7 Awesome Add-ons for Kitchen Cabinets
Useful gadgets, docks for your devices, extra lighting ... when it comes to cabinets, do look down
Jennifer Ott
4 October 2013
San Francisco-based architectural color specialist and design writer. Jennifer's work has been featured in many print and online publications. Her recently-published book, "1000 Ideas for Color Schemes," is a beautifully illustrated and easy-to-navigate guide that takes the guesswork out of selecting the perfect color palette for your home or special event. For more information on Jennifer Ott Design, visit http://jenottdesign.com/.
San Francisco-based architectural color specialist and design writer. Jennifer's... More
I remember when having a microwave or an electric can opener mounted under your wall cabinets was considered state of the art. Now you can attach your smart phone and tablet, and even hide the necessary outlets out of sight. Curious what today's cabinet additions can do for you? Check out a few of the latest and most useful offerings in cabinet-mounted gadgets and accessories to see what will work in your kitchen.
Lighting. Even if you're a minimalist who prefers to keep the area under your wall cabinets clear, consider installing some lighting. Undercabinet lights provides crucial illumination for food prep and, if dimmable, work well as a nightlight once the kitchen is closed for the evening. My current preference for undercabinet lighting is low-profile LED (light-emitting diode) strip lights. LED lighting technology is continually advancing, so check with your local lighting retailer or electrical contractor to see what is the best option for your kitchen. Prices vary depending on size and quality, but you can currently get 12-inch strips starting around $20.
Read more about LED lighting
Read more about LED lighting
Power. You've spent time and money selecting and installing the perfect backsplash tile, so don't mar the beautiful surface with outlets. An undercabinet outlet strip gives you a plethora of plugs — and always one right where you need it — without a line of receptacles all across your lovely backsplash. If, however, you tend to keep your countertop appliances plugged in, you may not enjoy seeing the cords dangle down from underneath your cabinets.
More about hiding plugs and outlets
More about hiding plugs and outlets
Amazon
Tablet mount. Watch a cooking video, refer to a recipe, check your email or call your mom on Skype, all while keeping your device up and away from any countertop messes with an undercabinet tablet mount.
Why Your Kitchen Wants Its Own iPad
Why Your Kitchen Wants Its Own iPad
If you have multiple devices that you want accessible in the kitchen, check out this modular undercabinet lighting system. You can get docks for all of your devices, along with the receptacles to power them.
CHEFS
Knife block. I realize undercabinet knife blocks aren't exactly new technology, but this model from Wusthof is notable for its slim profile. It also conveniently swings in and out with the touch of a finger.
Amazon
Jar opener. For those who struggle with opening bottles and jars, here's a clever gadget that's easy to mount under your wall cabinet. This would make an excellent gift for someone who suffers from arthritis, or anyone else who could use some assistance with tough-to-open lids.
Stemware rack. If you are tight on kitchen storage space, you'll want to make use of every nook and cranny you can. Here's a great option for storing your stemware under a wall cabinet.
I've mounted a similar rack inside a cabinet, and I really like its functionality — you can store a good number of glasses in a small amount of space without the risk of having them tip over onto one another like dominoes. I should note that this may not be the best storage option if you don't use the glasses very often, or if you don't have adequate ventilation in your kitchen, as the stemware is likely to attract grease and dust.
I've mounted a similar rack inside a cabinet, and I really like its functionality — you can store a good number of glasses in a small amount of space without the risk of having them tip over onto one another like dominoes. I should note that this may not be the best storage option if you don't use the glasses very often, or if you don't have adequate ventilation in your kitchen, as the stemware is likely to attract grease and dust.
Bottle holder. Display your wine bottles next to your stemware, all underneath your wall cabinets. Just be sure to mount this away from your range or cooktop, so the bottles don't feel the heat.
Tell us: How have you optimized the space underneath your wall cabinets?
More: Kitchen Cabinet Fittings With Universal Design in Mind
Tell us: How have you optimized the space underneath your wall cabinets?
More: Kitchen Cabinet Fittings With Universal Design in Mind
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Cant imagine A Kitchen Without a Little Personality
But as soon as we make those purchases, we are envisioning where to put them. Don't forego floating shelves or the tri-shelf, adjacent the sink or at a cabinet end. If you're feeling guilty about foregoing precious cabinet space for your treasures when you're short on storage space, we have a solution for you.
Use floating shelves for every day dishes and mugs. Yes, you can! It's the ideal way to create a custom design, break up a row of boxes and still maintain the 'functionality of the kitchen'.
Other Design Ideas
https://www.kitchenmagic.com/cabinet-refacing
I have the LeGrand under cabinet lighting and outlet system in my kitchen.... love it. a pet peeve of mine was seeing the outlets in a beautiful backsplash.
I have the LeGrand Adorne under cabinet system and LOVE it.. No more outlets in the back splash messing up the look of the tile! Plenty of USB and outlets and they can be moved from one socket to another. Will do it again in next house!