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The Kitchen Storage Space That Hides at Floor Level

http://www.decor-ideas.org 09/10/2014 23:12 Decor Ideas 

The humble toe kick is an often-overlooked design detail, and maybe for good reason: It stands practically underfoot, serving in fact only to give our feet a place to rest while we’re working at the counters and cupboards above. However, whether in the kitchen, bathroom or elsewhere, there is much you can do with a toe kick, so it’s worth taking a moment to think about this small design detail. Here are a few helpful design tips for the last place you’d ever think about looking.

Transitional Kitchen by Carter Kay Interiors
Toe kicks are, as a rule, typically 3 to 4 inches high, and recessed 3 inches underneath a cabinet. This gives you room for your feet — or your toes, anyway — while you’re standing at the counter without wasting cabinet space or creating a pocket that’s too deep to clean.

Traditional Kitchen by Gibson Gimpel Interior Design
However a toe kick doesn’t have to be wasted space. Drawers for extra storage are the perfect use for this overlooked space.

Eclectic Kitchen by Richard Landon Design
They work great for wide, flat items, like specialty pans you don’t use every day …

Traditional Kitchen by Greenleaf Construction
… or a stepladder for when you need to reach those tall upper cabinets.

Eclectic Kitchen by Richard Landon Design
A toe-kick drawer can also house your pet food if you prefer to keep it out of the way between meals — or if your pet is a bit of an overeater!

See the 15 most popular kitchen storage ideas on Houzz

Contemporary Kitchen by Toronto Interior Design Group | Yanic Simard
Get a clean, classic look by matching the cabinets to avoid a visual break (especially perfect with statement wood floors).

Traditional Kitchen by plantation building corp
For a richer, traditional look, add faux feet to the cabinet fronts to give built-ins a furniture-inspired feel.

Contemporary Kitchen by HINGE Cabinetry & Furniture
Stainless steel (especially with stainless steel appliances) will let your toe kicks make a subtly modern statement.

Contemporary Kitchen by Gary Lee Partners
Or you can use a hint of color or repeat a beautiful tile — both work great in darker spaces to add some life.

Contemporary Kitchen by Sand Castle Kitchens & More, LLC
Underlighting isn’t just for cabinets. Glowing toe kicks look great in a space with other modern LED light sources (like in a ceiling alcove).

Modern Bathroom by Michael Lee Architects
To make toe kicks disappear, try painting them black or using a dark material …

Contemporary Kitchen by BeautifulRemodel.com
… or give them a mirrored finish, and your cabinets will appear to float.

Traditional Kitchen by Divine Kitchens LLC
Want other uses for your toe kick? Try a modern central vacuum system. You can incorporate a hidden suction port in the toe kick so crumbs and dust can be swept away without your even bending over.

Contemporary Kitchen by Krieger + Associates Architects Inc
And a toe-kick heat vent will keep you toasty during a meal in your breakfast nook or banquette.

Your guests (and you) will appreciate the extra effort, even if they have no idea that your toe kick packs such a design punch!

More: How to add toe-kick drawers for more storage

URL: The Kitchen Storage Space That Hides at Floor Level http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-24637.html
Category:Interior
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