Cabinet Layout Options: Top 20 Ideas for Creative Design

Last updated on November 4, 2023

Explore these 20 innovative cabinet layout options to transform your kitchen into a stylish, functional, and organized space.

Are you tired of the same old cabinet layout in your home? Do you want to spice up your decor without breaking the bank? Look no further! In this article, we will explore 20 unique and budget-friendly cabinet layout options that will transform any room in your home. From open shelving to asymmetrical designs, there’s something for everyone.

Get ready to be inspired and take your home decor to the next level with these creative ideas!

Open Shelving

kitchen cabinet Open Shelving layout

One of the most popular cabinet layout options is open shelving. This option allows you to display your favorite dishes, glasses, and other kitchen items in a stylish way.

Open shelves can be installed on any wall or even above the countertop area for easy access to frequently used items.

When it comes to styling open shelves, there are endless possibilities. You can choose matching sets of plates and bowls for a cohesive look or mix-and-match different patterns and colors for an eclectic vibe.

Adding greenery such as herbs or small potted plants will bring life into your kitchen space.

Glass-front Doors

kitchen Cabinet Layout Glass-front Doors

They allow you to showcase your favorite dishes, glassware, or decorative items while keeping them protected from dust and dirt. Glass-front doors come in various styles such as clear, frosted or textured glass that can complement any decor style.

One of the benefits of using glass-front doors is that they make small kitchens appear larger by reflecting light around the room. You can also use lighting inside the cabinet for an added effect.

When choosing this option for your cabinets, consider what you want on display and how much privacy you need. Clear glass will show everything inside while frosted or textured options provide more privacy but still let some light through.

Corner Cabinets

kitchen Corner Cabinets

They can be tricky to design, but there are several options available that can make the most of this often-underutilized area. One popular option is a lazy Susan cabinet, which features rotating shelves that allow you to easily access items stored in the back of the cabinet without having to reach or move other items out of the way.

Another option is an L-shaped corner cabinet with pull-out drawers or shelves that provide easy access and ample storage space for larger items like pots and pans. Diagonal corner cabinets offer a unique solution by utilizing angled doors that open up into one large compartment for storing bulky appliances or cookware.

With so many options available, it’s easy to find a corner cabinet layout that works best for your kitchen needs while also adding style and functionality at an affordable price point!

Floating Shelves

floating shelf in kitchen

They are easy to install and can be used for both storage and display purposes. Floating shelves come in different materials such as wood, metal or glass.

One of the advantages of using floating shelves is that they create an illusion of more space in your kitchen by not taking up any floor space. You can use them for storing dishes, glasses or even cookbooks while keeping them within reach.

Another advantage is that they allow you to showcase decorative items such as plants, vases or artwork which adds personality and character to your kitchen decor.

When installing floating shelves make sure they are securely attached with brackets into studs on the wall so that they can hold weight without falling off. Also consider spacing between each shelf so there’s enough room for taller items if needed.

Pull-out Drawers

cabinet pull out shelves

These drawers can be installed in lower cabinets or pantry closets, allowing you to easily reach everything inside without having to dig around in the back of the cabinet.

One great thing about pull-out drawers is that they come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can customize them based on what you need to store. For example, if you have lots of pots and pans taking up valuable shelf space, installing deep pull-out drawers will allow them all fit neatly inside.

Another benefit is their versatility: Pull-outs work well for storing anything from canned goods and spices (in smaller versions)  to larger appliances like mixers or blenders (in bigger ones). Plus they make it easier than ever before when cleaning out expired food items as nothing gets lost at the back anymore!

Vertical Storage

kitchen cabinets Vertical Slots

This type of storage involves using the height of your cabinets to store items, rather than just the width or depth. One way to achieve vertical storage is by installing pull-out shelves that can be adjusted in height according to your needs.

Another option is adding hooks or racks on the inside of cabinet doors, which can hold anything from pots and pans to cleaning supplies and utensils.

If you have a small kitchen with limited counter space, consider using vertical storage for appliances such as blenders or mixers that are not used frequently but take up valuable counter real estate when left out. By storing them vertically in a designated cabinet, you free up more workspace while keeping these bulky items easily accessible.

Two-tone Cabinetry

Two Tone kitchen

This approach adds depth, dimension, and visual interest to your space while also creating a focal point in your kitchen. You can choose contrasting shades like black and white or complementary hues like blue and gray to create an eye-catching look.

Alternatively, you can opt for natural wood tones on the bottom cabinets with painted uppers for a warm yet modern feel. Two-tone cabinetry allows you to play around with color combinations that suit your style while keeping things fresh and exciting in the heart of your home!

Customized Compartments

Pull-out Spice Racks

By creating specific compartments for different items, you can easily find what you need without having to dig through cluttered shelves. Some popular customized compartment options include pull-out spice racks, built-in knife blocks, and vertical dividers for baking sheets and cutting boards.

You can also create custom-sized drawers or shelving units to fit your specific needs. Customized compartments not only make it easier to stay organized but also add a personalized touch to your kitchen design that reflects your unique style and preferences.

Upper and Lower Mix

Vibrant Yellow kitchen cabinets

This design involves using different types of cabinets for the upper and lower sections of the kitchen. For example, you can use open shelving or glass-front doors for your upper cabinets to display decorative items or dishes, while opting for closed cabinetry with pull-out drawers in the lower section to store pots, pans, and other cooking essentials.

This approach not only creates an eye-catching look but also makes it easier to access frequently used items without having to bend down too low. Mixing uppers and lowers allows you more flexibility in terms of budget as well as style choices since you can choose different materials or finishes depending on where they will be placed.

When considering this option make sure that both styles complement each other so that there is a cohesive flow throughout your space.

Appliance Garage

It’s an excellent option for those who want to keep their countertops clutter-free while still having easy access to their appliances. Appliance garages can be installed in various locations in the kitchen, including under cabinets or on the countertop.

When designing your appliance garage, consider how you plan on using it. If you have larger appliances like stand mixers or food processors that need storage space too, make sure your cabinet has enough room for them as well.

You can also customize your appliance garage with features like built-in outlets and pull-out shelves for easier access. Adding doors with hinges will allow you to close off the area when not in use so that everything looks neat and tidy.

Pegboard Organization

Pegboard Wall kitchen pantry

Pegboards are easy to install, customizable, and can be used in any room of the house. In a kitchen or pantry, they can hold pots and pans, utensils, spices jars or even small appliances like blenders or mixers.

To create a pegboard system for your cabinets you will need to purchase a sheet of pegboard from your local hardware store along with some hooks that fit into the holes on the board. You may also want to consider adding shelves above or below it for additional storage space.

Built-in Wine Rack

Wine Pegs

A built-in wine rack can be designed to fit any size or shape of the cabinet and can hold as many bottles as you need. You could choose to have it installed in the upper cabinets or lower ones, depending on your preference.

One popular design for a built-in wine rack is having it placed above the refrigerator. This not only saves space but also creates an elegant look that adds value to your kitchen decor.

Another great idea is having custom-made shelves with individual slots for each bottle of wine. This allows easy access and organization while keeping them safe from damage.

A third option would be installing pull-out drawers with adjustable dividers that allow flexibility in storing different sizes of bottles and glasses together.

Hidden Trash Bins

cabinets roll out Trash

One solution is to hide them away in a cabinet or drawer. This not only keeps the trash out of sight but also frees up floor space and eliminates the need for a separate bin taking up valuable real estate in your kitchen.

There are several ways to incorporate hidden trash bins into your cabinet layout. You can opt for pull-out drawers with built-in waste containers that slide out when you open the door, or install tilt-out doors that conceal the bin behind closed doors.

Another option is to create a custom-built compartment within one of your cabinets specifically designed for holding garbage cans and recycling bins. This way, everything stays organized and tidy while remaining easily accessible when needed.

Kitchen Island Storage

Kitchen Island With Storage

There are many ways you can incorporate storage into your island design. One option is to include cabinets or drawers underneath the countertop for storing pots, pans, and other cooking essentials.

You could also install open shelving on one side of the island for displaying cookbooks or decorative items.

Another idea is to create a built-in wine rack in the base of your island if you’re an avid wine collector. If you have kids at home, consider adding pull-out bins under the counter where they can store their snacks and drinks.

If you want more flexibility with your storage options, choose an adjustable-height table-style kitchen island that allows for different configurations depending on what’s needed at any given time.

Sliding Door Cabinets

kitchen cabinet Sliding

These cabinets have doors that slide open and closed, making them perfect for small spaces where traditional cabinet doors might take up too much room. Sliding door cabinets can be made from various materials such as wood, glass or metal and come in different styles ranging from rustic to contemporary.

One of the benefits of sliding door cabinets is that they allow you to display your items while keeping them organized at the same time. You can use these types of cabinets in your kitchen as an alternative pantry space or even in your living room as a bookshelf with hidden storage compartments.

Another advantage is that sliding doors don’t require any clearance space like hinged cabinet doors do when opened, which makes them ideal for tight spaces such as hallways or narrow kitchens.

Stacked Upper Cabinets

kitchen two Upper Cabinets

This layout involves placing two rows of cabinets on top of each other, with the upper row being slightly smaller than the lower one. The extra height allows for additional storage without taking up more floor space.

To make this layout work best, it’s important to choose cabinet doors that complement each other and create a cohesive look. You could opt for glass-front doors on the upper cabinets to display decorative items or keep frequently used dishes within easy reach.

Another way to make stacked upper cabinets work is by using them as part of an accent wall design. For example, you could paint or wallpaper the area between the two rows of cabinetry in a bold color or pattern that adds visual interest and draws attention upward.

Lit Display Cases

kitchen Lit Display Cases

These cabinets feature glass doors and built-in lighting that illuminates the contents inside, making them perfect for displaying fine china, decorative plates or even collectibles. You can choose from different types of lighting such as LED strips or puck lights depending on the look you want to achieve.

Lit display cases work well in both traditional and modern kitchens and can be incorporated into upper cabinetry or standalone units for added versatility. They add a touch of elegance while also serving as functional storage space, making them an excellent choice for any home decorator looking to create stunning decor on a budget.

Base Cabinet Pull-outs

Pull Out Cabinet Shelves

These pull-out shelves can be installed in lower cabinets, making it easier to access items stored at the back of the cabinet without having to bend down or crawl on your hands and knees. Base cabinet pull-outs come in various sizes and styles, including wire baskets or solid drawers with dividers for organizing pots, pans, baking sheets or even canned goods.

One popular option is a two-tiered sliding shelf system that allows you to store twice as many items while still being able to see everything clearly. Another option is installing vertical dividers inside a large drawer so you can organize cutting boards and baking sheets upright instead of stacking them horizontally.

Ceiling-height Cabinetry

Shaker Style kitchen cabinets

This type of cabinet extends all the way up to the ceiling, providing additional storage space that would otherwise go unused. Not only does it provide more room for storing items, but it also creates a seamless and cohesive look in your kitchen.

One thing to keep in mind when opting for ceiling-height cabinetry is accessibility. Make sure you have a plan on how you will reach items stored at the top of these cabinets as they can be difficult to access without proper planning.

Another consideration when choosing this layout option is lighting. With cabinets extending all the way up, natural light may not reach certain areas of your kitchen as easily as before.

Consider adding under-cabinet lighting or pendant lights above your island or dining area if needed.

Modular Kitchen Units

kitchen wall mount cabinet

These units come in pre-made sections that can be easily assembled and arranged according to your needs. They offer the advantage of being able to add or remove cabinets as required, making them perfect for small kitchens where space is at a premium.

Modular kitchen units also come in various finishes, colors, and materials such as wood or metal which allows you to create different styles from modern minimalist designs to traditional farmhouse looks. With modular kitchen units, you can mix-and-match different sizes of cabinets with open shelving or glass-front doors creating an interesting visual appeal while providing ample storage space for all your cooking essentials.

Recap

Liked this article? Here's what you can read next: