Custom Cabinetry Splurges Our Designers Say Are Worth It
We asked our 3 designers all about their ideas about splurging (and saving) on cabinetry… here’s what they had to say:
What are some cabinet upgrades that are totally worth it?
Amber: Custom storage solutions! When we remodeled my own kitchen we included many specialty storage items such as an angled spice insert, utensil dividers, knife holders, vertical dividers for cookie sheets, lid storage for pots and pans, and our MD Tupperware drawer pull out. They all make finding what I’m looking for super easy AND it helps anyone who might be unloading the dishwasher know exactly what goes where. It’s so fun to cook in my kitchen now that everything has a place!
Nichole: Door Style (select something you are going to love) and always add a trash pull-out to your design
Rachel: Rollouts, drawers, and under cabinet lighting.
When it comes to cabinetry, what is the best ‘hidden luxury’ feature?
Amber: I would say Blum slides and hinges. Our drawers open and close smoothly, with minimal effort, and the hinges are adjustable 6 ways to ensure a super accurate installation. Other brands have only a 2 or 3 way adjustment. You don’t see the slides and hinges when you look at the cabinetry, but when you use it, you can certainly tell the difference!
Nichole: My favorite hidden luxury is jewelry tray inserts. They come in a bunch of different colors and designs so you can organize to your hearts content
Rachel: Blind corner pullouts that make your corner cabinet items easily accessible!
In your opinion, what isn’t worth overspending on?
Amber: This might be controversial, but I would say cabinet knobs and handles. There are many great options that can be within your budget.
Rachel: Pocket doors! They can get in the way or are often left open to use/access what’s inside daily.
What types of splurges actually improve daily life?
Amber: Hiring a designer! As an interior designer, we are educated and have experience on how to better your space by asking questions you might not even be thinking of and listening and problem solving to get the best solution. Hiring a designer might seem ‘expensive’ but do you know what’s more expensive? Making a design mistake that you want to correct, costing more money in the long run, or having a space that’s ‘not quite right’.
Nichole: Adding components that work with how you cook in your kitchen and will keep you organized. LIGHTING - I love all the little lighting details that we can do such as toe-kick lighting, routed channels in our floating shelves or down the sides of cabinets and undercabinet lighting.
Rachel: Inserts and storage solutions like trash pullouts, spice drawers, silverware trays! They are the key to keeping everything organized.
What’s one cabinetry detail most homeowners don’t notice but makes a huge difference?
Amber: In my opinion, the finishing of the cabinets plays a big part in how they hold up and how luxurious they feel. Our finishers apply our paints and stains in a controlled booth which makes for a super smooth, luxurious look and feel!
Nichole: I would say all the different toe-kick and crown options that we get to select from can really enhance your design but clients don’t really think about until I ask them the question.
Rachel: Molding and cabinet hardware.
Takeaway: Our designers love to accessorize the insides of your drawers! Whether it’s jewelry tray inserts, silverware organizers, or angled spice drawers, they are ready to implement their storage solution ideas!
