So, you’re in the market for a new kitchen? That’s exciting! Kitchens are one of the most important rooms in a home. Not only do they serve as a functional space for cooking and preparing food, they can also be a central gathering place for your family and friends. If you’re not sure what features to look for when planning for your kitchen remodel, don’t worry. We have put together a list of 12 must-have features that will make your new kitchen layout perfect for your needs. Keep reading to learn more!
Natural Wood Cabinetry
While white cabinetry is still very popular, many homeowners are warming up their kitchens with natural wood cabinets. Wood comes in an abundance of species, tones, grain, and patterns and works well with many materials and colors. Today’s wood cabinetry is sleeker and smoother than it was in the past. Trending is light, natural wood cabinetry as well as warmer tones, like walnut. For a striking, modern look, choose wood with a prominent vertical or horizontal grain.
Multifunctional Island
An island is a great way to add extra prep space and storage to your kitchen. But why settle for a standard island when you can have one that is multifunctional? A basic island has built-in shelving, drawers, and maybe a sink. To make your island even more functional, think about incorporating a built-in microwave drawer, wine refrigerator, a cooktop, and seating area. Just make sure the island is the right size and shape for the layout of your kitchen and does not dominate the space.
Walk-In Pantries
Pantries are increasingly popular as the modern kitchen becomes more integrated with the main living areas. And for large kitchens, the walk-in pantry is a highly desirable feature. This type of pantry keeps the kitchen organized with lots of storage space for food, small appliances, cookware, and more. With a walk-in pantry, it is easy to see everything stored in it at a glance; just be sure to add adequate lighting. When planning your walk-in pantry, consider your specific needs. Because they are custom built, you can add a countertop for food prep, baking, and gift wrapping. Other possibilities include a laundry area with a washer, dryer, and ironing station.
Narrow Pull-out Drawers
Another great way to keep the kitchen organized is to incorporate narrow pull-out drawers in your design plan. You can use them for storing everything from spices and herbs to cutting boards and cookie sheets. And because they are narrow, this kitchen storage solution doesn’t take up a lot of space. With wider drawers, it’s easy for things to get lost in the back. But with narrow pull-out drawers, everything is within easy reach.
Cabinet Lighting
If you’ve ever struggled to find something in the back of a dark cabinet, then you know how important lighting can be. And not only are the insides of cabinets dark, but the surfaces under the cabinets can be shadowy as well. Cabinet lighting is a must-have feature to illuminate these areas. Under-cabinet lights are great for general task lighting, like food prep, and to enhance your beautiful new countertops. In-cabinet lights are perfect to help locate items in back corners as well as showcase special dishes, glassware, and collections. Lastly, toe kick lighting installed under base cabinets lends an even balance to the space and illuminates a pathway.
Quartz Countertops with Waterfall Edges
Quartz continues to be the number one choice for countertops. They are durable, stain and chip resistant, and easy to clean. Their impenetrable surface means they never have to be resealed. Quartz comes in an abundance of colors and patterns and the price is similar to granite.
If you want to add a touch of elegance and luxury to your kitchen, consider incorporating one or more waterfall edges to your countertops. A waterfall edge is characterized by a continuous vertical drop that creates a sleek, modern look.
Statement Light Fixtures
Statement light fixtures can have a dramatic effect in the kitchen, setting the style and tone for the entire room. They are intended to be big or elaborate and really stand out. For elegance and sophistication, a stunning chandelier made of crystals and beads is a great choice. Sputnik chandeliers which are a combination of clear glass and brass in a modern design are trending in contemporary kitchens. One or two large pendant lights, usually hung above an island, are widely popular in almost any style of kitchen. Currently, pendant lights are made in a combination of clear glass, brass, gold, and/or matte black finishes. Signature light fixtures work best when combined with recessed lighting to provide adequate illumination in the kitchen.
Built-in Refrigerator
A newly renovated kitchen is not complete without a built-in refrigerator. Not only does it add a touch of luxury, but they are usually taller and made to last longer than a standard refrigerator. Another advantage of a built-in refrigerator is it offers incredible customization both inside and out. A variety of door styles are available, including panels and see-through doors.
Induction Cooktop
Induction cooktops are very energy-efficient. They use less energy than traditional gas or electric cooktops, so you’ll save money on your utility bills. They are also extremely fast. They can bring water to a boil in just a few minutes, so you won’t have to wait long for your food to be ready. Furthermore, induction cooktops are very safe. Since they don’t generate any heat themselves, there’s no risk of accidentally leaving them on and starting a fire.
Microwave Drawers
A microwave drawer is the perfect choice for today’s modern kitchen. Because they are installed like a drawer right inside your cabinets, countertop space is freed up and the area above the oven is open for a custom hood or decorative tile. There are a variety of makes, models, styles, and finishes from which to choose. The most common location for this trending appliance is the kitchen island, but it can also be installed in the lower cabinets under the countertop.
Microwave drawers are easy to use, opening and closing with the touch of a button. The drawer then slides in or out, rather than swing on a hinge like traditional microwaves. Lower your food or coffee cup inside the tray and select your settings on the control panel. Then just close the drawer with another touch of a button and wait for the timer to go off!
Dishwasher Drawers
If you’re in the market for a new dishwasher, you might be wondering what the latest and greatest features are. One of the most popular trends in dishwasher design is the dishwasher drawer. Drawers offer a number of advantages over traditional front-loading models. First, they allow you to load and unload dishes without having to bend over. This can be a real godsend if you have back problems or are just short on time. Second, dishwasher drawers provide a great deal of flexibility when it comes to loading dishes. You can put different types of dishes in different compartments, which means that you can optimize the space and get everything clean in one cycle. They also tend to be a bit more energy-efficient than traditional dishwashers, since they use less water. Finally, many dishwasher drawers come with adjustable racks that make it easy to customize the way you load your dishes.
Pot Filler
A pot filler is one of those things you don’t know you need until you have one. It is a faucet that mounts on the wall above the stove. It has a long hose with a nozzle that can be extended to fill pots with water. This may not seem like a big deal, but it’s actually incredibly convenient. You no longer have to lug heavy pots of water across the kitchen; you can just extend the pot filler and fill them right at the stove.
The Bottom Line
When planning your new kitchen, keep these twelve must-have features in mind. They’ll help you create a space that’s both stylish and functional. And, most importantly, they’ll make your kitchen the perfect place to entertain guests or simply enjoy a meal with your family.
Contact us at Westside Remodeling Design & Build today to get started on your kitchen renovation. We can help you bring your vision to life and create the perfect space for your needs. With our expertise, you can have the kitchen of your dreams in no time. So what are you waiting for? Let us help you start planning your new kitchen today!
