By Karen Kirk
October 2024
If you’re looking for solutions to gain more space in your kitchen, look no further than classic pocket and bi-fold doors. Due to advancements in hardware quality and space-saving benefits, these door styles are experiencing renewed popularity and are being used in various design applications including replacements for standard swing doors, as pantry doors and, as decorative room dividers.
When designing or renovating small spaces, door placement and style are key factors to take into consideration. When open, doors can steal valuable space from a room - space that can otherwise be used for furniture or to improve a room’s flow and ease of transition from one space to another. Maximizing all the useable space available in a small room, especially kitchens, requires skill and careful space planning. It’s always a smart idea to work with a professional space planner or designer who knows how to craft a floor plan that includes unique space-saving details like built-in banquettes, small-scale furnishings and appliances, and pocket doors. These details ensure every inch of space is put to good use without sacrificing function, style or traffic flow.
Here are some stylish examples to inspire your next kitchen project.
1.
Pocket doors can be functional and attractive. In this kitchen designed by Terracotta Design Build a standard swing door wasn’t an option due to its limited space so the smart solution was to install a pocket door. Adding character to the kitchen, the top panel of the painted door is glass with an open patterned screen insert to let in a bit of light from the windows in the room behind the door. Moving between the kitchen and the mud room is a lot more convenient and space is saved in both rooms.
Thermador dual fuel free-standing range.
2.
Pocket doors with frosted glass inserts help maintain a minimalist, clean, and clutter-free aesthetic. When used as pantry doors or room dividers, pocket doors designed with glass panel inserts allow light to flow between rooms and provide privacy and a sound barrier where required.
Courtesy Milette Doors
3.
A built-in pantry unit blends seamlessly into the kitchen cabinetry with pocket doors that open out and slide back into the sides of the shelving unit. Hide away coffee machines, microwaves, toasters and other daily essentials with ease. I’m inspired by this clever unit that includes drawers for serveware, dishes and table linens. Your kitchen designer should be able to recreate a similar cabinet design for you to suit your needs.
Via Pinterest and Remodelista
4.
When pocket doors aren’t an option for you, consider space-saving bi-fold cabinet doors. Here, the bi-fold doors of the upper cabinet that sits on the countertop, fold back against the wall on either side to provide easy access to the interior shelves.
Thermador Masterpiece Double Wall Oven
