From bespoke inserts, plate racks, paint, to lighting, we’re looking at how you can customise your kitchen cupboard interiors for a truly personalised space…

You’ve chosen the look, style and colour of your kitchen cabinetry, but have you thought much about the wonders that can go inside? Personalised design details, such as pull-outs, spice racks, and spotlights, are just some of the intricate and clever things you can incorporate.

Of course, if you really want to go all out, consider commissioning a more bespoke kitchen company than your high-street retailers. Although this will come with a higher price tag, together with your designer, you can customise the interiors of your drawers and cupboards to include anything you can think of – yes, anything.

“The true beauty of bespoke kitchen cabinetry lies not just in its exterior, but in the integration of clever storage solutions that combine functionality and aesthetics,” Tom Howley, creative design director at the eponymous kitchen brand, tells me. “Thoughtfully designed cabinet interiors ensure every inch of space is optimised, making everyday tasks more efficient while maintaining a sense of order and elegance,” he adds.

Prioritise practicality

When designing your kitchen cabinet interiors, consider practicality – for instance, integrated pull-out solutions, such as drawers, trays, and rotating corner units inside your cupboards, to optimise space. “We often include custom-made, wooden pull-out drawer boxes or trays, designed for specific items like pans or pan lids, oils, spices, or plates and bowls. They glide out smoothly, so you can see everything at a glance, making storage more practical and a pleasure to use,” advises Ella Driscoll from Shere Kitchens.

Under-sink storage

This design detail is also ideal for under-sink areas. “The under-sink cupboard is often where cleaning products go to be forgotten, especially with a deeper sink, making it difficult to see what’s hiding at the back,” says Kira Blume, showroom manager at Krantz Designs. “Pull-out shelving solves this issue, keeping everything visible and accessible, while maximising every inch of storage space.”

Kitchen pantry solutions

If you have a pantry or breakfast larder, opt for door-mounted shelving for condiments, dedicated spice racks, engraved drawers for root vegetables or sweet treats, and pull-out baskets for baking tools.

“With clear visibility of all your essentials, you can reduce food waste and streamline your space. We consider every kitchen necessity, integrating bespoke storage solutions for everyday items like kitchen rolls, knife inserts, and coffee pods,” says Kira.

Drawer organisers

But it’s not just the interiors of base or wall units which you can tailor to your lifestyle and cooking habits. “In drawers, customisable dividers help separate utensils, cookware or charging cables, preventing clutter and making everyday tasks more efficient,” says Rachel Davis, senior kitchen designer at Harvey Jones.

If you’re a keen cook, you can include a bespoke knife rack near your cutlery drawer. Or you can upgrade deeper units with dish peg boards and baking tray compartments.

Aesthetic value

Beyond clever organisation solutions, there are also many decorative elements which can enhance the functionality of your design while also adding aesthetic value – from materials and finishes to paint and panelling.

“Adding accent wood, decorative veneers, or a pop of colour with paint inside cabinets, can create a visually appealing contrast,” advises Rachel. “Wallpaper inside drawers or tongue and groove in cabinet backs not only adds a decorative touch but also protects surfaces from wear and tear,” she says.

And, if you want to showcase crockery or collectibles inside a dresser or home bar, Rachel recommends glass inserts and mirrored splashbacks, which will also make it feel larger and brighter.

Unlike classic kitchen cupboards, if you have glass-fronted cabinets, the interiors will always peek through, and Leila Touwen, co-founder of Pluck, says this offers a wonderful opportunity to have a bit of fun with colour. “With fluted glass, the colour is subdued by the glazing, so you could opt for a bold shade, and it will be softened,” she advises.

Lighting

Lighting is another clever tool for elevating your cupboard interiors. “Installing LED strip lights inside cabinets or under shelves improves visibility, especially in deep or lowlight areas,” explains Rachel. “Motion sensor lights offer a practical solution, automatically turning on when a drawer or door is opened. Small puck lights or spotlights can also highlight display cabinets or add a warm, inviting glow to cabinetry.”

Ella agrees and adds, “Features such as automatic lighting, oak or walnut interiors, and antique mirror splashbacks add functionality, beauty, and tactile materials that make the kitchen feel as good as it looks.”

Power sockets

Power sockets make for the perfect practical finishing touch, whether that’s inside your breakfast pantry where you can plug small appliances such as coffee machines and toasters, or hidden within an island drawer for charging laptops and phones. “Integrated power sockets positioned inside cupboards and drawers offer convenience for charging devices or powering small appliances, ensuring worktops remain uncluttered,” says Tom.

As Tom concludes, with bespoke cabinetry, “Every detail is considered to create a kitchen that is as practical as it is luxurious, designed to enhance your lifestyle.” Remember, it’s what’s inside that counts!

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