4 Stunning Kitchen Features That Will Change How You Live
Studio McGee
Is your kitchen sad that it can’t serve you better? Is your current kitchen poorly designed, unloved, or lacking designated spaces for eating and entertaining? Is the storage and counter space limited or the layout inefficient? Has your kitchen been day dreaming about what it has the potential to be one day ;)…then you’ll want to read this!
How well your kitchen functions can make a huge impact on how you live and feel in your home. Today, I’m sharing my top 4 practical kitchen updates that are sure to enhance the beauty of your kitchen and add ease to your daily routines.
Cabana Rehab
1. Incorporate a Built-In Bar or Beverage Center
Having a designated space for preparing and serving beverages will enhance the function of your kitchen. This feature can significantly improve the flow of your kitchen by placing your beverage station away from high-traffic areas, such as your primary sink, food prep areas and refrigerator.
A self-serve drink station can make entertaining so much easier, and more fun! Include a small bar sink, under counter refrigerator, a combination of both open and closed storage to make this space even more functional and convenient to use. You may even want to make this design feature the highlight of your new kitchen!
Jean Stoffer Design
2. Make Room for an Island or Nook
It is often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. I would argue more specifically that the kitchen island is the heart of the home. Whenever I have guests over, it can be difficult to get them to spend time anywhere else. An island is a place to sit, eat and gather around, as well as provide additional storage and prep space. An island can also significantly improve the flow of your kitchen. Consider removing walls to expand your kitchen and make space for this feature.
If you already have an island in your current layout, consider making space for a breakfast nook as well. A nook is another optimal way to add functional space into your kitchen. The comfort of a built-in bench and the convenience of eating in the same room where you prepare your food, can make your kitchen more inviting and encourage more quality time spent with your loved ones.
I have recently worked with clients who are opting to forego their formal dining room in order to expand their kitchen and make room for an island or a cozy nook. An interior designer can help you find creative ways to incorporate these features into your home.
3. Smart and Creative Storage Solutions
The storage in your kitchen plays a major role in how well your kitchen functions for you and your family. There are so many components of a kitchen to keep organized - tools, utensils, small appliances, cleaning supplies, dishware, containers, food, waste bins, etc. Without the right systems in place, it’s easy to become cluttered and unorganized, so it’s no surprise that these items often end up consuming valuable counter space.
I’m a huge fan of any creative storage solutions that will hide these items, such as; built-in waste bins and paper towel holders, or a cabinet that encloses small appliances, while also making them easily accessible. How about a full-height cabinet with pull-out storage compartments that also hides a coffee machine and microwave, or a drawer with hidden outlets for a charging station? Yes, please!
Tom Howley
4. Free Up Counter Space with a Butler’s Pantry
Butler’s pantries are becoming a standard practice in space planning for new construction homes. And many homeowners are willing to make changes to their existing floor plan to make room for this fabulous feature.
A butler’s pantry gives you additional storage space for food, but can also act as a food prep space, a place to hide appliances, such as a microwave, blender, coffee machine…the things that can make messes and fill up your countertops. Having a butler’s pantry will allow you to showcase those beautiful materials you’ll be selecting for your brand new kitchen.
Studio McGee
When it comes to kitchen design especially, we must think about function first. Doesn’t it kind of defeat the purpose of selecting beautiful new finishes for your kitchen…to then cover those surfaces with appliances and other junk that will hide your kitchen’s best features?
Of course, we all have different goals and budgets for our home improvements, but these 4 features are at the very top of my kitchen wish list, and would be worth every penny, in my opinion!
Whether you're looking to update your ‘forever’ home or remodel your ‘good enough for right now’ home, these practical updates will enhance your daily routines as well as improve the the way you feel in your home.
Ready to add some of these features into your existing home, or need help planning an ultra functional kitchen for your new build? Schedule a discovery call, we’d love to help!
To Your Dreams,
Reanna
