10 Clever Ways to Finish a Kitchen Cabinet Run
Fill the end of a row of cabinets with functionality by adding a message center, bottle rack or another handy feature
When a row, or run, of cabinets doesn’t end at a wall, the last cabinet becomes an opportunity to add extra function, storage and style to your kitchen. Here are 10 ideas for putting that space to work.
2. Message Center
You-Neek Designs turned the last cabinet in a tall wall of cabinetry into a charging-and-message center in this Pittsburgh galley kitchen. The side facing the kitchen is seamlessly disguised as a pantry door, complete with a cabinet pull.
Design tip: Adding hooks for keys and a message board to an existing side of a cabinet serves a similar purpose.
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You-Neek Designs turned the last cabinet in a tall wall of cabinetry into a charging-and-message center in this Pittsburgh galley kitchen. The side facing the kitchen is seamlessly disguised as a pantry door, complete with a cabinet pull.
Design tip: Adding hooks for keys and a message board to an existing side of a cabinet serves a similar purpose.
Shop for kitchen and dining furniture
3. Pet Bowls
In this coastal home uploaded by Houston-based Chairma Design Group, a dog bowl station adds function to the bottom quarter of a lower cabinet — and keeps the bowls neatly out of the way. It’s lined in stone, which protects the cabinetry from drips. This sweet pooch looks pleased with the setup!
25 Genius Kitchen Storage Ideas
In this coastal home uploaded by Houston-based Chairma Design Group, a dog bowl station adds function to the bottom quarter of a lower cabinet — and keeps the bowls neatly out of the way. It’s lined in stone, which protects the cabinetry from drips. This sweet pooch looks pleased with the setup!
25 Genius Kitchen Storage Ideas
4. Child’s Sink
A Los Altos Hills, California, kitchen by Danielle DiVittorio Malloy of DiVittorio Designs and Janet Marena of JTM Interiors has a dropped-down kitchen sink turned 90 degrees from the adjoining cabinet. Complete with a built-in pullout step, the customized design gives kids an easy place to help with dinner prep and handwashing.
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A Los Altos Hills, California, kitchen by Danielle DiVittorio Malloy of DiVittorio Designs and Janet Marena of JTM Interiors has a dropped-down kitchen sink turned 90 degrees from the adjoining cabinet. Complete with a built-in pullout step, the customized design gives kids an easy place to help with dinner prep and handwashing.
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
5. Shoe Storage
Just outside of frame to the left in this photo, an exterior door opens directly into the Minneapolis kitchen, meaning shoes are always the first (and messiest) things to arrive. To control the inevitable pileup, kitchen and bath design studio Revival House built dedicated shoe storage into the end of the cabinet run.
25 Kitchen Storage Features Pros Swear By
Just outside of frame to the left in this photo, an exterior door opens directly into the Minneapolis kitchen, meaning shoes are always the first (and messiest) things to arrive. To control the inevitable pileup, kitchen and bath design studio Revival House built dedicated shoe storage into the end of the cabinet run.
25 Kitchen Storage Features Pros Swear By
6. Drinks Fridge
In this Los Angeles kitchen, AAHA Studio tucked what looks like a wine fridge at the end of a cabinet run — though it could just as easily be a minifridge stocked with sodas and snacks. In any open-plan kitchen, this smart placement makes it easy for kids and guests in the nearby dining or family room to grab a drink. Here, it also maximizes storage by making use of a cabinet that would otherwise be awkward to access due to the small peninsula.
12 Custom Storage Solutions for a Clutter-Free Kitchen
In this Los Angeles kitchen, AAHA Studio tucked what looks like a wine fridge at the end of a cabinet run — though it could just as easily be a minifridge stocked with sodas and snacks. In any open-plan kitchen, this smart placement makes it easy for kids and guests in the nearby dining or family room to grab a drink. Here, it also maximizes storage by making use of a cabinet that would otherwise be awkward to access due to the small peninsula.
12 Custom Storage Solutions for a Clutter-Free Kitchen
7. Flip-Down Counter
A hinged section of countertop extends workspace as needed in this English cottage kitchen by Chisholm Design, then folds out of the way so the door can swing open. Notice the pop-out cover for the sink too.
How to Start a Kitchen Remodel
A hinged section of countertop extends workspace as needed in this English cottage kitchen by Chisholm Design, then folds out of the way so the door can swing open. Notice the pop-out cover for the sink too.
How to Start a Kitchen Remodel
8. Utility Cabinet
In Park Ridge, Illinois, Drury Design finished off a run of tall cabinets with a slim utility cabinet that houses a step stool, tall vases and a stick vacuum. There’s even an electrical outlet to make charging a breeze.
In Park Ridge, Illinois, Drury Design finished off a run of tall cabinets with a slim utility cabinet that houses a step stool, tall vases and a stick vacuum. There’s even an electrical outlet to make charging a breeze.
9. Bookshelf
Hello Home created a library of cookbooks in this Texas kitchen by adding a slim cabinet with open shelving at the end of a run of tall cabinets. The shelves match the island’s natural wood tone, helping to tie together the color scheme.
Design tip: You can add open shelving to the sides of just your upper or lower cabinets too. Just be sure it’s securely mounted.
Hello Home created a library of cookbooks in this Texas kitchen by adding a slim cabinet with open shelving at the end of a run of tall cabinets. The shelves match the island’s natural wood tone, helping to tie together the color scheme.
Design tip: You can add open shelving to the sides of just your upper or lower cabinets too. Just be sure it’s securely mounted.
10. Bottle Storage
The far back of a cabinet can be difficult to see and access —especially when mechanical elements from a cooktop or exhaust share the space, as in this London kitchenette uploaded by The Main Co. Here, the awkward area has been cleverly repurposed as a side-accessed bottle rack.
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The far back of a cabinet can be difficult to see and access —especially when mechanical elements from a cooktop or exhaust share the space, as in this London kitchenette uploaded by The Main Co. Here, the awkward area has been cleverly repurposed as a side-accessed bottle rack.
More on Houzz
Read more kitchen design stories
Browse kitchen photos
Find a kitchen remodeler
Shop for your kitchen
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A simple way to upgrade the oft-wasted blank side of an end cabinet is to attach a pretty pot rail right to the cabinet, as designer Jada Gilbert of Design Shop Interiors did in this Nevada City, California, kitchen. Hooks can hold towels, baskets, utensils and pots, or hand towels can be draped over the bar. Baskets, hooks and bottle racks are equally easy to attach to add a bit of extra storage.
Design tip: Ensure that the bar and hanging items don’t protrude into a path of travel.
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