Can I include built-in spice racks and pull-out trays? (Kitchen | Kitchen Cabinetry & Storage Solutions)

Published on 6 December 2025 at 10:09

When Sydney homeowners plan a kitchen renovation—whether it’s in a Federation home in Drummoyne, a modern apartment in Zetland, or a spacious family home in Baulkham Hills—one of the most common questions is:
“Can I include built-in spice racks and pull-out trays in my new kitchen?”

The short answer?
Absolutely—yes!
Not only can you include them, but these features are quickly becoming must-have components for Sydney kitchens that value organisation, clean aesthetics, and everyday practicality.

Let’s break down everything you need to know before deciding.


Why Built-In Spice Racks and Pull-Out Trays Are So Popular in Sydney Kitchens

Sydney homes come in all shapes and sizes. A kitchen in Surry Hills might be tight and narrow, while kitchens in Pymble or Castle Hill tend to be more spacious. Built-in spice racks and pull-out trays adapt beautifully to both extremes.

Here’s why they’re in high demand:

1. They Save Space Without Sacrificing Style

Built-in storage helps you move small items off the benchtop, reducing clutter—a common goal for homeowners in compact suburbs like Redfern, Waterloo, or Newtown. A built-in spice rack can hide dozens of jars behind a sleek door panel. Goodbye mess. Hello Insta-worthy kitchen.

2. They Improve Everyday Functionality

Imagine cooking:

  • You open one drawer → Everything is right there

  • No rummaging through cabinets

  • No avalanche of containers

  • No “where did I put that paprika again?”

Sydney families love the efficiency this brings—especially in busy households in Chatswood, Strathfield, or Ryde.

3. They Enhance Your Resale Value

Buyers in the Sydney market expect smart storage these days. It’s no longer a “nice extra”—it’s turning into a standard. Homes with well-designed kitchens stand out, especially in competitive suburbs like Burwood, Hornsby, or Parramatta.


Types of Built-In Spice Racks You Can Add to Your Kitchen

You’re not limited to just one style. Depending on your cooking habits, kitchen layout, and budget, MB9 can integrate a range of custom designs.

1. Pull-Out Vertical Spice Rack

These operate like a slim pantry drawer:

  • Perfect beside the cooktop

  • Suitable for narrow spaces

  • Stores dozens of bottles upright

  • Easy to keep organised alphabetically or by cuisine

Great for renovations in compact terraces in Paddington, Balmain, or Darlinghurst.

2. Drawer-Based Spice Organisers

These are horizontal inserts placed inside a deep drawer:

  • Spices lie flat, labels face up

  • Very easy to see everything

  • Works well beneath the cooktop or bench prep zone

  • Great for heavy spice users (hello foodies in Epping or Eastwood)

Perfect for homeowners who cook Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern or Mediterranean cuisines and have many spices.

3. Wall-Mounted Built-In Spice Niche

A recessed panel that blends into your splashback:

  • Adds architectural detail

  • Keeps spices close to eye level

  • Can include LED strip lighting

  • Works beautifully with stone, tile, or glass splashbacks

You’ll often see this in luxury renovations in Mosman, Hunters Hill, and Vaucluse.


Pull-Out Trays: One of the Smartest Storage Features for Sydney Homes

Spices are only half the story. Pull-out trays take kitchen practicality to a whole new level.

What Can Pull-Out Trays Be Used For?

They can be installed almost anywhere, including:

  • Base cabinets

  • Corner cabinets

  • Pantry cupboards

  • Under-sink storage

  • Islands

And what can you store?
Honestly—almost everything:

Pull-Out Trays for Pots & Pans

Ideal for heavy cookware storage in family homes across Beecroft, Oatlands, Carlingford, and North Rocks.

Pull-Out Pantry Shelves

Transform a tall cupboard into an organised mini-supermarket. Great for homes in Auburn, Liverpool, or Blacktown where families value big, structured storage systems.

Pull-Out Cleaning Station

Hide cleaning chemicals, garbage bags, and supplies:

  • Keeps everything tidy

  • Works beautifully with a dual-waste bin system

  • Perfect for under-sink cabinets

Pull-Out Tray for Baking Supplies

Bakery lovers in Willoughby, Lane Cove, or Five Dock often request this—especially those with mixers, tins, measuring tools, and tall pantry containers.


How MB9 Customises These Features for Sydney Homes

Every suburb has its quirks. Every home has its challenges. Every family has its routines.

Here’s how we tailor your built-in spice racks and pull-out trays:

1. We Analyse Your Kitchen Workflow

Where do you cook? Chop? Store? Clean?
We design so your hands move less, and your kitchen works smarter.

2. We Work with Sydney’s Leading Hardware Brands

High-quality German hardware like:

  • Blum

  • Hafele

  • Hettich

Why?
Because Sydney homeowners demand durability. Kids slam doors. Partners overload drawers. And you want your kitchen to last 15–20 years.

3. We Measure Every Millimetre

Sydney kitchens—especially terrace houses and inner-west apartments—often have awkward corners, uneven walls, or tight walkways.
Custom storage is your best friend.

4. We Blend Storage with Style

Your spice rack should:

  • Match your cabinet colour

  • Blend with your design aesthetic

  • Open smoothly

  • And look expensive (even if it isn’t)

Luxury doesn’t need to cost a fortune.

5. We Optimise Lighting and Accessibility

Especially important in:

  • Older homes with low ceilings

  • Kitchens with limited natural light

  • Renovations involving new layouts

  • Multigenerational households


Popular Spice Rack & Pull-Out Tray Combinations in Sydney Renovations

Here are popular combinations MB9 installs in projects across the city:

✔ Pull-Out Spice Rack + Pull-Out Oil Tray (Beside Cooktop)

The “chef’s triangle” setup used in many new builds in The Ponds, Kellyville, and Marsden Park.

✔ Pantry Pull-Out Trays + Soft-Close Spice Drawer

Perfect for families wanting structure and fast morning routines.

✔ Under-Bench Pull-Out Tray + Recessed Spice Niche

A favourite in modern minimalist homes in Kensington, Pagewood, and Rosebery.

✔ Island Deep Drawers + Hidden Herb & Spice Drawer

Highly functional for large entertainers’ kitchens in St Ives, Turramurra, and Pymble.


Common Questions Homeowners Ask About Spice Racks & Pull-Out Trays

Are they expensive to install?

Costs vary depending on:

  • Size

  • Material

  • Hardware brand

  • Whether custom or premade

But in general, they’re a small upgrade with big benefits.

Will they fit in my existing cabinet layout?

In most cases, yes—especially when planned during your renovation.

Can I retrofit them into my old kitchen?

Sometimes, but retrofitting is less flexible. Renovation is the best time.

Do these features increase resale value?

Absolutely—buyers love smart storage in Sydney homes.


Final Thoughts: Are Built-In Spice Racks and Pull-Out Trays Worth It?

If you love cooking, hate clutter, or simply want a kitchen that works smarter, adding built-in spice racks and pull-out trays is one of the best investments you can make.

These features:

  • Improve accessibility

  • Boost resale value

  • Maximise space

  • Add a touch of luxury

  • Look sleek and organised

Whether you’re renovating a classic terrace in Glebe, a bungalow in Earlwood, or a waterfront apartment in Rhodes, MB9 can design the perfect kitchen storage system tailored to your lifestyle.

To explore more kitchen renovation ideas, storage solutions, and custom cabinetry options across Sydney, visit www.mb9.com.au for more details on kitchen and bathroom renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.

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