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10 ideas for planned kitchen cabinets to optimize spaces

Discover how to choose and organize the ideal kitchen cabinet with planned solutions that make the most of every inch of the projects.

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at May 8, 2025, 7:29 AM

Mais de 10 min de leitura
Bruno Moraes - Functional Kitchen. CASACOR São Paulo 2023 Project.

Bruno Moraes - Functional Kitchen. CASACOR São Paulo 2023 Project. (Guilherme Pucci)

Choosing the ideal kitchen cabinet goes far beyond aesthetics: it is a strategic decision to ensure functionality, organization, and comfort in everyday life. In increasingly compact apartments — taking advantage of every inch intelligently is essential. It is in this context that custom cabinets stand out, offering tailored solutions that combine practicality with the personal style of the residents.
Bezerra Panobianco - Coexist Deca. Project of CASACOR Goiás 2025.

Bezerra Panobianco - Conviver Deca. ConViver Deca, a cozinha de 56,75 m² captura a essência do elo entre o homem e a natureza, com elementos que permeiam a arquitetura biomórfica, vernacular e contemporânea. Projetado por Expedito Bezerra e Lucas Panobianco, o espaço propõe uma experiência sensorial, com formas orgânicas no teto que remete às dunas de areia — símbolo de fluidez e renovação. A paleta de cores sóbrias reforça a serenidade do espaço, que é aberto, integrado e pensado para múltiplos usos. Mais que um ambiente funcional, a cozinha convida à convivência e se revela como um refúgio acolhedor e adaptável ao tempo e às relações. (Edgard César/CASACOR)

Whether in a minimalist, retro, or contemporary kitchen, the planned cabinet can take on different forms, colors, and finishes, always with the aim of facilitating routine and optimizing the available space. With the help of a good carpentry project, it is possible to integrate open niches, embed appliances, explore previously forgotten corners, and even gain new storage points without compromising circulation.

Cabinet with open niches expands the feeling of space


Vorá Architecture - Dendê Kitchen. Project of CASACOR Bahia 2024.

Vorá Arquitetura - Cozinha Dendê. Projeto da CASACOR Bahia 2024. (Xico Diniz/CASACOR)

In compact kitchens, white is a true wildcard. Besides illuminating the projects, it creates a sense of amplitude that makes all the difference. When combined with open niches, the result is even more interesting: the structure remains light and functional, allowing decorative objects, spice jars, and everyday utensils to always be at hand — and in view.

This type of cabinet is ideal for those seeking a simple, modern, and efficient composition, with a personalized touch. To reinforce the clean aesthetic, it is worth betting on discreet handles or even on a touch-opening system.

Light wood with matte black creates elegant contrast


Navarro Arquitetura - Casa Araxá. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2023. In the photo dining room with glass table and kitchen.

Navarro Arquitetura - Casa Araxá. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2023. (MCA Estudio/CASACOR)

The mix between light wood and matte black finish has gained prominence in the most contemporary projects. This combination unites the warmth and texture of wood with the sophisticated look of black, generating a balanced contrast. In addition to aesthetic appeal, this model usually brings well-distributed vertical and horizontal modules, with plenty of space to embed appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves. A complete solution for those who want a planned kitchen with a striking visual presence and high functionality.

Integrated hot tower values verticality


Susana Clark Fiuza - Kitchens. Project of CASACOR Ceará 2023.

Susana Clark Fiuza - Cozinha Kitchens. Projeto da CASACOR Ceará 2023. (Victor Eleuterio/CASACOR)

The so-called hot tower — a structure that accommodates an oven, microwave and top cabinets — is one of the great allies in kitchen organization. By concentrating the appliances in a single vertical, this model frees up counter space and improves workflow in the projects.

The hot tower also facilitates access to equipment and makes everything more practical in everyday life. When well integrated into the rest of the cabinet, it becomes a focal point in the design, as well as contributing to the ergonomics of the space.

Cabinet with color combination transforms the project


In the kitchen, the Blush and Deep Blue finish create an unexpected (but very welcome) combination in the cabinets.

Na cozinha, o acabamento Blush e Azul Profundo formam uma combinação inesperada (mas muito bem-vinda) nos armários (Rafael Renzo/CASACOR)

Colors have the power to completely renew the kitchen and when applied strategically to the planned cabinet, help to define the style of the projects. Combinations like olive green with white, navy blue with light wood, or earthy tones with matte black are in vogue and create atmospheres that range from sophisticated to cozy.

It is possible to highlight a module with a vibrant color, mix matte and shiny finishes, or bet on neutral tones with varied textures. In addition to contributing to aesthetics, colors influence the sense of amplitude and brightness of the projects, making the kitchen more pleasant and functional.

Minimalist kitchen with handle-less cabinets opts for a clean look


Meet the apartment of architect Ana Moura, from the CASACOR Pernambuco cast. In the photo, kitchen with gray cabinetry.

(Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

For those who desire a more discreet aesthetic, cabinets without handles — with touch or embedded opening systems — are a great choice.

This solution values straight lines and continuous surfaces, characteristics of minimalist style. In kitchens integrated with the living room, the result is even more harmonious, as the cabinet blends with the other elements of the projects, creating a sense of unity.

Even without visible handles, the model does not lack functionality and offers ample internal space to keep everything in order.

Glass doors with internal lighting highlight organization


Kitchen 21, project by Rubiana Teixeira for CASACOR Goiás 2021

Cozinha 21 - Rubiana Teixeira. Projeto para a CASACOR Goiás 2021 (Edgard César/CASACOR)

Glass-door cabinets bring visual lightness to the kitchen and allow the stored items to become part of the decoration. When combined with internal LED lighting, they create a scenic and sophisticated effect, especially at night.

This is a great choice for those who like to keep beautiful dishes or organized utensils in view. Moreover, internal lighting facilitates the visualization of items and contributes to the practicality of everyday life.

Central island with lower cabinets offers support and storage


Figueiredo Fischer Arquitetos - Casa Lider. Project from CASACOR São Paulo 2023. In the photo, kitchen with island, wooden brises, and stool. Integrated bedroom and wine cellar.

Figueiredo Fischer Arquitetos - Casa Lider. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2023. Na foto cozinha com ilha, brises de madeira e banqueta. Quarto integrada e adega. (Ricardo Bassetti/CASACOR)

If space permits, including a central island with lower cabinets is a smart way to increase both storage and support areas. This structure works as an extra counter for food preparation, support for quick meals, or even as a meeting point during events and gatherings. With well-distributed lower cabinets, the island also helps organize larger utensils, such as pots, trays, and rarely used appliances.

Retro cabinet with vibrant colors brings personality


Paola Ribeiro - Loft in the Field. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2016.

Paola Ribeiro - Loft no Campo. Projeto da CASACOR (Divulgação/CASACOR)

For those who are not afraid to be bold, the retro cabinet with vibrant colors — like yellow, blue, or green — is a fun and striking way to compose the kitchen. Inspired by designs from the 1950s and 1960s, this model combines metal handles, rounded shapes, and a glossy finish. Besides being functional, it becomes the main protagonist of the projects, reflecting the style and personality of the residents. This type of cabinet can be custom-made with well-thought-out internal space and a charming look.

Modules up to the ceiling maximize storage


Susana Clark Fiuza - Kitchens. Project of CASACOR Ceará 2023.

Susana Clark Fiuza - Cozinha Kitchens. Projeto da CASACOR Ceará 2023. (Victor Eleuterio/CASACOR)

An efficient trick to make better use of vertical space is to plan cabinets up to the ceiling. These upper modules are perfect for storing rarely used items, like special dishes, infrequently used appliances, or larger pantry stocks. In addition to increasing storage, they also create a continuous visual line that makes the ceiling seem higher, enhancing the architecture of the projects. To facilitate access, it is possible to include retractable ladders or folding doors with pistons.

Natural carpentry creates a welcoming environment


vintage retro wood details casacor kitchen

Espaço de Receber da Chef de Cozinha - Marcelo Diniz, Mateus Finzetto e Deise Pucci. Projeto da CASACOR Franca 2018. (Felipe Araújo/CASACOR)

Natural wood has the power to visually warm the kitchen, creating a cozier and more organic atmosphere. When used in planned carpentry, it values artisanal work and can be combined with modern elements, such as stone countertops, brushed metals, and recessed lighting. This type of cabinet fits with more rustic, Scandinavian, or even industrial proposals, depending on the other finishes. In addition to aesthetic appeal, custom carpentry ensures functionality and long durability.

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator, developed by the Technology team of CASACOR based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.

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