How useful your kitchen is behind the cabinets is just as important as its outside appearance, according to a recent survey. Questioning a number of manufacturers, Kitchen and Bath Design News revealed that homeowners are increasingly focusing on the convenience and ease at which they can access their kitchenware. Speaking to the news portal, Dennis Poteat, marketing communications manager at US firm Blum, said Its important to consumers that they are able to make changes to their storage spaces for their ever-changing needs. As new gadgets [and] appliances come on the market, people want to be able to make a space for them in their kitchens, [specifically] in their cabinets. Marte Yerkins, vice president of market development for Grass America added that function and convenience appeared to be the most important factors when it came to choosing how to store kitchen appliances.Some design trends command that no visible decorative hardware be shown, so new touch-latch mechanisms for doors and drawers are being used.