Genius Kitchen Design Must Haves; here are popular kitchen design must haves for your next remodel! These ranked top for most wanted kitchen requests from designers.
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If you're remodeling your kitchen, or just looking to make some upgrades, you might have been surprised by how many different types of storage and organization options there are out there.
I've seen it all: drawers built into the floor, hidden cabinets in the ceiling, dishwashers that fold into tables—the list goes on. So we put together a handy guide to help you find all the must-have features for modern kitchens.
Genius Kitchen Design Must Haves:
Work Triangle
The work triangle is the area in your kitchen where you can stand and perform tasks without having to move. It's made up of three different points: sink, stove and refrigerator. The ideal size for this space is approximately 3 feet, but it can be smaller or larger depending on your needs (i.e., if you cook more than one meal at a time). The point of positioning these elements together is so that they form an easily accessible triangle that allows you to move around while cooking with minimal effort and maximum efficiency.
Hidden Storage
If you have the storage space, it can be a great idea to have a drawer or cabinet that's hidden away from view. This can be anything from the smallest nook in your pantry to an entire cupboard under the sink. The benefit of this type of storage is that it keeps things out of sight and makes them easy to find when you need them. You'll never have to hunt around for a spatula or measuring cups again!
If your kitchen does not already have this storage space built in, consider making use of an unused closet or pantry to hold your extra equipment and cookbooks.
Appliance Garage or Storage
This is an area that many people overlook, but can be the perfect place to store both appliances and cleaning supplies. Look for spaces above your sink, fridge, dishwasher, oven and microwave to see if they're big enough to fit a cabinet or cabinet door that you can attach to your wall.
If not, look at the area above your range hood or cooktop where you can add a shelf that's stocked with items like pots and pans, spices and cooking utensils—anything else you might need while cooking! If one of these items isn't available in your kitchen plan (or if it's not convenient), there are many other options available...
Built-In Cabinetry
If you’re looking to save space and keep your kitchen looking clean and uncluttered, built-in cabinets are an ideal choice. They can help you organize your kitchen, too!
For example, the kitchen design above features built-in cabinetry that covers nearly every wall surface. It’s an excellent choice for breakfast nooks and small kitchens because you can eliminate clutter by stowing everything away in one place. Without any empty floor space for counters or tables, it’s also easier to keep your cooking area clean and uncluttered.
Spice Organization
Spices are a kitchen must-have, but if you don’t have them organized, they can be a total mess. There are several options for storing spices in your kitchen:
- Labeled Spice Containers - Spice jars are great for holding small amounts of spices and keep them from clumping together. Spice racks with compartments allow you to see all the spices at once and easily find the one you need. A spice drawer is another good option if you have a lot of different seasonings (like I do!). It's also nice because it keeps things out of sight until they're needed.
- Rotating Spice Rack - These are perfect if you want your spices within easy reach without having to open heavy doors or cabinets every time you need something from them!
- Tiered Spice Racks - With our angled spice racks, you don't have to worry about losing your kitchen cabinet space—or worse, having the rack slide out and crash into your head while you're cooking! These racks are easy to install, and they're angled so that you can easily reach all of your spices without having to stretch or climb.
Pot Filler
The pot filler is a kitchen fixture that allows you to fill a pot or kettle without having to lift it. It's an excellent way to add a touch of elegance to your kitchen, and it's also great for saving space in small kitchens.
Pot fillers come in many different styles, but they all function by connecting directly to the tap using a flexible hose. Some models have a separate control unit which can be used as part of another piece of furniture like an island benchtop or wall-mounted cabinet; others require that you press a button on the tap itself.
Large Kitchen Island
A kitchen island provides a place where you can prep and cook food. It's great for those who like to multi-task while they're cooking and it keeps your workspace clear of clutter. If you have limited counter space, then this is the ideal solution for you. A large kitchen island can also be used as a serving station when guests are over or if you want to provide more seating at mealtime without taking up valuable floor space.
- First of all, they're great for entertaining! Whether you have a bunch of friends over for an afternoon barbecue or you're having a big family get-together, a large kitchen island is a great place to put out drinks and snacks for everyone.
- Second of all, they're convenient. You can store everything in one spot—from your cutting board to your pots and pans—and it's right where you need it when you're cooking.
- Thirdly, they're just plain fun! They give your kitchen an added level of personality and character that makes it feel warm and inviting.
Coffee Bar
If you're the kind of person who likes to have coffee and tea at the ready in your kitchen, a coffee bar is a great addition. Whether you use it for coffee or tea, this is an area where you can store all of your favorite beverages and snacks. This also means that when friends come over, they won't have to get up in order to grab something they want while they're hanging out—it's all right there on display! You could even use this as a breakfast bar if you prefer to eat everything first thing in the morning instead of making food later in the day.
Cabinet Lighting
You can choose to have your kitchen cabinets lit in a variety of ways. Here are some options:
- Lights that are recessed into the cabinet. This light is hidden within the actual construction of the cabinet and remains off until you turn it on with a switch or motion sensor, allowing it to illuminate only when you need it.
- Lights that are hidden under the counter. These lights can be turned on from below or above by flipping a switch or pushing an electrical button, but as their name suggests, they’re mostly concealed from view unless someone looks for them specifically—and people rarely do!
Under-cabinet lighting is another good option for those who want their kitchens to look modern without sacrificing functionality. It’s also more energy efficient than some other options because it uses less energy because there aren’t any bulbs hanging down from above like with pendants or chandeliers (which could also create hazards if they were tipped). It also means there aren’t any cords showing either which makes it easier when cleaning!
Hands Free Faucet
Hands-free faucets are great for anyone with a disability or injury in the hands and wrists. They allow you to turn on your water without having to use your hands, so they're perfect for people who have arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
You can install a hands-free faucet yourself if you're handy around the house. It's not very difficult, and all it requires is a screwdriver and some pliers. If you're unsure of your skills or need help installing one, hire a plumber who has experience with this type of job.
The best way to get used to using one will be practicing before installing it in your kitchen! You'll want to make sure that everyone else in your household (especially any children) know how this system works as well—it's much safer than having someone keep turning off their hot water while they wash their hands just because they don't know where the knob is located on other types of faucets!
Functional Pantry
A functional pantry is the secret to an organized kitchen. By utilizing your pantry, you can keep items that you use often (i.e., cooking staples) within easy reach and out of sight. This will help keep your kitchen clean and uncluttered so that you can focus on what matters: delicious food!
If you don't have a dedicated space for your pantry, consider adding one now. It might just be the best decision you make this year!
Trash and Recycling Drawer
One of the most important features in any kitchen is a trash and recycling drawer. This allows you to hide your garbage cans from view and keep them away from your food prep surfaces, which will help keep your kitchen clean.
Recycling bins are also great for helping you organize what types of materials go where, so if you're unsure about how much recycling or composting you need check your local recycling guide!
Built-In Wine Refrigerator
A built-in wine refrigerator is one of the most important things you can add to your kitchen. A good wine fridge will keep your favorite bottles at their ideal temperature, allowing you to enjoy them in their best condition for longer. It also offers a great way to display your collection, so it's like an extra piece of art for your space—and helps you save money by preventing you from buying more than one bottle at a time!
Some people may think that they don’t have room for one, but this isn’t true: there are plenty of options out there when it comes to kitchen storage solutions that don't take up too much space (like this one). And even if you do want or need more storage capacity than what's available on shelves above your countertops and below cabinets, think about how many bottles could fit inside the doors themselves!
A well-designed bar cabinet can hold anywhere from four bottles right up through twelve or fourteen depending on how much room they take up inside each door; plus there are plenty other places around town where we've seen people store larger collections than those amounts too (like what?). So go ahead and fill those empty corners with something useful instead!
Excessive Kitchen Organization
If you want to maximize your kitchen storage space, don't go overboard. Don't use every available cabinet, drawer, shelf, and rack. Instead of using all of the cabinets as storage units (and therefore making it more difficult to find things), designate some as decorative or display units.
Consider creating a single base cabinet for your pots and pans or another high-use item that you know will need easy access. Use open shelves for less frequently used items such as bulk food items like cereal or canned goods.
You may also want a lower shelf for serving pieces that aren't used regularly but still need an attractive spot in the kitchen—like glassware or dishes—or additional room for larger cooking utensils like spatulas or tongs. Consider deep drawers for storage convenience!
Ice Maker
An ice maker is a must-have for any kitchen that has the room. They are small appliances that make ice and can be very useful in a number of ways. It's great to have one in your home because you can save money by making your own ice instead of buying it at the store, keep drinks cool without having to buy bags of frozen water, and when you're entertaining guests, it makes things easier by providing them with plenty of cold beverages all evening long. With an ice maker installed in your refrigerator or freezer, you'll never want for cubes again!
Commercial-Style Range
Commercial-style ranges are more efficient, durable and energy-efficient than standard ranges. They also cost more money to purchase.If you're looking for a kitchen upgrade, consider getting a commercial-style range. If you would rather have double ovens build in, try staying with a gas run range top elsewhere.
Extra Kitchen Lighting
Indirect lighting is important in the kitchen. You want a warm glow that will set the mood and make your space feel inviting. Here are some tips for lighting your kitchen:
- Keep it focused on the cooking area. Make sure to install lighting behind and above your stove, as well as underneath cabinets where you're doing food prep. If you have enough room, consider installing under-cabinet lights along with recessed or track lights over your countertops—the effect is really lovely!
- Focus on the sink and counters. It's also important to focus extra lighting on any surfaces that need special attention (e.g., cleaning off crumbs). Some people like having task lamps near their sinks for this reason; others prefer wall sconces above their sinks because they provide more directed light than a floor lamp would give off.
- Avoid harsh overhead light fixtures at all costs if possible; instead opt for spots that distribute soft ambient light instead of glaring down from above like spotlights do!
Pet-Friendly Kitchen Cabinet Features
Pet-friendly cabinets have a special coating that's easy to clean. These days, we often use our kitchens as an extension of our living spaces and include them in the decorating scheme. We may even bring home more than just one furry friend! If this sounds familiar, then consider incorporating these pet-friendly cabinet features into your design:
- Include slits in the bottom of drawers so that pets can't get stuck under them
- Create a special space for your pet's food and water bowls that is easy to clean and free from spills.
- Ensure that there are no sharp edges or corners on any cabinets or drawers.
- Give them their own cabinet or drawer that can be accessed easily when you need it, but out of sight when you don't!
- Use non-toxic materials like stainless steel or bamboo for your cabinets' doors and drawers so that they're safe for both pets and their owners!
Kitchen design has changed a lot!
Kitchen design has changed a lot over the years. In fact, it's changed a lot in the last decade. It's also changed a lot in the last 5 years, and even more so in the last 20 years!
You might think this means there's no such thing as an "old-fashioned" kitchen—that all kitchens are outdated now and always will be. But I'm here to tell you that this isn't true at all; there are still plenty of kitchens out there that fit into that definition.
The kitchen has always been the heart of the home, but today’s kitchens are more than just a place to cook. They’re an important part of your life and they need to reflect that! The best way to do that is by designing a kitchen that meets all your needs—and doesn’t leave anything out.
If you want some inspiration for what this might look like in your own home, try browsing through my other blog posts on how to organize your kitchen drawers or handy kitchen appliance care tips!
Wether you are just starting your kitchen renovation or looking for finalizing your prokect, make sure you consider these popular choices when designing your dream kitchen!
Also make sure you give me a follow on Pinterest to see all my kitchen inspiration I share daily!
Until next time,
Genius Kitchen Design Must Haves; here are popular kitchen design must haves for your next remodel! These ranked top for most wanted kitchen requests from designers.
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