stands out as a very popular accessory choice. It provides easy access to the corner space in the lower cabinets. This is a marked improvement over the traditional rotating “Lazy Susan”. The space under the sink is also one of the most difficult places to access. Rocker storage and pull-out drawers under the sink form an efficient duo for clean, fast storage. Likewise, the retractable stool inserted into the foot of the cabinets is a real “invisible” find for quick access to the upper shelves.
Discreet, uncluttered and silent cabinet doors
From the outside, you can’t see the proliferation of accessories. In contrast, cabinet doors are smooth and unobtrusive. Sometimes you can’t even make out the handles. The current standard remains Shaker-style doors with elongated “C” handles, but we’re increasingly seeing smooth, handleless doors where concealed vertical “U” profiles and horizontal “L” profiles are used to open the doors. This handle-free approach is a sleek, sustainable choice that’s set to gain momentum in 2019. Similarly, full-extension hinges with dampers that close doors silently are now very much in demand.
Practical, indispensable accessories
The kitchen is where the vast majority of recyclable or compostable waste is produced. Selective garbage cans are becoming essential for better waste management. Spice storage has also become increasingly necessary with the proliferation of spices in food. They come in a variety of forms, from horizontal to vertical drawers, as well as numerous door storage units.
Sinks and faucets
With the popularity of quartz countertops, undermount sinks have become very popular for their ease of maintenance. As far as faucets are concerned, bar-type faucets are still sought-after for their aesthetic appeal and functionality. The addition of non-contact sensors also makes it easier to clean hands without dirtying the faucets with each use.
An embarrassment of riches
Individually, all these accessories can be useful, but each choice can put a strain on the overall layout of the kitchen. Don’t hesitate to contact us to plan your entire project.
