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May 2014 ForResidentialPros.com | 33 easily accessible." Small appliances can cre- ate storage headaches for many designers. Scaglione- Poelzer often keeps them at countertop level in a cabinet behind a lift-up door, in a sort of updated, more user-friendly version of an appliance garage. "It allows for complete access and doesn't interfere with the workspace in the kitchen," she says. "And you never have to take the appliance out to use it. It stays in place, covered up and concealed." Subaran likes to use roll- outs for small appliances. "The beneft is that they are adjustable," she says. "Plus, you can keep all the attach- ments with the appliance in their own dedicated space." It seems there are al- ways unique, client-specifc items that designers must fnd a spot for, such as great grandmother's skillet. "It gets used every day, but doesn't ft anywhere," says Zobel. "We'll fnd a place for it. The trick is talking to clients to fgure out their needs." CORNER STORAGE EVOLVES Oftentimes, focusing on orga- nization is essential because renovations don't always come with an expanded footprint. "A lot of times when we remodel a kitchen, we aren't making it larger, but we can make stor- age better," says Zobel. Paying special attention to historically 'dead' spaces such as corners is a great place to start, he relates, add- ing that blind corner pull-outs have revolutionized storage for these previously underuti- lized areas. "Corner storage options have really evolved," he says. "There are so many options to make them usable." To c re ate add it ion a l storage within the same foot- print, Scaglione-Poelzer often eliminates softs – which al- lows her to run cabinets to the ceiling – and uses full-ac- cess, or frameless, cabinets. "You gain a few inches in ev- ery cabinet," she says. "That might not be much, but ev- erything you gain is a bonus." There are also renova- tions where storage space may actually shrink, making it even more important to be organized. "I don't love wall cabinets," says Subaran, add- ing that she likes to minimize their use to improve aesthet- ics. "A lot of storage in wall cabinets can be inefcient. People tend to overload them, too. They have to reach up high for items that are heavy." Subaran often replaces them with tall cabinets, cap- turing extra storage in the space between a traditional wall cabinet and countertop. "In some ways you get the same storage from 54 inches of the foor and above," she says. "But you have so much storage that is right at and below eye level that is easy to access. You don't have to reach up for a big stack of plates. I'd much rather do that when my elbows are at 90 degrees." DON'T RUSH IT For many designers, opti- mum storage is often about reevaluating the space, and sometimes it's important to take time to fnd the perfect solution. "People don't a lways know the best way to store something," says Scaglione- Poelzer. "I had one client who had a lot of clutter … keys, mail, etc. I helped organize it with a tall, narrow wall cabi- net that is located where a picture used to hang. Now it's a place to hang keys, charge phones, update the calendar, etc. The whole family can ref- erence it. It's become their 'unloading zone.'" For Subaran, sometimes the best choices are made a fter clients move back into the kitchen. "There are certain accessories that we love, such as knife blocks, trash units and spice stor- age," she says. "But I often tell my clients that it's best to do fnal tweaking once they've had a chance to really see how they'll use the space. There are some wonderful aftermarket options. This is especially true when it comes to accessories under the sink. There are a lot of pieces that get ordered but are never in- stalled based on the realities of plumbing…no matter how much planning has gone into the design!" Arthur Zobel likes to use pull-outs, including those for pantries (top) and as spice storage in narrow spaces, such as beside a stove (middle). An increasingly common request is a place for the family pet (bottom). Sorrell Scaglione-Poelzer designed this kitchen with a bar area that includes several specialized storage options. The cabinet above the TV features a hinge lift system that stays open, making access to its contents a hands-free task. The cabinet to the right of the TV has a swing-up lift system 'appliance' garage with electrical outlets that turn this area into a charging station for electronics…all behind closed doors. Open cubbies serve as additional wine storage and a tilt-out tray at the sink stores sponges discreetly behind a stationary false panel. Pop up TVs were utilized in both of these kitchens designed by Jason Landau. Other storage options include specialized spice storage (pull-outs on each side of the stove, top, and a tiered drawer system, left), roll-out shelves, drawer dividers, vertical tray dividers and pull-out waste bins. TIP: "Drawers are a simple way to maximize space. They are my favorite accessory. Contents are easier to access and you don't have to pull out everything to get to the one item you want." Sorrell Scaglione-Poelzer, Kowalske Kitchen & Bath TIP: "Plan a space for everything, especially small appliances, to eliminate clutter after the renovation is complete." Jason Landau, Amazing Spaces TIP: "As a designer, listen. As a customer, make your designer aware of your needs." Arthur Zobel, Majestic Kitchens & Bath KBD_32-33_KitchendStorage.indd 33 4/16/14 2:12 PM