8 MUST HAVE KITCHEN FEATURES

The kitchen is the centerpiece of the home and where you and your family congregate to have quality bonding time and enjoy meals together. If you are looking at building a new kitchen or just remodeling your current one, there are many ways to simplify your life, as well as enhance the look and value of this prime real estate in your home. Read on for the 8 features you are going to want to incorporate into your kitchen to boost convenience, organization and style.

 

1. RECESSED LIGHTING

Recessed lighting is ideal for kitchens, but proper planning is critical. The number of pot lights you’ll need will depend on the size of your kitchen, and each light should be 20 to 23 inches away from the perimeter of the walls, so they are not blocked by upper cabinets and crown moulding. Keep in mind that you’ll still need some dedicated task lighting.

 

2. STONE COUNTERTOPS

 

These days, your safest bet for return on investment is a stone counter. While other materials can make sense for various reasons, stone is always going to be durable and look stunning. This doesn’t mean that you have to break the bank on a gorgeous granite – engineered stone like quartz are also great options.

 

3. CHARGING STATION

 

With everyone in the home having a cell phone, iPad, smart watch, etc, you definitely require a place to charge all these devices. By including a charging station or adding USB ports to kitchen outlets, you allow people to charge their technology while hanging out in the kitchen.

4. HIDDEN SWITCHES AND OUTLETS

Beautiful Design by: Studio Dearborn

Outlets on islands and light switches in the middle of backsplashes are a look of the past and are not necessary. Instead, by mounting all the light switches under the cabinets and the outlets within in-drawer charging outlets, they will remain functional, but neatly tucked away out of sight.

 

5. BUILT-IN TRASH AND RECYCLING STORAGE

Built-in, pull-out trash and recycling storage in the lower cabinets makes things easier while you’re cooking, and it keeps them out of sight and out of the way. Incorporate separate bins or containers for sorting compost, recyclables and other waste.

 

6. UNDER CABINET LIGHTING

 

When making a lighting plan for a kitchen, it’s important that you include under-cabinet lighting. This task lighting will make it safe and easier for you to do work at the counter. You don’t want to only rely on overhead lighting in the area where you’re using sharp knives and handling hot dishes.

 

7. SMART APPLIANCES

 

Every luxury kitchen will benefit from top of the line smart appliances. These will boost the visual appeal of your space, as well as make cooking a breeze. Smart appliances come in a variety of sizes, from small ones, like toasters and mixers, to larger ones like microwaves and refrigerators. Smart appliances allow users to connect, control and monitor their appliances, allowing them to save time, energy and money.

 

8. WALL-MOUNTED POT FILLER

Whether you are an expert chef or an amateur cook, having a designated pot filler over your stove is super convenient so you don’t have to carry a large pot of water from the sink to the stove top.

Given that the kitchen is the heart of the home, adding these features is a way to create an efficient, functional and beautiful space that you and your family can enjoy for years to come!
Come back soon for more informative and fun blog articles for all your home design needs. Be sure to visit our stunning selection of kitchen cabinet hardware which will surely take your kitchen to the next level!