Renovating cabinets rather than replacing everything can transform a kitchen, save money, and keep usable materials out of the landfill. It is worth remembering, though, that a cabinet remodel is not only about doors and finishes: the interiors can be completely rethought too.
Good kitchen design prioritizes function and flow. The same goes for cabinet design, including the interiors. Empty cabinet space is a wasted storage opportunity. Use your own knowledge of what goes where in your kitchen to plan cabinet interiors that keep everything organized and within easy reach.
The better the cabinet and drawer interiors are organized, the easier it becomes to remove a cabinet here or replace one with a shelf there, opening up the kitchen. Here are some things to keep in mind along the way.
Remodel Your Kitchen With the Big Picture in Mind
Once homeowners start renovating a kitchen, they often find themselves focused on details that don’t affect the overall result as much as they thought. Step back for a moment and look at your kitchen as a whole. How much will the insides of your cabinets actually be seen?
Instead of worrying about the colors or finishes of cabinet interiors, aim for what makes the most sense for how each cabinet and drawer will be used. Once all your utensils, appliances, and dishes are in place, the interiors will barely be noticeable.
If you are remodeling, chances are your cabinets are ten years old or more, and cabinet interiors have come a long way since then. Storage solutions are plentiful today. From pull-out shelves to dedicated storage for pots, pans, and dishes, new fittings improve both the function of your cabinets and how they look when they are open.
Mix-and-match storage inserts keep things organized so there is no room for drawer clutter. Using every inch of the cabinet interior can add a surprising amount of storage capacity.
Even refaced cabinets can get a functional upgrade, from the doors to the drawers. Deep drawers that bring pots and pans out to you, instead of you reaching into the back of a cabinet for large pots and lids, are a real improvement. A tall-drawer base is not only highly functional but also updates the look of a remodeled kitchen.
Reconfigure Your Cabinets for a New Look
Does your kitchen remodel include a new layout, an added island, or relocated appliances? If so, you will need to rethink the cabinet interiors. Better-organized interiors can allow you to eliminate some cabinets entirely, making room for extras you thought you didn’t have space for. For example, you may find there is now a corner suitable for a breakfast nook, a family message center, or open shelving.
Do you have some free time and craft skills? Cover the back and side walls inside your cabinets with a decorative self-adhesive paper. This is especially attractive behind glass doors, but it can add a distinctive touch to any cabinet.
It also pays to plan cabinets and countertops together, since the base cabinets have to suit the granite, marble, or quartz that will sit on top of them.