Clever storage solutions streamline kitchen and bath designs.
Story by Tracy Dickinson
Featured in Autumn 2024
More new homes today have smaller floor plans and open layouts. So homeowners are looking for ways to incorporate storage and maintain the streamlined look they desire. In both the kitchen and the bath, designers and cabinet manufacturers have responded with creative solutions.
“With smaller kitchen footprints, thinking in terms of zones instead of the typical work triangle can help organize the space more efficiently,” says Jeanine Weinzierl of BMD, parent company of Moehl Millwork. She says creating different zones for storage, prep, cleanup, and cooking can make even a small space function more efficiently and feel larger.
Kitchen and Bath Company’s Tina Noel says, “Even though some of these are hidden spaces, it can be fun to draw attention to them in the design with different cabinetry or finishes.”
Matching panels on the front of appliances have been around for a while. These allow the appliances to blend with the rest of the kitchen without having to change the layout.
Appliance garages, another classic idea, are making a comeback with updated features for improved function. “These are a great option for hiding frequently used small appliances but keeping them accessible,” says Woodharbor’s Jammie Pekarek. “The difference with today’s designs is the door style. Instead of the old tambour doors made of slats that wore out easily, we’re seeing doors that swing out, lift up, or tuck back into the garage while the appliance is in use.”
Noel says, “We’re using this same door design for everything from coffee stations to televisions. The appliance has its designated space, so it doesn’t have to be moved. But it can be hidden behind a pop-up door when not in use. This makes the kitchen seem larger in appearance since it offers a sleek line of cabinetry.”
“A lot of the newer accessories we are featuring now are available already in the cabinet rather than as a custom modification on site.”
Jeanine Weinzierl, BMD
Another clever disguise is hiding storage shelves behind a wall or backsplash panel. What appears to be a sleek wall is actually a hinged door with spring-loaded latch or sliding-door front to conceal it all.
Cabinet manufacturers offer a variety of options such as the appliance garage to make organizing your kitchen and bath easier. Shallow drawers installed below cabinets behind the kickplate can hold pet dishes or oversized baking pans. Tip-out trays in front of the sink provide storage for sponges and cleaning supplies. Charging drawers with trays for devices and prewired USB ports keep cords and electronics out of sight but easily accessible.
Another option is butcher block pull-outs installed over the trash can drawer with a cutout for disposing food waste as you prep your food.
“A lot of the newer accessories we are featuring now are available already in the cabinet rather than as a custom modification on site,” says Weinzierl. “This ultimately saves time and money since jobsite installation is limited to the cabinetry itself and not the accessories.”
Also available are specific storage accessories for spices, utensils, and frequently used pantry supplies so that none of these need to be stored on the counter or on the wall. “In base cabinets, upright storage pullouts are hidden gems that maximize the storage space and keep everything accessible,” says Weinzierl. “In the bath, tiered drawers with organizers serve a similar function. You can also choose sliding inserts attached inside to the sides of the drawers for brushes and other accessories.”
Inserts are also available with cutouts for items like curling irons, blow dryers, and electric clippers. With outlets installed within the cabinet, these daily-use appliances can remain plugged in and ready and also out of sight.
Pekarek says, “You can add a storage tower between the sinks on a double vanity with dedicated storage and electrical outlets.” She says adding pull-out drawers under the sink rather than just an open cupboard eliminates clutter.
In the laundry room, in-cabinet drying racks keep wet clothing out of sight. Pull-out bins for separating dirty laundry eliminate the need for baskets and piles of items awaiting washing.
Even with all these options, some homeowners are taking the hidden space concept further. Taking a twist on the old-style butler’s pantry, homeowners are expanding the pantry into a functional kitchen that features appliances and prep area behind the main kitchen and living space.
According to Weinzierl, “The biggest challenge isn’t designing a streamlined, efficient space. It’s fitting all these wonderful options into the budget. It’s important to work with the homeowner to prioritize the features that will serve them best.”
Resources
- Jeanine Weinzierl of BMD, parent company of Moehl Millwork
- Tina Noel Kitchen and Bath Company
- Jammie Pekarek Woodharbor
