7 Awesome Add-ons for Kitchen Cabinets

Article By: Jennifer Ott

I remember when having a microwave or an electric can opener mounted under your wall cabinets was considered state of the art. Now you can attach your smart phone and tablet, and even hide the necessary outlets out of sight. Curious what today's cabinet additions can do for you? Check out a few of the latest and most useful offerings in cabinet-mounted gadgets and accessories to see what will work in your kitchen. 

Contemporary Kitchen by Wellesley Kitchen & Bath Designers Divine Kitchens LLC 

Lighting. Even if you're a minimalist who prefers to keep the area under your wall cabinets clear, consider installing some lighting. Undercabinet lights provides crucial illumination for food prep and, if dimmable, work well as a nightlight once the kitchen is closed for the evening. My current preference for undercabinet lighting is low-profile LED (light-emitting diode) strip lights. LED lighting technology is continually advancing, so check with your local lighting retailer or electrical contractor to see what is the best option for your kitchen. Prices vary depending on size and quality, but you can currently get 12-inch strips starting around $20. 

Contemporary Kitchen by Asbury Park Design-Build Firms Robert Legere Design 

Power. You've spent time and money selecting and installing the perfect backsplash tile, so don't mar the beautiful surface with outlets. An undercabinet outlet strip gives you a plethora of plugs — and always one right where you need it — without a line of receptacles all across your lovely backsplash. If, however, you tend to keep your countertop appliances plugged in, you may not enjoy seeing the cords dangle down from underneath your cabinets. 

Kitchen Cabinets 

Belkin Kitchen Cabinet Tablet Mount - $34.19 

Tablet mount. Watch a cooking video, refer to a recipe, check your email or call your mom on Skype, all while keeping your device up and away from any countertop messes with an undercabinet tablet mount.

Kitchen Lighting And Cabinet Lighting

Under-Cabinet Lighting System by Legrand 

If you have multiple devices that you want accessible in the kitchen, check out this modular undercabinet lighting system. You can get docks for all of your devices, along with the receptacles to power them.

Knives And Chopping Boards

Knife block. I realize undercabinet knife blocks aren't exactly new technology, but this model from Wusthof is notable for its slim profile. It also conveniently swings in and out with the touch of a finger.

Food Containers And Storage

Jar opener. For those who struggle with opening bottles and jars, here's a clever gadget that's easy to mount under your wall cabinet. This would make an excellent gift for someone who suffers from arthritis, or anyone else who could use some assistance with tough-to-open lids.

Barware

Stemware rack. If you are tight on kitchen storage space, you'll want to make use of every nook and cranny you can. Here's a great option for storing your stemware under a wall cabinet.

I've mounted a similar rack inside a cabinet, and I really like its functionality — you can store a good number of glasses in a small amount of space without the risk of having them tip over onto one another like dominoes. I should note that this may not be the best storage option if you don't use the glasses very often, or if you don't have adequate ventilation in your kitchen, as the stemware is likely to attract grease and dust.

Barware

Bottle holder. Display your wine bottles next to your stemware, all underneath your wall cabinets. Just be sure to mount this away from your range or cooktop, so the bottles don't feel the heat.

Kitchen Storage Solutions for Every Nook

Article By: Nicole White Quinn

Today's clever kitchen designers have storage solutions to fill every nook and cranny in all sorts of kitchens. These handy helpers can help you take advantage of every square inch. 

Kitchen by Wilmette Kitchen & Bath Designers de Giulio Kitchen Design 

When you're grappling with backsplash material decisions, consider something that can help you snag some extra storage, too. This stunning kitchen has a secret that amps up the storage possibilities without taking away from its clean look. 

Kitchen by Wilmette Kitchen & Bath Designers de Giulio Kitchen Design 

The designers installed sliding doors in the marble backsplash behind the stove and put extra shelving behind them. The beauty of this technique is that you can achieve the best of both worlds — a beautiful backsplash and storage. 

Tip: You'll need to have enough space within your walls to make this work, which means you'll need to have this discussion very early on with your contractor.

Traditional Kitchen by Dublin Kitchen & Bath Designers Glenvale Kitchens 

Corner drawers are a great alternative to the lazy Susan. Cut on a diagonal, they simply pull out like standard drawers to make use of an otherwise hard-to-reach corner space. 

Tip: Have your drawers made in varying sizes to keep things organized. Pot lids and smaller items can go in the smaller drawers, and plastic containers and pots and pans in the larger drawers.

Modern Kitchen by San Francisco General Contractors Bill Fry Construction - Wm. H. Fry Const. Co. 

If you prefer a cabinet door in the corner of a base cabinet, and you don't like lazy Susans, rotating and sliding shelves can help you access corners with ease. 

Tip: Unlike corner drawers, these pullouts can be installed in both upper and lower cabinets. 

Contemporary Kitchen by San Jose General Contractors Chris Donatelli Builders 

Even the toe kick area, once wasted space, can be used for storage when you add a very shallow drawer for small items. 

Traditional Kitchen by Plano Interior Designers & Decorators Gibson Gimpel Interior Design 

Tip: You'll have to bend a lot to access a toe kick space, so consider storing items here that you'll need to access just once or twice a year — such as serving dishes, chargers and holiday napkins. 

Traditional Kitchen by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs 

Open shelving is often the most budget-friendly way to deal with the small space left at the ends of most upper and lower cabinets. If custom cabinets are in your budget, closing those shelves with a curved door is a great way to keep things neat and tidy without installing two separate doors to cover the corner. 

Contemporary Kitchen by Southfield Kitchen & Bath Designers Al Williams 

Go beyond basic shelving for your base cabinetry. Today's kitchen organization additions come in every kind imaginable to help you sort and store your belongings. Use a mix of slide-out shelving and drawers to access heavy items, and custom pullouts to house mixers, spices, cutting boards and baking sheets. 

Traditional Kitchen by Chilliwack Kitchen & Bath Designers Starline Cabinets 

The end cabinets in a kitchen layout typically get fitted with a door facing for a polished look. Here the homeowner has found a clever space for keys, a pegboard and a dry erase board for notes and to-do lists, and installed slats for magazines and cookbooks. 

5 Tips for Mixing Cabinet Colors

Can’t decide between natural wood and painted kitchen cabinets?  In today’s kitchens, it doesn’t have to be either/or.  Similar to how matched furniture sets have fallen to the wayside, more and more designers are opting to mix rather than match cabinet colors.

Since cabinets are large financial AND design investments, here are a few tips to ensure your color choices look intentional rather than piecemeal. 

1. Choose consistent cabinetry styles (ie. all contemporary, transitional, etc.).  

2.    Painted cabinetry in light colors such as white and cream often mix well with darker wood tones. 

3. When mixing woodgrains, keep tones consistent by using all warm or cool colors, or by pairing a warm or cool color with a neutral color.   

4.     Use different cabinetry colors to designate zones.  For example, use one color for the upper cabinetry and another for the bottom cabinetry.  Or, keep the primary cabinets one color and choose a different color for the kitchen island base cabinets.  

5.     Unify the cabinetry colors by using the same family of cabinetry hardware.

Your Guide to Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

Article by: Vanessa Brunner

The right kitchen cabinetry can make or break your kitchen's functionality and style — not to mention your budget. No pressure, right? Don't stress yet — Houzz's kitchen cabinet guides can walk you through the process, from start to finish. Resource guides covering everything from Shaker to flat panel, from corbels to aprons, from glass knobs to recessed pulls, are all listed here in easy-to-access fashion.

 

Traditional Kitchen by Atlanta General Contractors Dresser Homes

Door Styles

Shaker, flat or inset? Your cabinet door style is important — it may be your biggest kitchen expense, after all — but choosing it doesn't have to be stressful. See which of these popular cabinet doors fit with your home's style. 

Get the guide: Popular Cabinet Door Styles for Kitchens of All Kinds

Modern Kitchen

Who says cabinets have to be wood? Put your best dishes on display and open up your kitchen to light and space with glass cabinets. 

Get the guide: 8 Beautiful Ways to Work Glass Into Your Kitchen Cabinets

Go beyond the standard swinging door in your new kitchen. Flip-up doors, pocket doors and corner drawers can make your cabinets more functional and your life easier. 

Get the guide: 8 Cabinet Door and Drawer Types for an Exceptional Kitchen

Contemporary Kitchen by Minneapolis Cabinets & Cabinetry CliqStudios Cabinets

If you'd rather stick with something more traditional for your cabinets, then the timeless Shaker style is a sure bet. Learn how to make this look work with different counter, hardware and backsplash materials. 

Traditional Kitchen by Atlanta Architects & Designers Summerour Architects

Add a more traditional furniture style to your kitchen storage with a countertop hutch. Glass fronts make these the perfect place to put pretty dishes on display. 

Modern Kitchen by Vancouver Architects & Designers PLACE, hl johnston architect ltd

Open shelving feels as much at home in modern kitchens as it does in traditional ones. See how to make this simple, clean storage style work in your home. 

Using ecofriendly materials isn't rare anymore — it's easy to choose kitchen cabinetry that contributes to a healthy home and family, as long as you know what to look for. 

Contemporary Kitchen by Austin Architects & Designers dement harris | design

Can't decide between two different styles? Mix and match — two different cabinet styles can make an even bigger impact. 

Traditional Kitchen by Portland Architects & Designers Whitten Architects

Hardware Styles

Of course, once you have your cabinets chosen, you have a whole other task ahead of you: choosing hardware. Even if you've got simple Shaker cabinets like these, your choice of drawer pulls and knobs makes a big difference in your finished look. 

Modern Kitchen by Toronto Photographers Buchman Photo

Flat-panel cabinets tend to work best in modern kitchens; make sure you choose hardware to match. Clean, simple and contemporary pulls work well with this cabinetry style. 

Traditional Kitchen by La Jolla General Contractors GDC Construction

Raised-panel cabinetry tends to suit traditional kitchens. Look for classic, old-world fixtures to fit this beautiful style. 

Colors and Finishes

Colorful kitchen cabinetry has made a big comeback. Try pretty palettes to give your kitchen flair.

Eclectic Kitchen by Indianapolis Kitchen & Bath Designers Shannon Poe

  

Try playing with two different colors on your kitchen cabinetry. Scared to go too bold? Contrast a single bright color with neutral finishes. 

If you want to get color the DIY way, read our related ideabook first. Painting your kitchen cabinets can be difficult, but these pro tips will help. 

Get the guide: From the Pros: How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Contemporary Kitchen by Berkeley General Contractors Jetton Construction, Inc.

Stains are a great way to get color on your kitchen cabinetry without covering up the wood's beauty. From greens to blues to browns, stain colors can really enhance your new kitchen. 

Traditional Kitchen by Birmingham Architects & Designers Erdreich Architecture, P.C.

Curious about color but worried about the maintenance? A distressed finish can cover all the bases, offering a warm, bright look that can actually embrace wear and tear. 

Sometimes a kitchen remodel doesn't require a new fridge or oven — but how do you pick a cabinet color to go with your existing appliances? Check out our cabinet color guide for cabinets with dark appliances. 

Get the guide: Cabinet Colors for Dark Appliances

Traditional Kitchen by New York Interior Designers & Decorators Anthony Baratta LLC

Molding and Details

Adding molding is an easy way to make any type of cabinetry look custom. Whether you want to add crown molding to your existing kitchen or edge molding to new cabinets, this guide can help you envision the final result. 

Decorative supports, aprons, corbels and toe kicks — these features might not come standard on most cabinetry, but they can make a huge visual impact. 

Learn how frosted, textured and seeded glass is made, and whether or not it can work with your kitchen cabinets. 

Get the guide: Choose Your Kitchen Cabinet Glass

Kitchen Products by Montreal Kitchen and Bath Fixtures Richelieu

Whether you're building a new kitchen or retrofitting an existing one, it's important to keep universal design in mind. Clever accessories will make your kitchen comfortable and accessible for everyone who uses it. 

Your Guide to Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

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ConsumerReports.org Buying Guide: Kitchen Cabinets

Photo: American Cabinet & Flooring, Designer Amber Albrecht

Getting Started

Once upon a time, dovetail joints inside the drawers were practically all you needed to distinguish high-end cabinets. The distinction has blurred as more manufacturers offer premium features even on low-end lines. Indeed, we found you can have these and other once-exclusive features and still wind up with shoddy construction.

A little research beforehand can save you time at the store and the thousands you can lose on less-than-stellar cabinets. Start by checking online manufacturer and retail sites and catalogs and taking a good look at store displays; you'll be able to tell the quality cabinets from the polished pretenders once you know where to look. And trust your taste; readers who chose cabinets solely on the basis of advice from contractors, designers, or architects were twice as likely to report a problem as those more involved in the selection, according to a survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. 

Put Your Money Where it Counts

If you're on a tight budget, skip the non essentials and focus on convenience. Work-savers include a lazy Susan, a pull-down soap and sponge holder, and deep drawers for pots. Glazing, while nice, typically adds 10 to 20 percent to the cost. Remember to factor labor into your budget, since installation can easily account for more than half of the cabinet's cost. 

Consider Renewing Your Old Cabinets

Replacing cabinets is typically the priciest part of a kitchen remodel. Readers who hired contractors paid on average more than $9,000 for new cabinets, and about a quarter of the readers paid more than $15,000, according to our survey. A couple of long weekends' work can change your kitchen's look for a tenth that cost. If your old cabinets are plumb, square, and sturdy, consider refinishing them with some simple sanding, painting or staining, and drilling. You can even dress them up with custom-built doors, possibly with glass panes, and still save a bundle over all-new cabinets. Even having a cabinetmaker reface old cabinets with veneer costs less than replacing them. 

You can also make old cabinets work better than new by adding pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, and other inexpensive upgrades. The final touch: install several under-cabinet halogen, xenon, or fluorescent task lights wherever you or a family member will be dicing, doing homework, or reading a recipe. 

Types of Cabinets

Cabinets can vary greatly in price. Here's an overview of the three types of cabinets in broad price segments that you'll find at stores. 

Basic

Often called stock, these are inexpensive, off-the-shelf cabinets, ready to assemble and install. Many use frameless construction where the door has no lip or "reveal" around it.

Photo: Consumer Reports

PROS: These are a money-saving choice if you aren't too picky about the style options or don't demand a perfect fit. More have better drawers, sold-wood doors, and other once-pricey features. And we've found basic models that perform better in our wear tests than some more-expensive models. 

CONS: Many basic boxes are thinly veneered particle board, rather than higher-quality plywood. Style and trim options, sizes, and accessories, are still limited. And figure on an hour or more of assembly time for each set of base and wall cabinets. 

Midlevel

These semi-custom models are a sound choice for most kitchens. Many use face-framePhoto: Consumer Reports construction, where the solid-wood frame shows around the door and drawers.

PROS: Midlevel models offer many made-to-order custom options, including size, materials, finish, elaborate crown moldings and other trim, and accessories such as range-hood covers. That can make them the best-value option overall.

CONS: As with basic cabinets, features and quality can vary considerably. Boxes may be veneered particleboard rather than high-quality plywood. 

Premium

Short of custom made-to-order cabinets, these semi-custom models offer the most style and storage options.

Photo: Consumer Reports

PROS: They generally come with plywood boxes and other premium materials and hardware. Widths may come in ¼-inch increments, rather than the typical 3-inches.

CONS: While generally less expensive than fully made-to-order custom units, models with the most features and highest quality can cost as much as some full-custom units. 

Features

What separates a well-made cabinet from a cheap imitation? Here are the cabinet features to look for-and what to avoid. 

Cabinet Box: Best is ½-to ¾-inch furniture-grade plywood. Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is OK, but avoid ⅜-inch coated particleboard.

Doors: Most manufacturers offer a similar range of door-style options for all their price levels. Look for a solid-wood frame surrounding solid-wood or plywood panels. Veneered particleboard or an MDF panel is OK, but avoid laminate or thermofoil over particleboard.

Drawers: Well-built drawers are critical, because they get the most use. The best ones have solid-wood sides, dovetail joinery, and a plywood bottom that fits grooves on four sides. Avoid stapled particleboard.

Hardware: Full-extension drawer guides are better than integrated side rails or under mounted double-roller designs. Some premium models have a "soft close" feature that stops drawers from slamming shut. Many cabinet models allow you to upgrade the drawer guides. As for door hinges, we didn't find any significant differences among the different types. 

Shelves: Look for ¾-inch plywood of MDF. Lesser quality ⅝- or ½-inch particleboard shelves may sag.

Mounting Strips: Ask the contractor to use ¾-inch hardwood strips or metal strips with bolt holes. Thinner wood, MDF, or particlebard can be a concern with heavily loaded wall cabinets. 

Copyright © 2006-2012 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.