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The Smooth Operator
June 4, 2024
As storage takes prominence in the kitchen, so does the hardware on which it functions. Drawers are an integral part of the cabinetry design and must glide along to enhance user experience.
Urban minimalism has been one of the predominant trends in recent times, especially, in the kitchen, where the optimum utilisation of available space is necessary. The clean, well-defined lines of furniture design, which include cabinetry, carcass, shutters and accessories, exude an aura of elegance while also enhancing the functionality of the kitchen by using every nook and corner.
In a perfectly organised kitchen, every object has its own place where it can be stored strategically, so as to be found readily when required. This also applies to the contents of drawers and pull-outs. The drawer is an open-topped storage container that maximises storage and makes the kitchen extra functional; adding to the aesthetics, it camouflages the potentially messy areas of the space, while giving the kitchen a seamless look.
The drawer sides come in a choice of aluminium or a steel version with a flush, uniform connection to the back panel which is available in either wood or steel. Photo Courtesy: Grass
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The function
Typically, in a kitchen, the function of a drawer is not to be too fancy or complicated; it needs to be sturdy, tight and probably not too heavy so that it is easier to open and close. Moreover, it requires enough storage space and organisers to accommodate the smallest to the largest of kitchen accessories. Drawers in the kitchen are usually placed below the countertop, with the largest ones, usually called oversized drawers, utilising the space behind the plinth. Given their function, these spaces are largely vulnerable to wear and tear due to daily and rough use.
Looking at each requirement of cabinetry design, which may differ from one project to another, there is always an ever-increasing emphasis on convenience and comfort. It is therefore not surprising that modern furniture design focuses increasingly on door and drawer systems without handles or grip recesses. Moreover, these electronic comfort systems offer optimum design options for enhancing the appearance and design of the overall space.
Dynapro comes with three options that result in operating comfort and guarantees maximum versatility. Photo Courtesy: Grass
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Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go to font for titles, paragraphs & more. Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Behind the scenes
Not only does a drawer’s efficiency and functionality depend on its use, but a large chunk of its lifecycle is determined by the hardware on which it runs. In terms of hardware, any drawer, be it a pull-out or full-extension drawer, runs on a rail-like system called a runner and/or slide system. The choice may vary depending on the kind of movement element and the load-bearing capacity required.
A ‘slide’ is generally fixed to a drawer box and carcass of a unit, with ball or roller bearings adding to a smooth and noiseless experience. The use of movement elements also depends on the load required of the drawer. International Austrian fittings company, Grass, introduced a designer drawer as an addition to its drawer product range. The product, Vionaro is a design solution for all the applications in a kitchen and living room environment. It features two drawer sides that are just 13 mm thick and has an immaculate, uninterrupted surface. The Vionaro drawer has a perfect cubist design, which provides synchronised movement, combined with the lowest opening pull forces and an outstanding load capacity of up to 60 kg! In addition, it has a three-dimensional adjustment facility. The drawer sides come in a choice of aluminium or a steel version with a flush, uniform connection to the back panel which is available in either wood or steel. The functioning of Vionaro is based on Grass’ award-winning, innovative concealed drawer slide system ‘Dynapro’.
Behind the scenes
Not only does a drawer’s efficiency and functionality depend on its use, but a large chunk of its lifecycle is determined by the hardware on which it runs. In terms of hardware, any drawer, be it a pull-out or full-extension drawer, runs on a rail-like system called a runner and/or slide system. The choice may vary depending on the kind of movement element and the load-bearing capacity required.
A ‘slide’ is generally fixed to a drawer box and carcass of a unit, with ball or roller bearings adding to a smooth and noiseless experience. The use of movement elements also depends on the load required of the drawer. International Austrian fittings company, Grass, introduced a designer drawer as an addition to its drawer product range. The product, Vionaro is a design solution for all the applications in a kitchen and living room environment. It features two drawer sides that are just 13 mm thick and has an immaculate, uninterrupted surface. The Vionaro drawer has a perfect cubist design, which provides synchronised movement, combined with the lowest opening pull forces and an outstanding load capacity of up to 60 kg! In addition, it has a three-dimensional adjustment facility. The drawer sides come in a choice of aluminium or a steel version with a flush, uniform connection to the back panel which is available in either wood or steel. The functioning of Vionaro is based on Grass’ award-winning, innovative concealed drawer slide system ‘Dynapro’.
The drawer is an open-topped storage container that maximises storage and makes the kitchen extra functional; adding to the aesthetics, it camouflages the potentially messy areas of the space, while giving the kitchen a seamless look. Photo Courtesy: Grass
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go to font for titles, paragraphs & more. Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
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A dynamic slide system
Dynapro is an under-mount slide system that offers ease of movement and design freedom when it comes to individual furniture concepts. This movement system comes with an integrated, three-dimensional adjustment facility. The entire drawer can be adjusted vertically and horizontally as well as in its tilt angle. Besides, it combines concealed functionality and running performance. Unlike conventional concealed slide systems, Dynapro features a synchronisation mechanism even in the case of a high load of up to 60 kg. Additionally, abrasion-resistant plastic rollers ensure a smooth, even glide every time.
Dynapro comes with three options that result in operating comfort and guarantees maximum versatility. The Soft-close, which is a damping system, closes Dynapro drawers gently and quietly. This option gently slows down the movement of doors and front and pulls them to a fully closed position. With Tipmatic Plus - the mechanical opening system - it is possible to operate large, handle-free fronts that allow the drawer to be opened with a gentle tap. And with Sensomatic - the electromechanical opening system - Dynapro drawers open more swiftly.
With designer looks and aesthetics at the helm, it is drawer systems like these that allow the user in the kitchen to work almost effortlessly and enjoy the experience.
TYPES OF DRAWERS
• Regular drawer: Drawers that can be used to store regular items in the kitchen, and conform to the common size and fit.
• Dove-tail drawer: An integral part of the kitchen, these drawers can be used to store spices. They come in different levels and can fit containers to size.
• Corner drawer: Making optimum use of storage space, these drawers are designed as triangles and can be used to store smaller containers or items that are required for everyday cooking.
• Over-sized drawer: This has greater depth to not only store big and bulky utensils but also smaller kitchen appliances like blenders, mixers, choppers, etc.
• Slimline drawer: This can be used to store kitchen towels, oven mitts and other stuff that use less space but are considered to be essentials in the kitchen.
[The article was first published in the January – March 2015 issue of Kitchen Ideas magazine.]
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