Yikes! That is tight. The door hinges do extend to "flatten out" the door, right?

If the major issue is being able to get at stuff in the back, not getting it out the door, can you see about getting a LS either from manufacturer or Rev A Shelf? Maybe even 2 turntable kinds that mount right to shelves so you don't have to take out shelves? Would be easier to put in now before putting countertop on, though that top brace might have to come out. What does your contractor or KD say?

Well I can address this with first hand experience :) I did the same thing. I was back east at the hospital with DS and asked just for grins and giggles, what the difference in cost between full overlay and inset cabinets were. 19%...I was ok with that (after all we were spending a fortune on the hospital LOL so why not a bit more on us). I signed up right then and there without tweeking the plan, and ended up with a pretty narrow little cabinet door (because it's byfold). The upper was fine since I'd done a full door spaning the corner, but the lower...ya not where I get to keep my mixer as I'd thought LOL nor the toaster, etc.

But I did have a cabinet with two full extension pull outs...I had planned that for my tupperware and then I had another I'd planned for canned and boxed foods. Both were good size cabinets with full pullouts.

I am now keeping the canned goods in the corner cabinet which works fine :) If you don't have a lazy susan or something you can add some of the blind corner pullouts from rev a shelf or call your cabinet person for them to make access easy, then whereever you were going to keep canned goods or plastics, (which work well in my corner as well) move your bigger stuff to. I had to shuffle a couple of shelves to make things fit, but it works and it all flows fine now.

The other area that caused trouble are two narrow cabinets over the two doors. I had planned glass in them so they came without filled doors (my uppers are all glass). I hadn't thought about how small those openings would be as inset :) They looked like squinting eyeballs LOL I had the cabinet co ship me some cherry to match and the eyeballs were filled in last week.

Hey - no problem. Really.

Do you have a chain saw....... Just Kidding!

All kidding aside, I don't think this is a big deal.

All you have to do is install an after-market lazy susan. From looking at your photo, you will need a "kidney" or a "pie-cut" susan. They come in different sides and if you click on the links on the websites you can see the different options.

Here's a link from Lee Valley showing one option: \http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=2&p=62343&cat=3,43648,43653&ap=1

I've included a link to Woodworkers Hardware's page of lazy susans they have available (who knew there were so many!)..

I would call the cabinet manufacturer and ask them which type of lazy susan fits into that cabinet and then buy it online and install it.

See, no problem...

Here is a link that might be useful: Woodworkers Hardware Lazy Susan Options

Yes. They extend so they do "straighten" but don't open all the way "out" (ie hyper-extend) b/c of the inset door and hinge type.

Many items intended to be stored in that cabinet will not fit through the opening. Some MAY with a little finese, holding my breath and a brief prayer.

Here's the part where I am ill. In all my renos I have been the GC (18 years and nothing like this- but there's always a first!). I contracted directly with the cabinet company and didn't have a KD. I believe (and may be mistaken) the problem was created by my choosing an inset door. (?) otherwise it may have just been "tight".

It will be a while before the countertops go in- However, as you surmised the issue is being able to get items into the cabinet.

I have not addressed this directly with the cabinet company at this point- I wanted to see if there were any reasonable or viable options that any of the folks here could foresee. At this point, I don't want to jump from the frying pan into the fire. Better late than never ??

Thanks for the ideas, not certain of the feasibility.

I will try to post the layout with measurement if I can figure it out.

Thanks for your insight!
-September

You'll lose a little space and accessibility, but hey--it's worth it for those cabinets! Get a lazy susan like Kitchenredo says. You're fiiiiine. At least you're fine if the opening is big enough for your stuff.

(Unless ALL the cabinets are like this--then you might have a nonfunctional kitchen! But every kitchen needs one "bad" cabinet.)

Now, if the opening is too small for some things you really need to put inside, what is on the walls on the other side? If you really HAVE to, you could cut and frame access from one of those rooms. This suggestion is only half in jest. In some situations it's quite reasonable!

You're cabinets are lovely. Yeah, the corner is tight, but one cabinet does not make a kitchen non-functional. Igloochic has a good suggestion for making lemonade out of lemons--just change what you plan to store there and consider a lazy susan.

Are you going to have a cab on the other side? Would it be possible to order a filler to go between it and the corner cab and then change the swing of the corner? Is that a stupid idea? Those who know me know that I write as I think things out...

Hafele makes a lazy suzan system for use with inset doors that actually sucks the doors into the cabinet.

Very cool!

I wonder if this could be made to work with your cabinet doors?

I've attached the link to a .pdf of the page from the Hafele catalog.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.kitchensource.com/lazy-susan/pdf/ha-987.pdf

I have a lazy susan like rob p has described. The cabinet doors turn into the cabinet as the lazy susan turns. You might need to order it from the cabinet company as these doors are attached to the l.s. and do not have hinges. It might work for you.

One thing to keep in mind--this job will be about 10 times harder after the counter is installed, so work fast!

I can only offer commiseration (sorry). I have a blind corner cabinet with an 8-1/2" opening. Isn't that crazy?!

Thanks to Fori for the comment: "But every kitchen needs one "bad" cabinet"

Check these out, I just bought 3 of the other kind to fit into my angled upper cabinet, couldn't beat the price!! And it will take care of my inability to reach everything...Hope this helps, good luck!!

Here is a link that might be useful: Rev a Shelf closeout lazy susans

I think just about everyone on this forum has had that sinking feeling when something doesn't work the way we want despite weeks, months (sometimes longer, ahem) of careful planning. But it's not the inset door that's making the opening so small, so don't feel so badly about your choice. The problem is the face frame so even partial or full overlay would have the same size opening. If the cabinets were frameless, your opening would be 1.5" wider. I agree with everyone else about getting the pie cut rotating shelf (sits on turning disc with ball bearings) and turn it into a lazy susan and store canned goods and stuff like that there. Your cabinets really are nice.

I love your cabinets~this wrinkle will work itself out.
Have you considered losing the door entirely? You could have open shelving or hang a little curtain that matches your decor....sometimes these bumps in the road end up taking us to interesting places:)!

September
Sorry to hear - I can't really tell from the pic & don't know if it is possible - Could you change the internal hinge to a different hinge on that door - so it can swing to 180 degrees? I would contact your cabinet maker & ask if they have a remedy - Agree w/fori act fast

I agree with jejvtr. I would check and see if I can change the hinge. I am having frameless cabinets installed and have those corner doors which looks to be on the same principle as the inset doors and mine swing out 180 deg and lie flat against the other doors in the cabinet. Looks like the hinge pulls out as the door opens.

ok, this might be a stupid idea, but would switching the hinges to the other side make a difference? good luck, the cabs look beautiful!

I have TWO corner cabinets just like that, although I inherited them when we bought the house. In our new kitchen, we're intentionally not doing any corner units (we moved doorways so we have straight runs of cabinetry with no corners), but even though I wouldn't choose them again, they're not that bad. Each has a lazy susan and I can't store *big* things in them, but I can store A LOT of smaller things in them. I use one as a mostly a flour/sugar/grain cabinet, and the other has all my baking stuff. Like others have suggested, the solution might be as simple as changing your plans for what to store in there, and putting the bulkier items elsewhere.

I don't know if they make them narrow enough to fit your opening, but what about those pull-out corner units? I'd prefer that over a LS.

Take heart. If this is your only significant mistake, you're doing great. You'll get used to it's limitations, and you'll always have your gorgeous cabinets to console you. :o)

Firstly condolences.

I can empathize with how saddening/sickening it is to realize that the "dream cabinets" have a serious flaw. I also have inset with hidden hinge, but fortunately no corner cabinet to contend with.

My problem is with the hinges--they look so wonky inside the cabinet and stick into the cabinet pretty far--making for some substantial wasted space.

I'd love to see a picture of what your hinges look like inside the cabinet.

The lazy susan sounds like it could make the space more functional--just functional for little stuff.

You are all so dynamic with your ideas and generosity in assisting me. Thanks to everyone.

I am feeling much better than in my original post. In all of my other projects there have been hiccups which turn out to be brilliant in the end. I don't doubt that this will be one. I cherish your outside opinions to shed light on the ideal solution.

There are definitely challenges. The kitchen is small, basically 2 parallel walls (10 linear ft/per) with a 3ft. "jog" at the far end for the gas range and built in conv./ micro.

**igloochic- great insight in an almost identical scenario. The funny thing ( ) the corner can has been my only "good" cabinet, until of course we has this "minor" misunderstanding.

**kitchenredo- I am forbade to use either a chain or table saw after my "accident"- believe me it truly did cross my mind. You king 'kidding' was an uncanny way to remind me of my great fortune. THANK YOU! Btw, Love LV- huge fan for years.

***fori- Oh my, I couldn't stop laughing. The "other side " is an exterior wall (w/ new cedar lap siding). The idea of cutting an access hole, I just LOVE! In jest, or not, for some it would be an ideal solution. FOR ME, I imagined my own personal 'Green Acres' with the closet door that opened directly to the 'farm-fresh air'. I so needed a laugh and imagery of Arnold Ziffle, Mr. Haney, Ralph and Alph on the other side of my kitchen door. Laughter is remarkable medicine.

**rob_p. Thanks for the link (I'm still trying to post the link 4 my layout- not sure exactly how). I have printed it 2 discuss with my cabinet guy tomorrow with any other realistic options. I'm definitely up for anything that will work.

REV-a-shelf apparently has a distribution headquartered here in Louisville. I may also. Check into their options. If it would work it would be a super quick solution.
Your empathy and guidance are treasured . Thank you once again. When I figure out how to post my layout I would like to hear other specific constructive opinions.

-September

I think you can chaulk this up to the "mistake" and "I wish I could change this" scenario we ALL have in our kitchens. Those cabinets are very nice and I don't think this one area is such a big flaw. YOu will find something that works and be fine with it months from now.
That said, does it hit the other cabinets beside it? Be careful, if so, it could chip the paint of those cabients.

I feel your pain-- in my previous house, our upper cabs were installed about an inch too low and I couldn't get my mixer under the upper cabinets. I was devastated, but we found another place for it and all of the advantages of my new layout and appliances really offset the disappointment of the mixer problem.

Like most things, it's hard to get a kitchen 100% perfect. I'm thinking the key for you will be to store things there that are either small enough to pull and in out... or to put items that you don't use very often in there. Either way, I'm sure you'll adapt... once you are enjoying your new kitchen, I doubt the corner cabinet situation will be something you dwell on. You'll have so many lovely features/ elements that you won't dwell on this tiny error.

Thanks again for continued encouragement and responses. I hope you were able to follow my response with the typos- I was typing/sending it from my blackberry.

Apparently, I fell asleep while typing my response late, late last night. This morning I was woken up by my cabinet installer knocking on the door, I must have been exhausted! He's wonderful- and is bringing a book of after-market lazy susans, etc. Also he is 'fashioning' a new trim specifically for my kitchen due to all the issues (dips- level) with the floor and ceiling. Richard's (installer) true passion is making custom fine furnishing. Which is a blessing for me. It truly takes an eye to install cabinets in such an old home where NOTHING is square or level (mid-1800's). Lots of adjustments!!

With a small lazy susan. And moving the larger items to the (2) 24" on the other side, I will have to remove two pull out shelves - it should work for the most important items.
It actually WILL be best to have cans, larder, dry items in the corner (by the trash, sink and stove).

I will attempt to post the pictures a little later. It is coming together thanks to all your suggestions and talking me through things!

-September

Felicitas 77- I think that was the straw that broke me yesterday. Not only is it more limited w/ inset, the hidden hinges take a lot or the additional space.

My kitchen other than the 33" corner that was of epic concern (BTW, the opening is 8.5" to clear the "hidden hinge"). Only has 2 other base cabs they are 24" w/ hinge and pull out mechanism, the pull- out tray is approx 16". Each has (2) 16" trays stacked 8-10" apart. Obviously, the blender, stock pots, etc. aren't suited for that set up either. Richard cabinet guy - is going to remove the top pull out tray on each. That will leave me with 2 16" trays for my large items. Not great considering the linear dimension of the cabs. But more adaptable than what I had originally thought.

I will attempt to post photos tomorrow,I believe they are blum hinges. Huge space sucker if you're not using stationery shelves.

-September

I had one thought...if you could reorder the cabinet could you ask for it to be frameless? That way it would fit in the same space but you would gain several inches. If you have the doors that are attached to the shelves (rotate w/the shelves), it might give the illusion of inset.

I had a lazy susan in my old kitchen like that...but it was a 36"x36" cabinet so the opening on each side was 12", your cabinet looks smaller, but I'm not sure (you state "...a 33-36' corner cabinet...". Is it 33" on one side & 36" on the other (9" & 12" openings)?

Good luck!

Beuhl- Great suggestion. I may check into that, If I'm not able to 'pull off' the other 'kidney' LS that others mentioned. That would definitely be a better storage option (and more $$). It will be some time before I have countertops so it's not completely out of the question to give it a "trial run".

In my original post, I wasn't @ home and didn't have exact specs. It's a 33" corner base. The single opening is 8.5" (dia.)to clear the hinge and extended bi-fold door. So its actually tighter than I originally thought.

Thanks for that idea, I keep you posted when I "test drive" it! .

-september