Annual Homes & Design Issue
By Rachel Studebaker
When designing a custom kitchen, the location of appliances, storage, and accessories is crucial to creating an efficient and enjoyable workspace. Intentional, personalized placement can maximize storage, put items within easy reach during prep, and ensure a functional flow. Here, local experts share advice on achieving these perks by picking the perfect placement for cabinetry and more.
Casey RidleyMaximizing a kitchen’s layout starts with the “work triangle” – ensuring easy flow between the sink, stove, and refrigerator. Placement is critical for functionality: if these elements are too far apart, efficiency suffers; too close, and the kitchen feels cramped. Storage should be both strategic and convenient. For example: deep drawers near the cooktop for pots and pans, and pull-out trays near the fridge for snacks and meal prep essentials. Taller cabinetry can make use of vertical space without sacrificing floor space, while built-in appliances, like microwaves in base cabinets, create a streamlined look and better traffic flow. Thoughtful placement prevents bottlenecks, enhances cooking efficiency, and creates a kitchen that feels as good as it looks. Always design for the way people actually use the space, not just how it looks on paper. At the end of the day, the best kitchen designs are built around how you live – balancing beauty with everyday efficiency.
Brittany GreeneIt’s important to pay attention to the walkway spacing around your island, and especially around your appliances. I like to use 48” in front of appliances. This leaves enough space for more than one person to comfortably use the kitchen at the same time. Making sure everything you need while cooking or cleaning up is close by makes your kitchen more functional. Adding pullouts for spices and sheet tray dividers in cabinets near the range is a great tip to accomplish that. Large drawers are also great near the range for pot and pan storage. Consider adding cutlery dividers to drawers near the dishwasher and trash can pullouts near the sink and/or prep space for more functionality. I also like to use deeper than standard wall cabinets for oversized plate storage.
Kelley CarinHaving spent 17 years in the kitchen and bath design world, I have seen a lot of trends come and go. The one thing that fuels my focus is functionality. You can make something pretty, but if it doesn’t ease the body, making prep easier and fun, then pretty only goes so far. In kitchens, the triangle is still a solid guide post, but isn’t always the only way. I start with listening to my client, and their ideas and complaints steer me in the direction they need. I hate wasted space, so a filler can now be a fun pullout; even 3” can be important for storage. Trash, utensil, and spice pullouts are all so vital in today’s kitchens. So many new innovations are available, making design and function meld together beautifully.
Kris KeithTo make the most of your kitchen layout, arrange “work triangle” appliances in a way that minimizes walking while still providing ample work space. Create work zones for different tasks such as prepping, cooking, baking, and cleanup. Then choose specialized organizer inserts for each zone. For example, utensil inserts, cookware drawers, tray dividers, and knife inserts are handy in the prep and cook zones. Tall pantry storage near the fridge is convenient during meal prep. Trash and recycle bins near the sink, along with wall cabinets near the dishwasher for glass and dish storage, make cleanup speedy. Countertop wall cabinets with pocket doors maximize vertical storage for secondary work zones such as coffee stations and bake centers. If you pay close attention to cabinet and appliance placement and accessorize accordingly, you can enjoy an efficient and clutter-free kitchen.
Sharon FairclothPlacement is everything when it comes to pantry and kitchen efficiency. I always start by asking clients how they cook and entertain. For example, placing deep, pull-out drawers for bulk snacks at eye level is great for kids, while storing baking supplies near the prep counter saves steps during busy evenings. Our spice rack accessories are perfect for keeping those important components of a meal organized, making them easy to reach mid-recipe. Custom storage isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about tailoring the space to your lifestyle so it works smarter, not harder
Jackie HowardA tip we use at Scarlett’s to have an efficient kitchen is to place appliances by how they are used by everyone in the home. A refrigerator should be placed on the outside of the perimeter for kids to have access to, but not be in the way of the main cook. The freezer can even be placed in an adjacent pantry or scullery. A double oven needs to also be on the outside of the work triangle. The prep sink and/or the main sink along with the cooktop all need to be convenient to each other, and if these are too far from the main refrigerator in a large space, consider adding a set of refrigerator drawers. We also consider snacks, food, and spices in the same way – store them where they will be used – they don’t all need to be stored together in one pantry cabinet.
Chad RattoOptimizing pantry placement is key to maximizing space, accessibility, and efficiency. Start by grouping items by use – store baking supplies together, snacks on lower shelves for kids, and frequently used items at eye level. Use deep drawers for bulky goods like flour or canned goods, and add pull-out shelves or lazy Susans in corners to reduce wasted space. Tall cabinets can house brooms or large bins, while narrow pullouts are perfect for spices and oils. Placement matters because it minimizes clutter, speeds up meal prep, and reduces food waste. For example, keeping glass containers with grains at the front helps you see inventory quickly. Open shelving near the door gives fast access to daily-use items. Label bins and baskets so everyone can find (and return) things easily. Heavier items stored at waist level can reduce the risk of injury. By strategically placing cabinetry and storage, you create a pantry that’s functional, not just organized.
