The corner space where two banks of kitchen cabinets meet is called a “blind corner”. It’s often wasted space because it’s deep, dark, and inaccessible. Even when the design provides access by including a cabinet door, it’s difficult to reach items stored at the back unless you have exceptionally long arms and flexibility.
There are many tried and tested solutions to the blind corner cabinet conundrum. Here are 10 of our best practical design ideas for the awkward kitchen corner.
1. Lazy Susan
A lazy susan is the classic go-to for corner cabinets. Spinning shelves allow you to access anything in the cabinet without having to reach. This type of cabinet typically has a bifold hinged door.
There are 3 main types of lazy susans:
- Full circle shelves set back into the cabinet so the door can fully close
- Pie-shaped shelves to allow for the folding door
- Pie-shaped shelves attached to the door so they automatically pull out when the door is opened
A couple of disadvantages of this system are the extra time it takes to spin the lazy susan back to its original spot before you can close the cabinet door, and a small amount of unused space around the spinning shelves.
2. Swinging Pull-Outs
At first glance, a cabinet with swinging pull-outs looks completely normal. The genius behind this innovation is that the shelves pull out of the cabinet. This handy storage system comes in various shapes and sizes to accommodate the most awkward of corner kitchen cabinets.
An advantage of swinging pull-outs is that you can easily see everything that’s stored in the cabinet. Unlike a lazy susan that’s stuck in its spot, pull-outs come out into the open where it’s bright.
3. Angled Cabinets
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An angled or diagonal cabinet with a glass-paneled door makes this space good for storing show pieces or dishes that add to the look and feel of the kitchen. It also works well for storing cookbooks.
For angled base cabinets, drawers work well.
Angled cabinets create a pleasant flow to the kitchen, but there is still a little wasted space depending on how you choose to design this cabinet. And if you stick with normal shelves, it can still be a challenge to access the back of the cabinet and to see everything that’s inside.
4. Cornered Drawers
Cornered drawers are unconventional, but solve the problem of the corner kitchen cabinet. With 90-degree angled fronts, their unusual shape makes them an ideal space to store small or oddly shaped utensils. Adding dividers to these drawers multiplies their functionality and allows you to maximize the space.
5. Open Shelves
A cost-effective design solution for the awkward kitchen corner is open or floating shelves. Adding houseplants, cookbooks, decorative bowls, cookie jars, or beautiful crockery pieces turn what’s often wasted space into a visually appealing gallery.
This option gives your kitchen a bright, spacious feel by eliminating dark corners. When you choose floating wood shelves, you add freshness and warmth to balance the contrast between the open storage and the rest of the kitchen.
6. Corner Pantry
Instead of figuring out the ideal cabinet configuration for your kitchen corner, consider installing a full pantry. This is likely the most space-efficient option because you can store so much and make use of every inch.
A corner pantry doesn’t work for every floor plan, though, and it reduces your counter space. So evaluate your priorities. The bigger the pantry, the more storage you have, but the more counter space you lose.
7. Corner Appliances
Forget about corner storage and use the space for appliances. For many kitchens, the oven is central, so why not make it a focal point of the room? This solution works well for especially small kitchens because it maximizes the space in a highly practical way.
8. Backdoor Cabinet
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Another option is to use the entire blind corner by providing access from the back. This doesn’t work for every kitchen corner, but any corner cabinet that backs onto another room without a dividing wall is perfect.
This backdoor cabinet solution is perfect for storing items used less frequently, like serving dishes or champagne glasses. Depending on which room it backs into, use it as an extension of storage for the adjoining space (such as board game storage off the family room, a bookshelf off a living room, or linens off the dining room).
9. Sink
If saving space isn’t your primary goal, a sink in the corner can be aesthetically pleasing. The extra space behind the sink is a glorious spot for some houseplants or other decorative items.
Plus, because the base cabinet houses the plumbing, it’s not wasted space and you don’t have to figure out efficient shelving configurations.
This solution is an absolute dream if you have two corner windows in the space. Wash dishes, enjoy the view, and brighten up the room!
10. Desk
If your kitchen is big enough to afford you the extra space for a desk, turn the corner into a useful spot for paperwork and a computer. It doesn’t have to be a full home office, but a handy nook.
The space under the desk is for leg room, so it’s not wasted. And if you use a stool instead of a chair, you can tuck it away under the desk when you’re not using it.
Design a Solution for Your Awkward Kitchen Corner
There’s no reason for that awkward kitchen corner to be wasted space. With so many innovative options, there’s a perfect solution for your kitchen.
Efficiency, maximum storage, and visual appeal are vital components of the ideal kitchen corner. A little creativity and the expertise of a professional kitchen designer can help you create the best solution for your home.
Would you like some help? The designers at Riverstone Kitchens & Renovations would love to explore options for your awkward kitchen corner. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens
