What I Always Include in a Well-Designed Kitchen
There’s so much more to a well-designed kitchen than choosing pretty cabinets and countertops. When I’m working on a new build or kitchen renovation, my goal is to design a kitchen that not only looks good but actually works for the way you live every day. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the decisions, so today I’m sharing a few key elements I believe every kitchen should have. These are the features that make the biggest difference in how your kitchen feels, functions and stands the test of time.
Storage is one of the first things I think about when designing a kitchen. It doesn’t matter how beautiful the finishes are if the space doesn’t function for you. I always include a pull-out trash and locate it near the dishwasher for easy clean up. No one wants to see a can sitting out in the open. Deep drawers near the range are another must. They are perfect for storing large pots and pans. If I don’t have room for the drawers, I will include pull-out shelves inside a cabinet for easy access. I also like to add tray dividers in the cabinet above the wall oven for cookie sheets and trays. These storage additions make a big difference.
Lighting is one of the most important and often overlooked parts of a kitchen. I include multiple layers to give my clients lots of options on ways to light up the kitchen. Recessed lighting will fill the entire room with light, but always add dimmers so it can be adjusted as needed. Task lighting under the cabinets is a must for prepping and cooking. It’s also great in the evenings when you need a little bit of soft light. Finally, I like to include pendants over the island for the personality every kitchen needs.
Cabinet details are where a kitchen really starts to feel custom. Adding furniture-style elements to islands, like legs or decorative panels, makes them feel more intentional. Custom vent hoods that are designed to blend in seamlessly with the cabinets are my favorite and it should hold a very powerful exhaust fan. I also use deep upper cabinets and finished side panels the side of the refrigerator to create that built-in look, even if it isn’t panel-ready. And of course, the hardware selections truly matter. It’s the jewelry of the kitchen! The style and scale should be carefully chosen to complement everything else in the space. I use knobs on the short cabinet doors and pulls on the drawers and tall cabinet doors.
A well designed kitchen doesn’t just look good. It has to work beautifully, too. The little details really do matter and when they’re executed right, it truly makes a difference. When I remodeled the kitchen in my previous home, I used every idea I’ve suggested. I also have no idea why I was so happy to be making asparagus in this photo shoot!
If you’ve been thinking about updating your kitchen and you want a space that feels thoughtful from top to bottom, I’d love to help. Reach out when you’re ready and let’s start the conversation.