Amen to the drawers! I did a kitchen reno in my former home and the contractor recommended all drawers on one wall. Fortunately I took his advice and it was the best decision we ever made. Being a wheelchair user, it REALLY helped.
Absolutely. I have friends how I have everything mix so well together- I always say just pick things you Absolutely love. Also easy way to pick colors is look in your closet. See what the main colors are- we tend to buy clothes that are our favorites. If you can put together a matching outfit you can coordinate your home.
I love my new refrigerator! Samsung Bespoke series. I have the 30.1-cu ft Smart French Door Refrigerator. It fits the standard opening but so much more space inside. And the best part is you can buy colored glass panels for the front. I have the fall colors of warm yellow on top and an orange brown on the bottom. Next to it I have my old wood Hoosier. Sometimes I just sit and look at it! It makes me so happy.
After moving into a new build spec home, I put in a rev-a-shelf drawer insert into one of the pots&pans cabinets. It was $200 well spent. After years of digging around, changing lids, and bruising myself just to get to an egg pan or a cast iron, I don't know how I made it without my drawers. I'm tempted to add more once the urgent projects get attention.
I love that you give the disagree-ers permission to do what they want regardless of your advice! "You don't like that? Do what you want. You're wrong but go ahead." I love it!
Cut him some slack! And by him, I mean me.😅 He just moved, and I still have 3 boxes and a painting not tended to from my last move. 8 years ago!! I need to go to decorator jail.
Hey Nick, thanks so much for the tip about hardware for the cupboards. I’ve been considering the t shaped ones and didn’t even think about snagging my clothes. I’m just imagining straining a pot of pasta and getting caught on a pull handle and spilling boiling water all over myself. You saved me! 😇
In my parents' old kitchen I was exactly the right height to always catch my jeans belt loops on the drawer pulls! They remodeled a decade ago and their kitchen feels so much safer without those old drawer pulls (along with all the other nice upgrades they made)
Yup, clutter attracts clutter. I recently cleared everything off my kitchen island and gave the things that were assigned to be there new permanent homes. I had come to the realisation that even though there was only 3 everyday use items that were supposed to live on my kitchen island, they gathered friends like crazy. It was never just those 3 items there, other items were always visiting, sometimes staying for days. Now that is officially the home of nothing, nothing stays, and I have a beautiful clear work surface whenever I want it
I love how you write. Witty, humorous and sooo true! My husband gives those necessary kitchen items friends that shouldn’t even be in the kitchen. The butter dish is so popular, it can’t be found under all its friends! The salt and pepper, on the other hand, hide among the butter’s buddies.
We had 2 mug trees, and I managed to sneak one out, but we still have the other, surrounded by mugs on the counter 🤦🏼♀️, paper towels, onions, tomatoes, garlic, a stack of cutting boards, and random clutter. This is just the island! I keep trying “do you use this every day? Can it go somewhere else?” Because 3 people don’t use 8 mugs every day! I got a veg basket, but that means he just buys even more tomatoes that sit next to it in their little clamshell boxes, etc. I guess I should just suck it up. He does 80% of the cooking these days 😂
I absolute abhor cabinets. Never have enough drawers, but working on it, have converted 2 cabinets to drawer systems and have added 3 more drawers, at 9 drawers now and so much happier!
Any tips for brands or items for this? I have a small kitchen and it only has two total drawers right now, the rest is all cabinets with alot of them being uppers and really hard to get to. I would love some of the pull down and pullout options
My Vitamix is not ugly, thank you! I love it, and it looks fabulous in my small kitchen. I have it sitting on a rolling cart, along with my bread machine, coffee bean grinder, and small food chopper. 😂😂😂😂😂
ISO (in search of) a legendary cement clock, non functional, that usually hangs on the wall behind Nick’s right shoulder. Usually tries to convince us that Nick always makes his videos at 12:18 every time. 😂
I literally thought Nick made his videos at 12:18 every day. Commended and admired him for his DISCIPLINE. Was blown away when I learned his clock was broken. Felt like an absolute moron for not considering this possibility. Laugh like crazy about it now. 🤣
Pull out garbage can cabinet and drawers for pots, etc., make kitchens so much more functional and aesthetic. They can even eliminate the need for an appliance garage if one needs the counter space. Slow cookers, toasters, special niche small appliances fit nicely in a drawer, and are a cinch to pull out and put away. FYI: if you are a late night “sneaker” to the snack drawer, make sure you don’t have a “tell”…I had an aunt who would sneak into the kitchen, steal a bite, and then come out humming this little “I’m not doing anything” tune! 😗
My grama had her house built in the 50's. All her lower cabinets were drawers. Some were behind doors, so they looked like a traditional cupboard, but when you opened the door, there were 2 or 3 large drawers. The upper sets were traditional with shelves. She also had deep cupboards built around her fridge that was her pantry. I loved her kitchen.
I’ve just spent months designing our second new kitchen (two different houses) and one of the things that blew my mind about it was when I discovered that instead of using a corner pull out or carousel, I actually ended up with MORE storage by ignoring the corner entirely and putting two sets of drawers at right angles to each other with a little offset piece in the corner just to make sure there’s no collision issues with the drawers. I actually worked out the area for each of the two drawer units vs the area of the pullout units and/or the carousel because I just couldn’t believe I wouldn’t be losing a lot of precious storage space by doing away with the corner units, but it turns out that you end up wasting so much space around the edges of these things with the area needed just so the mechanisms can work that it doesn’t end up giving you any extra room in the end. Blew. My. Mind. So now our kitchen has more drawer units, no irritating corner units (which I always hated anyway) and we haven’t lost any space at all. Credit to Mark Tobin who has a great video on how it works which is where I got the idea from in the first place. th-cam.com/video/BTzA3_qP2vM/w-d-xo.html
that is so interesting! Thanks for sharing and for actually looking at the numbers. I was puzzling over the same thing for our new kitchen and finding out you can just ignore the dead space is a real relief 😅
Absolutely........ Did our kitchen back in the 90's with corner units which become a place where items go to die. Got rid of them completely with two cupboards at right angles with top drawers, perfect.
My parents remodeled their kitchen and put in a narrow pull-out cabinet next to their fridge. It was as tall as the fridge but only about one soup can in width. That is the handiest thing I've ever seen! It holds all their canned goods, spices, and small boxed items. It freed up so much space in their cabinets! They also did drawers instead of lower cabinets. Honestly, if I ever get around to remodeling my 1949 kitchen, I'm using all those ideas. I just can't yet bear getting rid of my lavender tile, birch cabinets, and turquoise appliances even if they are outdated.
By now, those colors are a style choice of their own, rather than sounding dated. It sounds pretty. I want one of those can and spice cabinets. Maybe when we replace our fridge. It needs it but not badly enough to spend the effort and money on it 😅
The Australian Standard for disabled access covers drawer and cupboard handle design. They're all smooth D handles with no spiky bits to snag your clothes on, and the dimensions are specified to be easy to grab hold of. Push-to-open is allowed too, but D handles are better.
Well, you have to account for the extra deep doors these days. They wont clear counters but need to be able to swing wide. My husband and i literally moved a wall and built it to accomodate fridges. And be aware of room to get by when someone is grazing at the fridge! @lisanovich3285
Agreed, regarding the drawers. We have a giant cabinet (a tall and DEEP pantry) and we're turning all the shelves into drawers right now. We installed 4 over the last couple of weekends and we ordered 8 more. We found stuff we haven't seen in years!
@@lauralake7430 Drawer Connection Inc. We bought the birch ones and stained them. They have tight dovetails. Very nice. You can get them premade and finished or unstained and flat packaged (to save a substantial amount of money).
All valid points. We redid our kitchen in 2023. Here are my pros and cons, which tie into what Nick is saying: The things I think I did right: 1)bought an appliance suite where the appliances were concerned, which saved me almost 2K on the appliances. 2)bought a counter depth fridge (I love that fridge...I hated the one I had) 3)got quartz countertops, not marble or granite 4)made the surrender from the gas stove to the induction cooktop (love a gas cooktop, but they are a pain in the ass to clean up. This one is SOOO easy to clean) 5)hired a contractor I knew, who has about 40 years experience in the business. A quirk we had was that we had slanted ceilings, and it took a LOT of custom work to get everything to work. The things I think I would rethink: 1) I think I may have paid a lot more for cabinets than I could have, but on the other hand, I ADDED a lot of cabinets I didn't have before (which was part of the plan, I didn't have enough storage) I probably should have shopped around, but after spending 3 hours waiting for a 'cabinet expert' to come up with a plan, I thought, I don't want to do this again. And in all fairness, they are really nice cabinets, top of the line. But... 2) NEVER underestimate the cost. I still SWOON when I think about how much we spent. In retrospect, we had issues that were unique, and those cost us. 3)If you can, do your research. My husband and I are oldsters, and have been trying to raise 2 special needs grandkids since 2010. After dealing with what we dealt with, we're retired AND tired. My main goal was to modernize this house to the point where we could sell it in a few years without it being dated.
When I designed a kitchen (with my husband) back in the 90s, he put in a LOT of outlets, and lighting under the overhead cabinets. I requested 2 appliance garages (with outlets in them) and it helped tremendously in keeping the countertops uncluttered. (I used roll-top doors, like they have on roll-top desks--loved them.) A lot of drawers are a great idea, too. Spend a LOT of time on the design and it will pay off in the usefulness of the final result.
Not the kitchen, but I remember my mom asking the electrician to put 2 outlets in one bedroom wall, rather than one centered. He argued and refused until Mom got her EX-husband to say the exact same thing “she has a waterbed and would like to have access to an outlet rather than it being hidden and half-used.” The guy still grumbled that they were being ridiculous but he did it. I don’t know how many times Mom pointed out her bedside lamps or other things she plugged in and said “see?? 2 outlets made more sense, especially with a waterbed.” She couldn’t “toldja so” him to his face, but she sure did behind his back for yeeeears. 😂
We lease a senior unit. I use the largest size plastic bins that will fit my lower cabinets as drawers. These work great as drawers. Low cost if you find them in thrift stores.
I was so glad we had professionals replace cabinet fronts. They went above and beyond! A deep cabinet is now a drawer, and a problem that would have been had it not been for them...corner drawers and cabinets that would have jammed into each other at 90 degree angles...they adjusted size of doors, no problem. The extra moldings, both crown and light(?) moldings below cabinets to hide lighting. I'm so pleased, kitchen face-lift after 45 years in same house.
I don’t typically follow designers. I follow one other. I like how you seem to value character over trend. And I also appreciate when you say, “if you like it, go for it…” because sometimes we just don’t like what is best or a good idea, but simply we like what we like.
I pack up people's houses when they move. I'm usually in the kitchen, packed at least a thousand kitchens over the years. Thank god for those drawers! Really not a fan of the twelve foot high cupboards though.
Kitchen cabinet tip: I love pull-out shelves. They are an expensive feature and can add LOTS to your final cost. Use them in critical places: the UPPER cabinets' UPPER shelves. As Nick pointed out (timestamp 2:16), we can't see/reach stuff on those TOP shelves. Even with a step-ladder, items in the "way back" are shrouded in darkness and hard to reach. If those TOP shelves are a pull-out shelf, you at least have a chance of getting to the items. Place your step-ladder to the SIDE of the TOP cabinet, climb up, pull the shelf (which is actually a drawer), and all is brought into the light, to you.
Tip about fridges especially those in hotter climates - you NEED space around your fridge so it can run smoothly. Fridges in hotter climates have to work a LOT harder to stay cool. The amount of extra space needed can result in a significantly smaller fridge than you want & lots of empty space in the back so you likely won't be meeting your aesthetic for the fridge area.
Was looking for this comment because it is so important. It's the main reason people refrigerators are only lasting a few years. Fridges need to breathe, or the heat is trapped and the motor overheats, causing it to fail.
Is there a way to mitigate some of the heat, I wonder? Like a sneaky desk fan blowing from the top/side I can hide it with my tasteful collection of cereal boxes or brooms...?
My Amana fridge is 22 years old and we've been shopping for a replacement. The fridges of today are so much BIGGER than the fridges of the past. I would hate to have to rip out the cabinets as they are still in great shape and look beautiful and are highly functional. Meanwhile the fridge still keeps humming along and keeping our food cool. Fingers crossed 🤞
@@Crossword131 I think it helps to clean the coils frequently, most people probably aren't doing that frequently enough (especially if they have furry pets) and that can go a long way!
When we reno'd our kitchen, we were unhappy that the refrigerator stuck out so far. We discussed getting a counter depth refrigerator, but they were WAY more expensive than the standard refrigerators. We'd already spent so much on the house reno that we've had to live with it. 7 years later we don't really notice it anymore.
I have never seen fridges that stuck out here in the Netherlands. It seems an American problem. Fridges here are much smaller here, and mine is never full.
The wrong drawer pulls in the kitchen *or* bathroom are no joke. I have a few friends who are ER nurses and in the last few years, they’ve all seen an increase in folks coming in with burns caused because their clothing got snagged on a handle that was never meant to be used on a drawer. Usually it’s from boiling pasta water or spilled coffee or tea, but a few have been hot curling irons or flat irons accidentally dropped or pulled off the counter when someone gets snagged. It’s extra unfortunate when it’s a kid who got the hot water or hot tool on them because they happened to be there. I’ve also heard of at least 1 dog getting their collar caught on a drawer pull while counter surfing… thankfully owners were home. Drawer pulls were replaced that day.
Wow! I've always disliked drawer pulls that "catch" everything that walks by but never considered a dog's collar catching on one. How scary! Another commentor mentioned a woman having a seizure and falling onto a vertical handle, which impaled her! EMS had to take the door off its hinges to get her to the hospital. Crazy!
@@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane oh gosh that’s terrible! And yeah… dogs dont wear breakaways but they do counter surf. I’m pretty sure I know cats who’ve popped their collars for similar reasons… but that’s why cats wear breakaways.
I have three drawers in my whole kitchen. Three. And I’m short, so the lower cabinets are the only ones I can reach. I used to clean for a heavy set disabled woman. She had some very modern vertical handles on her cabinets. She had an absence seizure and slid down to the floor. She called to her husband who took one look, and called the paramedics. She had impaled herself on a handle. They had to remove the cabinet door and bring it to the hospital. Something to consider when looking at handles, avoid pointy ends.
I bought a small rehab house with black kitchen cabinets and grayish blue walls...went with a classic warm white just to bring in light. The cabinets needed pull out drawers...such a wonderful change. Thanks for all the suggestions Nick! 😎👍
We just had our kitchen done and we followed nearly all of these, except the pendant lights, we don't have any in the kitchen. I'm proud of us for doing so well on Nick's list and I adore our new kitchen
Your point about editing your space / clearing away crap from a previous video stuck with me, I've put it into practice around my house and it has brought me so much joy 😁 and I've never had so little on my kitchen counter tops!
I don't understand people who think having upper cabinets that are difficult to reach are a problem. Where else do you store your seasonal bundt pans and pumpkin soup tureens?😁
Had those "touch opening" cabinets. They are great, if you are prepared to see and clean fingerprints and grime on the corners or where ever you touch it to open everyday.. Handles that has a soft curve is what we went for, and i love it. No snags, no ripped clothing and it looks good. :)
I like clear and clean counter tops too. The exceptions? My red Kitchen Aid Mixer since I can't pick it up any more and a small turntable that actually matches my countertop and holds my "use all the time" tools and napkins. Outlets! We had two extra ones added when we redid our kitchen. I smile every time I use them.
If there is pizza in my fridge at 2AM, I will absolutely be eating it before anyone else has a chance to get it and I'll feel fine about it because I know Nick approves.
I had a charging drawer added to our kitchen as well as a lower cabinet for our garbage cans and a pull out pots and pans cabinet. In addition to the walk in pantry those are my favorite things about my kitchen. I love them so much!
Love drawers for all my baking supplies. Canisters all sit there ready to be opened and you don’t even need to put them on the counter. Makes baking so much easier!
They work so well. I keep all my baking equipment in one drawer and the ingredients in another right above. It’s a one stop solution that I really like
My lower kit cabs have 1 shelf each. Terrible waste of space as it means pretty much getting down on the floor to look for something. I remedied this by finding woven baskets that fit pretty much to the shelf, 2 baskets per level. Now I just pull out the basket and keep standing. Its a rental so no screwing into what is there, etc. Now I actually am using the space underneath.❤
I have those same handles in my kitchen (modern round rod that sticks out on the end), and I can confirm that they love to get caught on pockets and clothing. I do love the look and would probably choose them again, but they do test your patience and sanity at times.
Our refrigerator died last year. When we replaced it none of the shallower ones met our needs. I know it isn't aesthetically pleasing, but our kitchen is tiny and for us function is more important than form.
Yes, us too. They’re not making good smaller refrigerators. Not that I could find. In fact our kitchen is so small that I don’t any refrigerator would fit in it to be honest.
When we did our renovations in 2021, my husband was upgrading the outlets and asked me if I wanted him to cut a hole above the butcher block for a new outlet while he was already in that mode. I hemmed and hawed about it a little because it was more work to wire and I wasn’t sure it was necessary. He went ahead and did it anyway and said I don’t want you to wish we had done it in the future! I’m so glad he did now, we use it all the time! Now I know - always have more outlets than you think you’ll need!
Oh those handles, I used to catch my clothing on them all the time. When we renovated I chose cabinets with integrated slots along the top in order to never have to worry about handles again and so easy to clean.
As a contractor who does brisk business in kitchens (and bathrooms), I'll disagree with the bar style pulls. One of the things we often have to consider is either the very old or the very young opening doors and drawers. A large pull with adequate space for arthritic hands (or uncoordinated ones), placed at the right height, is a key feature of universal design. Maybe we can get around this without the horn protrusions, but handle manufacturers seem to have not gotten the message. I have to have clients spend $700+CAD at Lee Valley and the hardware package before we can find something attractive and durable without 'em. As usual, Nick, your insights are on point. Keep 'em coming.
Nick I totally agree about the drawers in the kitchen, I have those horrible corner cabinets, I'd much prefer drawers. Also can I be cheeky and ask if you can take us along as you decorate your new apartment? I can't wait to see what you are going to do with the walls etc
I am also addicted to small kitchen appliances plus Pampered Chef gadgets but I have a tip. We put a pantry area in our basement so I can store them all there. The secret though is all of these are purchased from thrift stores. These items and the Pampered Chef are usually donated because they were never used! More often than not the items I buy are in new condition. Some things I only use a few times in a year but when most of these were bought between $5-$10 it makes searching for them fun.
Me, maybe moving to my older brother in two years, still watching those videos for I don't know what reason (it's called algorithm) but now I can judge my parents' design choices with more confidence :D Also here's some support of your beard, you look fabulous ✨✨
Just had a kitchen reno and I made sure to have deep drawers near the stove for pots, pans, skillets, and mixing bowls. Also we got pullouts on each side of the stove: one for spices and one for cooking utensils. Love them! Also I used Nick’s advice on mixing metals by keeping the lighting hardware the same color (matte black) and all the cabinets pulls the same (honey bronze), to insure a deliberate design look. Thanks for that advice Nick because I’m not a designer and that advice helped me through a tough and stressful decision.
I am so thankful when we updated out kitchen a few years ago, we totally pulled everything out, re-designed the layout and put in all custom cabinets with lots and lots of drawers, only 1 under cabinet. We also built our refrigerator into the wall so that it does not stick out and chose not to have our sink in our island.
What a smart list. Thank you for recognizing that sometimes you just have to put up with ill-fitting appliances due to money issues and thank you for mentioning the knob's in inappropriate areas.
I have wanted drawers instead of shelves in the kitchen for a long time, but, you know...finances. This today bought it back to mind and prompted me to order several sliding shelves that can fit onto existing shelves. My elderly mother is coming to live with me soon, and she will not be able to bend down to find stuff in lower cupboards, so I'm hoping the sliders will make life easier (for us both).
Hey Nick…love your content! I’m guilty of buying a fridge too deep for the opening. I’ld like to offer a tip: cut out the drywall and floor plate (2x4) behind the fridge and you can gain up to an extra 4.5 “.
As a clean freak who loves to cook and has remodeled 8 kitchens, here's a few tips not mentioned here: never put your fridge right against a deeper wall, you won't be able to fully open the door. Use soft-close hinges and self-closing drawers everywhere. Grout is hard to clean and easily stains...even those advertised as stain-proof. If you have to tile and grout your floors, use the thinnest possible grout lines and use dark grout...because it's going to darken and stain no matter how much you seal it. Get a pull-out cabinet for your garbage and recycling. Get your microwave off the countertop. Clear or shiny glass pendants will forever collect normal kitchen grease and dust and will require constant cleaning. Black appliances or stovetops streak easily and show every speck of dust. Rough surfaces are difficult to clean. Spend the extra money to get the quietest exhaust fan possible. Granite composite sinks don't stain, scratch or show wear & tear. If space is an issue, buy a cabinet or under-bed drawers and keep your less-used items in the garage or another room instead of cluttering countertops. Under-cabinet lighting is priceless, get the rechargeable magnetic ones...no wires!. Clutter is visual noise and, again, usually collects dust & grease.
I have a counter depth refer, and wow, what a way to go. it looks sleek, and i don't lose things in the back of the fridge. Love this choice, it wouldn't have worked, otherwise becuase not only does it look great, there is a narrow passage by the fridge, and we would have needed to squeeze by if it stuck out.
I look lustfully at kitchens online because we rent a 1940s house which is gorgeous but the original (yes, it's never been changed) kitchen is tiny and rather useless. Can't do much about the structure. Thankfully it's cute with lemon-yellow tiles. The thing is, my husband is a retired builder who once made kitchens. 😂 He's slowly making things more practical! ❤
Love that lamp Nick!! Biggest kitchen regret is my stacked wall ovens. #1 I’m 5”4” and the top oven, when the door is down I can’t reach in. I have to stand on the side (burn my arm) and things seem heavy. I end up using the bottom one the most. #2 too close to the island when the doors are down. Solve….. when we need to replace the set I’ll buy the 2 door swing out option For the top oven. I can then get right close and personal. The bottom oven is fine and really doesn’t bother me at all. We built our own home. As much as I love it, and I think we did a great job for newbies, I would definitely do a few things differently.
So funny you mention the electrical outlets. We recently bought a house and last week we had our electrician add more outlets in the kitchen. We were astounded at what a difference it made to the functionality of the room! (We chose outlets that included USB/USBC ports, which are fantastic).
I love your channel, and watch your kitchen episodes even after our remodel. :) IMHO the smaller pendants serve a purpose in lighting- when they are task lights. Cannot do the same with a large pendant as what several small ones will do.
Thanks for talking about the kitchen pendant lighting. I’m trying to decide on new lighting for my kitchen (a 1958 home with one central ceiling light). Your videos on choosing a couch (couch construction, materials, measuring, etc) were very helpful, along with people’s comments on them. I bought a couch for first time (always made do with free hand me downs) and love it. Putting masking tape on the floor where a piece of furniture will be has been a huge help in selecting a correct size. I don’t know if you gave that tip, or a viewer.
I have designed 2 kitchens with the assistance of a kitchen designer. I cook. My kitchens have been such a pleasure. I loved both of my kitchens. The designer and installation was flawless. No measurement issues or drawers banging into another one. Save you $$$ and hire a professional kitchen designer. They are worth every penny if you cook and function matters. ❤
My refrigerator kitchen aid is over 20 years I’m waiting for it to die to start my remodel it still works great .. I heard they don’t make refrigerators to last nowadays
I think a lot of people want the biggest fridge possible for the extra capacity, but fridge manufacturers are also to blame for making these fridges that don't fit spaces like they use to. So when someone needs to get a new fridge because their last was around for 20 years, the selection of new fridges options that actually work in the space are few.
I have had to have three houses rewired for just this reason! Now every plug in my kitchen is on its own breaker so I can run my microwave and my toaster oven at the same time. Heavenly!
It's also safer. My dishwasher and clothes machine were on the same outlet. We had an electrician come over, installed outlets. Now I can use them at the same time if I ever feel like it.
Modern code says that the microwave should have its own circuit, refrigerator has its own circuit, dishwasher has its own, and that there are at least 2 additional 20amp circuits.
Our little tiny house on the island we live on wasn’t originally wired for a standard sized fridge, microwave, split a/c unit, etc. we still turn off the a/c before vacuuming, using the microwave or air fryer🙄
I have a Kitchenaid stand mixer that's hardly ever used on the countertop bc arthritis does not allow for storing it away. Pull Down system sounds like an option. Sometimes old homes do not allow for the new fridges which are usually deep. I think I need to hire a pro to redesign my kitchen. Love you guy.
I added 3 banks of drawers in my kitchen remodel. They are sooo soo functional. Helps keep clutter off countertops. Makes my choppers, toaster, blenders tucked away but easily accessible. Love my drawers!!!
Thank you SO MUCH for talking about those little kitchen appliances. Appliance garages are amazing. When we remodeled our kitchen we incorporated one and i regret that it wasn't bigger. Because there will always be another kitchen appliance gadget my wife has to have!
"Any colour kitchen cabinets as long as it's white", that's what my mother in law once said and I agree with her. On my second new white kitchen. So easy to update with pops of colour in your accessories and walls. Never gets old. Bounces the light. Looks as clean as it is 👌. Doesn't put off almost anyone when it comes to selling your home.
Just redid our kitchen that was full of drawers...changed it to almost all cabinets and am sooooooooooo happier. It just depends on the person and how its set up. I'm sure for many drawers are awesome. For me cabinets all the way.
I have installed over 20 kitchens and I can say that the only lower cabinets that do NOT come with drawers are the least expensive builder's grade cabinets. They do sell roller shelves separately, and they can be installed in any lower cabinet.
Kept our maple cabinets, but went with Taj Mahal quartzite for counters, backsplash and island. We used brass in all the hardware, and lighting, white big appliances, and red as the main accent and smaller appliances….LOVE it!
I have had a white kitchen for 22 years. I still love it. I’ve changed the hardware twice and painted the walls different colors over the years. The home was built in 1980 so not enough outlets in the kitchen. I only have 3 ☹️
I would say ask friends what annoys them in their current kitchen. Avoiding those annoying setup issues is key. My current place for instance has a dishwasher that blocks the sink when it's open. The fridge opens into a narrow space, so we're constantly blocking each other's movement in and out of the kitchen. It also has no obvious spot for garbage (touched on in this video)
In my experience (I just reno - ed my kitchen) definitely drawers are superior to cabinets as they are easy to access, and when open, display all that you have stored there and easier to put your equipment away. I have so many drawers that I can put away all those small appliances that other wise might be on the counter. Well fitted big appliances really do need to be measured carefully. I have extra space (more drawer space😂) because of this. I have a beautiful harmoniously coloured kitchen, IMO. Bottom drawers different from top cabinets in colour and material. I just love it and bottom line is that is only person who counts. Planning is sooo.....important. I planned 14 years (I know)and I was told that because I.knew what I wanted but was able to quickly move to alternatives that would work if necessary - that my labour costs were kept to a minimum. I am saying , after this long-winded comment, is that these pts shared are absolutely RIGHT ON!!!🎉🎉😊
The whole story about the pizza and the family wondering where the pizza went is fabulous and so funny. Thank you for your humor. This makes these hilarious and not just informative.
I'd add it's a mistake to dismiss the current kitchen altogether. I sat down and listed all the things i like about my current kitchen and it helped design the new one. Plus i felt more gratitude for my current state, where fixating on what i don't like was making meal prep terrible from the growing resentment. Thanks for the tips and constant reminder to enjoy my own style no matter who says what.
When I was condo shopping, realtor and I walked into a renovated kitchen where they actually forgot to leave space for the refrigerator. The upper and lower cabinets didn’t align, so if you removed them to put in the fridge, there would be gaps. We had a good chuckle and got out of there.
Totally agree about decluttering the countertop. I declutterred my Dad’s countertop and I can’t stand the thought of re-clutterring it w/ the stuff I took off. I totally put the blender away and the toaster and the microwave that I don’t even like to use anyway in the mudroom. I’m a convection oven girl, and while there is one in the kitchen, it’s on a tiny countertop that isn’t part of the main counter space. Great for mental health to have whatever can go else, well… elsewhere. The mixer unfortunately had to go in the garage on a shelf to be out of the way but it might change as we are remodeling that kitchen. There are still a few things on the countertop but not near what it was, hallelujah!
6:50 as Swedish person I've always thought of those fridges as "American Fridges" because I feel like whenever I see a photo of an American kitchen, it has a fridge that's way too deep. Here in Sweden it's instead quite common now to get an integrated fridge that has the same front as the cupboards.
We redid our kitchen about 6 years ago. All lower cabinets are drawers I love them. We have a small appliance closet so we can put so many things in there. Our counter tops are small and uncluttered. I love my kitchen it is great IKEA listened to what I want where I wanted it they designed it to fit me. No my kitchen is not white but it’s timeless. I love my kitchen
9:40 I have those handle types in my kitchen (I didn't design it, it was like this when I bought the place) and I can't tell you how many times they snagged my clothes. Sometimes they even tripped me and caused me to drop dishes. Very hazardous. Will definitely get rid of them when I get the kitchen redone.
@@MFiction60I gather it's a freestanding kitchen, the cabinets aren't built in. The storage cabinets and drawer units are movable furniture pieces, often repurposed China hutch cabinet type furniture. And there tends to be a big central workspace like an island. Just from the pics I saw when Googling.
@@MFiction60 It means cabinets and appliances that don't look built-in. Freestanding stove, cabinets that look like separate armoires or simple tables with shelves below, an island that is basically just a workbench, etc. It's what most kitchens looked like before the 20th Century. Many older kitchens in the UK are still "unfitted."
He favors modern but I have seen Victorian houses that have this and I could even see a modern loft that could use large furniture pieces they could move around and a large work table or cute standing shelf in whatever style they like from industrial to art deco etc. Very flexible option. I'd have to earthquake proof here though. Great in a farmhouse for sure. Maybe ask Nick's sister!! 😉
I have a 3400 sqft house that we are adding 800 sq ft to. Its an old house ans we are renovating every thing. I am watching your videos and getting so many ideas before we start overhauling. The cabinet garages are just one of the things i am super excited to do. Great insight.
![[MV] A leap of faith...ความเชื่อใจครั้งสุดท้าย (From "Petrichor the series")](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U1piZH2CNXA/mqdefault.jpg)
Amen to the drawers! I did a kitchen reno in my former home and the contractor recommended all drawers on one wall. Fortunately I took his advice and it was the best decision we ever made. Being a wheelchair user, it REALLY helped.
And drawer style microwave
And a single dishwasher drawer.
And a French door style oven.
And a shallow apron sink. Faucet on the side.
@@gregpendrey6711 Yes. I have a French over with double doors. You can’t cook a 35 pound turkey, but it’s so efficient.
Every video Nick has ever made can be summed up in William Morris’s rule: Keep only the things you know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.
Absolutely. I have friends how I have everything mix so well together- I always say just pick things you Absolutely love. Also easy way to pick colors is look in your closet. See what the main colors are- we tend to buy clothes that are our favorites. If you can put together a matching outfit you can coordinate your home.
Well thats the wife gone 😂
preferably both
Yikes...poor woman @@nnaheim.
@@nnaheim. Sexist much?
Love my big pan/bakeware drawers! Really show their stuff when you are a little older and can’t crawl around the floor digging around in a cabinet.
I would love that! I do have bottom cabinets that slide out and it's great. But, those bakewear cabinets are fantastic
I love my new refrigerator! Samsung Bespoke series. I have the 30.1-cu ft Smart French Door Refrigerator. It fits the standard opening but so much more space inside. And the best part is you can buy colored glass panels for the front. I have the fall colors of warm yellow on top and an orange brown on the bottom. Next to it I have my old wood Hoosier. Sometimes I just sit and look at it! It makes me so happy.
My old house had drawers and they are so superior to cabinets.
After moving into a new build spec home, I put in a rev-a-shelf drawer insert into one of the pots&pans cabinets. It was $200 well spent. After years of digging around, changing lids, and bruising myself just to get to an egg pan or a cast iron, I don't know how I made it without my drawers. I'm tempted to add more once the urgent projects get attention.
Nothing is more frustrating!
I was nearly about to give up surfing TH-cam for tonight and do my actual homework, but here is Nick to rescue me.
You learn way more from Nick than any college class.
Isn't he wonderful!
Exactly. I look foward to the feel good videos. He is so much fun!
I love that you give the disagree-ers permission to do what they want regardless of your advice! "You don't like that? Do what you want. You're wrong but go ahead." I love it!
Right?! I need Nick as a best friend.
The guy could give a master class in shade. And none of it is ever nasty or mean.
He’s a bit snooty about it. So I won’t be watch this ugly old videos anymore
@@Margarinetaylorgrease Don't let the door hit ya on the way out Marge
@@jm7804 it was just one of his ugly lines you know, don’t take offence luv
Okay where the hell is the clock ⌚? He is the real star of the show 😮💨
😂😂
Even a broken clock is right twice a day ! Lol
Agree!!
I’m liking the new lamp!
Cut him some slack! And by him, I mean me.😅 He just moved, and I still have 3 boxes and a painting not tended to from my last move. 8 years ago!! I need to go to decorator jail.
Hey Nick, thanks so much for the tip about hardware for the cupboards. I’ve been considering the t shaped ones and didn’t even think about snagging my clothes. I’m just imagining straining a pot of pasta and getting caught on a pull handle and spilling boiling water all over myself. You saved me! 😇
In my parents' old kitchen I was exactly the right height to always catch my jeans belt loops on the drawer pulls! They remodeled a decade ago and their kitchen feels so much safer without those old drawer pulls (along with all the other nice upgrades they made)
My uniform has a button down shirt. I am constantly snagging it on the hardware I "had to have". Saving up to change them out.
You are so right about drawers being more useful than just cabinets!! 😊
@BobbyM.Cordell Ewww...weird!
Yup, clutter attracts clutter. I recently cleared everything off my kitchen island and gave the things that were assigned to be there new permanent homes. I had come to the realisation that even though there was only 3 everyday use items that were supposed to live on my kitchen island, they gathered friends like crazy. It was never just those 3 items there, other items were always visiting, sometimes staying for days. Now that is officially the home of nothing, nothing stays, and I have a beautiful clear work surface whenever I want it
I love how you write. Witty, humorous and sooo true! My husband gives those necessary kitchen items friends that shouldn’t even be in the kitchen. The butter dish is so popular, it can’t be found under all its friends! The salt and pepper, on the other hand, hide among the butter’s buddies.
We had 2 mug trees, and I managed to sneak one out, but we still have the other, surrounded by mugs on the counter 🤦🏼♀️, paper towels, onions, tomatoes, garlic, a stack of cutting boards, and random clutter. This is just the island! I keep trying “do you use this every day? Can it go somewhere else?” Because 3 people don’t use 8 mugs every day! I got a veg basket, but that means he just buys even more tomatoes that sit next to it in their little clamshell boxes, etc. I guess I should just suck it up. He does 80% of the cooking these days 😂
@@eiPderF - Yes, be grateful. I think I've actually bonded most with men who cook for me!
Him referencing the Mormon mommy bloggers is legendary. I was dying 😂😂
I also made a comment of, "Probably funded with MLM money" 😂
The wide brimmed brown hats. 🤣
I absolute abhor cabinets. Never have enough drawers, but working on it, have converted 2 cabinets to drawer systems and have added 3 more drawers, at 9 drawers now and so much happier!
My condo kitchen has one ( 1 ) drawer. WTF. Fortunately there is a spot for a chest of drawers. Not remodeling, it's a condo.
@gregpendrey6711 perfect using a dresser, that's how I got 3 drawers and extended my counter space.
Any tips for brands or items for this? I have a small kitchen and it only has two total drawers right now, the rest is all cabinets with alot of them being uppers and really hard to get to. I would love some of the pull down and pullout options
My Vitamix is not ugly, thank you! I love it, and it looks fabulous in my small kitchen. I have it sitting on a rolling cart, along with my bread machine, coffee bean grinder, and small food chopper. 😂😂😂😂😂
They come in some great colors. My Vitamix is a gorgeous copper color. Doesn’t look bad at all
Sounds like you have an appliance port. (Aka open style appliance garage)
I installed pullouts in our lower cabinets and things no longer get forgotten in the dark recesses. Loads cheaper than a full reno and a game changer.
My mother had 1970's era bar handles that stuck out on the ends, and yep, they snagged pockets and hems and stuff like nobody's business.
My dog's collar on the bottom handle :O
This happens in my current apartment due to the drawer pulls they used. I might change them out.
I do use the stick-outside to hang potholders. We just have two holes, not replacing the cabinet doors
I feel a bruise forming just thinking about it!
I had knobs. Emphasis on the past tense 😊
ISO (in search of) a legendary cement clock, non functional, that usually hangs on the wall behind Nick’s right shoulder. Usually tries to convince us that Nick always makes his videos at 12:18 every time. 😂
I literally thought Nick made his videos at 12:18 every day. Commended and admired him for his DISCIPLINE. Was blown away when I learned his clock was broken. Felt like an absolute moron for not considering this possibility. Laugh like crazy about it now. 🤣
It gets worse.😂
This is his new house, just moved in & plans major remodeling.
Cement?
Pull out garbage can cabinet and drawers for pots, etc., make kitchens so much more functional and aesthetic. They can even eliminate the need for an appliance garage if one needs the counter space. Slow cookers, toasters, special niche small appliances fit nicely in a drawer, and are a cinch to pull out and put away. FYI: if you are a late night “sneaker” to the snack drawer, make sure you don’t have a “tell”…I had an aunt who would sneak into the kitchen, steal a bite, and then come out humming this little “I’m not doing anything” tune! 😗
My grama had her house built in the 50's. All her lower cabinets were drawers. Some were behind doors, so they looked like a traditional cupboard, but when you opened the door, there were 2 or 3 large drawers. The upper sets were traditional with shelves. She also had deep cupboards built around her fridge that was her pantry. I loved her kitchen.
Drawers look fine and avoid having to open a door to pullout the drawer. If consistency is desired do all drawers.
I’ve just spent months designing our second new kitchen (two different houses) and one of the things that blew my mind about it was when I discovered that instead of using a corner pull out or carousel, I actually ended up with MORE storage by ignoring the corner entirely and putting two sets of drawers at right angles to each other with a little offset piece in the corner just to make sure there’s no collision issues with the drawers. I actually worked out the area for each of the two drawer units vs the area of the pullout units and/or the carousel because I just couldn’t believe I wouldn’t be losing a lot of precious storage space by doing away with the corner units, but it turns out that you end up wasting so much space around the edges of these things with the area needed just so the mechanisms can work that it doesn’t end up giving you any extra room in the end. Blew. My. Mind.
So now our kitchen has more drawer units, no irritating corner units (which I always hated anyway) and we haven’t lost any space at all.
Credit to Mark Tobin who has a great video on how it works which is where I got the idea from in the first place. th-cam.com/video/BTzA3_qP2vM/w-d-xo.html
that is so interesting! Thanks for sharing and for actually looking at the numbers. I was puzzling over the same thing for our new kitchen and finding out you can just ignore the dead space is a real relief 😅
Absolutely........
Did our kitchen back in the 90's with corner units which become a place where items go to die.
Got rid of them completely with two cupboards at right angles with top drawers, perfect.
My parents remodeled their kitchen and put in a narrow pull-out cabinet next to their fridge. It was as tall as the fridge but only about one soup can in width. That is the handiest thing I've ever seen! It holds all their canned goods, spices, and small boxed items. It freed up so much space in their cabinets! They also did drawers instead of lower cabinets. Honestly, if I ever get around to remodeling my 1949 kitchen, I'm using all those ideas. I just can't yet bear getting rid of my lavender tile, birch cabinets, and turquoise appliances even if they are outdated.
Your kitchen sounds lovely to me! I love retro styled kitchens and colorful appliances!
Wow -- I love the way your kitchen sounds. It would be amazing to sit there with friends and share a pot of coffee!!
You should keep it!! ❤
I a need a photo, this sounds dreamy
By now, those colors are a style choice of their own, rather than sounding dated. It sounds pretty.
I want one of those can and spice cabinets. Maybe when we replace our fridge. It needs it but not badly enough to spend the effort and money on it 😅
The Australian Standard for disabled access covers drawer and cupboard handle design. They're all smooth D handles with no spiky bits to snag your clothes on, and the dimensions are specified to be easy to grab hold of. Push-to-open is allowed too, but D handles are better.
This week's gem: "You bought the wrong fridge - what do you want me to say to you?" Love your work. 😂😂😂❤
This is a pet peeve of mine. Those butt ugly deep fridges sticking out from the counters. If you need a deep fridges, use panels!
Well, you have to account for the extra deep doors these days. They wont clear counters but need to be able to swing wide. My husband and i literally moved a wall and built it to accomodate fridges. And be aware of room to get by when someone is grazing at the fridge! @lisanovich3285
Good luck finding a fridge that fits and isn't ridiculously expensive and poor quality.
@comicus6769 yeah this, unless you go shopping and cook every two days
Electric outlets on island sides that face a pathway. GRRRRRRR. Every time you pass by you knock the plugs out of the outlet. HATE THAT
Agreed, regarding the drawers. We have a giant cabinet (a tall and DEEP pantry) and we're turning all the shelves into drawers right now. We installed 4 over the last couple of weekends and we ordered 8 more. We found stuff we haven't seen in years!
Where did you order them from? I have non IKEA cabinets, and cannot find after market pull outs
@@lauralake7430 Drawer Connection Inc. We bought the birch ones and stained them. They have tight dovetails. Very nice. You can get them premade and finished or unstained and flat packaged (to save a substantial amount of money).
All valid points. We redid our kitchen in 2023. Here are my pros and cons, which tie into what Nick is saying:
The things I think I did right:
1)bought an appliance suite where the appliances were concerned, which saved me almost 2K on the appliances.
2)bought a counter depth fridge (I love that fridge...I hated the one I had)
3)got quartz countertops, not marble or granite
4)made the surrender from the gas stove to the induction cooktop (love a gas cooktop, but they are a pain in the ass to clean up. This one is SOOO easy to clean)
5)hired a contractor I knew, who has about 40 years experience in the business. A quirk we had was that we had slanted ceilings, and it took a LOT of custom work to get everything to work.
The things I think I would rethink:
1) I think I may have paid a lot more for cabinets than I could have, but on the other hand, I ADDED a lot of cabinets I didn't have before (which was part of the plan, I didn't have enough storage) I probably should have shopped around, but after spending 3 hours waiting for a 'cabinet expert' to come up with a plan, I thought, I don't want to do this again. And in all fairness, they are really nice cabinets, top of the line. But...
2) NEVER underestimate the cost. I still SWOON when I think about how much we spent. In retrospect, we had issues that were unique, and those cost us.
3)If you can, do your research. My husband and I are oldsters, and have been trying to raise 2 special needs grandkids since 2010. After dealing with what we dealt with, we're retired AND tired. My main goal was to modernize this house to the point where we could sell it in a few years without it being dated.
When I designed a kitchen (with my husband) back in the 90s, he put in a LOT of outlets, and lighting under the overhead cabinets. I requested 2 appliance garages (with outlets in them) and it helped tremendously in keeping the countertops uncluttered. (I used roll-top doors, like they have on roll-top desks--loved them.) A lot of drawers are a great idea, too. Spend a LOT of time on the design and it will pay off in the usefulness of the final result.
Not the kitchen, but I remember my mom asking the electrician to put 2 outlets in one bedroom wall, rather than one centered. He argued and refused until Mom got her EX-husband to say the exact same thing “she has a waterbed and would like to have access to an outlet rather than it being hidden and half-used.” The guy still grumbled that they were being ridiculous but he did it. I don’t know how many times Mom pointed out her bedside lamps or other things she plugged in and said “see?? 2 outlets made more sense, especially with a waterbed.” She couldn’t “toldja so” him to his face, but she sure did behind his back for yeeeears. 😂
Kitchen drawers were the very best decision we made in our kitchen!
We lease a senior unit. I use the largest size plastic bins that will fit my lower cabinets as drawers. These work great as drawers. Low cost if you find them in thrift stores.
Great idea! Thank you!
Or, the budget route: shoe boxes.
@@comicus6769shoe boxes are great! I always recycle them for reuse i cover some with dollar tree removable paper or contact paper
For renters: Restaurant supply stores carry 16 × 22 inch(approx) bins that might fit in the bottom cupboards for easier access.
I was so glad we had professionals replace cabinet fronts. They went above and beyond! A deep cabinet is now a drawer, and a problem that would have been had it not been for them...corner drawers and cabinets that would have jammed into each other at 90 degree angles...they adjusted size of doors, no problem. The extra moldings, both crown and light(?) moldings below cabinets to hide lighting. I'm so pleased, kitchen face-lift after 45 years in same house.
I don’t typically follow designers. I follow one other. I like how you seem to value character over trend. And I also appreciate when you say, “if you like it, go for it…” because sometimes we just don’t like what is best or a good idea, but simply we like what we like.
I have a 4 year old kitchen and have drawers for my pots and pans. I’ve found it to be so much more convenient than a cabinet.
I pack up people's houses when they move. I'm usually in the kitchen, packed at least a thousand kitchens over the years. Thank god for those drawers! Really not a fan of the twelve foot high cupboards though.
Kitchen cabinet tip: I love pull-out shelves. They are an expensive feature and can add LOTS to your final cost. Use them in critical places: the UPPER cabinets' UPPER shelves. As Nick pointed out (timestamp 2:16), we can't see/reach stuff on those TOP shelves. Even with a step-ladder, items in the "way back" are shrouded in darkness and hard to reach. If those TOP shelves are a pull-out shelf, you at least have a chance of getting to the items. Place your step-ladder to the SIDE of the TOP cabinet, climb up, pull the shelf (which is actually a drawer), and all is brought into the light, to you.
Tip about fridges especially those in hotter climates - you NEED space around your fridge so it can run smoothly. Fridges in hotter climates have to work a LOT harder to stay cool. The amount of extra space needed can result in a significantly smaller fridge than you want & lots of empty space in the back so you likely won't be meeting your aesthetic for the fridge area.
Was looking for this comment because it is so important. It's the main reason people refrigerators are only lasting a few years. Fridges need to breathe, or the heat is trapped and the motor overheats, causing it to fail.
Is there a way to mitigate some of the heat, I wonder? Like a sneaky desk fan blowing from the top/side I can hide it with my tasteful collection of cereal boxes or brooms...?
My Amana fridge is 22 years old and we've been shopping for a replacement. The fridges of today are so much BIGGER than the fridges of the past. I would hate to have to rip out the cabinets as they are still in great shape and look beautiful and are highly functional. Meanwhile the fridge still keeps humming along and keeping our food cool. Fingers crossed 🤞
@@Crossword131 I think it helps to clean the coils frequently, most people probably aren't doing that frequently enough (especially if they have furry pets) and that can go a long way!
When we reno'd our kitchen, we were unhappy that the refrigerator stuck out so far. We discussed getting a counter depth refrigerator, but they were WAY more expensive than the standard refrigerators. We'd already spent so much on the house reno that we've had to live with it. 7 years later we don't really notice it anymore.
I couldn’t get the perfect size fridge either.
It’s also harder with older houses because appliances are getting bigger.
We absolutely had to spring for cabinet depth, as anything else would have blocked over half the doorway. The joys of an older house!
I have never seen fridges that stuck out here in the Netherlands. It seems an American problem. Fridges here are much smaller here, and mine is never full.
Mine came with the house and I really don't care if it sticks out a bit.
The wrong drawer pulls in the kitchen *or* bathroom are no joke. I have a few friends who are ER nurses and in the last few years, they’ve all seen an increase in folks coming in with burns caused because their clothing got snagged on a handle that was never meant to be used on a drawer. Usually it’s from boiling pasta water or spilled coffee or tea, but a few have been hot curling irons or flat irons accidentally dropped or pulled off the counter when someone gets snagged. It’s extra unfortunate when it’s a kid who got the hot water or hot tool on them because they happened to be there. I’ve also heard of at least 1 dog getting their collar caught on a drawer pull while counter surfing… thankfully owners were home. Drawer pulls were replaced that day.
Wow! I've always disliked drawer pulls that "catch" everything that walks by but never considered a dog's collar catching on one. How scary! Another commentor mentioned a woman having a seizure and falling onto a vertical handle, which impaled her! EMS had to take the door off its hinges to get her to the hospital. Crazy!
@@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane oh gosh that’s terrible! And yeah… dogs dont wear breakaways but they do counter surf. I’m pretty sure I know cats who’ve popped their collars for similar reasons… but that’s why cats wear breakaways.
I have three drawers in my whole kitchen. Three. And I’m short, so the lower cabinets are the only ones I can reach.
I used to clean for a heavy set disabled woman. She had some very modern vertical handles on her cabinets. She had an absence seizure and slid down to the floor. She called to her husband who took one look, and called the paramedics. She had impaled herself on a handle. They had to remove the cabinet door and bring it to the hospital. Something to consider when looking at handles, avoid pointy ends.
Eeek!!!
Oh, my goodness! 😯 I hope she ended up okay!
(But couldn't they just unscrew the handle instead of the door?)
@@peztopher7297too much jiggling?
I bought a small rehab house with black kitchen cabinets and grayish blue walls...went with a classic warm white just to bring in light. The cabinets needed pull out drawers...such a wonderful change. Thanks for all the suggestions Nick! 😎👍
We just had our kitchen done and we followed nearly all of these, except the pendant lights, we don't have any in the kitchen. I'm proud of us for doing so well on Nick's list and I adore our new kitchen
7:46 learning the term "counter depth" for fridges changed the game for me. No more crowded walkways!
Your point about editing your space / clearing away crap from a previous video stuck with me, I've put it into practice around my house and it has brought me so much joy 😁 and I've never had so little on my kitchen counter tops!
I don't understand people who think having upper cabinets that are difficult to reach are a problem. Where else do you store your seasonal bundt pans and pumpkin soup tureens?😁
Nick coming after my fridge organization in the thumb nail. Guilty as charged 😂
I think he's AB testing his thumbnails bc in mine it's a cabinet handle and the fridge that comes out further than the cabinet 😅
@@Abby_Liuya caught me! 😆
Had those "touch opening" cabinets. They are great, if you are prepared to see and clean fingerprints and grime on the corners or where ever you touch it to open everyday.. Handles that has a soft curve is what we went for, and i love it. No snags, no ripped clothing and it looks good. :)
I like clear and clean counter tops too. The exceptions? My red Kitchen Aid Mixer since I can't pick it up any more and a small turntable that actually matches my countertop and holds my "use all the time" tools and napkins.
Outlets! We had two extra ones added when we redid our kitchen. I smile every time I use them.
design isn't my jam but I watch these just for nick's personality.
If there is pizza in my fridge at 2AM, I will absolutely be eating it before anyone else has a chance to get it and I'll feel fine about it because I know Nick approves.
He doesn't judge....
😂 you're not alone.
I had a charging drawer added to our kitchen as well as a lower cabinet for our garbage cans and a pull out pots and pans cabinet. In addition to the walk in pantry those are my favorite things about my kitchen. I love them so much!
Love drawers for all my baking supplies. Canisters all sit there ready to be opened and you don’t even need to put them on the counter. Makes baking so much easier!
They work so well. I keep all my baking equipment in one drawer and the ingredients in another right above. It’s a one stop solution that I really like
My lower kit cabs have 1 shelf each. Terrible waste of space as it means pretty much getting down on the floor to look for something. I remedied this by finding woven baskets that fit pretty much to the shelf, 2 baskets per level. Now I just pull out the basket and keep standing. Its a rental so no screwing into what is there, etc. Now I actually am using the space underneath.❤
Installed Mr Cool in my 1949 cottage three summer ago and only needed the electrician. So far so good and it is efficient and cheap cooling.
I have those same handles in my kitchen (modern round rod that sticks out on the end), and I can confirm that they love to get caught on pockets and clothing. I do love the look and would probably choose them again, but they do test your patience and sanity at times.
Our refrigerator died last year. When we replaced it none of the shallower ones met our needs. I know it isn't aesthetically pleasing, but our kitchen is tiny and for us function is more important than form.
Yes, us too. They’re not making good smaller refrigerators. Not that I could find. In fact our kitchen is so small that I don’t any refrigerator would fit in it to be honest.
When we did our renovations in 2021, my husband was upgrading the outlets and asked me if I wanted him to cut a hole above the butcher block for a new outlet while he was already in that mode. I hemmed and hawed about it a little because it was more work to wire and I wasn’t sure it was necessary. He went ahead and did it anyway and said I don’t want you to wish we had done it in the future! I’m so glad he did now, we use it all the time! Now I know - always have more outlets than you think you’ll need!
Oh those handles, I used to catch my clothing on them all the time. When we renovated I chose cabinets with integrated slots along the top in order to never have to worry about handles again and so easy to clean.
As a contractor who does brisk business in kitchens (and bathrooms), I'll disagree with the bar style pulls. One of the things we often have to consider is either the very old or the very young opening doors and drawers. A large pull with adequate space for arthritic hands (or uncoordinated ones), placed at the right height, is a key feature of universal design. Maybe we can get around this without the horn protrusions, but handle manufacturers seem to have not gotten the message. I have to have clients spend $700+CAD at Lee Valley and the hardware package before we can find something attractive and durable without 'em.
As usual, Nick, your insights are on point. Keep 'em coming.
Nick I totally agree about the drawers in the kitchen, I have those horrible corner cabinets, I'd much prefer drawers. Also can I be cheeky and ask if you can take us along as you decorate your new apartment? I can't wait to see what you are going to do with the walls etc
I am also addicted to small kitchen appliances plus Pampered Chef gadgets but I have a tip. We put a pantry area in our basement so I can store them all there. The secret though is all of these are purchased from thrift stores. These items and the Pampered Chef are usually donated because they were never used! More often than not the items I buy are in new condition. Some things I only use a few times in a year but when most of these were bought between $5-$10 it makes searching for them fun.
Kathy
Me, maybe moving to my older brother in two years, still watching those videos for I don't know what reason (it's called algorithm) but now I can judge my parents' design choices with more confidence :D
Also here's some support of your beard, you look fabulous ✨✨
Just had a kitchen reno and I made sure to have deep drawers near the stove for pots, pans, skillets, and mixing bowls. Also we got pullouts on each side of the stove: one for spices and one for cooking utensils. Love them!
Also I used Nick’s advice on mixing metals by keeping the lighting hardware the same color (matte black) and all the cabinets pulls the same (honey bronze), to insure a deliberate design look. Thanks for that advice Nick because I’m not a designer and that advice helped me through a tough and stressful decision.
I am so thankful when we updated out kitchen a few years ago, we totally pulled everything out, re-designed the layout and put in all custom cabinets with lots and lots of drawers, only 1 under cabinet. We also built our refrigerator into the wall so that it does not stick out and chose not to have our sink in our island.
What a smart list. Thank you for recognizing that sometimes you just have to put up with ill-fitting appliances due to money issues and thank you for mentioning the knob's in inappropriate areas.
I have wanted drawers instead of shelves in the kitchen for a long time, but, you know...finances. This today bought it back to mind and prompted me to order several sliding shelves that can fit onto existing shelves. My elderly mother is coming to live with me soon, and she will not be able to bend down to find stuff in lower cupboards, so I'm hoping the sliders will make life easier (for us both).
Hey Nick…love your content! I’m guilty of buying a fridge too deep for the opening. I’ld like to offer a tip: cut out the drywall and floor plate (2x4) behind the fridge and you can gain up to an extra 4.5 “.
As a clean freak who loves to cook and has remodeled 8 kitchens, here's a few tips not mentioned here: never put your fridge right against a deeper wall, you won't be able to fully open the door. Use soft-close hinges and self-closing drawers everywhere. Grout is hard to clean and easily stains...even those advertised as stain-proof. If you have to tile and grout your floors, use the thinnest possible grout lines and use dark grout...because it's going to darken and stain no matter how much you seal it. Get a pull-out cabinet for your garbage and recycling. Get your microwave off the countertop. Clear or shiny glass pendants will forever collect normal kitchen grease and dust and will require constant cleaning. Black appliances or stovetops streak easily and show every speck of dust. Rough surfaces are difficult to clean. Spend the extra money to get the quietest exhaust fan possible. Granite composite sinks don't stain, scratch or show wear & tear. If space is an issue, buy a cabinet or under-bed drawers and keep your less-used items in the garage or another room instead of cluttering countertops. Under-cabinet lighting is priceless, get the rechargeable magnetic ones...no wires!. Clutter is visual noise and, again, usually collects dust & grease.
Charging station in a drawer ❤ north windows in kitchen😢 off white uppers, cool -neutral wood stained lowers, cork floors, quartzite counter tops😊
Thanks for your practical approach to how to design a safe and functional kitchen.
I have a counter depth refer, and wow, what a way to go. it looks sleek, and i don't lose things in the back of the fridge. Love this choice, it wouldn't have worked, otherwise becuase not only does it look great, there is a narrow passage by the fridge, and we would have needed to squeeze by if it stuck out.
I look lustfully at kitchens online because we rent a 1940s house which is gorgeous but the original (yes, it's never been changed) kitchen is tiny and rather useless. Can't do much about the structure. Thankfully it's cute with lemon-yellow tiles.
The thing is, my husband is a retired builder who once made kitchens. 😂 He's slowly making things more practical! ❤
Sounds charming tho
As long as it's hygienic
Love that lamp Nick!! Biggest kitchen regret is my stacked wall ovens. #1 I’m 5”4” and the top oven, when the door is down I can’t reach in. I have to stand on the side (burn my arm) and things seem heavy. I end up using the bottom one the most. #2 too close to the island when the doors are down. Solve….. when we need to replace the set I’ll buy the 2 door swing out option For the top oven. I can then get right close and personal. The bottom oven is fine and really doesn’t bother me at all.
We built our own home. As much as I love it, and I think we did a great job for newbies, I would definitely do a few things differently.
So funny you mention the electrical outlets. We recently bought a house and last week we had our electrician add more outlets in the kitchen. We were astounded at what a difference it made to the functionality of the room! (We chose outlets that included USB/USBC ports, which are fantastic).
I love your channel, and watch your kitchen episodes even after our remodel. :)
IMHO the smaller pendants serve a purpose in lighting- when they are task lights. Cannot do the same with a large pendant as what several small ones will do.
Thanks for talking about the kitchen pendant lighting. I’m trying to decide on new lighting for my kitchen (a 1958 home with one central ceiling light).
Your videos on choosing a couch (couch construction, materials, measuring, etc) were very helpful, along with people’s comments on them. I bought a couch for first time (always made do with free hand me downs) and love it. Putting masking tape on the floor where a piece of furniture will be has been a huge help in selecting a correct size. I don’t know if you gave that tip, or a viewer.
I have designed 2 kitchens with the assistance of a kitchen designer. I cook. My kitchens have been such a pleasure. I loved both of my kitchens. The designer and installation was flawless. No measurement issues or drawers banging into another one. Save you $$$ and hire a professional kitchen designer. They are worth every penny if you cook and function matters. ❤
Ouch! Thank you for this video. I got ticked on a few. My appliances, previously owned, won't die! 20 yrs old too. If it's not broke.... 😢
My refrigerator kitchen aid is over 20 years I’m waiting for it to die to start my remodel it still works great .. I heard they don’t make refrigerators to last nowadays
I think a lot of people want the biggest fridge possible for the extra capacity, but fridge manufacturers are also to blame for making these fridges that don't fit spaces like they use to. So when someone needs to get a new fridge because their last was around for 20 years, the selection of new fridges options that actually work in the space are few.
I have had to have three houses rewired for just this reason! Now every plug in my kitchen is on its own breaker so I can run my microwave and my toaster oven at the same time. Heavenly!
It's also safer.
My dishwasher and clothes machine were on the same outlet. We had an electrician come over, installed outlets. Now I can use them at the same time if I ever feel like it.
Modern code says that the microwave should have its own circuit, refrigerator has its own circuit, dishwasher has its own, and that there are at least 2 additional 20amp circuits.
Our little tiny house on the island we live on wasn’t originally wired for a standard sized fridge, microwave, split a/c unit, etc. we still turn off the a/c before vacuuming, using the microwave or air fryer🙄
I have a Kitchenaid stand mixer that's hardly ever used on the countertop bc arthritis does not allow for storing it away. Pull Down system sounds like an option. Sometimes old homes do not allow for the new fridges which are usually deep. I think I need to hire a pro to redesign my kitchen. Love you guy.
Love the riff on 2am pizza!😂 Excellent advice and tips, as always; thank you. You're awesome Nick!
I’d adjust your electrical outlet comment. Yes lots of outlets. But add a few circuit breakers too.
I have an appliance garage, across a whole wall. The best thing I ever did! I have clear counters and easy access to my appliances
I added 3 banks of drawers in my kitchen remodel. They are sooo soo functional. Helps keep clutter off countertops. Makes my choppers, toaster, blenders tucked away but easily accessible. Love my drawers!!!
Drawers YES! Easy to see all and clean out.
Thank you SO MUCH for talking about those little kitchen appliances. Appliance garages are amazing. When we remodeled our kitchen we incorporated one and i regret that it wasn't bigger. Because there will always be another kitchen appliance gadget my wife has to have!
"Any colour kitchen cabinets as long as it's white", that's what my mother in law once said and I agree with her. On my second new white kitchen. So easy to update with pops of colour in your accessories and walls. Never gets old. Bounces the light. Looks as clean as it is 👌. Doesn't put off almost anyone when it comes to selling your home.
Same with wood. Plain wood, not carved/painted/whatever wood, just a plain piece of wood. Wood is timeless.
I never quite understood the appeal of an all white kitchen. I have dark green cabinets and I love them-- i would go mad in a white kitchen 😅
Just redid our kitchen that was full of drawers...changed it to almost all cabinets and am sooooooooooo happier. It just depends on the person and how its set up. I'm sure for many drawers are awesome. For me cabinets all the way.
I have installed over 20 kitchens and I can say that the only lower cabinets that do NOT come with drawers are the least expensive builder's grade cabinets.
They do sell roller shelves separately, and they can be installed in any lower cabinet.
Kept our maple cabinets, but went with Taj Mahal quartzite for counters, backsplash and island. We used brass in all the hardware, and lighting, white big appliances, and red as the main accent and smaller appliances….LOVE it!
I have had a white kitchen for 22 years. I still love it. I’ve changed the hardware twice and painted the walls different colors over the years. The home was built in 1980 so not enough outlets in the kitchen. I only have 3 ☹️
I would say ask friends what annoys them in their current kitchen. Avoiding those annoying setup issues is key. My current place for instance has a dishwasher that blocks the sink when it's open. The fridge opens into a narrow space, so we're constantly blocking each other's movement in and out of the kitchen. It also has no obvious spot for garbage (touched on in this video)
In my experience (I just reno - ed my kitchen) definitely drawers are superior to cabinets as they are easy to access, and when open, display all that you have stored there and easier to put your equipment away. I have so many drawers that I can put away all those small appliances that other wise might be on the counter. Well fitted big appliances really do need to be measured carefully. I have extra space (more drawer space😂) because of this.
I have a beautiful harmoniously coloured kitchen, IMO. Bottom drawers different from top cabinets in colour and material. I just love it and bottom line is that is only person who counts. Planning is sooo.....important. I planned 14 years (I know)and I was told that because I.knew what I wanted but was able to quickly move to alternatives that would work if necessary - that my labour costs were kept to a minimum.
I am saying , after this long-winded comment, is that these pts shared are absolutely RIGHT ON!!!🎉🎉😊
The whole story about the pizza and the family wondering where the pizza went is fabulous and so funny. Thank you for your humor. This makes these hilarious and not just informative.
IF you drink tea four times a day? IF? Four is amateur numbers, sir. *fumes in British*
Sorry Govna!
Lol...6 to 8 cups of tea a day...
Hey, we're in North America here; a lot of us prefer coffee!
How many miles per liter of tea do you get?
Irish fuming too..lol we drink more tea than the British.
I'd add it's a mistake to dismiss the current kitchen altogether. I sat down and listed all the things i like about my current kitchen and it helped design the new one. Plus i felt more gratitude for my current state, where fixating on what i don't like was making meal prep terrible from the growing resentment. Thanks for the tips and constant reminder to enjoy my own style no matter who says what.
When I was condo shopping, realtor and I walked into a renovated kitchen where they actually forgot to leave space for the refrigerator. The upper and lower cabinets didn’t align, so if you removed them to put in the fridge, there would be gaps. We had a good chuckle and got out of there.
Totally agree about decluttering the countertop. I declutterred my Dad’s countertop and I can’t stand the thought of re-clutterring it w/ the stuff I took off. I totally put the blender away and the toaster and the microwave that I don’t even like to use anyway in the mudroom. I’m a convection oven girl, and while there is one in the kitchen, it’s on a tiny countertop that isn’t part of the main counter space. Great for mental health to have whatever can go else, well… elsewhere. The mixer unfortunately had to go in the garage on a shelf to be out of the way but it might change as we are remodeling that kitchen. There are still a few things on the countertop but not near what it was, hallelujah!
6:50 as Swedish person I've always thought of those fridges as "American Fridges" because I feel like whenever I see a photo of an American kitchen, it has a fridge that's way too deep. Here in Sweden it's instead quite common now to get an integrated fridge that has the same front as the cupboards.
We redid our kitchen about 6 years ago. All lower cabinets are drawers I love them. We have a small appliance closet so we can put so many things in there. Our counter tops are small and uncluttered. I love my kitchen it is great IKEA listened to what I want where I wanted it they designed it to fit me. No my kitchen is not white but it’s timeless. I love my kitchen
9:40 I have those handle types in my kitchen (I didn't design it, it was like this when I bought the place) and I can't tell you how many times they snagged my clothes. Sometimes they even tripped me and caused me to drop dishes. Very hazardous. Will definitely get rid of them when I get the kitchen redone.
Would love to see a video talking about unfitted kitchens, I live is a legit old farmhouse and love unfitted kitchens
What does that mean?
@@MFiction60I gather it's a freestanding kitchen, the cabinets aren't built in. The storage cabinets and drawer units are movable furniture pieces, often repurposed China hutch cabinet type furniture. And there tends to be a big central workspace like an island. Just from the pics I saw when Googling.
@@MFiction60 It means cabinets and appliances that don't look built-in. Freestanding stove, cabinets that look like separate armoires or simple tables with shelves below, an island that is basically just a workbench, etc. It's what most kitchens looked like before the 20th Century. Many older kitchens in the UK are still "unfitted."
I love unfitted kitchens way more than built-in kitchens.
He favors modern but I have seen Victorian houses that have this and I could even see a modern loft that could use large furniture pieces they could move around and a large work table or cute standing shelf in whatever style they like from industrial to art deco etc. Very flexible option. I'd have to earthquake proof here though. Great in a farmhouse for sure. Maybe ask Nick's sister!! 😉
Yes! I mean NO to small pendants. Glad someone finally said it.
I have a 3400 sqft house that we are adding 800 sq ft to. Its an old house ans we are renovating every thing. I am watching your videos and getting so many ideas before we start overhauling. The cabinet garages are just one of the things i am super excited to do. Great insight.