Kitchen & Bath Design News

OCT 2015

Kitchen & Bath Design News is the industry's leading business, design and product resource for the kitchen and bath trade.

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36 | Kitchen & Bath Design News | October 2015 A esthetics are what everyone usually notices frst…a beau- tiful backsplash, a stunning range hood, a gorgeous island coun- tertop. But, for cooks working in the kitchen, it's often what lies beneath the pretty exterior that ultimately makes them the happiest, and has the most lasting efects…an efcient tray divider, a deep drawer, a pull-out waste container. In a trending world of minimal wall cabinets, open foor plans and an abundance of cooking gadgets and small appliances, it's these hidden storage gems that often take center stage, enhancing a kitchen's function while adding to its beauty. This month KBDN asked several designers to discuss kitchen storage and how they help their clients store all of the usual, as well as unusual, items that fnd their way into the cooking space. DESIGNER/OWNER VANILLAWOOD LAKE OSWEGO, OR Storage trends/philosophies: "We try really hard to create storage that is hidden, but keeps contents easily accessible. It's one thing to design a beautiful kitchen, but it's also im- portant to think about it from an everyday standpoint. "We like to use appliance garages and panels for appliances so they are streamlined and hidden behind what- ever element the kitchen is made of. We also do a lot of open shelving and custom ventilation where we try to hide it with cabinetry or drywall. In general, we focus on coming up with thoughtful ways of tucking away and disguising the functional aspects of the kitchen." Most difficult storage challenges: "Everyone wants it all, but the reality is that most everyone has a budget, so not everything on the wish list always makes it into the fnal plan. One thing everyone seems to want right now is a wine refrigerator in the kitchen. Since we tend to do a lot of contemporary designs without walls that designate the kitchen area, it gives us freedom to let the kitchen spill over into a fam- ily room or dining area. "And, because we design and build locally, our cabinetry is more afordable and we can be extremely thoughtful about personalizing stor- age for spices, recycling, composting, etc. based on a client's usage of the space. But there is still a lot of mill- work involved when you consider accessories, so there can be more cost up front, but it can also get expensive if you buy aftermarket accessories, too." Favorite storage element: "I love ap- pliance garages on the counter for cofee makers, toasters, juicers, etc. We include outlets so everything stays plugged in, but you can close the door and hide all of the contents. Right now we're doing a lot with French-style doors. You can open it up and there is a counter where you can have a breakfast station. We'll also include storage above and below it." Favorite storage tip: "Use all drawers. Drawers are great because you can access every corner. In cabinets with doors, you have to bend down to see what's inside. "Make sure to include a garbage pull-out, with recycling and maybe a composting bin. It's nice to have it right next to the sink rather than underneath where there is a lot of plumbing and a garbage disposal that takes up a lot of room." As the decluttering movement continues, designers are incorporating a variety of creative storage options to better organize the kitchen. Storage Innovations By Kim Berndtson

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