three reasons Why Corner Cabinets in Kitchens Are Overrated in 2024.
When renovating or designing a kitchen, homeowners in New Zealand often wonder about the necessity and functionality of corner cabinets.
While they might seem like a good idea, corner cabinets come with significant downsides. In this blog post, we'll discuss why corner cabinets are overrated and explore better design alternatives. Keywords like kitchen, renovation, corner cabinets, storage solutions, and interior design are essential to understand the limitations of corner cabinets in modern kitchen designs.
Issue One: High Costs and Limited Storage
One of the primary reasons corner cabinets are overrated is their high cost and limited storage capacity.
High Costs: Corner cabinets can cost upwards of $1500, which is a significant investment for a piece of cabinetry that doesn’t offer much return in terms of storage space. This cost can include custom designs, special fittings, and installation, which all add up quickly.
Limited Storage: Despite the high price, corner cabinets often provide less storage space compared to standard cabinets. The awkward shape and deep recesses make it challenging to utilise the entire space effectively, often leading to wasted space and difficult-to-reach items.
Alternative Investments: For the same cost, homeowners can invest in more functional storage solutions such as pull-out pantries, deeper drawers, or even custom shelving that maximise space and accessibility.
The inefficiency of corner cabinets becomes apparent in daily kitchen use.
Difficult Access: Items stored in corner cabinets are often hard to reach, especially those pushed to the back. This makes it inconvenient for everyday use and can lead to items being forgotten or unused.
Maintenance Issues: Cleaning and organising corner cabinets can be a hassle due to their shape and depth. This often results in cluttered and untidy storage spaces.
Design Constraints: Corner cabinets can limit the overall design and flow of a kitchen. Their placement can disrupt the continuity of cabinetry and countertops, creating an uneven and disjointed look.
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and beautiful homes, fit for real life.
We design functional, thoughtful, and beautiful homes, fit for real life.
At FBD Interiors, our main focus is creating spaces that are both elevated and realistic for your lifestyle. And we walk through every step of the process right alongside you - whether it’s a room refresh, a new kitchen, or a full home makeover/build.
Issue Two: Dark and Inefficient Space
Another major downside of corner cabinets is the inefficiency of the dark, hard-to-light space they occupy.
Dark Spaces: Corners are naturally dark areas in a kitchen, and it’s challenging to illuminate the inside of a corner cabinet effectively. This often leads to poor visibility and makes it difficult to find and access items stored in the back.
Blocking Off Corners: A better design approach is to block off the corner space altogether. This can be done by extending adjacent cabinets or countertops into the corner, creating a more cohesive and functional design without the need for a corner cabinet.
Improved Layout: By blocking off the corner, you can streamline the kitchen layout, making it more efficient and aesthetically pleasing. This also allows for better use of lighting and easier access to all areas of the kitchen.
The inefficiency of corner cabinets can impact the overall functionality of the kitchen.
Poor Lighting: As mentioned, lighting the inside of a corner cabinet is problematic. Without proper lighting, these cabinets become dark, uninviting spaces that are rarely used efficiently.
Visual Clutter: Corner cabinets often contribute to visual clutter in a kitchen. They can disrupt the clean lines and flow of cabinetry, making the kitchen look disorganised and cluttered.
Wasted Space: Blocking off the corner can free up space for other design elements such as additional countertop area or more practical storage solutions like open shelving or pull-out drawers.
Issue Three: ineffective Countertop Use
The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) doesn’t count corner countertops in their standards, and for good reason.
Cluttered Space: Corner countertops often become cluttered areas where small appliances, utensils, and other items accumulate. This clutter can detract from the overall functionality and appearance of the kitchen.
Better Solutions: Instead of using a corner countertop, consider alternative solutions such as floating shelves, pull-out trays, or lazy Susans. These options provide better organisation and accessibility without the drawbacks of corner cabinets.
Functional Layout: Designing a kitchen with clear, open countertops and efficient storage solutions improves workflow and usability. It ensures that every part of the kitchen is functional and easy to use.
The limitations of corner countertops highlight the importance of practical kitchen design.
Appliance Storage: Corner countertops are often used to store small appliances, but this can lead to a cluttered and disorganised look. Instead, consider built-in appliance garages or dedicated storage areas to keep countertops clear and functional.
Efficient Use of Space: By eliminating corner countertops, you can create a more efficient and user-friendly kitchen layout. This allows for better use of available space and improves the overall functionality of the kitchen.
Enhanced Aesthetics: A well-designed kitchen with clear, open countertops and efficient storage solutions is more visually appealing. It creates a cohesive and organised look that enhances the overall aesthetic of the space.
In Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, the functionality and efficiency of kitchen design are paramount.
Corner cabinets, despite their initial appeal, often fall short in terms of cost, storage capacity, and practicality. By understanding their limitations and exploring better alternatives, homeowners can create kitchens that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
When planning your next kitchen renovation, consider skipping the corner cabinet and opting for smarter, more efficient design solutions.