- October 24, 2020
- Anne-Marie Brunet
Anne-Marie Brunet, CKBD, CAPS
These 9 kitchen cabinet organization accessories will make your kitchen more accessible without blowing your budget or doing a full gut remodel.
Even if you don’t have the luxury of gutting and remodeling your kitchen, you can still increase its efficiency and accessibility by retrofitting some of all of your cabinets with these accessories.
Not only will it help those in your home gain access to what they need, they will also help keep your cabinetry organized.
Some of these solutions are easy enough for DIY, and some require a bit more experience to install. So if you’re not that handy, you’d best have a professional help with the installation.
BASE CABINET ACCESSORIES
Rollout shelves are a great option for base cabinets. They come in a wide variety of sizes and styles and materials. A base cabinet with a standard door can usually accommodate three shelves, depending on what you need to store. If you have larger items to be stored, you can usually fit only two rollouts.
BASE CABINET PANTRY ACCESSORY
This pantry system offers ultimate access and organization for base cabinets. They come in a double pantry system, like the one above, for double door cabinets, or as a single pantry system for a single door base cabinet.
STORAGE TRAYS FOR BACK OF DOORS
SLIM BACK OF DOOR STORAGE
This classic door-mounted rack system can be used for trays, cookie sheets, or even cutting boards, and eliminates bending and reaching into deep cabinets.
TRASH AND RECYCLING ACCESSORIES
A simple door garbage bin that swings out toward you when you open the door helps contain messes and eliminates bending and reaching.
These two waste containers, designed for base cabinets, are great for smaller households. One container accepts waste, and the other accepts recycling.
The unit can also be combined with an automatic opening system for extra efficiency. This is a terrific system for those with dexterity or mobility issues.
UPPER CABINET ACCESSORIES
SWING OUT SYSTEM FOR UPPER CABINETS
If you have limited shelves in your upper cabinets you can install this swing-out shelf system.
- It makes good use of otherwise wasted vertical space
- It allows the shelf to come to you for easy access to contents.
- Offers accessibility, flexibility, and organization with items within reach
PULL-OUT SYSTEM FOR UPPER CABINETS
This pullout version also works well for upper cabinets.
There is also a similar model but for upper corner cabinets. No more lost or forgotten items in a dark corner!
PULL-DOWN SYSTEM FOR UPPER CABINETS
A two-tier pull-down system like this one allows you to access those sometimes hard-to-reach upper cabinets. This version, from Rev-A-Shelf, features a gas-assisted mechanism that makes lowering and lifting the system easy. It’s a great idea for shorter individuals (guilty!), for those in wheelchairs, and for individuals with limited upper mobility and reach.
OPEN SHELVING IN KITCHENS
When doors on cabinets become too cumbersome, consider removing them for ultimate access. Organization is the key to making this look work; otherwise, it could tend to look cluttered.
But since you’re saving money by not doing a total kitchen remodel, you can splurge on pretty dishware! An arrangement like this is pretty, functional, and totally on trend.
Below, an island becomes the dishware storage station. This is a good option for individuals in wheelchairs or those with skeletal issues.
Now this is probably not for everyone, but it is an inclusive option to maintain a sense of independance and community.
CONS: not so great if you have a Fido or a Kitty, with fur and hair flying around, or the occasional licking of the plate!
Learn more about lighting your home properly so you can stay in your home longer
SMALL KITCHENS AND TIGHT SPACES
If you’re really tight on space, cabinet doors are usually and most likely problematic.
This small kitchen incorporates an entire wall of open shelving for everyday items and easy access. Shelving does not have to be much deeper than 12 or 13 inches to accommodate everyday items.
Without doors on the cabinetry, the space feels lighter, bigger, and less restrictive, and would accommodate a person with a walker or a wheelchair. It is easy to walk up to and access your items.
Throughout our project, Anne-Marie and her team were truly creative which resulted in a superior final design. Our kitchen is exactly what we envisioned and even more! I would not hesitate to recommend Sheridan Interiors to anyone in need of a designer who is creative and meticulous.
— Catherine G. / Williamstown, Ont.
Ready to make your kitchen accessible and beautiful?
Schedule a free Discovery Call with Sheridan Interiors to explore how we can help make your kitchen or home inviting for all ages and abilities. Anne-Marie is a Certified-Aging-In-Place Specialist.
Serving professionals in Ottawa, Cornwall, and surrounding areas since 1979
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