When designing a custom kitchen space, it can be overwhelming with all the decisions and options, leaving room to make mistakes. When it comes to custom cabinetry, the information is often on what you should do, what will look and be best for you. But what about the cabinet “don’ts” and all the things you want to avoid? You can find them below!
Drawers and not Enough of ‘em
When installing and deciding on lower cabinets in particular, many people disregard how functional and useful drawers are and can be in favor of maintaining a certain “clean look.” But let’s not sleep on everyday function, people. Drawers provide essential organization while providing vertical storage that maximizes the entire space. A very common regret is the lack of drawers, so keep that in mind when making those lower cabinet decisions. Also keep in mind that when deciding on drawers, they should vary in depths, leaving you room for pots, pans and mixing bowls.
Measuring for Appliances
If you are not opting to integrate appliances – meaning the appliances are not built into the cabinetry themselves but are “stand alone” – then you must make sure that the spaces you leave open for appliances fit the appliances that you have planned for the room. You do not want to buy your dream fridge and try to put it in your brand new kitchen…only to find out it doesn’t fit. That would be really spooky.
Not Enough Outlets
A common and easily avoidable kitchen design snafu is a lack of outlets. I’m not suggesting that you cover all the walls with outlets, but no one ever said “dang it, there are too many convenient plugs in this kitchen!” If you’re concerned with the aesthetic of that look, then consider hiding the outlet out of view under the upper cabinets.
Open Doors…Interrupting the Flow?
Another important thing to consider is how the doors of the cabinets and appliances open and what they hit/ block when they’re open. This occurs mostly in the corners of the kitchen around the dishwasher and stove. Having an inconvenient standing place next to the dishwasher while loading it can be a real nightmare, and it’s easy to avoid with a little extra planning.
A few extra minutes of thought could save you a lifetime of kitchen regrets. Don’t let the pressure and overwhelming decisions keep you from getting it perfect. This spooky season should be full of scary movies, not scary kitchens. Happy Halloween!
Any home project can start to feel overwhelming, whether its a new garage addition with built-in storage, or new custom cabinets for your kitchen. But at Latham we are here with you every step of the way! From start to finish our team will walk you through the design, build, and installation processes until project completion.
