The Best Storage in the Kitchen

Most conventionally kitchen cabinetry has a base cabinet about 36” high, then an 18 or 20 inch gap above the counter, then uppers, 12” deep. Though this configuration has its place, it has two problems. Those uppers are sort of in your face; if it's a prep area, you are really working in a little cave under those uppers. The second problem is that the 18 or 20” gap potentially one of the best storage spots in the kitchen: visible and easy to reach by anyone of any height.

We do all sorts of things to tone down, eliminate, or lighten up the uppers, and make good use of that middle space which we call the margin. In small kitchens, it sometimes appears that the attempt to move away from uppers conflicts with the desire to use every inch of potential storage.

Recently I've been discussing this issue with an upcoming customer down in the Boston area. Then yesterday, we were having a wonderful lunch with Lisa Gibbons and Judy Chalmer, whose kitchen we did a few years ago. It occurred to me that our solution there was relevant to the current discussion. To start with, we needed windows on that side of the house, but the view was just the sidewall of the neighbors' house. The high windows gave the light, using the neighbors' house as a reflector. But we also needed storage above the counter for spices, oils, teas and other small-diameter ingredients. Since the shelves are shallow, they could come down right to the splash without obstructing the work counter. On balance, this setup gives about as much storage capacity as would conventional uppers, without the liabilities mentioned above. In this case it was also the only solution because of the need for the windows.

Shallow shelves can come right down to the splash, and are handy for all users.

 So fresh and so clean!