Cabinet makers usually complete a four-year apprenticeship program with on-the-job training and technical lessons. They may also attend a community college or vocational school.
Custom cabinets can add functionality that solves kitchen problems and eliminates clutter. For example, pantry pull-out pan dividers reduce rummaging and improve organization. Installing a chalkboard inside a cabinet door makes it easy to make grocery lists.
Roll-Out Shelves
Keep your counters clear with custom shelving that can hold spices, utensils and more. A cabinet builder can add these to any cabinet in your kitchen and blend them into the overall look. If you must crouch down and dig around dark cabinet corners for pots and pans, it’s time for a rollout solution. A cabinet maker can install drawers or shelves that pull right out at the cabinet opening to eliminate this bending and crouching. Be sure to size your rollouts carefully. Too-shallow trays can scratch the inside of doors, and too-deep ones can collide with door hinges. A stud finder helps determine shelf heights and locations.
LED Lights
LED lights are perfect for kitchens because they provide a bright, clean light and can be used in various ways to enhance your space. For example, LED strip lights can be installed under cabinets to light up counter spaces fully. Compared to halogen bulbs, they stay cool, so your hands won’t burn when you touch them. Another option is to install recessed LED puck lights in the cabinet bottoms. These create a pool of light and are great for showing off serving pieces and other items in glass-front cabinets. LEDs can also be installed as accent lighting under cabinets or around the edges of your kitchen. This can help draw attention to art, open shelving, or other design details. You can even install dimmer switches to adjust the brightness of your kitchen to fit different ambiances during meal prep or entertaining.
Pull-Out Shelves
Ease of access is a must in any kitchen. Adding pull-out shelves to your cabinets can save you space and time and increase your home’s resale value. These easy-to-install storage solutions allow you to access those hard-to-reach items at the back of your cabinets without bending over or straining your back. They are especially helpful for older adults who want to avoid injuring themselves by stooping or crawling to reach their pots and pans.
You can find various pull-out shelf options at home centers or lumberyards. Choose the size that will best fit your cabinet. Some designs even include a power outlet to charge your smartphone or other devices while stowing away those items.
Inside Cabinet Door Shelving
Cabinets are a main feature in any kitchen remodel, but they can also make or break the overall look. A custom cabinet maker can add storage solutions to your cabinets that are both functional and aesthetically appealing.
Use shelves inside cabinets to stow items like spices and utensils. You can install a small chalkboard or whiteboard to help create your grocery list without clogging up drawers or the countertop.
If you’re worried about food spoiling in the cabinet, install cutouts sized for plastic waste receptacles. Another great option is a revolving lazy susan to spin to find what you want.
Paint the Inside of Your Cabinets
Painting your cabinets is a great way to freshen up your kitchen without spending the money on a complete reno. It’s also an easy way to experiment with new design styles.
To make the process easier, use a degassing agent like trisodium phosphate (TSP) to eliminate oils and grease that can prevent a smooth finish. Remove cabinet doors and hardware, and lay paper floor coverings or sheets on your workspace to protect it from paint drips.
Add Shelves and Racks
Adding shelves and racks to your cabinetry is an easy way to transform the look of your kitchen without spending a fortune. It also allows you to keep items organized and within reach.
Hang a shelf underneath your pot lid drawer for extra easy access storage. Be sure to use a stud finder before hanging any rack to ensure it’s securely supported.
Whether you opt for the sleek, minimalist lines of modern and contemporary design or the warm colors and antique furniture pieces of farmhouse style, your cabinet and decor choices work together to create a distinctive mood that is uniquely yours.
