Drawers Transformed My Cluttered Kitchen Cabinets
After years of frustration with our disorganized kitchen cabinets, my husband and I finally decided on a full remodel. We wanted to maximize every inch of storage space while designing a functional, clutter-free workspace. That's when we discovered the magic of drawers to replace our lower cabinets. Installing drawers from floor to countertop completely transformed how we cook and use our kitchen. Here's my story of upgrading to kitchen drawers - no regrets!
Overview of Replacing Lower Cabinets with Drawers
If your lower cabinets are bursting with stacks of bowls, pots, pans and mismatched containers like ours were, drawers could be the solution. Deep, full-extension drawers maximize cubic footage, using all the available space not taken up by fixed shelving. Contents stay visible so nothing gets lost in the back corner again. No more squatting down or rummaging blindly to find what you need. Just smoothly gliding drawers putting everything at your fingertips.
Our Frustrating Experience with Disorganized Lower Cabinets
For years I hated cooking in our outdated, awkward kitchen. My pots and pans were stacked haphazardly inside a deep lower cabinet which I had to bend down to wrestle things in and out of. Heavy dishes and mixing bowls sat piled behind cabinet doors on hard-to-reach shelves. Plus everything always seemed to slide around noisily whenever I opened or closed them.
I constantly wasted time searching for ingredients and tools buried behind other items since I couldn't see what was inside. It was incredibly frustrating trying to prepare meals and clean up efficiently in our dysfunctional space. My husband could never find anything either, so I was always the kitchen martyr stuck digging around blindly on my hands and knees.
Deciding a Full Remodel Could Solve Our Storage Problems
We toyed with the idea of just getting better organizers and shelving to fix our messy cabinet issues. But with a bit of research into kitchen remodeling inspiration, I realized we could gain up to 40% more storage capacity with drawers! No more rummaging, squatting down or dealing with heavy fixed shelves. Everything we stored would now be visible and easy to access. I was instantly obsessed with upgrading our lower cabinets to drawers!
Dumping Our Problematic Lower Cabinets
Taking Measurements of Lower Cabinet Space
The first step after committing to new drawer bases was carefully measuring our existing lower cabinet footprint. We measured the width, height and depth of each lower cabinet area to design the custom drawer boxes. This allowed us to maximize every inch of available space with the flexibility drawers provide over fixed shelves and heights.
Removing Lower Cabinets and Preparing the Space
Demo day came next - so satisfying demolishing our old annoying lower cabinets! We cleared them out then unscrewed them from the wall to prep the blank canvas for new drawers. We also took the opportunity to upgrade the look by removing the dated soffits over our lowers for a more modern, streamlined aesthetic. Opening up the whole wall really made the kitchen feel lighter and more spacious.
Ordering Custom Drawer Boxes to Maximize Cubic Footage
Working with our contractor, we designed custom drawer boxes to perfectly fit the lower cabinet void, maximizing every inch of available space. Without shelving taking up room inside, these full extension soft-closing gliding drawers gained major storage capacity! We included a variety of box sizes and depths to organize different items, with the deepest ones on bottom. I couldn't wait to load our massive pots and pans into the 24 inch deep mega drawers!
Installation Day: Fitting Our New Drawers
Custom Drawer Delivery and Unboxing
Installation day our contractor arrived armed with our made-to-order drawers! Seeing their smooth unfinished wood ready to install made our plans feel real. Custom sizing each box to the space allowed a perfect full-extension fit floor to ceiling. Soft-close slides and durable ball-bearing glides on each meant effortlessly opening every inch without resistance or slamming.
Step-By-Step Drawer Slide Installation
Attaching the drawer slides was an intricate process requiring care and precision. There was detailed measuring, leveling and numerous adjustments to ensure proper clearance and alignment. Small inconsistencies in cabinet openings, uneven walls and floors all posed challenges requiring creative problem solving skills from our contractor. But once secured, sliding each empty box in and out felt magical!
Ensuring Proper Alignment and Smooth Gliding
With the slides secured, the final step was triple checking everything operated smoothly. A subtle repositioning or tweaking the alignment easily threw off the motion, so care was required. Tiny shims wedged under edges ensured flawless extension without rubbing or resistance. I nervously held my breath those first smooth test glides - success!
Unleashing Our Kitchen's Storage Potential
Maximizing Vertical Space With Tall Drawer Boxes
What sets drawers apart from standard cabinets is their ability to maximize all available vertical space. Without fixed shelving taking up room, we could use every inch of height. Our deep bottom mega drawers stand over 2 feet tall - no more squatting down inside dark corners! We also have a row of upper drawers near the countertop keeping snacks and basics within easy view and reach.
Organizing Appliances, Cookware and Baking Essentials
With everything visible, staying organized is effortless now. Appliances like my stand mixer and blender sit conveniently tucked away ready to use, not buried behind stacks of pots. Our deep mega drawers comfortably fit all stock pots, Dutch ovens and pans of every shape and size. While shallow upper drawers keep measuring cups, utensils, baking sheets neatly sorted and visible. I labeled each box with chalkboard vinyl too!
Deep Lower Drawers Fitting Large Stand Mixer and More
Our customizable drawer depths were perfect for fitting bulky appliances. The cavernous 24 inch drawers easily swallow items like my heavy stand mixer, full-size food processor and spare immersion blender. No more excuses leaving them on the counter when everything now effortlessly glides back into hidden storage inches from my workspace. They blend right into the cabinetry facade with integrated custom fronts matching our kitchen style.
Easy Access to Pots, Pans and Lids of All Sizes
Gone are the days struggling to wrestle various sized pots, pans and their lids in and out of cramped lower cabinets! Our deep mega drawers accommodate anything from stock pots to sauce pans stacked neatly together by type and size. I can smoothly roll them out open to see everything instead of blind rummaging. The right lid always comes out with its matching pan too since they nest together now - genius!
Living With Our Kitchen Drawers
No More Squatting to Dig Out Pots and Pans
My knees and back are so grateful not contorting myself with gymnastics trying to get cookware in and out from floor level anymore! Just sliding open the matching drawer puts my stockpot or skillet immediately in front of me right where I need it. I simply bend at the waist to retrieve things vs. kneeling down squinting blindly into dark cabinet voids. Meal preparation is so much easier on the joints!
Quickly Finding Exactly the Ingredients and Tools We Need
Since implementing a smart labeling system designating contents in each drawer, my kitchen workflow improved tremendously. No more wasted motion opening multiple doors and drawers seeking what I need. My baking essentials live together in one slim upper drawer, while another houses utensils and prep bowls. A peek inside and I quickly grab exactly the right ingredient or tool.
Less Wasted Time and Frustration in the Kitchen
Drawers made my kitchen exponentially more efficient by reducing time wasted hunting down items I need. Everything important is visible at a glance and accessible instantly instead of deeply buried. I actually smile cooking now instead of scowling rummaging around making a racket with pots crashing around. The whole mood and energy in the kitchen feels lighter and calmer!
So Much Stuff Now Hidden Neatly Out of Sight!
While I worried removing upper cabinets might sacrifice needed storage, drawers created way more usable space below! That corner which once held cleaning supplies and a hodgepodge of extra small appliances is now three spacious deep drawers neatly corralling way more stuff. I gain efficiency keeping related items together too - like spices and oils in one pull-out.
No Regrets With Our Drawer Decision
Far More Efficient Kitchen Workflow
Eliminating rummaging through dark cabinet corners by installing easy access drawers made my kitchen insanely more efficient. I can smoothly roll open the exact ingredients I need, grab mixing bowls in seconds and pull out tools lightning fast. Meals come together faster and cleanup is quicker with my organized workflow simplified.
Better Organization System We're Maintaining
Clear drawer organization transformed not just my kitchen functionality but also how I cook and bake. I follow a meticulous labeling system now designating contents, so things stay neatly sorted. Visible organized chaos no longer stresses me out since related items share real estate. My pans have a place, lids and containers too - we are so much tidier!
Kids Can Access Snacks and Dishes Themselves
Another unexpected perk of easy access drawers is empowering my kids' independence in the kitchen. My daughters can grab their own snacks from low drawers near the floor without begging me. They also enjoy putting away their own plastic dishes in a designated kid zone. Drawers at various heights accommodated family members of all sizes!
Unexpected Benefits We Didn't Foresee
While optimizing kitchen storage capacity motivated our drawer conversion originally, we uncovered unexpected bonuses too. I gained extra drawer real estate once housing a sink base and corner lazy Susan. The smooth extension and soft close made drawers way more satisfying to use than traditional cabinets. And panic-proof locks for cleaning supplies brought peace of mind with curious toddlers!
Cautions About Accurate Measurement
If you're considering upgrading kitchen cabinets to drawers, accurate measurement is essential for proper fit. Factor your specific cabinet depths and openings, room for drawer slide clearance, ideally allowing 1 inch gaps behind. Precisely sizing the drawer boxes to maximize cubic footage while accounting for smooth extension is imperative.
Tips for Installing Drawers Properly
A quality drawer installation relies on sturdy slides, proper alignment and clearances. Allow slides about 1 inch gap behind boxes for full extension and wisely use any filler strips or shims included to level uneven cabinet voids. Ensure slides are truly plumb with precise 90 degree angles for ideal alignment. Triple check boxes glide smoothly without rubbing walls before permanently screwing into place.
Ideas for Dividing Space and Contents
Plan drawer organization wisely by grouping like items, keeping heavier ones nearer the bottom. Map contents matching box size and depth ahead. Allow for growth, giving bakeware and appliances the deepest voids. Consider vertical compartments or smaller organizer bins letting you subdivide big drawers as needed over time.
Our Lessons Learned From the Process
This kitchen makeover taught us the value of quality custom work and hiring pros. Had we tried installing drawers solo as DIYers without an expert contractor, they definitely wouldn't operate as flawlessly. The nuanced measurements and slide installation challenged even our carpenter needing creative problem solving! But the smooth functioning drawers were worth every penny in storage joy and efficiency they return daily.
Upgrading our lower kitchen cabinets to drawers gained us up to 40% more storage capacity. No more squatting blindly with everything now visible and in easy reach. Our improved organization systems reduced wasted hunting time so we cook faster. Unexpected benefits even included simplifying kids' independence and better ergonomics. The process required careful planning and custom measuring for a quality installation but delivered life-changing organization.
Encouragement for Other Homeowners To Try Drawers
If your kitchen cabinets constantly frustrate you with dark blind corners and accessibility issues, exploring drawers could help. Visible organized storage prevents wasted searching and rummaging time. Reduced bending and heavy lifting also benefits your joints long term. The splurge is absolutely worth it for us - I can't picture ever going back to regular cabinets!
Swapping out lower cabinets for smooth gliding drawers gave us the kitchen of my dreams with storage to spare. No more dreaded meal prep and clean up in our formerly dysfunctional, messy space. Custom designing the drawers specifically for our family's needs and workflow created an incredibly efficient cookery. My only regret is that we didn't do this kitchen upgrade years sooner!