Pantry

Pantry Details – My Solution For Blind Corners In Lower Cabinets

Last Updated on February 14, 2019 by Kristi Linauer

I’m kind of glad that my hallway is taking as long as it is, because as soon as I finish the hallway, I’ll be starting on the pantry. And having this extra time has allowed me to really mull over my plans, tweak them, improve upon them, etc.

If you missed my last post about how I plan to arrange the whole thing, with a chest freezer front-and-center under the pantry window on the back wall, here’s the floor plan drawing I did. (You can read that post here, as well as the amazing suggestions in the comment section about how to disguise the freezer.)

pantry floor plan - revised 9-2017

I had considered every corner storage option I could think of to make efficient use of those blind corners in the lower cabinets, and in the end I just decided to go with hidden shelves with nothing fancy, and use those for items I rarely use but don’t want to get rid of. It would be pretty much like what you see in the corner here…

But the idea of having those dark blind corners has just never set well with me. I kept thinking there has to be a way to access those items easier without the use of big super susans in the corners or fancy Rev-A-Shelf blind corner storage systems that cost almost $400 but still don’t maximize all of the corner storage potential.

And then when I was building and installing the drawer for the hallway cabinets, I had an epiphany. For that drawer, I used these ball bearing drawer slides that can hold up to 100 pounds. That’s plenty strong to hold even my heaviest appliances and contraptions, like my juice press, which probably weighs 30 pounds, and my Champion juicer, which weighs about 20 pounds. I’m pretty sure those are the heaviest kitchen items I have that I rarely use but don’t want to get rid of.

So my idea is to use those 100-pound-capacity ball bearing drawer slides to make pull-out shelves in the very corners of the lower cabinets. But then I need an easy way to access those pull out shelves, right?

That will be made possible with the use of pull-out cart storage that’s custom made to fit right under the countertop, similar to this one…

under cabinet roll out drawer storage from Better Remade

via Better Remade

I’m not sure yet if I would do drawers or open shelves on my rolling carts. I’m still not even sure if drawer storage is necessary in my pantry, so I could easily adapt that idea using open shelves.

So the two working together would look like this…

pantry blind corner storage option - pull out shelves used with rolling cart storage

The open shelves and pull-out shelves would be on the back (long) wall of the pantry, and the rolling cart storage would be on the side walls. To access those seldom used items stored in the corner, I’d simply roll the rolling cart out from under the countertop, and then pull out the shelf with the item I needed, which would pull out in the direction of the arrows, right into the space created by removing the rolling cart.

Does that sound like it would work? I’ve been mulling over this design for about a week now, and it seems like this plan might work really well…unless I’m missing a potential design flaw that y’all see.



Update:

My pantry is finished! Want to see the entire project from start to finish? You can find every single post about the pantry build right here…

Or you can skip to the end and see how it turned out. Here’s a peek of the finished pantry…

Butler's pantry remodel with dark teal lower cabinets, floating corner shelves, and whitewashed wood countertop

You can see more pictures on the before and after post right here…

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91 Comments

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  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    CathyR
    September 25, 2017 at 10:05 am

    Nope. I think you nailed it .

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    carswell
    September 25, 2017 at 10:12 am

    I think something like this would be a heck of a lot easier than rolling a piece of furniture out of the way every time you want to access those blind corners. These units are well constructed and can hold substantial weight.

    Lee Valley has a terrific reputation for quality products – and they do have a US version of their website.

    http://www.leevalley.com/en/hardware/page.aspx?p=43657&cat=3,43722,43723

    http://www.leevalley.com/en/images/item/Hardware/Kitchen/12k3350v1.jpg

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi
      September 25, 2017 at 10:19 am

      Yep, I’ve looked at all of those kinds of corner storage things, and none of them interest me. First, I hate wire storage shelves. But also paying $350 or more for something that still doesn’t make use of all of the corner seems wasteful to me. And the configuration keeps you limited to storing pretty small items on those wire shelves. On the other hand, a full 22″ x 22″ pull out shelf with a solid wood base maximizes storage and allows me to put large items in the corner.

      • Reply To This Comment ↓
        Carol
        September 25, 2017 at 3:59 pm

        I thought the same as you, Kristi. I have a corner unit similar to this one and 1. It waste space that could be used for other items 2. You can not get the door open wide enough to get the items in and out. I have pull out drawer all over my kitchen and pantry and it would have made sense for the corners to have a pull out also instead of a useless revolving lazy susan. 3. It is too dark back there to see what you are reaching for without a flashlight! I really like idea of the pull out cabinets and it’s like you said, you are very rarely use those items anyway, so it’s not like you would be pulling the shelves in and out several times a day/week/ or month.

      • Reply To This Comment ↓
        Kimberly
        September 25, 2017 at 9:11 pm

        Kristi, I’m not a fan of wire storage shelves either, they have a rather limited use because you can’t put small things on them or they fall through or won’t stand properly. You are so creative, though, and fully equipped with a lot of skill and tons of tools; I’ve often wondered if maybe adding a thin yet sturdy painted wood piece in the shape of the “floor” of the wire shelf/bin would be helpful? Alternatively, if you wanted light to come through or more clarity/transparency, perhaps a thin-ish but sturdy piece of custom-cut (by you!) plexiglass would work? Just a thought.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Martha Gish
    September 25, 2017 at 10:14 am

    Looks good to me! I remember the days I had to lie flat on the floor and try to reaah back in that corner. Fortunately, mine was in the peninsula and when we remodeled I just added doors on the other side, so it’s was accessed from there. What a difference! Anyway, I love our idea! I just wish I had a pantry…lol

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Linda S.
      September 26, 2017 at 9:32 am

      I like this idea. You could make it so you access this area from your sun/family room and store games, pillows, throws, etc.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Micki Carter
    September 25, 2017 at 10:15 am

    Do you ever sleep? Is your mine constantly thinking? Doing one project and mentally working on another?

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi
      September 25, 2017 at 10:26 am

      I sleep about five hours a night. Other than that, my mind really doesn’t ever stop. 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Cyd
    September 25, 2017 at 10:15 am

    Why not just have angled shelves in each corner? Perhaps each shelf holds a large appliance or a small (inexpensive) lazy susan.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Cyd
      September 25, 2017 at 10:21 am

      Also, would you consider flipping the closed cabinets to the other side of the room? That would simplify what your eye sees when entering the room.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      BARBARA S PILCHER
      September 25, 2017 at 10:21 am

      I like this CYD’s idea — angled shelves and small, moveable turntables.

      • Reply To This Comment ↓
        Kristi
        September 25, 2017 at 10:31 am

        I liked the idea, too, which is why I tried and tried to make it work for about three weeks, drawing angled corners every way I could think of. I gave up when I realized they really don’t maximize storage space, and they actually encroach on the optimal storage space, which defeats the purpose.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi
      September 25, 2017 at 10:25 am

      I’ve drawn angled corners about 10 different ways, including with and without lazy susans, and they don’t actually maximize space. In fact, in order for the angle to be wide enough to put items onto the lazy susan in the corner, you really have to encroach quite a bit into the cabinet space on either side of the corner. So it kind of defeats the purpose and doesn’t actually maximize space.

      • Reply To This Comment ↓
        Cyd
        September 25, 2017 at 12:12 pm

        I suspected that. Sorry that doesn’t work for you. What are the dimensions of the room? Do you truly “need” the corner space? Sometimes people ignore/waste the space rather than work so hard to gain it. Or perhaps your original idea of putting large items you rarely use there is just A-OK without the pull-out idea. If you keep large things (or many small things in a light-weight basket) next to that hard-to-access space, then you don’t have to move much in order to get to those rarely used items. A lot of the things you’re trying to accomplish translate well into a master closet I’m designing. Corners are always a dilemma and there’s rarely a “perfect” solution. I can’t wait to see your final plan!

        • Reply To This Comment ↓
          Cyd
          September 25, 2017 at 12:44 pm

          … and I think some of us are unsure of how “pretty” you want this room to be. Also seeing a diagram without showing uppers and lowers is hard work to interpret for some of us 🙂 I think you want to maximize counter space? And aren’t concerned with closed cabinetry?

          • Reply To This Comment ↓
            Kristi
            September 26, 2017 at 8:23 am

            I’d like for it to look neat and tidy, but the closer I get to starting on the pantry, the less concerned I am about it looking “pretty” like a designer kitchen. I mostly just want it functional, and I think as long as I do a good job on the cabinet and shelf build, it’ll look attractive enough for me. And if not, I can always add the etched window film to the pantry doors that I added to the doors between the music room and sunroom to still allow light in while blocking the view.

            • Cyd
              September 26, 2017 at 9:07 am

              Sounds practical, but still pretty! You’re my kind of gal.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kay
    September 25, 2017 at 10:20 am

    Genius!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lucinda
    September 25, 2017 at 10:20 am

    Excellent idea. I love your creativity. My husband returned from an extended family visit to Peru yesterday and I was showing him the hall cabinet you are building. I knew we could do the same and having someone who has done it so I could show him how it is done is extremely!!!! helpful. So enjoy your blog!

    Now having aid that….what happened with the hallway pain in the butty door frame? I have waiting all weekend to find out.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi
      September 25, 2017 at 10:29 am

      I finally got that door installed yesterday afternoon. I have two more doors to install today…or I might just work on painting the cabinets today. That one door just about did me in, so I might need to do something fun for a day (and painting is fun to me 🙂 ) before I do those other doors.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Ruby Y Walter
    September 25, 2017 at 10:22 am

    Just be sure the way you anchor the shelves will support the weight you put on it when fully extended. Great idea by the way

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kate
    September 25, 2017 at 10:27 am

    This seems like a super functional design, but for items used only a couple times a year…it feels over engineered to me.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Karen
    September 25, 2017 at 10:28 am

    I’m still all in favour of lazy susans ever since I moved into a house with a kitchen with one in it, which has convinced me of it’s immense capacity. But I know that you don’t like them and with that in mind I would say that your solution seems pretty great! I would consider making the surrounding of those pull-out shelves in the corner moveable, too, so that you can move the entire unit forward and then access the drawers, but that might be overkill and overthinking on my part 😉 cannot wait to see your results and experience with it!

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Cheryle
      September 26, 2017 at 7:21 am

      I put lazy Susan’s on the corner cabinets and in my corner pantry and they made a huge difference. The savings could be put towards something pretty. 😁

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Justin
    September 25, 2017 at 10:30 am

    That seems like it’d totally work. In fact, I had a desk with a hidden return that worked the exact same way. You pulled the entire return out (on wheels) and there was a file drawer in the part that became exposed, facing the chair.

    One thing I would do, though, is make sure the opening to the hidden slide-out faces the fixed shelves, not the hole. That way, when you pull it out, the opening is facing outward instead of underneath the cabinets. It’ll be easier to get stuff out.

    Another option I don’t know if you’ve considered is just a plain-old corner cabinet with the front at a 45-degree angle to the other cabinets. Basically, the same idea as a lazy susan cabinet but with a flat front and without the spinners inside…just big shelves. I have two uppers in my kitchen like that and they’re pretty functional. My dishwasher is also set at a 45 in the corner (that part doesn’t work so well because of the way a dishwasher door swings down). Yes, stuff can get stuffed in the back corner, but I can live with that as long as it’s stuff I don’t use frequently. If you’re going to be using the pre-made Home Depot cabinets, you can probably buy a corner sink cabinet and just add shelving inside it.

    Like So: https://goo.gl/67Ve9p

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    chiflipper
    September 25, 2017 at 10:30 am

    I think your solution is the best use of the space at a reasonable cost. Those “corner units”, while nifty looking, really don’t hold very much.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Rachel
    September 25, 2017 at 10:33 am

    I think what you have will work, but your pantry is huge! I understand wanting to maximize space, but I would prefer a more streamlined look of solid built-ins instead of a gap that would leave room for a rolling cart. I think you are overthinking this.

    You could consider making a rolling tray for what you want to store in the blind corners. Then you would just have to remove what is blocking it.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sewducky
    September 25, 2017 at 10:33 am

    This looks good!
    My next suggestion is to-meh-toes vs to-mah-tos.
    You could make two carts. The downsides of a cart vs drawer are: Too difficult to steer them into the corner areas with limited reach, and supports may be too funky to work around clearance-wise. The benefits, casters may be cheaper hardware and you can adjust the carts to be more personal over time without messing with the pantry.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Carol
      September 25, 2017 at 11:32 am

      I was thinking the same thing: instead of pull-outs in that blind corner–which might be hard to place and lift things off of, hard to clean, etc. etc.–why not just have two carts? One tucks into the blind corner, and one sits in front of it. Just a thought.

      • Reply To This Comment ↓
        Kristi
        September 25, 2017 at 1:02 pm

        OH, I like that idea, too! It never occurred to me to have two carts.

        • Reply To This Comment ↓
          Ishtar
          September 25, 2017 at 2:21 pm

          I love the idea of two carts as well. I think this is a genius solution.

          I would have the carts on the side wall, instead of the back wall though, to make the view through the doors prettier.

          And if it was my house, I’d make one of the main carts a movable cleaning supply station. It would hold a trashcan, all your main cleaning supplies, and rags, dustpan, etc, so that when you’re cleaning the house, you could just go get the ‘cleaning cart’ and have all of your supplies right there with you at all times.

        • Reply To This Comment ↓
          Rebecca Neustel
          September 26, 2017 at 4:01 pm

          The two carts would be especially helpful if the items you’re putting on them weigh 20 lbs. Keep them on the cart while you’re using them, then roll it back.

        • Reply To This Comment ↓
          Lacey
          September 29, 2017 at 2:14 pm

          Add in my vote for the two carts! With the pull out shelves I worry you would have to climb under the countertop to pull out the shelf…

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Linda
    September 25, 2017 at 10:44 am

    LOVE LOVE LOVE the rolling cart idea. If ever needed, you can roll the cart directly into your kitchen and then, after you’re done with the appliance, put it back on the cart and roll it back into the pantry! Love it!

    In my opinion, you will want a couple of drawers in your pantry. You can store your linens, placemats, napkins, etc. but also things like cookie cutters and small dishes that may get lost on the shelves. Also, the drawers are the perfect place for sauce packets, condiments and items that you would normally need to put in a basket.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Cathy in WV
      September 25, 2017 at 11:07 am

      I agree with Linda about needing drawers. You’ll need someplace to store your plastic wrap, aluminum foil, extra bags for your Foodsaver, etc. I would think these would be necessary items since you’ll be preparing food for freezing.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Janet Sorenson
    September 25, 2017 at 10:45 am

    I love your idea! I have an island on wheels and It rolls very easily. I also love the idea of your pull out shelves. I cant wait to see it when it is completed. You are amazing with all of your ideas.
    Thanks for sharing.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Barb
    September 25, 2017 at 10:48 am

    Just a thought……if you rarely use the juice press and Champion juicer…..do you really need them? As I said, just a thought.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi
      September 25, 2017 at 10:58 am

      I don’t know, but I just can’t seem to make myself get rid of them. 🙂 If that day comes that I decide I want to do another juice fast/cleanse, I’ll need them. 😀

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Susan
    September 25, 2017 at 10:50 am

    With the countertop in place over the pull out cart, you won’t be able to get anything into or out of the top drawer (plus, you will have to get under the counter to get things out of the drawer. If you make the cart have the top be the counter, it will be easier to access those drawers (plus having a countertop height cart may come in more handy than a 3″ shorter than countertop cart.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Susan
      September 25, 2017 at 10:53 am

      Just realized you are doing shelves not drawers in corner. Still easier to access if cart is countertop height.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Diane mansil
      September 25, 2017 at 12:27 pm

      I have to agree with Susan. Make the cart countertop height so when you pull it out, you can then step into the space and pull out your shelves. Think of having to bend under the countertop for access when you get older. It won’t be easy and may end up being dangerous. It would also allow Matt access to the corner shelves if he should get the urge. He would be limited by the countertop otherwise.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Theresa P
    September 25, 2017 at 10:57 am

    You have an interesting situation: 4 blind corners. The one thing I would consider is height. The rolling unit that you pictured gives up a lot of vertical storage height, due to the legs and wheels. I know that you don’t like some of the super susan arrangements because they don’t use all available space, but I wonder how much space you lose to the legs and wheels. Maybe a combination of 2 super susans and two pull-out/rolling combinations (your solution) would give you the best storage configuration. I guess it kind of depends on what you need to store.

    Regardless, I think all the options you have considered are very interesting and a great resource for your readers. And, I know whatever options you choose, you’ll execute them well!

    Can’t wait to see it!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Susan
    September 25, 2017 at 10:59 am

    As a kitchen designer I have designed roll-out pantry storage, kneading stations, baking stations, etc. for clients. You will want to make sure to have your casters purchased first so you can take their height into account for the height of the roll-out cabinet. I usually leave about an inch of space between the top countertop and the countertop of the roll-out. Once I designed the top countertop with an apron under, which takes up 3″ if using filler to make the apron out of. In that case you would need to leave about 4″ of space between countertops. I also usually specify recessed finger pulls on the sides of the roll-out. Great idea!

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Susan
      September 25, 2017 at 12:18 pm

      Also, be sure to leave space behind the roll-out so you have room to install a cleat for the expanse of countertop that will be unsupported.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Denise Cassells
    September 25, 2017 at 11:01 am

    You totally just helped me out with your idea! We are just getting ready to start our kitchen remodel and I have for months been trying to figure out our blind corner issue. Every idea I came up with, short of spending a fortune, had some flaw to it – even down to installing a corner cabinet because there is no room next to it for the four drawer cabinet that is situated nearest the opened ended wall access to the dining room. If we added low profile wheels to the utensil cabinet with the drawers, it would simply need to slide out a little way, allowing for full access to that blind corner. Hubby was concerned about the countertop gap, and we could either add a butcher block top to the utensil drawer cabinet top, or a little slide bar (like you often see on sides of ovens) to one side of the utensil drawer that already is completely self contained on the the exposed side. That would give me access to those small appliance that we seldom use – saving a trip downstairs to the walk-in pantry for that appliance. Your idea is pretty ingenious.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Cheryl Smith-Bell
    September 25, 2017 at 11:06 am

    Seem to me to be a good solution! That said, what about the weight? Both of those are very heavy to have to handle under a counter, at least it would be for me, now that I’m “old”! You’re looking at 50# of weight for those two things, so your self glides would have to be really strong!. Can’t wait to see your build! You go girl!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Chris F
    September 25, 2017 at 11:10 am

    HI Kristi,
    I so look forward to reading your post and the walk-in pantry is something I have always dreamed of. (had one in my childhood home). The one thing I liked about a pantry I had in a back door entry/laundry was a wall of pantry cupboards. All were only 12-14″ ? deep. I hate having to dig too far and keeping it all in plain sight. The shelves are adjustable to accommodate the different heights. I really think you are overthinking the project rather, focus on keeping it functional rather than trying something new or different just to have a new project. My thought would be is to have some cabinets deeper to hold the bigger items putting them on the back wall(on either side of your chest freezer), shallow base cabinets butting up to them (creating an area of 14″ not easily reached) with no uppers on the left and right sidewalls. I would then put in a two tall deep cabinets with fixed and rolling drawers/shelves on both sides and having no cabinets on the wall with your entry french door. Wish I could do a diagram!
    Having said all that, I am looking forward to whatever you decide. Just try not to overthink it. Good luck

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Andrea
    September 25, 2017 at 11:28 am

    I think the rolling cart sounds fantastic. It’s mobility adds versatility and function beyond anything. I only have a basic closet pantry but I have a mud room I’ve sorta taken over as an extended pantry because we rarely enter through there. For me the rolling cart has advantages because it’s always nice to have an extra surface during the holidays for prep- regardless of how much counter space you have. It’s also nice to put a crock pot on a cart and plug it in out of the fray of kitchen chaos. Or even on the best laid circuits, it helps to roll something over to another circuit (not that I would know about popping the breaker) 😉 I have also been dreaming of something similar in my craft room.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Claire
    September 25, 2017 at 11:30 am

    The drawer slides are brilliant, but how about instead they pull out onto the shelf portion that is not hidden?

    Picturing the top left corner from the floor plan… if the shelf is 12×24, and 12×12 is hidden to the left, you would put a 12×12 pull out box ON TOP of shelf in the blind corner. When you needed those items, the roller would pull out (to the right) into the visible area. You would obviously need to clear the shelf first, but you could probably build a custom tray for the visible portion that could lift out onto the counter.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Margo
    September 25, 2017 at 11:31 am

    Your idea sounds great with the rolling cart. I was wondering what items you intend to put on the open shelves on either side of the freezer? Someone else made a suggestion that you switch those to closed cabinets so it doesn’t look so busy or cluttered from the view thru the pantry entrance and put your open shelves on the sides inside the doorway. That also sounds like a good idea. Can’t wait to see what you decide. Have a blessed day.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Christine Czarnecki
    September 25, 2017 at 11:40 am

    I have to second Cheryl’s concern about the weight of these two juice appliances. As we get – ahem! – a little older, our backs (and shoulder joints and knee joints) start to complain. Or go out completely.

    Consider putting these two behemoths either on those mixer pull-up stands or at counter height, stored behind doors, solid or a tambour.

    You want to stay in this house a long time, right? Then think ahead to plan for how your body will be when you are much older, not how it is now.

    And there is no need to get rid of something that you will use from time to time. Keep ’em and love ’em.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Ro M
    September 25, 2017 at 11:41 am

    I think you would find that trying to get heavier items from the drawers and under the countertop difficult. I love the idea but I would limit the weight of things I put back there. Looks great!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Beth Lewis
    September 25, 2017 at 11:51 am

    I might be missing something, or I might be a bit confused from the diagram. If you have open shelving all the way to the left wall, and you have a rolling cart to pull out from the left wall in order to access those shelves, didn’t you just solve the problem right there? Why do you need slides? Wouldn’t you be able to access the shelves once the rolling cart was moved? Again, I might be missing something.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Linda
      September 25, 2017 at 11:04 pm

      THIS!!!!! Duh, why did none of us think of that? Yes, have shelves and countertop go all the way along the back wall, and as long as the pull out cart (love the cleaning station that someone mentioned) includes the counterop, when it’s out it will be the same as if there wasn’t anything on that side at all!

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      carswell
      September 26, 2017 at 10:45 am

      This seems like a good solution. It is not over engineered and the shelves will be completely accessible if the rolling carts include counter.

      If the counter was butcher block it would also be relatively inexpensive and the cart(s) would be attractive and useful on their own.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Linda
    September 25, 2017 at 12:01 pm

    Just a thought in case you don’t want those wheels showing in your “purty” room – I have a Drexel Heritage dresser that the bottom front is covered just like a regular dresser but it has wheels so you can move it when you need to. Excellent design and you would never know it has wheels. You could design your cart so it would match and look like the rest of your cabinets and yet still have the moving cart too. Or maybe you have already thought about that?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Amy
    September 25, 2017 at 12:04 pm

    Can’t say I’m crazy about it as I love my lazy susan cabinet and my husband said it was the best thing we did in our kitchen (had blind cabinets prior to re-model). My lazy susan holds all my large mixing bowls, plastic storage items, apple corer, juicer, etc. all very well. I don’t like boxes in it as I feel like I lose too much space with the angles but all my round items store fantastically within it. The interior part of the turntable is great for water bottles than tend to fall over in my cabinets.

    That being said, if I was dead-set to use a rolling cart method in your pantry I would certainly only do 2 (you didn’t mention how many you were planning) on the sides and have them be 48 inches wide (if your scale is one block = 6 inches). So if I wanted to get to items in either the front or back of the room I would move one cart and be able to get to either side.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Golda
    September 25, 2017 at 12:13 pm

    I love the rolling cart – partly because I’m short and the top is lower than cabinet height. It makes a great worktop for short people. I also love those deep deep drawers in the cabinet shown.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Tracy
    September 25, 2017 at 12:29 pm

    It seems if you are really wanting to maximize space you would want to include a wall of full height cabinets with some roll out shelving. Maybe that’s in your plans, and I’m not aware. I understand the want for symmetry and openness, but do you need all that counter space? Two or three double height cabinets would make up for the corners and easier to access. No easier way to throw out your back then bending, and twisting to lift something heavy!😕

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sophia
    September 25, 2017 at 12:34 pm

    I have one spot in my kitchen that will have a small bind corner, my solution was pretty similar to this, but the pull out cabinet is built in, not on wheels. I think your plan is very good.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Susan Marek
    September 25, 2017 at 12:36 pm

    In my house, we have an L-shaped corner cabinet that has a two tier lazy Susan in it with a wedge cut out at the front. The cabinet door is an L-shaped, folding door that has two sets of hinges and opens into one larger door when you pull the knob. When you close it, it folds back into an L and looks like the other cabinet doors. I store my juicer, popcorn popper, Vitamix, etc in there, and all appliances are easily accessible. It sounds like it would work for your pantry. Although, your idea is ingenious!

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    Kathy
    September 25, 2017 at 12:54 pm

    I think I understand what you are proposing. This looks a lot simpler than this one that I’ve always liked: http://sawdustgirl.com/blind-corner-cabinet-with-no-wasted-space/ Her idea seems a little bit “over-engineered” compared to yours. Although hers are exposed to better lighting, your idea seems a lot easier especially if you have to do several. I like your plan.

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    BeckiB
    September 25, 2017 at 12:59 pm

    I have a rollout storage very similar to the example pic you showed, and I love it. One thing to consider is that you will need to get down under the countertop to access those pull out drawers. That might not pose a problem for you, but I would be forever banging my head. Lol

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    Marianne in Mo.
    September 25, 2017 at 1:03 pm

    I like your idea. Just be sure to be able to access the slide out shelves without having to get yourself into the space. Someone mentioned having the slide outs oriented so that the “fronts” face the open area where the rolling cart will be exiting, which is perpendicular to the arrows you show for the sliding drawers.

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    Emily
    September 25, 2017 at 1:08 pm

    In my opinion, this idea is really odd. With the blind corners you can look and see whats back there, you can easily access most things that are on the edges and would only have to dig a little for whats in the far back corner. In this new option, you can’t see anything back there at all. Then you have to roll out one hting, roll another to the front, and then open that to find where the item you’re looking for is. It seems so much more complicated and even more blind than the blind corner options.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi
      September 26, 2017 at 8:37 am

      The idea would be that I’d actually know what’s back there, and I’d store things back there with intention and purpose, rather than just throwing random things onto random shelves and having to dig through and search as I need items. If I know exactly what’s stored back there, there shouldn’t be any need for searching, digging, wondering what’s back there.

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    Yvonne
    September 25, 2017 at 1:30 pm

    I’ve been thinking through this situation as it’s something I’d like to do to simplify life as hubby and I get older! How about, in your two closed cabinets either side of the entry, you have fixed shelves at counter height (or whatever height works for you). The juicers go one on each right and left cabinet; you could run an outlet to the back of each shelf if necessary but they would remain hidden until needed. Remember the pain you have gone through with your shoulder – lifting 30lbs or even 20lbs could do some serious damage! I don’t know the dimensions of the juicers or the cabinets, perhaps you could fit both juicers on only one shelf.
    Your corner cabinets could still function as planned for lighter items such as linens or home-canned foods which need to be kept in the dark.
    Your roll-out cabinets will work perfectly as a height for pastry/dough.

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    amy
    September 25, 2017 at 1:43 pm

    One last thought…

    58 sq feet counter space? And you don’t have room on those counters for your heaviest appliances (juicer and press)? You really need to give those away then…I think of long-term storage in my house as that which I have for Christmas dishes, Halloween-themed and Easter-themed items for entertaining and summer items (melamine items and 4th of July bowls/platters). I just rotate those items as needed.

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    Mrs PoP
    September 25, 2017 at 2:07 pm

    We went with the big 36″ pie shaped lazy susan and have been pretty happy with how much storage space it provides – the small amount wasted in the back corners doesn’t bother me in the least – it uses the space so efficiently I had to install the lazy susan before I put the back on the cabinet because it literally can’t go in/out any other way.

    But… if you’re talking about doing a DIY pull-out solution, may I recommend checking out what SawDust Girl did?

    http://sawdustgirl.com/blind-corner-cabinet-with-no-wasted-space/

    I don’t even know how to describe how impressive it is. But I’m still not convinced it’s “zero” wasted space since the boxes and space allowances for tracks, etc take up space. But it might be the closest to maximizing blind corner space I’ve ever seen.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Athena
      September 25, 2017 at 5:17 pm

      Kristi please look at that post! It seems like a genius solution, one I’d try in our house if it were our forever house.

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      Kristi
      September 26, 2017 at 8:41 am

      I actually considered that design when I first saw her post about a year or so ago, but then I saw that she was so frustrated with the design herself that she ended up taking it out, permanently blocking off the blind corner completely, and just adding regular drawers. And she’s a MUCH more accomplished builder than I am, so if she couldn’t get it to work properly, I seriously doubt that I could. 🙂 –> http://sawdustgirl.com/pantry-update-blind-corner-drawers-and-countertops/

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    Bob's Gal
    September 25, 2017 at 2:31 pm

    Hmmmmmmmm??? just wondering……..If you piano hinged that corner section of the counter to the wall if it would give easier access to the roll out shelving…..to save your back from having to “Duck” under the above cabinets to access the roll out shelves…..

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    MElody
    September 25, 2017 at 2:40 pm

    Kristi, I think this is a great idea–either 1 or 2 carts. I would be using the carts as a makeshift buffet during the holidays, or as a drink station–be it adult beverages or an Italian soda station.

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    Jeanne
    September 25, 2017 at 3:09 pm

    This may be absolutely a bad idea–but in the picture you had arrows pointing to the pullout cart. Could it be possible to have built in cabinets beside the dreaded corner space. If you open the cabinet door why not place a pull out drawer to slide into that adjoining cabinet? That way the seldom used items would slide back into the corner and you could place the items you do use inside that useable cabinet. I am not sure I am explaining it correctly but this would be a much cheaper alternative and give a seamless countertop. The drawers would slide sideways instead of the front to back.

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    Mary Lines
    September 25, 2017 at 3:10 pm

    Check this out:

    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/245868460883650232/

    Nothing to pull out and move.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Elisabeth Crowe
    September 25, 2017 at 3:23 pm

    Hi Kristi,
    This may interest you. Sawdust Girl had the same issue and this was her solution.
    http://sawdustgirl.com/blind-corner-cabinet-with-no-wasted-space/

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    Allison
    September 25, 2017 at 3:28 pm

    I think having the slide shelves move to the right into the open shelving area would be easier. You would have an easier build with all of the cabinets being permanent and only a few items to move to slide the shelves to get whatever is in the corner. Also the heavy items would be supported by the shelves themselves. Just my thoughts😊

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    Jen near STL (for 7½ more months)
    September 25, 2017 at 9:33 pm

    I really wanted to find the photos I took of my solution (from my last house) for our blind corners, but apparently I deleted them in a fit of phone cleaning. I’ll try and explain as clearly as possible instead….

    In the non-blind portion of the corner (where your cart would be) I installed pull out trays. In the blind portion I installed a second set of trays at 90* to the first set and raised up 1½”. So I could pull out the first tray, then pull the second tray OVER the rails of the first one. We are in the military, so I carry my organizers with me from base to base, but I wasn’t able to use them in this house because it has the narrowest blind corner known to man. O.o

    If you need a better explanation let me know and I can sketch it up for you!

    By the way we are soon (7½ months!) retiring and moving to China Spring, TX where we are building our homestead on 11 acres.

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    JL
    September 25, 2017 at 9:40 pm

    Ooh! Ooh! Yes! 2 carts!

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    Zovesta
    September 25, 2017 at 10:08 pm

    From personal experience… if I have something “convenient” where I optimized space by just having to slide an end table away/reach behind something/do anything even remotely inconvenient, I just end up not putting things away and storing stuff where it’s easy to grab–on the counter. So I honestly wouldn’t worry about the corner and just go with the regular dark corners. It may not be the /best/ use of space, but at least it’ll serve its purpose by making life easier for you. 🙂

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    Lexi
    September 26, 2017 at 6:57 am

    What kind of maneuverable space is left when the drawers are pulled out to get to the corners? I can’t tell from the drawing that’s why I ask haha.

    But that’s also a great spot for a hidden trashcan for anyone searching for ideas!

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    LMK
    September 26, 2017 at 7:44 am

    Hi Kristi –
    My friend has corner drawers in her kitchen similar to these:
    https://goo.gl/images/gjAvLz

    They could work great in your pantry.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sue
    September 26, 2017 at 10:48 am

    I like that idea and never would’ve thought of it myself. Most of us have those seldom used items that we only need once or twice a year so this would be the perfect solution.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Chris
    September 26, 2017 at 1:25 pm

    Sorry if someone’s already suggest this but I didn’t have time to read all the comments. Have you considered building in something more like this?

    http://www.conestogawood.com/products/components-accessories/kitchen-storage-accessories/blind-corner-system.html
    http://www.merillat.com/merillat-masterpiece-base-blind-corner-with-swing-out/

    PS – Never give up on pretty! You always find a way to do both pretty and practical.