MAKING SPACE IN YOUR FAVORITE PLACE

A well-designed kitchen is an organized kitchen. Regardless of size or configuration, every homeowner enjoys additional storage space. Howard’s Kitchen Studio clients are delighted when we discover we present opportunities to use space more effectively. In several recent kitchen designs, we have utilized narrow nooks as wine storage, bookcases and pull-out pantries. In other kitchens, we have outfitted narrow nooks with shelving where our clients display pottery, vases, glassware and serving dishes.

Corners are often difficult challenges. That’s what makes corners exciting. Some designers may leave a corner as an empty space, but if storage is at a premium, we will look at a corner as an opportunity. A corner is the space where two walls of cabinetry meet. Easy and cost-effective solutions for corners include installing a Lazy Susan or a swinging pull out cabinet. Drawers are also an option for corners. Many cabinet manufacturers make accordion-like doors or diagonal corner cabinets for corner applications. If there is a window or view of the outside at the corner, we may recommend using that space as the sink base. Another potential use of a corner is as a built-in pantry or to serve as a storage facility for small appliances such as toasters, blenders and food processors. Corners can be used for open shelving – that works particularly well in modern design.

In many older homes, the refrigerator space does not match the appliance’s dimensions, creating a gap. Gaps as small as 5.5 inches can be converted into a pull-out pantry or as wine storage.

We can solve the space problem in a narrow kitchen by recommending thinner cabinets that can accommodate cups, glasses, mugs, chopping boards, cutlery and other items. Mobile small kitchen islands can serve multiple purposes, ranging from food preparation to a dining table. Mobile islands can also include storage capabilities.

Shallow spaces in the kitchen can be used as broom closets to store mops, dustpans, brooms and other similar items.

Just because you have a smaller space or awkward configuration does not mean that you can’t have your kitchen of your dreams. If you would like to make your kitchen the envy of the neighborhood, we invite you to contact Howard’s Kitchen Studio for a free consultation!