Post by Stacey Walker. Stacey mostly works behind the scenes for Walker Woodworking, managing day to day operations, and marketing. Stacey has helped many clients create their dream space.

Why Drawers are Important

Drawers are a great addition to any design and any space. From home office drawers to laundry rooms and kitchens, drawers play an integral part in our life without even knowing it. We reach for a drawer to grab our hair dryer or make-up. We open a drawer in the office to find a post-it note or stamp. In the kitchen they serve an even greater purpose as they assist us in keeping things neat and tidy. No home would be what it is without a good set of drawers but what kind of drawers do you need? Are there different ones that serve a specific purpose and does it matter? The answer is yes, yes, and yes! Understanding that there are drawers which serve a particular function and that when you have it it will make your life better is one of the purposes of this blog. Let’s unpack some of the top drawer options available, what they can do for you, and why you need to incorporate them into your next renovation or remodel.

Docking Drawers

Docking drawers are a great asset to homeowners, especially since we rely heavily on our electronic devices to do so much. Having an easy and accessible spot to quickly recharge our tablets and phones makes it simple to stay connected, never missing a beat. Docking drawers are also designed to be used for other items such as small appliances and hot tools as you can keep things plugged in permanently. Because they are tucked away inside the drawer they free your counter of excess cords and help to keep everything looking clean and neat. Of course there is great versatility with these types of drawers as well since you can use them throughout the home including your office, bathroom, kitchen and maybe even your laundry room if it is doubling as a mudroom. Docking drawers can be a wonderful tool for you to use in whatever area of the house it is needed.

Silverware

Silverware is hard enough to keep track of by itself but when it gets tossed in a drawer there are no end of messes. Thank goodness for silverware drawers that keep everything organized and in their perfect place. These drawers are also aesthetically pleasing, it looks so good when you pop open a drawer and everything is where it should be. They also give you effective storage space, especially ones that are custom made like we do here at Walker Woodworking. Maintaining it super easy as well, all you have to do is lift them out of the drawer, wipe everything clean and place it back inside. Having a specific drawer for the silverware is also helpful when teaching kids to put things away, they will always know exactly where each utensil goes. This can also work well for larger items such as ladles and serving spoons.

Knife block drawer

We can all agree that knives are an important part of the cooking and prepping of making dinner but they can also pose a safety hazard as well. Having a drawer dedicated to these sharp tools can give you peace of mind as they are safely tucked away when not in use but within easy reach when needed. A knife block also comes with some other benefits such as organization, never wasting time looking for that particular knife again since you now can arrange them by size in their own personalized slot. Having a designated spot for each knife also keeps them protected as they are not sliding around getting possibly damaged which is especially helpful if your knives are of a high quality. Did we mention that this is a nice way to show off your collection as well? A designated drawer for your knives will be a great addition to any kitchen space.

Peg drawer

If you are a super organized person, then a peg drawer is right up your alley. The basic idea is a drawer inlaid with a pegboard which comes with pegs that can be arranged how you like it. Many of our clients have enjoyed a peg drawer system as it allows them the option to personalize their space and rearrange anytime they like. The items that can be stored inside are endless with some of the possibilities including:

  • Cookware
  • Pots
  • Pans
  • Lids
  • Dishes
  • Bowls

It can enable you to have every drawer categorized and easy to maintain. Cookware, pots, and pans can be placed in a drawer near the stove making it simple to access when making dinner and the one for the dishes can be close to the dishwasher so you can just unload with a few steps as needed. These drawers are on top when it comes to a must have in your kitchen, talk to your designer about adding them to your design.

Warming drawer

While not as common a choice as traditional drawers, warming drawers offer a lot of pros to the kitchen design. If you are tired of trying to keep dinner warm because of the crazy schedules of your family or maybe you wanted to get a head start on dinner and now need a way to keep it warm without spoiling it, warming drawers are your answer. Designed to keep food at the perfect temperature without anything drying out or getting hard, they are a wonderful addition to your kitchen. They also serve an aesthetic purpose in the kitchen since they can help create a sense of balance with built-in oven appliances. Warming drawers are often installed beneath an oven which means you can easily take them out and put them right below to stay warm until everything is ready to be served. If you are looking for one more useful tool for your kitchen, the warming drawer is your best choice.

Varying drawer depths

When designing any drawer, one of the key factors involved is depth as it dictates what can be stored inside. There are many varying depths and having a variety is a good thing. Silverware and utensil drawers don’t have to be very deep which leaves you room to combine larger drawers in this column. Many homeowners have now opted to incorporate more drawers into their kitchen and bathroom design over cabinets because of the ease of access and wide range of items that can be neatly tucked away. Talk to your designer about adding more drawers to your design and make sure to emphasize that you want varying depths. 

The importance of drawers

When it comes to drawers, they cannot be talked about enough. They give us organization, storage, and the ability to have everything at our fingertips, literally. Opting to place them throughout your home ensures that things will have a place all their own plus they also are easy on the shoulders since it is always easier to lift something up than pull something down. They are considered essential in an aging in-place home as well. As you meet with your designer about your upcoming renovation or remodel be sure to bring up the topic of drawers with them and discuss which options will be best for you in your home. We are always happy to assist with any questions you may have as well so feel free to reach out and connect with us.