Just Around the Corner
The infamous “corner” of kitchen design. Some designers loathe them; others see them as an opportunity to showcase their creative talents. Within the drawings below (click to enlarge), you’ll find the tried and true options and additional ideas to use as a spring board to your own solutions.
Option #1:
Blind corner base and wall cabinets are one of the most common ways to design a corner. The drawing shows how a base corner blind cabinet is typically pulled out from the corner to allow for adjustments for an out of square corner. For new kitchen designers, this can be a hard lesson learned. Accurate measurements are a key component to making this design functional.
Key points to remember:
- Many cabinet spec books will include the minimum and maximum pull requirements as well as the frame dimensions. If you have switched cabinet lines during the design process, be sure to review and make any necessary adjustments to this area.
- Verify if the price of the corner blind cabinet includes the filler that will be attached to the adjacent cabinet, or if it needs to be ordered separately.
- The NKBA suggests the recommended minimum filler width to be the handle depth plus ½” as a rule of thumb. If your client has not selected hardware, a 3”- 4” filler is normally a safe width.
Option #2:
This drawing illustrates right angle and diagonal front frame cabinet options. These cabinets include options such as lazy susans, shelving or appliance garages.
These can be a bit more user friendly than the blind corner cabinets.
Option #3:
As the saying goes, “it’s hip to be square.” Another option is to eliminate the corner altogether. This allows you to include straight cabinet runs in your design. The minimum dimension out from the corner is 27”, which allows for the depth of the base cabinet and countertop overhang. This may not be the best design solution when trying to maximize space.
Option #4:
Base and wall corner fillers can help to craft a clean, symmetrical look.
A 3” - 4” filler width is typically suggested for this type of application.
Option #5:
Diagonal corner walls can add interest to your client’s design. This particular design includes a sink base cabinet installed against the diagonal wall with wall cabinets recessed into the wall. An alcove could also be framed out instead of cabinetry. This type of design requires clear communication with the contractor. If the wall is not built to your specs, the design can be compromised.
Option #6:
Give yourself some room to breathe! At times, clients and designers feel they need to cover every available inch of wall space with cabinetry. Freeing up the corner can create a more individualized look and eliminates worry about far reaching corners. Clients can accent the area with artwork, a unique lighting fixture or architectural elements, such as windows.
Feel free to use these drawings as an education tool if you are working with a client who is curious about the various options for corners. A snap shot of the options may help them to make a quick decision.
About Criss Hartman
Criss Hartman, AKBD leads WOLF’s semi-custom department. Let Criss and her team help you build design solutions through the creative use of cabinetry in kitchens, baths and other special rooms.
Comments:
1. Bryan Hemmerle Posted at 2:30 PM on 5/10/2011
Criss, I like simple; diagonal walls with options of being glass or open cabinets are great for the top especially at 15” deep and raised. But the base is where i get aggravated with cabinet companies; diagonal corner base susans are much better than square corners. I often snap at manufactures reps and designers who don’t think they work; i’ve had one in the kitchen my wife and i designed in 1999 and would put it in my next kitchen in a heart beat. SCR spinning door cabinets were terrible quality but anything is better than that piano hinged double door! I also think the extra counter top is great and the diagonal base compliments the diagonal walls making a smoother design.
2. Scott Shoman Posted at 8:45 AM on 5/11/2011
Criss,
The diagonal sink cabinet with a double angled filler, as you show it, often requires too much length off the corner, up to approximately 57”. The next difficulty becomes reaching into the wall cabinet above. An average height woman (approx 5’8” or less) cannot reach anything except the very front edge of the bottom of the cabinet. Similar limitations exists with the diagonal front base lazy susan. She has to stand about 7” further away from the wall cabinet.
I have often chosen to design a recessed diagonal base. Some cabinet manufacturers build this as a fully assembled sink front, some as a full cabinet. Often, depending on the manufacturer, the 135 degree angle filler is not available. I am blessed to have a true craftsman of an installer to rely on.
3. Criss Posted at 12:07 PM on 5/11/2011
Hello, Bryan and Scott. Thank you reading and sharing your ideas and feedback. Corners are tricky for certain!
Bryan, I do agree with keeping things simple. I remember the first time I pinched my fingers in piano hinged doors. Ouch! Since then, I’ve never been too quick to incorporate that option into my designs, especially for couples with children. The other issue I’ve run into with revolving door cabinets is that the doors must be flush with the cabinet frame (which is fine when you are working with inset cabinetry) to work properly and breaks up the line of the cabinets. I’m glad to hear you and your wife are continuing to enjoy your remodeled kitchen.
Scott, I love your detailed, thorough thinking regarding clients’ ability to access these areas. Including a diagonal wall can add visual interest and appeal, but my issue with this type of design, is the amount of wasted space incurred (just as with appliances being installed on a diagonal).
A recessed diagonal corner cabinet is a great design solution. A talented installer is worth their weight in gold. I was fortunate to have worked with a talented installation team who taught me many invaluable lessons about kitchen design.
Thank you both again so much for sharing!
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