The appetite for stylish and oh-so-practical floor-to-ceiling cabinetry is on the rise. Here is why…
Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry is evolving; while of course this style of kitchen cupboard is nothing new, I’m sensing a shift in their design and appearance.
No longer just a few units popped into a corner – I’m talking grand, statement walls of cabinetry that pack a punch visually, while also acting as the perfect solution to managing mess (without encroaching on your room’s footprint). And I’m not alone in sensing this transformation.
Benefits of floor-to-ceiling cabinetry
“Maximising storage and creating a sleek uncluttered appearance is a big trend right now, and so one thing we’d always recommend when it comes to cabinets is to go with floor-to-ceiling if possible,” says Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport.
Nathan Kingsbury, creative director at Nathan Kingsbury Design, agrees and adds, “Floor-to-ceiling cabinets are becoming a key part of modern kitchen design, especially as kitchens evolve into multifunctional spaces. The growing emphasis on organisation and sustainability has also contributed to its rise in popularity, as homeowners look for efficient storage solutions for everyday essentials or rarely used items like seasonal cookware or less-used appliances.
He continues, “Instead of leaving the upper portion of the walls unused or cluttered with kitchen paraphernalia and decorative items that will gather dust, designing your cabinets to go flush to the ceiling will create more organised storage space and help to hide away those items that would otherwise look cluttered.”
Key considerations
If this sounds like something you would love in your kitchen layout, then careful consideration needs to be placed on the internal configuration at the start of the design process – the main question being, what are you going to use it for? You could include a pull-out pantry, a coffee station, breakfast cupboard, drinks cabinet, or even use some of the door fronts as a secret entryway to a hidden utility or larder.
“With a myriad of options for opening mechanisms such as push-to-open, pocket doors and extra-long handles, your floor-to-ceiling cabinetry can be easily arranged to accommodate anything, depending on your preferences,” adds Matt Phillips, head of UK operations at Rotpunkt.
The details
It’s not only these big things to consider, though, but the little ones, too. “Think about everything you want to store in the cabinetry, covering day-to-day items as well as the appliances and cookware you don’t use as often, and then start designing from there,” says Nathan.
“Plus, include a mix of storage styles, with elements such as pull-out drawers, pull-down shelves, open shelving and integrated appliances helping to enhance versatility and organisation. This will ensure you have a space for everything you want to store away.”
Accessibility is really important too, with elements like pull-out stools, ladders and electric lifts helping bring everything to hand with ease – after all, you don’t want to create storage right to the ceiling and then not be able to get to it.
Go bespoke
Of course, the more cabinetry you have, the higher the price tag. Especially if you’re including drawers and fancy opening systems. Be sure to scrutinise each decision, whether it’s needed and-or practical, and be honest with yourself if your budget allows for these wishlist wonders.
It’s also worth noting that you will most likely need to reach out to bespoke kitchen makers to get that perfect, flush fit – while also taking into account any other tricky nooks and crannies. Bespoke kitchen makers will be able to create completely personal and unique cabinetry interiors, too. This is because off-the-shelf or modular kitchen units come with set dimensions.
Ways to recreate the look
However, there are things you can do to recreate the look. “A popular choice when going full height with your cabinetry is opting for extra-tall doors that exceed 200cm, combined with a series of standard units. By enabling an extra run of top units above really tall cabinets, you will create impact while ensuring a custom fit with the best use of available space,” says Matt.
Plinths and panels can also help conceal any smaller gaps to achieve that flush aesthetic. Your kitchen designer, whatever your budget, should be able to help you get the balance of this function-vs-form right.
Once the internals are sorted, you can think about what style of cabinetry to choose. “Traditional, Shaker-style cabinets pair beautifully with tall designs, as their ornate detailing creates eye-catching illusions that make even the smallest spaces feel more open and airy,” says Jen Nash, head of design at Magnet. While handleless doors provide a minimalist, seamless space.
Ultimately, full-height cabinets accentuate the ceiling height and make the room feel bigger, more open and luxurious. It’s a feature that works both in grand homes and more compact spaces. And, as Nathan summarises, “With the right choice of materials, finishes and hardware, they will allow you to make a beautiful statement that’s also big on function.”
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