THE MOST POPULAR FEATURES OF A KITCHEN
A good kitchen functions in harmony with the homeowner’s needs, which is where those fantastic features come into play, such as pull-outs and under-cabinet lighting. Certain design features turn an ordinary kitchen into the heart of the home, such as certain woods for the cabinets or countertop material. Personalizing your space with the features that you love is what transforms your kitchen into a favorite gathering place for everyone. There are numerous ways to achieve the look you love, but we thought we would focus on some of the more popular features in the kitchen. Let’s see what they are and how they might be used in your upcoming renovation.
Pull-out drawers
This feature remains a popular one, along with roll-outs, since it provides the perfect solution to storage needs for any age. The younger members of your family can quickly pull out a snack plus see all their options in one easy movement, and for the more mature, it lets them see what they need without having to get down on the floor to pull out every item to get to what they wanted. Pull-outs are suitable for lower cabinets as well as pantries, and they can accommodate a wide variety of needs, including food items, pots and pans, dishes, and more. A favorite is, of course, the pull-out spice rack, which lets them reach any spice with ease. Traditionally, they are located near the stove since that is where they will be used most. These pull-outs are not limited to spices, baking materials, and large utensils such as spatulas and spoons. Some homeowners and designers have gotten creative by using a pull-out to store all their cleaning supplies, which solves the messy kitchen sink cabinet. Talk to your designer about incorporating this into your design.
Larder cabinet
Food storage is a priority in the kitchen, after all where would we keep all the ingredients to those amazing meals? Traditional cabinets are great for storing dishes, pots, pans, platters, and the always essential food containers but not necessarily cans, flour, sugar, and boxed pasta. This is where a larder cabinet matters. It is a cabinet, typically full-height, that is dedicated solely to various food items. It can be free-standing or incorporated into the cabinet design, which is a favorite choice for our clients. Because they are shielded from the sun’s rays, they are the perfect place to store items in an excellent, dry space. A larder cabinet can also be fitted with roll-outs, making it super simple to keep track of everything you have, which reduces food waste. Even if you have a pantry, having a larder cabinet gives you the ability to separate your items, such as canned goods and dry ingredients, from others, like snacks and bagged items. Your designer can help you create just the right size and style for your kitchen.
Drop in front of the apron sink
The kitchen sink is a staple for your design as it is where food is rinsed, hands are washed, and dishes are cleaned. For many years, there were limited options for the sink, but now companies are offering a wide variety of styles and sizes. The farmhouse design has remained a beautiful choice for many homeowners who love the calm and charm vibes it provides. This brought back the classic drop-in front apron sink style, but it is not limited to white. Stainless steel, porcelain, natural stone, and even copper. They are a beautiful touch to your home and bring unique character to the space.
Quarter-sawn white oak cabinets
These are not your mom’s oak cabinets. Quarter-sawn white oak is a trending material for kitchen cabinet design. It is a stunning choice with elegant grain lines that add texture and visual interest to the kitchen. The soft color scheme is another plus; it immediately lightens and brightens a space. It can also go with a wide variety of design styles like farmhouse and traditional, as well as materials such as glass and metal. Quarter-sawn white oak is a good choice for two-toned kitchens, which are still trending. Opting for painted perimeter cabinets and a quarter-sawn white oak island makes a dramatic statement everyone will love. Browse places like Pinterest and Houzz for inspiration.
Under cabinet lighting
Lighting is critical in places like the kitchen, usually task-oriented. Under cabinet lighting, often called task lighting, makes it easier and even safer to complete chores like cutting foods and cooking meals because those concealing shadows are pushed away. Homeowners are realizing the value of including these in their kitchen renovation projects. Under cabinet lighting works well in the evening as a soft light option, meaning you can find what you need and move around easily without having those bright lights turned on. Talk to your designer about including them in your upcoming project.
Gentle spray kitchen faucet
We know the kitchen sink matters, but so does the faucet. More homeowners opt for a gentle spray kitchen faucet, which minimizes splashes and works well when rinsing dishes and food. As it is used throughout the day for various tasks, having a gentle spray option is great for kids and those who enjoy cooking. Manufacturers have created multiple styles and finishes to accommodate customers’ demands, so you should have no problem finding one you like. There are also several that come equipped with smart features like touch buttons and even different faucet widths. Find the one you love for your kitchen sink.
Nature inspired quartz surfacing and veined
Countertops are considered the workhorse of the kitchen as everything from food prep to family gatherings are done on and around it. Nature inspired design is a big trend this year and its influence is reaching countertop choices as homeowners look for beautiful veins that look natural or more organic. Quartz is currently one of the top options especially since it is durable and low maintenance. Neutral colors inspired by nature are also trending as well as texture such as matte surfaces. These options also work well with multiple design styles and layouts making them a versatile piece in the final outcome. Your designer will know where to look and what to recommend for your personal preference and layout.
Most popular features in a kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most functional areas in the home because it serves so many needs. It is where we cook for our family, host special gatherings, and celebrate the wins. This is why including these features matter because it means creating a kitchen that works for and with you leaving you more time for the things that matter. Take time to evaluate your space as well as the things you do everyday so that your designer will know exactly what you need to make your space tailored for you.
