Many people consider the kitchen to be the centre of their home. It is where family members gather to prepare meals, have fun, eat and share memories. Since the kitchen cupboard design is the most visible element in the room, in particular overhead kitchen cabinets, it should be functional and beautiful. 

There is a tendency to remove wall cabinets from today’s kitchens or replace them with floating shelves. However, the wall cabinet still remains as one of the best storage units available in the modern kitchen. 

When it comes to choosing the wall cabinet style, you have numerous options. Most standard wall cabinets have crown moulding on the ceiling. You may also choose from solid stacked wall cabinets or flip-up units. There are other options that can make a kitchen design more functional and interesting.

The process requires careful consideration, and many homeowners encounter problems when designing kitchen wall cabinets. In this article, we will provide some tips on how you can avoid common mistakes and create the best cabinet design for your particular kitchen.

Kitchen Space and Layout

Kitchen space and layout

Uncomfortable layout is the most common issue in the kitchen. When the space is cramped, it’s difficult to move about, prepare meals, perform cleaning chores and properly store items. You should plan enough room to move around and to access the storage and appliances easily.

Narrow Kitchen Layout

You may make the most of your available space with shallow kitchen wall cabinets. These units offer a practical solution to the challenge of narrowed kitchen layouts. By opting for narrow-depth wall cupboards, you can maximize the available space, facilitating easier movement and access to appliances and still have kitchen wall cupboard storage. 

Small-Space Kitchen

The great option to optimize tiny kitchen storage is to install small deep wall cupboards above the hand-reach level. These small wall cupboards can serve as valuable storage space for items that aren’t used daily, keeping them out of the way while still easily accessible when needed. By utilizing this strategy, you can make the most of vertical space in your kitchen. High-rise upper cabinets maximize storage capacity without sacrificing accessibility or aesthetics. This thoughtful approach to wall cabinet design for the kitchen allows you to maintain a clutter-free and functional environment, ensuring that every inch of space is utilized effectively.

Open Concept Kitchen 

This features visibility and an airy feel. Open upper kitchen cabinets and floating shelves can be an excellent storage solution. They provide a minimalist and contemporary look, allowing for easy access to frequently used items while also showcasing decorative pieces to enhance the overall design of the space. An open overhead cupboard design maintains the airy and spacious feel of an open-concept layout, avoiding the visual bulkiness of traditional overhead cabinets. Additionally, floating shelves can be customized in terms of size, material, and placement. 

Insufficient Storage in the Kitchen

Storage ideas for kitchen

To ensure that your kitchen functions properly, you need to incorporate plenty of storage space. With some thoughtful planning and creativity, you can effectively address this issue and make the most of your kitchen. 

One solution to enlarge storage is to fit pantry cabinets into your kitchen. Tall pantries offer ample storage space for non-perishable goods, small appliances, cookware, and other kitchen essentials. With adjustable shelves and customizable configurations, pantry cupboards can be tailored to meet your specific storage needs, ensuring that everything has its place and is easily accessible.

Another way is to utilize the often-underutilized corners of your kitchen. Corner cabinets can be equipped with rotating shelves or pull-out trays, maximizing storage capacity and making it easier to access items stored in these hard-to-reach areas. By making efficient use of corner space, you can significantly increase the overall storage capacity of your kitchen without sacrificing accessibility or convenience.

Drawer organizers and dividers are essential tools for maximizing storage in deep drawers. By dividing base cabinets and drawers into smaller compartments, you can prevent items from becoming jumbled together and make it easier to find what you need. Additionally, pullout drawers offer convenient access to items stored in the back, eliminating the need to bend down and rummage through deep shelves. 

Ergonomics and Workflow

ergonomics kitchen

Ignoring ergonomics in your kitchen can lead to discomfort, strain and inefficiency. On the contrary, incorporating ergonomic principles for a kitchen design can greatly improve usability and comfort. Here are a few principles that are efficient and can help to alleviate kitchen design issues:

  1. One important aspect of an ergonomic kitchen is determining the optimal height for benchtops, cabinets, and appliances. This should be based on the heights of the primary users and their individual needs. 
  2. Another key principle is to use the kitchen triangle to mark out the main kitchen zones: the stove, the fridge, and the sink. Doing so, essential areas are easily accessible and there are no obstructions between them, facilitating a smooth workflow.
  3. Additionally, it’s essential to place frequently used appliances, such as microwaves and coffee makers, within easy reach. This eliminates the need to stretch or bend excessively while performing everyday tasks. At the same time, ensure that items you don’t use often are still accessible when you do need them, either through efficient storage solutions or strategic placement.
  4. A cluttered benchtop can make tasks like cooking more difficult and time-consuming. To maximize workspace and keep benchtops clear, utilize racks and turnovers. This way you may neatly organise all small jars with species, ladle spoons and oven mitts to free up bench space for convenient cooking

Proper Materials for Cabinet Longevity and Aesthetic

Materials for kitchen cabinet

Researching the durability, and maintenance needs of cabinet and benchtop materials is a must before making a final choice for your kitchen. Consider the most common options like solid wood or laminate for cabinet fronts, and porcelain or acrylic as benchtop materials. The choice of the most average materials in the market guarantees kitchen cupboard longevity and reduces the risk of unforeseen issues and expensive installation. 

Opt for kitchen materials that resist moisture, stains, and scratches to ensure pleasant appeal and easy maintenance. High-quality laminate or treated wood are excellent choices that provide durability without compromising on aesthetics. Select materials that complement each other and contribute to design integrity. Coordination of cabinetry, flooring, and benchtops is key to creating a harmonious appearance in your kitchen. 

While durability and maintenance are important factors, do not neglect aesthetics as they play a significant role in creating a cohesive and visually appealing kitchen space. A mismatched or inconsistent wall cupboard design can make your kitchen look disjointed and uninviting. Therefore, it’s essential to consider the style of your house and choose a design theme that complements the overall aesthetic of your home.

Conclusion

Pay attention to the details such as lighting fixtures, faucets and cabinet hardware that would complement the color scheme or design theme of your kitchen. Small elements can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of the space, tying together the design and creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

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