The Kitchen That Works
Under-Sink Drawer Organizer
In most homes, the space under the sink is not used wisely. Intelligent pull-out shelves with safety hoops wrap around the plumbing and ensure that the drain is not damaged.
All cleaning agents can be stored clearly and within easy reach in a detergent pull-out basket. The pull-out can be removed and taken directly to the cleaning location. The compartments and baskets can be adjusted to the client’s sorting preferences with flexible separators.
Utility Room (Back-Up Kitchen)
Trending now is a back-up kitchen, especially needed in homes without basements. A utility room next to the kitchen is increasingly used as a back-up kitchen. Utility cupboards let it blend in with the kitchen.
Sideboards
With the trend toward merging the kitchen and living spaces, clients look for ways to harmonize the two areas. Some kitchen companies offer sideboards with the same aesthetic as the kitchen cabinets to allow the two rooms to flow together seamlessly.
Case Study 1: Greenwich, Connecticut
Photos courtesy of Premium Partner, Häcker Kitchens, Greenwich, CT
Project by: Premium Partner, Häcker Kitchens, Greenwich, Conn.
The renovation of this ranch home in Greenwich, Connecticut (1), includes numerous organizational strategies to keep it sleek and functional. A drawer insert (2) helps homeowners find what they need quickly. A pull-out rack (3) puts spices right where the chef of the household needs them, near the range. And a sophisticated roll-up door (4) conceals the mixer and blender when they are not in use, yet renders them instantly accessible.
Case Study 2: White Plains, New York
Photos courtesy of Premium Partner, Häcker Kitchens, Greenwich, CT
Project by: Premium Partner, Häcker Kitchens, Greenwich, Connecticut
Elegant functionality describes this contemporary upscale kitchen in White Plains, New York. Cabinet doors that open upward for easy use have a cool aesthetic (1). Locating wine and beverage storage into an adjacent area (2) expands the kitchen without the need for adding square footage. A pull-out pantry (3) holds a remarkable volume of goods and keeps them visible and accessible. Pull-out drawers of different depths (4) make dishes, pots, pans, and other items easy to access.
Case Study 3: COS COB, CONNECTICUT
Photos courtesy of Premium Partner, Häcker Kitchens, Greenwich, CT
Project by: Premium Partner, Häcker Kitchens, Greenwich, Connecticut
This bright yet warmly toned kitchen (1) in Cos Cob, Connecticut, demonstrates that eschewing upper cabinets makes room for windows, views, and wall artwork. Large drawers (2) provide plenty of storage for cutlery, dishes, cookware, and food. An organized kitchen does not mean it’s dull and without character. The key is to conceal clutter but display the homeowners’ treasures (3).
END NOTES
1Ambardekar, Nayana MD (medical reviewer). “How Clutter Can Affect Your Health.” WebMD. 7 March 2021. Web. 14 March 2023
2Swanson, Helena; Ferrari, Joseph. “Older Adults and Clutter: Age Differences in Clutter Impact, Psychological Home, and Subjective Well-Being.” Behavioral Sciences. 3 May 2022. Web. 14 March 2023.
3“NKBA Releases Its 2023 Trend Report.” NKBA/KBIS. 19 October 2022. Web. 14 March 2023.
Kathy Price-Robinson is a nationally known writer focusing on building and architecture. Her award-winning remodeling series ran 13 years in the Los Angeles Times. She has written for dozens of publications in the design and building industry and developed more than 100 continuing education courses.