7 Key Features Every Kitchen Should Have

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7 Key Features Every Kitchen Should Have

The average person spends about 37 minutes a day in their kitchen dealing with meal prep and cleanup. But the actual amount of time they spend in the space can be much longer.

But if the design isn’t ideal, every minute you spend in your kitchen can feel like a chore.

Kitchen renovations are a great way to transform the space. But before you commit to a design and layout, make sure it has the features you need.

Read on to learn about some of the best features to incorporate into your dream kitchen.

1. Storage Solutions

The average kitchen is woefully short on storage options. It’s almost like the designers forgot about cabinets or storage racks. And those pantry spaces that were once standard are now a rarity.

But every kitchen needs storage. Otherwise, it’s not functional.

Look for floorplans that have plenty of vertical storage for pots, pans, and Essential Kitchen Utensils you don’t use frequently. And make sure the design allows for more accessible storage options for the items you use daily. Cabinets are just the beginning.

The best kitchens have space for hanging racks and make use of corners with lazy Susan style cabinets to maximize storage.

Remember, the last thing you want to do is have to keep half of your kitchen items in the garage because you don’t have space for them inside.

2. Functional Kitchen Lighting

Unfortunately, lighting is often an afterthought in the kitchen. And this can make most tasks difficult to do.

Pay attention to the parts of the kitchen you use most. If you prepare food on the kitchen island, make sure there’s task lighting above to illuminate the space.

If you prefer to prep food on the counter, install lights beneath the cabinets.

Your lighting needs to work for your needs. And it’s always possible to add new fixtures to make it work.

3. The Right Sink

The kitchen sink should be large enough to wash your biggest pan or baking sheet without flinging soapy water everywhere.

Those two-basin sinks work well enough. But they can make washing large items difficult. By upgrading to a deep single-basin sink, you’ll find washing up far easier.

And as an added bonus, you’ll have more room to soak dishes when you make food that’s tough to clean up.

Just remember that you’ll also want to choose a faucet that works with the aesthetic of the kitchen and your habits.

A spray head faucet makes cleanup a breeze. And a tall, curved design lets you maneuver larger items in the sink without pushing the water out of the way.

4. Appliances You’ll Use

Kitchen appliances can be as basic or as complicated as you want. And the only limit is your imagination. But before you get carried away choosing appliances, think about what you actually need them to do.

If you’re a wine collector or aficionado, a built-in wine cooler makes sense. And if you’re a home chef, an oven with a built-in sous vide can be a great choice.

For homeowners who love fresh and filtered water, a built-in water purifier is an absolute must. Click here to read up on some of the options available for countertop and sink-side purification systems.

As a general rule, avoid appliances you won’t use regularly. They cost money, add to your energy bills month after month, and won’t add to your quality of life.

5. Durable Flooring

Kitchens get messy. It’s a fact of life. And though you notice messes on the countertop immediately, it’s easy to miss spills and debris on the floor.

And the longer those messes sit, the easier it is to damage the floor. Acidic foods can eat through the finish and crumbs can scratch the polish.

The best thing you can do is invest in durable flooring options for your kitchen. Vinyl planks, tile, and properly sealed stone are all great options. Keep in mind that some materials will cost more than others.

You’ll want to think about your budget when choosing the right option for your home. And remember, the flooring in your kitchen doesn’t have to match the rest of the house. You’re free to choose whatever works best for your space.

6. Seating

Most people consider the kitchen to be the heart of the home. It’s where people gather during parties and where kids get their homework done. But they can’t do that comfortably unless they have a place to sit.

Space for barstools around the kitchen island or a small breakfast table is often enough to make the space more comfortable.

Just make sure to choose chairs and stools that are truly comfortable. If it’s not comfortable, people won’t want to spend time in the kitchen. And you’ll miss out on one of the best gathering spots in the home.

7. Tough Countertops

All countertops are not created equal. Some are incredibly porous and trap liquids, oils, and food dyes if you’re not meticulous about cleaning up.

Look for countertops that fit your style. Solid-surface countertops are a great budget-friendly choice. But if you’re looking for a material that can stand up to heat and handle food prep without cutting boards, natural stone is your best bet.

Stone countertops will last for decades. And if they’re properly sealed, they’ll be virtually maintenance-free.

Your Dream Kitchen Awaits

Designing your dream kitchen is easier than you might think. Just focus on the features that you know you need to make the space right for you. Once you have those down, you’ll be able to add the finishing touches to make it stand out.

And remember, there’s no right or wrong design. Your kitchen should be functional for you and your family. If that means prioritizing storage solutions over having a dishwasher, go for it!

Looking for more helpful advice for transforming your home? Check out our latest posts.

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