Smart spice storage

During a kitchen remodel, our clients requested a spice cabinet. We were not happy with the fit and finish of ready-made products, most of which are designed for use in lower cabinets. Bending down next to a hot stove to search for the paprika just isn’t comfortable. Instead, we decided to construct our own cabinet.

We used Columbia’s formaldehyde-free Pure-Bond plywood. A small shelf unit mounts inside the cabinet on full-extension drawer glides. The shelves sit on adjustable pins, and small stainless rails prevent the spice jars from falling out. We installed a water-glass panel on the exposed side.

Below the glass panel, four removable boxes contain the small, loose items common in today’s kitchens. The maple boxes have mitered corners reinforced with purpleheart splines. Their faces are cherry, with a lip routed underneath for a finger pull. They’re finished with an oil/wax combo.

When the cabinet is opened, the spices glide out, unobstructed, at eye level.

When closed, the cabinet makes inventory simple.