Loving the latest in kitchen storage and cabinetry trends? Follow along and we’ll look at ways to design, integrate, conceal and organize so that your kitchen is as inviting as the rest of your home. 

Cabinet Trends

As we move away from all-white kitchens, we’re seeing big changes in cabinetry and storage options. Wood has made a comeback, but also populating our social media feeds are bold-colour and two-tone kitchens. Detailed cabinetry millwork – fluting, curves, edging and mesh screens – add wow factor and blend in with our living spaces. At the same time, we’re losing upper cabinets and opting for counter-to-ceiling towers. In the kitchen above, designer Alyssa Papa replaced the upper cabinets with a counter tower, complete with a glamorous wallpapered interior. The counter tower provides major storage and frees up wall space elsewhere for art or an uncluttered visual reprieve. I love a counter tower fitted with glass doors and filled with beautiful tableware. It’s like a modern version of a trad china cabinet – it’s also a great reminder to actually use the good dishes! Opt for solid doors if you prefer to hide away the everyday.  

 

Photography, Patrick Biller

Kitchen DESIGN, Alyssa Papa Studio, alyssapapa.com. CabinetRY, Elite Kitchen Designs, elitekitchendesigns.com. hardware, CB2, cb2.ca. Backsplash tile, Deco-Tile, decotile.com. Countertop, Surfaceworx, surfaceworx.ca. Sconces, LD Shoppe, ldshoppe.com. Kelly Wearstler wallpaper, Kravet, kravet.com. 

The Less Kitcheny Kitchen

Designers are using plenty of decorating devices to integrate kitchen storage. In this kitchen, two-tone soft greige and off-black cabinets blend in with the home’s furnishings. The large gold knobs read like wardrobe hardware, and the moulding on the walls links the room visually to the living room. As far as lighting goes, statement task lights are replacing aggressive recessed lighting plans. Here, the over-the-pantry lights are meant to remind you of library lights. We’re also making our kitchens look less “kitcheny” by concealing storage and appliances. Cabinet panels for stainless-steel fridges and dishwashers are nothing new, but now you can have an invisible induction cooktop built into the counter; pullout drawers that refrigerate drinks; backsplash walls that slide to hide spices and cooking accoutrements; and garages where every small appliance gets parked when not in use. 

 

Black 2132-10, Benjamin Moore
Boardwalk CC-410, Benjamin Moore
Gray Cloud 2126-60, Benjamin Moore

 

Pantry Perfection

For organization lovers, the pantry is back in a big way. A pantry allows you to see everything at once, helping you to avoid over-purchasing items you already have and ensuring that no ingredients hiding in the back corners go off before you spy them. Aesthetically, the look is more streamlined, with fewer cabinets spread throughout the kitchen. If you have the luxury of space and can build a walk-in pantry with extra prep space, by all means, do so! You’ll find no shortage of how-to inspirational reels of concealed pantries with secret entrances behind faux cabinetry. For those in smaller spaces, a freestanding pantry reads like a bespoke furniture piece. Another advantage of a built-in pantry in a small space is that you can reduce or adjust the depth of your cupboards, and even build around awkward vents and pilasters. On one side of this built-in pantry, Alyssa incorporated a shallow nook, creating a four-inch-deep storage space perfect for spices and oils. So clever!

 

5 WALLPAPER, from $225 per roll, Farrow & Ball, farrow-ball.com.

 

Tips for a stylish, clutter-free kitchen

• Install a shelf between the backsplash and upper wall for a visual break, and to provide storage and display.
• Curate items on your shelving. Think: beautifully crafted mugs or bowls. 
• Conceal electrical outlets under cabinets or on a side wall, rather than installing in the backsplash.
• Avoid placing appliances above your range. Install your microwave under your countertop. 
  

   

  Haze glass vase in Mist Grey, $165, Obakki, obakki.com.

  

   

  Lotus light, $385, Luminaire Authenik, luminaireauthentik.com. 

  

   

  Dot plywood tray, from $30, EQ3, eq3.com.

  

   

  Cambridge Hardware, from $7, Pomelli Designs, pomellidesigns.com.