A Built-in Kitchen Hutch

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Q.
I have a small area in the kitchen I want to use for storage. I need to get my china, extra wine glasses, and some knickknacks out of the boxes in my basement. Should I buy a stand alone hutch or have one built to match the cabinetry? I don't plan to change our current cabinets so they probably won't match exactly. Will that look ok?
- Mary

A.
If you have the space, a hutch in the kitchen or dining room is perfect for extra storage and display. It provides organization for extra dishes and glasses, linens and trays, or even baking ingredients and utensils. Typically, there are doors and/or drawers on the lower half and doors with glass or open shelving on the upper half. The upper half can either sit directly on the countertop or have no bottom rail so that it leaves the countertop open.

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Whether it's built-in or a freestanding piece is really up to you. With a custom built-in you can make it whatever size and have whatever features you wish. You can choose to either have open shelving, glass doors, closed doors, or a combination. It can even be built to look like it's freestanding. If you go with a freestanding furniture piece, you can always stain or paint it to make it your own or adorn the drawers and doors with different pulls and knobs to update the look. A new countertop material can be added, if possible. If you choose a freestanding that doesn't come in two pieces, just remember to measure your doorways to make sure it will fit through.

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You can try to match it to the existing cabinetry although it may be challenging to find the exact same finish and door style. Different can look great if it's done well. You can either blend it with other accents in the room or have it stand out as the new focal point of your space. By blending it, the finish or color you choose can be balanced in other accessories. For example, a black hutch is balanced by black counter stools with window treatments that have a black pattern. By making it the focal point, it should stand out with color or decoration. Put those knickknacks to good use. Whatever you choose, the hutch will look great and the extra storage will be even better!

Thanks! - Danielle