Hard-wearing Hardware
To keep up with kitchen design trends and quality standards, hardware has evolved beyond just the simple pivot hinge to include more possibilities that suit different spatial needs and lifestyle habits.
See in the following slides 4 key types for hardware for different kitchen cabinetry designs and layout scenarios.
Design: Three-D Conceptwerke
Scenario
- High ceiling, limited walkway space
- Large cabinet compartments
- Tall storage wall with multi-tier cabinets
Design: Habit
Choose: An upward sliding system
This type of system requires hardly any extra space in front while opening the cabinet. As the cabinet panel moves in a parallel direction, it can overlap onto compartments above it, making it suitable for tall multi-tier cabinets.
System pictured: Hafele Free Up
Scenario
- Cabinet design with trimming or top-mounted lights
- Larger cabinet doors
Design: Haire Living
Choose: An up-and-over swing system
This type of system, pivoted from near the top of the cabinet, swings up and over it, as well as any protruding mouldings or built-in lighting. It can support heavier cabinet doors, too.
System pictured: Blum Aventos HS
Choose: A bi-fold system
As the panel folds into two while being opened, less space is required in front of it. This is ideal in, for example, a narrow galley kitchen with top-hung cabinets that are bigger and taller.
System pictured: Blum Aventos HF
Scenario
- Low ceiling height
- Cabinets with a long, horizontal design (short but wide sections)
- Cabinets that are smaller and shallower
Design: Space Matters
Choose: A stay-lift system
This opens the cabinet door upwards on a pivot point, and locks at certain angles to stay open at a fixed position while you retrieve things. Some models also cater to smaller, shallower cabinets; for example, those filling the gap above refrigerators.
System pictured: Hafele Free Flap