While specifying kitchen cabinetry is about effectively meeting storage requirements, it also about a lot more. It involves broader design considerations and the degree to which the product represents a good fit for not just the kitchen but the whole home.

So, what are the latest kitchen storage products and trends right now?

Benita Cripp, Brand Engagement Manager at Momo Handles, says she is seeing the inclusion of warmer, more grounded palettes with rich neutrals, textured materials, and thoughtfully layered finishes in residential kitchens.

“Designers are embracing tactile surfaces, sculptural statement elements and mixed-metal accents, creating spaces that feel both elevated and inviting,” says Cripp.

Within this landscape, hardware plays a crucial role.

“White handle finishes offer a clean, understated look that pairs beautifully with warm off-whites and contemporary minimalism, while bronze handle finishes complement the growing preference for earthy tones and add a sense of warmth and material richness,” says Cripp.

In addition, she says, the new dark bronze finish that the company offers on some of its handle ranges brings depth and sophistication, especially when paired with darker cabinetry or as part of a mixed-metal scheme.

“Together, these finishes align seamlessly with the shift toward kitchens that balance modern refinement with timeless design,” says Cripp.

At the same time, customisation is important.

“Tailored storage and cabinetry solutions allow homeowners to maximise functionality, optimise small or awkward layouts, and create kitchens that support their specific lifestyles and habits,” says Cripp.

The Essentio basket range (from Momo Handles’ parent company, the Furnware Group) is a good example. Representing an evolution of previous products, the range features solid, slimline side panels that deliver a contemporary, seamless appearance.

“From a practical standpoint, one of Essentio’s key advantages is its thin-wall construction, which has been engineered to maximise internal storage space without compromising strength,” says Cripp.

The baskets, which are finished in a durable powder-coated surface are durable and resilient. Easy to clean, they deliver a blend of performance and visual harmony and are therefore ideal for modern kitchens.

The Essentio basket range is manufactured by Vauth-Stagel Storage Solutions, a company with a long-held commitment to user-friendly installation.

As Cripp notes, the Essentio design is also available across the full suite of straight-sided basket products, including newly released additions to the range.

The Nebo Lifter from Titus Tekform helps make use of bulkhead space copy.png

Above: The Nebo Lifter from Titus Tekform helps make use of bulkhead space / Supplied.

Blended designs

Ben Hubbard, Purchasing Manager at Titus Tekform, says “blended designs” are becoming more popular in kitchens. Architects and designers are incorporating elements from different trends to create fusion aesthetics, like “Soft Modern” or “Modern Traditional”.

“Think Farmhouse style elements like Belfast sinks or Shaker doors paired with modern handle designs and finishes,” explains Hubbard. “Colours in general are slowly moving away from the standard whites with a stronger focus on alternative cabinetry colours.”

On top of this, and as highlighted at recent European trade shows, things like multi-faceted and textured handles with baseplates have emerged as ways to add a touch of art deco opulence to modern kitchens.

“Our new Cambridge range of handles embrace these European designs, with interchangeable baseplates for added flexibility and customisation,” says Hubbard.

In terms of kitchen storage and cabinetry, hidden storage and multifunction areas are becoming more popular. According to Hubbard, incorporating pocket doors and integrated charging stations within cabinetry ensures a clean, highly functional design.

“Drawers have almost entirely replaced base cabinets, and we're seeing continued interest in pull-out storage solutions, particularly for corner areas,” continues Hubbard, adding that cutlery trays and inserts can also make a difference to the functionality of kitchens.

A supplier of choice for the Australian kitchen, furniture, shop-fitting, and cabinet making industries, Titus Tekform’s offerings include the Quadra range, which is designed to ensure full access to cabinet contents and features an integrated soft close.

“The Italian-designed units come standard in a stylish anthracite finish and the solid base trays are more practical than the chrome mesh alternatives, offering added stability,” says Hubbard.

“Meanwhile, overhead lifters like our easily installed Nebo range can also be a great way to make use of bulkhead space and increase storage capacity.”

The company also offers two folding door options for cabinetry – the SetF450 Bi-fold doors, which include added adjustment options, and the P700 Hideaway folding pocket door system.

According to Hubbard, both systems can be integrated into kitchen cabinetry to create hidden storage for appliances.

Architecturally expressive hardware

According to Teegan Cocchiaro, Co-Founder/Director of Lo & Co Interiors, while open-plan kitchens remain a favourite, the market is exhibiting a renewed appreciation for more defined spaces.

“Many projects are embracing the original architectural layout, or ‘bones’, of the home by creating zones that feel purposeful and intimate,” says Cocchiaro. “Rather than dividing spaces completely, designers are subtly defining areas through cabinetry and materiality, giving the kitchen its own identity while still feeling connected to the home.”

At the same time, Cocchiaro says, cabinetry is evolving beyond the classic look, with more people leaning into diverse materials, deeper colours and shapes that feel a bit more architectural.

“As kitchens shift towards more defined and curated spaces, cabinetry plays a larger role in expressing style, through bold detailing and also hardware,” she says.

Asked about customisation, Cocchiaro says that homeowners are designing spaces that not only reflect their aesthetic preferences but also support how they live, day to day.

“Hardware, in particular, has become one of the most expressive elements, with people investing in pieces that feel elevated, tactile, and intentional,” says Cocchiaro.

“From finishes, to scale, to materiality, customisation ensures every detail feels cohesive and completely tailored.”

In this context, Lo & Co Interiors’ latest collections focus on sculptural forms, high-quality materials and forward-thinking design.

Designed in collaboration with SMAC Studio, the Forma collection features architectural silhouettes, bow-inspired motifs, and a blend of marble and solid brass. The pieces bring a striking, contemporary refinement to both cabinetry and kitchen storage.

Meanwhile, the company’s versatile and durable Brass Hardware range, which is available in multiple finishes, is recommended as a means to add warmth and sophistication to everyday kitchen use.

And finally, its Marble Hardware combines quiet luxury with excellent craftsmanship. According to Cocchiaro, these work beautifully on pantries, appliance cupboards, and larger bespoke cabinetry in cases where those involved are seeking to make a statement.

“Across all these ranges, the focus is on longevity, tactility, and form…and on crafting hardware that feels as considered as the joinery itself,” says Cocchiaro.

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Above: DesignerOne’s Lunar Grey and Highland Mist define the palette of this contemporary kitchen / Supplied.

Decorated panels and laminates

Grace McDonald, Interior Design Advisor at ForestOne, says an increased emphasis on functionality, along with trends towards shared/communal spaces and larger benches have, in turn, led to more customisation of kitchens.

“Finding and representing one's personal style has definitely come into light, replacing the desire to have the same as everyone else,” she says.

According to McDonald, the need for space has resulted in the introduction of more and more butler/open plan back kitchens and there has been a return of solid colour/colourful upper cabinets paired with a combination of handles and hooks on cabinetry doors.

On top of that, she says, a lot of designers are “saying goodbye to white cabinet internals and introducing colour, texture and lighting or leaning into the ‘Luxe x Rustic’ trend”.

Australia’s largest independent, locally owned distributor of wood panels, timber and decorative surface products, ForestOne offers various products suitable for installation in kitchens, including the DesignerOne Colour range of decorated panels and laminates.

PEFC Chain of Custody (CoC) certified and crafted for consumers, designers and builders alike, the range is recommended for custom joinery, internal cabinetry, furniture and wardrobe applications, within kitchens and elsewhere.

Characterised by its high-quality finish, the ease with which it can be fabricated, its cost efficiency, and its durability, DesignerOne is intended to strike the right balance between form and function and deliver dependable performance when installed in residential kitchens.

Locally made to ensure faster lead times, the DesignerOne range is available in a range of 24 colours. Designed to work interchangeably with each other, these come in three different finishes, namely ‘Natural’, ‘Drift’ and ‘Stipple’.

Natural ensures a smooth and low sheen surface with a velvety touch; while Drift, with its realistic matte woodgrain texture, captures the tactile and visual authenticity of modern and classic woodgrains; and Stipple, with its slightly textured satin-like finish, can be relied upon to reduce blemish visibility and provide a soft sheen.

Focusing more closely on the many colour options, McDonald says that by combining them – and pairing, say, traditional white with classic/coastal oaks, organic greys and browns with charcoal/cool woodgrains, or charcoal/deep woodgrains with dark greys and patterns – it becomes possible to achieve various on-trend looks and themes.

Practical cabinet solutions

When designing or renovating a kitchen, it is always important to quantify the amount of storage space needed, and subsequently, work out how to get the most out of what’s available.

Acknowledging this, Blum Australia offers a range of practical cabinet solutions – including the Space Tower, the Space Corner, the Space Twin, and the Sink Drawer – which are designed to deliver additional storage space without the need to change the dimensions of the room.

Incorporating individual pull-outs, the Space Tower pantry facilitates access from three sides, and therefore ensures stored items are always close at hand. At full extension, users can reach items at the back of the drawer with ease, which means nothing is likely to become lost or forgotten.

The width of the Space Tower can be customised to suit individual requirements, and the product is available with flexible design options. Including gallery rails and glass elements, these ensure complete visibility prior to shopping, during meal preparation, and so on.

Meanwhile, Blum’s Space Corner is designed to facilitate access to usually difficult-to-reach corner cabinets. Featuring spacious angled drawers, it allows homeowners to make the most of these useful, yet often wasted, storage spaces.

An ideal place to keep items such herbs and spices, bottles, chopping boards, and baking trays, Blum’s Space Twin solution facilitates the use of the kitchen’s smallest spaces, while at the same time, maintaining a seamless design. To ensure good workflow within the kitchen, the company recommends positioning these narrow cabinets close to the preparation bench or stove.

And finally, Blum’s u-shaped Sink Drawer solves the perennial issue of how to best store items under the kitchen sink. Featuring a cut-out to accommodate the sink bowl, the sink drawer is ideal for keeping utensils, sponges, and dishwashing liquids out of sight, when they are needed.

Intelligent systems

According to Nover – an Australian owned and operated company specialising in the wholesale distribution of products to the kitchen, joinery, and furniture manufacturing sector – the focus for kitchen storage and cabinetry options has shifted to highly-customised, intelligent systems that blend form and function seamlessly.

Cabinetry is now designed with tailored zones – such as appliance trays, pull-out spice and cooking-tool bays, full-height pantries, and vertical storage that exploits ceiling height – to support how people actually use kitchens rather than just hide things.

Design-wise, cabinetry is moving toward sleek, integrated systems with hidden handles, minimal hardware, and smart features (integrated lighting, sensor-activated drawers) so that the kitchen retains a streamlined look aligned with open/hybrid layouts.

According to the company, its Peka smart storage system is a good example of smart storage solutions that optimise space in every inch of cabinetry.

Designed with a focus on accessibility, space-optimisation and quality, its highlights include pull-out larder units, slide-out corner systems and waste sorting systems that make full use of otherwise hard-to-reach cabinet space.

Meanwhile, Nover also offers the Salice range which, apart from hinges, also includes lift fittings, drawer systems, sliding/folding systems, and more.

The Salice Exedra pocket door system, for example, offers a sleek, space-optimising solution for modern cabinetry, delivering smooth, concealed functionality with premium Italian engineering. Ideal for residential kitchens, its standout feature is its ability to seamlessly slide doors into a recessed pocket, keeping them completely out of the way when open.

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Above: The Salice Evolift Flap Door System is available from Nover / Supplied.

Meanwhile, the Salice EvoLift system, a versatile lift-up hinge solution designed for modern cabinetry, offers effortless, smooth movement for overhead or wall-mounted doors. Featuring adjustable opening angles, soft-close damping, and compatibility with a wide range of door sizes and weights, it adds a sleek, contemporary look to kitchens and ensures quiet, reliable operation.

Main image: DesignerOne Coastal Oak, a light woodgrain, contrasted with the rich warmth of Cocoa / Supplied.

Suppliers

The Furnware Group

Titus Tekform

Lo & Co Interiors

ForestOne

Blum Australia

Nover

Matt McDonald

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